As the Philippines is struggling with very expensive fuel prices, Indonesia assured the government that there will be a steady supply of coal for the country’s energy needs, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…
Indonesia has assured the Philippines of a steady supply of coal, the Philippine energy minister said on Tuesday.
“We have assurance, and we are good partners,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin told a news briefing.
The Philippines plans to temporarily increase coal-fired generation amid energy pressures, Ms. Garin said.
The country’s fuel supply remains manageable and the government is working to procure 1 million barrels of oil from countries within and outside Southeast Asia to build its buffer stock. The Philippines has around 45 days of fuel supply based on current consumption levels, Ms. Garin said.
The Philippines has Southeast Asia’s most coal-dependent power grid.
After ramping up LNG-fired generation, Manila was poised in 2025 for its first decline in coal power in nearly two decades, but rising LNG costs are forcing it to turn back to coal.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think coal is a good solution to ensure a stable supply of energy all over the country?
In a major move to ensure fairness in women’s sports competitions, to ensure the protection of women who participated in such events and to preserve its own integrity as a global sports governing entity, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced a brand new policy which will be applied on the 2028 Olympic Games.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the official announcement of the IOC. Some parts in boldface…
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced a new Policy on the Protection of the Female (Women’s) Category in Olympic Sport and Guiding Considerations for International Federations and Sports Governing Bodies.
Following today’s approval of the policy by the IOC Executive Board, it will apply for the LA28 Olympic Games onwards, and is not retroactive.
The policy explains that, for all disciplines on the sports programme of an IOC event, including the Olympic Games and for both individual and team sports, eligibility for any female category is limited to biological females.
Eligibility for the female category is to be determined in the first instance by SRY gene screening to detect the absence or presence of the SRY gene.
Based on scientific evidence, the IOC considers that the presence of the SRY gene is fixed throughout life and represents highly accurate evidence that an athlete has experienced male sex development. Furthermore, the IOC considers that SRY gene screening via saliva, cheek swab or blood sample is unintrusive compared to other possible methods.
Athletes who screen negative for the SRY gene permanently satisfy this policy’s eligibility criteria for competition in the female category. Unless there is reason to believe that a negative reading is in error, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime test.
With the rare exception of athletes with a diagnosis of Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) or other rare differences/disorders in sex development (DSDs) who do not benefit from the anabolic and/or performance-enhancing effects of testosterone, no athlete with an SRY-positive screen is eligible for competition in the female category at an IOC event.
Athletes with an SRY-positive screen, including XY transgender and androgen-sensitive XY-DSD athletes, continue to be included in all other classifications for which they qualify. For example, they are eligible for any male category, including in a designated male slot within any mixed category, and any open category, or in sports and events that do not classify athletes by sex.
Speaking about the policy, IOC President Kirsty Coventry said: “As a former athlete, I passionately believe in the rights of all Olympians to take part in fair competition. The policy that we have announced is based on science and has been led by medical experts. At the Olympic Games, even the smallest margins can be the difference between victory and defeat. So, it is absolutely clear that it would not be fair for biological males to compete in the female category. In addition, in some sports it would simply not be safe.”
She continued: “Every athlete must be treated with dignity and respect, and athletes will need to be screened only once in their lifetime. There must be clear education around the process and counselling available, alongside expert medical advice.”
Why was the policy developed? – The IOC administration was tasked with drafting a policy on the protection of the female category in an Olympic context that would reflect the findings of the Working Group on the Protection of the Female Category, various IOC consultations, and consideration of recent developments, including in international human rights law.
The policy was developed on the basis that it is universally accepted that providing for a female category is necessary to allow both males and females equal access to elite sport. It was guided by the IOC’s modern goals relating to equality (equal opportunities for female athletes in finals, on podiums and in championships); enhancing Olympic value (featuring both women’s and men’s finals in every sport); and visibility and inspiration (celebrating female athletes on the Olympic podium to inspire and represent women and girls worldwide).
What were the findings of the working group? – The working group reviewed the latest scientific evidence, including developments since 2021, and reached a clear consensus. Male sex provides a performance advantage in all sports and events that rely on strength, power and endurance. To ensure fairness, and to protect safety, particularly in contact sports, eligibility should therefore be based on biological sex. The group also agreed that the most accurate and least intrusive method currently available to verify biological sex is screening for the SRY gene, a segment of DNA typically found on the Y chromosome that initiates male sex development in utero and indicates the presence of testes/testicles.
For additional insight, watch the YouTube videos below.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Considering all the details included and emphasized, are you convinced the IOC justified its new policy? Were there any women’s sports events in your locality that allowed transgendered women (males who identified themselves as females) to participate over the past five years? Do you believe that transgendered women should be prohibited from joining women’s sports events?
Recently inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) headed by its Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño hosted a delegation from the Embassy of Belgium led by Ambassador Vladislava Iordanova. During the visit, Aliño proposed to them a Sister Port Agreement between the Port of Subic and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, according to the official announcement by the SBMA.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from official announcement by the SBMA. Some parts in boldface…
A sister port agreement between the Port of Subic and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges is being considered during the visit of delegates from the Embassy of Belgium to the Philippines here on March 16, 2026.
Belgian Ambassador Her Excellency Vladislava Iordanova paid a visit along with officials from the Port of Antwerp-Bruges International (PoABI), the consultancy and investment subsidiary of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges.
During their visit, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) team, led by Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño, proposed a Sister Port Agreement between the two ports to enhance the traditional friendship between the SBMA and the PoABI.
The Port of Antwerp-Bruges is the largest petrochemical cluster in Europe and the second-largest in the world; it is also the largest car-handling port in Europe, handling more than 3 million cars per year. It has two oil refineries and is a frontrunner in the energy transition.
The port is also a driver of economic growth with 4.5% GDP contribution and a total annual throughput of +370 million tonnes, including +13 million TEUs.
Meanwhile, the Subic Bay Freeport has several locators with European Equity, including Agila NY Naval Inc. and Agila South Inc. from the Netherlands, with a combined investment commitment of US$350 million.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the proposed Sister Port Agreement between the SBMA and Belgium will eventually be approved in the near future? Do you think that better trade will happen between the Port of Subic and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges will be realized?
Since the joint Israel-US military operations stated on February 28, the United States successfully hit more than ten thousand against the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran which is a military milestone, according to a Newsmax report. Clearly by this point in time, Iran’s military has been decimated although the wicked regime still has missile launchers that have yet to be destroyed.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of Newsmax. Some parts in boldface…
The U.S. military marked a major milestone Wednesday, almost four weeks into Operation Epic Fury, recording its 10,000th strike on an Iranian target, U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, said in an operational update on X.
Cooper said U.S. forces have now carried out more than 10,000 strikes since the campaign began on Feb. 28 and remain “on plan or ahead of plan” in achieving objectives to eliminate Iran’s ability to project power beyond its borders.
He described U.S. precision strikes as having “overwhelmed Iranian air defenses,” producing “tangible effects,” and said U.S. combat flights over Iran are degrading Tehran’s ability to attack U.S. forces and regional allies.
Cooper added that U.S. strikes have destroyed the vast majority of Iran’s largest naval vessels, claiming that 92 % are no longer able to sail, and that Iran’s drone and missile launch rates are down by more than 90 % as a result of U.S. and allied operations.
He also said more than two‑thirds of Iran’s missile, drone, and naval production facilities and shipyards have been damaged or destroyed, and that U.S. forces have maintained air superiority and flown over 10,000 combat sorties in the campaign.
Cooper called the performance of long‑range B‑52 bombers and the more than 50,000 U.S. troops involved “embody the courage and resilience” of service members.
Iran has mounted a sustained response with missiles and drones that have struck Israeli territory and U.S. and allied facilities across the Middle East since the conflict began.
Multiple Iranian retaliatory missile barrages have hit locations across Israel, with documented impacts including residential neighborhoods and civilian infrastructure, and one strike on March 1 killed at least nine Israeli civilians.
Iranian missiles and drones have injured thousands of people in Israel, with more than 4,000 reported injured in total.
Iran’s retaliatory strikes have also affected U.S. bases and allied facilities in Gulf states, with missiles flying through regional airspace and causing infrastructure damage, and incidents of drone strikes hitting U.S. Embassy buildings resulting in minor damage.
As of mid‑March, U.S. authorities reported at least 13 U.S. service members killed in the conflict and roughly 232 wounded, with more than 200 of the wounded returning to duty.
For other updates about what has been going lately in the Middle East, watch the YouTube news videos below.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Considering what the US military has achieved against Iran, do you think they still have sufficient ammunition to hit several thousands more? Do you think the Islamic terrorist regime will eventually break down and surrender? Considering what happened so far, do you think NATO can still come in and be helpful towards the US?
Even as the fighting against the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran continues, a major proposal to build a permanent United States embassy in the eternal capital of Jerusalem was approved by Israel, according to a news report by The Jerusalem Post.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of The Jerusalem Post. Some parts in boldface…
Israel approved a proposal to allocate land at the Allenby Complex in Jerusalem for the construction of a permanent United States Embassy on Tuesday.
The approval was announced in a joint statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar, and Construction and Housing Minister Haim Katz.
Netanyahu, Sa’ar, and Katz described the building of the embassy as a “major diplomatic move” originally set in motion by US President Donald Trump’s “courageous and historic decision during his first term to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and relocate the US Embassy there.”
The establishment of the permanent embassy will serve as a “tangible, central, and long-term expression of the US’ commitment to Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the resilience of the special relationship between the two countries,” the announcement statement continued.
Netanyahu, Sa’ar, and Katz additionally thanked US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee for his cooperation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for working to finalize the decision.
For additional insight, posted below are YouTube videos about the 2018 opening of the US Embassy in Jerusalem.
Still in relation with the recent breakthrough, I share with the holy scripture below and I encourage you to pray to the Lord for the peace of Jerusalem.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they prosper who love you [the Holy City]!
May peace be within your walls and prosperity within your palaces!
For my brethren and companions’ sake, I will now say, Peace be within you!
For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek, inquire for, and require your good.
Psalm 122:6-9 (AMPC)
For other updates about what has been going lately in the Middle East, watch the YouTube news videos below.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you supportive of Israel’s approval of allocating land in Jerusalem and building a permanent US Embassy on it?
With the ongoing war in the Middle East, the hiked prices of fuel and other problems happening already, the World Bank (WB) sees the economy of the Philippines achieving gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 4.6% this year and 5.3% next year, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
Philippine economic growth would likely remain below its potential of at least six percent until the end of the Marcos Jr. administration, according to the latest forecasts by the World Bank.
Documents on the latest $800-million Philippines Growth and Jobs Development Policy Loan (DPL) 1, approved by the Washington-based multilateral lender last week, showed a projected 4.6- percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate for the country in 2026, inching up from the post-pandemic-low of 4.4 percent in 2025. This forecast is below the government’s downgraded five- to six-percent growth target for the year.
For 2027, the World Bank expects the Philippine economy to grow by 5.3 percent, which would also be lower than next year’s downscaled 5.5- to 6.5-percent goal.
By the time President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. steps down and turns over to a new administration in 2028, World Bank projections showed 5.5-percent GDP growth, still below the six- to seven-percent target.
“The growth outlook remains moderate over the near term, with activity expected to remain subdued in 2026 before gradually strengthening… The impact of the government’s anti-corruption efforts and a significantly lower infrastructure budget in 2026 is expected to weigh on public investment,” the World Bank said.
The lender added that a smaller statistical carry-over into 2026 signals weaker initial momentum, with growth projected to average 5.2 percent in 2026 to 2028, driven by recovering private domestic demand amid easing inflation and financing conditions.
“Private consumption is expected to benefit from stable labor income and improved confidence, while private investment gradually strengthens alongside improved credit conditions and a normalization of public capital spending. External demand, particularly for electronics and artificial intelligence (AI)-related exports, is projected to remain supportive, although global trade uncertainty presents downside risks,” the document said.
This World Bank report was prepared in mid-February before it was disclosed last week, which means that the impact of the war in the Middle East was not yet taken into consideration by the lender in its GDP growth forecasts.
At that time, the World Bank projected headline inflation to stay within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) two- to four-percent target range, averaging about 2.8 percent in 2026 to 2028.
Before the domestic price pressures wrought by the Middle East conflict that sent global oil prices soaring, the World Bank believed that the BSP would likely keep a neutral-to-supportive policy stance while balancing the still-negative output gap against risks from exchange-rate volatility and food inflation. A negative output gap refers to the economy expanding below its potential, which, for the Philippines, is estimated at about six percent annually.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economic growth predictions of the World Bank for the Philippines will turn out to be true in the near future? Do you think there is any hope left for the economy of the Philippines to achieve annual GDP growth of 6%? Do you think more foreign investors will be convinced to invest in the Philippines this year?
An unexpected turn of events just happened as US President Donald Trump announced that America and the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran had very good and productive conversations and already he instructed the Department of War to postpone all military strikes against the Iranian power plants for a period of five days, according to a news report by The Jerusalem Post.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of The Jerusalem Post. Some parts in boldface…
US President Donald Trump asserted on Monday that the US and Iran have had “very good and productive” discussions over the last two days regarding a permanent end to the war.
“I am pleased to report that the United States of America, and the country of Iran, have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf is leading the talks with the United States, a source told The Jerusalem Post.
Trump added that, based on the “tenor and tone” of the discussions, which he described as “in depth, detailed, and constructive,” he had instructed the Department of Defense to postpone planned military strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure.
According to the president, the delay will span a five-day period, “subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions.“
Trump’s post contradicts a statement he published on the social media platform the day prior, when the president vowed the US would destroy Iran’s power plants if the Strait of Hormuz was not fully opened within 48 hours.
Iran reportedly denies talks to end war – An Iranian source later denied that the US and Iran were holding talks about ending the war.
“There is no direct contact with Trump, not even through intermediaries. Trump retreated after hearing that our targets would be all power plants in West Asia,” the unnamed source told the Iranian state-affiliated Fars News Agency.
For additional insight, watch the YouTube news videos below.
I am surprised by this newest development. Trump previously announced that America would strike the power plants of the terrorist regime if Iran does not fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. One has to wonder which Iranians has America been conversing with lately because the Islamic terrorist regime denied such talks happened. Could it be that Trump and his team have some sort of strategic surprise to unleash in due time? Remember that this is clearly not a ceasefire. The operations against the military sites, government sites and missile launchers of Iran were never halted. The clock is ticking and the pressure is only rising.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Were you surprised by Trump’s latest announcement? Do you think that America and Iran could be communicating with each other via back channels? What do you think Israel will do now that this development happened? Do you think it is possible for the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran to surrender unconditionally?
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of The Jerusalem Post. Some parts in boldface…
The United States will destroy Iran’s power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully opened within 48 hours, US President Donald Trump threatened in a Truth Social post on Saturday night.
“If Iran doesn’t FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS,” Trump wrote.
The US strikes will start with “the biggest one [power plant] first,” Trump stated.
Trump’s statement follows a report in Japanese media that Tehran is ready to let Japanese-related vessels pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The report came from Kyodo News, citing Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Tehran has started talks with Tokyo about possibly opening the Strait, Araghchi told the Japanese news agency in a phone interview on Friday.
Meanwhile, the US and its allies have ramped up efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, deploying low-flying warplanes to strike Iranian boats and Apache helicopters to intercept drones, US officials told the Wall Street Journal on Thursday.
If the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran refuses to give in to Trump, I would not be surprised. Iran’s wicked leaders prefer to die fighting and terrorizing the region instead of doing things diplomatically. Iran is guilty of not only attacking Israel but also Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Islamist Qatar and others. It is likely the terrorist regime of Iran will remain defiant even though many of its senior leaders and officials have been eliminated. The regime itself is obsessed with death and destruction. Whatever happens, here is hoping that the US-Israel joint forces will bring down the Islamic terrorist regime for good and liberate the oppressed and freedom-hungry Iranians.
For additional insight, watch the YouTube news videos below.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran will defy Trump’s latest warning? Are you convinced that Iran is being led by its so-called supreme leader or by a group of their highest ranking commanders who think they can fool the world? Do you think NATO will eventually get involved in the Middle East conflict and help secure the Strait of Hormuz?
Around two thousand tricycle drivers (the first batch) have received their cash relief assistance at the Aguilar Sports Complex recently, according to the social media announcement of the City Government of Las Piñas. Each tricycle driver received P5,000 as relief from the much higher prices of fuel caused by the ongoing war against the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran which itself attacked multiple nations in the Middle East with missiles and drones.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media announcement of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…
The distribution of P5,000 cash payout of the AICS program for the first batch of tricycle drivers in Las Piñas City was held at Aguilar Sports Complex.
This is part of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s support to help drivers cope with the continuing rise of oil prices due to tensions in the Middle East.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and other offices of the city government are working together to ensure a smooth and peaceful distribution of aid to beneficiaries.
On the first day of payout, almost 2,000 drivers from TODA groups ACAPODA, APHDA, ATODA, BFLTSODA, BFRSSCV, BFRV-VG, CCTODA, CEBMTODA and BFATODA were given cash assistance. Payout will continue in the coming days to provide all registered members of TODA.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Do you often ride the tricycle when moving around?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) – an intergovernmental military alliance between more than thirty member states – was slammed by US President Donald J. Trump and labeled a paper tiger due to its cowardice as it never supported the military operations against the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran, according to a news report by Newsmax.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the report of Newsmax. Some parts in boldface…
President Donald Trump on Friday blasted NATO and key European allies, calling the alliance “a paper tiger” and accusing its members of cowardice for refusing to back efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz while the United States and Israel continue military strikes against Iran.
“Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “They didn’t want to join the fight to stop a Nuclear Powered Iran.
“Now that fight is Militarily WON, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to pay, but don’t want to help open the Strait of Hormuz, a simple military maneuver that is the single reason for the high oil prices.“
Although Trump has argued the conflict is effectively over and that Iran’s military has been severely weakened, he has stopped short of formally declaring victory.
“So easy for them to do, with so little risk,”Trump wrote. “COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!“
Trump’s criticism came after Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands signaled Thursday that they were prepared to assist in keeping the vital shipping lane open.
“We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait,” the countries’ leaders wrote in a letter. “We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning.”
The letter did not specify what role those countries would play in any Hormuz security effort. The strait carries about 20% of the world’s daily oil supply, and the joint statement also voiced “deep concern” over the effect of Iranian strikes on global energy markets.
The United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands are NATO members.
Trump has repeatedly pressed NATO and European allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz and has urged several countries to take part in the military campaign, though they have so far resisted direct involvement.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Thursday he believes the alliance and its members will ultimately reach a solution to restore passage through the strategic waterway.
“I’m confident that allies, as always, will do everything in support of our shared interest as we always do,” he said.
This development raises doubts about the credibility and relevance of NATO in the 21st century. Among NATO’s members are Spain and Turkey whose leaders openly support Islamic terrorists and hate Israel. I am surprised that Italy – led by its conservative Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni – did not get involved considering her nation’s healthy ties with Trump’s America and Israel. Let’s be clear here…a lot of European nations rely on oil tankers that pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Finally, I believe it is arrogant and wrong for NATO to ignore Iran’s attacks against other states in the Gulf such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and even Islamist Qatar.
For additional insight, watch the YouTube news videos below.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Apart from the obvious cowardice, what do you think are the other factors as to why NATO and its members stayed away from the military operations against the Islamic terrorist regime of Iran? Do you think the wicked Iranian regime has deep connections with most of NATO’s members? Do you consider NATO relevant and needed in this current century?
Author Carlo Carrasco 