TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Monday, 30 March 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

30 March 2026, Monday, 5:00 p.m.

1. Marcos opens Cavitex-C5 segment, toll-free access until end-April

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, DZBB, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://www.newswatchplus.ph/2026/03/30/marcos-opens-cavitex-c5-segment-toll-free-access-until-end-april/

2. ‘Walang ipamimigay’: Palace says no West Philippine Sea compromise in potential oil exploration with China

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, Daily Tribune, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar, Rappler]

https://www.inquirer.net/471486/ph-china-reset-talks-on-sea-tensions-oil/

3. Enough until June: Petron acquires 2.48M barrels of crude oil from Russia

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://business.inquirer.net/582453/enough-until-june-petron-acquires-2-48m-barrels-of-crude-oil-from-russia

4. BARMM execs condemn ambush that killed 5 cops; PNP eyes retaliatory attack in terror group’s Maguindanao ambush

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, Inquirer, Manila Times, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2203289/barmm-execs-condemn-ambush-that-killed-5-cops

5. HOLY WEEK EXODUS:

-Travelers face crowds, higher fares at terminals on Holy Monday

-No Holy Week 'carmageddon?' Fuel crisis takes bite off Holy Week travel exodus

-PITX logs over 51,000 passengers on Holy Monday morning; Number of Holy Week travelers likely to peak on Wednesday

-MMDA allows provincial buses on EDSA for Holy Week 2026 exodus

-MRT, LRT to suspend operations during Holy Week

-CAAP places airports on heightened alert for Holy Week

-PNP beefs up deployment to 59,000 cops for Holy Week 2026

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, Philstar]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/981864/travelers-face-crowds-higher-fares-at-terminals-on-holy-monday/story/

6. SC junks Roque’s petition vs. Quad Comm over POGO inquiry

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://manilastandard.net/news/crime-courts/314721898/sc-junks-roques-petition-vs-quad-comm-over-pogo-inquiry.html

7. Manufacturers to defer price hikes until April 16

[BusinessMirror, DZBB, GMA News, Malaya, Manila Times, Panay News, Sunstar]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/03/30/news/national/manufacturers-to-defer-price-hikes-until-april-16/2310067

8. Dy orders urgent joint hearings on Middle East crisis impact

[Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, New5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://news.tv5.com.ph/breaking/read/dy-orders-urgent-joint-hearings-on-middle-east-crisis-impact

9. 8 bus firms to face sanctions over illegal fare hikes; DOTr threatens sanctions over illegal bus fare hikes

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, Inquirer, Manila Times, News5PH, Philstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2203519/8-bus-firms-face-sanctions-over-illegal-fare-hikes

10. Bersamin, Olaivar face complaints for alleged flood control corruption

[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus]

https://www.newswatchplus.ph/2026/03/30/bersamin-olaivar-face-complaints-for-alleged-flood-control-corruption/

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Monday, 30 March 2026

Surigao Sur anti-illegal drug campaign gains ground

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — To strengthen the nationwide campaign against illegal drugs under the leadership of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the provincial government of Surigao del Sur continues to intensify efforts to build safer and drug-resilient communities through strengthened collaboration with law enforcement agencies and local stakeholders.

During the 1st quarter 2026 meeting of the Surigao del Sur Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), Governor Johnny T. Pimentel reaffirmed the province’s commitment to support anti-drug operations and sustain community-based interventions against illegal drugs.

Data presented by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Surigao del Sur showed significant progress in the province’s anti-drug campaign. Out of 310 barangays in Surigao del Sur, 163 barangays have been declared drug-cleared, while 21 barangays are classified as drug-free, reflecting the sustained efforts of local government units and partner agencies in addressing illegal drug activities.

However, 126 barangays remain drug-affected, highlighting the continuing challenge faced by authorities and communities. To further strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration initiatives, 15 community-based drug rehabilitation programs (CBDRP) in the province have been accredited by the Department of Health, supporting individuals in recovery and helping them reintegrate into society.

PDEA also reported that 63 barangays applied this year for retention of their drug-cleared status, underscoring the commitment of local communities to maintain drug-free environments through sustained monitoring and preventive programs.

Governor Pimentel emphasized that the fight against illegal drugs requires unity among government agencies, communities, and stakeholders.

“The fight against illegal drugs is not just a duty of the government; it is a shared responsibility that calls for unity, vigilance, and genuine care for our people,” Gov. Pimentel said during the council meeting.

As part of the province’s continued support to law enforcement, the governor confirmed approval of the request for an operational vehicle to strengthen the mobility and response capability of PDEA personnel conducting anti-drug operations within the province.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to intensify enforcement actions to deter illegal drug activities. On March 20, a joint anti-drug operation conducted by the PDEA Caraga in coordination with the Tagbina Municipal Police Station resulted in the successful arrest of a 45-year-old male suspect, identified as a school official in Tagbina.

Authorities highlighted the significance of the arrest, noting that the involvement of individuals holding positions of influence poses serious risks to public trust and the welfare of communities, particularly among the youth.

According to PDEA Caraga Director Laurefel Gabales, the operation underscores the importance of vigilance and accountability in public service.

“This development highlights the importance of vigilance and accountability in public service. Positions of authority must never be used to undermine the law or endanger the community,” Dir. Gabales said.

The suspect was properly apprised of his constitutional rights and is currently under police custody, facing charges for violation of Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, Section 5, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, penalizes the illegal sale, delivery, and distribution of dangerous drugs.

These developments align with the national government’s strengthened anti-drug strategy under the current administration of President Marcos Jr., which focuses not only on law enforcement but also on prevention, rehabilitation, and community engagement. Through sustained coordination among national agencies, local government units, and community partners, the government continues to reinforce its commitment to protect communities, especially the youth, from the harmful effects of illegal drugs.

As Surigao del Sur moves forward with its anti-drug initiatives, the combined efforts of national leadership, provincial support, and community participation highlight a shared vision of building safer, healthier, and drug-resilient communities across the country. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)

Monday, 30 March 2026

MinDA establishes public-private partnership facilitation desk

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso Magno shared with the Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) the public-private partnership (PPP) facilitation desk that works directly with RDCs and local government units to package regional priorities into bankable propositions.

During the said full council meeting held in Butuan City on March 24, the secretary underscored the pivotal role of the PPP in accelerating regional development as it serves as a bridge connecting priorities to private capital and international partners. 

This initiative ensures that projects identified by RDCs, such as Caraga’s 30 implementation-ready programs ranging from farm-to-market roads to eco-zone development, can be elevated into the national PPP pipeline.

“PPPs are not merely about engagement but about structuring viable financing and implementation solutions for urgent public goods and services,” Sec. Magno said. 

He underscored that government funds will never be enough to meet all of Mindanao’s needs. “However, with PPPs, it allows us to mobilize private capital to deliver priority projects faster and more efficiently.”

“Our work with RDCs ensures that PPP is not just a concept but a concrete tool for delivering projects that matter most to our communities,” he added. “By consolidating regional priorities, RDCs give Mindanao a collective voice in budget advocacy and investment promotion.”

MinDA’s PPP program is fully aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s national priorities. PPP has been identified as one of the cornerstones of the Marcos administration’s infrastructure modernization agenda, ensuring that flagship projects like the Mindanao railway and regional airports are delivered on time.

The New PPP Code (RA 11966) empowers LGUs to propose and implement their own PPP projects, strengthening RDCs’ role in shaping local development. Moreover, President Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand eco-zones and connectivity corridors complements MinDA’s PPP-driven strategy, positioning Mindanao as a competitive investment hub in Southeast Asia.

The PPP strategy also supplements MinDA’s broader Building a Better Mindanao Program, which integrates infrastructure connectivity, eco-zone expansion with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), water security initiatives, and investment promotion.

Together, these efforts ensure that Mindanao benefits not only from increased national budget allocations, which reached P4.067 trillion in just four years under the Marcos Jr. administration, but also from a growing pipeline of private and international financing. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from MinDA)

Monday, 30 March 2026

Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair brings job opportunities to ALS learners in Butuan City

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The March 25 Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF) in Butuan City brought together government agencies and employment opportunities in a one-stop shop designed to support learners under the Department of Education’s program on Alternative Learning System (ALS).

The activity was organized by the DepEd Butuan City Division, in partnership with private companies and government agencies, to help learners transition from school to the work environment, bridging the gap between non-formal education and employment opportunities.

Minutes after the opening declaration, Jomelyn C. Bagcat, an ALS learner, was hired on the spot at the BPSF as a sales representative, proof that opportunities are inclusive and can be enjoyed by graduates, whether from formal or non-formal education.

Bagcat expressed her gratitude to the ALS program of the Department of Education (DepEd) and to the BPSF organizer. “I am thankful for the organizers of this BPSF activity, for giving us ALS learners the opportunity to look for and get employed. We were able to slowly realize our dreams by getting hired on the spot and securing a job.”

More than 300 ALS learners are expected to benefit from the fair, which provides access not only to job opportunities but also to essential employment requirements. Participating agencies include the Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Butuan City local government, among others.

By consolidating employment services and government assistance in one venue, the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair aims to remove barriers to employment and empower ALS learners to take the next step in their careers, highlighting the government’s broader push for inclusive growth and accessible public services under the Bagong Pilipinas initiative. (MFC, PIA Caraga)

Monday, 30 March 2026

Agusan Sur’s Loreto town gives tricycle drivers weekly fuel subsidy

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

On March 28-29, 2026, tricycle drivers lined up their vehicles at a local gasoline station, waiting for their turn to fill their tanks with free fuel from the local government. (Photo courtesy of LGU Loreto)

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — As petroleum prices continue to surge amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, one of the hardest-hit sectors has been the transport industry, particularly local tricycle drivers. In response, the local government unit (LGU) of Loreto, Agusan del Sur, under the leadership of Municipal Mayor Alvin Otaza, swiftly implemented a weekly fuel subsidy program beginning March 28.

On March 25, LGU Loreto announced through its official Facebook page that the much-anticipated fuel subsidy would be distributed on March 28–29. Each registered tricycle driver is entitled to seven liters of free fuel per week for the entire month.

To ensure fairness and transparency, the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) of Loreto spearheaded the release of fuel claim stubs, ensuring that only duly registered drivers will be able to benefit from the program.

Dante Taba, a 45-year-old tricycle driver in Loreto and a father of four, could not contain his happiness upon hearing the news about the fuel subsidy from LGU Loreto for tricycle drivers like him.

“Sa tinuod lang, dako jud ug tabang sa amo nga mga driver ang tabang gikan sa LGU, labi na sa panahon karon nga mahal na ang gasolina (To be honest, the fuel subsidy from the LGU is already a big help for us, [tricycle] drivers, especially now that fuel prices are increasing),” said Taba.

He also shared that before the Middle East crisis, his daily income from driving would range from P300 to P500 on a good day. However, with fuel price surges, his daily income fell below P300, barely enough to feed his family. As such, the LGU’s fuel subsidy came as a much-needed help for thriving drivers like himself.

The initiative has been widely welcomed by the transport sector, with many drivers noting that the subsidy not only eases their financial burden but also allows them to continue serving commuters without increasing fares. For residents, this means more affordable and reliable transportation despite the volatile fuel market.

Mayor Otaza emphasized that the program reflects the LGU’s commitment to supporting grassroots communities during times of crisis. He added that the subsidy is part of a broader set of interventions aimed at cushioning vulnerable sectors from the economic ripple effects of global conflicts.

Local officials are hopeful that the subsidy will inspire similar measures in neighboring municipalities, fostering a spirit of solidarity and proactive governance. As Loreto’s tricycle drivers continue to navigate the challenges of rising fuel costs, the LGU’s timely intervention stands as a testament to the power of responsive leadership in safeguarding livelihoods. (NJGD, PIA Caraga)