Chinese government scientists are warning that this year’s El Niño could drive up global demand for fossil fuels and compound the energy price increases triggered by the ongoing Iran crisis. The South China Morning Post (SCMP), citing the China Meteorological Administration, reported that moderate-to-strong El Niño conditions are forecast to emerge next month and develop throughout the rest of the year. The…
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is offering a $25,000 reward (nearly ₱1.5 million) for information leading to the arrest of Austin Jan Sy Yatco, a 27-year-old Filipino content creator from San Pedro, Laguna, who is wanted for his alleged role in an online child sexual exploitation network. Yatco, who had longstanding ties to Plano, Texas, is now considered a…
The Philippines is among the most vulnerable economies in Asia to the ongoing refined fuel crisis, according to a research briefing released by Oxford Economics on April 15, as disruptions stemming from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz ripple across regional supply chains. The briefing, authored by Senior Economist Sheana Yue and Assistant Economist Jia Yu Lee, warned that the energy…
The Philippines is among the most vulnerable economies in Asia to the ongoing refined fuel crisis, according to a research briefing released by Oxford Economics on April 15, as disruptions stemming from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz ripple across regional supply chains. The briefing, authored by Senior Economist Sheana Yue and Assistant Economist Jia Yu Lee, warned that the energy…
With the perceived ouster of career health officials, Malacañang now stands accused of putting institutional stability and expert leadership at risk for political convenience. The uproar follows the exit of Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire and other veteran DOH officials in what appears to be a politically motivated shake-up. About 55 professional medical groups signed a joint statement expressing concerns of what…
The Laguna Lake is fast deteriorating into the country’s “biggest septic tank,” Biñan City Rep. Walfredo “Arman” Dimaguila Jr. warned on Saturday, August 2. In an interview on DZRH News’ Special on Saturday, Rep. Dimaguila urged the Marcos Jr. administration to take urgent and science-based action to rehabilitate the vital water body affecting millions across Southern Luzon and Metro Manila. “Magkakaroon na…
The Iran war is showing why the Philippines can’t afford to neglect its farmers
A war thousands of kilometers away is beginning to ripple through something as basic as the Filipino dining table. The conflict involving Iran has pushed oil prices higher, disrupted key shipping routes, and strained global supply chains—especially for fertilizer, a critical input for food production. Farmers are already feeling the pressure. Fertilizer prices have surged by as much as 30% to 40%,…