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Oil price rise pushes up Thai inflation

Soaring oil prices approaching US$100 a barrel is pressuring Thai inflation, which hit a three-month high in August, say analysts, as lingering hostility in the Middle East and the impacts of the “super El Niño” weather phenomenon on crops could push consumer prices up by 3% later this year.

The consumer price index (CPI) expanded by 2.53% year-on-year in August, surpassing the previous month’s increase of 1.95% and market expectations of 2.43%, according to Asia Plus Securities (ASPS).

This increase stemmed from both food and other categories, with prices rising for 310 goods and services, led by fuel, public transport, and agricultural/food products, such as curry over rice, rice, chicken and vegetables.

“Compared with the previous month, the CPI increased by 0.56%. I believe this is a signal that needs to be closely monitored because if the month-on-month rate does not decline from this level, inflation could remain above 2.5% for the rest of the year,” said Therdsak Thaveeteeratham, executive vice-president of ASPS.

“The question is whether the month-on-month rate will really remain unchanged because oil prices are still high compared with last year, and even compared with the previous month, they have continued to rise.”

Brent crude traded as high as $99 per barrel on Tuesday, supported by ongoing instability in the Middle East and a potential agreement between Iran and Oman to regulate shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which could potentially lead to the introduction of transit fees in the future. Such fees would conflict with the US position advocating free navigation through the strait.

Mr Therdsak said the greater concern for Thailand is the El Niño phenomenon. Data from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration indicates an 81% chance of El Niño developing into a very strong pattern between October-December 2026, extending into early 2027.

This weather pattern often directly impacts agricultural yields, leading to droughts and significantly driving up prices of food items in the inflation basket, especially rice, meat and fresh vegetables.

An impending drought could push the inflation rate higher than the Bank of Thailand’s forecast, implying a continued risk that the Monetary Policy Committee might have to raise interest rates in the future, he said.

BofA (Bank of America) said in a research note the latest Thai inflation data provides further evidence that cost pass-through is becoming more visible, although it is concentrated in selected categories.

“Looking ahead, headline inflation appears to have bottomed in July and looks likely to move higher over the coming months,” said the bank. “With energy prices rebounding, food inflation becoming more visible, and favourable base effects from last year, headline inflation could move closer to 2.9-3.0% year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2026 or the first quarter of 2027.”

Punyawat Srisingh, senior economist at Siam Commercial Bank’s Economic Intelligence Center, said inflation is on course to increase further during the final four months of 2026. However, the full-year total is expected to remain below 2% as consumer prices expanded by only 1.37% year-on-year in the first eight months.

VIP refuge

What amazing serendipity. Martin Romualdez checked into Cardinal Santos Medical Center about an hour before the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant for his arrest on the (normally) non-bailable charge of plunder.

By the time the warrant was served by a team led by the Philippine National Police chief himself, Romualdez was already comfortably resting in a hospital bed.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla told us on One News’ ‘Storycon’ that he had to go to the hospital because its personnel were preventing the police from finding Romualdez to serve the warrant.

After Remulla threatened to charge the hospital staff with obstruction of justice, he was directed to Romualdez’s room where they had a talk before the cops led by Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez were allowed in.

For the photo op, an orange detainee’s shirt was draped over Romualdez’s hospital garb as he lay in bed. Remulla said the shirt ostensibly could not be worn due to the monitors attached to the congressman’s body.

Considering the lengthy list of Romualdez’s supposed serious afflictions in the medical certificate submitted by his lawyers to the Sandiganbayan, he should have been getting IV treatment and perhaps wearing an oxygen mask for his ‘cardiovascular event.’

But maybe his doctors drew the line on the drama and refused to provide the medical props that might melt the hearts of Sandigan justices and allow his continued ‘hospital arrest.’

The man who once aspired to succeed his cousin as president can still avail himself of the go-to prop of VIPs facing incarceration: a wheelchair. Maybe he can borrow a neck brace from Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

If the government had hoped Romualdez’s court indictment and arrest would blunt criticism – and not just from the DDS – of selective prosecution and weaponization of the ombudsman, ‘hospital arrest’ would reinforce perceptions of special treatment for the well-connected.

It stoked suspicions that the cases against Romualdez are designed for dismissal and he would eventually be cleared of everything, like the Sandigan’s impressive dismissal (since the start of the current administration) of all the remaining forfeiture cases involving the Marcoses’ vast wealth.

Romualdez surely understands the reason for the public dismay over his hospital stay. It follows a depressing pattern of VIPs using hospitals as a refuge from the treatment of ordinary detainees in this country.

An asylum bid in the European Union, particularly France, is another option – if the accused plunderer manages to leave the Philippines before a precautionary order is issued to prevent the departure.

Manuel Bonoan was pushed around in a wheelchair when he was held for plunder, and managed to obtain permission to be detained in the PNP General Hospital until his release after he was allowed to turn state witness. He must have miraculously recovered; he wasn’t moved to a private hospital for continued confinement following his release.

Bonoan at least looked sick, and his cancer diagnosis seems genuine. Romualdez looks sick simply of his cousin BBM and Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla.

Even at the commercial bank where I went yesterday, it was the topic of conversation: just keep stealing from public coffers; when caught, seek refuge in a hospital.

Public dismay and skepticism are unfortunate, considering the serious accusations hurled and strong words used by the ombudsman in discussing the charges filed against Romualdez, his housekeeper, Zaldy Co and a currency exchange operator.

The accusations sound more hurtful in Filipino. Ombudsman Boying Remulla did not mince words, saying the stolen money had become so massive it was bulging visibly: ‘Sa dami ng perang nakulimbat, hindi na maitago. Nagpupumutok na… wala nang mapaglagyan.’

It calls to mind a word from the scandal-ridden Arroyo administration: bubukol. Too much of dirty money eventually shows.

In the court filings, Romualdez is accused of wielding ‘institutional influence’ over Zaldy Co, chair of the appropriations committee, to demand a monthly quota of P2 billion in kickbacks from Co from September 2022 until 2025.

To park the nagpupumutok na kinulimbat, shell companies were allegedly created. Romualdez even donated $2 million to Harvard University, the ombudsman said.

The charges tend to validate a story told by Romualdez’s in-law, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, about an uncharacteristically blistering tongue-lashing that President Marcos supposedly gave his once favorite cousin at Malacañang over budget insertions. Tiangco told me that he had never seen BBM so furious and using rude language. ‘Ako ang nanliliit,’ Tiangco told me, adding that he wanted to leave the room but could not.

Tiangco told Storycon in another interview that BBM had asked Romualdez how much wealth would be enough, how many mansions, planes, helicopters, Ferraris. BBM reportedly told his cousin: ‘Martin, kayo ni Zaldy, ilang bahay ba ang gusto n’yo sa Forbes Park? Gaano karaming eroplano, helicopter? Gaano karaming caviar kaya n’yo kainin? Ilang Ferrari gusto n’yo?’

Jonvic Remulla told us yesterday that the planes, helicopters and yachts are under close watch because Romualdez is considered a flight risk. Remulla said they are also preparing to ask the Sandiganbayan for Romualdez’s transfer to the PNP General Hospital, which is equipped to handle his supposed afflictions.

The Sandiganbayan has summoned Cardinal Santos doctors to discuss the health of Romualdez. The court should also send a team from the Philippine General Hospital led by its director, Dr. Gerardo Legaspi, to conduct an independent medical assessment of Romualdez’s health condition. Legaspi did this upon the court’s request in the case of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta.

Romualdez has warned that he will not be the scapegoat or fall guy, and that ‘I will not go quietly, and I will not go alone.’ The public’s reaction? Go ahead and do it already.

What the public is concerned about at this point is that VIP refuge from detention isn’t a harbinger of VIP justice ahead, which often translates into looters getting away with everything.

Rain and thunderstorms expected in Azerbaijan

Weather conditions expected in Azerbaijan on September 10 have been forecast.

According to the National Hydrometeorological Service, Baku and the Absheron Peninsula are expected to experience partly cloudy weather, occasionally overcast. Intermittent rain is forecast in some areas during the first half of the day, with a chance of brief thunderstorms in parts of the peninsula. Northerly winds will prevail.

Temperatures in Baku and on the Absheron Peninsula will range from 15 to 19 C at night and 24 to 27 C during the day. Atmospheric pressure will be around 763 millimetres of mercury, while relative humidity will be 70-80 percent at night and 55-65 percent during the day.

Mostly dry weather is expected in Azerbaijan’s regions. However, some areas may see brief showers of a torrential nature and thunderstorms during the day. Fog is expected intermittently in some mountainous areas overnight and in the morning. Light easterly winds will prevail.

Temperatures in the regions will be 13-17 C at night and 25-29 C during the day. In mountainous areas, temperatures will range from 6 to 11 C at night and 15 to 20 C during the day.

SMART/MVPSF Philippine jins to strut stuff at World Poomsae Championships

Two Asian Games-bound taekwondo jins get the chance to further harness their skills and routines when they compete at the 2026 World Poomsae Taekwondo Championships from September 16-20 in Chuncheon, South Korea.

Philippine Taekwondo Association Grandmaster Sung-Chon Hong is confident that the five-day event would give 22-year-old Jeus Gabriel Derick Yape and 18-year-old Juliana Mykhail Candelaria the vital exposure and knowledge before taking part in the continental showpiece.

Joining them are 40 others (21 males and 21 females) in the event that will bring together top athletes from around 75 countries, including South Korea, China, France, Spain, Iran, Turkiye, Germany, Chinese Taipei and the United States.

Backing the participation of the SMART/MVP Sports Foundation Philippine squad are Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee and Milo.

The squad will be competing in the senior, junior and cadet divisions.

Also seeing action in the senior men are Hangzhou Games bronze medal winner Patrick King Perez, Ian Matthew Corton, Joaquin Dominic Tuzon, King Nash Alcairo, Darius Venerable, Justin Kobe Macario, Rodolfo Reyes, Jr., Jay-R Casas, Ernesto Guzman Jr. and June Ninobla.

Apart from Candelaria, also taking part in the senior women are Jocel Lyn Ninobla, Maria Nicole Anne Labayne, Sofia Ysabelle Sarmiento, Juvenile Faye Crisostomo, Janna Dominique Oliva, Zyka Angelica Santiago, Aidaine Krishia Laxa and Julianna Martha Uy.

In the junior male side are Caleb Angelo Calde, Marcus Jared Maquiraya, Alfonzo Gabriel Tormon, Adrian Joseph Gajasan, Jose Javier Mella, Aeden Roffer Cereno, Ashton Martin Losaria and Reijes Mcheil Landicho.

The junior women will be composed of Clarissa Louise Gallego, Austine Zulaika Macaraeg, Angel Lyn Dacanay, Eesha Ysabela Cunanan, Erica Jen Amora, Marielle Elaine Montecillo and Rhianne Jane Macabales, while making the Cadet Men are Xian Gabriel Gamata, Johann Gabriel Ventura and Damien Azlan Marcela.

In cadet women are Joniya Yua Ysabelle Obiacoro, Berenice Yuri Cupit, Jeianna Karrlyn Dela Cruz, and Jamella Jareau Crane Mabanglo.

Heading the delegation is Tem Igot Mella, while designated as coaches are Rani Ann Ortega and Jeordan Dominguez

IRGC claims attacks on 20 vessels in Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) carried out attacks against two U.S. vessels, eight oil tankers and 10 other ships.

The IRGC said the vessels were targeted while attempting to pass through what it described as a “prohibited and dangerous route” in the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC stated that the attacks were carried out in response to U.S. strikes on five Iranian oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. According to the statement, the targeted vessels sustained significant damage.

The IRGC also noted that the Strait of Hormuz remains under the “strong control and management” of its naval forces.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, holding significant strategic importance as approximately 20% of global oil supplies and around 25% of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports pass through it. Essentially, it serves as an energy artery for countries in Asia, Europe, and even the United States.

The strait separates Iran from Oman, and in some areas, the width of the shipping channel is only two miles on each side. Given its critical role in global energy supply chains, ensuring the safety and security of this vital waterway is paramount for international trade and economic stability.

Azerbaijan, China seek to boost cargo flows on Middle Corridor to Europe

Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY) and its Chinese partners have discussed new opportunities to develop the Middle Corridor, increase cargo transportation and expand logistics capabilities.

According to the information, the discussions took place during the AGEM (CICA) Port Authorities Conference in Baku. ADY Chairman Rovshan Rustamov held meetings with delegations from major Chinese port and technology companies.

The meetings focused on developing transport and logistics ties between Azerbaijan and China, increasing cargo flows along the Middle Corridor, and introducing digital solutions in port and railway operations.

During a meeting with representatives of Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) and technology company NIZE Tech, Rustamov discussed ways to increase regular container shipments along the Middle Corridor. The sides stressed the importance of identifying cargo that could be transported from Shanghai to Europe via Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea and Azerbaijan, as well as exploring new areas of cooperation.

The parties also discussed the digitalization of port operations and the introduction of smart-port solutions. Potential areas of cooperation included terminal management systems, intelligent cargo entry and accounting solutions, cargo yard management, data integration, and digital coordination between port and railway operations.

ADY, SIPG and NIZE Tech highlighted the need to continue cooperation on the Middle Corridor and exchanged views on possible joint steps.

Rustamov also met with a delegation from Lianyungang Port Authority. The sides discussed the development of the Lianyungang-Baku route, expanding block train services along the Middle Corridor and attracting more cargo traffic to Europe.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of existing cooperation between ADY and Lianyungang Port and the opportunities it creates. The sides agreed that closer exchange of information on cargo flows, train schedules and logistics requirements could improve the efficiency of the Lianyungang-Baku route, help optimize transit times and make the route more competitive.

At the end of the meetings, the parties agreed to continue cooperation on developing the Middle Corridor, increasing cargo flows along the China-Azerbaijan-Europe route, improving logistics processes and introducing new technological solutions.

Aleksandr Yakovlevich Sharovsky

The Azerbaijani cultural community has suffered a great loss. A prominent representative of Azerbaijani theatre, Chief Director of the S. Vurgun Azerbaijan State Academic Russian Drama Theatre, recipient of an individual pension from the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, People’s Artist Aleksandr Yakovlevich Sharovsky passed away on September 9, 2026, in the 79th year of his life.

Aleksandr Sharovsky was born in Baku on February 10, 1948. After graduating from secondary school, he received higher education at the Faculty of English Language and Literature of the Azerbaijan Pedagogical Institute of Foreign Languages from 1968 to 1973.

Aleksandr Sharovsky began his professional career at the Azerbaijan State Young Spectators Theatre while he was still a student. Devoting his life to theatre, he worked at the S. Vurgun Azerbaijan State Academic Russian Drama Theatre for half a century from 1976, serving as an actor, assistant director and stage director, and as chief director from 1993.

Aleksandr Sharovsky made a significant contribution to the achievements of Azerbaijani theatre as an artist who skillfully drew on the classical traditions of theatre as well as contemporary trends in its development. He created characters distinguished by their naturalness on the theatre stage. As a director, through his extensive creative work and artistic searches, he staged numerous valuable works from Azerbaijani and world dramatic literature. Many of these productions stood out for their strong stage interpretations and were warmly received by the theatre community. These productions were also successfully performed at prestigious theatres outside the country, contributing to the promotion of Azerbaijani culture.

Aleksandr Sharovsky was also known for his extensive public activities. As a member of the Board of Trustees of the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre and head of the Baku religious community of European Jews, he devoted all his efforts to bringing the realities of Azerbaijan to the attention of the international community and preserving multicultural values in the country.

Aleksandr Sharovsky’s services to the development of Azerbaijani culture were duly recognised by the state. He was awarded the honorary titles of Honored Artist (1987) and People’s Artist (1998), as well as the Shohrat (Glory) Order (2008), the Sharaf (Honour) Order (2018), among the highest state awards of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Honorary Diploma of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan (2023).

The cherished memory of Aleksandr Yakovlevich Sharovsky, a renowned artist and public figure, as well as a sincere and kind person, will forever live in the hearts of those who knew him.

May he rest in peace!

Ilham Aliyev

Mehriban Aliyeva

Ali Asadov

Sahiba Gafarova

Samir Nuriyev

Eldar Azizov

Farah Aliyeva

Adil Karimli

Ramin Mammadov

Polad Bulbuloglu

Anar Rzayev

Haji Ismayilov

Shafika Mammadova

Lyudmila Dukhovnaya

Azerbaijan to facilitate transit of Russian wheat to Armenia

Another shipment from Russia to Armenia in transit through Azerbaijan will take place tomorrow.

According to the information, 20 railcars of barley and 21 railcars of wheat will be sent to the neighboring country.

The freight train will depart tomorrow from the Bilajari station of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC.

The development follows a key policy shift announced on October 21, 2025. In a joint press statement with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev confirmed that Azerbaijan had lifted all restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia that had been in place since the period of occupation. The first shipment under this new framework consisted of Kazakh grain delivered to Armenia.

The ‘real pressure’

In a video message last Monday, Vice President Sara Duterte talked about certain kinds of ‘real pressure’ being borne – not by her, she swore. The ‘real pressure,’ VP Sara bewailed, is being made to bear upon all of us Filipinos. VP Sara assuaged though her well-wishers she remains ready and capable to face these ‘real pressures’ along with the people.

VP Sara was addressing the sentiments of many of her loyal and rabid supporters about the on-going Senate impeachment trial against her. And just last Friday, she added, she was criminally charged with three counts of grave threats before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) and subsequently posted bail for her temporary liberty.

‘So many of you have sent messages of support, prayers and concern. With so many messages, I cannot respond to each one… Many also said that they are stressed out by the impeachment and the cases I am facing,’ VP Sara cited.

‘I want to convey to all of you that you do not need to worry and do not be pressured,’ she assuaged the public in general.

VP Sara reiterated her lament that she is not getting a fair shake under the administration of her estranged ‘UniTeam’ erstwhile partner President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (PBBM). She begrudged again her travails since she resigned from the Cabinet and left the Marcos administration in July 2024. ‘My only trust is in the people, and I am deeply grateful for your continued trust despite the relentless political harassment from the Marcos administration,’ she stressed.

This was after Quezon City RTC Branch 98 of presiding judge Maria Angelica De Ramos found probable cause on three counts of grave threats directed at President Marcos, First Lady Liza Marcos and former speaker Martin Romualdez. Incidentally, both VP Sara and Judge De Ramos belonged to Sororitas Reginae Juris during their student days at the San Beda College of Law.

Herself a lawyer, VP Sara was accompanied by her legal advisers led by former Office of the Vice President (OVP) official spokesman Michael Poa, one of her defense counsels at the Senate impeachment court. Still, VP Sara publicly echoed her distrust of the police as well as the court. If she does not trust the Philippine courts, then why are they insisting to bring back her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, to face here in our country the charges on alleged extrajudicial killings and not prosecuted at The Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC)?

VP Sara voluntarily surrendered to the De Ramos court in QC. By doing so, she evaded the spectacle of being arrested and handcuffed as police procedures required on the service of warrant. But that was exactly what she wanted originally, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed last Monday.

Remulla spilled the beans that the Vice President’s chief security purportedly inquired about her being taken to the Camp Crame Detention Center where she could be photographed being handcuffed and be seen ‘behind bars.’ Actually, Remulla pointed out, the VP is facing a bailable offense and therefore no need for her to go through such ‘drama.’ The DILG secretary surmised the OVP had a change of mind and she went directly instead to QC court.

Contrary to those who do not know court procedures, there was no ‘special treatment’ given to VP Sara that day. No less than her own arch critic Jess Falcis at PolitikoTalks last Friday night explained the new court procedures allow the accused to submit their own mug photos, barangay certification and detailed map where she resides and finger-printing.

Falcis surmised VP Sara did not present herself to the court right away that Friday night to prepare these requirements for a bailable offense like grave threats. Incidentally, lawyer-singer Jimmy Bondoc hit the right note on that same night’s show at PolitikoTalks in correctly predicting the likely arrest soon of VP Sara’s arch nemesis, ex-speaker Romualdez.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, older brother of the DILG secretary, finally filed at the Sandiganbayan the first of a ‘series’ of plunder, graft and money-laundering cases against Romualdez.

After seven months of investigation, the ombudsman charged Romualdez in the alleged P7.4-billion kickbacks from the questioned flood control projects under the 2022-2025 budget laws approved during his watch as speaker of the 19th Congress.

Like a tag team, the Remulla brothers are now making sure to carry out PBBM’s promise of no special treatment given to any accused, even the latter’s own first cousin. But Romualdez beat them to a draw by going to Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City. Before he could be served the arrest warrant for his plunder case, he placed himself under hospital detention. Since plunder is a non-bailable crime, the Sandiganbayan ordered yesterday the attending doctors of Romualdez to explain and justify their diagnosis of their patient.

The arrest of the so-called ‘big fish’ in the flood control scandal eclipsed VP Sara’s video message on ‘real pressures’ she is being made to suffer.

‘The real pressure is the shame that I can do so little to help you through your suffering right now,’ VP Sara grumbled. ‘With every time you swim in the flood, with your children going hungry, with the hardship you suffer due to the continuous increase in the price of goods and the various burdens caused by the Marcos administration, I feel like I am not doing enough to alleviate your suffering,’ she complained.

‘The real pressure is being a government official while I see that Marcos and some other officials seem to only put their own interests first, instead of the welfare of every Filipino. The real pressure is the historic drop in the value of the peso against the dollar, which is now at 62.77 pesos (to a $1). The real pressure is your loss of trust in the government,’ VP Sara ranted.

But is there a bogus or fake pressure? Or perhaps artificial or trumped up pressure?

WATCH: UAAP coaches preview Season 89

During the UAAP Season 89 pre-season press conference Tuesday, September 9, coaches from several basketball teams shared their preparations and expectations ahead of the new campaign.

Adamson head coach Nash Racela, UE’s Chris Gavina, Ateneo’s Louie Alas, NU’s Jeff Napa, UST’s Pido Jarencio, FEU’s Sean Chambers and UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon gave their outlook on Season 89.