TODAY’S TOP STORIES – Wednesday, 11 March 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

11 March 2026, Wednesday, 5:00 p.m.

1. Marcos to declare as urgent bill granting him emergency powers; says more fuel coming to PH

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2193853/marcos-to-declare-as-urgent-bill-granting-him-emergency-powers

2. PUV drivers to get P5,000 fuel subsidy starting next week

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/3/11/puv-drivers-to-get-p5-000-fuel-subsidy-starting-next-week-1243

3. VP Sara calls for vigilance on dad Rodrigo's arrest anniversary

-Rep. Paolo Duterte calls March 11 a date of ‘betrayal’ after FPRRD's ICC arrest

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/979539/vp-sara-calls-for-vigilance-on-dad-rodrigo-s-arrest-anniversary/story/

4. Marcos on ICI: Their brief has been fulfilled

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Times, Rappler]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2193843/icis-job-is-done-but-lets-see-what-else-they-can-do-marcos

5. Code of Conduct shouldn't diminish rights, interests of 3rd party states — DFA

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, NewsWatchPlus]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/979576/philippines-asean-china-code-state-rights-west-ph-sea/story/

6. Marcos Jr. meets with US companies, says PH open for investors

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, News5PH, Panay News]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/3/10/marcos-jr-meets-with-us-companies-touts-ph-open-for-investors-2327

7. DFA: Nine OFWs from conflict-stricken Iran now back in Philippines; 32 OFWs fleeing Mideast conflict return home

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/pinoyabroad/dispatch/979550/overseas-filipino-workers-repatriated-iran-conflict/story/

8. Philippines working with Portugal to arrest Zaldy Co, says Marcos

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, News5PH, Panay News, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/03/11/2513557/philippines-working-portugal-arrest-zaldy-co-says-marcos

9. Philippine peso, stocks rebound a day after bloodbath

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Philstar]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/3/10/philippine-peso-stocks-rebound-a-day-after-bloodbath-2029

10. P6.8-B suspected shabu seized from speedboat in Mindoro; 2 foreign nationals escape

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Sunstar]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/11/p20-b-suspected-shabu-seized-from-speedboat-in-mindoro-2-chinese-escape-1231

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit 

Wednesday, 11 March 2026

CHR, DSWD remind media on gender-sensitive language, reporting in celebrating Women’s Month

By Niña Jonalyn B. Gambe-Diamante

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga reiterated their call for gender-sensitive reporting as part of the 2026 National Women’s Month (NWM) kick-off celebration.

CHR Caraga, through Edson B. Alijo, officer-in-charge of the Promotion and Advocacy Division, discussed the use of gender-sensitive language in the media. “As public communicators and multipliers of information, upholding the rights and dignity of each human being, regardless of gender, is a shared responsibility. We must ensure that news reports remain free from bias and that gender representation remains fair,” Alijo said.

The reminder stemmed from concerns that certain media reports fall short in upholding the dignity of women by resorting to objectification and victim-blaming.

This year’s NWM sub-theme “Lead like the babaylans, Filipinas!” recognizes the vital role of women in society as community leaders and their invaluable contributions to nation-building.

In a press conference following the NWM kick-off program, Jessie Catherine B. Aranas, chief of the Protective Services Division of DSWD Caraga, underscored the media’s role in relaying accurate information. “Our media partners play a significant role in relaying accurate information to the public. One concrete example of which is the ability to reach even the farthest barangays, particularly those that belong to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), bringing information through different channels, such as print and radio broadcast in the absence of stable internet connectivity,” Aranas said.

She noted, however, that while local media outlets are private practitioners, they serve as the government’s communication arm, ensuring the widest dissemination of information, especially on policies and measures to combat gender-based violence.

To strengthen gender-sensitive reporting among local media, the CHR and DSWD, through the Caraga Regional Interagency Committee Against Trafficking and Violence Against Women and their Children (RIACAT-VAWC), will also conduct an online orientation on the topic for media partners in the region. This initiative is part of the activities lined up for the 2026 NWM celebration.

The continued partnership between government agencies and private media is a vital initiative in fostering an inclusive society free from any gender bias. 

By working hand in hand, both sectors ensure that information disseminated to the public not only reaches the widest audience but also upholds the dignity and equal representation of all individuals. Such collaboration reinforces the shared responsibility of promoting respect, fairness, and empowerment, paving the way for a community where gender equality is both practiced and protected. (NJGD/PIA Caraga) 

Wednesday, 11 March 2026

Digital reporting system strengthens agriculture disaster response 

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY (PIA) — The adoption of digital and data-driven systems is vital in strengthening the resilience of the agricultural sector amid intensifying climate-related hazards, Provincial Agriculturist Esmeraldo S. Raymundo emphasized during the training on the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Information System (DRRMIS) in Agriculture.

Raymundo delivered an inspiring and forward-looking message, underscoring the importance of timely, accurate, and evidence-based reporting in enhancing disaster preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for farmers and fishers.

The DRRMIS is a web-based platform designed to digitalize the established reporting workflow on agricultural damages and losses. Once fully operational, it will serve as the central portal for data collection and report generation, enabling faster reports validation and more responsive government interventions.

Under the system’s workflow, damage and loss assessment (DALA) reports prepared at the municipal and city levels are consolidated by designated municipal/city encoders, who upload the validated information into the DRRMIS platform. Personnel from the provincial local government unit (PLGU) provide technical assistance and oversight, while provincial validators review and approve submissions to ensure completeness, consistency, and reliability before data is finalized at the regional level.

Raymundo highlighted the crucial role of municipal and city local government units (M/CLGUs) as frontliners in disaster reporting, noting that their accuracy and timeliness directly influence the speed and effectiveness of government assistance.

“These reports are not just numbers; they represent the realities faced by our farmers. Through accurate reporting, we can deliver the right assistance at the right time,” Raymundo said.

Supporting the national agenda

The rollout of the DRRMIS aligns with the national government’s priorities under the Department of Agriculture to strengthen climate-resilient agriculture, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and ensure national food security amid the growing impacts of climate change.

It also supports the digital governance and the disaster resilience agenda of the administration of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which underscores the use of technology, accurate data, and whole-of-government coordination to improve public service delivery, particularly in disaster-prone sectors such as agriculture.

By strengthening institutional capacity and fostering collaboration across all levels of local governance, the DRRMIS is expected to significantly enhance disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in the agricultural sector. The system ensures that government assistance, rehabilitation programs, and resource allocation are guided by verified, real-time data, helping prevent delays and gaps in support.

The initiative reinforces the national goal of building a resilient, sustainable, and technology-enabled agriculture sector capable of withstanding disasters while safeguarding food production and rural livelihood. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Tuesday, 10 March 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

10 March 2026, Tuesday, 5:00 p.m.

1. PBBM UN WORK VISIT:

-UN chief backs PH ASEAN chairship, lauds Marcos for promoting peace, democracy –  Palace

-Marcos highlights education, opportunities for women in UN speech

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

https://www.newswatchplus.ph/2026/03/10/un-chief-backs-ph-asean-chairship-lauds-marcos-for-promoting-peace-democracy-palace/

2. Palace: Marcos still not keen on having PH rejoin ICC

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Times, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/979373/president-marcos-philippines-icc/story/

3. Palace: Marcos furious over migrant worker officer’s alleged mistreatment of OFWs in Bahrain

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/10/palace-marcos-furious-over-alleged-mistreatment-of-ofws-in-bahrain-0934

4. Puno: No meeting with House leadership on impeachment

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, News5PH, Philstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2193302/puno-no-meeting-with-house-leadership-on-impeachment

5. House panel OKs bill allowing Marcos to suspend or cut excise tax on fuel

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/979408/house-panel-oks-bill-allowing-marcos-to-suspend-or-cut-excise-tax-on-fuel/story/

6. Peso dives to record low; stocks tumble nearly 5%

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessMirror, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, Philstar, Sunstar]

https://business.inquirer.net/578384/peso-dives-to-record-low-stocks-tumble-nearly-5

7. DOJ to oppose Jinggoy’s bid to lift travel ban amid pending graft cases

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer]

https://tribune.net.ph/2026/03/10/doj-to-oppose-jinggoys-bid-to-lift-travel-ban-amid-pending-graft-cases

8. LPA outside PAR develops into tropical depression — PAGASA; Fflights canceled due to bad weather conditions

[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/10/lpa-outside-par-develops-into-tropical-depression-pagasa

9. Meralco hikes power rate by 64 centavos per kWh this March 2026

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/979391/meralco-hikes-power-rate-by-64-centavos-per-kwh-this-march-2026/story/

10. Anakpawis calls for VAT, excise tax suspension amid fuel price hike

[ABS-CBN News, Manila Bulletin, Philstar]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/10/anakpawis-calls-for-vat-excise-tax-suspension-amid-fuel-price-hike

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Tuesday, 10 March 2026

Inclusivity behind bars: Muslim PDLs observe Ramadan in jail

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) in the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Butuan City jail male dormitory (BCJMD) expressed heartfelt appreciation for the support to their faith during Ramadan.

On March 03, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13) conducted a jail visitation and distributed halal food packs and hygiene kits to PDLs in celebration of Ramadan. 

This activity highlighted the respect for religious diversity and promoted inclusivity within the correctional community. 

Alias Moby, one of the PDLs, expressed his gratitude for the activity, saying, “Kami po ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa panahong inilaan ng Salaam Police, gayundin sa mga makabuluhang pangaral tungkol sa kahalagahan ng tunay na pagsasabuhay ng Islam sa banal na buwan ng Ramadan, lalo na ang pagbabalik-loob, pagsisisi sa mga pagkukulang, at tapat na pagsunod sa mga ipinag-uutos ng Panginoon sa atin. Lubos din po ang aming pasasalamat sa mga biyayang pagkain at toiletries na ipinagkaloob ninyo. Alhamdulillahi Rabbil Alameen.”

(We are grateful for the time given by the Salaam Police, for the guidance and teachings on the importance of living out Islam during the holy month of Ramadan, particularly on repentance and faithfully following what the Lord has commanded us. We also sincerely thank you for the blessings of food and toiletries. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds.) 

City Jail Warden JCInsp. Diovin C. Auza thanked PNP-PRO13 for its unwavering support and dedication to community engagement, demonstrating that public service is at its finest when anchored in empathy, respect, and genuine concern for all.

According to Jail Warden JCInsp. Diovin C. Auza, in observance of the holy month, the facility has taken concrete steps to support its Muslim brothers and sisters within the jail. A separate room has been designated as a prayer area to provide them with a quiet and respectful space for worship and reflection.

In addition to accommodating their fasting practices, a cook has been assigned to ensure that meals are prepared and served at the appropriate times, particularly during suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (breaking of the fast). These measures reflect the jail’s commitment to upholding religious freedom and promoting inclusivity, dignity, and respect for all PDLs.

Ramadan is a sacred period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community, when our Muslim brothers and sisters abstain from food and drink from dawn until sunset as an act of spiritual discipline, self-control, and devotion. 

Beyond fasting, Ramadan emphasizes charity, generosity, forgiveness, and strengthening one’s faith and connection with others. Acts of kindness and giving hold special significance during this time, as they embody the true essence of the season. (MFC, PIA Caraga, with a report from BCJMD)