32 related stories
The Pentagon has ordered a greater military presence in the Middle East, fueling fears of a risky ground attack on Iran. Meanwhile, Donald Trump continues to claim a deal to end the war is close, despite Iranian officials flatly denying any such agreement is possible and calling U.S. claims a self-negotiated defeat.
The Philippine government has declared a state of national energy emergency, and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially signed into law a bill authorizing him to suspend or reduce excise taxes on petroleum products, though he has indicated he will not use these powers immediately.
Transport groups in the Philippines are urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to abolish fuel taxes, while a representative has proposed reallocating the ASEAN budget to provide relief amidst rising fuel costs. In response to diesel prices skyrocketing to ₱121/litre, the Philippines has rolled out 500 EV taxis and released a $333 million 'emergency fund'.
The total objective value of real estate owned by over 7 million Greeks increased by €4.7 billion in 2025, reaching €782.5 billion, with property tax (ENFIA) data indicating a total tax of €2.3 billion for 2026, with Attica paying half.
A young businesswoman in South Cotabato, Philippines, has garnered praise for her generosity after distributing free gasoline to hundreds of tricycle and habal-habal drivers in Surallah and T'boli towns.
The Ministry of Transportation and Communication in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOTC-BARMM) has initiated a P7,500 fuel subsidy program for the transport sector in Cotabato City, following similar rollouts by local government units in other provinces, including Kidapawan City.
The Cebu provincial government has temporarily cut terminal fees for public utility vehicles (PUVs) at Capitol-operated bus terminals to alleviate the impact of rising fuel prices on transport operators and commuters.
Public transport drivers and operators in Iloilo City are set to participate in a nationwide strike on Thursday, protesting rising fuel costs and transport-related policies.
A previously damaged section of the Maharlika Highway in Bicol, Philippines, has been reopened to motorists, easing travel for those observing Holy Week and heading to or from Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao.
The Dutch Cabinet is exploring various measures to mitigate the economic impact of the Middle East war, including potential price caps on fuel and support for energy bills, though no immediate actions have been decided.
KB Financial Group shareholders have approved a 7.5 trillion won ($5 billion) capital reserve reduction, paving the way for a larger pool of tax-free shareholder payouts. This amount will be transferred to retained earnings, allowing for future distributions.
Global recession warnings intensify as the Iran War drives Brent crude above $100 per barrel, causing significant market volatility and prompting India to fast-track oil and LPG import deals amid Middle East supply shocks. Airlines are raising fares due to spiking jet fuel prices and tightening supplies, while investors closely watch the volatile oil market reacting to every change and lingering risks of a prolonged US-Iran conflict.
The Cuban president confirmed Raúl Castro's involvement in early-stage discussions with the United States, while the UN has presented an aid action plan for Cuba to US officials, which includes fuel tracking models.
Despite parliamentary impatience, the Dutch cabinet is exploring various measures to alleviate the economic consequences of the Middle East war, including possible price caps on fuel and energy bill support, but remains reluctant to implement rapid interventions.
Nayara Energy's planned 35-day refinery shutdown, impacting 8% of India's refining capacity, has led to petrol and diesel price hikes across the country and sparked concerns of fuel shortages, causing people to flock to petrol pumps.
Fifty-five green sea turtle hatchlings were released into the sea on March 20 at Taelan Cove in Talisoy village, Virac town, in the island province of Catanduanes, Philippines.
Volunteer-led mangrove planting initiatives in the Philippines, often undertaken after storms, are facing challenges and sometimes yielding unintended negative consequences.
The Philippine Agriculture Secretary announced plans to build five mega hatcheries across the country to strengthen aquaculture, achieve food security, and allow overfished seas to recover.
The Eastern Visayas Medical Center in Tacloban City, Philippines, has launched a campaign to promote toxics-free and zero-waste practices, aiming to reduce plastic use and improve healthcare waste management.
Several local government units and educational institutions in the Philippines have switched to online classes on March 26 due to a nationwide transport strike.
The provincial government of Mountain Province in the Philippines announced the cancellation of its annual Lang-ay Festival activities in support of a national energy emergency.
Japan's government is introducing new tobacco and corporate tax hikes to help finance its defense expansion, aiming to secure over ¥9 trillion in defense spending for the 2026 fiscal year, reaching 2% of GDP.
The U.S. Postal Service has confirmed its first-ever fuel surcharge on packages, an 8% fee effective April 26 until January 2027, driven by rising oil prices. Despite the global oil market being described as 'calm,' local fuel prices continue to increase, albeit at a slower rate than previously.
Community pantries have reappeared in the Philippines to support drivers and commuters affected by a severe fuel price spike, while transport group Manibela has called for P10,000 in monthly cash assistance for public utility vehicle drivers instead of a one-time payout.
European governments are introducing various measures, including price controls and fuel rationalization, to mitigate the inflationary impact of rising oil prices caused by the Middle East conflict. Additionally, some governments are facing calls to activate unprecedented laws that could control fuel distribution and allocation.
Philippine Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan has reportedly expressed lukewarmness towards proposals to tax the super-rich, suggesting it might cause more harm than good as a measure to curb potential losses from a possible tax suspension.
Police in Pasig City, Philippines, have ruled out foul play in the death of 15-year-old Isabelle Sophia Tablate, whose body was found after she had been missing for five days.
Police in Tacloban City have arrested a man accused of siphoning approximately 70 liters of diesel fuel from a parked business establishment truck.
The Office of the Ombudsman in the Philippines announced its compliance with a House panel's order to release Vice President Sara Duterte’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN). The Ombudsman stated that even a simple request would suffice for the release.
Major mall operators in Manila, Philippines, have announced adjusted operating schedules for the upcoming Holy Week observance, including closures on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomed the Philippines' removal from the United Nations (UN) list of grave child rights violations related to armed conflict, marking a significant milestone.
An opinion piece critically examines US foreign policy, particularly its actions concerning Iran, portraying America as a destabilizing global force.