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Oil firms will implement another round of price adjustments on Tuesday, April 28, marking the third straight week of rollbacks following weeks of increases driven by tensions in the Middle East.

The Department of Energy said the minimum rollback for diesel is P12.94 per liter, while kerosene will be reduced by P15.71 per liter.

Gasoline prices, however, are set to increase by P0.53 per liter.

Oil companies announced the following price movements effective 6 a.m. Tuesday:

UniOil

Gasoline: P0.53 per liter (increase)

Diesel: P12.94 per liter (rollback)

Shell

Gasoline: P0.53 per liter (increase)

Diesel: P12.94 per liter (rollback)

Kerosene: P15.71 per liter (rollback)

SeaOil

Gasoline: P0.53 per liter (increase)

Diesel: P12.94 per liter (rollback)

Kerosene: P15.71 per liter (rollback)

The adjustments extend a series of rollbacks that began on April 14, after sustained price hikes since late February.

Actress Xyriel Manabat got sentimental while climbing Mt. Pinatubo with friends, which she said was her first time.

Xyriel shared about her time away from the limelight, underscoring her need for mental health break.

‘Magiging senti and vulnerable muna this morning kasi I don’t think I’ll ever fully have the words for how much this meant to me, pero thank you – truly – to everyone who respected my need to step back, who supported me quietly, and who showed so much care during a time I was really struggling,” she wrote.

‘Taking (admitting/ acknowledging that I need) mental health break wasn’t easy (lalo na po sa work ko sa dami ng workloads at packed sched), and I asked for it from a place of exhaustion and desperation. ‘The kindness, understanding, and patience you all gave me in return… I felt every bit of it. It helped me breathe again.’

She is very grateful to everyone who supports her and understands her.

‘I carry so much gratitude for all of you. Thank you for giving me the space and time to heal. Akala ko dati matapang at malakas ang pag conquer ng mga silent battles nang mag-isa at nagdudusa nang walang ibang nakakaalam…

‘Akala ko matibay ako pag nakayanan ko lahat nang sinasarili at tinatago sa mundo bigat na buhat buhat ko…

‘Pero narealize ko ang pinakamatapang pala na kaya kong gawin para sa sarili ko ay umamin at manghingi ng tulong… hindi sign ng kahinaan ang paglapit sa iba at pagtawag na dinggin ‘yung mga sigaw mo… YUN ANG PINAKAMATAPANG na nagawa ko para sa sarili ko,” the actress wrote.

Brazil, one of the Philippines’ largest meat exporters, is now allowed to ship fresh and chilled beef to the country, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Based on Department Order 9, the DA said accredited exporters from Brazil are now permitted to ship fresh or chilled beef to the country following its recognition as a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)-free country. The order also allowed exports of fats of bovine animals into the Philippines.

Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) previously requested the inclusion of certain commodities to be allowed to be exported into the country, according to the DA.

‘Based on DA’s review, the documentary requirements submitted by MAPA were found to be in order,’ the order stated.

Meat Importers and Traders Association president emeritus Jesus Cham said an FMD-free status without vaccination also allows Brazil to export bone and offals.

‘Added options to supply are always good,’ he said in a Viber message.

The World Health Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), in May 2025, officially recognized that Brazil was an FMD-free country without vaccination due to its compliance with international sanitary standards.

The declaration also means that the country has eradicated the disease and stopped vaccinating cattle, as there are no more active viruses circulating in local industries.

Achieving a disease-free status could improve both international and regional trade of animals and animal products, according to the WOAH.

The international organization also said that a comprehensive disease control program could help veterinary services secure resources from their governments to facilitate the rollout of these plans.

Brazil is the Philippines’ biggest source of imported meat and meat products. Shipment of beef from the South American country has reached 13,636.22 metric tons, according to data from the Bureau of Animal Industry as of February 2026.

Brazil makes up 44 percent of all beef imports in 2025, accounting for 92,050.84 MT. BAI data showed that meat shipments from Brazil included beef cuts and choice cuts.

Afraid of having another Duterte at the helm of the government, some people are saying that former vice president and current Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo is the only person who can give Vice President Sara Duterte a serious challenge, and suggested she throw her hat into the presidential derby in 2028.

However, Robredo said she would rather run again for a local position.

She also added that Filipinos shouldn’t succumb to the ‘savior mentality’.

‘Ako sa tingin ko dapat, alisin ‘yung mentality na may isang savior. Dahil wala namang ganyan. Wala namang monopoly ng kakayahan,’ she said in an interview a few days ago.

Yes, Filipinos all are desperate to get out of this situation we are in. By this ‘situation’ we mean entrenched corruption, incompetent governance, patronage politics, lack of accountability when it comes to public funds, and a seemingly endless cycle of poverty that results from the earlier mentioned problems, among others.

And it would seem we all just expect one person to show up, take the top position in government and, with a wave of the hand, make all these problems go away.

She’s right. It’s not actually just up to one person to change how things are in this country. It’s up to all of us, especially the voters.

Only we can save ourselves from putting inept people into positions of power where public funds are used for personal gain instead, only we can take down political dynasties that turn public service into a family business, only we can save ourselves from this cycle of poverty where the poor get even poorer with each generation.

We can’t expect change to come quickly either. With the way corruption has become so entrenched in our everyday lives, with the way some political families have become untouchable or unquestionable, with the way the electorate has become too dependent on government dole-outs or how they expect candidates to be able to buy their votes, we can’t expect attitudes to change overnight.

Well, yes, there is actually a savior who will get us out of this difficult situation, but that savior is in each one of us.

AC Health, the Ayala Group’s health care arm, is in tip-top shape for another record run this year following a banner 2025.

Despite uncertainties brought about by the ongoing Middle East crisis, AC Health president and CEO Paolo Borromeo told The STAR that the company is seeing no signs of slowing down, with its topline seen growing between 25 percent and 30 percent this year.

AC Health’s bottomline, meanwhile, is expected to see a faster expansion at between 30 and 35 percent for 2026, according to Borromeo.

He said that the company’s first quarter performance has shown solid numbers.

‘I feel like AC Health is going to be resilient,’ Borromeo said.

‘We already broke our target for clinics. And then we have a strong pipeline of hospitals to acquire,’ he said.

After registering losses over several years, AC Health booked a net income of P34 million in 2025, a reversal from the P607 million net loss incurred in 2024, fueled by the strength of its provider group, absence of KMD losses and a gain from the sale of KMD.

Its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization more than doubled year-on-year to P1.5 billion.

Revenues from the provider group, consisting of hospitals and clinics, surged by 71 percent on higher patient census, increased average spend per patient and more corporate clinic accounts.

Meanwhile, revenue from the pharma group was flat as growth in retail was offset by lower distribution revenues.

AC Health, with its integrated ecosystem, is improving access to quality medical care in the country.

Established in 2015, it has rapidly grown into one of the country’s most dynamic and integrated health care networks.

Its portfolio includes Healthway Medical Network, a network of multi-specialty clinics, ambulatory centers and full-service hospitals; Generika Drugstore, the pioneer in generic retail pharmacies; IE Medica and MedEthix, a major pharmaceutical importer and distributor and St. Joseph Drug, a leading retail pharmacy in North and Central Luzon.

In October last year, the company acquired a 60-percent stake in Cebu Velez General Hospital, a 200-bed tertiary hospital in Cebu City.

AC Health bared last year plans to expand its network to at least 10 hospitals, 300 clinics and 1,150 pharmacies by 2027.

Aside from aggressively expanding its network over a three-year period, the company also aims to become a $2-billion health care company by 2035.

With available tickets to the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals now down to five, the onus is on the teams outside the three early qualifiers to make their big moves.

Sitting at fourth, Meralco looks to take a step closer by jacking up its record to 6-2 today against a San Miguel Beer squad (4-5) bent on keeping its place inside the Magic 8.

After last week’s action, pacesetting Rain or Shine (8-1), second-running NLEX (7-2) and No. 3 Ginebra (7-2) have locked up their seats in the Last-8.

The marquee encounter set at 7:30 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium is vital as well to the Bolts’ bid for the Top 4 that comes with a coveted twice-to-beat advantage against lower-ranked rivals.

A loss will drop Meralco to fifth at 5-3, relinquishing No. 4 to TNT (6-3).

For the Beermen, it’s hugely important to grab solo seventh for now and with a 5-5 slate, get more breathing space against No. 8 Magnolia (4-5) and chasers Converge (4-6), Terrafirma (3-6), Titan (2-7), Blackwater (2-7) and even Macau (1-8).

The Bossing can get their third W if they take care of business against the cellar-dwelling Black Knights in the 5:15 p.m. curtain-raiser.

Reigning Philippine Cup SMB stumbled in its last game, losing what was supposed to be a routine win against Blackwater, 120-126. That put the Beermen in a precarious situation where they would need to hurdle the Bolts today then the Dyip and Fuel Masters to ensure a hassle-free advance to the quarters or even vie for a potential playoffs bonus.

‘We’re still in contention (but) we need to beat these three teams,’ said San Miguel coach Leo Austria, whose squad aims to overcome a listless start brought about by import problems prior to Bennie Boatwright’s recent PBA return.

Like San Miguel, Meralco absorbed a heartbreaker in its last outing, yielding a 101-104 overtime defeat to NLEX on a buzzer-beating trey by Ljay Gonzales.

Notes: Barangay Ginebra won’t be rushing Japeth Aguilar’s return after sustaining ‘pneumomediastinum’ or air in the chest from a bad fall in their 115-108 win over Blackwater last April 24. Coach Tim Cone said Aguilar is expected to be released from the hospital in the next day or two but said there’s no timetable for his comeback. ‘He’s out of danger and he’s not serious apparently,’ said Cone. ‘(But) I think he’s doubtful for these coming games when we play on Friday and Sunday,’ he said, referring to Ginebra’s big duels against Meralco and Rain or Shine, respectively. ‘We don’t have a timeframe in terms of when he’ll be back into the lineup and ready to play. Hopefully, we’ll put a game plan together in terms of getting him back in the lineup.’

Miss Universe Philippines is pulling out all the stops to ensure its 2026 edition is an enjoyable one come coronation night.

Ten (10) contestants are so far confirmed to be in the semifinals, with more joining them at the coronation night this May 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Taking charge of proceedings is drag star Marina Summers, the runner-up in the inaugural season of “Drag Race Philippines” and a finalist on “RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. the World” Season 2. Upon the announcement of her participation, Marina noted on social media that she will be the first trans woman to host Miss Universe Philippines, having publicized her transition earlier this year.

Marina previously performed at the 2024 edition, which crowned Chelsea Manalo, during the contestants’ introduction. She sang her single “Amafilipina,” which is her rendition of Maymay Entrata’s “Amakabogera.”

This year’s performers will be P-pop group BGYO, whose latest release was their single “Fresh.”

Past Miss Universe Philippines coronation night performers like Marina include James Reid, Marlo Mortel, Lola Amour, Win Metawin, Jessica Sanchez, and Sam Concepcion.

Making a special appearance at this year’s event is Miss Universe 2025 first runner-up Praveenar Singh and the main Miss Universe organization executive director Nawat Itsaragrisil, both hailing from Thailand.

More high-profile names are expected to be announced as members of the selection committee as the final date approaches.

Whoever will succeed Miss Universe 2025 third runner-up Ahtisa Manalo as the national titleholder will represent the Philippines at the diamond editon of Miss Universe later this year in Puerto Rico.

The government is looking to tap up to $1 billion in funding for the development of the country’s bamboo and livestock sectors, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

Agriculture assistant secretary and spokesperson Arnel de Mesa said the DA is seeking a $300 million to $500 million official development assistance (ODA) mainly from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

‘We are still in the conceptual preparation stage, ADB and other banks are willing to finance because there is a lot of potential, specifically of engineered bamboo,’ he told reporters.

De Mesa added that a five- to six-month feasibility study would be conducted and completed within the first or second half of next year. The DA has not yet submitted a proposal to the ADB, but several meetings have already been convened.

The agency is also seeking another $300 million to $500 million loan from the Export-Import Bank of Korea to support the country’s livestock sector through the Livestock Infrastructure Modernization and Enhancement Program.

‘It’s also still in the conceptual preparation stage, we need a full-blown project feasibility study. There are a lot of infrastructure requirements for livestock that need to be done,’ De Mesa said.

The DA targets to increase bamboo production by 9,100 metric tons through the use of tissue cultured planting materials, inorganic fertilizers, farming tools, tractor, processing equipment and curing facility in a 100-hectare plantation.

De Mesa said funding would enable the development of engineered bamboo, typically used by the construction industry. The agency plans to put up the facility in Bukidnon.

‘There is a lot of potential there, there are a lot of companies that started there,’ De Mesa added.

He said the country would likely compete with China, one of the top exporters of engineered bamboo.

‘We have a lot of production, especially the giant bamboo. It can be used for soil erosion, for reforestation, plus a very huge potential for investment and profit for our farmers,’ he added.

Justin Arana stepped up when it mattered to keep Converge in the hunt for a playoff spot in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The FiberXers came out victorious over the TNT Tropang 5G and Phoenix Fuel Masters, with Arana averaging 17.0 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists.

That earned Arana the nod as the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period of April 21-26 as Converge improved to a 4-6 win-loss record.

Arana’s performance in Converge’s 97-92 victory over TNT weighed heavily in his selection as he came out with 21 points and 10 rebounds while holding his own against 7-foot-3 import Bol Bol.

‘Tinatagan ko na lang sarili ko, kasi para sa amin do-or-die na ‘to e,’ Arana said. ‘Hindi ako pwede matakot kay Bol, kasi super kailangan namin itong laro na ‘to.’

The Arellano University product followed it up with 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists as Converge walloped Phoenix, 130-103, in new import Donovan Smith’s debut.

Both wins allowed Converge to closed in on Magnolia and San Miguel Beer, sharing seventh and eighth in the standings at 4-5.

Arana barely won the weekly honor given by Press Corps members regularly covering the PBA beat over Barangay Ginebra’s Troy Rosario and Rain or Shine’s Gian Mamuyac, who were also outstanding for their respective teams during the period.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating the possible links of fugitive gaming tycoon Atong Ang to e-sabong operations in Tondo, Manila and Talisay in Negros Occidental.

PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuano said an investigation is ongoing to determine if Ang had a hand in the operations of the e-sabong sites in Barangay Concepcion in Talisay and at the Coliseo de Manila in Tondo, which the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) raided on April 23 and March 24, respectively.

Tuano said there was no irregularity in the raid conducted by the CIDG on Coliseo de Manila.

He also denied the allegations by the lawyer of Coliseo de Manila that police officers stole P40,000 in fighting roosters during the raid.

Tuano said probers are also looking into the alleged links of a CIDG officer in Bacolod City to the e-sabong operation in Talisay.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Friday identified the officer as Maj. Edgar Tonico Jr., who heads the CIDG-Bacolod office.

Tonico was sacked from his post and was reassigned to Camp Crame while being investigated.

Ang remains in hiding after courts in Batangas and Laguna issued warrants for his arrest in connection with the kidnapping and murder of sabungeros or cockfight aficionados.