Bar Association issues new guidelines for barristers' use of social media, practice promotion

US opens new unfair-trade probes to rebuild Trump's tariff pressureU.S. President Donald Trump signs an executive order on tariffs, in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 2, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis/File Photo

Fuel price hikes seen to hurt MSMEs mostMANILA, Philippines — Rising fuel prices could significantly affect micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which make up the majority of businesses in the Philippines, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said. PCCI President Perry Ferrer warned that higher energy costs could strain the viability of small businesses, which often operate with thin margins. Ferrer said small businesses are particularly sensitive to rising operating costs such as fuel, transportation and logistics. He added that policies aimed at lowering fuel prices would benefit businesses across the economy, especially MSMEs. They are 99.6% of the business community in the Philippines," Ferrer said.

BuCor denies scabies outbreak at New Bilibid PrisonThe New Bilibid Prisons as seen in an undated photo by the Muntinlupa City government. MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) denied that there is a scabies outbreak in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) or in any other penal facility in the country. Cecilia Villanueva said the last recorded scabies outbreak in BuCor facilities occurred two years ago. Kapatid said visits to the New Bilibid Prison Reception and Diagnostic Center revealed a rapid spread of skin infections among inmates, which the group attributed to overcrowding and lack of water. Responding to allegations that it was difficult to bring medical supplies into prison facilities, Villanueva said BuCor enforces strict protocols to ensure accountability and prevent the entry of contraband.

Negotiations ordered for Suarez title rematch with NavarreteA bloodied Emanuel Navarrete (right) tries to keep Filipino challenger Charly Suarez at bay. MANILA, Philippines — Filipino boxer Charly Suarez may be getting his long-coveted title rematch soon. This, after the World Boxing Organization (WBO) pushed for the negotiations between Suarez and Unified WBO and IBF junior lightweight champion Emanuel Navarrete. In a post on X, WBO president Gustavo Olivieri said that the WBO world championship committee unanimously voted to order the negotiations between the title holder and the number one world-rated contender and mandatory challenger. Since then, Suarez has been waiting for his rematch.

FDI flows soften amid global uncertaintyFrom AB Capital's The Opening Bell: Three MovesEventNet foreign direct investment inflows fell to US$7.79bn in 2025, down 17% YoY and the lowest in five years. ViewIn our view, the weakness reflects tighter global liquidity, geopolitical uncertainty, and intensifying competition within ASEAN for investment capital. If financial conditions ease and regional manufacturing relocation continues, FDI could gradually recover toward the BSP’s US$7.5bn projection for 2026. ActionWe remain selective on sectors linked to foreign capital inflows. Disclaimer: The information, analyses, and views contained herein is based on sources which we, AB Capital Securities, believe are reliable, but is not guaranteed by us and is not to be considered all inclusive.

Marcos: Charter flights underway for OFWs in Middle EastA man checks the wrecakge after an Israeli air strike in the southern Beirut suburb of Haret Hreik on March 2, 2026MANILA, Philippines — The government will provide chartered flights to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in conflict-hit Middle East so they can return to the Philippines safely, President Marcos said yesterday. We are arranging charter flights because the situation has improved somehow,” the President said. Marcos said three flights carrying Filipinos have already left from Dubai. More than 400 Filipinos have returned to the Philippines since the war in the Middle East started. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) assured lawmakers that there are sufficient funds to assist OFWs and support repatriation efforts in the Middle East.

ConsolationThis is a small consolation. Compare that to the global natural gas market where prices spiked by 50 percent – and rising even higher. Supply chains for the world’s gas supply have been cut and the dislocation could last months. The best scenario is that our gas supply may contribute about 2,000 MW to the nation’s power grid. For every dollar of Malampaya gas sold, about 47 cents accrue to the state – certainly much more than imported LNG contributes.

Japan to release around 80 million barrels from emergency oil stocksFILE PHOTO: Japanese national flag hoisted atop of the Bank of Japan headquarters building is seen between traffic signals in Tokyo, Japan January 23, 2025. REUTERS/Issei Kato/File Photo

Core units power hike in MPIC profitMPIC saw its core net income climb by 15 percent to P27.1 billion in 2025 from P23.6 billion in the previous year. MANILA, Philippines — Conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) recorded a double-digit jump in core earnings last year, sustaining its growth momentum amid strong performance from its power, water and health care businesses. MPIC saw its core net income climb by 15 percent to P27.1 billion in 2025 from P23.6 billion in the previous year. Meralco’s core net income grew by 12 percent year-on-year to P50.6 billion, boosted by stronger contributions from both the power generation and distribution utility businesses. Higher revenues and improved network efficiency, meanwhile, buoyed Maynilad’s core profit by 19 percent to P15.2 billion.

FDI inflows fall to five-year lowData released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed that net FDI inflows slumped by 17 percent to $7.8 billion last year from $9.4 billion in 2024. MANILA, Philippines — Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the Philippines dropped to their lowest level in five years in 2025, as investors turned cautious amid global uncertainties and shifting financial conditions. Data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed that net FDI inflows slumped by 17 percent to $7.8 billion last year from $9.4 billion in 2024. For December alone, FDI net inflows jumped by 31.1 percent to $560 million from $427 million in December 2024. The BSP forecasts FDI inflows into the Philippines to reach $7.5 billion this year.

Asian growth during period of oil price shocksThe first large oil price shock occurred in late 1973-1974, triggered by the Yom Kippur war in Israel and its aftermath. 1970s-1990sThe first large oil price shock occurred in late 1973-1974, triggered by the Yom Kippur war in Israel and its aftermath. The second occurred in 1979 during the Iran civil war, oil price jumped from $13/barrel in 1978 to $29.8 in 1979, or more than double price hike. Data sources: for crude oil prices, Energy Institute’s Statistical Review of World Energy 2025. The ASEAN-6 economies were also hardly affected by high oil price shocks.

Keeping lights on amid global uncertaintyJust days after Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted key supply routes, fuel prices surged with double?digit increases. The rising tensions in the Middle East are sending shockwaves through global energy markets, and the Philippines -- being a major oil?importing nation -- is feeling the impact. As global tensions create new uncertainties, the importance of collective action in strengthening the country’s energy security has become even more evident. With global energy markets under pressure once again, Meralco has reiterated its focus on maintaining reliable service, communicating openly with consumers and supporting the government’s push for greater energy efficiency. These efforts reflect the company’s long?standing approach to navigating external challenges while helping customers manage their consumption.

Eala’s Indian Wells dream run endedMANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala went down to a crushing defeat at the hands of world No. 14 Linda Noskova, 6-2, 6-0, in their Round of 16 duel in the Indian Wells Open in Indian Wells Garden in California yesterday. The 20-year-old Filipina was up 2-0 in head-to-head duels with Noskova back in their junior days marked by Eala’s huge win in the 2020 French Open girls’ singles quarterfinals. Noskova put up a clinic marked by seven aces – bombs that shattered the hearts of the predominant Filipino crowd in the cavernous Stadium I inside the Indian Wells tennis center. A quarterfinalist in the Australian Open last year, Noskova will face Talia Gibson of Australia (No.

Concerns raised over VP lawyers’ possible conflict of interestVP Sara Duterteâ? solons Vice President Sara Duterte holds a press conference on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026 to announce her presidential bid in the upcoming 2028 elections. MANILA, Philippines — House public accounts panel and Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon yesterday raised concerns over a potential conflict of interest after two members of the legal team of Vice President Sara Duterte in the ongoing impeachment proceedings were identified as possible witnesses in the handling of confidential funds. He noted that Poa served as DepEd spokesperson when Duterte was agency chief. Meanwhile, Munsayac has served as spokesperson of the Vice President and DepEd Assistant Secretary for Procurement.