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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia are willing to finance the construction of oil storage facilities in the Philippines, potentially giving the country priority access to petroleum supplies during major disruptions in the global energy market, the Department of Energy (DOE) said. During a Senate Committee on Energy hearing, DOE Oil Industry Management Bureau Director Rino Abad said …

LOVE FOR ALL​By: Virginia Rodriguez In times of crisis, true leadership is measured not only by speeches and promises, but by presence, action, and compassion. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has demonstrated this kind of leadership as he continues to work despite the challenges brought by typhoons and the southwest monsoon, or habagat. His inspections of areas affected by severe weather …

Malacañang said the government will exercise greater discipline in spending public funds and prioritize projects with strong economic and social returns as the peso continues to weaken against the US dollar. The peso closed at ₱62.565 against the dollar on Wednesday, its fourth consecutive record-low close, raising concerns over the impact of a weaker currency on imported goods, particularly fuel …

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has warned the public against false social media announcements claiming that the government is distributing free rice to hog raisers affected by low live-weight prices. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. debunked the claims in a Facebook post, saying at least two fake quote cards bearing his photos had been circulated online to promote the …

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has begun implementing measures to prevent a repeat of severe flooding that recently triggered kilometers-long traffic jams along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in San Simon, Pampanga. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the immediate response includes blocking water entry points from the Tulaoc River and nearby creeks to prevent additional floodwaters from …

Electricity consumers may soon see some relief in their power bills as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) moves to remove value-added tax (VAT) on allowable system loss charges without the need for a new law from Congress. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said the planned BIR issuance is already supported by Republic Act No. 11976, or the Ease of Paying …

Malacañang said last week that the proposed increase in the motor vehicle user charge (MVUC) remains under review, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yet to make a final decision on the measure. The Department of Finance (DOF) proposal forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the government’s excise tax system and stabilize state revenues, but the Palace said its potential …

The Social Housing Finance Corp. (SHFC) has suspended monthly housing loan payments for one month to ease the financial burden on communities affected by the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat.” The temporary payment moratorium covers qualified member-beneficiaries from Aug. 29 to Sept. 28, 2026, providing more than ₱23.4 million in housing assistance, the SHFC said last week. The payment relief …

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is stepping up intelligence gathering and enforcement operations against online sellers and networks distributing counterfeit and unregulated products that could put consumers at risk. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the police force will strengthen coordination with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other …

Vietnamese investments in the Philippines are expected to surpass US$100 million by the end of 2026, as Manila and Hanoi move to deepen economic ties under their newly elevated Enhanced Strategic Partnership. Vietnamese Ambassador Lai Thai Binh said last week that Vietnamese companies have already invested more than US$90 million in the Philippines, representing nearly 70% of the cumulative Vietnamese …