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DBCC giving Marcos policy advice today; P230b ‘Bayanihan 3’ pushed By Charles Dantes, Vito Barcelo, Maricel V. Cruz, and Ram Superable VOL. XL • NO. 52 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026 •
THE government’s economic team is set to present policy recommendations to President Ferdinand Marcos
Diesel nears P200/liter; LPG almost P1,600/tank As Iran enforcing 'new conditions' over Strait of Hormuz By Alena Mae S. Flores, Maricel V. Cruz, and Joel E. Zurbano
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ANOTHER FILIPINO NEARS SAINTHOOD NEWS / A3
AMRO RAISES PH INFLATION OUTLOOK BUSINESS / B1
Pooled purchase of drugs pushed to ensure supply
D
IESEL prices are rapidly climbing and could move closer to the P200-per-liter mark as intensifying hostilities in the Middle East continue to disrupt global oil supply, raising concerns over the Philippines’ vulnerability to external shocks, officials said Monday. Industry estimates indicate that diesel could reach as high as P170.10 per liter by today (Tuesday) following a fresh round of price hikes, including an increase of nearly P20 per liter by some oil companies. The surge reflects the sharp passthrough of international crude price movements to local pump prices, a recurring feature of the country’s deregulated oil market. Gasoline prices are also set to rise, with projections indicating an increase of P5.90 per liter, bringing pump prices to as much as P119.90 per liter. Current gasoline prices range from P81 to P114 per liter. Kerosene, commonly used by lower-income households for cooking and lighting, is likewise expected to spike.
Jr. today (Tuesday) as global oil prices continue to climb, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East that are disrupting supply routes and pushing domestic fuel costs higher. The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) convened
By Rolando Ng III and Jimbo Gulle
MODERN BAYANIHAN. The PARA Commuters Network rolls out the ‘Kusinang Bayan’ (Community Kitchen) for drivers and operators of the Agoncillo-Guadalupe route in Malate, Manila on Monday, April 6, 2026. The group distributes free lunch to drivers passing through the route, as a way of showing solidarity and mutual assistance to those affected by the oil crisis. Norman Cruz
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THE Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP) on Monday called for the urgent adoption of pooled procurement to secure a long-term supply of essential medicines for the country. In a statement, PHAP warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could disrupt global supply chains and eventually affect the availability and pricing of needed drugs. The 80-year-old group said its member companies are currently absorbing higher costs “driven by higher logistics expenses, freight constraints, and other global market factors to help ensure continued patient access to life-saving medicines.” However, PHAP stressed that such measures are only temporary and underscored the need for sustainable, long-term strategies to ensure uninterrupted access to medicines, particularly through stronger public-private Next page collaboration.
Ombudsman, DOJ to decide on ICI final report release—Palace By Charles Dantes
HONORING THE BRAVE. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. leads the wreath-laying ceremony during the
commemoration of the Philippine Veterans Week at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Monday, April 6, 2026. SND Facebook page
Ex-Speaker’s camp to cooperate amid possible Ombudsman case By Maricel V. Cruz and Pot Chavez THE camp of Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday underscored its readiness to cooperate
with authorities, underscoring respect for due process amid reports of a supposed complaint being readied against the former Speaker. Lawyer Ade Fajardo, counselNext page
OMB told to submit VP Sara’s SALNs By Maricel V. Cruz THE House Committee on Justice has directed Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to appear before the panel and
submit official records of Vice President Sara Duterte’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) in connection with the ongoing impeachment proceedings. Next page
HYBRID PRODUCTION. President Ferdinand
Marcos Jr. receives Mitsubishi Motors chief executive Takao Kato after the company announced its plan to pursue the production of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) under the government’s Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS) program. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC), the Japanese automaker’s local production and sales subsidiary, will carry out the new HEV manufacturing program.
MALACAÑANG on Monday said the public release of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) final report will depend on the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman as pressure mounts from lawmakers for full transparency. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Palace will not intervene in the handling or disclosure of the report, noting it has already been turned over to the proper investigative authorities. "That's already within their (DOJ, Ombudsman) discretion," Castro said during a press briefing when asked if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would endorse making the report public. She said the Ombudsman, as an in-
dependent constitutional body, cannot be directed by the President, while decisions on what information may be released by the DOJ also fall under its discretion. Castro's statement follows Senator Imee Marcos' call for the full release of the ICI report, saying transparency is needed to address long-standing issues in flood control and infrastructure projects. Castro, however, pushed back against the criticism, saying calls for accountability should not be selective. "If someone is truly against corruption, I hope they’ll be consistent in their criticism and in calling it out— not only during President Marcos Jr.’s term, but also in the previous administrations," she said. Next page