TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Thursday, 26 March 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

26 March 2026, Thursday, 5:00 p.m.

1. Marcos signs law granting emergency powers to suspend fuel excise tax

-DOF: Marcos may order fuel excise tax cut, suspension by April 12 or 13

-Bam to DOF: Agencies should hasten response to oil crisis

-Senators raise alarm over oil supply uncertainty

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar, Rappler, Sunstar, The Freeman]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2201804/marcos-may-order-fuel-excise-tax-cut-suspension-by-april-12-or-13

2. TRANSPORT STRIKES, CASH AID PAYOUTS:

-Transport, commuter groups launch nationwide strike to demand oil tax repeal

-Libreng sakay rolled out in Metro Manila; MMDA says no big traffic disruption, stranded passengers amid strike

-No major peace and order disruption in 1st day of transport strike, PNP says

-SC suspends afternoon work in NCR over transport strike

-Delivery riders in Metro Manila receive cash aid from DSWD

-Jeepney driver now in good condition after seizure during cash payout — QC LGU

-Community pantries return as oil crisis squeezes drivers, commuters

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/26/transport-commuter-groups-launch-nationwide-strike-to-demand-oil-tax-repeal-0825

3. ERC suspends power spot market, modifies pricing mechanism

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, BusinessMirror, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Manila Times, Manila Standard, Mindanao Times, Panay News, Philstar, Rappler, The Freeman]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/981442/erc-suspends-power-spot-market-modifies-pricing-mechanism/story/

4. Russian oil arrives as Philippines battles ‘energy emergency’

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Manila Times, Mindanao Times, Inquirer, Panay News, Philstar, Sunstar, The Freeman]

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/315602/russian-oil-arrives-as-philippines-battles-energy-emergency

5. China open to reviving South China Sea oil talks, but tells Philippines to 'show sincerity'

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Daily Tribune, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Mindanao Times, News5PH,  Manila Bulletin, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2026/03/26/2516959/china-open-reviving-south-china-sea-oil-talks-tells-philippines-show-sincerity

6. Leviste to Marcos: Cut Asean budget, funnel savings to fuel price relief

[Daily Tribune, Manila Bulletin, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2201739/leviste-to-marcos-cut-asean-budget-funnel-savings-to-fuel-price-relief

7. Marcos Jr. signs law resetting BARMM elections to September 2026

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, News5PH, Panay News, Philstar, Rappler]

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/mindanao/marcos-signs-law-barmm-elections-september-2026

8. Ombudsman says 'ready' to provide VP Sara Duterte's SALNs to Congress

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/26/ombudsman-says-ready-to-provide-vp-sara-duterte-s-salns-to-congress-1125

9. BSP holds key rate at 4.25% in off-cycle meet amid Mideast risks

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Panay News, Watchmen Daily Journal]  https://business.inquirer.net/581683/bsp-holds-key-rate-at-4-25-in-off-cycle-meet-amid-mideast-risks

10. HPG names Rommel Batangan as new acting director

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, Sunstar] https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/981451/hpg-names-rommel-batangan-as-new-acting-director/story/

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Wednesday, 25 March 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

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

1. Marcos declares national energy emergency; Business groups call for clear plan

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, NewsWatchPlus, News5PH, Panay News, Philstar, Rappler, SunStar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2200774/marcos-declares-natl-energy-emergency

2. Marcos to sign bill suspending fuel excise tax

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

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/03/25/news/marcos-to-sign-bill-suspending-fuel-excise-tax/2307067

3. Marcos OKs P20-B emergency fund to secure fuel amid global oil crisis

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2200968/dbm-on-p20-billion-emergency-fund

4. Marcos says oil crisis could be ‘impetus’ for PH-China joint gas development; PH also eyeing Russian oil

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

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/marcos-china-joint-gas-exploration-south-china-sea/

5. Marcos: Jet fuel lack may ground planes

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/03/25/news/marcos-jet-fuel-lack-may-ground-planes/2306235

6. PNP, AFP boost security at energy facilities after power emergency

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard]

https://tribune.net.ph/2026/03/25/pnp-afp-boost-security-at-energy-facilities-after-power-emergency

7. VP DUTERTE IMPEACHMENT HEARING:

-Sara Duterte skips impeachment hearing, says complaints should be junked

-Failure to join impeachment proceedings could be seen as 'culpable violation of the Constitution', says Luistro

-House panel to subpoena Sara Duterte SALN, NBI findings on threat vs Marcos

-House panel OKs additional security for Ramil Madriaga, issues subpoena for his affidavit

-Poa willing comply with House panel’s subpoena; Slams House probe as ‘fishing expedition’

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Times, Mindanao Times, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar, SunStar, Rappler]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/981295/sara-duterte-skips-impeachment-hearing-says-complaints-should-be-junked/story/

8. Pulse Asia: Anti-corruption efforts top reason for trust in Marcos; inflation behind indecision

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

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/25/anti-corruption-top-reason-for-trust-in-marcos-inflation-behind-indecision-pulse-asia

9. Tamayao steps down as PNP-HPG chief, denies harassment raps

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin]

https://tribune.net.ph/2026/03/25/tamayao-steps-down-as-pnp-hpg-chief-denies-harassment-raps

10. PAGASA issues El Niño Watch

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, Philstar]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/weather/content/981331/pagasa-issues-el-ni-o-watch/story/

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Wednesday, 25 March 2026

Agusan Sur implements fuel conservation measures, boosts mobility with free e-trike service

By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — As the provincial government of Agusan del Sur (PGAS), under Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr., enforces fuel conservation measures, one alternative solution the local government unit (LGU) has introduced is the provision of free electric tricycles (e-trikes) as a shuttle service within the provincial government center.

These e-trikes provide convenient transportation for clients and government employees, reducing fuel consumption and easing transportation costs.

“Our e-trike is free for everyone, especially clients seeking government assistance, as well as PGAS employees. We transport passengers to any office within the government center, and it can accommodate up to eight passengers at a time,” said Alfredo Nobleza Canciller Jr., an e-trike operator.

“This e-trike is fully charged for about 3–4 hours and can be used for one to two days, depending on the distance traveled and the number of passengers,” he added.

Residents and clients visiting the government center have expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting its practical benefits amid rising transportation costs and its contribution to more accessible public services.

“The surge in fuel prices has affected our mobility. Before, it was easier and cheaper to take a tricycle to the Capitol Building. Now, fares have increased, which really worries me. Sometimes I would opt to walk just to save money, but when I see the free e-trike approaching, I always take the chance to utilize it,” said Rose Genite, a 35-year-old resident of Purok 5, Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

“I am grateful to the provincial government for the free e-trike service in the government center because I can save money on fare and use it for my family’s essential needs. It also makes it easier for me to go to different offices because e-trikes are readily available,” she added.

Pursuant to the call of President Bongbong Marcos (PBBM) to implement austerity measures in government offices, Governor Cane also issued Memorandum Order No. 89, instituting strict conservation measures as well as administrative and operational protocols across all provincial offices. 

The order aims to minimize the effects of increasing fuel costs while promoting energy-saving practices in provincial operations and services.

The memorandum includes operation guidelines for government vehicles. PGAS vehicles shall not be dispatched for a single passenger, except in justified operational circumstances. Offices traveling to the same destination or along the same route (e.g., San Francisco, Bayugan, or Butuan City) are encouraged to coordinate schedules and share vehicles whenever possible. 

Office vehicles are also limited to a maximum weekly fuel consumption of 30 liters, except the ones used for essential services, emergency response, or other critical government functions, subject to justification and approval by department heads.

Travel has also been limited to activities directly related to official operations, essential service delivery, fieldwork, or other urgent government functions. A no-idling policy is also enforced, requiring drivers to turn off engines when waiting for passengers for more than three minutes. In addition, virtual meetings are encouraged to reduce travel expenses, and air conditioning use is limited from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Our projects are implemented province-wide, including far-flung areas such as Loreto, Veruela, Sta. Josefa and Trento. Project engineers of the second district share one vehicle to save on fuel; the first district also adopts the practice. Sometimes, within the government center, we would just walk—especially when the path to another office is shaded,” said Engineer Linda Buquir of the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), Agusan del Sur.

With the implementation of fuel conservation measures and the introduction of free e-trike services, the provincial government of Agusan del Sur continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing efficient, accessible, and sustainable public services. These initiatives not only address the challenges brought about by rising fuel prices but also promote environmentally friendly transport solutions that benefit both government workers and the general public. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur, with the report from PTV Agusan del Sur)

Wednesday, 25 March 2026

Modern irrigation eases Dinagat Islands farmers’ woes over rising fuel prices

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — With rising production costs in farming due to a spike in fuel prices, anxious farmers of the Dinagat Islands Pure Organic Farmers Alliance (DIPOFA) found relief from the provincial government of Dinagat Islands’ newly completed solar-powered irrigation system (SPIS).

Through the Dinagat Islands Provincial Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Office (PABEO), it conducted a demonstration to the members of DIPOFA from Barangay Garcia, Libjo on March 17, as beneficiaries of the project, and taught them how to operate the modern irrigation system using solar energy that will provide efficient and sufficient water supply to their farmlands, while removing the burdensome costs of gasoline or fuel for their irrigation system.

For the farmers of DIPOFA, the Middle East crisis has indirectly affected and made them anxious and doubtful. Notwithstanding, they considered the SPIS as a blessing from the government and a fulfillment of its commitment to keep the farmers and their livelihoods buoyant and resilient.

According to Engineer Marlon E. Cuenco, officer-in-charge of PABEO, “Gipakita niini nga inisyatibo ang dakong papel sa modernong teknolohiya sa pagpalambo sa agrikultura hilabi na karong panahona nga padayon ang pagsaka sa presyo sa gasolina sa global nga merkado. Pinaagi sa paggamit sa solar energy, mapakunhod ang gasto sa produksyon ug masiguro nga mas lig-on ug malungtarong ang irigasyon alang sa atong mga mag-uuma.”

(This initiative shows the significant role of modern technology in advancing agriculture, despite the current situation of ongoing increase in fuel prices in the global market. By using solar energy, production cost is lessened, ensuring a sustainable irrigation system for our farmers.)

“This newly completed SPIS is a testament to how the provincial government, through the leadership of Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr., has sincerely supported modern technology to solve and address the challenges in agriculture, including the continuing global tension in the Middle East,” he said.

He motivated the beneficiaries to keep moving forward to achieve an efficient and sustainable agricultural sector in the province, in support of the country’s long-term food security goals. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from PABEO)

Wednesday, 25 March 2026

Community support contributes to anti-insurgency ops success in Surigao Sur

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

LANUZA, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — The Philippine Army (PA) highlighted the growing partnership between communities and government forces in addressing insurgency and protecting civilian safety as two members of the communist terrorist group (CTG) were neutralized and high-powered firearms recovered during a focused military operation in the hinterland barangay of Nurcia, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur. 

Military officials emphasized that the success of the operation was made possible through the support of residents who provided timely information after experiencing threats and extortion from the armed group, strengthening the national government’s intensified campaign to end insurgency and promote peace and development. 

According to the report, the troops from the 36th Infantry Battalion, under the operational control of the 401st Infantry Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division, conducted the operation against remaining members of the sub-regional sentro de grabidad (SRSDG) west of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

The encounter happened on March 22, resulting in the neutralization of two members of the New People’s Army (NPA), identified by their aliases “Ka Rex” and “Ka Bunso,” and the recovery of four high-powered firearms. Authorities reported that the remaining CTG elements fled the area following the engagement.

Following the encounter, troops immediately secured the area to prevent further threats and ensure the safety of nearby communities, reflecting the government’s commitment to protect civilians and maintain peace and order in conflict-prone areas.

According to Colonel Glenn Joy U. Aynera, the operation demonstrated the effectiveness of sustained military efforts and the importance of community cooperation in achieving security goals. “This successful operation highlights the effectiveness of our focused military operations and the invaluable support of the local communities. We will continue to intensify our efforts to dismantle the remaining CTG elements and ensure the safety and security of our area of responsibility.”

Meanwhile, Major General Michele B. Anayron Jr. commended the troops for their professionalism and dedication, reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to ending insurgency and securing peaceful communities.

He stressed that sustained operations, combined with strong collaboration among government agencies, local government units, and community stakeholders, remain essential in achieving long-term peace and stability in Northern Mindanao and the Caraga regions.

The operation aligns with the national government’s broader peace and development agenda under the leadership of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which emphasizes a whole-of-nation approach to addressing the root causes of insurgency through security, development, and community engagement.

Government authorities reiterated that ensuring peace and security in geographically isolated areas enables the delivery of essential services, infrastructure, and livelihood programs that uplift communities and foster inclusive growth.

As government forces continue to sustain focused military operations alongside development interventions, communities in Surigao del Sur are expected to benefit from safer environments, improved access to services, and strengthened opportunities for long-term peace and development.

The continued partnership between government forces and communities remains vital in building peaceful, resilient, and progressive communities across the nation. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)