Category: Philippine Star

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In a letter addressed to NBI Cybercrime Division Acting Chief Atty. Wilma Delgado, Malayang Konsyumer said that while e-commerce platforms have been actively implementing voluntary takedowns of counterfeit shops, with proactive removal rates exceeding 85% to 93%, the sale of counterfeit goods online remains rampant. Proof of this is the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights’ seizure of P18.64 billion worth of counterfeit goods.

These include products across several categories, including cosmetics and skincare, pharmaceuticals and health supplements, electronics and gadgets, apparel, footwear, accessories, fragrances, children’s products, hygiene products, household adhesive products, and optical media.

“Self-regulation and voluntary takedowns on e-commerce platforms are vital, but they are not enough. The individuals and syndicates operating behind these digital storefronts continue to hide behind online anonymity, endangering Filipino consumers with unregulated and hazardous products,” said Mark Jansen Magsano, Malayang Konsyumer Convenor.

The group underscored that the online distribution of fake goods is not a series of isolated infractions, but a structured cyber-enabled commercial crime. Because these offenses are committed using information and communications technologies, they fall squarely under The Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, carrying aggravated penalties when violations of the Intellectual Property Code, Consumer Act, and Food and Drug Administration laws are executed online.

To dismantle these digital operations, Malayang Konsyumer urged the NBI Cybercrime Division to enforce its specialized legal tools under the anti-cybercrime law, including applying for Warrants to Disclose Computer Data to unmask anonymous account holders, and Warrants to Search, Seize, and Examine Computer Data to preserve vital digital evidence.

Drawing encouragement from the NBI’s successful swift actions earlier this year, such as the seizure of counterfeit beauty products in Rizal, the group called on the bureau to treat online counterfeit rings with equal urgency and prosecute the masterminds behind them.

“Filipino consumers deserve a safe digital economy. Tracking down and prosecuting the syndicates operating these illegal online listings will send a strong message that cyber-enabled intellectual property violations and consumer endangerment will not be tolerated,” Magsano said.

Earlier, Magsano’s group also urged the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines to crack down against counterfeit goods online.

Beauty + Health and Wellness Manila (BHW), the Philippines’ premier trade expo for the self-care, beauty, and wellness industry, celebrates its 10th anniversary this September 17 to 19 at SMX Convention Center Manila.

Organized by Global-Link MP Events International, Inc., in partnership with the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP), and co-located with the Hotel and Foodservice Suppliers Show, BHW has grown over the past decade into one of the country’s largest platforms connecting brands, buyers and industry professionals under one roof. This event also supports the programs and beneficiaries of the Ayala Foundation, Inc.

A decade of defining the future of self-care

For 10 years, BHW has served as a meeting ground for brands across the beauty, health, and wellness industries, offering exhibitors a platform to showcase products, build partnerships, and expand their reach, while giving visitors direct access to the latest innovations in self-care.

This year’s edition is expected to welcome over 75 local and international brands across more than 1,900sqm of exhibit space, drawing thousands of trade buyers and visitors over the three-day event.

Exhibit categories span the full breadth of the beauty, health, and wellness industry, including skincare and cosmetics, salon and spa products, health and dietary supplements, fitness and wellness devices, natural and holistic wellness solutions, and beauty business services such as technology, packaging, and sourcing solutions.

Beyond the expo floor

Aside from the exhibit floor, BHW Manila 2026 will feature a full program of activities, including live makeup demonstrations, industry seminars and expert-led talks.

Confirmed sessions include a live makeup and color theory session by Makeup Science Asia Academy, a typography and branding seminar presented by the Philippine Center for Creative Imaging (PCCI), a talk on mental health awareness and self-care from Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA), presentations from the Department of Science and Technology’s Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) on cosmeceutical innovation and cosmetic safety standards, discussions on certification in the Philippine aesthetics, beauty and wellness Industry from the Philippine Association of Wellness and Aesthetics (PAWA).

Built for business and consumers alike

A key differentiator of BHW is its dual B2B and B2C format, designed to serve both industry professionals and everyday consumers within a single event.

Trade visitors, including retailers, distributors, salon and clinic owners and entrepreneurs, can source new suppliers, discover product innovations, and build business partnerships. At the same time, consumers can explore, sample, and shop the latest in beauty, health, and wellness products directly from participating brands.

Justin delos Santos is bringing more than his game to the Philippine men’s golf team’s bid to end a 40-year Asian Games gold-medal drought.

He is also bringing something that could prove just as valuable when the continental’s best golfers converge in Japan later this month: familiarity.

With the 20th Asian Games set to unfold in Aichi-Nagoya beginning September 19, the Philippines is hoping to finally break a title drought that dates back four decades. The country has not tasted golf gold in the Asiad since Ramon Brobio captured the individual title in the 1986 edition in Seoul, South Korea.

This time, delos Santos, Miguel Tabuena and Carl Corpus will carry the Philippine challenge at the East Course of Kasugai Country Club in Aichi Prefecture, where the golf competitions will be held from September 30 to October 3.

The original Philippine lineup had Rico Hoey, Tabuena and delos Santos, a formidable trio whose collective experience spans three of the world’s top professional circuits. Hoey has competed on the PGA Tour, Tabuena on LIV Golf, while Delos Santos has established himself on the Japan Golf Tour.

Many viewed the combination as one of the strongest Philippine men’s golf teams ever assembled for the regional sporting spectacle.

But Hoey withdrew a month before the Games to focus on his bid to retain his PGA Tour card for next season. He said he needed to play key fall events and earn valuable ranking points.

Corpus, meanwhile, emerged as a more-than-capable replacement.

A young player with an already growing résumé, Corpus broke through on the Asian Development Tour in 2025 before claiming his first Philippine Golf Tour victory later that year. His arrival has kept the Philippine side firmly in medal contention alongside the seasoned Tabuena and the increasingly accomplished delos Santos.

For delos Santos, however, the Asian Games represents more than a chance to win a medal. It is his first opportunity to wear the Philippine colors on such a major international stage.

‘It’s an incredible honor to represent the country. I’ve always enjoyed playing for teams or being a part of something bigger than myself, and while there may be some extra pressure, I’m completely embracing it and ready to take on the responsibility,’ delos Santos told Philstar.com.

And if there is one member of the Philippine trio who could have a distinct advantage in Japan, it is delos Santos.

Much of his professional career has been built in the country. He knows the demands of Japanese golf, the conditions, the courses and, perhaps most importantly, the greens.

The California Polytechnic State University product is still searching for his first victory in Japan, but his results show that he is more than capable of competing with the best there.

He finished solo third in the ISPS Handa Japan-Australasia Championship in March, his best result of the season so far. He also posted a career-best solo third in the 2022 For The Players By The Players on the Japan Golf Tour.

Just last month, he tied for 11th in the Sansan KBC Augusta Golf Tournament, further underscoring his ability to contend on Japanese soil.

That familiarity could become a significant weapon at Kasugai Country Club.

‘With the Asian Games being in Japan, I think my experience in competing there adds a level of comfort and familiarity in what’s going to be a new experience for me,’ said delos Santos.

He believes his knowledge of Japanese courses and their nuances – including the speed of the greens – can help the Philippine team adjust more quickly once competition begins.

For delos Santos, that advantage comes with an added responsibility: making the most of an opportunity he has been eagerly anticipating.

Although he has yet to play alongside Tabuena or Corpus, he is hardly unfamiliar with what they can do.

‘While I haven’t gotten a chance to play with either of my teammates, I’m always keeping tabs on Filipino players and following how they’re doing, so I have full confidence in them as well as myself to go out there and bring pride to the Philippines,’ he said.

The three will compete in the three-to-play, two-to-count team format, while also chasing individual honors.

And delos Santos intends to arrive in Aichi with his game battle-tested.

He will tee it up in this week’s ANA Open at Sapporo Golf Club in Hokkaido, followed by next week’s Richard Mille Charity Tournament at Tokinodai Country Club in Ishikawa Prefecture, before making his way to Aichi for the Asian Games.

It is an aggressive buildup, but one that fits delos Santos’ approach.

He knows the Philippines has waited a long time for another Asian Games golf champion.

Now, as he prepares to make his first appearance in the country’s tri-colors, he hopes his familiarity with Japan – and his growing confidence as a player – can help turn that four-decade wait into history.

And perhaps, finally, bring Philippine golf back to the top of the Asian Games podium.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) Port of Cebu surpassed its revenue collection target for August 2026 by ?86.86 million, generating more than ?4.06 billion in revenues.

Based on the Port’s preliminary collection report, the port collected ?4,061,858,713.18 against its assigned target of ?3,975,002,780.97.

The collection was ?86,855,932.21 higher than the target, representing a 2.19% surplus.

The positive performance was boosted by the strong collections of the Subport of Mactan and the Subport of Dumaguete, which both exceeded their respective targets for the month.

The Subport of Mactan collected ?534,792,471.76 against its ?179,764,200 target, exceeding the goal by ?355,028,271.76 or 197.50%.

Meanwhile, the Subport of Dumaguete generated ?683,860,642.10 against its ?582,996,480 target, posting a surplus of ?100,864,162.10 or 17.30%.

District Collector Zsae Carrie de Guzman attributed the port’s collection performance to strengthened revenue monitoring, proper valuation and assessment, and the collective efforts of its personnel in ensuring the efficient collection of lawful duties and taxes.

‘This achievement reflects the consistent work of our personnel and the cooperation of our stakeholders,’ she said.

She added that they remain focused on ensuring that its processes are efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the trading community.

Higalaay Festival 2026 came alive in full color, creativity and camaraderie as SM CDO Downtown and SM City CDO Uptown brought together a vibrant lineup of experiences that celebrated what makes Cagayan de Oro’s biggest festival a true celebration of friendship, culture, and community.

From art and fashion to cosplay, music and fitness, the My SM Higalaay Experience turned the city’s most-loved mall destinations into lively spaces where everyone could create memories, express themselves and celebrate Higalaay to the max.

At SM CDO Downtown, creativity took center stage through the Digital Graffiti Art Play, inviting shoppers and festival-goers to unleash their imagination and leave their own colorful mark. The interactive experience transformed digital screens into a canvas where participants could color, style, and create their own works of art-proving that there is always room for self-expression when you #GalaToTheMax.

The celebration also highlighted Mindanao’s rich cultural heritage through the Tela Mindanao Fashion Show, one of the Higalaay Festival 2026 highlights. Designed by renowned Mindanao-based designer Gil Macaibay III, the showcase featured 72 pieces across six collections, spotlighting Mindanao silk, Hinabol, Malong, Landap and Balud. Emerging designer Martha Rodriguez also brought a fresh perspective to contemporary Mindanaoan fashion, celebrating the region’s artistry, heritage, and creativity.

Over at SM City CDO Uptown, the Higalaay spirit took on a different kind of energy as the Uptown Cosplay Meet brought characters, costumes, and fellow fandom enthusiasts together. Cosplayers showcased their creativity through expressive looks and performances, transforming the mall into a colorful gathering place for fans and friends to meet, connect, and celebrate their passions.

The celebration was set to turn the volume all the way up with the Downtown Vibe Fest at SM CDO Downtown. Bringing together music, entertainment, and the city’s unmistakable Higalaay energy, the event featured performances by AJAA and Angela Ken, giving festival-goers another reason to gather with their higalas and celebrate the season together.

And as Higalaay reached its peak, the festivities continued with an unforgettable burst of movement and color through Run and Rave, where participants turned the Higalaay celebration into a high-energy experience filled with vibrant colors, music, smiles and nonstop fun.

The event brought together runners, friends, families, and festival-goers for an energetic celebration that captured the youthful and dynamic spirit of Cagayan de Oro.

More than a series of activities, the My SM Higalaay Experience reflects the many ways people celebrate friendship and community-from expressing creativity through art, embracing heritage through fashion, and celebrating individuality through cosplay, to moving together through fitness and singing along to live entertainment.

Through its Higalaay 2026 celebration, SM CDO Downtown and SM City CDO Uptown continue to create spaces where culture, creativity, entertainment, and community come together-making every visit more than just a trip to the mall, but an experience worth remembering.

This Higalaay, the memories are colorful, the moments are meaningful, and the celebration is undeniably MAXED OUT at SM CDO-All for You and your most-loved mall destination.

Home Credit Philippines (HCPH) reaffirmed its commitment to empowering young Filipinos as it officially renewed its partnership with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers and UST Growling Tigresses for UAAP Season 89, continuing its support for one of the country’s most respected collegiate sports programs.

The partnership renewal was formalized during a ceremonial signing held on August 28, 2026 at UST, alongside representatives from Home Credit, the University of Santo Tomas, its student-athletes and fellow supporters.

Now in its second year of partnership with UST athletics, Home Credit continues to invest in initiatives that inspire young people to dream bigger, work harder and build brighter futures, both on and off the court. The renewed sponsorship reflects the company’s belief that sports play a vital role in shaping discipline, resilience, teamwork, and determination among Filipino youth.

Representing Home Credit Philippines during the signing ceremony were Zdenek Jankovsky, chief business development officer (CBDO) and treasury and funding director, and Gabriel Roxas, chief marketing officer. They joined Rev. Fr. Rodel S. Cansancio, director/regent of the UST, along with athletes and officials, in celebrating another season of partnership and shared aspirations.

“As a company committed to helping Filipinos realize their aspirations, we believe that supporting young athletes goes beyond sponsorship. It is about helping create opportunities for the next generation to develop their talents, pursue excellence, and achieve their goals,” said Zdenek Jankovsky, CBDO and treasury and funding director of Home Credit Philippines “The values of perseverance, hard work and determination, demonstrated by the UST teams reflect the same values that inspire us to serve and empower Filipinos every day.”

The event also welcomed Globe Telecom as one of the newest sponsors of the UST Growling Tigers, further strengthening the team’s network of partners dedicated to supporting collegiate sports development.

The event was energized by the presence of UST Growling Tigers basketball players Mark Llemit, Angelo Crisostomo, Collins Akowe and Amiel Acido, alongside Team Managers Eric Ang and Waiyip Chong. Their participation highlighted the strong partnership between the university, its athletes, and organizations that champion student success.

“Our ongoing partnership with Home Credit Philippines reflects a shared commitment to building athletic excellence among our Thomasian student-athletes. Beyond competing for championships, our priority is preparing our young men and women for life. Having strong, dedicated partners like Home Credit encourage our athletes to dream big and perform with unwavering confidence,” shared by Rev. Fr. Rodel S. Cansancio, OP, director and regent, UST Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA)

As the UST athletes gear up for another exciting UAAP season, Home Credit remains proud to support a program that has long been a source of inspiration for aspiring athletes and sports fans across the country.

As UAAP Season 89 unfolds, Home Credit will continue to champion Filipino youth through engaging fan experiences and stories that inspire the next generation to pursue their dreams, rallying behind the UST Growling Tigers and their cheer: ‘Go USTe!’

The first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Sept. 14, 2026 officially marked the political transition of the region following the peace accord signed on March 27, 2014 between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) hopes for the success of the election and reinforces the UK as a supporter of the Bangsamoro peace process.

BCCP Executive Vice Chairman Chris Nelson believes that the success of the elections will further drive the region’s attractiveness to foreign investors.

He noted that, ‘The British Embassy is one of the [international observers] and they have been very supportive of this whole exercise…So, we hope the elections go as safe and secure as they can. And I think this will drive investments because livelihood and economic growth are key to the whole going forward, not just for Bangsamoro, but also for the whole Philippines.’

As of April 30, 2026, BARMM investments continue to grow, which has exceeded its target for 2025, reaching up to P5.1 billion.

Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) previously noted that the growth is a “strong indicator of rising investor confidence and sustained peace-driven development in the region.”

As reported by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), growth performance by major industries is recorded in trade, construction and manufacturing at 59.6%, health and social services at 13.9%, public administration and defense at 9.6%, and agriculture, forestry, and fishing at 4.9%.

In terms of British investments, Nelson also cited Sunda Energy, a British independent gas-focused company which currently holds exploration Service Contracts offshore the Philippines, particularly the exploration of the Sulu Sea.

Nelson noted that other market opportunities can be further leveraged, given the growing economy in the region and said, ‘I think renewable energy is going to be a key. Energy is a key demand in the Philippines and a key requirement. And let’s not forget that it can be 100% owned by foreign investors. I think agriculture and agribusiness is going to be also essential, feeding the growing population, and food security.’

In 2017, with the aim of increasing market opportunities for British companies outside Metro Manila, the British Chamber held a trade and investment mission in Davao City to establish partnerships within agribusiness, infrastructure, technology, banking, finance and energy.

Target Pro by Watsons celebrates 10 years of delivering dermatology-targeted solutions, powered by Japanese innovation. The milestone is testament to the trust it has received and the effectiveness Target Pro by Watsons delivers in each and every product.

In appreciation for the past decade and in the spirit of Target Pro by Watsons’ unwavering commitment, everyone is welcome to the Target Pro by Watsons pop-up at the SM Makati Main Atrium. Launched last September 10, the space offers an interactive way to engage with Target Pro by Watsons’ different product lines and new offerings.

At the press launch of the popup, Target Pro by Watsons presented an informative program-highlighting the successes of the past 10 years, key reviews from loyal users, and an expert chat featuring Dr. Vada So. The program also introduced the newest product line FEMTechLab. Target Pro by Watsons expands its range with hair care that’s tailored to hormonal, stress-induced, and postpartum hair loss.

FEMTechLab offers a complete collection of products, including Anti-Hair Fall Root Balance Scalp Serum (P1,199), Anti-Hair Fall Root Renew Scalp Serum (P1,199), Anti-Hair Fall and Clarifying Shampoo (P899), and Anti-Hair Breakage and Shining Conditioner (P899).

Apart from this, Target Pro by Watsons extends its gratitude through a special raffle that includes various special prizes, including a trip to Japan! Target Pro by Watsons e-raffle promo rewards customers every time they shop!

Running from August 15 to September 30 and open to Watsons Club Regular, Watsons Club Elite, SMAC Regular, and SMAC prestige members, every minimum P2,999 single-receipt purchase entitles you to an e-raffle entry. Every qualifying in-store purchase earns Watsons Club and SMAC Regular Members one e-raffle entry, while Elite Club and SMAC Prestige members will earn two e-raffle entries.

Online purchases give you more chances as Watsons Club and SMAC Regular members who make qualifying purchases can get two e-raffle entries, while Elite Club and SMAC Prestige members can get four e-raffle entries.

Target Pro by Watsons is an authority when it comes to solution-based skincare that’s easy-to-understand with its straight-forward approach. Favorites and bestsellers include the Vitamin C Serum, Whitening Serum, Luminous Sun Milk, Age Defense Eye Cream, Airy Spray, Body Moisturizing Cream, Dark Spot Corrector, and Whitening Lotion.

‘And as our skin needs continue to evolve as well, you can rely on Target Pro to keep listening, keep learning, and keep innovating, developing targeted solutions for every new stage, every new concern, and every chapter ahead,” said Mary Adriane Aguado, Watsons Brand Manager.

Trust in Target Pro by Watsons’ 10-year experience, and science-based skincare! Explore the products for you, targeted for better skin, better you!

Malacañang said on Tuesday, September 15, that the asylum request and political persecution claims of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque lacked basis as he continues to face charges in the Philippines.

According to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, during a press briefing, aside from qualified human trafficking complaints, Roque also faces accusations of land grabbing and tax evasion.

‘Ang paniniwala ng PCO (Presidential Communications Office) ay wala pong batayan ang ginawang request ni Harry Roque na sinasabing political persecution lang ang ginagawa sa kanya. Maliwanag naman po ang mga kaso, hindi lang qualified human trafficking,’ Castro said.

(The PCO believes that Harry Roque’s request claiming he’s experiencing political persecution has no basis. The cases are clear, and they involve not only qualified human trafficking.)

The Palace’s comment came after Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in a separate press briefing earlier Tuesday that Roque’s asylum request had been denied.

Remulla previously said Roque was applying for asylum in Austria, citing political persecution.

In the Philippines, Roque faces non-bailable qualified human trafficking charges filed by the Department of Justice over his alleged active participation in the operations of Lucky South 99, the illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Pampanga, which was raided in 2024.

An arrest warrant was issued by a Pampanga court against Roque and his co-accused in May 2025 for the qualified human trafficking case.

Meanwhile, in March this year, a group of farmers from Bataan filed land-grabbing complaints against Roque for allegedly transferring land titles, which were supposed to be distributed to 100 farmers, to a private corporation connected to a POGO firm.

The corporation’s listed address supposedly pointed to Roque’s office.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) also filed a tax evasion case against Roque and his wife in April this year for allegedly failing to pay P3.35 million in taxes connected to transactions involving Biancham Holdings and Trading Inc.

Roque denied all accusations, saying these are all part of the continuous political attacks against him.

He also dismissed Remulla’s claim that his asylum request had been denied, calling it ‘fake news.’

Roque, who served as the Palace spokesperson under then-President Rodrigo Duterte, left the Philippines in 2024.

Today, the oil price increase will be especially brutal on our consumers. Global uncertainty and the sharp depreciation of the peso explain this event.

The peso is on a slippery slope. The speculation is that the currency could fall to $1:P65 towards the end of this year. There is little we could do to defend our currency.

Optimists, as usual, are telling us the increased inflow of remittances as we near the holiday season will rescue the peso. We have been told that every year as the fourth quarter approaches. Each year, the remittance flow was not strong enough to reverse the trend towards a weaker peso.

It will certainly not be strong enough this year. Many of the economies that host our migrant workers are suffering from the fallout from Trump’s war. Our workers are spending more to support themselves in the countries where they serve. Escalating inflation is a global phenomenon.

We rely on remittances to prop up domestic consumption. Our economy runs on household spending. This has become more pronounced in the light of lesser government spending and weak industrial performance. This year, a large proportion of household spending will be dedicated to repairs after all the flooding we endured.

Meanwhile, we need more dollars to buy oil. Because of what is happening in the Middle East, Brent crude climbed to $108 last week. It will likely stay at that level into the foreseeable future. The uncertainties in this troubled region have not subsided. They have multiplied.

Last week, the Houthis in Yemen swept up the Red Sea coast and took another important city. Their bombing attacks forced Saudi Arabia to shut down a vital pipeline from the wells in the east to the ports on the western side of this country. Suddenly, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia looks like a vulnerable country defended with tin can soldiers.

The demographics do not favor the status quo. The population of Yemen is larger than the population of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states combined. Three-fourths of Yemen’s population resides in areas controlled by the Houthis. By sweeping up Yemen’s western coast and taking a strategic island at the mouth of the Red Sea, the Houthis are now better positioned to choke commerce through the narrow Bab Al-Mandeb strait.

Closure of this strait doubles the destructive power of the blockades. First, there was just the Strait of Hormuz. Now the Bab Al-Mandeb strait may be closed as well.

When the Houthis began their lightning offensive, the Saudi-sponsored Yemeni government asked for air strikes. None came. Saudi Arabia had modern military equipment but not enough men to man a credible military.

The US forces in the region could not respond to the Houthi offensive either. Twelve US bases in the vicinity have been completely destroyed by Iranian bombardment. The US forces in the region are running short of munitions. The carrier strike group is too far out in the Indian Ocean, fearing Iranian supersonic missiles.

If this trend continues, Saudi Arabia could face an existential crisis. The kingdom could dissipate ahead of the State of Israel. This is the worse-case scenario.

After Trump and Netanyahu launched the attack on Iran last February, the US and its major industrial partners were able to soften the impact on oil prices by drawing down on the strategic petroleum reserves. As the consequence, the oil price spike was more benign than it should be.

Today, however, the strategic petroleum reserves are down to their minimum operating levels. These reserves could no longer function as shock absorbers for oil prices. Worse, should the conflict expand over the next few months, supply issues could drive prices through the roof. This, in turn, portends a global recession.

Add to the loss of oil supply from the Gulf region the loss of many Russian refineries to Ukrainian drone attacks over the past month. This means even less oil getting to market. The supply/demand price dynamic kicks in.

Diesel prices in the US are at the highest they have ever been. Diesel prices here will soon replicate that. Prepare for a transport crisis over the next few weeks.

Trump did not only fail to beat Iran into submission. He has opened the door to general instability in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia looks most fragile. Bahrain could face upheaval. The economy of the other Gulf states are on their backs.

The US military worldwide is at its weakest in recent history. If Beijing makes a move to annex Taiwan, the US will not have the forces to intervene. Washington will rely on Manila to provide the troops to rescue Taiwan.

Meanwhile, bond yields in US Treasuries are spiking. This will force American interest rates to climb across the board, hitting mortgages and drying up reinvestments. Still, Trump fails to understand that his much vaunted tariffs are harming American consumers more than the other countries. Life for ordinary Americans will become increasingly unaffordable.

Things will become even more severe for Filipinos as well. We have borrowed beyond the point of prudence. As things stand, we no longer have the fiscal space to rebuild our economic momentum.

Higher interest rates loom. Our ability to grow our economy will be seriously constrained. We can go downhill very quickly on an already slippery slope.

We need to be rescued from incompetent leadership.