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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the temporary suspension of excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene as the government moves to cushion consumers from surging global oil prices. Marcos issued Executive Order No. 125 on Sept. 25, providing for the full suspension of excise taxes on LPG and kerosene, subject to specific exemptions. The suspension covers LPG …

Private developers will soon get a new avenue to unload unsold condominium units, particularly in Metro Manila, under an upcoming housing scheme that could also give Filipino homebuyers access to more affordable properties. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said the new modality under the government’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program will cover prime-located …

A seven-fold increase in funding for the government’s electric vehicle program is being proposed for 2027 as the administration moves to expand charging infrastructure and testing facilities for the growing EV market. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is proposing ₱228.92 million for the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Program (EVIDP), up 605.17 percent from the ₱32.46 million allocated under …

Up to ₱419.9 billion in export financing is being made available to the Philippines as the United Kingdom and the Marcos administration deepen cooperation on major infrastructure and economic projects. The Department of Finance (DOF) said the two countries have signed a government-to-government (G2G) partnership that will allow UK Export Finance (UKEF) to consider financing support for eligible Philippine projects. …

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to temporarily suspending increases in real property valuations as the government considers ways to prevent higher property assessments from adding to the financial burden of property owners. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the proposal was raised during Marcos’ meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Infrastructure Sector Group – Real Estate at …

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is pushing for at least ₱9.7 billion in additional funding to help farmers and fisherfolk cope with soaring fuel costs and prepare for a potentially “very strong” El Niño. The agency’s funding push comes as the government begins releasing a separate ₱6.2-billion package under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT), with …

Senator-judges who missed portions of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial may still take part in the final verdict as long as they are physically present and legally allowed to vote when judgment is rendered, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said Thursday. Gatchalian said attendance during the earlier proceedings is not the determining factor. Conversely, even a senator who attended much …

The Philippines and New Zealand are expanding their partnership into climate action and environmental protection as the two countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the two countries signed a memorandum of arrangement (MOA) in Wellington on Sept. 17, creating a framework for exploring joint environmental projects and exchanging technical knowledge and expertise. …

Nuclear energy could provide the Philippines with a stable source of electricity as the country seeks to reduce its heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels, according to a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) fellow. Mark Aliperio said nuclear power could complement renewable energy sources such as solar, which he noted have limitations, particularly in providing continuous electricity. “Nuclear energy …

Communities managing tourist destinations could receive at least 30 percent of net tourism revenues under a proposed measure in the House of Representatives aimed at ensuring that local residents directly benefit from tourism activities. Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos is pushing House Bill No. 3110, or the Community-Based Tourism (CBT) bill, as the country observes National Tourism Month this …