manilastandard.net
@ManilaStandardPH
@mnlstandardph
@manilastandard
@ManilaStandardYT
Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.net . For advertisement: email: advertise@manilastandard.net •09173382170 / 85646229
‘PH TO BE UNSC VOICE OF CLIMATE-VULNERABLE NATIONS’ By Charles Dantes
VOL. XL • NO. 30 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. renewed the Philippines’ call for international support for its bid for a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, saying the country could represent developing and climate-vulnerable nations. President Marcos said he reiterated the Philippines’ candidacy during a diplomatic reception aimed at rallying support from member states.
P5,000 aid for transport workers out by March 17
“I reiterated our request for support for the Philippines’ candidature for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for the term 2027 to 2028, highlighting that the Philippines offers a voice from the Indo-Pacific, from developing countries, climate-vulnerable nations, and from middle-income countries, as well as our commitment to South-South cooperation,” Mr. Marcos said during a press conference with Filipino reporters. Next page
Meralco rates going up anew by P0.64/kwh CONSUMERS served by Manila Electric Company (Meralco) can expect higher electricity bills this March after the utility announced an increase of P0.6427 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in overall power rates. The adjustment brings the total residential rate to P13.8161 per kWh, up
Marcos: PH seeking other oil suppliers to zap rising prices
Next page
By Charles Dantes, Darwin G. Amojelar, Othel V. Campos, and Maricel V. Cruz
P
RESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the distribution of P5,000 in financial assistance to transport workers in Metro Manila beginning March 17 to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Transportation Secretary Gio- ‘Expect rise vanni Lopez said the decision fol- in prices of lowed a meeting commodities’ between national DTI tightens government officials and Metro watch over Manila mayors prices, supplies convened upon the President’s instruction to prevent the economic situation from worsening as global oil prices climb. Meanwhile, Mr. Marcos said the government is also seeking alternative oil suppliers as tensions in the Middle East threaten global energy
•
RESILIENCE. With fuel prices surging and transport fares about to rise, Filipinos are adapting to the situation by riding horses in Bukidnon, left photo, or getting a free ride by hanging on to handrails at a jeepney’s back entrance. Brit Cezar FB/ courtesy of Carren Emirose. Edd Castro
•
Next page
5,000 dynasts to be affected by proposed law By Maricel V. Cruz A HOUSE leader yesterday said the committee-approved bill on political dynasties could lead to displacement of over 5,000 “dynastic” officials. “The numbers speak for themselves—and they say the Anti-Political Dynasty Bill will change the landscape of Philippine politics and governance” said Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, chair of House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms. He said that to ensure the Committee’s version is grounded in solid evidence, the Committee collaborated closely with the Socioeconomic Research Bureau (SERB) under the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) of the House of Next page
PROS AND ANTIS. Vice
President Sara Duterte leads a mass yesterday in Davao City, right, on the anniversary of the former President’s arrest and handover to the International Criminal Court (ICC) while relatives of alleged victims of extrajudicial drug war killings mark the day by praying for his conviction in a mass in Manila. Office of the Vice President/ contributed photo
P1 billion ready to assist OFWs, aid repatriation By Maricel V. Cruz and Charles Dantes
Gov’t working to bring back Co from Portugal By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippine government is working with Portuguese authorities to bring back former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who is facing
graft and malversation charges linked to alleged irregularities in infrastructure projects. “We have already issued a red notice to Interpol and our coordination with the Portuguese authorities continues to bring him home,” the
President said. Mr. Marcos also said the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has largely completed its mandate and is preparing to submit its findings to investigative bodies.
THE government has about P1 billion in available funds to assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and support possible repatriation operations should the escalating conflict in the Middle East worsen, agencies assured lawmakers on Wednesday. Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government is working closely with host countries in the region to ensure the safety of Filipino workers. “Ang maaari lang nating gawin ay
Next page
Next page
Lacson says Marcoleta’s WPS stance ‘unsettling’ By Ram Superable SENATE President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday described as ‘unsettling’ the apparent alignment of a Filipino lawmaker’s statements with China’s position on territorial disputes, warning that such remarks could have negative implications on national security. In a statement, Lacson raised concerns that comments made by Senator Rodante Marcoleta regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS) seemed similar to statements published on the website of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “It’s unsettling, to say the least. This is national security we’re talking about. The situation is especially delicate, especially with Next page
NEW INVESTMENT. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomes the planned investment of the US Medical Glove Company (USMGC) to establish a medical glove manufacturing facility in the Philippines during a side meeting with the company’s officials during his trip to New York. PCO
Pros and antis mark arrest, handover of Rody to ICC By Katrina Manubay VICE President Sara Duterte on Wednesday marked the first anniversary of what she described as the “extraordinary rendition” of former President Rodrigo Duterte, calling it a serious challenge to due process, the rule of law, and the country’s national sovereignty. In a video statement, the Vice President Next page