Our dollar, your peso in times of war

“Money is my military, each dollar a soldier. I never send my money into battle unprepared and undefended. I send it to conquer and take currency prisoner and bring it back to me.”

—Kevin O'Leary

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

WHILE war continued to rage in Iran, one US dollar is now equal to P60.41 as of April 5, 2026, an Easter Sunday and the last time I sent money to the Philippines.

The exchange rate generally fluctuates between 60.18 and 60.43 Philippine Pesos (PHP) for one US dollar (USD) depending on the financial institution and market volatility.

Key Exchange Data (approximate): $1= P60.41, $10 = P604.1, and $100 = P6,04.

Financial experts have recommended checking live, specific rates from our banks or money transfer service centers, as rates change frequently throughout the day.

If we have a $100 bill, the highest value of denomination currently in production, it is equivalent to P6,041.

I first checked the latest exchange rate in the remittance center inside a Filipino grocery store on Queens Boulevard in New York and started comparing the peso to dollar at $100 mark before sending money to the Philippines.

It’s easy to figure out the amount to send via direct bank deposit or Western Union, RIA, Viamericas, Logo, Dolex, and Moneygram, among other methods of remittance if, for instance, the exchange rate is P6,000 for $100.

 

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Some foreign-based dollar earners are “satisfied” if the current exchange rate doesn’t fall below P5,000 for one hundred U.S. dollar.  

Families in the Philippines that rely on remittances from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) relatives anywhere in the world rejoice if the exchange rate is higher because they will receive more.

Officially crowned the world's reserve currency and backed by the world's largest gold reserves, the U.S. dollar is still mightier thanks to the Bretton Woods Agreement.

Other countries accumulated reserves of U.S. dollars instead of gold reserves.

Some people are concerned that a higher peso to dollar exchange rate might have a bad effect on the wallet of those who don’t have OFW family members.

While it is cause for celebration for OFW families, this might mean, on the other hand, a weaker economy as a country.

 

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The theory is that the higher the exchange rate, the weaker the peso will be and the weaker the economy. But let us leave the matter to the economists.

The most important is the U.S. dollar-dominated world economy continues to be stable despite the economic sanctions on Russia since it invaded Ukraine four years ago and despite the ongoing standoff between Iran and the United States.

This can alway be considered a healthy sign for the Philippines in as far as dollar remittances from OFWs are concerned.

This is also the reason why we don’t want the war Russia had initiated against Ukraine to escalate and why we all wish the conflict between the US-Israel versus Iran will end immediately.

If we have a peaceful geopolitics and foreign relations, we will continue to have a peaceful and stable world economy.

 

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RECORD BROKEN. THE Artemis II astronauts were in the middle of a seven-hour flyby of the moon as of this writing. They have now traveled farther from Earth than anyone in human history, breaking the record previously set by Apollo 13 in 1970.

HIGHEST GAS PRICE. At $6.72 a gallon, this rural county has the highest average gas price in the US. It’s gotten so bad that even some hybrid vehicle owners say driving has become a luxury they can’t afford.

We’re referring to June Lake, California, a picturesque community of 300 people near Yosemite National Park and the Nevada state line. June Lake is part of Mono County, which has the highest average gas price in the United States.

WATER TREATMENT EFFECTIVE TO CURE MAJOR DISEASES. We learned from the Japanese medical society that drinking water in the morning for consecutive days will cure cancer, diabetes, meningitis, TB, high blood pressure, arthritis, all eye diseases, constipation, throat diseases, menstrual disorders, etcetera.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)

 

 

Unholy weeks next

“Today or any day that phone may ring and bring good news.”

—Ethel Waters

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

SOME of us were able to heave a sigh of relief the previous week, the Holy Week, when peace and order improved temporarily and political bickering took a back seat while many Christian believers engaged in increased prayer and fasting, particularly on Good Friday, as a form of spiritual discipline.

We are now back to reality. In the news, a man, burdened by casino debts, tried to wipe out his entire family but succeeded only in killing his wife. During a drunken spree, three people were stabbed and shot and were in critical condition in the hospital as of this writing, and so on and so forth.

Crime is back to an alarming rate. There is bedlam in the streets as traffic snarl once again is giving terrible inconvenience to a lot of motorists despite the massive restructuring and repair of main roads and highways.

After reenactments of the stations of the cross took place in the streets in relation to the Holy Week, some people are reenacting their old mischievous and felonious ways.

The main problems of Filipinos remain to be deeply intertwined.  Widespread corruption undermining Philippine governance, fueling poverty, and hindering development; significant inequality, including poverty and lack of opportunities; persistent issues with crime and illegal drugs, exacerbated by the controversial war on drugs; and challenges in governance.

 

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These factors contribute to broader issues like insufficient infrastructure, poor public services, and disparities between urban and rural areas.

Adding to the conundrum is the impeachment efforts against Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, which gained momentum in early 2025 and 2026, primarily focus on allegations of misusing over P612.5 million in confidential funds, betrayal of public trust, and corruption.

The complaints, largely fueled by a falling-out with the Marcos administration, accuse her of submitting fraudulent liquidation reports, threatening the President, and violating the constitution.

While the emboldened House of Representatives voted to impeach her in February 2025, the Supreme Court has previously intervened to stop proceedings based on the "one-year rule" (no more than one impeachment per year), but new complaints for 2026 are now advancing.

It seems there will be another “unholy” weeks and even months ahead after the Holy Week.

 

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Below is the email I received from New York Governor Kathy Hochul, which she also sent to fellow New Yorkers:

Alex, This week, Jewish communities across New York and throughout the world are gathering together around the Seder table to rejoice in shared tradition and celebrate the story of their liberation.

Passover reminds all of us that if we are willing to summon our courage and believe in ourselves, there’s nothing we cannot accomplish.

This lesson of Passover is especially important to keep in mind today, in these difficult times where we see rising antisemitism at home and abroad. As your Governor, I am doing everything in my power to protect our Jewish neighbors — from making historic investments to tackle hate crimes to fighting for strong buffer-zone protections around synagogues and other religious sites.

I was raised as a social justice Catholic in Buffalo.

My parents taught us that life is all about fighting for a better, more just and equitable world.

As our Jewish neighbors say at the Seder every year as they hold up the matzah: “This is the bread of poverty which our ancestors ate in the land of Egypt. All who are hungry, come and eat… all who are needy, come and celebrate.”

These words are an important reminder that our own freedom is bound up with the freedom of others — and that we must continue to work together to create a world where no one struggles for the basic freedoms that are the natural born right of every human being.

To all those celebrating, Chag Kasher v’Sameach! Gov. Kathy Hochul

 

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FEAR OF UNDRESSING. Dishabiliophobia is the fear of undressing in front of someone: In the first place, who would have the guts to undress in front of someone? Even some couples possess this fear. Undressing in front of a mirror is even nerve-tingling!

PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (P.M.S.). For two to ten days before the onset of menstruation, millions of women are affected by a wide range of physical discomforts and mood disorders--from bloating, depression, and insomnia to severe pains, uncontrolled rages, crying spells, and even suicidal depression. This is known as P.M.S. (Vitamin Bible)

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)

 

 

 

Even without Holy Week

“The only vice that cannot be forgiven is hypocrisy. The repentance of a hypocrite is itself hypocrisy.”

—William Hazlitt

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

EVEN if it isn’t Holy Week, we exhort good-for-nothing leaders, mulcters and grafters in government, as well as thieves, social media maniacs, dishonest individuals, philanderers, and scam artists in society to repent for their sins.

Repentance process does not have to be during the Holy Week; even in normal weeks all of us sinners can actually perform a sincere act of reviewing our actions, feeling deep sorrow or contrition for wrongdoing, and committing to a change in behavior, character, or direction.

It means we must turn away from negative behaviors and toward a better, often spiritual, way of life. It includes remorse, penitence, compunction, and contrition.

 All of us sinners can actually begin the repentance process in normal weeks—even without the traditional special solemnity as a time of devotion to the Passion of Jesus Christ.

Some of us, however, will learn to repent only after we have been caught, hauled in court, and convicted in the bar of justice. Inside the jail, we make amends for our sins and serve our sentences just the same.

 

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When Jesus started His public ministry, He also called for repentance. Matthew 4:17 records, “From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’” Jesus says of repentance, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Luke 15:7).

Many understand the term repentance to mean “a turning from sin.” Regretting sin and turning from it are related to repentance but are not the precise meaning of the word. In the Bible, the word repent means “to change one’s mind.”

The Bible also tells us that true repentance will result in a change of actions (Luke 3:8–14; Acts 3:19).

 

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 In Mark 6:12, the disciples also “went out and preached that people should repent.” This preaching continued in Acts. Peter preached to Jews, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19).

Paul preached to Gentiles, “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent” (Acts 17:30). And later he testified, “I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus” (Acts 20:21). And, similarly, “First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds” (Acts 26:20).

As demonstrated in the passages above, repentance is an important part of an initial response to the gospel, but it is also an important part of the life of the Christian.

Writing to the church at Corinth, Paul says, “Now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended” (2 Corinthians 7:9).

To the church at Ephesus, Jesus says, “Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first” (Revelation 2:5).

 

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DIVIDED PEOPLE. Politics has divided the nation and will further exacerbate the tension and wrangling among political rivals now that the campaign period for the next election is coming next. More friendships will be shattered before and after the elections. Sad but true.

FILTER IT AWAY. The human body requires at least 1 gallon of water a day. If we are considering stocking up on emergency supplies, let's bear in mind that plastic bottles are thought to leach chemicals into the water if left for a length of time. Let's save space and the environment by stocking up on water filters instead.

WELCOME THE WIND. Many products can cause air pollution to build up in our home, including modern cleaners, which contain strong chemicals. Let's make sure to ventilate our home well, ensuring a through-flow of air to help reduce pollution levels and encourage good ventilation.

SHORT PENIS. An adult gorilla's penis is only 2 inches long. From now on let’s be kind to gorillas because of their limited “happiness.”

THEY ARE HEALTHY. Foods and nutrients that can lower our cholesterol naturally: Activated charcoal, barely, carrots, chromium, corn bran, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower), eggplant, evening primrose oil, fenugreek seed, fiber, garlic, ginger, lemon grass oil, soybeans, yogurt, red pepper, onions.

DISHABILIOPHOBIA is the fear of undressing in front of someone: In the first place, who would have the guts to undress in front of someone? Even some couples possess this fear. Undressing in front of a mirror is even nerve-tingling!

INFAMOUS SEVEN. The seven cardinals of the Roman Catholic church who falsely condemned Galileo Galilei in the Holy Inquisition were F. Cardinalis de Asculo, G. Cardinalis Bentiuolus, Fr. Cardinalis de Cremona, Fr. Antonius Cardinalis S. Honuphrij, B. Cardinalis Gypsius, Fr. Cardinalis Verospius, M. Cardinalis Ginettus.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)

 

Holy mind and heart

“I am certain of nothing but the holiness of the heart's affections, and the truth of imagination.”

—John Keats

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

LET’S observe the Holy Week with a “holy mind and heart” instead of swapping brickbats and verbal darts like what some warring politicians and their subalterns have been doing.

We are supposed to be in the most sacred week in Christianity, spanning from Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday (immediately preceding Easter Sunday).

This celebration is dedicated to commemorating the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Let’s focus on this solemn occasion.

It is a time of intense reflection, prayer, and liturgical services remembering Jesus' final days, including his entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, Crucifixion, and burial.

It is not time to assassinate characters, spread half truths especially in the social media, and release threatening remarks when emotions are at a fever pitch.

Holy Week, often referred to as Passion Week, is not merely a historical recollection but a liturgical experience of Christ's Paschal Mystery—His suffering, death, and resurrection.

It serves as a time for Christians to renew their faith and reflect on themes of redemption, sacrifice, and divine love, according to Interfaith America and Indiana Wesleyan University.

 

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Let’s us continue to wish and pray that the war in the Middle East will end soon because the Filipinos are among those in the losing ends with hundreds of displaced OFWs coming home like an exodus from the forbidden desert.

The Iran war has caused severe economic pressure on the Philippines through surging oil prices, leading to higher transportation costs, potential food inflation, and higher electricity rates.

Filipinos face risks of job losses, potential repatriation of more OFWs, and a slowdown in economic growth, creating a "significant" economic strain.

The Middle East has been experiencing a massive, expanding multi-front war involving direct, open military conflicts between Iran, Israel, and the United States as of late March 2026.

Entering the month of April, the conflict has intensified into a regional war, featuring Israeli invasions in Lebanon, airstrikes against Iran, and U.S. forces responding to attacks from various Iranian-backed groups across the region.

The situation has been characterized by high instability and the active potential for further escalation as U.S. forces and their allies combat Iranian-backed initiatives throughout the Middle East.

 

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While I was in Los Angeles, California recently, I received the following email from New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, the same email she sent to fellow New Yorker:

Alex, The cost of living is too damn high. The cost of groceries, insurance, and everyday essentials have all gone up, making it harder for families to get ahead.

So when tax season comes around, the last thing you want to see is even more money going out the door.

Our Affordability Agenda is delivering billions in tax relief to millions of New York families — with new savings taking effect for the first time ever this year.

Expanded Child Tax Credit: Thanks to our historic expansion of the Child Tax Credit, parents can claim up to $1,000 per child — three times the amount they were able to claim in the past — and more families qualify than ever before. For parents working hard to make ends meet, this means more breathing room to help cover the cost of diapers, groceries, school supplies, and everything in between. Learn more and see if you’re eligible.

Historic middle-class tax cuts: Nearly three in four New Yorkers are going to see less money taken out of their paychecks starting this year. I think hardworking New Yorkers deserve to keep more of what they earned and with the largest cut in more than 70 years, we’re making sure more money stays where it belongs: in your pocket. Learn more and see if you qualify.

Relief for seniors and small business owners: From easier to access $2.2 billion in savings through the STAR program, expanded property tax exemptions for seniors, to lower taxes for small businesses and the self-employed, New Yorkers in every corner of our state and in every stage of life are going to be getting an extra hand this year. Learn more about the tax credits you may qualify for.

I’m constantly looking for new ways to make life easier for New Yorkers. Our Inflation Refund checks and universal free school meals program have put even more money back into household budgets — saving some families hundreds every month. And because we don’t think you should be hit with an extra fee just for filing your taxes, thousands of filers are eligible for free filing options through New York State. See if you qualify for free tax filing.

We are governing differently — with a focus on lifting people up, not making life harder. While Republicans in Washington are adding to the burden, here in New York, we are committed to easing it. From cutting taxes to proposing no tax on tips, every step we take is about helping hardworking New Yorkers get ahead. Ever Upward, Gov. Kathy Hochul

 

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WHY WE HAVE EYEBROWS. Our eyebrows serve a good and useful purpose. If we had no eyebrows, the drops of sweat that form on our foreheads when we get warm would run into our eyes.

THE 24-CARAT GOLD. Pure gold is known, in the jewelry trade, as 24-carat gold. This is too soft a metal for ordinary wear and tear, so a harder metal, generally copper, is alloyed with gold. If the alloy has 18 parts of gold and 6 parts of another metal, we call it 18-carat gold; if it has 14 parts of gold and 10 of another metal, we call it 14-carat gold, and so on.

LET'S HIRE A CARPENTER. Instead of spending lots of money on a new desk for our office, let us invest in some salvaged wood and paying a carpenter to make us one to measure--it will have the added advantage of fitting the space exactly.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed)