Manila Standard - 2026 April 1 - Wednesday

IN OBSERVANCE OF HOLY WEEK

Manila Standard will suspend its print operations from Holy Thursday (April 2) through Easter Sunday (April 5). Regular publication will resume on Monday, April 6.

May we all have a solemn and blessed Holy Week.

PBBM orders DFA to talk to Iran

To seek safe passage for PH-bound oil shipments in Strait of Hormuz

By Charles Dantes and Alena Mae S. Flores

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Foreign Affairs to initiate discussions with Iran to help ensure the safe passage of Philippinebound vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

• Diesel prices up P15/l—sources

• P10/kilo staggered price hike for LPG

Foreign Affairs Secretary Tess Lazaro received the order during a meeting of the government’s inter-agency task group UPLIFT, where concerns over maritime security in the Middle East were discussed, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro

“She will meet with the ambassador of Iran, most probably (today). If not (today) then by next week,” Castro said.

“Our relations with Iran are good,” the Palace official added.

China

‘not a reliable partner’ for joint oil exploration—AFP

By Rex Espiritu

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday cautioned government negotiators against entering potential oil and gas agreements with China, warning that Beijing has not been a “reliable partner” despite ongoing discussions on possible cooperation.

“The Chinese Communist Party is not a reliable partner on the negotiating table,” said Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP spokesperson for West Philippine Sea matters, during a briefing at Camp Aguinaldo.

“Historically, we have observed a difference in the way they speak and their actions on the ground. These are facts which are recorded.” The warning came after Philippine and Chinese officials

P50/kilo price cap on imported rice set

By

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday announced a P50 per-ki -

• 4 million farmers, fishers get cash aid • DA downplays fears of food price surges

Marcos opens CLLEX portion; Holy Week travel measures set

DOJ, OMB face heavy workload on flood control cases—Castro

By Charles Dantes

MALACAÑANG said on Tuesday that the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) would likely face a heavy caseload after the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) recommended numerous cases tied to

alleged irregularities in flood control projects. At the same time, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro denied the government has eased up on its investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects, stressing that accountability efforts are ongoing. Castro said the volume of cases endorsed by

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday led the opening of a four-kilometer segment of the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) in Nueva Ecija, highlighting its role in reducing travel time, lowering fuel consumption, and helping stabilize rice prices.

The government also rolled out nationwide measures to ensure safe and orderly travel during the

Half-day, work-from-home

the fact-finding body could be challenging for the prosecutors.

“To be honest, it seems the Ombudsman and the DOJ are overwhelmed by the sheer number of cases being recommended for filing here in relation to the flood control project,” she said.

Most Pinoys

By Katrina Manubay

held back-to-back meetings for the 24th Foreign Ministry Consultations and the 11th Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea on March 27 and 28 in Quanzhou City, Fujian Province.

Despite the renewed talks, Trinidad said the AFP would continue patrol and monitoring operations in the West Philippine Sea, stressing the military remains vigilant while diplomatic discussions proceed.

The Philippine Navy also reported monitoring 90 Chinese vessels across key areas of the West Philippine Sea throughout March 2026, including 49 in Bajo de Masinloc, 15 near Pag-asa Island, 14 in Ayungin Shoal, and 12 in Escoda Shoal.

The monitored vessels included units from the People’s Liberation Army Navy and the China Coast Guard.

Trinidad said the increase in Chinese vessel presence coincided with tensions in the Middle East, suggesting Beijing may be taking advantage of global developments.

“We have noted in the past two weeks an escalation of their numbers, which coincided with developments in the Middle East region. These are deliberate,” he said.

“The correlation will be better understood if we understand how the Chinese Communist Party operates— its doctrine. They avoid the high ground and go to the low ground, just like how water acts,” Trinidad added, explaining that the approach involves retreating when an adversary is strong, advancing when there is opportunity, and projecting strength while appearing restrained.

He emphasized that such actions appear aimed at gradually normalizing China’s presence in disputed waters while global attention is focused elsewhere.

Castro said the DFA has yet to provide details on specific Philippine-bound ships scheduled to pass through the waterway.

US President Donald Trump warned Monday that if Iran did not strike a war-ending deal – which included reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping lane – US forces would destroy all of Tehran’s oil wells, its main Kharg Island export terminal, power systems and possibly desalination plants.

Following Trump’s threat, US and Israeli strikes hit military facilities in central Iran, damaged a major religious site in the northwest and provoked power cuts Tuesday.

Video footage verified by Agence France-Presse showed at least two massive explosions and columns of smoke in Isfahan, central Iran. State media reported the Grand Husseiniya, a Shia religious center, was damaged in Zanjan in the northwest.

Iran’s Fars news agency reported explosions and power outages in parts of Tehran, where residents painted a picture of a city that is still clinging to

some routine despite tight security.

Oil prices were again climbing steadily as markets weighed Trump’s confidence that Tehran would soon buckle to military pressure and accept a deal against fears that a possible US ground operation in the Gulf would further escalate the conflict.

Domestic pump prices continued to be affected by hostilities in the Middle East as one day trading showed an increase of up to P15 per liter for diesel and P3 to P4 per liter for gasoline, industry sources said.

Members of the LPG Marketers Association (LPGMA) will also implement a staggered P10 per-kilogram increase, or P110 for a standard 11-kilogram cylinder, effective today (April 1).

The move followed a P20 per-kilo increase last week, bringing the total adjustment for April to P30 per kilo, or P330 per 11-kilo tank.

Petron, however, will implement a P20/kg increase in LPG prices effective today.

LPGMA president Arnel Ty said in an interview with GMA News TV the hike is driven by higher international contract prices and rising logistics costs.

The suggested retail price of an 11-kg LPG tank currently ranges from P1,350

President to spend Holy Week in Ilocos Norte

Holy Week exodus, expected to start today (Wednesday).

Speaking at the San Juan Interchange, Mr. Marcos announced that the newly opened Aliaga–Cabanatuan section under Contract Package 4 would be tollfree until December 2026, allowing motorists, including cargo trucks, to use the road at no cost during the initial period.

The President said the new segment forms part of a developing east-west corridor connecting Tarlac province to Cabanatuan City, a key agricultural hub in Central Luzon.

He noted that travel time along the route, which previously took up to one hour and 30 minutes, would be reduced to about 20 minutes.

The ICI was tasked with investigating suspected irregularities in government flood control projects and recommending possible cases to be filed before the DOJ and the Ombudsman.

Castro said the commission has already completed its fact-finding mission and submitted its report and recommendations to the DOJ and the OMB which in turn will now determine whether to press charges or conduct further investigation.

She said the number of cases recommended by the ICI reflected the scope of its investigation.

“This was the work of the ICI—a fact-finding committee. They have already submitted numerous reports to the DOJ, and many more to the Ombudsman,” Castro said.

“That means the ICI did not sleep, rest, or relax. Now, all of their recommendations, whether cases filed or for further investigation, are already in the hands of the DOJ and the Ombudsman,” she added.

“With a shorter travel time, fuel consumption will also be reduced,” Mr. Marcos said.

He emphasized that improved connectivity is particularly important for Nueva Ecija, known as the country’s rice granary, as lower transport costs could help stabilize the price of rice and ease pressure on consumers.

“By reducing transportation costs, the price of rice will remain the same,” he added.

The President said the new expressway segment is expected to accommodate up to 11,500 vehicles daily, helping decongest major routes such as MacArthur Highway and improving the flow of goods and people across the region.

The CLLEX is part of the government’s broader infrastructure push to expand road networks beyond traditional north-south corridors and open up economic opportunities in eastern Luzon.

Once completed, the expressway is expected to serve as one of the region’s primary east-west highways, improving travel efficiency and supporting regional development.

covering more than 40,000 farmers, alongside the distribution of fuel vouchers and cards for transport and agricultural sectors.

Speaking in a video following a meeting of the administration’s economic and social cluster, Mr. Marcos said the government is moving on multiple fronts to stabilize prices, secure energy supply, and protect vulnerable sectors.

“The National Price Coordinating Council has already recommended a price cap of P50 per kilo for imported well-milled rice, and we will issue an Executive Order to implement this as soon as possible,” the President said.

The price cap is among the most immediate measures aimed at cushioning households from inflationary pressures, particularly as fuel-driven costs ripple across food supply chains.

Mr. Marcos said the government has also formally established the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) committee to accelerate and coordinate interventions across key sectors, including energy, transportation, agriculture, and social welfare.

As part of the relief package, the President announced financial assistance for more than 4 million beneficiaries under the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk and Families program, with each recipient set to receive P2,325 in April.

Fuel subsidies are also being expanded,

In addition, the government has earmarked P2.5 billion in fuel subsidies for around 1.4 million drivers and operators, with nationwide distribution scheduled to begin on April 6.

Price stability efforts

Malacañang said parallel efforts are underway to keep prices of basic goods stable, at least in the short term.

Presidential Communications Office

Undersecretary Claire Castro said manufacturers have committed to maintaining current prices until April 16 following discussions with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“We already have a list of products… manufacturers have promised there will be no price increase until April 16, 2026,” Castro said.

She said the DTI will conduct weekly monitoring and continue engagements with manufacturers to reinforce compliance.

However, Castro acknowledged that global developments, particularly the Middle East conflict, could eventually drive prices higher.

“There are really instances where we won’t be able to prevent it due to the conflict in the Middle East,” she said.

For now, she said the government is focused on sustaining the current price freeze.

to P1,400. By next week, prices in Luzon are expected to reach P1,450 to P1,500. In the Visayas and Mindanao, prices could be an additional P100 to P150 higher due to transport costs.

“If prices exceed those levels, consumers can complain to their barangay or the PNP because of a memorandum of agreement between the DOE and the Philippine National Police,” Ty said.

“Anything over P1,600 is overpriced.”

Meanwhile, explosions were heard in Dubai and near Erbil airport in northern Iraq, and sirens sounded in Jerusalem and two people were wounded when air defense intervened to intercept a drone near the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh, civil defense said.

Israeli emergency services said eight people received minor injuries from falling munitions fragments in Bnei Brak, near Tel Aviv. At least 10 blasts were heard in the Jerusalem area after missile launches from Iran were detected.

Kuwait’s state oil company reported that one of its giant crude old tankers was on fire in Dubai Port after a “direct and malicious Iranian attack while in the anchorage area.”

Such attacks on oil tankers and export facilities have world markets jumpy, and all eyes were on the Strait of Hormuz, the

Mr. Marcos said he would spend part of the Holy Week in Ilocos Norte with his family but would remain actively engaged in overseeing government operations.

“For the Holy Week, I will spend a few days in Ilocos Norte. And I will be back in Manila by the weekend,” he said.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro clarified that the President’s trip should not be considered a vacation, stressing that he would continue monitoring developments and issuing directives to government agencies.

“For the President, the word vacation is not common,” Castro said, adding that the President would remain “on duty” throughout the period.

Holy Week is one of the most significant religious observances in the predominantly Catholic Philippines, marked by travel, family gatherings, and religious activities, often resulting in a surge of passengers across transport hubs.

Officials said the government is implementing a “whole-of-government” strategy to manage the Holy Week surge, combining infrastructure improvements, transport readiness, law enforcement, and public safety measures.

With millions expected to travel nationwide, authorities urged the public to plan, follow safety guidelines, and cooperate with government directives to ensure a smooth, safe, and meaningful observance of Holy Week.

Government prepares for surge in travelers

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it is working to ensure “zero obstruction” along major highways and transport hubs as millions of Filipinos travel to the provinces.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the agency is coordinating with the Department of the Interior

Agriculture sector seen stable— for now

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. downplayed fears of an immediate surge in food prices, saying worstcase projections tied to high oil prices are based on extreme assumptions.

“They did not factor in government action, which we will undertake to protect Filipinos from an oil shock,” Tiu Laurel said.

He noted that scenarios presented to the Senate assumed crude oil prices reaching $200 per barrel for six months but did not include mitigating interventions.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is preparing contingency measures, including emergency fertilizer procurement through the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority and increased imports by state-linked firms such as Planters Products Inc.

The agency is also studying alternative inputs, including organic fertilizers like chicken manure, to reduce dependence on petroleum-based products.

Despite global uncertainty, Tiu Laurel said domestic indicators remain stable, with sufficient pork inventory and broiler production exceeding demand, helping ease farmgate prices. He warned traders against profiteering, saying unjustified price increases and hoarding will not be tolerated.

House mobilizes response

In the House of Representatives, Speak-

narrow maritime channel out of the Gulf that Iran has effectively closed to all vessels except those it approves as not hailing from “hostile countries.”

Two Chinese container ships were able to pass the strait, and Beijing expressed gratitude to “the relevant parties,” a foreign ministry spokeswoman told reporters.

World oil prices have surged overall since the US and Israel launched the war more than a month ago with strikes on Tehran that killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei but fall back every time Trump promises a rapid conclusion to the conflict, leaving markets jittery.

“The fog of war continues,” investment adviser Christopher Dembik of Pictet Asset Management said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump’s partner in attacking Iran, said more than half of the operation’s military aims had been achieved, but both leaders have refused to put a timeline on the war.

Israel’s military also reported Tuesday that four more of its soldiers had been killed in combat in southern Lebanon, where the war has spread and where they are battling Iranian-backed Hezbollah. With AFP

and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to keep roads clear and respond quickly to incidents.

“Usually, ang ating expressway lang ang parating masasabi natin na safe. Pero ngayon, ang utos ng ating Pangulo, we have to extend this also to the entire… kahabaan ng ating highway dito papuntang norte at papuntang south end,” Lopez said.

Authorities are set to remove illegally parked vehicles and deploy response teams to assist stranded motorists.

Lopez said airports, seaports, and land terminals are ready to handle the expected influx, with daily passenger traffic at Ninoy Aquino International Airport projected to reach 150,000.

The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) expects about 3 million travelers from March 28 to Easter Sunday, while seaports nationwide are preparing for around 2.6 million passengers.

The Philippine Coast Guard has deployed about 17,000 personnel on full alert, with vessels pre-positioned in high-traffic areas such as Batangas, Marinduque, and Calapan to assist stranded passengers.

Overall, the DOTr estimates that at least 5 million passengers will pass through transport hubs during the long weekend.

Rail operations, including LRT-1, LRT-2, and MRT-3, will be suspended from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday for annual maintenance, but the EDSA Busway and other transport services will continue operating.

To ensure sufficient transport supply, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued 1,297 special permits to bus operators and may grant additional permits if needed.

Lopez said the government also worked with bus companies to maintain operations despite rising fuel costs, supported by subsidies and coordination efforts.

er Faustino G. Dy III has expanded to 13 the number of committees tasked to craft a unified legislative response to the oil crisis.

Joint hearings are scheduled to begin April 8, even during the congressional recess.

“The objective of these hearings is to work with our partners in the Executive to identify solutions, not point fingers,” Dy said.

“We want to hear directly from our economic managers and frontline agencies so we have the information we need to come up with measures that can help our people cope with the impact of the Middle East conflict,” he added.

House Committee on Ways and Means chair Rep. Miro Quimbo said the expanded group aims to consolidate data and fast-track legislation, including a possible supplemental budget.

“The sole purpose is really to have an orchestrated and unified response on the part of the House to address the oil price crisis urgently,” Quimbo said in Filipino.

He said lawmakers are pursuing a twopronged approach focused on immediate assistance and long-term resilience.

“We wanted to do something very short-term… and then a long-term plan on how we can prepare the country so it can be more resilient in the event of a similar crisis in the future,” Quimbo said.

Proposals for long-term resilience

Negros Occidental Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez has filed the proposed Resilient

Half-day... From A1

allowing them time to travel to their home regions for the religious holidays. However, agencies involved in delivering basic and health services, disaster preparedness and response, and other critical operations are required to continue working under normal arrangements to ensure uninterrupted public service. The memorandum also states that decisions on work-from-home arrangements or work suspensions for private companies will be at the discretion of their respective employers. Charles Dantes

height of the COVID-19 pandemic. ACSA recovered to +2.76 in December 2023, declined anew to +2.10 in December 2024, and further down to a record low of +1.97 in November 2025. The November 2025 survey showed that 73 percent of adult Filipinos believed that they were just doing fine, or a rating of +1 to +5, while 25 percent claimed that life was less than rosy. This led to a mean ACSA score of +1.72.

Compared to December 2024, those who rated their present life positively fell from 79%, while those who rated it a neutral zero rose from 1%, and those who rated it negatively rose from 20%.

The survey also showed a positive correlation between ACSA scores, life satisfaction, and happiness. In November 2025, just 33% of Filipino adults considered themselves very happy, and 28% were very satisfied with their lives.

Economy and Stabilization for Crisis and Urgent Emergencies (RESCUE) Act, which seeks to institutionalize a comprehensive crisis response framework.

The bill proposes the creation of a P50-billion Bayanihan Economic Stabilization Fund that can be mobilized within 72 hours of a declared national emergency.

“It aims to fix systems before the next crisis, with a permanent fund, a standing council, and rapid deployment of aid within 72 hours,” he said.

The measure also includes provisions for cash transfers, fuel and wage subsidies, loan moratoriums, and strengthened supply chain and energy security systems.

Food security, labor, OFW concerns At the Senate, Senator Francis Pangilinan said a task force under the AGRI-AGRA team has been formed to monitor the impact of the crisis on food security and agriculture.

“The rise in oil prices will also increase the cost of fertilizer, feeds, and other agricultural inputs, which means there will be a direct impact on food prices,” he said.

Pangilinan is also pushing for a “bayanihan-type” supplemental budget to support affected sectors, including farmers, fishers, and transport workers. Meanwhile, Senator Joel Villanueva urged stronger protection for overseas Filipino workers’ remittances, noting heightened risks amid instability in the Middle East.

Lawmakers eye Bayanihan 3 for reforms

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives is moving to craft a proposed “Bayanihan 3” measure in response to the ongoing oil price crisis, but unlike its pandemicera predecessors, the new package will go beyond direct cash aid and also focus on long-term structural reforms.

House Committee on Ways and Means chair and Marikina City Rep. Miro Quimbo said the initiative is being shaped under the direction of Speaker Faustino G. Dy III as part of a broader effort to address the economic impact of rising fuel costs.

“We have not talked about the entire concept of what will be the outcome, but in reality, this is Bayanihan 3. If there’s a key objective here, it is for Congress to hammer out Bayanihan 3,” Quimbo said during a virtual press briefing on Tuesday.

The measure will be crafted through joint hearings led by a 13-panel of House committees formed by Speaker Dy to address the impact of the Middle East crisis, namely Energy, Agriculture and Food, Aquaculture and Fisheries, Foreign Affairs, Ways and Means, Labor, Transportation, Information and Communications Technology, Economic Affairs, Social Services, Trade and Industry, Overseas Workers Affairs, and Appropriations.

Congress enacted the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, both of which centered on large-scale subsidy programs as lockdowns brought economic activity to a halt.

Quimbo said the current crisis presents a different context and does not require the same level of across-theboard financial assistance.

Palace rebuts criticism, cites Digong issues

By Charles Dantes

MALACAÑANG on Tuesday pushed back against criticism from Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, defending President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and pointing to controversies involving former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Presidential Communications Office

Undersecretary Claire Castro recalled previous statements allegedly made by Duterte in which he admitted to corruption and misuse of public funds, adding that such remarks were delivered publicly and heard by many.

“Does it really need to be emphasized that former President Duterte repeatedly admitted he was corrupt and that he was stealing from public funds,” Castro said.

She also accused the former president of boasting about actions she described as a betrayal of public trust, including alleged corruption and substance abuse, and criticized what she said was insufficient accountability over so-called “ghost projects” first raised in 2020.

SC to hold oral arguments on unprogrammed funds

By Pot Chavez

THE Supreme Court (SC) is set to conduct oral arguments next month on unprogrammed funds and special accounts in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2024 to 2026. The proceedings are scheduled on April 7 and 21 at the Supreme Court En Banc session hall and division hearing room in Manila.

The Court will discuss cases questioning specific provisions in the GAA for the past three years. Among the cases are Lagman vs. Congress of the Philippines; Pimentel III and Alvarez vs. Bersamin and Pangandaman; Filipinos for Peace, Justice and Progress Movement Inc. vs. House of Representatives et al.; and Erice and De Lima vs. Senate et al. To recall, the Supreme Court de -

cided to hold the 2026 summer session in Manila instead of Baguio City as part of its energy conservation measures. Traditionally, the Court has held summer sessions in Baguio City since 1948, where magistrates deliberate on cases, resolve urgent motions, conduct or prepare for oral arguments, attend to committee work, and write decisions and resolutions.

include nearly 62 kilograms of dried marijuana.

Olivarez honors Parañaque firefighters

PARAÑAQUE CITY—Mayor Edwin L. Olivarez on Monday honored local firefighters and volunteers while unveiling expanded fire safety support, including plans for a new fire substation, during the Bureau of Fire Protection–Parañaque City’s culminating activity for National Women’s Month and Fire Prevention Month.

The event, held at the Barangay San Dionisio Sports Complex, gathered BFP personnel led by City Fire Marshal Liher L. Barrios, barangay officials headed by Eva Olivarez, and community volunteers.

In his message, Olivarez underscored the dual significance of March as both National Women’s Month and Fire Prevention Month and highlighted the vital role of preparedness and the contributions of women in public service.

Olivarez said March is not only a time to recognize the role of women in society but also a reminder of the importance of preparedness and safety in communities.

“This month is not only an opportunity to recognize the contributions of women in our society. It is also a reminder of the importance of preparedness and safety in our community,” he said.

He also commended the BFP’s continuous efforts in awareness campaigns and emergency response.

“In both occasions, we have witnessed the dedication of women and the entire BFP, who work tirelessly to serve the public and ensure everyone’s safety—from awareness campaigns to responding to emergency situations,” he added.

IN BRIEF

DSWD, SSS ramp up 4Ps AlkanSSSya rollout

THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in partnership with the Social Security System (SSS), is ramping up efforts to ensure long-term financial protection for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries through the “4Ps AlkanSSSya Program.”

The program provides low-cost social insurance for 4Ps beneficiaries in the informal sector and Sustainable Livelihood Program Associations, covering risks such as sickness, disability, unemployment, old age, maternity, and death Under the initiative, beneficiaries contribute small daily or weekly savings through organized groups, which are consolidated and remitted as SSS contributions, said 4Ps National Program Manager Gemma Gabuya. Maricel V. Cruz Japan custody reforms may affect Filipinos

THOUSANDS of Filipino migrants may be affected by Japan’s new child custody law allowing joint parental authority after divorce, set to take effect in April 2026, according to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO). The reform allows divorced parents to share custody, with family courts deciding arrangements when parents fail to reach an agreement, marking Japan’s shift from its post-war sole-custody system. The policy was presented March 26 during a high-level meeting between CFO Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II and a Japanese delegation led by Kyoto University Professor Wako Asato and representatives from the Japan Federation of Bar Associations. Vito Barcelo

PNP deploys personnel, vehicles for ASEAN 2026

THE Philippine National PoliceHighway Patrol Group (PNPHPG) on Tuesday intensified security preparations for the ASEAN 2026 events through inspection and deployment of personnel and mobility assets at Camp Crame.

Acting HPG director Brig. Gen. Rommel Batangan led the operational readiness inspection for deployment to Cebu, which will host the 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit and Related Summits on May 8-9, 2026.

A total of 170 personnel composed of 108 riders, 38 drivers, and 24 crew members will support traffic management and security operations during the summit. The HPG will also deploy 108 motorcycles and 38 service vehicles, with personnel to be turned over to the Presidential Security Command and stationed in Cebu until May 10. Vince Lopez

IN BRIEF

8 bus firms summoned over illegal fare hikes

THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a show cause order against eight bus companies for allegations of fare increase without government approval.

LTFRB Vigor Mendoza II said the eight companies, some of them plying the Bicol Region routes, face suspension and cancellation of their certificate of public convenience or permit to operate as public transportations.

“We understand the challenges that bus companies and other operators of public utility vehicles are facing now, but these challenges must never be used as a reason or as an excuse to violate existing regulations at the expense of commuters,” he said.

“This is not acceptable and they must explain properly why they should not be penalized,” he added. Rio N. Araja

SSS advises households to register their helpers

THE Social Security System (SSS) on Tuesday called on household employers to register their “kasambahay” or household helpers with the SSS to ensure they are covered by the social security protection program. The SSS sounded the call as it launched the Kasambahay Caravan in 43 sites in Metro Manila and Rizal province.

SSS president and chief executive Robert Joseph de Claro said the caravan was a key initiative to extend protection to the underserved workers.

“Household helpers keep our homes running smoothly but often lack emergency protection,” he said. Rio N. Araja

DMW padlocks job agency, nabs owner

THE Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has shut down an illegal recruitment agency operating in Manila and arrested the agency’s owner.

DMW operatives padlocked the offices of MAXILUM Recruitment Agency, also known as Cell Venus Elite Workforce Manpower and Recruitment Agency Inc., located in Binondo, following complaints of illegal recruitment and exploitation.

DMW Secretary Leo Hans Cacdac said the firm falsely promised job applicants employment in Japan, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia without the required license or approved job orders from the DMW.

Th suspect was identified as Celisti Maxilum, owner of the agency in an entrapment operation who was apprehended along with her Russian fiancé and two armed bodyguards.

Vito Barcelo

LEYTE Rep. Ferdinand Martin

Romualdez on Tuesday extolled Van Marie Editha Gundaya Cagasan from Baybay City, Leyte for topping the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) “Silang-Paglaom” Class of 2026.

“I extend my warmest congratulations to Police Cadet Van Marie Editha Gundaya Cagasan of Baybay City, Leyte, for emerging as the valedictorian of the Philippine National Police Academy ‘Silang-Paglaom’ Class of 2026,” Romualdez said. Her feat, Romualdez said, marks

No cause for alarm over COVID-19 Cicada strain breakout in PH—DOH

By Rolando Ng III

THE Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday announced that there was no cause for alarm over the COVID-19 BA.3.2 variant, also known as “Cicada” strain, saying there has been no sign of the virus having entered the country.

Health Undersecretary Albert Domingo made the announcement to allay fears of the possible spread of the latest COVID virus, adding that the disease mutates similarly as

BFAR PROJECT PAYS OFF. A team from the Deep Sea Fishing Association of La Paz, San Narciso, Zambales sets out for their daily harvest of fish from their project called Lambaklad which was introduced by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in 2024. With their fish cages, the fishermen need not go to the high seas, saving them precious time and fuel particularly at this time of skyrocketing prices due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East. BFAR photo

with other viruses.

“Coronavirus mutates, meaning potential breakout is unlikely,” Domingo explained in Filipino.

“That said, there is no reason

to be alarmed,” Domingo said in an interview on radio DZMM.

The “Cicada” variant became prevalent in the United States last December, with 25 states registering cases through wastewater samples.

The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the BA.3.2 strain has also been recorded in 23 other countries.

Nevertheless, Domingo stressed that the 60-percent decrease in running COVID-19 cases was enough

Romualdez extols Baybay lass for topping PNPA 2026 Class

“a proud moment for Leyte and for the entire Eastern Visayas,” underscoring the “excellence, discipline and character” behind her achievement.

Cagasan who led the PNPA 2026 batch of 326 cadets, received the distinguished Presidential Kampilan Award, the PNP chief’s Kampilan Award, and recognition as Best in General Education.

Beyond the accolades, Romualdez cited to the deeper story behind the achievement.

“A promise to her late mother

helped carry her through the hardest years of cadet life, and that private grief became the fuel for a very public triumph, one that now stands as an inspiration for young people in Leyte and across the country,” Romualdez added.

He said Cagasan’s journey reflects resilience shaped by hardship and purpose.

“Van Marie’s journey gives people something deeper to hold on to because it shows what can rise from pain when it is met with resolve, faith and a sense of duty,” Romualdez said.

“Leyte takes pride in her not only because she finished first, but because she carried to the top a story shaped by loss, perseverance and the quiet strength to keep moving forward when life became most difficult,” he said.

The House leader also recognized the role of Visayas State University (VSU) in Cagasan’s formation prior to entering the PNPA.

“I also extend my congratulations to Visayas State University, which helped shape Van Marie before she entered the academy,” he said.

LTO to keep IT, management systems

By Rio N. Araja

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Tuesday clarified that the LTO-IT System will not supplant the Land Transportation Management System (LTMS). In an official statement, the agency emphasized that “both systems remain operational under the LTO›s existing dual-system arrangement.”

On March 23, LTO chief Markus Lacsnilao issued Memorandum MVL-2026-095 directing motor vehicle manufacturers, assemblers, importers and dealers to process all stocks reporting and sales reporting transactions through the LTO-IT System in accordance with existing guidelines,

to ensure continuous and secure processing and compliance with government standards.

“This is a targeted, interim measure, not a system-wide replacement,” the LTO stressed.

The dual-system arrangement is a lawful risk management measure under the Build-Operate-Own Phase Out Agreement governing the LTOIT System, it pointed out, citing it ensures that LTO frontline services remain uninterrupted under any operational or legal scenario affecting either system.

“The LTO will issue further guidance as warranted. The public is assured that all core services vehicle registration, driver›s licensing, and law enforcement adjudication continue without disruption,” it said.

to quash any fears of its resurgence in the country.

“Until and unless the WHO (World Health Organization) and other international health bodies sound an alarm, there is no cause for concern,” he stated in an earlier message, adding that the Coronavirus disease is no longer regarded as a health emergency.

As of last March 14, a total of 337 COVID-19 cases have been recorded in the Philippines, lower than the 838 tallied during the same period last year.

Lawmaker refuses to shelve impeach raps amid oil crisis

By Maricel V. Cruz

THE House of Representatives can help in addressing the country’s urgent concerns while still carrying out its constitutional duty to hear the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong made this observation as who rejected the argument that the current energy crisis should push the proceedings aside.

Adiong, chair of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms and member of the Committee on Justice processing the impeachment complaints, said the country’s present difficulties “do not erase the obligation of the House to act on complaints properly filed and endorsed under the Constitution.”

“There are pressing concerns facing the country that can be addressed more effectively by properly compartmentalizing how they are handled,” Adiong said.

He pointed out that the national government was already taking steps to respond to the fallout from the global crisis linked to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, and that those actions can proceed alongside the impeachment process.

“For now, the President already declared a state of (energy emergency). In fact, a committee named UPLIFT has been created to determine how we can respond with the effects of the global crisis brought about by the ongoing clash between the United States, Israel, and Iran,” Adiong noted

He said there is no reason for the House to abandon or suspend a constitutional mandate simply because the country is also confronting a separate problem.

“And so, there are proper way to address that without necessarily surrendering or bypassing the constitutional mandate that is given to the House. Remember, the complaints are filed by private citizens, endorsed by some members of the House,” Adiong stressed.

OPINION

Paschal Triduum Lenten reflection

AS WE enter the Easter Triduum, we pause. The Church calls us to contemplate God’s mercy. Passion, Death, and Resurrection await us now. These three days reveal the depth of divine love. The Gospel of John gives us the key. “Having loved his own, he loved them to the end” (Jn 13:1). Christ loves without limit or condition. God’s love, Augustine wrote, goes “to the end without end.”

Many today live in fear and grief. War in the Middle East wounds countless families. Filipino workers, immigrants, and communities suffer deeply. God’s mercy reaches those who feel forgotten and endangered. Into this anguish, God speaks a message of consolation. The Passion of Christ is not distant history. It is a living reality in every wounded life. Divine love reaches into the darkest corners of human suffering.

Pope Leo XIV opened Holy Week with urgent words. He spoke in St. Peter’s Square this Palm Sunday. “We turn our gaze to Jesus, who reveals himself as King of Peace, even as war looms around him. He remains steadfast in meekness, while others are stirring up violence.”

He recalled Jesus stopping Peter’s sword at Gethsemane. “Put your sword back, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Mt 26:52).

Then Leo XIV declared without qualification: “Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war. He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them, saying: ‘Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood’” (Is 1:15). These are not merely pious or ceremonial words. They rebuke every ideology that invokes God to wage war.

As Pope John Paul II reminded us: “There is no evil that Christ does not face with us. There is no cross that Christ has not already borne for us, and does not now bear with us.”

Holy Thursday begins with the gift of the Eucharist. Jesus also kneels to wash his disciples’ feet.

Pope Benedict XVI reflected that Christ left his disciples “the testament of his love in the Eucharist, not as a remembrance, but as a memorial, as his everlasting presence.” For Filipinos in war-affected regions, God bends down

to strengthen you.

Good Friday draws us to the summit of love. Pope Leo XIV saw Christ mirroring today’s suffering world.

“In his wounds, we see the hurts of so many women and men today. Above all, we hear the painful groans of all those who are oppressed by violence and are victims of war.”

Pope Francis adds his own consolation for Good Friday.

God’s mercy reaches those who feel forgotten and endangered

“Thanks to him, abandoned on the cross, no one will ever again be alone in the darkness of death. He is always beside us: we need only open our heart and let ourselves be looked upon by him.”

The Cross becomes our refuge and our shield.

Holy Saturday holds the deep mystery of God’s silence. Victims of war know this silence intimately. Pope Benedict XVI wrote:

“We are still awaiting Easter; we are not yet standing in the full light but walking toward it full of trust.” Mary waits with us, trusting and hoping in darkness.

Her courage mirrors that of Filipinos everywhere. They pray, work, and hope despite deep uncertainty. Julian of Norwich heard Christ say:

“If I could suffer more for you, I would.” His mercy knows no limit and no end.

Pope Leo XIV entrusted the world’s suffering to Mary. He drew on the words of Bishop Tonino Bello. “Grant, finally, that the tears of all the victims of violence and pain will soon be dried up like frost beneath the spring sun.” May the Paschal Mystery compel us toward peace.

May all peoples feel the nearness of God. He never abandons his suffering children. In the words of Pope John Paul II: “Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song.”

Walking through Holy Week

I REMEMBER how everything would begin to shift as the Holy Week unfolded in the Philippines.

The streets would grow quieter, as if the whole community was learning to listen again. Life slowed down, became more intentional.

And then the processions would begin, one after another, flowing through the streets like a shared rhythm carried not by words, but by experience.

Palm Sunday begins with the Hosanna procession, recalling the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem. Maundy Thursday follows with the solemn transfer of the Blessed Sacrament to the altar of repose. Good Friday brings the Santo Entierro, the burial procession, heavy with silence and grief. Then comes the procession of the image of the Soledad in the evening, the quiet sorrow of a mother who has lost her Son. And finally, Easter morning breaks open with the Salubong, the meeting of the Risen Christ and His Mother, where grief slowly gives way to joy.

In some places, even earlier in the week, there is the procession of the mysteries of Christ, scenes from His life carried through the streets, as if the Gospel itself has stepped out of the church and into everyday life. These processions reveal a faith that is lived as a pilgrimage, marked by presence, and sustained by promise. Every procession is a journey. We walk, we follow, we move forward, even when we are not entirely sure where the road will take us.

That is how faith often unfolds in real life, not all at once, but in small, steady steps. Street by street, prayer by prayer, moment by moment. At the same time, these processions remind us that God meets us where

we are. In crowded streets. In dimly lit churches. In quiet prayers whispered as the images pass by. The saints we carry and the images we venerate remind us that we belong to something bigger, that we are accompanied even in moments when we feel alone. And every procession leads somewhere. There is always a destination.

The cross does not end the story. The tomb does not close it. The journey moves forward, and so do we, carried by a promise that life, not death, has the final word.

These processions reveal a faith that is lived as a pilgrimage, marked by presence, and sustained by promise

A couple of weeks ago, I had a conversation with faith-based education leaders about the future of Catholic education. We spoke about programs, policies, and sustainability. But in the end, what stayed with me was something simpler and more fundamental.

The enduring value of Catholic education lies in its ability to form faith.

In a world that is becoming more secular, there are many things that can be taught and many skills that can be developed.

But there is a kind of hunger that cannot be filled by knowledge alone. There is a deeper longing that only faith can answer, a quiet restlessness that achieve-

Pausing to reflect

THE next few days will be an occasion to pause for many Filipinos. Practicing Catholics will act true to religious tradition as they have done for many years. Whether or not they internalize their rituals and strive to be consistent in their day-today behavior, or merely act out of habit, is a matter between them and their faith.

The affluent, able to afford vacations, will be spending the next few days enjoying the good life. So long as the money they are spending is their own hard-earned fund -- not a product of corrupt or manipulative activities -- we share their joy at reaping the fruits of their labor.

Others will simply take advantage of the opportunity to rest. Exhausted in recent weeks trying to eke out a living, or worn out from various concerns, this break affords an opportunity to breathe, to come up for air, before the constant struggle resumes next week. Those who will stay at home, by choice or force or circumstance, will perhaps catch up on their reading, viewing, or chores.

Whatever the mode, the hope is that people could rekindle their bonds with their families – natural or chosen – and friends. May they

also find the solace to reflect on their existence and how the sum of their days best illustrates the kind of person they are, whatever religion they possess.

—“—

The Middle East war is not just a Middle East crisis – it is also ours

This year, however, times are extraordinarily tough. The world is in a precarious state. It will no longer serve us to believe that the events in the Middle East –if we do not have relatives working there – are so remote that they do not concern us. Already, just a month into the war, ordinary Filipinos are experiencing

WE HAVE a hard-working House of Representatives, there can be no doubt about it.

Records show that from July 28, 2025 to March 18, 2026, the Bills and Index Service recorded 8,705 House bills filed and 927 resolutions filed, broken down into 905 House resolutions, five House joint resolutions, 13 House concurrent resolutions, and four resolutions of both Houses, for a total 9,632 measures filed and 233 committee reports filed.

For House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, those figures matter because they tell a story larger than sheer volume, as the House’s output should be seen not only as a count of proposed laws moving from one stage to another, but as proof that the chamber under Dy’s leadership has kept its legislative machinery running at a fast and furious pace.

“The numbers show a working House, but more important than the numbers is what they represent: laws in progress, reforms taking shape and a chamber that has kept moving even under a crowded calendar,” Marcos said.

But let us focus on some of the proposed laws now under deliberation by the House that we believe would undoubtedly boost political stability and efficient governance, economic growth, and social protection in the years ahead.

Proposed bills on political reforms include the creation of an Independent People’s Commission, an independent oversight body to investigate corruption, abuse, or misconduct in government outside existing agencies, thus strengthening public accountability.

The Partylist System Reform Act would tighten rules to ensure party-list groups truly represent marginalized sectors and prevent political dynasties from using the system.

The Progressive Budgeting for Better and Modernized Governance Act seeks to reform budgeting rules to make spending more transparent, performance-based, and aligned with development priorities, while the Magna Carta for Barangays would increase benefits, funding, and authority for barangay officials, recognizing them as front-line

ment and success cannot fully satisfy.

Our processions quietly teach the same lesson.

Like a procession, we begin from the church. We step out into the streets, into the noise, into the uncertainties of life. We pass through narrow alleys and unfamiliar paths. We encounter both devotion and distraction.

And yet, at the end of it all, we find ourselves returning, back to where we started, back to the source, back to God.

Life often unfolds in the same way.

We go out into the world chasing

the effects of the rise in the price of oil in the world market. How many rounds of price increases have we seen in gasoline stations in recent weeks? How many transport strikes have made life difficult for consumers? We do not blame public utility vehicle drivers and operators in the least – this is how they make their living. This spells the difference between eating three times a day and eating twice, or between buying essential medicine and forgoing it. Ordinary people are reeling from higher prices, and we do not know until when the uncertainty will last. It does not matter that the decisions are being made by narcissistic world leaders who have no regard for the lives of ordinary citizens regardless of the country they are from. This week, may we include these realities in our reflections as well. If we come from a position of privilege, or if we are at least not as adversely affected as others, may we find it in ourselves to refrain from conspicuous consumption. May we learn to live simply, empathize with others, make better democratic decisions, and situate ourselves always in the bigger picture. The Middle East war is not just a Middle East crisis – it is also ours.

House bills still under deliberation: Why they matter

government units. The Cybersecurity Act wants to strengthen national defense against hacking, cybercrime, and digital espionage, including protection of government databases and critical infrastructure. The AntiFake News and Disinformation Act would penalize deliberate spread of false information, especially online, while setting standards for platform accountability.

All this reflects Congress efforts to ensure good governance and curb corruption, implement sound economic and infrastructure policy

The bill on Fair Use of Social Media, Artificial Intelligence, and Internet Technology in Elections would regulate online campaigning, AI-generated content, and digital ads to prevent manipulation, deepfakes, and election disinformation. The bill seeking a ban on relatives of officials in government contracts would prevent conflict of interest by disqualifying relatives of public officials from winning government projects. Proposed bills on social protection include Amendments to the Universal Health Care Act that would fix funding gaps, clarify PhilHealth’s role, and improve hospital capacity so the universal health care system becomes financially sustainable and delivers actual services rather than only insurance coverage. The Amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act seeks to expand school feeding and nutrition programs to fight child malnutrition and stunting, with stronger fund-

many things, some of them good, some of them necessary, some of them we believe will finally make us whole. But there comes a moment, sometimes quietly, sometimes all at once, when we realize that what we have been searching for has always been there, waiting for us to come home.

Holy Week reminds us of this through familiar movements repeated year after year, through footsteps that carry both memory and meaning.

The invitation is simple, but it asks something of us.

ing and wider coverage.

Amendments to the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act would speed up the use of coconut levy funds for farmer support, modernization, and industry development.

Economic bills up for deliberation by Congress include the Masterplan for Infrastructure and National Development that would require long-term national infrastructure planning beyond political terms to ensure continuity in transport, energy, and urban projects.

There’s also the Amendments to the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Law that seeks to increase government oversight over fuel pricing and supply to prevent price manipulation while keeping competition.

Amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law would adjust import rules and support programs to protect farmers while maintaining stable rice prices, after criticism that the current law weakened local production.

Amendments to the AntiMoney Laundering Act, on the other hand, would expand monitoring powers, include more covered transactions, and comply with global anti-money-laundering standards.

Congress also wants to strengthen the Bases Conversion and Development Authority to give it more authority to develop former military lands into economic zones, infrastructure hubs, and urban projects.

The General Tax Amnesty bill would allow taxpayers to settle unpaid taxes with reduced penalties to increase revenue collection and bring assets into the formal system.

The Mandatory Waiver of Bank Secrecy for Civil Servants bill would require public officials to allow inspection of bank accounts to deter corruption and unexplained wealth.

All this reflects Congress efforts to ensure good governance and curb corruption, implement sound economic and infrastructure policy, and strengthen social protection.

(Email: ernhil@yahoo.com)

We are not meant to remain observers standing at the side of the road. Faith asks us to walk, to carry something of Christ in our own lives, to move forward even when the path is not always clear, and to trust that the journey itself is leading us somewhere that matters. This Holy Week, it may be worth asking ourselves where we are in that journey. Wherever we are, the call remains the same. To keep walking, and to allow that journey to lead us back to Him. A blessed Holy Week, everyone!

Cubans ready for Russian oil shipment

MATANZAS, Cuba – Cubans on Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) cautiously welcomed the imminent arrival of a Russian oil shipment, with some warning it would do little to ease an energy crisis after US President Donald Trump granted a reprieve from his oil blockade.

The Anatoly Kolodkin, a tanker under US sanctions carrying 730,000 barrels of crude, was due to arrive at the western port of Matanzas by Tuesday with the first oil shipment to the communist-ruled island since January.

Trump’s decision to let Russia deliver the oil avoids a confrontation with Moscow and provides temporary relief to a country that has endured blackouts, fuel rationing and dwindling public transportation.

“We’ll welcome it with open arms. You have no idea how badly we need that oil,” said Rosa Perez, a 74-year-old retiree who was taking a walk near the Matanzas

“Let’s see if things improve for us, even just a little...I can’t take it anymore,” she told AFP, voicing hope that more shipments will follow. Others said it was not enough to solve Cuba’s crisis.

“It’s a drop in the bucket compared to what this country needs. It means next to nothing,” said Raul Pomares, a 56-yearold gardener waiting for a taxi in Havana.

“It’s a symbolic gesture that won’t have any real impact on the economy for ordinary Cubans,” he added.

Sweden charges man for selling wife to 120 men

STOCKHOLM – A Swedish prosecutor has charged a man, suspected of exploiting his “vulnerable” wife to have sex with men for money, with aggravated pimping, several rapes and assault in a case implicating some 120 men.

Sweden has been shocked by the revelations and comparisons have been made to Frenchwoman Gisele Pelicot, whose husband Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2024 after admitting to repeatedly drugging his then-wife and inviting dozens of men to rape her while she was unconscious.

The 62-year-old suspect, reportedly a former Hell’s Angel, was arrested in October after his wife reported him to police in northern Sweden. He has been held in custody since.

According to the charges, the man had for years made money from pressuring his wife “to perform and submit to sexual acts”.

The man was accused of creating online adverts, setting up meetings, keeping guard and pressuring the woman to

perform sexual acts online in order to attract more clients.

He was also accused of using violence and threats, taking advantage of her drug addiction as well as supplying her with drugs.

The prosecutor labelled it “ruthless exploitation”.

Sweden’s law on prostitution bans the buying of sex but not the selling, however it is also illegal to facilitate the sale of sex.

In addition to being charged with aggravated pimping, the man -- who denies

the accusations -- was charged with eight rapes. They include one incident with a client and several incidents where she was made to perform sexual acts to herself for online video.

Prosecutor Ida Annerstedt told AFP that the woman, who was described as being in a vulnerable position, to “some extent” had “agreed to sell sex.”

But the woman had objected to selling sex to certain people or under certain circumstances. AFP

NASA begins countdown to April 1 Moon launch

CAPE CANAVERAL – NASA began its two-day countdown Monday ahead of what is slated to be its first crewed moonshot in more than half a century, a longanticipated loop around Earth’s satellite that is to pave the way for future exploration. The first

window to launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida opens Wednesday, April 1 at 6:24 pm, and NASA officials said the countdown began at 4:44 pm.

“The vehicle is ready, the system is ready. The crew is ready,” Amit Kshatriya, the US space agency’s associate administrator, said in a briefing.

“Behind this flight stands a campaign,” he continued, noting recently announced plans including constructing a lunar base.

If Wednesday’s launch is cancelled or delayed for any reason, there are more liftoff opportunities through April 6.

As of Monday evening, NASA officials voiced confidence that engineering operations and final preparations were proceeding smoothly.

“We’ll fly when this hardware is ready,” launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson told journalists.

“But certainly all indications are right now we are in excellent, excellent shape.”

The four astronauts set to carry out the Moon voyage -- Americans Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch along with Canadian colleague Jeremy Hansen -- are in quarantine ahead of their journey. AFP

Moscow said it was “pleased” that the tanker had reached Cuban waters.

“Russia considers it its duty to step up and provide necessary assistance to our Cuban friends,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that Moscow and Washington had been in touch over the shipment.

Trump said Sunday he had “no problem” with Russia or another country sending oil because Cubans “have to survive” but he predicted that it would have little impact.

“Cuba’s finished, they have a bad regime, they have very bad and corrupt leadership, and whether or not they get a boat of oil it’s not going to matter,” Trump said.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said there was no change in US sanctions policy.

“We allowed this ship to reach Cuba in order to provide humanitarian needs to the Cuban people. These decisions are being made on a case-by-case basis,” she said. Cuba lost its main regional ally and oil supplier in January when US forces captured Venezuela’s socialist leader Nicolas Maduro.

Australian regulator probes Facebook, YouTube

SYDNEY – A host of tech giants including Facebook and YouTube are under investigation for potentially breaching Australia’s world-leading social media ban for under-16s, the nation’s online watchdog said Tuesday. Australia in December banned users under 16 from the world’s largest social media platforms, citing the need to protect them from “predatory algorithms” and online bullying. There were “significant concerns” that Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube may have breached the ban, eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said. “While social media platforms have taken some initial action, I am concerned through our compliance monitoring that some may not be doing enough to comply with Australian law.” Possible breaches included providing “insufficient measures to prevent new under 16 accounts being created”. AFP

Mexico condemns US immigration deaths

the first woman, the first person of color and the first non-American to take part in such a journey. AFP

MEXICO CITY – Mexico said Monday (Thursday, Manila time) that the deaths of more than a dozen nationals in US immigration custody were “alarming,” as American authorities acknowledged a 14th person had died since President Donald Trump began his migration crackdown.

Hundreds of thousands of migrants have been arrested across the United States as Trump looks to fulfil an election pledge to carry out the largest deportation operation ever.

But its scale and ferocity, including an overwhelming use of force by agents who critics say are undertrained, have sparked controversy.

This “is not an isolated case, but rather a reflection of an alarming and unacceptable trend,” Vanessa Calva Ruiz, Mexico’s Director of Consular Protection, told a press conference in Los Angeles.

“The recurrence and frequency of these deaths are absolutely unacceptable,” she said. AFP

a limited role in future global trade policy efforts,” Greer said in a statement. The WTO’s top-level ministerial conference that opened in Cameroon on March 26 ended Monday with no significant agreements and deep divisions on display.

As a result of the failure to agree on e-commerce duties, a WTO moratorium that since 1998 has exempted cross-border digital transmissions from duties expired Monday.

It does not mean tariffs will automatically be imposed, but it deals a heavy blow to developed countries and the United States in particular. AFP

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026

PH wushu team bags 3 bronzes in world meet

By Randy M. Caluag

THE Philippines’ rising wushu talents showcased their promise on the global stage, bringing home three bronze medals from the 10th World Junior Wushu Championships held in Tianjin, China.

Bannering the country’s podium finishers were Hannah Ysabel De Los Reyes, who clinched bronze in the girls’ junior taijiquan event, Angel Polo in the girls’ youth taijiquan category, and Xiviel Bantali, who delivered a podium performance in the boys’ youth 48kg sanda division.

The trio’s achievements highlighted the continued growth of Philippine wushu at the grassroots and developmental levels, with young athletes proving competitive against the world’s best in both taolu (forms) and sanda (combat).

The campaign was anchored on the guidance of experienced mentors, including Li Jian Fang for taolu and Ali Dehghan for sanda, whose expertise helped shape the athletes’ performances throughout the tournament.

Despite facing stiff opposition from traditional wushu powerhouses such as China, Iran, and other Asian and European nations, the Filipino contingent held its ground, demonstrating discipline, technical precision, and fighting spirit.

Officials and supporters hailed the result as a significant step forward for the country’s youth program. Philippine Sports Commission, led by chairman Patrick Gregorio, is the main backer of the wushu national team.

WEDNESDAY,

Bolick is PBA Best Player of Week

ROBERT Bolick was clutch last week to help NLEX continue its strong start in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Bolick had 32 points on 11-of-19 shooting from the field, including a crucial three that the Road Warriors needed in the final seconds to defeat Barangay Ginebra, 118-113, last Friday.

“Character win ito,” said Bolick, who nailed that three with 46.1 seconds left that got NLEX up, 115113, on their way to the win.

His performance also got him the nod as the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the period March 25-29. Bolick knocked down that three over the defense of RJ Abarrientos as NLEX completed its comeback from a 13-point deficit, and a bounce-back win after a close 103-97 defeat over TNT, the team’s first of the conference after winning two straight games.

“‘’Yun ‘yung mga tinatrabaho ko araw-araw sa practice,” said Bolick of the game-winner. “Pagdating sa sitwasyon na ganun, kumpiyansa lang at tiwala sa tinrabaho ko from high school, college, at hanggang pro. Kapag nag-mintis ‘yun, ako ang sisihin, ganun naman ang basketball. Willing naman ako tanggapin ‘yun,” said Bolick.

NLEX (3-1) is in a tie at second place with Terrafirma, Phoenix Super LPG, and Meralco at the close of the week, and behind sole leader Rain or Shine (3-0).

ITH the hard-court stretch behind her, Alexandra Eala turns her focus to the European clay swing, where she is set to compete in the Upper Austria Ladies Linz, the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Stuttgart, and the Madrid Open in April as she looks to regain momentum in the Women’s Tennis Association rankings. NLEX’s

Bolick said he was actually unsatisfied with his play against Barangay Ginebra where he committed five turnovers. “Sama nga ng laro ko eh. Ako nga ‘yung -10, may mga turnover sa dulo. Ang ganda lang ng laban namin nitong backto-back games. Nasulot kami ng TNT, eto lumamang na naman sila, panay turnover ako, kala mo dere-derecho na pero lumaban kami at nakuha pa namin ang panalo,” said Bolick.

Bolick edged the likes of Ricci Rivero of Phoenix Super LPG, Felix Lemetti of Rain or Shine, and Zavier Lucero of Magnolia in the award handed out by mediamen regularly covering the PBA beat.

Galanza, Santos make big jumps in All-Star return

A NOTABLE shake-up marked the second returns of the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase, as several new names from both the Premier Volleyball League and Spikers’ Turf climbed the fan voting rankings.

For Team Heart, Creamline ace Jema Galanza, currently sidelined with an injury, surged to the top of the outside hitter race, overtaking Capital1’s Bella Belen and teammate Alyssa Valdez with 27.15 percent of the votes. Belen remains in a starting position, holding second with 16.03 percent, while Valdez slid to third with 15.48 percent.

Erika Santos of Cignal made a major leap in the opposite hitter race for Team Heart, commanding 44.57 percent of the votes, while Farm Fresh’s Ara Galang dropped to second with 27.11 percent.

In the middle blocker category, Jeanette Panaga of the Cool Smashers retains the top spot with 33.39 percent, while Nxled’s MJ Phillips, who ranked fifth in the first returns, jumped to second with 21.56 percent—a standout move in the latest tally.

At libero, Justine Jazareno of Akari continues to lead Team Heart with 50.48 percent, while Creamline’s Jia De Guzman remains the top setter with 79.91 percent.

Over at Team Hustle, Alyssa Eroa of ZUS Coffee made a massive leap from fourth place, jumping from 10.55 percent to first with 35.22 percent, surpassing PLDT’s Kath Arado, now second with 23.33 percent.

Meanwhile, Eya Laure of Choco Mucho moved up to second in the outside hitter race with 32.08 percent, joining top-ranked Bernadeth Pons of the Cool Smashers, who leads with 32.89 percent.

Tots Carlos of Creamline built a huge lead in the opposite spiker race with 54.08 percent, while High Speed Hitters’ Kianna Dy remains second with 21.81 percent.

Linz, Stuttgart, Madrid up next after Eala’s WTA slide

WAs expected, Alex Eala slipped to No. 45 in the latest Women’s Tennis Association rankings with 1,255 points following the conclusion of the Miami Open.

The 20-year-old Filipina dropped 16 places after losing 270 ranking points. Although she reached the Round of 16 in Miami, Eala managed to defend only 120 of the 390 points she earned from her breakthrough

semifinal run in last year’s edition of the WTA 1000 tournament.

The dip came just weeks after Eala achieved a career-high No. 29 ranking in mid-March, fuelled by back-to-back Round of 16 finishes at the Indian Wells Open and the Dubai Tennis Championships.

With the Sunshine Double behind her, Eala now shifts focus to the clay-court swing in Europe — a stretch that could define her climb back up the rankings.

She opens her clay season at the Upper Austria Ladies Linz from April 6 to 12. She is also listed as a qualifier for the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix Stuttgart scheduled from April 13 to 19, before competing in the Madrid Open from April 21 to May 3. Clay was a challenging surface for Eala in 2025, where she posted a 2–4 record across four tournaments from April to June, including an early exit at the French Open. Her best showing during that span was a Round of 16 finish at the Oeiras Open, while she exited early in Madrid, Rome, and Paris.

Eala heads into the European swing looking to rewrite that narrative and regain lost ground in the

Dumapong donates Paralympic bronze to Sports Museum

By Randy M. Caluag

ADELINE Dumapong-Ancheta donated her bronze medal from the 2000 Sydney Paralympics to the Philippine Sports Museum on Monday, as the country marked Women with Disabilities Day.

The medal, won in the women’s 82.5kg para powerlifting event, was the Philippines’ first-ever podium finish in the Paralympic Games and is widely regarded as a breakthrough moment for para sports in the country.

The turnover ceremony was led by the Philippine Sports Commission, which also honored the late Josephine Medina.

Medina’s bronze medal from the 2016 Rio Paralympics, which ended a 16-year medal drought for the Philippines in the Paralympics, was likewise unveiled at the museum. She was represented by her nephew,

TAGAYTAY City—The Philippines is now playing a major role in the development of track cycling in Asia with Tagaytay City and PhilCycling’s hosting of the 45th Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) Track Cycling Championships and 14th Asian Para Track Cycling Championships.

“The Philippines is playing a major role in the development of track cycling in Asia,” said ACC president

Dató Amarjit Singh Gill on the sides of the Gala Night celebrating the ACC’s 33rd foundation anniversary on

Monday night at the Sigtuna Hall beside City Hall here.

“What I see is a nation stepping up—investing in world-class facilities, including a 250-meter indoor, homologated velodrome,” said Gill, also a vice president of the International Cycling Union. “This clearly places the Philippines among the emerging forces in cycling in Asia.”

Gill commended the leadership of PhilCycling president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino andhis vision in bringing to life the ACC track championships supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, MVP Sports Foundation, Sports Plus PH, Toyota and Peak.

“I want to congratulate President Bambol Tolentino for his leadership, his foresight and his vision to make this happen,” he said. “Well done the Philippines.”

The brand-new Tagaytay CT Velodrome sits adjacent to another UCI-standard BMX track which was built for the country’s hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

“So far, so good and in terms of hosting, we’re on cloud nine,” said Tolentino, also the president of the Philippine Olympic Committee. “Thank you to everyone who supported us. This is world-class and to host an international event right away makes it even more special.” Meanwhile, powerhouse China

Christian “Buddy” Acosta. Philippine Paralympic Committee president Michael Barredo attended the ceremony along with PSC commissioners Walter Francis Torres and Olivia Bong Coo.

Members of the national para teams in athletics, chess and para powerlifting were also present. Dumapong-Ancheta’s medal is considered a landmark achievement that helped raise awareness and recognition for Filipino para athletes, who have since gained greater support and visibility in international competitions.

The Philippine Sports Museum, located at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City, has been expanding its collection of memorabilia from notable Filipino athletes. Last month, boxing legend Manny Pacquiao also donated items to the museum in a ceremony attended by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.

IMF-BSP MEETING.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. welcomes International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing-director Kristalina Georgieva during a courtesy visit at the BSP head office in Manila on March 12, 2026. Remolona and Georgieva exchanged views on current economic conditions and shared priorities that support effective central banking and financial stability. Following the meeting, the IMF delegation toured the BSP Museo and learned about the Philippines’ numismatic heritage and the evolution of the Philippine currency.

March inflation likely rose up to 3.9%

By Thony Rose Lesaca

PHILIPPINE inflation likely settled within a range of 3.1 percent to 3.9 percent in March on the back of higher domestic fuel prices and increased electricity costs, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Tuesday.

on inflation and growth prospects. We will continue to monitor recent developments in the Middle East for their implications on inflation and economic activity,” the BSP said.

The forecast follows a rise in the national inflation rate to 2.4 percent in February, which marked a 13-month high and brought the two-month average to 2.2 percent.

rising global crude prices threaten to spike inflation.

The BSP’s Monetary Board maintained the policy rate at 4.25 percent, citing a need for stability amid “fast-changing developments and uncertain economic conditions.”

Court denies GMA 7’s bid to block director term limits

By Jenniffer B. Austria

THE Makati Regional Trial Court

has denied a petition for a temporary restraining order filed by GMA Network Inc. against a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) decision to impose term limits on independent directors of listed companies.

In its ruling, the court cited the broadcaster’s failure to disclose a material fact that weakened its claim for urgent relief.

While the GMA Network petition filed on March 26 claimed an urgent need for intervention due to a looming May 2026 annual stockholders meeting, the SEC revealed the company’s board had already approved postponing that meeting to December 2026.

The SEC told the court this omission misled the bench regarding the actual urgency of the case. The regulator also argued its ruling is consistent with state policy to promote corporate governance reforms intended to raise investor confidence and develop the capital market.

SEC chairman Francisco Lim welcomed the decision, drawing a comparison between corporate governance and national politics.

“The BSP will remain vigilant and guided by incoming data, specifically

The BSP said in its month-ahead forecast that inflation risks have intensified. It pointed to upward price pressures originating from a significant spike in domestic petroleum prices amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, alongside higher utility charges in areas serviced by Manila Electric Co. Beyond energy costs, the BSP noted that higher rice prices and the persistent weakness of the peso likely contributed to a higher consumer price index during the month. While lower prices for vegetables, fish and meat may provide some relief, the central bank maintained that upside pressures require close monitoring.

According to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, that previous uptick was led by rising costs for food and housing.

The PSA is scheduled to release the official inflation data for March on April 7 2026.

The BSP kept its benchmark interest rates steady during an offcycle meeting on March 26, signaling a potential shift toward tightening as

PAMPANGA HOUSING. Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling and Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) president and chief executive Federico Laxa lead the ceremonial turnover of a check to a landowner for the acquisition of the property occupied by members of the Pinag-isang Magkakapitbahay ng Miranda Compound in Barangay Maimpis, San Fernando City, Pampanga. The two agencies awarded checks totaling over P38.6 million on March 26, 2026 to fund land acquisition and documentary support for two communities in Pampanga province.

Power producers support P6 coal price during market suspension

By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE Philippine Independent Power Producers Association Inc. (PIPPA) said it supports the adoption of an alternative settlement price during market suspensions, including a fixed administered price of P6 per kilowatt-hour for coal-fired generation.

PIPPA president and executive-director Anne Estorco Montelibano said in a letter to Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairman Francis Saturnino Juan her group recognizes the role of coal in ensuring stability when normal price discovery mechanisms are absent.

Montelibano said a single, fixed price for coal-fired plants is necessary to eliminate incentives for economic withholding and ensure that plants operate at maximum available capacity.

The ERC ordered the temporary suspension of Wholesale Electricity Spot Market operations across the country’s three power grids on March 26, 2026 to address supply risks and price volatility stemming from the Middle East conflict. During this period, the regulator will implement a Modified Administered Pricing Mechanism, which is under consultation with stakeholders and targeted for finalization by April 1.

BSP’s internal projections suggest inflation will exceed the 4.0 percent ceiling in 2026 before returning to the target range by 2027. The BSP projected that headline inflation could climb to 5.1 percent in 2026 before slightly easing to 3.8 percent in 2027. The latest projections are higher than the previous estimates of 3.6 percent in 2026 and 3.2 percent in 2027.

BSP Deputy Governor Zeno Abenoja said the upward revision was led by higher oil price assumptions.

Actual inflation in February

Average inflation in 2 months

“We have updated the oil prices that are underlying the projections. Previously, we were looking at around $64 to 65 per barrel. Now, we have updated them. Based on the futures prices, the average international oil prices could hover at around $85 on average for this year. And next year, about $76 per barrel,” said Abenoja.

“Our people clamor against political dynasties—so our public companies must reject boardroom entrenchment. No double standards,” Lim said. 3.1% to 3.9% 2.4% 2.2% BSP’s March inflation projection

The modified framework introduces a technology-specific pricing approach where coal plants may be paid at a fixed rate, natural gas plants based on contracted prices and renewable energy sources under administered pricing with preferential dispatch. Oil-based plants will be compensated based on administered prices when dispatched.

71% Lopez majority ousts ‘Piki’ for alleged loss of trust

FEDERICO “Piki” Lopez was removed as president and chief executive of Lopez Inc. for cause and for loss of trust and confidence, three Lopez factions representing a 71 percent majority stake in the family’s holding company said in a statement.

Representing a 71 percent majority stake, three Lopez family factions announced that the board voted 5-2 on Feb. 27 to oust the executive. The majority said the company’s by-laws allow for the removal of any corporate officer even without cause by a majority vote. Federico Lopez and his brother, Benjamin Lopez, cast the dissenting votes.

This has triggered a legal battle after a court order temporarily blocked the ouster, allowing Federico Lopez to remain in his position.

The majority factions, which include Lopez Inc. chairman Rafael Lopez, ABS-CBN chairman Martin Lopez, Miguel Ernesto Lopez and Maria Eugenia

Brown, have filed a motion to dissolve that order.

The majority alleged that Federico Lopez oversaw questionable transactions involving billions of pesos at First Gen, a listed company he leads, without prior board approval. They claimed many board members only learned of these deals through media reports. One transaction was allegedly presented for discussion for only one hour under “other matters” after it was already considered a done deal.

Federico Lopez filed a complaint with the Mandaluyong Regional Trial Court seeking reinstatement, alleging his removal was retaliation for refusing to authorize a P2 billion capital infusion into ABS-CBN Corp. Court documents filed by the executive claim a special audit found 68 unidentified individuals received nearly P1 billion in retirement payments and that a P2.56 billion pool existed for bonuses.

DOT promotes value-driven travel amid rising fuel costs

By Othel V. Campos

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) announced Tuesday that the Philippines remains open for business and tourism despite rising fuel costs and broader economic uncertainties affecting consumers and the travel industry.

In a statement, the DOT emphasized that tourism continues to serve as a vital source of livelihood for millions of Filipinos, supporting local businesses, workers and communities nationwide.

To encourage travel under current conditions, the agency is promoting value-driven options that allow travelers to explore destinations while managing costs. These include walking and biking tours, farm visits, community-based tourism, staycations, wellness and nature escapes, and local culinary experiences.

The DOT also urged travelers to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by purchasing local products, noting that these alternatives offer flexible and meaningful ways to travel based on individual resources.

For those planning trips, the agency advised making arrangements in advance and choosing DOT-accredited tourism enterprises to ensure quality and safety. A list of accredited establishments is available through the department’s official website.

The department also reminded travelers to practice responsible tourism by observing local customs, protecting the environment and supporting local enterprises.

It also encouraged energy-conscious habits, such as using sustainable transport, opting for eco-friendly accommodations and conserving electricity by turning off appliances when not in use.

IN BRIEF

PLDT backs gov’t move to restrict Roblox access PLDT Group said Wednesday it supports government-led initiatives to restrict access to Roblox as part of a national push to

“We

Joan de Venecia-Fabul,

counsel and head of regulatory and strategic affairs, said protecting children online is a responsibility shared with the government and families.

“We recognize that children are among our most important stakeholders, and we fully support efforts to create a safer digital environment for them,” she said. Darwin G. Amojelar

MANILA-PALAU FLIGHTS. Philippine Airlines (PAL) president Richard Nuttall lead the launch of the Manila-Palau (MNL-ROR) service on March 29. The twice-weekly direct route, using Airbus A321ceo aircraft, aims to strengthen tourism and business ties between the Philippines and the Pacific islands

DoubleDragon’s Hotel101 to raise $300m for expansion

By Jenniffer B. Austria

DOUBLEDRAGON Corp. said its hospitality subsidiary, Hotel101 Global Holdings Corp., plans to raise $300 million (about P18 billion) through a Series A perpetual preferred share offering in the United States.

In a disclosure to the Nasdaq Stock Exchange, Hotel101 said proceeds from the proposed equity transaction will support the worldwide rollout of projects and accelerate the expansion of its asset-light, technology-driven hospitality platform.

The capital raise comes as DoubleDragon targets a banner year for hotel openings. The group said a total of 2,229 new rooms are scheduled to become operational in 2026. This includes 680 rooms in Madrid, which opened in March; 519 rooms in Davao; 548 rooms in Cebu; and 482 rooms in Niseko, Hokkaido.

PAL’s net income rose 6.1% to $160m in 2025

By Darwin G. Amojelar

PHILIPPINE Airlines (PAL) said Wednesday its net income grew 6.1 percent to $160.4 million in 2025 despite a challenging year for the global aviation industry.

OCEANAGOLD (Philippines) Inc. (OGP) remitted P506.9 million in local business taxes (LBT) to three municipalities in Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino in 2026, up 20.2 percent from 421.9 million pesos a year earlier. Kasibu in Nueva Vizcaya received the largest share at P253.5 million, followed by P152.1 million for Nagtipunan and P101.4 million for Cabarroguis in Quirino. “We believe that as we grow, our host municipalities grow with us. This is one of the direct and immediate benefits of responsible resource development,” said Joan Adaci-Cattiling, OGP president and general manager for external affairs and social performance. She said the higher tax contribution is expected to support development projects in host communities. Under a memorandum of agreement, the beneficiary municipalities committed part of their LBT collections to environmental programs. Kasibu allocated P10 million, while Cabarroguis and Nagtipunan each set aside P5 million for environmental management, protection and conservation initiatives.

OGP said its sustained contributions have helped maintain the first-class status of Kasibu, Nagtipunan and Cabarroguis. This classification is given to local government units with an average annual income of at least P200 million, enabling them to expand services and invest in long-term development. Othel V. Campos

The Lucio Tan-led airline reported total revenues of $3.22 billion, up 3 percent from $3.13 billion in 2024, supported by solid performance across its core businesses.

The passenger business remained the primary revenue driver, generating $2.73 billion. This was underpinned by sustained travel demand as PAL carried 16.3 million passengers during the year, a 4.3 percent increase from 2024.

PAL increased its capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASKs), by 3.3 percent to 46.19 billion in 2025. Passenger load factor was slightly down at 78.7 percent, compared to 79.1 percent in 2024.

Ancillary revenues saw strong growth, rising 24.9 percent to $301.2 million, mainly due to higher volumes of seat upgrades. Ancillary services now represent 9.4 percent of PAL’s total revenues.

The cargo business posted a 3.7 percent increase in revenues, rising to $165 million from $159.7 million in 2024. This growth was driven by a 1.8 percent increase in cargo volume to 187.5 million kilograms. Cargo revenues account for 5.2 percent of the airline’s consolidated revenues.

Total operating expenses increased 6.3 percent to almost $3 billion, primarily due to more flights, higher maintenance costs and structural cost

In 2025, PAL continued its fleet revitalization program by retrofitting three Airbus A321ceo aircraft and taking delivery of two additional A320-200s.

On Dec. 21, the airline marked a milestone with the arrival of its first Airbus A350-1000, making PAL the first carrier in Southeast Asia to operate the nextgeneration widebody aircraft.

“Our 2025 results validate PAL’s successful transition from post-pandemic recovery to sustainable, long-term growth,” said Richard Nuttall, PAL president. “Despite an industry-wide softening of passenger yields, we successfully defended our top line through disciplined revenue and network

Nuttall added that the airline is aggressively driving internal efficiencies to navigate cost pressures while investing in its on-time performance (OTP).

The company said its first overseas project, Hotel101-Madrid, which started operations March 10, has exceeded expectations in terms of occupancy and performance. It is expected to reach above-industry occupancy levels ahead of the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix in September. Hotel101-Madrid has also been named an official hotel partner for the event under a 10-year agreement with MATCH Hospitality.

DoubleDragon said these developments are part of Hotel101 Global’s long-term plan to build 1 million standardized hotel rooms across 100 countries. The strategy is anchored on a “condotel” model that generates revenue from both unit sales and recurring hotel operations.

Listed on Nasdaq under the ticker HBNB, Hotel101 Global is pursuing expansion through joint ventures and licensing deals with international developers. The company previously secured agreements for developments in Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, Italy and Australia.

In the Philippines, Hotel101 has a presence in the Mall of Asia complex in Pasay and Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Plans are also underway for hotels in Libis, Davao, Cebu, Bohol and Boracay.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

CITICORE Renewable Energy Corp.

(CREC) said Tuesday it energized its 69-megawatt-peak (MWp) solar power plant in Negros Occidental, boosting supply for the Visayas grid during the dry season.

“Delivering this project ahead of the summer peak demonstrates our ability to provide dependable capacity when the system needs it most,” said Oliver Tan, CREC president and chief executive. “As one of our largest solar plants in Visayas to date, it demonstrates that our growth strategy extends beyond Luzon and is anchored in strengthening energy security in the Visayas.”

The energization is part of CREC’s 5-gigawatt in 5 years roadmap, aimed at supporting the government’s clean energy transition.

The project spans 69 hectares in Barangay Eustaquio Lopez, Silay City, and is designed for future expansion to a 100-MWp total capacity.

The project was developed under the Department of Energy’s Green Energy Auction Program (GEAP) 2.

“This is our sixth out of 12 GEA-2 projects energized,” Tan said. “Another four plants are ready for energization by April, with the last two to be energized in the next couple of months, completing all GEA-2 projects we’ve won.” CREC will also implement its “AgroSolar” initiative at the facility, using the land beneath the solar panels to grow high-value crops. The company said the initiative supports food security and provides livelihoods for local farmers while maintaining the land’s agricultural use.

The new facility complements CREC’s existing 25-MWp Negros Occidental 1 solar project.

“Negros Occidental has long been both an agricultural heartland and a renewable energy hub,” Tan said. “By pairing solar generation with crop production, we demonstrate how energy infrastructure can coexist with agriculture.”

Scribbles of discontent: Graffiti and ‘banyulatin’ as works of literature

By Danika Geronimo

THE law often dismisses graffiti as “destruction,” “anarchy,” or even as mere “dirt.” But new research from the Ateneo de Manila University’s Filipino Department reveals what laws may not: that graffiti can be seen as works of literature emerging from unequal access to space and speech. Indeed, vandalism and bathroom graffiti—banyulatin in Filipino— beg us to ask why someone felt compelled to write them in the first place. When speech is pushed out of public life, it finds refuge in the margins: spraypaint scrawls sinking into walls and corners, words etched into bathroom stalls.

By Lyschelle Joy Armijo

IN THE Philippines, faith continues to be a powerful force that unites communities, especially during the sacred season of Holy Week. One of the most cherished traditions among the faithful of the Roman Catholic Church is the practice of Visita Iglesia—a spiritual journey that reflects devotion, sacrifice, and deeprooted belief.

Visita Iglesia, which literally means “church visit,” is a centuries-old Filipino Catholic tradition observed during Holy Week, particularly on Maundy Thursday. Devotees visit at least seven churches to pray the Stations of the Cross, offering reflections on the passion and death of Jesus Christ. Each stop becomes a moment of silence, repentance, and gratitude, strengthening one’s relationship with God while fostering a sense of unity among participants.

In 2026, this tradition continues to thrive despite modern challenges, including the recent oil price hikes affecting transportation and daily expenses across the country. Rising fuel costs have made travel more difficult for many Filipinos, especially those who journey from one church to another. Yet, this has not diminished their commitment. Instead, it has highlighted the resilience and unwavering faith of the Filipino people.

Communities have adapted in mean-

By Robert Harland

Graffiti settles into spaces where the authority’s gaze is less sharp. Although public spaces are often imagined as open and neutral, in truth, they are sites of contestation: places where power decides whose voices may linger and whose must fade quietly into the cracks.

Faculty researcher Harvey James G. Castillo listens closely to these voices. His work reveals that graffiti and banyulatin are far from mindless acts of vandalism; instead, they are honest attempts to be heard when power silences dissent. These suppressed forms of writing ask us to read beyond policy and see literature as an instrument where repression and expression meet.

Drawing on Filipino literature, Castillo shows how graffiti is shaped by risk anchored in spatial struggle. Anger, humor, political critique, and despair surface in these markings because official forums often cannot accommodate them. Public walls, then, become grounds for voices excluded from dominant narratives of progress and civility. These spatial politics show how power governs not just what is said, but where it appears. As Castillo posits, some spaces become permissible only when the state controls the message it once condemned, even as other spaces become criminalized. In this frontand-back politics of space, names of

the wealthy are displayed in plain view, while informal markings of the marginalized are pushed to the back and hidden parts of infrastructure. Literature often highlights bathrooms as semiprivate spaces where authority loosens, and anonymity frees people to speak more openly. Here, banyulatin becomes conversations of collective tensions and anxieties. Exposing how legal approaches to graffiti fall short, Castillo turns to Philippine literature as a site of liberation. While laws may seek to punish and paint over graffiti, literature restores context—situating these writings within specific historical moments, includ-

ing dictatorship, class struggle, and social surveillance. In this light, graffiti is not simply an offense, but a kind of testimony. It transforms into voices that persist and echo long after walls have been repainted countless times. When one reads these walls through the lens of literature, following the stories that fill their cracks and corners, one uncovers narratives of hope, defiance, and a refusal to be erased from the social fabric. In spaces where survival and resistance take root, these writings continue to matter: today, as questions of voice and belonging intensify, graffiti remains a vital intervention in public discourse.

Visita Iglesia continues as faith holds despite rising costs

ingful ways. Some choose to visit churches within walking distance, turning the practice into a more intimate and reflective pilgrimage. Others organize group transportation to share costs, reinforcing the Filipino value of bayanihan, or communal unity. For many, the sacrifice brought about by the oil price hike becomes part of their offering—a tangible expression of devotion.

More than just a religious activity, Visita Iglesia in 2026 stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Filipinos. It shows that even in the face of economic challenges, faith remains steadfast. The act of visiting churches is no longer just about tradition; it becomes a symbol of hope, perseverance, and collective strength. Ultimately, Visita Iglesia reminds the community that true devotion is not measured by convenience, but by the willingness to continue serving and seeking God despite life’s hardships.

BACOLOD City, the capital of Negros Occidental, is steadily building its reputation as a cultural hub, and the reopening of the J&L Marañon Art House adds another jewel to its growing crown of attractions.

Once a popular destination, the house had been closed for several years, but its owners, Jess and Ligaya Marañon, who live in London, have entrusted its management to the Bacolod Arts, Cultural and Heritage Group under the leadership of Sandy Solinap.

As curator, Solinap will guide the house’s revival, beginning with Her Triumph, an exhibition of paintings celebrating Women’s Month. The Art House itself is a spectacle that defies convention. Its facade is a curious fusion of styles: medieval gargoyles perched on the roof, Chinese soldier figures standing guard at the entrance, and mosaics decorating the doorstep. Stepping inside, visitors are immediately engulfed by an explosion of art.

Every wall, floor and ceiling is filled with sculptures, paintings and mosaics, crafted from materials as varied as cement, terra cotta, wood, iron, marble, ivory and glass. The subjects leap across cultures and centuries — religious icons, Grecian figures, Chinese warriors, Egyptian gods — creating a kaleidoscope of influences.

On the second floor, porcelain plates and cups from England line the shelves, while a wall of an-

Free cancer care reaches more families in Bicol

Naga City, easing both financial and emotional strain for families facing serious illness. The initiative allows residents from Iriga City, led by Mayor Rex Oliva, and Pasacao, under Mayor Nino Tayco, to access treatment at the Beacon of Hope Chemotherapy Center. PhilHealth members and qualified indigent patients can undergo treatment without worrying about hospital bills, allowing them to focus on recovery.

For many patients, this means fewer delays in treatment and less need to travel far in search of affordable care. It also brings support closer to home—something that matters deeply for families navigating long-term illness. Inside the center, care goes beyond medical procedures. Patients are welcomed into a space designed to be calm and reassuring, where doctors and staff focus not only on treatment, but also on emotional and psychological support. For those undergoing chemotherapy, this environment can make a significant difference in how they cope with the process.

The partnership reflects a growing effort among local governments and healthcare providers to make essential services more accessible at the grassroots level. By working together, they aim to address gaps in healthcare that often leave vulnerable families struggling to find support.

Dr. John Paul Aclan, Chairman and CEO of We Hope Medical Group, emphasized that collaboration is key to reaching more patients. He said partnerships with local governments help ensure that those in need are able to access life-saving treatment without delay.

Beyond chemotherapy services, the group continues to expand its network of healthcare facilities, including dialysis centers, diagnostic clinics, and rehabilitation services—all aimed at improving access to care across different communities.

For families in Iriga and Pasacao, the impact is immediate and personal. What was once a difficult and costly journey to treatment is now more accessible, offering patients a better chance at recovery and a sense of hope in the face of uncertainty.

As more local governments explore similar partnerships, initiatives like this signal a shift toward a more inclusive healthcare system—one where no family is left behind when it comes to life-saving care.

SHOWBIZ

Very Wang Nickie Wang

RICHARD

Gutierrez is back in action, and he is not content with repeating past roles. His co-star Gerald Anderson matches his energy and intensity in fight scenes that push both actors to their limits.

“I’ve had to get massages more than once to recover from the aches of our tapings. We’ve had many sleepless nights and body pains,” Gutierrez said. Yet the long hours and bruising stunts are worth it. “More than anything, we’ve accomplished something special.” Gutierrez still performs most of his stunts himself, though he admits a bit of wisdom now guides him.

Richard Gutierrez, Gerald Anderson take Pinoy action to the edge

“I used to do all of it, but now I do most of them,” the 42-year-old actor said. Anderson, on the other hand, described working with Gutierrez as energizing.

“It’s like I have a partner in crime. We had a fight scene early in the morning, and even after running and chasing each other all day, Richard’s energy did not dip. It pushes you to give your best,” Anderson noted.

The two actors share a natural camaraderie on set. Gutierrez said he draws inspiration from Anderson’s athleticism and drive.

“When it comes to fight scenes and action, it’s all about giving it your all, no matter the hour,” he explained.

In Blood vs Duty, their characters come from separate worlds that collide amid illegal firearms and systemic abuse. Gutierrez plays Marcus, a government agent tasked with mitigating gun violence. Anderson is Jalil, the brother of Barbie Imperial’s Jamilah and son of Datu Rahman, played

MEGASTAR singer Celine Dion announced Monday that she is returning to performing after a long hiatus caused by a rare health condition, calling the news “the best gift” on her birthday. In a video posted on social media, the 58-year-old Canadian said her condition has improved and she will perform a series of shows in Paris starting in September.

“This year, I’m getting the best birthday gift of my life. I’m getting the chance to see you, to perform for you once again,” Dion said. Her team confirmed to that she will also release a new

by Jaime Fabregas. The series also stars Bela Padilla as Lara and Baron Geisler as Felix.

The ensemble cast also includes Ejay Falcon, Rommel Padilla, Susan Africa, Bobot Mortiz, Bodjie Pascua, Malou Crisologo, and to name a few. The series is directed by FM Reyes Bjoy Balagtas, and Rico Navarro with Erwin Tagle serving as action director.

“It’s about people who are supposed to be connected but circumstances separate them. Destiny forces them into conflict but it also creates a way to resolve bigger problems,” said writer Cenon Palomares

Produced under ABS-CBN’s JRB Creative Production, the series is from the same creative team behind Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin, Darna, Nag-aapoy na Damdamin, and Sins of the Father Blood vs Duty streams on Netflix starting April 3, on iWant on April 4, and premieres on primetime via ABS-CBN sa ALLTV2, A2Z, Kapamilya Channel, and Kapamilya Online Live on April 6 at 8:00 p.m.

Celine

‘Maria Clara at Ibarra,’ ‘Pulang Araw’ now on GMA Play

GMA Network’s digital platform, GMA Play, now features hit series including the critically acclaimed dramas Maria Clara at Ibarra and Pulang Araw , which explore key moments in Philippine history through a creative and fictional lens.

GMA Play, the network’s premier entertainment and news streaming service, aims to bring Kapuso content closer to viewers with popular programs and timely news updates. The platform has been downloaded more than 4.4 million times. Designed for mobile viewing and binge-watching, GMA Play allows audiences to stream content anytime, anywhere, across multiple devices. The app is free to download on the App Store and Google Play Store. Viewers can also watch via www.gmanetwork.com/gmaplay or on Smart TVs with Google TV for a larger-screen experience.

By Jasper Valdez

MAINE Mendoza appears to have put separation rumors to rest after being spotted with husband Arjo Atayde at a recent family celebration shared online by Sylvia Sanchez

In an Instagram post, Sylvia gave a glimpse of an intimate anniversary gathering with her husband, Art Atayde , joined by their children and their partners, including Arjo and Maine, Ria Atayde and Zanjoe Marudo with their son Sabino, Gela Atayde with Zaijian Jaranilla, and Xavi Atayde

“Thank you, kiddos, for surprising us last night. Love you

all! Happy anniversary again, my husband Art—pangit! Love you most!,” Sylvia wrote. The post quickly drew attention as it showed Arjo and Maine seated close to each other, laughing alongside family members, amid earlier speculation that the couple had broken up.

Rumors circulated earlier this month after the two were absent from each other’s family events and birthdays. The issue was previously addressed by the family’s showbiz PR, Chuck Gomez , who explained, “She (Maine) wasn’t feeling well that day,” referring to her absence from a prior celebration.

à l’amour. She will perform 10 shows over five weeks at Paris La Défense Arena starting Sept. 12. AFP

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2026

lifeandshow.manilastandard@gmail.com

NICKIE WANG, Editor

ANGELICA VILLANUEVA, Writer

JASPER VALDEZ, Writer

Women taking up space, rewriting narratives of empowerment

By Nickie Wang

KULTURA , the brand dedicated to promoting Filipino heritage and craftsmanship, is turning its gaze to the steady force of Filipina trailblazers who shape careers and reputations and create spaces where others can stand, gather, and grow.

Under its #CelebrateEveryFilipina campaign, the focus shifts from spotlight to structure, from individual shine to collective strength.

For 2026, three names lead the charge, each from a different world but tied by a common thread of creating spaces that last: Vanessa Antonio, Ashley

Alice Reyes Through Kultura’s lens, Antonio, known to her circle as Coach Vee, operates in the delicate terrain of modern relationships, where algorithms and intentions often collide. Through Matchmaking Philippines and Singles Events Manila, she pairs Filipinas with international partners, framing the process around clarity and consent rather than chance.

Her message cuts through the usual trade-offs placed on women: “Why choose between love and career when you can have both?” She also pushes back against dated views of Filipinas dating “A lot of Filipinas are fit, beautiful, and equally successful,” she says, recasting the narrative with a sharper edge.

Her style mirrors that stance, with butterfly sleeves that claim space, paired with denim that grounds it in the present. “I hope to see more Filipina women being lady bosses in the morning,” she says, “and celebrating their femininity after work.”

In another corner of the city, Cayuca’s Just Show Up Run Club begins with something simpler: putting one foot forward. What starts as a run slowly turns into a ritual. Members arrive unsure, sometimes hesitant, then return again and again until the rhythm settles in. The group becomes less about pace and more

Designer Emily Sy celebrates real women on Milan, Paris runways

FILIPINA designer Emily Sy transformed the runways of Milan and Paris into a showcase of real women, featuring professionals who walked with confidence, elegance, and personal stories of achievement.

Sy presented her collections in Milan on March 1 and Paris on March 7, offering what she described as a portrayal of modern femininity, diversity, and empowerment.

Rather than using professional models, Sy cast women from different fields, including doctors, nurses, businesswomen, soldiers, and mothers. Each participant brought her experience of dedication, strength, and accomplishment to the runway.

The women appeared not only as models but as representatives of confidence and resilience. For many, walking in Milan and Paris marked a milestone they had not expected to reach.

They showcased Sy’s designs with poise, turning the presentations into a display of what she described as authentic beauty.

Sy said her vision reflects changes in global fashion, where diversity, individuality, and inclusivity are becoming more visible. She said beauty should not be defined by age, profession, or conventional standards but by a person’s confidence in her identity.

“The runway should be a place where women feel seen, valued, and empowered,” Sy said, adding that her collections aim to highlight women who inspire others through their work and daily lives.

The shows combined fashion with a broader message, with each appearance on the runway representing women who challenge limits, build confidence, and support one another.

THERE are places you experience, and then there are those that quietly shape who you become. For me, Baguio has always been the latter. It was more than just the city where I spent my college years—it became a refuge I return to when life feels overwhelming and a space I seek out when I need clarity before making life’s bigger decisions.

I once talked to a friend about why Baguio holds such a strong place in my life. She suggested that it was the place where I first learned to be independent. Everything felt new and uncertain, and I had to make decisions for myself while slowly discovering who I was becoming.

The more I thought about it, the more sense it made. Baguio wasn’t just the setting of my college years; it was where I experienced independence, navigated life without safety nets, and learned from quiet, ordinary moments.

College and life outside the classroom weren’t always easy. There were doubts and uncertainties, but Baguio made space for all of it. The city slows you down, giving room to think, feel, and grow.

That’s why I keep coming back—not just out of nostalgia, but because Baguio taught me that growth comes in small, quiet realizations. I still miss its pine-scented air, foggy mornings, and the way it blooms, especially during Panagbenga.

A Kankanaey word meaning “season of blooming,” Panagbenga

and

about presence. Her mantra, “just show up,” lands with quiet insistence. Consistency, she believes, reshapes women in ways that are both visible and deeply internal. Over time, the club evolves into a support system, where friendships form without ceremony and confidence builds in steady layers. Her choice of an upcycled terno bolero, structured but softened by detail, echoes the balance she cultivates within the group. Then there is Reyes, whose influence stretches across decades of Philippine dance. As founder of Alice Reyes Dance Philippines, she has trained generations of dancers, anchoring them in discipline while urging them to carry the art forward. Her approach is methodical, almost exacting, but always directed at growth. For Reyes, there are no shortcuts. Progress comes from repetition, from returning to the same movement until it yields something new. The philosophy is simple but demanding: keep going. Keep refining. Let persistence do its work.

Her ensemble, a handwoven piña silk opera coat, speaks to that same ethos of transformation. “I find that Filipinos have this innate talent and ability to work with what nature has given us,” she says. In her view, craft and culture share the same instinct: to take what is available and shape it into something enduring.

began in 1996 to help the city recover from the 1990 Luzon earthquake. What started as a symbol of resilience has grown into one of the Philippines’ most iconic festivals, drawing thousands each year to see its vibrant flower floats, rhythmic street dances, and cultural showcases.

For those of us who once called Baguio home, Panagbenga has always felt personal. I didn’t just witness it as a visitor but experienced it deeply while studying in the City of Pines.

In our journalism classes, we were often assigned to cover Panagbenga. More than an academic task, it meant stepping into the city’s biggest celebration and learning to tell stories in real time. We interviewed performers, vendors, and visitors, each with a story to share. I remember doing stand-up coverage in the middle of Session Road, capturing the energy while crowds moved all around me. Over the years, I’ve written news stories on Panagbenga from

noted that the festival was now largely led by the private sector, under the BFFFI, with government support in logistics and safety, making “the event smoother, less politicized, and more efficient.” Baguio Lone District Rep. Mauricio Domogan, involved in Panagbenga’s

street dancing and float parade. We were hosted by Ramon Cabrera general manager of The Brent Guest House, a serene area near Brent International School and the Pink Sisters Convent with fewer crowds, quaint cafés, and a cozy bookshop—a quiet retreat from the usual bustle of Baguio.