MANILA DAILY - 21 MARCH 2026
No Philippine Government Response to Fuel Crisis Despite Driver Testimony; Energy Secretary Garin Silent for Fourth Day
Philippine peso hits record P59.87 despite BSP intervention to prevent P60 breach
Peso reached all-time low at P59.87 per dollar on March 16 as surging oil prices and Iran war pressures currency; BSP intervened to prevent P60 breach.
Philippine Navy commits to WPS patrols despite fuel costs: 'sovereignty has no price'
Navy reaffirms West Philippine Sea patrol operations will continue despite diesel potentially hitting P115/liter, declaring sovereignty operations will not be compromised by economic constraints.
House passes bill granting Marcos authority to suspend fuel excise tax
House approved on third reading bill authorizing President Marcos to suspend or cut excise tax on fuel products amid Middle East crisis.
Vice President Sara Duterte files reply to impeachment complaints before deadline
VP Duterte submitted formal reply to two impeachment complaints before House justice committee on March 16, according to panel member Rep. Terry Ridon.
DRIVING THE DAY
SUMMARY: The South China Morning Post reported March 21 that Mario Orain, a 51-year-old Philippine driver, stated he now spends most of his time parked waiting for bookings that rarely come, telling the outlet there are very few bookings and fuel prices have gone up a lot with diesel approaching 91 pesos per liter. The article provided no statements from Philippine government officials during the reporting period. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin issued no updates following her March 17 warning reported in prior flash traffic. No Cabinet economic briefings appeared in coverage. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr made no public appearances. The absence of administration crisis communication now extends into six consecutive days despite independent media documenting severe transport sector distress and food inflation fears. END SUMMARY.
