TODAY’S TOP STORIES - 19 March 2026

 

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

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

1. Nationwide transport strike kicks off amid rising fuel prices

-Piston: Marcos should have suspended VAT, excise tax, not fare hike

-'We just asked for a peso': Transport groups slam fare hike suspension

-Gov’t offers free rides; MMDA says transport strike has minimal impact on commuters

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/19/piston-launches-transport-strike-0805

2. DOTr to slash train fares by 50% starting 23 March

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

https://tribune.net.ph/2026/03/19/dotr-to-slash-train-fares-by-50-starting-23-march

3. Marcos: PH looking for new oil sources amid global supply disruption

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2198137/marcos-ph-looking-for-new-oil-sources-amid-global-supply-disruption

4. Marcos to PH Army: Shift to external defense role amid new threats

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2198176/marcos-orders-ph-army-shift-to-external-defense-role-amid-new-threats

5. Peso breaches P60 to dollar level

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/3/19/peso-breaches-p60-to-dollar-level-1223

6. Marcos inspects prefab classrooms, tablets rollout in Bataan school

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

https://tribune.net.ph/2026/03/19/marcos-inspects-prefab-classrooms-tablets-rollout-in-bataan-school

7. Ex-DENR chief Loyzaga appointed as special envoy for disaster management

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/980594/ex-denr-chief-loyzaga-envoy-disaster-management/story/

8. Agri chief files cyber libel complaints vs Zaldy Co, Baligod

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/19/agri-chief-files-cyber-libel-complaint-vs-zaldy-co-baligod-1032

9. PAGASA retires 7 tropical cyclones names from 2025 season

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

https://mb.com.ph/2026/03/19/pagasa-retires-7-tropical-cyclones-names-from-2025-season

10. Filipinas book second straight World Cup appearance with rout of Uzbekistan

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Philstar]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/3/19/filipinas-book-second-straight-world-cup-appearance-with-rout-of-uzbekistan-1335

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

TODAY’S TOP STORIES - 18 March 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

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

1. Marcos orders DOTr: Suspend fare hike

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

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/18/marcos-orders-dotr-suspend-fare-hike-1445

2. Marcos: ‘We don’t have a problem’ in supplies of food, fuel products

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2197503/marcos-on-food-oil-supply

3. Marcos on suspending oil excise tax: We’ll see

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/980421/marcos-on-suspending-oil-excise-tax-we-ll-see/story/

4. House panel: VP Sara impeach complaints have sufficient grounds, hearing starts March 25

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

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/house-committee-declares-sara-duterte-impeachment-complaints-allege-sufficient-grounds-march-2026/

5. House adopts Senate version of fuel excise tax suspension bill

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, GMA News, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, SunStar]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/3/18/house-panel-backs-adopting-senate-version-of-fuel-excise-tax-suspension-bill-1151

6. Comelec: Marcoleta didn’t commit poll offense over campaign contribution disclosure

[Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Panay News, Sunstar]

 https://www.inquirer.net/470571/comelec-marcoleta-didnt-commit-poll-offense-over-campaign-contribution-disclosure/

7. DILG advises LGUs to cut energy use by 10 to 20%

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2197533/dilg-advises-lgus-to-cut-energy-use-by-10-to-20

8. PNP, MMDA to offer free rides for commuters affected by March 19 strike

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, SunStar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2197709/pnp-to-offer-free-rides-for-commuters-affected-by-march-19-strike

9. Gov't moves to secure fertilizer supply amid global disruptions

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, BusinessMirror, Bloomberg, Daily Tribune,  Philstar, Inquirer]

https://tribune.net.ph/2026/03/18/govt-moves-to-secure-fertilizer-supply-amid-global-disruptions

10. Number coding scheme suspended on March 20, 2026 for Eid’l Fitr —MMDA

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Manila Times, Philstar]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/980425/number-coding-scheme-suspended-on-march-20-2026-for-eid-l-fitr-mmda/story/

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Wednesday, 18 March 2026

PSA urges public to stay informed, practice careful budgeting

By Nida Grace P. Barcena 

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — As prices of essential commodities continue to fluctuate, residents are encouraged to remain informed and practice careful budgeting to manage daily expenses as Surigao del Sur’s inflation rate accelerated in February 2026, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

It further emphasized that monitoring inflation trends helps households and policymakers make informed decisions to address economic challenges since the impact of inflation is already felt in the daily expenses of many residents.

Former rebel (FR) and now a peace advocate, Aljun Intano, said the increase in prices has made it harder for communities rebuilding their lives to provide for their necessities.

“Grabe jud ang epekto sa inflation, ramdam gyud kaayo, labi na sa amoa nga mga FR community. Mao pa gani ang pagsugod namo og pundar sa among bag-ong kinabuhi, nasugatan dayon sa krisis. Pero padayon lang mi ug paningkamot, laban lang. (The impact of inflation is already felt by the FR community. We just started rebuilding our lives, but unfortunately, we are already affected.”) Intano said that FRs who have recently returned to the mainstream community are still in the early stages of rebuilding their livelihoods, making them more vulnerable to economic pressures such as rising food prices.

Similarly, journalist and senior citizen Wilfredo Evangelio shared that many ordinary families are feeling the burden of increasing prices of basic commodities.

“Life is becoming harder for ordinary families as the prices of basic commodities continue to rise,” Evangelio shared.

He noted that higher fuel costs have triggered a domino effect on the prices of goods in local markets. Once affordable vegetables are now selling at double the price.

“For example, pako and okra that used to cost ₱10 per bundle are now around ₱20, while rice has increased from ₱45 to as high as ₱70 per kilo,” he said, adding that such increases make it difficult for families to manage their daily budgets.

Evangelio expressed hope that the government will continue strengthening programs that help cushion the impact of inflation on ordinary citizens.

Data from the PSA confirmed that food prices remain the main driver of inflation in the province.

According to Ruel L. Dres, chief statistical specialist of PSA Surigao del Sur said inflation in the Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages category rose to 2.8 percent in February, up from 1.3 percent in January, accounting for 69.1 percent of the overall inflation increase.

“Price increases were most notable in cereals and cereal products, which went up to 0.2 percent in February from -4.0 percent in January,” Dres said. “Vegetables, tubers, plantains, cooking bananas, and pulses also posted higher inflation at 3.7 percent from -1.2 percent in the previous month.”

Overall inflation in Surigao del Sur rose to 2.1 percent in February 2026, higher than the 1.2 percent in January, but it remained slightly lower than the national inflation rate of 2.4 percent.

Other commodity groups that contributed to the increase include housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, which recorded a modest 0.1 percent inflation, while actual house rentals rose to 1.5 percent.

Higher inflation was also recorded in clothing and footwear (8.0 percent), restaurants and accommodation services (3.3 percent), personal care and miscellaneous goods and services (2.5 percent), and recreation, sport and culture (2.6 percent).

Meanwhile, furnishings, household equipment, and routine household maintenance remained steady at 8.8 percent, while health stayed at 2.5 percent. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)

Wednesday, 18 March 2026

BIR launches tax campaign, highlights taxpayers as partners in nation-building

By Nida Grace P. Barcena

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — Paying taxes is more than a legal obligation; it is a vital investment in national development, helping fund public services, infrastructure, education, and healthcare programs that benefit Filipinos across the country.

In line with this, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), through Revenue District Office (RDO) No. 106, led by Revenue District Officer Marco Antonio Calo, officially launched this year’s tax campaign in Surigao del Sur on March 5 at the EDM Convention Center in Tandag City, covering taxpayers in the province’s first district.

The kick-off activity gathered local government officials, business leaders, national government agencies, representatives from academia, private sectors, and student leaders to strengthen tax awareness and encourage voluntary compliance among taxpayers.

In her keynote message, BIR Regional Director Esmeralda Tabule described taxpayers as vital partners in nation-building.

“Taxpayers are VIPs – the very important partners,” Tabule said. “This event is for you, our partners in revenue generation and nation-building. Without taxpayers and their compliance, our revenue system will not be complete.”

She emphasized that taxes enable the government to deliver essential services and development programs for communities across the country.

Surigao del Sur Governor Johnny T. Pimentel also expressed the provincial government’s full support for the BIR’s tax campaign and encouraged citizens to fulfill their tax obligations.

“Awhagon ko ang tanan nga mga katawhan sa tanan nga sektor nga magbayad kita sa atong sakto nga buwis,” Pimentel said, urging residents from all sectors to comply with tax laws. (I call on all sectors of our community to pay the correct taxes we owe).

Meanwhile, Jenny Lou Mata, president of the Tandag Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (TCCII), welcomed the campaign theme ‘Mahusay na Serbisyo Katumbas ng Buhis Mo (Excellent Service Worth Your Taxes).’

Mata said the business sector views taxes not merely as compliance but as an investment that fuels economic growth and public services.

“For many of us in the business sector, taxes are not just obligations. We see them as investments that support development and progress,” Mata said.

She encouraged entrepreneurs to become proactive taxpayers, filing and paying taxes early rather than waiting until the last minute.

“As VIPs, we pledge to maintain an open line with the BIR. We appreciate the transparency we have seen recently,” she added. “Keep the processes simpler for us, and we promise to do our part in fueling Surigao del Sur’s progress.”

RDO 106 Officer Marco Antonio Calo reminded taxpayers that compliance becomes burdensome only when ignored.

“Tax compliance becomes costly only when neglected. Early reconciliation and proper documentation can transform year-end compliance into a strategic safeguard rather than a burden,” Calo said.

The campaign forms part of the BIR’s nationwide effort to promote timely and accurate tax compliance, strengthen revenue collection, and support the government’s priority programs aimed at sustaining economic growth and public service delivery.

During the activity, BIR officials also presented the annual income tax return (AITR) reminders, guiding individual and corporate taxpayers on proper filing procedures, deadlines, and compliance requirements. Officials stressed that timely and accurate tax filing helps taxpayers avoid penalties while ensuring smoother processing.

Another leg of the tax campaign was held on March 9 in Bislig City, covering taxpayers from the second district of Surigao del Sur.

Through the annual campaign, the BIR continues to strengthen transparency, improve taxpayer services, and promote a culture of integrity and responsibility among Filipinos, supporting the national government’s broader fiscal sustainability and economic development agenda. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)

Wednesday, 18 March 2026

‘Tampuda’ strengthens peace, restores goodwill among IP communities in Agusan

By Nora L. Molde

Tribal elders and leaders of the Banwaon and Higaonon indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples (ICCs/IPs) conduct the sacred ‘tampuda’ ritual in Barangay Policarpo, San Luis, Agusan del Sur on March 10, 2026, formally restoring peace, unity, and goodwill between the two communities from Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte after years of tensions linked to past conflicts. The ritual highlights the role of indigenous customary laws in promoting reconciliation and sustainable peace in ancestral domains. (Photo courtesy of NCIP Agusan del Norte)

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The sacred indigenous reconciliation ritual known as ‘tampuda’ has enhanced peace and restored goodwill between the Banwaon and Higaonon indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples (ICCs/IPs) in the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte in the Caraga region.

The members of the Banwaon ICCs/IPs Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADT) – 250 in Agusan del Sur and the Higaonon ICCs/IPs of CADT 252 in Agusan del Norte – gathered on March 10 in Barangay Policarpo, San Luis, Agusan del Sur to formally restore their relationship after years of tensions linked to past armed conflicts that affected their ancestral domains and communities.

For indigenous peoples, the tampuda is a sacred peace pact that symbolizes the settlement of disputes, the restoration of harmony, and the reaffirmation of unity among tribes. The ritual, led by tribal elders and community leaders, marked the culmination of a series of dialogues and negotiations aimed at healing past wounds and rebuilding trust between the two groups.

Through the tampuda, both communities agreed to set aside past grievances and move forward with renewed respect and cooperation. Tribal elders emphasized that with the successful completion of the ritual, goodwill and mutual understanding between the Banwaon and Higaonon peoples have been restored, allowing the communities to rebuild harmonious relations and strengthen solidarity within their ancestral domains.

Under Higaonon customary law, once the ritual is completed, past conflicts are no longer discussed, as both sides commit to maintaining unity and peaceful coexistence.

Agusan del Norte Governor Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante highlighted the importance of respecting indigenous traditions as effective mechanisms for peacebuilding. “Tampuda is not only a ritual but a symbol of restoring unity and peace among our tribal communities. It shows that by respecting the culture and traditions of indigenous peoples, we can further strengthen peace in our provinces.”

Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane Jr. also expressed support for the reconciliation process, emphasizing that unity among Indigenous communities contributes to lasting peace and development in the region. “This tampuda reflects the strength of our Indigenous communities in resolving conflicts through their own customary laws and traditions. The provincial government stands in solidarity with our IP communities in promoting peace, respect, and cooperation across our ancestral domains.”

In an interview, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples NCIP Agusan del Norte Provincial Officer Cierona Cutar-Molaan said, “The conduct of the tampuda is aligned with national government policies promoting inclusive peacebuilding, respect for indigenous peoples’ rights, and the strengthening of customary justice systems under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997. This law recognizes the rights of Indigenous communities to preserve their traditions, govern their ancestral domains, and resolve conflicts through their customary laws and cultural practices.”

Molaan emphasized that the successful conduct of the ritual is an important milestone in restoring peace among Indigenous communities and strengthening cooperation within their ancestral domains.

IP leaders also expressed gratitude to government agencies, facilitators, and peace advocates who supported the reconciliation process and helped ensure the successful conduct of the sacred ritual.

Representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, NCIP, and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), along with local government officials and tribal elders witnessed the ceremony. Officials noted that initiatives such as the tampuda contribute to national peace and development agenda being advanced by the OPAPRU which promotes culturally grounded conflict resolution and community-driven reconciliation efforts within indigenous ancestral domains.

With the completion of the tampuda, the Banwaon and Higaonon communities reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, cooperation, and the protection of their ancestral domains, an important step toward sustaining harmony and inclusive development among indigenous peoples in Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte with a report from NCIP Agusan del Norte)