MANILA DAILY - 22 MARCH 2026
Philippine Government Authorizes Low-Grade Fuel Use as Iran War Pressures Mount; Alleged Beijing Spy Ring Details Remain Absent from Official Comment
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 22 that the Philippine Department of Energy has authorized temporary and limited use of a cheaper but dirtier type of fuel to ensure supply as the country copes with the impact of the Middle East crisis, allowing only vehicles from model year 2015 and earlier, traditional jeepneys, and power plants to use the lower-grade fuel. The same outlet reported March 22 that at least three Filipinos with ties to the Philippine military have been arrested on suspicion of spying for Beijing, allegedly leaking information that sparked maritime confrontations in the disputed South China Sea, though no Philippine government officials commented during the reporting period. No Cabinet economic briefings appeared in coverage. No statements from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr, or National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano were reported. The absence of official Philippine government comment on both the fuel policy shift and the reported espionage arrests represents a continued information vacuum during an escalating economic and security crisis. END SUMMARY.
