INSIDE
Fuel prices go up next week; DTI: No price hikes before Apr. 16
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IN MET R MANILAO
VOL. XL • NO. 47 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES MARCH 29, 2026
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Gov’t readies P1.2b aid for workers amid crisis
DSWD flags gaps in list of TNVS drivers eligible for cash relief By Charles Dantes and Maricel Cruz
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By Rex Espiritu FUEL prices are expected to increase again Tuesday next week, although the adjustment is projected to be smaller compared to the recent substantial oil price hikes. Despite this, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque assured the public that prices of basic consumer goods will not increase until April 16. Roque said the DTI has not yet monitored increases in the prices of basic goods and prime commodities even as the Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association Inc. warned prices of pasta, noodles, and canned goods, among others, might go up by April 1. Industry sources said gasoline prices may go up by around P3 per liter based on the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS). Diesel, on the other hand, may go up by P5 to P8 per liter. Oil prices worldwide rose sharply Friday as hopes faded among investors for a quick end to the conflict in the Middle East. Still, Roque said prices of around 205 stock keeping units (SKUs) sold in supermarkets, groceries, and online platforms will remain at current levels until April 16. “We will not have any price increase until April 16. And we will keep on updating them because some items are expected to hold prices until the end of April,” the Trade chief said. Turn to A2
he Department of Labor and Employment has prepared an initial standby fund worth P1.2 billion to help workers who may lose their jobs amid the current situation in the Middle East.
Attacks across MidEast as war enters 2nd month
The department said the budget will be used mainly through its two flagship social protection programs – the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) – which support vulnerable workers, including those who may be displaced as a consequence of the current energy emergency. The department also adopted the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) under Executive Order No. 110, which declared the energy emergency. To support UPLIFT, the DOLE is closely working with the Department of Transportation, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and local government units to implement targeted emergency employment and livelihood interventions, starting with transport workers to help ensure continuity of economic activity and mobility of the riding public. It has also identified industries that may need similar assistance, such as agriculture and fisheries. The DOLE is likewise in close coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in identifying repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who may b e p rov i d e d
TEHRAN—Gulf countries and Israel came under missile fire and Israeli forces struck Iran on Saturday, as the war raged into its second month with Washington expressing hopes for progress in talks with Tehran. In a sign that the conflict may be expanding further, Israel’s military said air defenses responded to a missile launched from Yemen – the first since the start of the war on February 28, and after threats from Iran’s Houthi allies to launch attacks. US President Donald Trump, swinging between threats of obliteration and optimistic talk of dealmaking, has insisted the Islamic Republic wants to “make a deal.” Massive nationwide protests against Trump are expected Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) as millions of people vent fury over what they see as his authoritarian bent and other forms of cruel, law-trampling governance. It is the third time in less than a year that Americans will take to the streets as part of a grassroots movement called “No Kings,” the most vocal and visual conduit for opposition to Trump since he began his second term in January 2025. Turn to A2
FOR MOTHER EARTH. The Quezon Memorial
Shrine glows in blue and red as surrounding lights go dark in observance of Earth Hour on Saturday, March 28, 2026, to support global climate action. Edd Castro
House leader: Enough votes to impeach VP By Maricel V. Cruz and Charles Dantes
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MODERN CROSS.
Environmental and urban poor rights groups renew calls for a shift toward just and sustainable energy and waste solutions following a series of Lenten protest actions dubbed ‘Kalbaryo ng Manggagawa at Maralitang Manilenyo’ in Manila on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Robi Kate Miranda | Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives
PBBM: Reflect on compassion, service, faith during Holy Week By Charles Dantes, Joel E. Zurbano, Rolando Ng III and Rex Espiritu PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Filipinos to reflect on faith, compassion, and service during Holy Week, urging unity and resilience amid challenges. In a message, President Marcos said he joins the nation in observing a “brief pause, rest, and reflection” during the solemn religious period. He noted that the Passion of Christ serves as a reminder that “true greatness is not found in power, but in sacrifice; not in privilege, but in service; and not
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in comfort, but in the courage to carry the burdens of others.” “As we reflect on His sacrifice, may we renew our commitment to love one another more deeply, serve one another more faithfully, and stand firm in faith even in the face of trials,” the President said. Holy Week, observed by millions of Filipino Catholics, begins today with Palm Sunday, which recalls Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. As this developed, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) management said it anticipates a significant increase in passenger traffic during the Holy Week break.
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HOUSE Committee on Justice vice chairperson Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora said there are enough votes and a solid case to move forward with the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. She noted that under the Constitution, at least one-third of all House members must support the impeachment for the case to be transmitted to the Senate for trial. “We need one-third or around 106, if I’m not mistaken. And I believe we have the numbers,” Zamora said during a news forum yesterday. At the same time, Zamora expressed confidence the Supreme Court will act “judiciously and properly” on petitions seeking to halt the House impeachment proceedings against Duterte, even as she dismissed fears of a constitutional crisis. “We will do our duty under the Constitution, our mandate as representatives, as congressmen, and as members of the House Committee on Turn to A2 Justice,” she added.
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