TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Friday, 17 April 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

17 April 2026, Friday, 5:00 p.m.

1. ZALDY CO ARREST:

-Marcos: Zaldy Co stopped at German border, returned to Czech Republic

-Palace challenges Co to reveal truth

-Remulla: Zaldy Co back in PH in ‘1-3 weeks’; DILG to take custody of Zaldy Co upon return

-Once in PH, Senate to invite Zaldy Co to flood control probe

-PNP verifying Zaldy Co’s arrest, ready to back up gov’t

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

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/marcos-zaldy-co-stopped-germany-returned-czech-republic/

 

2. Marcos issues EO 114 suspending excise tax on LPG, kerosene

[GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Times, News5PH, Panay News, Sunstar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2213852/eo-on-suspension-of-excise-tax-on-lpg-kerosene

 

3. '33 years strong': Marcos Jr., Liza Marcos mark 33rd wedding anniversary

[ABS-CBN News, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Panay News, Sunstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/17/-33-years-strong-marcos-jr-liza-marcos-mark-33rd-wedding-anniversary-0701

 

4. Marcos to ensure food supply, prices amid logistical challenges

-Marcos buys Benguet agri products to help local farmers; OKs toll-free passage for Benguet vegetable trucks

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, Newss5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Sunstar, Malaya]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/4/17/-nagulat-kami-marcos-to-ensure-food-supply-prices-amid-logistical-challenges-1135

 

5. DTI: No price hikes for basic goods until May 10

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Panay News, Sunstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/17/dti-no-price-hikes-for-basic-goods-until-may-10-0925

 

6. Alcantara testifies only 30 percent of flood control funds go to implementation

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, News5PH, Sunstar, Watchmen Daily Journal]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/4/17/only-30-of-flood-control-funds-reach-projects-alcantara-1327

 

7. Kontra Daya pushes for poll offense cases vs Marcos, Duterte campaign donors

[ABS-CBN News, DZBB, DZRH, Sunstar]

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/kontra-daya-pushes-for-poll-offense-cases-vs-marcos-duterte-campaign-donors

 

8. Philippines, US to build 1,619-hectare 'economic security zone' in Luzon

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, NewsWatchPlus, Rappler]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/04/17/philippines-us-to-build-1619-hectare-economic-security-zone-in-luzon

 

9. 10 Dawlah Islamiya members killed in Lanao del Sur operation

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

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2213836/10-dawlah-islamiya-members-killed-in-lanao-del-sur-operation

 

10. Diesel price decrease by P19/liter, Gasoline by P3/liter seen next week

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

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/984266/diesel-prices-liter-gasoline-week/story/

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit

Friday, 17 April 2026

Agusan Norte’s ‘Libreng Sakay’ program eases transport burden amid fuel crisis

By Nora L. Molde

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Thousands of commuters and public transport drivers are benefitting from the provincial government’s ‘Libreng Sakay’ (free ride) program, which is being implemented across Agusan del Norte, providing much-needed relief amid rising fuel prices driven by ongoing global tensions.

The initiative delivers immediate assistance to daily commuters, particularly workers, students, and low-income families, by significantly reducing transportation expenses. It also supports drivers and operators through government subsidies that help sustain their livelihood despite continued fuel price volatility.

“This is a practical intervention that directly helps both our commuters and the transport sector. We want to make sure that no Agusanon is left behind during this challenging time,” said Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante.

Among the beneficiaries is Anabel, a state university student from Buenavista, who said the program eases her daily financial burden.

“The Libreng Sakay is a big help for me because my school is far, and transportation costs are high. This really eases my daily expenses going to school,” she said.

Amy, a mother of three and a private employee from the same town, echoed the same relief. “This is a big relief for my daily expenses. The Libreng Sakay program helps me save on transportation costs going to work and back home.”

The program is strictly implemented within Agusan del Norte, covering only its component city and municipalities. It ensures continued income for transport operators, including tricycle, ‘bao-bao’ (a three-wheeled vehicle), multicab, and motorcycle drivers who are properly identified, accredited, and contracted by local government units (LGUs). Only qualified and registered operators are allowed to participate to ensure safety, accountability, and orderly implementation.

“We must safeguard our drivers and passengers while taking practical steps to support our families during this challenging period,” said Agusan del Norte Congressional Representative Dale B. Corvera, emphasizing unified government action.

The Libreng Sakay program was launched on Monday, April 13, following the approval of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 148-2026, authored by Vice Governor Enrico R. Corvera, as a direct response to rising fuel costs linked to global developments.

With an initial budget of P44 million, equally shared by the provincial government and LGUs, the program is set to run for one to two months, with possible extension depending on global oil price movements.

It is a joint initiative of the provincial government, the congressional district office, and the 11 LGUs within Agusan del Norte, covering Cabadbaran City and the municipalities of Buenavista, Carmen, Jabonga, Kitcharao, Las Nieves, Magallanes, Nasipit, Remedios T. Romualdez, Santiago, and Tubay.

The program operates during peak hours, from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., ensuring accessibility for commuters going to work and school. In Cabadbaran City and Buenavista, at least 30 tricycles have been deployed, with similar arrangements implemented across other LGUs in Agusan del Norte.

Initial implementation showed a strong public reception. In Buenavista alone, around 600 commuters benefited during the launch, with expanded routes further improving mobility across communities in Agusan del Norte.

Buenavista Mayor Joselito T. Roble underscored the importance of collaboration in sustaining the initiative. “This program not only helps ease the burden of commuters but also supports our transport operators through subsidies from the LGU. It is a shared effort to ensure that our people continue to have access to affordable transportation.”

To ensure smooth implementation throughout the program duration, the provincial government is encouraging the public to report any concerns encountered during the program. Reports may be submitted through the official Facebook page of the province of Agusan del Norte, including complete details such as location, time, route, vehicle type, and other identifying information if available.

The provincial government assured that all reports will be treated with strict confidentiality. “We value the cooperation of our constituents in helping us ensure the proper and effective implementation of the Libreng Sakay program. Your feedback will help us improve and better serve the public.”

The initiative also aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to provide timely assistance to sectors affected by fuel price increases. In support, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has begun distributing P5,000 cash assistance to qualified transport operators and drivers.

Through coordinated efforts, the Libreng Sakay demonstrates how local governance in Agusan del Norte, alone, can proactively respond to economic challenges, delivering immediate relief, sustaining livelihoods, and ensuring accessible public transport for all Agusanons. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte

Friday, 17 April 2026

Caraga tricycle, jeepney drivers can now buy P20/kilo rice 

By Mariesh F. Celedeña

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The government, through the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., continues to expand the reach of its subsidized rice initiative as tricycle and jeepney drivers are now included among the beneficiaries of the P20/kilo rice program in the Caraga region.

Regional Manager Leo V. Damole of the National Food Authority (NFA) Caraga announced this during an interview with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga on April 14. 

The program previously served solo parents, senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), indigent households, rice farmers and farmworkers, and fisherfolk. With the ongoing National Energy Emergency, transport workers have been added to the list amid rising fuel and food costs.

“The inclusion aims to ease the financial burden on the transport sector, one of the groups most affected by increasing fuel prices and the rising cost of basic commodities such as rice,” Manager Damole said. “Qualified beneficiaries may visit the designated NFA warehouses strategically located in the different areas of the region to purchase rice at P20 per kilo.”

He emphasized that each beneficiary can purchase up to 10 kilos of rice, although the total monthly allocation may vary, depending on the category.

To avail of the subsidized rice, jeepney drivers must present their valid driver’s license issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) or a franchise-based ID endorsed by their local transport cooperative. Tricycle drivers, on the other hand, are required to present their tricycle operator’s permit (TOP) along with their valid driver’s license.

Damole disclosed that in the first quarter of this year, NFA Caraga released a total of 21,823 sacks of rice across the region. He also shared the weekly distribution schedules of the NFA warehouses in the region. 

At the NFA warehouse in Libertad, Butuan City, the weekly distribution schedules are as follows:

• Monday – farmers

• Tuesday – senior citizens

• Wednesday – PWDs, solo parents, and drivers

• Thursday – indigent households/4Ps beneficiaries

• Friday – senior citizens

Damole added that aside from the NFA warehouse in Butuan City beneficiaries may visit the other warehouses available in several areas in the region, including San Jose in Dinagat Islands, Kilometer 10 in Surigao City, and in the cities of Bayugan and Tandag. (MFC, PIA Caraga)

Friday, 17 April 2026

DAR orients agrarian beneficiaries on crop insurance

By Susil D. Ragas

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) facilitated an orientation workshop for the agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) from the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Dinagat Islands to strengthen their access to crop insurance and equip them to become authorized underwriters of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). 

The event gathered representatives from three ARBOs, namely, Esperanza Multipurpose Cooperative (CAME MPC) from Barangay Esperanza in Loreto, Dinagat Islands, Tigbaon Agong-ongan Farmers Agriculture Cooperative (TIAFACO) from Barangay Roxas, Mainit, Surigao Del Norte, and Nuevo Campo Community Agrarian Reform Cooperative (NUCARCO) from Barangay Nuevo Campo, San Benito in Surigao Del Norte.

For the PCIC, the engagement served as a fulfillment of its mandate to provide insurance protection to the country’s agricultural producers, particularly the subsistence farmers, against loss of their crop and non-crop agricultural assets on account of natural calamities such as typhoons, floods, droughts, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, plant pests and diseases, or other perils.

The activity, held on April 13 in Surigao City, also highlighted the ceremonial signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between PCIC and participating ARBOs, marking a significant step toward expanding access to agricultural insurance services for farmer-beneficiaries.

It served as a formal commitment among PCIC, DAR, and the participating ARBOs to promote a wider insurance coverage and strengthen the resilience of farming communities. The partnership is expected to improve the delivery of insurance services and ensure that more farmers benefit from timely and accessible protection for their agricultural investments.

“This is a very successful event participated in by three ARBOs. Smooth sailing and fulfilling that we can deliver our objective, allowing the ARBOs to explore more opportunities for assistance,” said Agrarian Reform Officer II Grace Manubag, chief of the Enterprise Development and Economic Support (EDES) Section of DAR in Surigao del Norte.

Tatay Ciano, one of the participants, said, “This orientation has provided us with more than just information; it has given us security and the peace of mind to continue our hard work despite the threats of climate change and natural calamities. We appreciate the clear explanation of the enrollment process and the coverage benefits of PCIC that will protect our livelihood.” 

“We look forward to the unwavering support of DAR and PCIC, and we will work hard toward a more sustainable and climate-smart agriculture sector,” he added. 

Through initiatives such as this, DAR remains steadfast in its mission to support ARBO’s development, enhance farmers’ resilience, and promote sustainable agricultural growth in agrarian communities. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DAR-SDN)

Friday, 17 April 2026

DOLE brings eco-tourism livelihood to Dinagat Islands’ fisherfolk

By Renelle L. Escuadro

BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment, Province of Dinagat Islands Field Office (DOLE-PDIFO), turned over a P2-million eco-tourism boat to the Sering Fisherfolk Association (SFA) of Basilisa town as an alternative source of livelihood for the coastal community.

Funded under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), the project is designed to generate sustainable income for SFA members, while promoting community-based eco-tourism, environmental protection, and local economic resilience.

Mejune Yosores, president of SFA, expressed sincere gratitude to DOLE and its partner agencies for the assistance extended to their association. “The project will significantly help improve our livelihood and create opportunities in eco-tourism beyond fishing.”

He shared that SFA members have long relied on fishing as their primary source of income, with farming as a secondary livelihood.

However, years of declining fish catches due to climate change, among other factors, have significantly reduced their earnings.

The opportunity came in as the island province continues to gain popularity as a tourist destination for its natural attractions.

With island-hopping and sea transport services increasingly in demand as an alternative livelihood, some members of the association have been earning additional income by renting out motorized boats.

This inspired DOLE-PDIFO to support and empower SFA members by helping them enhance their livelihoods and encouraging them to use their eco-tourism boat for other income-generating activities. 

DOLE-PDIFO Head John Ritche A. Tangpos highlighted the importance of strong collaboration and commitment among partners and stakeholders to ensure the project’s success. He said the project is expected to serve as a model for future community-based livelihood programs and promote environmental stewardship and long-term development in the province.

The turnover, held on March 24 in Barangay Coring, Basilisa in Dinagat Islands, was attended by the SFA members and local officials of Barangay Sering. Representatives from partner government agencies also witnessed the activity and expressed their support, including the provincial government of Dinagat Islands, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Island with a report from DOLE PDI)