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Metro Manila, Philippines –  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. put the brakes on a planned fare hike Wednesday, March 18, ordering its suspension to shield commuters from rising costs while promising expanded government support for transport workers. In a video message, Marcos said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has been directed to defer the increase, noting that workers, students, and daily commuters are already saddled with rising costs of fuel and basic commodities. “Kaya’t inutos ko sa DOTr na suspendihin muna ang fare hike at i-defer muna natin ‘yan,” Marcos said.  [Translation: I ordered the DOTr to suspend the fare hike and defer its implementation for now] “I-postpone na muna natin ‘yan dahil nasa gitna ngayon tayo nitong sitwasyon na ito na kailangan ay patuloy ang ating pag-alalay sa ating mga commuters, sa lahat ng mga ating manggagawa, mga estudyante, lahat ng gumagamit ng ating transport system,” he added.  [Translation: Let’s…

Metro Manila, Philippines – The formal hearing of the House of Representatives on the impeachment suits against Vice President Sara Duterte, dubbed by the justice panel chairperson as a “mini trial,” will begin on March 25, after the committee declared the complaints sufficient in grounds. On Wednesday, March 18, panel members declared that there was sufficient grounds for the third and fourth complaints after reviewing the reply of Duterte submitted on March 16.  Batangas 2nd district Rep. Jinky Luistro, committee chairperson, set the hearings for March 25, April 14, April 22, and April 29.  The House earlier adopted a resolution, authorizing the panel to conduct hearings during the congressional recess from March 21 to May 3.  The hearing will determine whether there is probable cause to proceed to impeachment.  In a press briefing, Luistro said the complainants, witnesses, and respondent will be given the notice to attend the scheduled hearing. …

President Bongbong Marcos said he will assess when to cut or suspend the fuel excise tax as Congress is poised to approve the bill on Wednesday, March 18.

Metro Manila, Philippines – The House of Representatives has authorized the justice committee to conduct impeachment proceedings during the congressional break from March 21 to May 3, in light of the complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte.  The chamber approved House Resolution 892 introduced by House Speaker Bojie Dy, Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, and Minority Leader Marcelito Libanan on Tuesday, March 17. “Consistent with parliamentary practice and the continuing nature of committee mandate and functions, committees of the House of Representatives may continue the conduct of authorized hearings and the performance of their functions during periods when the House is in recess, subject to the authority of the House,” the resolution read.  The committee was authorized to resolve motions for issuance of subpoenas – including those requiring individuals to testify in person and those compelling the production of documentary evidence.  The House also allowed the justice panel to provide protection…

Metro Manila, Philippines – The highly anticipated bill granting the president authority to suspend or reduce fuel excise taxes has been approved by both chambers of Congress, leaving only the reconciliation of differing provisions before it can be sent to Malacañang for enactment. The Senate passed the measure on second and third reading during its plenary session on Tuesday, March 17 — a move made possible after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. certified it as urgent. All 17 senators present voted in favor of the bill. Similar to the House version, the Senate measure authorizes the president to impose tax cuts if the average price of Dubai crude oil exceeds $80 per barrel for one month. However, the House version adds another condition: the president must declare a state of national emergency or calamity, which has led to extraordinary increases in pump prices, as certified by the Department of Energy. Both…