Add source Login
Diesel, gasoline prices to spike for 5th consecutive Week

Diesel, gasoline prices to spike for 5th consecutive Week

(UPDATE) DIESEL and gasoline prices are expected to increase again for the fifth consecutive week, as the global market reacts to tensions between the US and Iran and tight oil supply due to changes in demand, local oil industry sources said on Friday. They said diesel will increase by P0.50 to P0.70 per liter, while gasoline prices could rise from P1.40 to P1.60 per liter. These estimates are based on the 4-day trading of Mean of Platts, Singapore, the pricing basis for refined goods in Southeast Asia. As mentioned earlier, the continued geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran, the rejection of Russian crude by some countries, and the increase in oil demand due to the Lunar New Year are among the reasons for next week’s increases. “Oil prices have remained elevated and volatile this week as the threat of US-Iran conflict remains, with Iran-related Western sanctions and tariff threats on countries buying Iranian goods have added to the price volatility,” Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said. “In addition, global oil supply is tightening as India and Europe are shifting away from discounted Russian crude, and this, in turn, has made oil prices remain elevated. Furthermore, the strong buying interest in the region and seasonal uptick in demand during the upcoming Lunar New Year are also factors for the high prices,” he added. “However, there was a positive factor as the stronger Philippine Peso this week versus the US dollar has helped prices from going up further,” Bellas continued. This week, all fuel prices increased as gasoline prices went up by P0.60 per liter, and diesel prices by P1.00 per liter.

10 rider-couples exchange ‘I dos’ ahead of Valentine’s Day

10 rider-couples exchange ‘I dos’ ahead of Valentine’s Day

(UPDATE) TEN rider-couples, from delivery drivers to motorcycle enthusiasts, have tied the knot in Marikina City. Mayor Maan Teodoro officiated Thursday’s mass wedding, comparing marriage to a long motorcycle journey with smooth stretches and inevitable bumps, and stressing the importance of trust, patience, and partnership. The ceremony was held on Thursday at the historic Kapitan Moy Plaza in Barangay Sta. Elena, drawing families, friends, and city officials who witnessed couples formally seal their commitment just days before Valentine’s Day. For some couples present, the event offered an opportunity to solemnize their union without the usual wedding expenses, allowing them to make their relationship official under civil law. In her message, Teodoro elaborated on her motorcycle analogy, saying marriage is not always a smooth ride. “Marriage is like a long motorcycle trip. Not every day is a flat road. There are days when the ride is smooth, joyful, and light. But there are also days with potholes, traffic, rain, and times when you have to fix something in the middle of the journey,” she said. She emphasized that a lasting marriage requires both partners to navigate challenges together. “In this journey, it is not enough that only one knows how to drive. You need to trust each other. When there is a challenge, do not let go immediately. Do not race ahead or leave one another — you should be together,” she added. The mayor further urged the newlyweds to remain steadfast during difficult moments. “Do not leave each other on the side of the road. Do not let go of their hand. Accompany them until the wounds heal,” she said. “It is not the speed that will bring you to forever, but perseverance, forgiveness, and choosing each other every day.” As part of the ceremony, the city government gave monetary gifts to the couples to help them begin their married life together. Under the Local Government Code of 1991, city mayors are authorized to solemnize marriages within their jurisdiction as part of their official functions.

PAP warns against stigmatizing depression

PAP warns against stigmatizing depression

THE Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP) on Friday said the Filipino youth is not weak, stressing that associating depression with weakness promotes shame and discourages people from seeking help. ​The statement comes after Sen. Robin Padilla said in a Senate hearing that today’s Filipino youth are weak and that the word "depression" was virtually unknown to him in the past. ​“We are concerned by recent public remarks from Senator Robin Padilla describing today’s young people as 'weak,’ as reported by different news outlets. This framing is stigmatizing and misleading, and it risks harming children, adolescents, and families who are navigating real mental health challenges,” the PAP said in a statement. ​The group said that openness about mental health reflects higher mental health literacy and better help-seeking behavior. ​Furthermore, the association emphasized that true strength lies in acknowledging suffering and seeking support, not in denying emotional or psychological difficulties. ​“Strength is recognizing distress, seeking support, and building systems of care grounded in evidence,” the association said. ​The PAP said children and adolescents deserve “accuracy, dignity, and science-based understanding,” instead of labels that silence their struggles. ​The group urged individuals to seek professional help if they or someone they know experiences symptoms such as persistent sadness, anxiety, loss of interest, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, or thoughts of self-harm. ​“Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a meaningful act of self-care and responsibility,” it added, noting that early recognition and consultation are crucial in recovery. ​The association said it remains open to working with the Senate and other institutions to forward mental health initiatives and reduce stigma through evidence-based programs. ​Padilla has since defended his remarks, saying they were backed by data.

DSWD Steps Up Drive Against Child Trafficking, Illegal Adoption Schemes

DSWD Steps Up Drive Against Child Trafficking, Illegal Adoption Schemes

​THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it has intensified its nationwide campaign against illegal adoption, online baby-selling, and other forms of child abuse. ​Assistant Secretary Rowena Macalintal said the drive, conducted in coordination with the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), is in compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to DSWD Secretary Rexlon Gatchalian to step up efforts against child trafficking and unlawful adoption schemes. ​Authorities recently rescued two infants who were allegedly being sold by their mothers or intermediaries in an operation led by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Women and Children Protection Center. ​“Children do not need to be sold because the government provides assistance, and selling babies or conducting online adoption is illegal,” Macalintal said. ​The agency reiterated that families must follow child protection laws and legal adoption processes, while discouraging illegal arrangements that place minors at risk. ​Macalintal added that the NACC works closely with the National Bureau of Investigation and the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group to track and apprehend individuals involved in unlawful child transactions. ​She noted that authorities are consolidating cases and monitoring digital platforms such as Facebook. ​Macalintal reported that law enforcers carried out five entrapment operations in 2024, eight in 2025, and seven more in early 2026, reflecting a rise in baby-selling incidents. ​From 20 successful operations, authorities rescued 22 minors and arrested 32 suspects. One conviction has already been secured for qualified trafficking, which is punishable by 20 years to life imprisonment and fines of P2 million to P5 million. ​“There is no reason to engage in illegal adoption because the process is now simplified and faster,” Macalintal said. ​“If you cannot care for a child, surrender them to DSWD residential care centers or other legal government institutions instead of abandoning them,” she added.

How Emotional Stress Damages the Heart: Tips from Philippine Heart Association

How Emotional Stress Damages the Heart: Tips from Philippine Heart Association

​A CARDIOTHORACIC surgeon warned Friday that heartbreak — or severe emotional stress — can have an adverse effect on health. ​Dr. Avenilo Aventura Jr., director II of the Philippine Heart Association, told The Manila Times that the condition is called takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as "broken heart syndrome." ​“Takotsubo cardiomyopathy mimics a heart attack without blocked arteries. It involves sudden weakening of the heart muscle, which can manifest as chest heaviness, shortness of breath and irregular heart rate,” Aventura said. ​He noted that emotional stress can also increase stress hormones — such as cortisol and adrenaline — which increase heart rate and blood pressure. Aventura said this physiological response, if left unchecked, can lead to cardiac distress or exacerbate existing heart conditions. ​He emphasized the importance of recognizing stress and seeking support. “Social support can greatly reduce our physiologic responses to stress (decrease stress hormones), thereby reducing cardiac distress," he said. ​The American Heart Association (AHA), he noted, has recognized the link between psychological health and heart disease, stating that emotional resilience and proper support after cardiac events can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of future heart issues. ​Aventura highlighted the role of positive lifestyle habits in managing stress and reducing cardiovascular risks. He urged Filipinos to get adequate sleep, get at least 150 minutes weekly of moderate exercise and avoid smoking to keep the heart healthy, emphasizing that prevention is always better than cure. ​“Know your health numbers: monitor blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels," he said. "Consult with your doctor and screen for hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia; get personalized risk assessments; adjust medications and lifestyle plans as needed.”

Health Warning: Why You Should Avoid Unregulated ED Pills and Sexual Stimulants

Health Warning: Why You Should Avoid Unregulated ED Pills and Sexual Stimulants

​ENVIRONMENTAL group EcoWaste Coalition warned Friday that the use of unregulated sexual enhancement products carries serious health risks. ​The group said these products — often sold online, by sidewalk vendors, and in Chinese drugstores — promise to improve sexual drive and performance but may contain harmful substances. EcoWaste said based on information from Health Canada, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Philippine FDA, unregistered male dietary supplements, energy pills, sexual stimulants, and erectile dysfunction (ED) medicines contain components that should only be used under medical supervision. ​ED medications like sildenafil and tadalafil, the group said, should not be taken by men taking any kind of nitrate drug (e.g., nitroglycerine), as it can cause potentially life-threatening low blood pressure. Canadian health authorities warned that “individuals with heart problems taking these drugs are at increased risk of cardiovascular side effects such as heart attack, stroke, chest pain, high blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat.” ​“Among the products flagged by the FDA for containing sildenafil or tadalafil are specific batches of Drivemax Plus Brand Herbal Dietary Supplement Capsule, El Combate Food Supplement for Men, Manhattan Biological Maxman, Megaman, and Qi Lu Tadalafil Tablets Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction,” the EcoWaste Coalition said in a statement. ​It urged the public to verify such products on the FDA website. ​“The EcoWaste Coalition is promoting consumer and regulatory vigilance to ensure that adulterated and unauthorized health products containing banned or restricted substances are not offered for sale in the market, including on e-commerce and social media platforms,” the group said. ​Meanwhile, BAN Toxics, another environmental group, warned Friday of Valentine's Day gift items containing neurotoxicant lead and other hazardous substances. ​“Giving gifts on Valentine’s Day is a heartfelt way to show affection but be mindful — some gift items may contain toxic chemicals, turning romance into a health risk,” the group said in a statement. ​The group said such items include colorful plastic flowers with button cell batteries and mini plastic flower bouquets with lights sold in the streets of Makati, Manila, Caloocan, and Quezon City. An independent test conducted by the group showed lead levels of up to 2,410 parts per million (ppm), which far exceeds the 90 ppm limit under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Chemical Control Order for Lead and Lead Compounds. ​“Valentine’s Day novelty items should be carefully monitored and tested for hazardous chemicals to protect public health and safety while fostering love and care for the environment,” BAN Toxics advocacy and campaign officer Thony Dizon said. ​Lead is a “well-recognized toxicant with wide-ranging health impacts,” according to the World Health Organization. ​“Young children are particularly vulnerable because they are more likely to be exposed to lead than adults, and even low levels can harm the developing brain, potentially reducing intellectual ability,” the group said. ​“Avoid plastic-based presents and excessive packaging. Choose gifts that express love while caring for the environment, such as sustainable, handcrafted, or locally sourced items. Spend time in an eco-park, enjoy nature, and swap extravagant plastic bouquets for fresh flowers or potted plants. Bring home-cooked meals in reusable containers for a more meaningful and waste-free celebration,” it added.

Legarda Slams ₱107B PDIC Fund Transfer as Unconstitutional

Legarda Slams ₱107B PDIC Fund Transfer as Unconstitutional

SEN. Loren Legarda said Friday that the remittance of P107.23 billion from the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC) to the National Treasury should be scrutinized thoroughly. ​Legarda said the transfer, made under a special provision in the 2024 General Appropriations Act, was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. She argued that the ruling underscores the “fundamentally flawed” nature of the remittance and raises serious moral and policy concerns about how the state handles trust funds intended for public protection. ​The amount was taken from the PDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund, which is built from premiums paid by member banks and is intended solely to insure deposits and respond to bank closures. By law, the fund serves as a financial safety net for depositors in the event of bank failures. ​“PDIC funds exist to ensure deposits and protect ordinary Filipinos when banks fail,” Legarda said. “They are not surplus funds and should not be treated as general revenues, but reserves meant to ensure that depositors do not lose their savings.” ​Legarda cautioned that diverting deposit insurance reserves to the National Treasury — even if intended for development spending — could undermine confidence in the country’s deposit insurance system. She said this could weaken the financial safety net relied upon by small depositors, retirees, overseas Filipino workers and micro-entrepreneurs. ​The senator stressed that trust in the banking system depends heavily on the assurance that insured deposits are backed by adequate and untouchable reserves. Any perception that such funds can be repurposed for general spending, she said, risks eroding that assurance. ​Legarda drew parallels with a recent Supreme Court decision involving the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), where the high court struck down as unconstitutional the transfer of P89.9 billion in health insurance funds. The ruling, she noted, resulted in fewer resources available for health care services and sparked public debate over the safeguarding of social protection funds. ​“Whether it is health insurance or deposit insurance, funds collected and reserved to protect people in times of crisis must be respected as a trust,” Legarda said. “When these safeguards are weakened, the cost is ultimately borne by ordinary Filipinos.” ​Legarda called on the government to stop treating social protection reserves as general-purpose funds and urged Congress to review and correct policies that could weaken trust funds essential to maintaining public confidence in the financial system. ​“Our responsibility is not just to manage public finances, but to protect funds that people rely on in moments of crisis,” she said. “These reserves exist to provide security when it is most needed, and they must be preserved for that purpose.”