A report by The Economist found that the most expensive housing is not in developed countries, but in developing ones. Citing a 2025 survey conducted by Gallup, the publication said that 54% of respondents in the Philippines reported experiencing housing-related financial difficulties. The Philippines was followed by other Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand. A separate 2025 study by the…
The Philippines has recorded the highest increase in diesel prices globally, with costs rising by 81.6% since the start of the Iran war, according to data from Global Petrol Prices. The surge places the country at the top of a global list of fuel price increases, highlighting the severity of the impact on a heavily import-dependent economy exposed to disruptions in Middle…
At least 425 gas stations across the Philippines have shut down amid rising fuel prices driven by tensions in the Middle East, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday, March 27. “Sa araw po na ito March 27, 2026, ang kabuuan ng nagsaradong gas stations ay umabot po ng 425. Kahapon, ito po ay bumaba sa numero na 387, ngunit ito ay…
As oil prices rise and the peso weakens, the Philippine government is being urged to reassess its spending priorities, with the ₱17.6-billion ASEAN Summit emerging as one option for review. Former Finance Secretary Gary Teves says the question is not about diplomacy, but priorities. In times of crisis, he argues, governments—like households—must decide what to delay and where to redirect limited resources.…
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%,…