Manila Bulletin
ASEAN leaders commit to unity, resilience amid global uncertainty
Southeast Asian leaders reaffirmed their commitment to regional unity, energy and food security, and people-centered development as they adopted the Chair’s Statement of the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Cebu under the...
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ASEAN vows peaceful settlement of sea feud
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have adopted a declaration strengthening maritime cooperation and reaffirming commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes in regional waters in accordance with...
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Marcos calls for united ASEAN response to crisis
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — President Marcos on Friday, May 8, formally opened the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit here, calling on Southeast Asian leaders to respond with unity and resolve the escalating crisis in the Middle...
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Marcos plays peacemaker
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — President Marcos said Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to sustain open dialogue and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions following a trilateral meeting convened by the Philippines on the sidelines of the 48th...
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Marcos to push energy, food security at ASEAN Summit
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — President Marcos said the Philippines will push for stronger regional cooperation on energy security, food security, and the protection of Southeast Asians as the country hosts the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations...
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April inflation soars to 7.2%
Headline inflation or annual price increases soared to a 37-month high 7.2 percent in April, mainly as domestic fuel and food prices skyrocketed due to the global oil price and supply shocks caused by the prolonged war in the Middle East. The...
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PBBM opens CALAX Subsection 3, announces onemonth toll-free use
President Marcos announced the toll-free use for one month of the Cavite-laguna Expressway (CALAX) Subsection 3 by motorists during the opening of the expressway’s new segment on Monday, May 4. “I can announce na mabuksan ito starting 12 midnight...
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Mayon’s ashfall blankets 52 barangays in Albay
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) stepped up road clearing, water delivery, and mask distribution in Albay on Sunday, May 3, as ashfall from Mayon Volcano spread across 52 barangays, with authorities keeping Alert Level 3 in place and enforcing a...
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Marcos to scholars: Study well
President Marcos has urged student-beneficiaries of the government’s scholarship program to take their studies seriously, emphasizing that education was a lifelong asset. “Mapakinabangan ninyo ito at mag-aral kayong mabuti at napakahalaga ng...
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Labor Day protests ‘generally peaceful’ — PNP
The protests conducted by various groups nationwide in observance of Labor Day on Friday, May 1, were generally peaceful, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said, despite several incidents of confrontation between authorities and rallyists, including...
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PNP all set for May 1 rallies
There will be no work suspension for over 106,000 policemen on May 1 as they were tasked to secure the rallies and other activities during the Iabor Day celebration across the country. And this is a sacrifice that deserves commendation, according to...
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PH'S fuel buffer stock now up to 54 days
The country's buffer stock in fuel has increased, Malacañang reported. According to the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Com mittee, the country's fuel buffer stock is now up to 54 days, from 52. “Sa ngayon...
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Zaldy Co in France seeking political asylum—palace
After former lawmaker Zaldy Co was found to have left the Czech mepublic, Malacañang revealed that he is now in ,rance where he is seeking political asylum. ialace iress Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro disclosed on zuesday,...
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VP’S husband sues BSP gov, AMLC exec, 4 solons
Lawyer Manases R. Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara 'uterte, filed on Monday, April 27, criminal charges against Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. as chairman of the Anti-money Laundering Council (AMLC), the executive...
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Marcos: Gov’t work continues despite energy crisis
President Marcos said government work will not stop despite the ongoing energy crisis, stressing that public service must continue across all sectors. “Kahit mabigat ang krisis natin sa enerhiya, ang trabaho ng gobyerno ay hindi maaaring doon lang...
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CA freezes Romualdez’s assets
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Saturday, April 25, identified former House speaker Martin Romualdez as the lawmaker whose assets were ordered frozen by the Court of Appeals (CA). “Former speaker Martin Romualdez’s assets have already been frozen…...
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Palace: ICC ruling ensures justice for Duterte, victims
Malacañang said the International Criminal Court’s (RCC) decision confirming all charges against former president Rodrigo Duterte will allow justice to be served for both the accused and the alleged victims of the drug war. ”residential Communications...
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ICC confirms charges vs Duterte, orders trial to proceed
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed all charges against former president Rodrigo Duterte, paving the way for a full trial over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his administration’s anti-drug campaign. The decision came a day...
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ICC says it has jurisdiction over Duterte’s cases
The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (RCC) has upheld the Court’s jurisdiction over the case against former president Rodrigo 'uterte, denying the defense’s appeal. The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, April 22, affirmed the zct....
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DOJ chief off to Czech Republic to get Zaldy Co
Department of Justice (DOJ) Acting Secretary Fredderick A. Vida will lead a government team that will fly to the Czech Republic to bring back fugitive former congressman Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co to the Philippines. “I will be leaving very soon within the...
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Fuel aid, fare discounts to continue – PBBM
President Marcos said government fuel subsidies and fare discounts will continue as long as oil prices remain high and assured the public that more measures are being studied to ease the burden of the oil crisis. In an unexpected exchange with a...
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Chinese envoy touts hybrid rice gains in Laguna visit
The Chinese Embassy in Manila lauded what it described as the successful localization of Chinese hybrid rice technology in the Philippines, saying the efforts could boost farmers’ income and safeguard the country’s food security. This developed as...
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Biggest diesel price rollback set Tuesday
PINAY PRIDE – Members of the Ppop group BINI acknowledge the cheers from the thousands of fans that were treated to a remarkable performance once again on the second week of Coachella 2026 at the Mojave
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Palace challenges Co to tell the truth
President Marcos has ordered the temporary suspension of excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene for three months to ease the burden of rising fuel costs amid the ongoing energy crisis. The government also reached a fresh agreement...
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Marcos seeks unified response to fuel crisis
President Marcos has called for a unified regional response to the ongoing energy crisis, warning that no country in Asia can withstand global supply shocks alone. Speaking at the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Plus Online Summit, Marcos said the...
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Diesel, gasoline excise tax stays
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s economic team said Filipino consumers are unlikely to see meaningful relief from the suspension of excise taxes on gasoline and diesel, as any reduction in pump prices would be minimal and likely offset by prevailing...
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DFA: No ‘secret talks’ in Ph–china Coast Guard MOU amendments
The 'epartment of Doreign Affairs ('DA) reaffirmed its commitment to transparency in the ongoing discussions to amend the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the !hina !oast Fuard (!!F), firmly...
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DOE threatens to sue oil firms over price rollback dispute
The Department of 1nergy (DO1) threatened oil companies with legal action if they fail to implement government-mandated price rollbacks that significantly exceed industry calculations, citing powers granted under a state of national energy...
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Don’t exploit crisis, gov’t warns oil firms
The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), the government’s competition watchdog, is intensifying its scrutiny of domestic fuel prices to shield consumers from unwarranted hikes triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East. In a statement,...
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Arroyo denies links to any plot to oust Speaker Dy
Pampanga congresswoman and former president Gloria Macapagalarroyo has denied involvement in any alleged plan to unseat House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III. “I categorically deny the allegations concerning the supposed ouster of Speaker Bojie Dy that...
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Marcos stresses compassion for others; Duterte urges protection of sovereignty
On Araw ng Kagitingan, President Marcos emphasized that today’s challenges call for a return to “an important part of our identity as ,ilipinos”—the sense of compassion for others. On the other hand, Vice President Sara Duterte encouraged Filipinos to...
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Tax breaks help ease pressure on tuition hikes, schools – Deped
Tax incentives extended to schools are helping ease pressure for tuition increases as institutions grapple with rising operational said this as he high
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Mayor Isko ramps up support for ‘Libreng Sakay' drivers
With fuel prices surging anew, Manila Mayor Francisco “Rsko Moreno” Domagoso has once again raised to ₱4,000 the daily assistance for public utility drivers as the Manila city government doubles down on its flagship free ride initiative. The latest...
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Hormuz deal ensures fuel supply, not price cuts — Palace
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon is doing away with short-term patchwork repairs to address recurring complaints over roads that deteriorate shortly after repairs. Dizon said this in a radio interview on DZRH, as he...
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PNP braces for return of travelers from Holy Week break
Police forces around the country remained on highest alert and security measures are still in place for the return of millions of Filipinos to their homes and workplaces in Metro Manila and urban areas from a long Holy Week break. The Philippine Coast...
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No Iran toll on oil ships bound for PH
Iran is not imposing any toll on Philippine-flagged oil vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz following Tehran’s assurance of their unhampered passage. “On question regarding the reported toll, there is no toll,” the Department of Foreign...
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Holy Week exodus: Travel demand surges by 50% despite rising costs
Demand for travel during the Holy Week period is on another level this year, as Filipinos are making more trips to local and international destinations at a time of price uncertainty. Based on data from travel service provider Trip.com, travel demand...
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PNP now on full alert; gov’t agencies join forces for safe Holy Week travel
Police forces around the country were placed on the highest security alert status starting March 31 to ensure maximum security coverage as millions of Filipinos travel and observe the Holy Week. Fen. Jose Melencio C. partatez, Jr., chief of the...
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CAAP places regional airports on high alert as Holy Week exodus begins
VITAL LINK – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (second from right) leads the inspection of the newly opened Cavitex–c5 Link Segment 3B in Parañaque City on Monday, March 30, 2026. The two-kilometer connector road is expected to significantly ease...
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PH, China resume talks; possible oil, gas cooperation tackled — DFA
The Philippines and China have resumed high-level consultations, with both sides exploring possible cooperation in oil and gas development alongside broader dialogue, the 'epartment of Doreign Affairs (DFA) said. In a statement, the DFA said the two...
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PH secures largest loan ever from World Bank
The Philippines has secured its largest-ever loan from the World Bank, with the Washington-based multilateral lender approving $1 billion, approximately ₱60.55 billion, on Friday, March 27. This funding will support the Philippines Sustainable...
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ASEAN Summit pushing through in May – Marcos
President Marcos said that the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in May will still push through despite the ongoing Middle East conflict. It will proceed as scheduled, Marcos said, but will only be a...
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ERC halts power market
With the country now under a state of national energy emergency, regulators have moved swiftly to contain the impact of surging global fuel prices by suspending the power spot market and rolling out emergency measures to stabilize electricity supply...
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Marcos, Japan PM agree on Mideast de-escalation
President Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae agreed to work closely for the early de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East, with particular focus on ensuring safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
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DOE allots ₱20 B to boost oil buffer
The Department of Energy (DOE) is racing to increase the country’s oil buffer stock as it plans to roll out an additional budget to secure up to two million bar rels of diesel to reduce the risk of a thinning fuel supply. Rn a media briefing on...
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Marcos welcomes 343 OFWS in 4th chartered flight from Middle East
President Marcos has welcomed another batch of repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWS) from the Middle East, as the government continues its evacuation efforts amid ongoing tensions in the region. A total of 343 repatriates—317 OFWS and 26...
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AFP, PCG, US forces hold maritime drills in PH waters
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and the United States Indo-pacific Command (US Indopacom) carried out joint maritime drills in Manila Bay and waters off Mariveles, Bataan over the weekend to improve their...
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Higher power bills loom
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) cautioned of a looming surge in electricity prices as seasonal demand and escalating geopolitical friction in the Middle East threaten to strain household budgets. In a statement, ERC Chairperson Francis...
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Food supply enough – Marcos
President Marcos on Friday, March 20, assured Filipinos that the country’s food supply is enough even as the world grapples with uncertainties from developments in the Middle East. Marcos said there “is nothing to worry” about the country’s food...
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Marcos orders ₱21.5-B release to offset fuel costs
MARCOS IN BATAAN – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., with Education Secretary Sonny Angara, inspected prefabricated classrooms built in just two weeks to address the shortage at the Mariveles National High School-alasasin Annex in Mariveles, Bataan on...
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Marcos suspends fare hike
President Marcos has ordered the suspension of the impending fare hike, saying this is not the time to increase fares as we are still facing problems brought about by the Middle East war. “I have instructed the DOTR to suspend the fare hike for now...
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New PUV fares take effect March 19
President Marcos has outlined a series of government interventions aimed at easing the impact of surging oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Rn a video message on Monday, March 16, the ”resident said the government began...
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SC junks petition vs hike in garbage collection fees in Manila; Mayor Isko hails decision
For lack of legal standing to file a case, for raising factual issues, and for disregarding the hierarchy of courts, the petition filed by a das ”inas City resident against the increase in garbage collection fees in the City of Manila was dismissed...
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DTI: Hoarders, profiteers face 15-year jail terms
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) warned retailers against hoarding and profiteering amid the expected price increases for basic goods, saying that lengthy imprisonment and hefty fines await violators. In a statement on Saturday, March 14,...
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DOTR orders cut in airport fees
The Department of Transportation (DOTR) has ordered a reduction in two major fees imposed on passengers departing from government-managed airports in a bid to keep air travel affordable as jet fuel prices rise. In a statement, acting Transportation...
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Israeli president meets widower of OFW killed in Iranian attack
Israeli ”resident Rsaac Nerzog met with the widower of Filipina caregiver Mary Ann de Vera, who was killed by shrapnel in an Rranian attack, to express the Jewish nation’s devastation over the incident. Nerzog met Bernie Falsim davarias, De Vera’s...
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Another massive fuel price hike for second straight week
Fuel prices are poised to surge by double digits for a second consecutive week as escalating Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions continue to roil global energy Early projections based on the Mean of ilatts Singapore (MOIS) trading suggest that the...
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₱5,000 fuel subsidy for PUV, tricycle drivers out next week
President Marcos has ordered the immediate distribution of a ₱5,000 fuel subsidy for public utility vehicle drivers affected by rising oil prices amid ongoing tensions and conflict in the Middle 1ast. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the...
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Gov’t to go after oil hoarders, profiteers
Hoarders and profiteers taking advantage of the expected oil supply disruption caused by the conflict in the Middle East will face harsh consequences, Malacañang warned. ”alace ”ress zfficer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the...
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Marcos seeking emergency power to cut oil excise tax
Malacañang will formally ask Congress to grant President Marcos emergency powers to reduce fuel excise taxes as part of the government’s response to rising fuel prices amid tensions in the Middle East. “Yes,” Presidential Communications zffice (”Cz)...
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4-day work week in gov’t begins; Escudero urges private firms to follow
As government agencies under the Executive 'epartment begins implementing a four-day work week starting Monday, March 9, amid the expected oil supply disruption caused by the conflict in the Middle East, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero urged private...
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Fuel subsidy readied amid Middle East crisis
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is now preparing all the necessary documents for the distribution of fuel subsidy amid projections of the continuous surge in the price of petroleum products due to the escalating...
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Marcos, South Korean President Lee meet in Palace
President Marcos and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, March 3, for the latter’s two-day state visit. Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-marcos welcomed Lee and Dirst dady Kim Hea Kyung on Tues day...
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Revoke Manila Bay reclamation ECCS, DENR chief urged
Aprogressive fishers’ group on Monday, March 2, challenged newly appointed Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) acting Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna to immediately revoke the environmental compliance certificates (1!!s) of at least...
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Iran’s supreme leader killed in major attack by US and Israel
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a major attack by Israel and the United States, Rranian state media confirmed early Sunday, throwing the future of the Islamic Republic into doubt and...
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Judiciary mandated to combat corruption
The judiciary’s constitutional mandate is not merely on the adjudication of cases filed before the courts but also the duty “to combat corruption and dismantle structural barriers that impede access to justice through concrete and sustained...
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Fuel prices set to rise for 9th straight week
Domestic fuel prices are set to rise for the ninth consecutive time next week as escalating Middle Eastern tensions and shifting Asian trade dynamics outweigh more optimistic global supply
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Palace sees bid to discredit ICC
Ombudsman receives I\ QEVMRIWŬ EJƤHEZMXW SR Ɔ & OMGOFEGOW Lacson says claim QEXLIQEXMGEPP] irreconcilable Malacañang said allegations of supposed bribery linked to the administration may be an attempt to discredit the International Criminal Court...
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EDSA part of history – Palace
The EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986 remains an integral part of Philippine history and “cannot be erased,” Malacañang said on Wednesday, Feb. 25, even as it has yet to issue an official statement for the event’s 40th anniversary. In a press...
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Prosecution, defense trade allegations at confirmation hearing of Duterte raps
Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court (ICC) alleged that killings carried out by the socalled Davao Death Squad (DDS) during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s mayoral tenure required his personal approval before they could proceed. However,...
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Marcos raises local gov’t support fund to record ₱58B
President Marcos has raised the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) to a record-high ₱58 billion for 2026 and ordered the faster, more direct release of funds to local government units (LGUS), saying delays in the past have hampered urgently needed...
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Duterte’s confirmation of charges hearing at ICC begins
The Rnternational Criminal Court (RCC) opens on Monday, Feb. 23, the confirmation of charges hearing against former president Rodrigo Duterte, a key pre-trial stage that will determine whether his case proceeds to a full trial. The hearing begins at...
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Marcos, Robredo shun politics in rare talks
President Marcos brushed aside questions about alliances and the 2028 elections during his in spection of flood control works in Naga City, saying his visit is “serbisyo muna bago politika” (service first before politics). Marcos emphasized this as...
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