A news and information service for Filipino seafarers sponsored by the All Japan Seamen's Union, International Mariners Management Association of Japan and Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council, Inc.
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March 14, 2026
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HEADLINES
Anthropic sues to block Pentagon blacklisting over AI use restrictions
Iran Changes Messaging on Strait of Hormuz
Singapore helps evacuate 24 Filipinos from Middle East - envoy
It’s official: SB19, BINI join fan community platform Weverse
James Reid navigates gridlock in new single
OKC's Gilgeous-Alexander sets NBA record with 127th consecutive 20-point game
Gilas Women drops to 0-2 in WC qualifiers after loss to Germany
FULL NEWSPAPER
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Japan to release oil reserves on Monday at earliest
TOKYO, March 14 ------ Japan will release its oil reserves as early as Monday amid soaring crude oil prices, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said. "As oil tankers continue to be virtually unable to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, oil imports into our country are expected to decrease significantly from later this month," the prime minister told reporters.
She noted that Japan will not wait for an official international decision on a joint release of oil reserves. The Japanese government plans to release 15 days' worth of private oil reserves and one month's worth of state reserves, while also utilizing its joint reserves with oil-producing countries. This would be the first time for Japan to release its oil reserves independently.
Takaichi also said she has instructed industry minister Ryosei Akazawa to implement emergency measures as soon as possible to keep retail gasoline prices around 170 yen per liter or lower on average nationwide. "We can't deny the possibility that gasoline prices will exceed 200 yen per liter," Takaichi said.
She explained that the government will use a related fund to finance the emergency measures, which will also cover kerosene, as well as gas oil and fuel oil. "The situation in the Middle East is still unpredictable," she said. "We will flexibly consider support if the situation is prolonged."
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Anthropic sues to block Pentagon blacklisting over AI use restrictions
NEW YORK, USA, March 14 ------ Anthropic filed a lawsuit to block the Pentagon from placing it on a national security blacklist, escalating the artificial intelligence lab’s high-stakes battle with the US military over usage restrictions on its technology.
Anthropic said in its lawsuit that the designation was unlawful and violated its free speech and due process rights. The filing in federal court in California asked a judge to undo the designation and block federal agencies from enforcing it. “These actions are unprecedented and unlawful. The Constitution does not allow the government to wield its enormous power to punish a company for its protected speech,” Anthropic said. “These actions are unprecedented and unlawful. The Constitution does not allow the government to wield its enormous power to punish a company for its protected speech,” Anthropic said.
The Pentagon on Thursday slapped a formal supply-chain risk designation on Anthropic, limiting use of a technology that two sources said was being used for military operations in Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth designated Anthropic after the startup refused to remove guardrails against using its AI for autonomous weapons or domestic surveillance. The two sides had been in increasingly contentious talks over those limitations for months, Reuters first reported. Trump in a social media post, ordered the entire government to quit using Claude.
Axios reported on Monday that the White House is preparing an executive order formally instructing the federal government to remove Anthropic’s AI from its operations. Anthropic and the White House did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for comment on the report. The fight is seen as a test of the administration’s power over business and whether the government or companies that make AI have the last word on its use.
AI and national security
The dispute is notable in part because Anthropic aggressively courted the US national security apparatus before most other AI companies. CEO Dario Amodei has said he isn’t opposed to AI-driven weapons, but believes the current generation of AI technology isn’t good enough to be accurate.
Anthropic officials said the lawsuit doesn’t preclude reopening negotiations with the US government and reaching a settlement. The company has said it does not want to be fighting with the US government. The Pentagon said it wouldn’t comment on litigation. Last week, a Pentagon official said the two sides were no longer in active talks.
The designation poses a big threat to Anthropic’s business with the government, and the outcome could shape how other AI companies negotiate restrictions on military use of their technology, though Amodei clarified on Thursday that the designation had “a narrow scope” and businesses could still use its tools in projects unrelated to the Pentagon. “This could have a ripple impact for Anthropic and Claude potentially on the enterprise front over the coming months as some enterprises could go pencils down on Claude deployments while this all gets settled in the courts,” said Wedbush analyst Dan Ives.
Source: rappler.com
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MARITIME NEWS
The Iran War and Global Trade: Will the Cape Route Become the New Normal?
March 14 ------ Events in the Middle East during February and March 2026 again disrupted the flows of shipping trade to the eastern and western spheres of the international system. Given that the global economy is maritime based and rests on secure and predictable flows of goods by sea, the armed attacks on Iran and their maritime spillovers sharply underlined the vulnerability of global maritime trade and its value, which is embedded in safe and predictable deliveries of goods in the interconnected global system.
Although armed attacks caught much of the attention, a more subtle development was playing out as shipping lines and insurers again contemplated the convenience of the Cape sea route around the southern tip of Africa. Following the Israeli and US armed attacks on Iran, Tehran closed the Strait of Hormuz. The impact was severe disruption to global trade. Military hostilities and insurance risk suspensions added to uncertainty and bottle-necked carriers inside and outside the Persian Gulf. This high-risk scenario again escalated the importance of the Cape sea route as a convenient alternative should hostilities widen. Iran, for example, also fired missiles towards Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean while a US submarine sank an Iranian naval frigate in the Indian Ocean south of Sri Lanka.
Based on a widening of the conflict, it is possible that the events of March 2026 could mark a turning point in how the Cape sea route is seen. Dangerous confrontations that force shipping companies to sail along the route are increasing in frequency. Instead of simply being the standing default for diverting risks to global shipping in the north-western Indian Ocean, the route is rapidly becoming the new normal for shipping flows.
I have studied maritime security events off Africa for more than 15 years, and it appears to me that the constant re-routing now calls for less ad hoc decision-making about risks and opportunities. It calls for a rethink about how the route is viewed and managed. For example, it is in the interests of shipping companies, crews and stakeholders to ensure a safe alternative route around Africa that can also guarantee a good standard of shipping and delivery of goods. That requires paying close attention to the risks associated with the route, and how they can be mitigated.
African countries, and particularly South Africa with its Atlantic and Indian Ocean ports and service hubs, must become partners in ensuring a sea route of choice amid a shifting and insecure global security landscape with its maritime spillovers.
The Cape route’s value in history
Until the inauguration of the Suez Canal in November 1869, the Cape sea route was the only viable route for maritime traffic sailing between the Atlantic and Indian Oceans and onwards to the Pacific Ocean. The Suez Canal shortened the distance for shipping, but it wasn’t a perfect solution. In 1956, 1967 and 1973, Arab-Israeli Wars caused lengthy shutdowns of the Suez Canal.
After the 1967 war, the canal remained closed for about eight years, trapping commercial vessels in its waters. Later developments also disrupted shipping through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea.
Around 2008, sea piracy resurfaced as a dangerous threat to commercial shipping off the Horn of Africa. The arrival in 2008 of an international armada of an estimated 30-40 naval vessels operating under UN Resolution 1816 contained the threat. The intervention prevented the route through the Gulf of Aden and Suez Canal from becoming a piracy haven. But shipping remained vulnerable and despite the naval deployment, shipping companies intermittently diverted large flows past the Cape.
During March 2021 the container vessel Ever Given blocked the Suez Canal for several days due to a combination of climatic conditions and human failure. This incident demonstrated that war and armed conflict are not the only risks to shipping in this region. Again, some shipping was diverted around South Africa.
By 2024, in solidarity with the Palestinian cause, the Houthi rebel movement in Yemen began attacking selected commercial vessels passing through the southern Red Sea. Extensive attacks with missiles, drones and unmanned seaborne vessels again rerouted ships southward around the Cape of Good Hope.
This rerouting persisted for most of 2024. Shipping companies had to choose between:
• Risking Houthi missiles and drones
• Being escorted by naval vessels from the US, the UK and the EU
• Taking the Cape sea route.
It is estimated that as much as 66% of shipping sailed south along the Cape sea route at its height.
The Cape sea route 2026: The Risks
Duration, costs, services and sea conditions add up to a different risk repertoire along the Cape route.
One risk is the extra loss of containers; sea conditions can be very rough around the tip of Africa. This carries heavy financial and environmental costs.
A second risk relates to support along the route, which adds up to 15 days to a journey. For example, there are limited deep sea salvaging capabilities on the route. South Africa used to be a salvage hub, but has abandoned those capabilities.
A third set of risks are those that ships face if they enter an African harbor for unplanned reasons. There they stand exposed to dysfunctional service delivery and port inefficiencies.
All require implementing risk mitigation plans.
What needs to be done
The first plan should be extensive cooperation between African governments, their maritime agencies, and shipping companies. This remains the gold standard for building maritime security to contain non-traditional and non-naval threats along the route.
For example, there needs to be international cooperation for modernization and port service delivery. These range from bunkering services to salvage assistance to collaboration on search and rescue services.
Responses do not solely depend on naval interventions. However, naval cooperation and roping in coast guards remain critical. This requires that African maritime agencies become better organized to secure the route to support safe global trade, including trade with Africa.
Derisking cannot be a solely South African responsibility. Maritime safety and security are about cooperation and partnerships. For the Cape sea route this implies African partnerships as well, intra-continental and with other international partners.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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Iran Changes Messaging on Strait of Hormuz
March 14 ------ Iran's U.N. Ambassador said Tehran was not going to close the Strait of Hormuz, but added that it was Iran's right to preserve the security of the key shipping route.
Amir Saeid Iravani made his comments to reporters at the United Nations when asked about remarks by new Iranian supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who said that the "lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used." "We are not going to close the Strait of Hormuz," Iravani said. "But it is our inherent right to preserve the peace and security in this waterway."
In a prepared statement he read to reporters before responding to questions, Iravani said that "Iran fully respects and remains committed to the principle of freedom of navigation under the law of the sea. However, the current situation in the region, including in the Strait of Hormuz, is not the result of Iran's lawful exercise of its right of self-defense. Rather, it is the direct consequence of the destabilizing actions of the United States in launching aggression against Iran and undermining regional security."
He said he had no response to a comment by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who told Sky News in an interview that the U.S. Navy, perhaps with an international coalition, would escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz when it is militarily possible.
IRAN WILL FIGHT ON
Iran will fight on and keep the Strait of Hormuz shut as leverage against the United States and Israel, new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said in defiant first comments attributed to him since he succeeded his slain father.
Hours later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his first press conference since the start of the war to make his own strong statement, issuing a veiled threat to kill Khamenei and defending the military assault on Iran. "I wouldn’t issue life insurance policies on any of the leaders of the terrorist organization ... I don't intend to give an exact message here about what we are planning or what we are going to do," Netanyahu said, standing between two Israeli flags and taking questions via video link.
In Iran, Khamenei did not appear in person and his remarks were read out by a state television presenter. No images have been released of him since an Israeli strike at the start of the war that killed much of his family, including his father and wife.
Khamenei's statement called on Iran's neighbors to shut U.S. bases on their territory and warned that Iran would continue to target them. "I assure everyone that we will not neglect avenging the blood of your martyrs," said the hardline cleric, who is close to Iran's top military force. "The popular demand is to continue our effective defense and make the enemy regret it. The lever of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must continue to be used," Khamenei added, referring to the shipping route through which a fifth of global oil normally passes along Iran's coast.
Iranian state television offered no explanation for why the message was read out rather than delivered in person. Iranian officials have said Khamenei was lightly wounded in the initial February 28 airstrikes, but the extent of his injuries is unclear.
The prospect of one of the most severe disruptions ever to global energy supplies enduring sent oil prices up about 9% to $100 a barrel LCOc1, after falling earlier in the week on hopes of a swift end to the conflict. U.S. stocks fell with the S&P 500 notching its biggest three-day percentage drop in a month.
TANKERS ABLAZE IN IRAQI PORT
Two tankers were ablaze in an Iraqi port after a hit by suspected Iranian explosive-laden boats, a clear sign of defiance toward U.S. President Donald Trump, who said the United States had already won the war. Images verified by Reuters as filmed from the Iraqi port of Basra showed ships engulfed in massive orange fireballs that lit up the night sky. At least one crew member was killed.
Hours earlier, three other ships were struck in the Gulf. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for at least one attack - on a Thai bulk carrier that was set ablaze. Another container vessel reported being struck by an unknown projectile near the United Arab Emirates.
On another front in the unpredictable war, Israeli airstrikes hit a building in central Beirut sending thick smoke above the Lebanese capital.
Israel also ordered residents out of another swathe of southern Lebanon, intensifying its offensive against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group after it fired its biggest volley of rockets into Israel since the start of the war. So far, the war has killed more than 2,000 people, including almost 700 in Lebanon.
AS DRONES FLY, TRUMP SAYS US WILL BENEFIT
Undermining U.S. and Israeli claims to have knocked out much of Iran's stock of long-range weapons, more drones were reported flying into Kuwait, Iraq, the UAE, Bahrain and Oman. Iran has said it will not let oil back through the strait until U.S. and Israeli attacks cease, but Trump played down the higher prices. "The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money," Trump wrote on social media.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Sky News in an interview that the U.S. Navy, perhaps with an international coalition, would escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz when it is militarily possible. The U.S. is a net oil exporter but also the world's biggest oil consumer. Economists say sustained high prices would drive broad inflation.
Separately, Trump said the Iranian men's national soccer team was welcome to participate in the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. is co-hosting, but added that it was not appropriate that they be there "for their own life and safety".
'SECURITY FORCES ARE EVERYWHERE'
Inside Iran, residents said security forces were increasing their presence to demonstrate continued control. "Security forces are everywhere, more than before. People are afraid to come out, but supermarkets are open," teacher Majan, 35, said by phone from Tehran.
Israel said it had struck checkpoints in Tehran of the Basij, the Revolutionary Guard's voluntary militia. Israel and the United States have called on Iranians to rise up and topple their clerical rulers. Many Iranians want change and some openly celebrated the elder supreme leader's death on February 28, the war's first day, after his forces had killed thousands of anti‑government protesters in January. But there has been no sign of organized dissent while the country is under attack.
TEHRAN SEEKS PROLONGED ECONOMIC SHOCK
Iran's message is that its strategy now is to impose prolonged economic shock to force Trump to back off. A spokesperson for Iran's military command said the world should prepare for oil prices of $200 a barrel.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said he did not expect that to happen, but did not totally rule it out. "I would say unlikely, but we are focused on the military operation and solving a problem," Wright told CNN. Oil prices rose despite the announcement that developed countries would release 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves, nearly half from the United States.
Source: marinelink.com
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New First Aid Kits Help Seafarers Prepare for Attacks
March 14 ------ Seafarers calling at Ukrainian ports will receive specialist safety kits designed to mitigate the risks posed by missile and drone attacks under a new initiative from maritime charity Stella Maris.
The crew safety kits are designed to help seafarers prepare for and respond to emergencies while operating in conflict affected regions. The initiative comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions affecting major shipping routes around the world, including the Strait of Hormuz, underlining the importance of ensuring seafarers are properly prepared to respond to emergencies.
Each kit contains specialized first aid equipment kits such as hemostatic tourniquets, pressure bandages and treatment for flash burns to address battlefield trauma. Printed materials detailing procedures to follow during an air raid, the location of public shelters, and information stickers to display on ship bulkheads are also included. This initiative has been made possible through funding from Den Norske Krigsforsikring for Skib (DNK), whose support has enabled Stella Maris to produce and distribute the first wave of crew safety kits to vessels calling at Ukrainian ports.
Stella Maris Ukraine National Director and Odesa Port Chaplain Fr Alexander Smerechynskyy said ships entering Ukrainian ports face regular missile and drone attacks, and the kits were developed to help protect crews operating in a war zone. “Many overseas crews arrive without clear instructions on what to do during an air raid. In a war zone, preparedness is often the only thing you can control, and it can be the difference between life and death,” said Fr Alex. “Our safety kits provide not only essential medical equipment but also clear multilingual instructions, maps to shelters, and QR links to emergency guidance. It is not just a set of items. It is a practical safety system designed to reduce panic and increase the chances of survival during an attack,” he added.
Fr Alex said Stella Maris Ukraine’s research found that families of Ukrainian seafarers were concerned about the lack of verified information, limited first-aid knowledge, and the threat of missile attacks on ports. “These kits directly respond to those concerns. We strongly believe that they will protect lives because they give crews the most valuable thing in a crisis: clarity, confidence, and the tools to save themselves and each other,” he said.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Stella Maris team in Ukraine have provided support for seafarers, their families and the local community around Odesa throughout the conflict. This has included providing pastoral support for crews unable to leave their ships, establishing a free online mental health counselling service to help seafarers deal with the trauma of war, and a financial literacy program to help Ukrainian seafarers navigate the economic impact of the war. The team has also provided direct emergency financial support to over 300 families of seafarers and port workers.
Tim Hill MBE, Stella Maris UK CEO, said the project highlights both the courage of seafarers working in conflict zones and the vital role of collaboration across the maritime sector. “Stella Maris Ukraine has shown extraordinary commitment in supporting seafarers and their families throughout the war. Their work on the ground in Odesa has been a lifeline to many who are facing daily risk. We are deeply grateful to DNK for their partnership. When charities and responsible maritime organizations work together, meaningful protection and reassurance can be delivered to the people who keep global trade moving, even in the most challenging circumstances. With geopolitical tensions increasing in several key shipping routes, including the current situation around the Strait of Hormuz, the risks faced by seafarers are growing. Crews are often on the frontline of global conflicts they have no part in. That makes practical preparation and clear safety guidance more important than ever for seafarers operating in high-risk regions.”
Fr Alex added that in times of war, Stella Maris’ presence becomes even more critical. “Safety kits, psychological support, ship visits, and clear communication with crews are not optional programs; they are essential tools that reduce panic, provide stability, and bring dignity and reassurance to people working in extreme conditions. Many seafarers go to a country at war while worrying about their families at home. Their families, in turn, face fear, anxiety, and a lack of reliable information. Stella Maris serves as a trusted bridge between all these people - listening to their concerns, sharing their real needs with the industry, and making sure their voices are heard,” he said.
Source: marinelink.com
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PHILIPPINE NEWS
Up to P15/liter hike in diesel, P12/liter in gasoline expected next week
March 14 ------ Motorists will have to brace for another round of oil price hikes next week, with diesel rising to up to P15 per liter and gasoline up to P12 per liter. According to Maki Pulido’s report on “24 Oras,” industry sources said that based on the fuel prices in the global market in the past two days, diesel may climb by P13 to P15 per liter, gasoline by P10 to P12, and kerosene by P6. However, the prices may change depending on the market price in the following days.
Fuel hikes this week were implemented in staggered increases. The Department of Energy (DOE) said the big price hike is likely to continue next week, but it cannot provide its projection of prices. It urged the public not to panic buy since the country has a sufficient supply. However, motorists continue to arrive at a gas station in Quezon City, a scenario that its personnel said is not normal.
Amid higher liquefied petroleum gas prices, an eatery reduced food portions instead of raising prices. But rising oil prices have also led to fewer customers. DOE urged the public to report fuel overpricing through their website, as they cannot monitor every gas station since there are around 14,000 nationwide. The Manila and San Juan local government units earlier conducted an inspection of gasoline stations in their respective areas.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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Singapore helps evacuate 24 Filipinos from Middle East - envoy
MANILA, March 14 ------ Singapore has helped evacuate 24 Filipinos from the Middle East, an ambassador said as Iran continued attacks on oil-rich Gulf countries in response to US-Israeli strikes.
Singapore deployed a refueling aircraft to bring its citizens home from Jeddah on March 12, Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines Constance See said. “After prioritizing Singaporeans and their families, we were glad that available seats could be extended to nationals from other countries, including 24 Filipinos. The flight landed in Singapore on 13 March at 5.59am,” the envoy said. “This was very much a partnership. We worked in close coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, to facilitate the Filipinos who joined the flight,” she added.
The ambassador said “this is really ASEAN solidarity in action, neighbors helping neighbors in difficult moments.” “Singapore and the Philippines are close friends, and we were very glad to help these Filipinos begin their journey home. At the end of the day, what matters most is that people return safely to their families,” she added.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) thanked Singapore “for this benevolent act, which exemplifies the ASEAN spirit of solidarity.” It added that the Migrant Workers Office and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in Jeddah had facilitated the booking of the 24 Filipinos' flights to Manila and also extended financial assistance.
Countries worldwide have urged citizens to avoid the Middle East during the ongoing war against Iran, which has seen violence erupt across much of the region. But closed airspace and airports meant thousands of people were struggling to find a way out, and flights have only partially resumed in recent days. US officials in particular came under fire for allegedly not giving citizens sufficient warning to avoid the Middle East in the days before launching the attacks on Iran.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Unemployment, underemployment rates rise in January
MANILA, March 14 ------ The Philippines' unemployment and underemployment rates climbed in January this year, the Philippine Statistics Authority said. PSA data showed that the country's jobless rate climbed to 5.8 percent in January from 4.4 percent in December last year. This means that 2.96 million Filipino workers were jobless in January, up from 2.26 million in December.
This was the highest unemployment rate in 43 months, or since June 2022, when the figure hit 6.0 percent, according to Deputy National Statistician and PSA Assistant Secretary Divina Gracia del Prado. The underemployment rate also climbed to 13.2 percent in January from 8 percent in December. This means that 6.35 million workers were underemployed that month, up from 3.93 million workers in the preceding month. Underemployed workers are those who already have jobs, but are still looking for extra jobs or work-hours, according to the PSA.
From December to January, some of the sub-sectors with the largest increase in jobs were: manufacturing (546,000), transportation and storage (238,000), and fishing and aquaculture (202,000). In terms of job losses, month-on-month, the sectors which saw the biggest contractions were: agriculture and forestry (-1.76 million), wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (-888,000), construction (-199,000), education (-154,000), and accommodation and food service activities (-140,000).
Del Prado said the drop in jobs in January was partly due to the seasonality of hiring, which goes up during the ‘ber” months leading to the Christmas holidays. But she also noted that weather disturbances may have also led to job losses in the agriculture sector during the month, as the country was hit by Tropical Storm Ada, which affected several regions. The ongoing war in the Middle East may affect the labor situation in the country this month, del Prado said, noting that many businesses generally freeze hiring or lay off workers when oil prices and inflation climb. Workers repatriated from the Middle East may also join the labor force and add to the number of unemployed. “Pag ganitong tumataas ang presyo ng langis, lalo na affected yung ating mga OFWs na may mga na-repatriate na rin, it might affect our labor market,” del Prado said.
She noted that the previous highest unemployment rate, which was in June 2022, was reached during the height of the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which roiled energy and food markets worldwide. Del Prado said the impact of the Middle East conflict may be seen when the PSA reports on the results of the March labor force survey, which will be released in May. The Department of Economy, Planning and Development, meanwhile said the government is stepping up its support for the country’s workforce amid rising global uncertainties. “Given elevated geopolitical tensions and global uncertainties, strategic policies are needed to bolster labor market resilience,” DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said. The DEPDev said the government is strengthening safety nets such as targeted fuel subsidies for transport operators, farmers, and fisherfolk.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Gov't to support Filipino workers amid global uncertainties
MANILA, March 14 ------ The government will step up efforts to support the country's workforce amid rising global uncertainties, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) has said.
The DEPDev made the statement following the release of the latest Labor Force Survey (LFS) results on Friday, which showed that the unemployment rate rose to 5.8 percent in January this year from 4.3 percent in January 2025. The number of unemployed individuals in January 2026 was estimated at 2.96 million, higher than the number of unemployed individuals in January last year at 2.17 million.
In a separate briefing, Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Assistant Secretary Divina Gracia del Prado said survey results showed that 306,000 were still looking for jobs, while other survey participants said they're still waiting for the results of previous job applications. The country’s labor force participation rate (LFPR) also eased to 62.3 percent in January 2026, compared to 63.9 percent in the same month last year. Employment, meanwhile, was recorded at 94.2 percent, lower than the January 2025 employment rate of 95.7 percent. "Usually in our time series, after the Christmas season, employment rate really declines," said del Prado.
DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, for his part, assured that amid global uncertainties, the government is ready to support workers who will be affected. “Given elevated geopolitical tensions and global uncertainties, strategic policies are needed to bolster labor market resilience. The government continues to pursue a comprehensive response to support affected workers in the short term while fostering a dynamic and robust labor market in the medium and long term,” Balisacan said.
The government will also provide immediate relief to affected workers amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This includes targeted fuel subsidies for transport operators, farmers, and fisherfolk, as well as measures to ease commuting costs and maximize existing emergency employment assistance programs, such as the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged or Displaced Workers and other livelihood programs.
Balisacan said the government will also use digital technologies to enhance labor market programs, as seen in the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) recently launched Skills Passport, which facilitates job-skills matching. He said this initiative can inform the design of skill training programs to equip job seekers, including repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), with capabilities for higher-value jobs.
The government is likewise strengthening reintegration programs for OFWs to help affected workers find gainful employment or entrepreneurial opportunities. Strategies to promote labor market resilience include diversifying the economy’s growth drivers, attracting investment in high-productivity sectors, addressing constraints such as high energy costs and low technology adoption, and facilitating the transition to renewable energy to reduce dependence on imported fuels. “Our priority is clear: create more and better jobs at home, strengthen industries, equip our workers with the skills needed for higher-value employment, and ensure that those affected by global disruptions, including OFWs, can transition smoothly into productive opportunities here in the Philippines,” Balisacan said.
The government is also seeking to expand high-quality job opportunities for women, whose participation in the labor market remains low due to barriers such as domestic responsibilities and limited access to flexible work arrangements. Based on the January 2026 LFS, decreased participation was observed across all age groups, with the youth citing schooling (+886,000) as the primary reason for not entering the labor force.
Women of prime working age cited family responsibilities (+599,000), while older respondents mentioned age- or mobility-related limitations (+279,000) as reasons for not participating. In partnership with the Australian government through Investing in Women, DEPDev recently launched the Juana Trabaho initiative, a strategic framework and action plan aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 to increase women’s participation in the workforce.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Philhealth eyes replacement of free, underutilized medicines under YAKAP
March 14 ------ The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) said it is studying the possibility of replacing some medicines provided under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) and the GAMOT (Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment) Program.
In an interview with GMA News Online at the SSS Diliman branch, PhilHealth Vice President Walter Bacareza said some of the free medicines provided under these programs are underutilized. The state health insurer is now studying the possibility of replacing some medicines with other commonly used medications. “Titignan namin kung ano ang resulta sa 75 medicines but we are planning to replace some of those medicines kung di naman ginagamit masyado. We also found out na there are medications na kasama sa 75 na di nagagamit palagi. We will replace that with the usually utilized medicines and we will expand those medications as years go by,” he said.
Bacareza said they are in coordination with medical societies to ensure they are able to keep up with the latest medical developments. “Our team for the Health Finance Policy Sector which develops new benefits, lagi pong nakikipag-usap with the societies kung ano bang bago and anong costing din,” he added.
At present, there are 75 free medicines under PhilHealth’s YAKAP and GAMOT program. The medicines are worth P20,000 a year and should be based on a doctor’s prescription. These are available in accredited GAMOT providers or pharmacies.
The free medicines are:
Anti-Infectious
Albendazole
Amoxicillin
Azithromycin
Cefixime
Cefuroxime
Ciprofloxacin
Clarithromycin
Clindamycin
Clotrimazole
Cloxacillin
Co-amoxiclav
Co-trimoxazole
Doxycycline
Erythromycin
Flucanozole
Ketoconazole
Mebendazole
Nitrofurantoin
Oseltamivir
Tobramycin
Supportive/Other Therapy
Aluminum Hydroxide + Magnesium Hydroxide
Butamirate
Celecoxib
Cetirizine
Colchicine
Chlorphenamine
Diphenhydramine
Ferrous Salt
Folic Acid + Iron Ferrous
Ibuprofen
Lagundi
Loratadine
Mefenamic Acid
Naproxen
Omezprazole
Oral Rehydration Salts
Paracetamol
Zinc
Anti-Hypertensive & Cardiology
Amlodipine
Atenolol
Captopril
Clonidine
Diltiazem
Enalapril
Enalapril + Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide
Isosorbide Dinitrate
Isosorbide Mononitrate
Losartan
Methyldopa
Metoprolol
Tamsulosin
Telmisartan
Telmisartan + Hydrocholorothiazide
Valsartan
Valsartan + Hydrocholorothiazide
Nervous System
Gabapentin
Anti-Thrombotics
Clopidogrel
Aspirin
Anti-Asthma & COPD
Budesonide + Formoterol
Fluticasone + Salmeterol
Ipratropium
Montelukast
Prednisone
Salbutamol
Ipratropium + Salbutamol
Tiotropium
Anti-Diabetics
Dapagliflozin
Gliclazide
Metformin
Anti-Dysplipidemia
Atorvastatin
Fenofibrate
Rosuvastatin
Simvastatin
Source: gmanetwork.com
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PSEi, peso continue to weaken amid Mid-East crisis
MANILA, March 14 ------ Military operations in the Middle East that continue to push global oil prices up remain the primary factor for the negative close of the local bourse’s main index and the peso weakened further against the US dollar. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) shed 0.73 percent to 6,113.58 points, and the broader All Shares by 0.66 percent to 3,405.40 points. Only the Holding Firms index gained during the day after rising by 1.33 percent.
The Services index, meanwhile, led the sectoral gauges that closed in the negative territory during the day after it fell 3.28 percent, followed by Mining and Oil, 2.27 percent; Industrial, 0.37 percent; Financials, 0.35 percent; and Property, 0.25 percent. Volume reached 1.05 billion shares, amounting to PHP8.4 billion. Decliners led advancers at 125 to 60, while 65 shares were unchanged. “The local market pulled back as worries over the Middle East conflict and its impact on oil prices dominated sentiment again. This comes after Iran warned of oil hitting USD200 per barrel amid its war with the US,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. said in a market report.
The report added that “the peso’s weakness also weighed on the local bourse.” The local currency again ended weaker against the US dollar after finishing the day at 59.38 from 59.17 a day ago. It opened the day down at 59.32 from the previous session’s 58.88. The peso traded between 59.3 and 59.65, resulting in an average of 59.53. Volume declined to USD1.92 billion from Wednesday’s USD2.01 billion.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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AFP says operations in West Philippine Sea to continue amid rising oil prices
MANILA, March 14 ------ Military operations in the West Philippine Sea will continue uninterrupted despite rising oil prices linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, an official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.
According to AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, the military remains committed to carrying out its mandate. "All activities of the AFP for this year that are operational in nature will continue. It's our mandate that they should be performed," Trinidad told reporters in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The official stressed that the AFP cannot afford any slowdown in fulfilling its duties, particularly in safeguarding the country's maritime interests. "For the AFP, all operational matters will continue. We could not afford to have a letdown in performing our mandate," he added.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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DOTr allocates P2.5B for possible fuel subsidy, eyes Libreng Sakay
March 14 ------ The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it has set aside P2.5 billion for a possible fuel subsidy program for transport drivers as pump prices continue to climb amid the tensions in the Middle East. “Yung sa fuel subsidy naman po natin which is P2.5 billion under DOTr, doon po yung merong po sinabi natin proportionate amount,” DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez told Super Radyo dzBB in an interview. “Kapag mas malaki yung gastos tulad ng bus, mas malaki po yung krudo na kanilang ginagagamit, mas malaki naman po yung naibibigay nating subsidiya and down the line,” he added.
Lopez noted that DOTr’s subsidy fund will be released if global oil prices reach at least $80 per barrel for one calendar month, subject to certification from the Department of Energy (DOE). “So, kapag yan nagsimula ng pagsirit ng presyo ng langis ng March 1,hintayin natin hanggang March 30,” Lopez said.
He noted that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is already working on its own P5,000 cash aid for public transport transport drivers while DOTr waits for the formal trigger of the fuel subsidy program. Lopez said the fuel subsidy will cover transport workers regulated by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) under the DOTr:
- bus operators and drivers
- traditional and modern jeepney operators and drivers
- taxi drivers
- transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers
- delivery riders from different platforms
- tricycle drivers (beneficiary lists will come from local government units)
Transport workers may receive assistance from both the DSWD program and the DOTr fuel subsidy, according to Lopez. Aside from subsidies for drivers and operators, the DOTr is also planning to offer free rides under the Libreng Sakay program to help commuters with the rising transportation costs. Under the scheme, the government will pay transport operators and drivers through service contracting. Lopez said the free ride program will be launched nationwide once the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) is released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
Source: gmanetwork.com
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
It’s official: SB19, BINI join fan community platform Weverse
March 14 ------ SB19 and BINI will open their doors to a global audience, becoming the latest artists to join the HYBE-owned superfan platform Weverse and the first Filipino artists to do so.
Weverse welcomed SB19 and BINI into the platform on Thursday, March 12, sharing clips of the P-pop powerhouses inviting their dedicated fans (also known as A’TIN and Blooms) to subscribe. The “Pantropiko” hitmakers will be included in Weverse’s lineup on Monday, March 16, at 11 a.m., Philippine time. Meanwhile, the quintet joins the fan community platform on Thursday, March 19. Prior to joining Weverse, the female octet’s content, including livestreams, official photos and announcements, was available on the BINI global website via a paid subscription model.
In an email sent to subscribers, their management announced that “guidance and support will be provided” for migration guidelines and possible changes in the coming days. “As we prepare your Bloom-azing transfer, we will be providing guidance and support regarding your membership subscription. All existing memberships expiring in May 2026 onwards will retain the same exclusive perks and access on Weverse once the migration of your membership account has been successfully completed,” it said.
What is Weverse?
Owned by HYBE, Weverse is an app that connects fans to their favorite artists. Like most community platforms, it operates through a paid subscription model where those who choose to avail themselves of the site can have closer access to the stars.
Available for translation in 15 languages, the app includes official announcements, heartfelt messages from the artists, a livestream, never-before-seen photos, and a merchandise platform. It also gives fans the chance to get concert tickets earlier, though slots are limited.
Weverse is also home to several concert livestreams, especially for global fans and those who weren’t able to secure tickets. It also aired award ceremonies and shows, including, recently, the 2025 Asia Artist Awards and ACON in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. “We are a fandom business… There are bigger global services offering functions we offer, but Weverse’s users are superfans characterized by passionate engagement,” Weverse president Joon Choi told Reuters in an interview. “There are bigger global services offering functions we offer, but Weverse’s users are superfans characterized by passionate engagement.”
Source: inquirer.net
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Kim Atienza meets with distressed netizen, admired for ‘saving stranger’s life’
March 14 ------ Kim Atienza personally met with an emotionally distressed netizen he came across on social media, with the latter expressing gratitude to the TV host for “saving a stranger’s life.” Kim invited the netizen to come to his show after he saw the latter’s post about being worn down by everything.
The social media user then gave a glimpse of their recent meeting, tagging Kim’s Instagram page. The caption read, “Today marks the day that I met one of the most influential individuals in flesh. Thanks for the words, time, and effort to see me, Kuya Kim. Rest assured that I will always take your words to heart and will always remember that I am not alone in battling this feeling. Thanks for saving a stranger’s life. You deserve all the love the world could offer.”
Fans and Kim’s fellow celebrities commended him for his kind gesture via the comments section. In response to one of the comments, Kim credited “The Emman effect,” which refers to his youngest daughter Emman Atienza, who died last October amid battling depression.
In a separate post, Kim also pointed out how thousands of individuals reached out to the netizen and offered acts of kindness. “God is always going."
Source: inquirer.net
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James Reid navigates gridlock in new single
March 14 ------ Singer and actor James Reid returns with the single “Traffic,” a pop-alternative track that uses Metro Manila’s traffic congestion as a metaphor for modern relationships. The song marks Reid’s first official single for 2026. It reflects themes of emotional distance and timing in romance, using imagery drawn from everyday experiences on the road. With lyrics such as “Bat tila ang layo kahit anjan ka lang naman?” and “Pang ilan na ba ako sa pila,” the song portrays the feeling of wanting to get closer to someone who seems just out of reach.
Reid said the idea for the track emerged while he and his collaborators were stuck in traffic in Metro Manila. “At the time, I wanted to write a song that’s relatable to Filipinos in terms of concept and sound,” Reid said. “It just so happened that we all experienced traffic that day, and it felt like the song wrote itself after we locked in on that idea.”
The track was written by Reid and Nhiko Sabiniano and produced by Luke April. It was mixed and mastered by Emil dela Rosa, with recording by Eric Trono.
Reid said the song also reflects his continuing exploration of both Western and Filipino musical influences. Together with April and Sabiniano, the team aimed to create an upbeat Original Pilipino Music track that combines nostalgic elements with a contemporary sound. “Real traffic already sucks, so don’t let your personal life get stuck too. Say how you feel, be who you want, do what you must. Just don’t wait,” Reid said. “Traffic” is now available on major digital streaming platforms.
Source: manilatimes.net
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SPORTS NEWS
Gilgeous-Alexander breaks Chamberlain's NBA record 20-point streak
March 14 ------ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander broke the NBA record for consecutive 20-point games by delivering his 127th in a row in Oklahoma City's 104-102 home win over the Boston Celtics. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points on sizzling 13-of-18 shooting from the floor, including 2-of-5 from three-point range, and 7-of-8 from the free throw line while adding nine assists, six rebounds, three blocks and two steals. "All the records and accomplishments are great, but they don't matter if you don't win and that's all that was on my mind," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "I would have gave the record for the W any day of the week. I'm glad we won and I got the record." he added.
The reigning NBA Most Valuable Player eclipsed the 63-year-old mark of 126 set by NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain when he sank a 20-foot jump shot from the top of the key with 7:04 remaining in the third quarter. That gave the 27-year-old Canadian guard 21 points for the game and lifted the reigning NBA champion Thunder level with Boston at 69-69.
The game was decided by Chet Holmgren's two free throws with 0.8 of a second remaining after being fouled on a rebound, which gave the Thunder the final margin. Boston had a final chance but Payton Pritchard missed a shot at the buzzer. The Thunder improved to an NBA-best 52-15 with their seventh consecutive victory, dropping the Celtics to 43-23. "I've been trying to reach my ultimate goal, which is hoisting the trophy," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "Because that's all I focus on, everything else takes care of itself. I look up and I've accomplished a few things."
Gilgeous-Alexander's streak began on November 1, 2024, and since then he has averaged 35.5 points and shot 53.5 percent. In the streak, Gilgeous-Alexander has delivered all five of his career 50-point games, 18 40-point performances and 85 30-point games. Gilgeous-Alexander scored 17 points in the first half, putting himself on the brink of NBA history as the second half began. He missed a three-point attempt but was later fouled on a drive to the basket and made two free throws to pull within one point of the milestone, setting the stage for his breakthrough basket. Gilgeous-Alexander was unhappy with only 10 points in the first quarter. "I was having a terrible game to that point," he said. "I didn't like how I started. I started sluggish. I wanted to focus on getting the car back on the road and make sure we walked out of here with a W."
In other games, Victor Wembanyama was sidelined by a sore right ankle for the San Antonio Spurs, spoiling a big-man matchup with Denver's Nikola Jokic, who had a triple double with 31 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists in the Nuggets' 136-131 victory. The Spurs had their five-game win streak snapped despite 30 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists by Stephon Castle, who missed a tying three-point attempt with 19.8 seconds remaining. Jamal Murray, who scored 39 points, made four late free throws to seal Denver's victory.
At Indiana, Phoenix's Devin Booker scored 43 points and Jalen Green added 36 to spark the Suns' 123-108 victory over the Pacers, whose losing streak hit 11 games. Eastern Conference leader Detroit (47-18) got a game-high 19 points from Duncan Robinson plus 14 points and 10 rebounds in 15 minutes by Jalen Duren in a 131-109 home rout of Philadelphia.
Atlanta stretched its win streak to eight games with a 108-97 home victory over Brooklyn. Jalen Johnson sparked the Hawks with 21 points, nine rebounds and nine assists. Swedish guard Pelle Larsson scored 28 points and the Miami Heat won their seventh consecutive game, beating visiting Milwaukee 112-105. The Orlando Magic boosted their win streak to six games with a 136-131 overtime home triumph over Washington. Jalen Suggs finished with 28 points and Tristan da Silva had 26.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Gilas Women drops to 0-2 in WC qualifiers after loss to Germany
March 14 ------ GILAS Pilipinas Women dropped its second straight contest in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament, as it was beaten by Germany, 113-80 in Villeurbanne, Lyon, France.
The Philippines was no match for the double-double of former UCLA standout Emily Bessoir who tallied 25 points and 13 rebounds in the Germans' win. Sumayah Sugapong had 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field, while Afril Bernardino had 13 points and nine rebounds for the Filipinos, who went down to 0-2 after playing two European ball clubs in a row to start the tournament.
Prior to facing world No. 12 Germany, Gilas Women lost to No. 3 France, 115-66. “Hard, tough game again,” said coach Pat Aquino. “I give my hats off to Germany. They played superbly in the first half. We couldn’t really match their talent. But then again, I’m still proud of the girls, they fought hard until the end. Hopefully, we can manage some wins in the coming days.”
The Philippines will next face Nigeria on Saturday, with its opponent, the reigning Afrobasket champion, losing to South Korea, 77-60, earlier in the day.
Source: spin.ph
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Alex Eala returns to Miami Open as No. 32 seed
MANILA, Philippines, March 14 ------ Tennis sensation Alex Eala of the Philippines will return to the tournament that changed the trajectory of her pro tennis career — the Miami Open. The 20-year-old Filipina, who reached the semifinal round last year, will enter the 2026 Miami Open as the No. 32 seed.
In WTA 1000 tournaments, the top 32 ranked players receive a bye in the first round. This assures Eala that she will not face top-ranked players like Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, or Coco Gauff until at least the third round of the tournament. During her 2025 Miami Open, Eala defied the odds to reach the semifinals. She opened the tournament by beating Katie Volynets in the first round before scoring victories against Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia, World No. 5 Madison Keys of USA and Paula Badosa of Spain to reach the round of 8.
In a breakthrough quarterfinals win, Eala swept world No. 2 Iga Swiatek of Poland and won the hearts of tennis fans. Her fairy-tale run finally came to an end in the semifinals, where she fell to Jessica Pegula after a grueling 2.5-hour battle. Despite the setback, Eala earned more following.
Source: manilatimes.net
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