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Metro Manila, Philippines – The Department of Energy (DOE) said on Monday it has not ordered an additional batch of diesel supply, as current inventory remains sufficient. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the country still has more than one million barrels of diesel in storage. In its weekly report, the DOE said the local oil supply could last for 52 days, with diesel stocks estimated at 50 days. “We still have our one million barrels, or 158 million liters—it’s there and we haven’t used it yet. So we keep it at that muna kasi sufficient pa naman and we have 52 days supply,” Garin said, noting limited storage capacity should additional diesel be procured. Garin also assured that the agency, through the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), is prepared to acquire more diesel supply if needed. “Ready naman yung PNOC to order more but we need to balance it properly…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Senate President Vicente Sotto III said on Monday, April 20, he has met with some members of the majority bloc to discuss the possibility of receiving the articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte. In a message to reporters, Sotto said the discussion that took place last week was meant to give his colleagues a “heads up” on the possible impeachment case, which is now being tackled at the House of Representatives. “It’s best that we prepare for it as senator-judges. I am undergoing a crash program on the rules of court to jibe with our own rules to be sure in case of any eventuality,” he said.  The Senate leader clarified that the meeting was not a caucus but rather a simple dinner “exchanging talks and expectations.” Minority lawmakers have yet to issue a reaction.  This is not the first time senators have prepared…

Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said former lawmaker Zaldy Co remains under the custody of Czech authorities, as the Philippine government prepares to send a high-level delegation to facilitate his return. “Nananatili po siya sa kustodiya ng Czech Republic at isinasagawa natin ang lahat ng mga kinakailangang hakbang para sa kanyang pagbalik dito sa Pilipinas,” Marcos said in a video statement on Monday, April 20. [Translation: He remains in the custody of the Czech Republic and we are undertaking all necessary steps for his return to the Philippines.] The president said he has directed the Department of Justice and the Department of Foreign Affairs to lead coordination with Czech authorities. “Inutusan ko ang Department of Justice kasama ang Department of Foreign Affairs na pangunahan ang pakikipag-ugnayan… upang matiyak na maayos at naayon na proseso ang lahat,” he said. [Translation: I have directed the Department of Justice together…

Washington, U.S/Islamabad, Pakistan – The United States said on Sunday that it had seized an Iranian cargo ship that tried to run its blockade and Iran said it would retaliate, raising the possibility that the ceasefire between the two countries might not last for even the two days it is set to remain in force. Efforts to build a more lasting peace in the region likewise appeared to be on shaky ground, as Iran said it would not participate in a second round of negotiations that the U.S. had hoped to kick off before the ceasefire expires on Tuesday. A weeks-long blockade of shipping that has driven global oil prices higher likewise might remain in place. The United States has maintained a blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran has lifted and then reimposed its own blockade on marine traffic passing through the Strait of Hormuz, which typically handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. …

Metro Manila, Philippines – Trust and performance ratings for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. climbed in the first quarter of 2026, while Vice President Sara Duterte’s performance score slipped despite holding majority trust, an OCTA Research survey showed. Marcos’ trust rating increased by 6 percentage points to 54%, up from 48% in the December 2025 survey, 30% expressed distrust, while 16% remained undecided. The President’s performance rating also rose by 4 percentage points, reaching 55% from 51% in the previous survey. Meanwhile, 26% said they were dissatisfied, and 19% were undecided. Duterte, who is currently facing an impeachment trial, recorded a 2-percentage-point increase in trust rating to 55% from 53%. However, OCTA Research noted that the change falls within the survey’s ±3% margin of error and is therefore “statistically unchanged.” Distrust toward Duterte stood at 26%, while 19% of respondents were undecided. Her performance rating, meanwhile, declined by 4 percentage points…