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Making sense of the phrase ‘too risky to share’

DC Alviar
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Making sense of the phrase ‘too risky to share’

First off, a blessed, solemn Holy Week and if it’s April 5, 2026, happy Easter. I miss how things used to be… It’s too risky to share. It seems like each scroll through social media we read the phrase “too risky to share” but it’s shared anyway. From kidding harmlessly to confessing profoundly, netizens write captions and posts until readers ask themselves what it means by that risk. 

Or if it’s real. 

Parang nakakahiya. Why is it posted in the first place? It may be another step without much depth or it may be the other way. Nagpapakatotoo lang.

“Too risky to share” makes sense (of course, we give the sharer the benefit of a doubt). We’ve not been comfortable volunteering all our information all the time; more so in public. It therefore expresses emotion with some protection. Lusot: “I’ll be honest, though it’s embarrassing.”

Asked why one is doing a penitencia, the usual response is, “Marami akong kasalanan.” Or: “Nagbabawas ng kasalanan.” “Too risky to share” is a declaration that “I’m not alone.” Which also means an invitation: “Join me or bear with me.” Many think that the generation now calls for more resistance and enough resilience (or enough of it). Wala nang hiya-hiya ngayon.

Losing its weight

Since it’s not really a risk, there is nothing insensitive to feel sorry about and no danger to speak of. From the very simple “wala lang” and “may masabi lang” to the most complicated: “I’m OK but no, I’m not… Too risky to share.” 

The phrase in question only means that the sharer tries to accessorize their post with it. Trying to be deep, the sharer’s post instead becomes an empty well.  (Isn’t that the reason the culture of reading can never be revived?) So young people will turn to optics. But the message is the message and it is incumbent upon them to understand its being more prevailing, never mind how good the medium is.

Following the moral direction

May this Holy Week prompt us to ask God to give us space to reflect, to grieve, and to hold on to what is right since we’re weighed down by conflict after conflict, distrust after distrust. We keep on communicating and world leaders conduct meeting after meeting, but this follows with war after war after war.

Maybe it helps if the US Congress is asked first of its approval before Donald Trump wage wars. But it’s too risky to share that he is his constituents’ leader. 

Some say that the US+Israel vs Iran (more popularly called US-Israel vs Iran) is a necessary evil in geopolitics. They say that US+Israel vs Iran (more popularly called US-Israel vs Iran) is a necessary evil in geopolitics.  I beg to differ. For the sake of national interest and security, there is reason to believe that it’s illogical; with the US “helping” Israel wage wars, I hope that peace-loving Americans will come out of their senses and stop their war-freak leaders, especially Trump. His mercurial temperament is the problem. He can’t do it in his own home, but his neighbor, his fellow American citizens, and some of their leaders have allowed and continue to allow it to go international.

That Israel and the US waging wars without rules must end. But it’s hard to start ending it if we’re only the Philippines and Filipinos. We still can help end it with God’s help. We need to communicate with Him. He is the ultimate Ruler, eternal Judge, and sender of the Savior, his Son Jesus Christ, who is the name above Trump, Netanyahu, and all other names.

If “without rules” is not the case for the Prime Minister of Israel, take a close look and read slowly the November 21, 2024 initial order of warrant of arrest issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC): “Charges: Allegedly responsible for the war crimes of starvation as a method of warfare and of intentionally directing an attack against the civilian population, and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts from at least 8 October 2023 until at least 20 May 2024.” 

He could have and should have done a Private Benjamin: Be sorry. It’ your best move. In initial phases of amity with Americans (or Trump/MAGA supporters), too much disclosure that you’re ready to receive their all-out support for your all-out war can cause discomfort. But going easy on your neighboring countries, which also brave deep, decades-old domestic problems on their own, will win Israel’s truly chosen battle: spreading love.

God who is slow to anger may ask Netanyahu to retract so many words, especially this: “History proves that unfortunately and unhappily, Jesus Christ has no advantage over Genghis Khan.” There’s no good argument overcoming morality (not even in war) with atrocities and so much power. Just be sorry. Recognize your wrongdoing. Vengeance belongs to the God of Israel, and you may accumulate worldwide popularity, rather than notoriety, when you begin to rule with the power of non-retaliation.

Some things are better left unsaid to leaders like Trump and Netanyahu… Too risky to share.


Pope Leo XIV, the first US pope, emerges as vocal critic of Trump over Iran war

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Pope Leo XIV, the first US pope, emerges as vocal critic of Trump over Iran war

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the global Catholic Church, has taken a markedly more assertive stance on international affairs, publicly urging Donald Trump to end the escalating Iran war in a significant shift from his earlier silence on U.S. politics.

For much of his first 10 months as pope, Leo avoided commenting on his home country and refrained from mentioning Trump. However, that approach has changed in recent weeks as he increasingly criticized the conflict and directly appealed to the U.S. president to pursue a path toward de-escalation.

In a public statement, Leo called on Trump to find an “off-ramp” to end the war, an American colloquialism seen by analysts as a deliberate attempt to communicate more directly with U.S. leadership.

Observers say the pope’s evolving tone signals an intention to position the Vatican as a counterweight to Trump’s foreign policy. Massimo Faggioli, a Vatican expert and professor at Trinity College Dublin, noted that Leo’s remarks appear carefully calibrated.

“I don’t think he wants the Vatican to be accused of being soft on Trumpism because he’s an American,” Faggioli said, adding that the pope’s use of familiar language was likely intentional.

Supporters within the Church say Leo is continuing a longstanding papal tradition of advocating peace. Blase Cupich, a close ally of the pope, said the difference lies in how the message is delivered.

“What is different … is the voice of the messenger,” Cupich told Reuters, noting that English-speaking audiences are now hearing the Vatican’s call for peace in more familiar terms.

In recent remarks, Leo took an unusually strong stance, saying God rejects the prayers of leaders who wage war with “hands full of blood.” The comments were widely interpreted by some conservative Catholic commentators as directed at Pete Hegseth, who has used religious language in defending U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.

The statement prompted a response from the White House. Karoline Leavitt said there was nothing wrong with leaders encouraging prayers for military personnel.

Peace advocates have welcomed the pope’s intervention. Marie Dennis of Pax Christi said Leo’s appeal reflects “a heart broken by unrelenting violence” and resonates with those seeking an end to the conflict.

The pope’s criticism has been building over time. He previously questioned whether the Trump administration’s immigration policies aligned with Church teachings, though he avoided naming specific officials at the time. He also reshaped U.S. Catholic leadership in December, replacing Timothy Dolan with Ronald Hicks in a move seen as significant within Church circles.

In March, Leo intensified his calls for peace, urging Christian political leaders who initiate wars to reflect on their actions and saying that indiscriminate airstrikes should be banned.

Michael Czerny said the pope’s message carries global weight because it speaks to the common good, particularly for vulnerable populations.

“Pope Leo’s moral voice is credible, and the world wants desperately to believe that peace is possible,” Czerny said.

Leo is set to deliver a major message during upcoming Easter events at St. Peter’s Basilica, where his address is expected to include a renewed appeal for peace amid ongoing global tensions.

Tiniyak ng Iran ang ligtas na pagdaan ng mga barkong Pinoy sa Strait of Hormuz

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Tiniyak ng Iran ang ligtas na pagdaan ng mga barkong Pinoy sa Strait of Hormuz

MAYNILA – Inihayag ng Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) noong Huwebes na tiniyak ng Iran ang ligtas na pagdaan ng mga barkong may watawat ng Pilipinas, mga pinagkukunan ng enerhiya, at lahat ng Pilipinong seafarers sa Strait of Hormuz, na apektado ng kasalukuyang tensyon sa Middle East.

Ayon sa DFA, nagkaroon si Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro ng produktibong pag-uusap sa telepono kay Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Aragchi upang talakayin ang mas matibay na bilateral cooperation sa iba’t ibang larangan.

Tiniyak ng Iranian minister na “papayagan ng Iran ang ligtas, walang sagabal, at mabilis na pagdaan sa Strait of Hormuz ng mga barkong may watawat ng Pilipinas, mga energy sources, at lahat ng Pilipinong seafarers.”

Dahil dito, nakamit ng Pilipinas ang status bilang “non-hostile country,” na magbibigay proteksyon sa mga Pilipinong seafarers at makakatulong sa seguridad ng enerhiya ng bansa. Ayon sa DFA, “ang positibong hakbang na ito ay mahalaga para sa Pilipinas, dahil hindi lamang nito titiyakin ang kaligtasan ng mga Pilipinong seafarers sa lugar kundi makakatulong din sa enerhiya ng bansa.”

Nagsimula ang pagpapatupad ng Iran ng blockade sa Strait of Hormuz noong Marso, ayon sa European Union naval officials, na nag-monitor ng mga radio warning na ipinadala sa maraming tanker. Gayunpaman, ipinaabot ng Tehran sa mga miyembro ng International Maritime Organization na ang mga “non-hostile vessels” ay maaaring mag-transit sa Strait of Hormuz kung makikipag-ugnayan sa mga awtoridad ng Iran.

Ayon sa Financial Times, tinukoy ng Iran sa liham nito na ang mga barkong konektado sa US at Israel, pati na rin ang “ibang kalahok sa agresyon,” ay hindi kwalipikado para sa innocent o non-hostile passage.

Ayon kay Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, “Mahalaga ito para sa proteksyon ng ating mga seafarers at sa suplay ng enerhiya ng bansa.” Idinagdag niya na si Secretary Lazaro ang mismong humiling sa pulong, na inilarawan bilang “exceptionally warm and open,” kasama si Energy Secretary Sharon Garin at Iranian Ambassador Yousef Esmaeilzadeh.

Ayon kay Castro, “Ipinahayag ni Ambassador Esmaeilzadeh na matagal na nilang hinihintay ang aming pakikipag-ugnayan at muling tiniyak ang kanilang kahandaang tumulong sa Pilipinas sa pagpapaunlak ng kahilingan. Napagkasunduan naming ipasa ang lahat ng detalyadong kahilingan sa pamamagitan ng opisyal na diplomatic channels upang mapabilis ang proseso.”

Ang hakbang na ito ay kritikal sa gitna ng tumataas na presyo ng langis at ng deklarasyon ng Pilipinas ng national energy emergency dahil sa krisis sa langis na dulot ng tensyon sa Gitnang Silangan.

Oil prices surge, Asian stocks decline after Trump signals continued Iran attacks

Venus L Peñaflor
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Oil prices surge, Asian stocks decline after Trump signals continued Iran attacks

Global oil prices jumped sharply while Asian stock markets fell on Thursday following remarks by Donald Trump indicating that the United States would continue its military campaign against Iran, raising concerns over prolonged supply disruptions and economic instability.

Brent crude futures climbed by $6.33, or 6.3 percent, to $107.49 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude rose $5.28, or 5.3 percent, to $105.40 per barrel. The surge reversed earlier losses of more than $1 recorded before Trump’s televised address.

The price spike comes amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly after Iran moved to close the Strait of Hormuz, a key passageway for global energy shipments. The disruption has affected roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, intensifying what analysts describe as one of the most severe energy crises in decades.

“We are going to finish the job, and we’re going to finish it very fast. We’re getting very close,” Trump said on Wednesday, adding that US military objectives could be achieved within two to three weeks.

Investor sentiment across Asia weakened following the speech, with markets reacting to the prospect of sustained high energy costs. Southeast Asian economies, which depend heavily on imported oil, were particularly affected.

A key regional benchmark, the MSCI Emerging Markets Asia Index, fell by 2.3 percent, while regional currencies slipped by 0.2 percent.

In South Korea, the KOSPI dropped 4.2 percent after earlier gains. President Lee Jae Myung called on lawmakers to swiftly approve a 26.2 trillion won ($17.3 billion) supplementary budget to stabilize the economy amid what he described as the “worst energy security threat” linked to the Middle East crisis.

Other regional markets also recorded losses. Singapore’s Singapore Exchange slipped 0.8 percent after opening at a two-week high, while Malaysia’s benchmark index declined by 1 percent. Stocks in Indonesia and Taiwan fell by approximately 1 percent and 1.4 percent, respectively.

In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite Index dropped 0.53 percent, while the CSI 300 Index lost 0.74 percent. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index declined by 1.1 percent, with technology shares falling even further.

According to Patrick Fok of Al Jazeera, Iran had earlier attempted to ease tensions by sending a message to the United States, stating it had “no enmity” with Americans and was acting in self-defense. The move briefly boosted investor confidence and lifted Wall Street stocks.

However, renewed uncertainty following Trump’s latest remarks has weighed heavily on global markets. Analysts note that any signs of de-escalation could quickly restore investor confidence and trigger a rebound in both oil prices and equities.

Trump says Iran objectives nearly complete as fresh missile strikes hit Israel

Venus L Peñaflor
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Trump says Iran objectives nearly complete as fresh missile strikes hit Israel

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Donald Trump told Americans in a prime-time televised address on Wednesday that U.S. military operations against Iran are nearing completion, but offered no clear timeline for ending the conflict, even as new hostilities erupted shortly after his speech.

In a 19-minute address, Trump said U.S. forces had destroyed Iran’s naval and air capabilities and severely weakened its ballistic missile and nuclear programs.

“I can say tonight that we are on track to complete all of America’s military objectives shortly, very shortly,” Trump said. “We’re going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks.”

However, within hours of the speech, Iran launched a fresh round of missile strikes toward Israel, according to multiple reports, including coverage by WION. Israeli authorities said air defense systems were activated to intercept the attack.

The renewed strikes underscored the volatility of the conflict and raised questions about the prospect of a near-term resolution, despite the president’s assertion that the most difficult phase of the war had already passed.

Trump signaled that military operations would continue and warned of further escalation if Tehran refuses U.S. terms in ongoing negotiations. He said key energy and oil infrastructure could be targeted if no agreement is reached.

“Our armed forces have delivered swift, decisive, overwhelming victories,” he said, adding that discussions remain ongoing with what he described as a “less radical” group in Iran.

Still, the address left major questions unanswered, including the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil shipments that has remained effectively closed since the war began on February 28.

Trump also urged oil-dependent nations to take responsibility for securing the waterway. “The countries of the world that receive oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage,” he said.

He reiterated U.S. support for regional allies, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain, and said they would not be left vulnerable.

Domestically, Trump sought to ease concerns over rising fuel prices, attributing the increase to Iranian actions in the region. He described the spike as a short-term consequence and expressed confidence that prices would soon decline.

Financial markets reacted after the speech, with stocks falling and oil prices rising, reflecting investor concerns that the conflict may persist longer than anticipated.

The latest exchange of strikes highlights the ongoing risk of escalation, even as the U.S. administration maintains that its core military objectives are close to being achieved.

Artemis II astronauts begin historic lunar mission in NASA’s return to deep space

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Artemis II astronauts begin historic lunar mission in NASA’s return to deep space

CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — Four astronauts have embarked on a landmark mission around the moon, marking humanity’s first crewed lunar voyage in more than 50 years and a critical step in NASA’s renewed push toward establishing a long-term presence on the lunar surface.

Launched aboard the towering Space Launch System rocket from Kennedy Space Center, Artemis II lifted off before a crowd of tens of thousands who gathered along nearby roads and beaches. The launch evoked scenes from the historic Apollo program, as spectators witnessed the beginning of a new chapter in space exploration.

The crew commander, Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen of Canada represent the most diverse team ever sent on a lunar mission. It includes the first woman, the first person of color, and the first non-American astronaut to take part in such a journey, all aboard NASA’s Orion capsule.

Following liftoff, the astronauts will spend the first 25 hours in Earth orbit, conducting system checks before committing to a 10-day mission that includes a lunar flyby. Unlike the historic Apollo 8 mission, Artemis II will not enter lunar orbit. Instead, the spacecraft will pass beyond the moon, traveling approximately 4,000 miles farther into space before looping back toward Earth for a Pacific Ocean splashdown.

During the mission, the crew will test manual control capabilities of the Orion spacecraft, maneuvering near the rocket’s detached upper stage to evaluate handling in case of system failure. The astronauts are also expected to document the journey through photographs, potentially capturing views of lunar features never before seen directly by human eyes. They will also observe portions of a solar eclipse from space as the moon briefly blocks the sun.

Artemis II serves as a crucial test flight for systems designed to support human life, including equipment not present during the uncrewed Artemis I mission more than three years ago. These additions increase mission complexity and risk, prompting NASA to proceed cautiously before sending the crew on the full lunar trajectory.

Officials say the success of Artemis II is essential to the agency’s broader plans, which include a series of missions aimed at building a sustainable human presence on the moon, supported by robotic systems and advanced infrastructure. The long-term objective extends beyond the moon, with the program viewed as a stepping stone toward future crewed missions to Mars.

The timeline for upcoming missions has recently been accelerated under NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, with preparations for future lunar landings now moving at a faster pace. Artemis II is expected to pave the way for more complex missions, including docking exercises and eventual landings near the moon’s south pole.

Despite the mission’s significance, risks remain. Engineers have previously encountered technical challenges, including hydrogen fuel leaks and system delays, though the launch proceeded without major incident. NASA has not publicly detailed its full risk assessment but acknowledges that the mission carries inherent uncertainties.

Still, for many, Artemis II represents a defining moment for a new generation. With decades having passed since humans last walked on the moon, the mission signals a renewed global interest in lunar exploration.

As Koch noted ahead of launch, the goal is to make the moon feel accessible once again: a destination not just of the past, but of the future.

Humiling ang Pilipinas ng ‘non-hostile country’ status sa Iran para sa ligtas na pagdaan sa Strait of Hormuz

Venus L Peñaflor
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Humiling ang Pilipinas ng ‘non-hostile country’ status sa Iran para sa ligtas na pagdaan sa Strait of Hormuz

MAYNILA — Hiniling ng pamahalaan ng Pilipinas sa Iran na italaga ang bansa bilang isang “non-hostile country” upang matiyak ang ligtas na pagdaan ng mga barkong may bandilang Pilipino sa Strait of Hormuz sa gitna ng tumitinding tensyon sa Middle East.

Ayon kay Claire Castro, mahalaga ang hakbang na ito upang maprotektahan ang mga Pilipinong seafarer at matiyak ang tuloy-tuloy na suplay ng enerhiya ng bansa. Dagdag niya, tinatapos na ng Department of Energy ang mga detalye para sa agarang pagpapadala ng pormal na kahilingan.

Ginawa ang kahilingan sa pulong nina Tess Lazaro at Sharon Garin kay Iranian envoy Yousef Esmaeilzadeh, na inilarawan ni Castro bilang “exceptionally warm and open.”

Sinabi ni Castro na si Lazaro ang personal na naghain ng kahilingan, habang ipinahayag naman ni Esmaeilzadeh ang kahandaan ng Iran na tumulong sa mga partikular na pangangailangan ng Pilipinas. Napagkasunduan din ng magkabilang panig na idaan sa opisyal na diplomatic channels ang mga detalye upang mapabilis ang proseso.

Batay sa mga opisyal ng European Union na nagmomonitor sa rehiyon, nagsimula ang pagpapatupad ng Iran ng blockade sa Strait of Hormuz noong Marso, kung saan nagpadala ito ng mga radio warning sa iba’t ibang oil tanker.

Ang nasabing daanan ay itinuturing na pinakamahalagang ruta ng pagluwas ng langis sa mundo, kung saan dumadaan ang humigit-kumulang 20 porsiyento ng global supply ng langis at liquefied natural gas mula sa mga bansang Gulf patungo sa pandaigdigang merkado.

Inaasahan namang makikipag-usap si Lazaro sa Iranian Foreign Minister upang matiyak ang mga kasunduang ito sa pinakamataas na antas, ayon sa Malacañang.

Sa hiwalay na pahayag sa X, sinabi ni Lazaro na tinalakay sa pulong ang mahahalagang larangan ng kooperasyon, kabilang ang enerhiya, at binigyang-diin ang layunin na palalimin pa ang ugnayan ng dalawang bansa.

Nauna nang nagpahayag si Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ng hangarin na magsagawa ng high-level talks sa Iran upang matiyak ang ligtas na pagdaan ng mga barko ng Pilipinas sa Strait of Hormuz.


EU warns energy prices to remain elevated despite possible end to Iran war

EDGARDO HERNAL
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EU warns energy prices to remain elevated despite possible end to Iran war

NICOSIA, Cyprus — Oil and gas prices in Europe are unlikely to return to normal levels in the near term, even if the Iran war ends, the European Union’s top energy official said, citing sustained pressure on global fuel markets.

Dan Jørgensen, the European Union’s energy commissioner, said Tuesday that while the 27-member bloc is not facing immediate supply shortages, tightening conditions in global markets are driving up costs, particularly for diesel, jet fuel, and electricity.

“What I find extremely important is to state as clearly as I can, that even if that peace is here tomorrow, still we will not go back to normal in a foreseeable future,” Jørgensen said during a news conference following a meeting of EU energy ministers.

According to Jørgensen, the ongoing conflict has already led to a sharp rise in energy costs, with gas prices increasing by around 70 percent and oil prices by about 60 percent across Europe. The EU’s total bill for imported fossil fuels has also surged by €14 billion since the start of the war.

The European Union is now preparing a set of coordinated measures aimed at helping households and businesses cope with rising energy expenses. Jørgensen stressed the need for unified action among member states to prevent fragmented responses that could further disrupt markets.

The proposed measures, expected to be announced soon, include options to decouple gas prices from electricity pricing, as well as potential tax reductions on electricity—an idea backed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Jørgensen also said a one-time “windfall tax” on energy companies could be considered, although he does not anticipate a repeat of the 2022 natural gas crisis when firms recorded significant profits amid soaring prices.

He added that there are “good opportunities” for governments to provide financial support to vulnerable sectors and populations facing “extraordinary stress,” with the European Commission looking to simplify and expand such assistance.

The commissioner further urged EU countries to adopt measures outlined in the International Energy Agency’s 10-point plan, including remote work arrangements, reduced highway speeds, increased use of public transportation, and car-sharing initiatives to cut energy consumption.

Despite the ongoing crisis, Jørgensen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to phasing out Russian gas imports, a policy designed to reduce reliance on Moscow and limit funding for its war in Ukraine. Dependence on Russian gas has already fallen from 45 percent before the conflict to around 10 percent, with plans to reach zero as alternative supplies increase.

The EU is exploring new energy partnerships with countries including Azerbaijan, Algeria, and Canada, alongside other smaller producers.

Jørgensen warned against repeating past mistakes that allowed Russia to leverage energy as a geopolitical tool, saying it would be “totally unacceptable” for the EU to continue purchasing energy that could indirectly finance the war in Ukraine.

Trump signals possible exit from Iran war, raises NATO withdrawal threat as oil crisis deepens

Venus L Peñaflor
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Trump signals possible exit from Iran war, raises NATO withdrawal threat as oil crisis deepens

WASHINGTON — United States President Donald Trump said the US could soon exit its ongoing conflict with Iran, even without a diplomatic agreement, as global energy markets face escalating disruptions linked to the crisis.

“We’ll be leaving very soon,” Trump told reporters, indicating a possible withdrawal within “two weeks, maybe three.” He added that a deal with Iran was not a prerequisite for ending what Washington has called “Operation Epic Fury.”

The remarks came as the International Energy Agency warned that global oil supply losses in April could double compared to March, largely due to Iran’s effective closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The disruption has already led to shortages of jet fuel and diesel, initially in Asia and expected to spread to Europe in the coming months.

At the same time, Trump escalated rhetoric toward the NATO alliance, suggesting the United States could withdraw if European members fail to help counter Iran’s blockade of the Strait. In an interview with the Daily Telegraph, Trump described NATO as a “paper tiger,” adding that he had moved beyond merely reconsidering US membership.

The conflicting signals from Washington reflect broader uncertainty surrounding the conflict, which has killed thousands, expanded across the Middle East, and triggered widespread economic repercussions. Businesses worldwide, including sectors such as cosmetics and tea, have reported mounting losses.

US officials have previously threatened to intensify military operations unless Tehran agrees to a proposed ceasefire framework, which includes halting uranium enrichment and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The White House said Trump would deliver a national address to provide further updates on the situation.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that diplomatic progress remains possible, telling Fox News there could be a “direct meeting at some point” and that the US could “see the finish line,” though not immediately.

Meanwhile, violence continued across multiple fronts. Drone strikes hit fuel storage facilities at Kuwait’s international airport, sparking a large fire, while Bahrain reported a blaze at a company site attributed to an Iranian attack. In Qatar, an oil tanker linked to QatarEnergy was struck by a cruise missile, sustaining damage but causing no casualties or environmental harm.

Explosions were also reported in Tehran following US-Israeli air strikes, according to Iranian state media. Iran, in turn, has repeatedly targeted Gulf states hosting US military bases, further raising tensions in the region.

The strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas passes, has made its disruption a central concern for global markets. Despite earlier gains, oil prices fell more than 3 percent on Wednesday following Trump’s remarks about a potential US withdrawal, while regional stock markets posted significant gains.

Domestically, rising fuel prices are placing pressure on US households and posing political challenges ahead of the November midterm elections. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that two-thirds of Americans believe the US should move quickly to exit the Iran conflict.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged allied nations to contribute to reopening the Strait, echoing Trump’s criticism of NATO members such as Britain and France. Rubio added that Washington would reassess its relationship with NATO after the conflict.

Reports also indicate that the United Arab Emirates is preparing to support efforts to reopen the Strait by force, potentially seeking backing from the UN Security Council.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued fresh threats against US-linked companies operating in the region, naming major firms including Microsoft, Google, Apple, Intel, IBM, Tesla, and Boeing.

The conflict has further widened, with Yemen’s Houthi forces launching coordinated missile attacks on Israel alongside Iran and Hezbollah. Israeli air defenses intercepted incoming threats, though debris caused damage in several areas.

In Lebanon, renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in civilian casualties, while Indonesia has called for a United Nations investigation into the deaths of its peacekeepers following Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.

As tensions persist, the trajectory of the conflict and its global economic consequences remains uncertain.

Pagbawas sa excise tax sa langis tatalakayin ngayong Semana Santa

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Pagbawas sa excise tax sa langis tatalakayin ngayong Semana Santa

MAYNILA — Tatalakayin ngayong linggo ng Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) ang posibilidad ng suspensiyon o pagbawas sa excise tax sa mga produktong petrolyo, ayon kay Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. noong Martes.

“Noong March 25, nilagdaan ko ang Republic Act No. 12316. Itong batas na ito ay nagbibigay sa akin ng kapangyarihang suspindihin ang excise tax sa langis kapag kinakailangan,” ani Marcos sa isang video message.

Ayon sa pangulo, magtatagpo ang DBCC upang ipakita ang kanilang pag-aaral at rekomendasyon hinggil sa suspensiyon o pagbawas ng excise tax sa langis.

Sa ilalim ng Republic Act No. 12316, maaaring suspindihin o bawasan ng Pangulo, sa rekomendasyon ng DBCC at pakikipag-ugnayan sa Kalihim ng Enerhiya, ang excise tax sa mga produktong petrolyo kapag ang average na presyo ng Dubai crude oil batay sa Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) ay umabot o lumampas sa USD 80 bawat bariles sa loob ng isang buwan bago ang pag-utos ng suspensiyon o pagbawas.

Ipinapahayag ng batas na ang anumang suspensiyon o pagbawas sa excise tax ay may bisa lamang nang hindi hihigit sa tatlong buwan. Maaari rin itong ilapat sa piling produkto ng petrolyo at maaaring buong suspensiyon o bahagyang pagbawas sa excise tax ang ipatupad.

Kapag bumaba na ang presyo ng Dubai crude oil sa ilalim ng USD 80 bawat bariles sa loob ng isang linggo matapos ang isang buwang average, o matapos ang tatlong buwan ng pagpapatupad, awtomatikong babalik sa dating antas ang excise tax nang hindi na kailangan ng karagdagang utos ng ehekutibo o lehislatura.

Kinakailangan din ng mga kumpanya ng langis na magsumite ng buwanang ulat sa Department of Energy (DOE) tungkol sa mga bahagi ng gastos ng kanilang mga produktong petrolyo habang ipinapatupad ang suspensiyon o pagbawas.


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