manilastandard.net
@ManilaStandardPH
@mnlstandardph
@manilastandard
@ManilaStandardYT
Missed your copy of Manila Standard? Call or text our Circulation Hotline at 0917-8848655 or email: circulation@manilastandard.net . For advertisement: email: advertise@manilastandard.net •09173382170 / 85646229
PAGASA issues higher heat index warning
ZALDY CO GOT P800M—ALCANTARA NEWS / A3
By Rio N. Araja THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday
Next page
VOL. XL • NO. 63 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026 •
PH-Czech talks start for Co’s deportation DILG chief says Co's return to PH may take up to 3 weeks
Marcos prioritizes food supply; P4b in MSME loans set By Charles Dantes, Maricel Cruz and Othel Campos THE Marcos administration has rolled out a multibilProducers, traders lion-peso package of cap prices — DTI loans, subsidies, and Fuel enough regulatory until mid-May relief measures to cushion businesses, transport workers, and consumers from the impact of rising global oil prices driven by tensions in the Middle East.
• •
Next page
By Charles Dantes, Vince Lopez, Ram Superable, Joel Zurbano and Maricel Cruz
T
HE Philippines has started coordinating with the Czech Republic to bring back former lawmaker Zaldy Co, a process that Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said may take up to two to three weeks. In his update yesterday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that Co, who faces allegations of corruption linked to multi-billion-peso anomalous flood control projects, “was stopped at the German border after entering from the Czech Republic." "He was denied entry and returned to Czech authorities, where he remains in custody," the President said. Philippine officials have already visited Co in Prague after his arrest, Remulla said. "Our police attaché is already there, coordinating, Our DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) is also coordinating very vigorously with local and international counterparts to expedite his deportation here," he said. The exact date of Co's return to the Philippines is not certain, as it depends on the process of foreign agencies, but Remulla initially said it could be within one to three weeks. Next page
SURPRISES. A vegetable farmer welcomes President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr with freshly cut vegetables during his visit yesterday at the Benguet Vegetable Trading Station in Benguet province. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos gushes at the bouquet of vegetables gifted by the President on their 33rd wedding anniversary. Revoli Cortez/ FB of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos
Israel-Lebanon ceasefire starts; Asian bishops issue call for peace THOUSANDS of displaced Lebanese civilians began returning home Friday as a fragile 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect, even as regional tensions, global anxiety, and economic uncertainty underscored the precariousness of the truce. Beyond the immediate conflict zone, religious leaders in Asia, including Catholic bishops from the Philippines, warned that the violence reflects a broader global crisis. Economic concerns tied to the conflict have also reverberated through global markets. Stock markets fell on Friday as investors awaited clarity on whether a separate Iran-US ceasefire would be extended. Oil prices, which had surged amid fears of supply disruptions, edged lower after the previous day’s rally. Next page
PBBM to FL Liza: You have been my constant in 33 years By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday marked his 33rd wedding anniversary with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos by sharing a personal message reflecting on their decadeslong partnership in both public and private life. In a social media post, the President described their marriage as a shared journey through "every season," citing their experiences in family life, professional responsibilities, and public service. He credited his wife for being a constant presence, acknowledging her role in raising their family while supporting his political career. Next page
MEDIATION. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (center) delivers remarks alongside the Counselor of U.S. State Department Michael Needham left) and U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa (right) during working-level peace talks yesterday between Lebanon and Israel at the U.S. State Department in Washington, DC. AFP
PH joins US-led supply chain alliance in Luzon By Katrina Manubay THE Philippines has joined a United States-led supply chain alliance and is planning to develop a 4,000-acre industrial hub in Luzon to support allied manufacturing and strengthen economic security. In a media note released Thursday (Friday Philippine time), the US State Department said the proposed hub Next page
Lacson eyes 3x a week impeach trial; ‘COA findings key to impeach VP Sara’ By Ram Superable and Maricel V. Cruz SENATE President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Friday proposed holding impeachment hearings thrice a week to help the chamber balance its legislative duties amid the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte. Meanwhile, House Committee on Public Accounts chairman Rep. Terry Ridon of Bicol Saro partylist said probable cause for im-
peachment against Duterte might have been established as early as the first clarificatory hearing of the House Committee on Justice. Lacson suggested holding impeachment proceedings every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday starting at 3 p.m., while reserving Tuesdays and Thursdays for regular Senate sessions. “So that all mornings are free for committee hearings to ensure the Senate’s legislative work is not put at risk,” he said. Next page
DONE. Members of the transport group Manibela yesterday march from
Welcome Rotonda to Mendiola in Manila at the conclusion of their three-day transport strike. The group also renewed calls for the suspension of value-added tax and excise taxes on petroleum products, as well as the repeal of the Oil Deregulation Law. Norman Cruz