News

Metro Manila, Philippines – The House of Representatives will summon the self-confessed bagman of Vice President Sara Duterte and will issue a subpoena on a number of documents including her statements of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN), in relation to the two complaints seeking to oust her from office.  During the first formal hearing on Wednesday, March 25, the House justice committee approved the motion for Ramil Madriaga, the detained former military agent, to testify in the hearing. The committee will also seek records of his affidavit, where he made a number of accusations against the vice president and presented himself as her bagman. Duterte denied the allegations and later on filed a perjury complaint against Madriaga.  Justice committee chairperson Jinky Luistro said Madriaga will appear at the next hearing on April 14. The House will also provide protection for Madriaga for his transport and participation in the hearing.…

Metro Manila, Philippines –  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law a measure allowing him to suspend or reduce excise taxes on fuel products as a temporary relief to soaring costs. Republic Act 12316 grants the president authority to temporarily cut or suspend excise taxes on fuel on specific conditions, including a sustained high global oil price. That prerogative may be exercised when the average price of the benchmark Dubai crude oil reaches at least $80 per barrel over a prescribed period. The suspension or reduction is for a limited period, subject to review and possible extension depending on market conditions. It also requires coordination among key agencies, including the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Finance, and the Development Budget Coordination Committee, to assess the economic impact and recommend whether to continue or lift the tax adjustment. The DOE will  monitor global oil prices and submit regular reports,…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian warned of the country running dry on fuel in a protracted Middle East crisis, despite assurances from the executive branch. “Pinakamalala kung wala tayong langis, at hindi malayong mangyari iyan,” Gatchalian said at the Kapihan sa Senado media forum on Wednesday, March 25.  “Of course, kahapon dinadownplay ni Secretary Garin pero para sa ‘kin hindi malayong mangyari iyan dahil wala tayong firm supply,” he added.  [Translation: The worst-case scenario is that we run out of oil, and that is not far from happening. Of course, yesterday Secretary Garin downplayed it, but for me, it’s not far from happening because we don’t have a firm supply.] Gatchalian referred to Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, who made the statement on Tuesday as the senator led the first hearing of the Senate ad hoc committee on the Middle East crisis, known as PROTECT (Proactive Response and Oversight…

Metro Manila, Philippines – The joint oil and gas exploration between the Philippines and China may be “forthcoming,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro said on Wednesday, March 25. While there is no directive yet from President Bongbong Marcos on the matter, Lazaro did not dismiss the possibility. “Hindi naman ’yan bago,” Lazaro said, noting previous efforts under the Duterte administration. The three-year negotiations on oil and gas exploration in areas of the West Philippine Sea, led by then Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., were terminated in 2022 upon the instructions of President Rodrigo Duterte over sovereignty issues. Lazaro also said there might be constitutional challenges should the project proceed. She expressed confidence that if negotiations are revived, the negotiators are already aware of the “pitfalls” from previous efforts. Meanwhile, Lazaro said the code of conduct in the South China Sea is in the works and may be finalized by…

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines is not taking a neutral stance on the Middle East conflict as it is cautious on the safety of Filipinos in the region, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro said on Wednesday, March 25.  Speaking at a news forum, Lazaro said the country’s support goes to the statements of international bodies such as the United Nations and the International Maritime Organization on the strikes by the US and Israel, and Iran’s retaliation. “When it comes to our OFWs )overseas Filipino workers) numbering 2.5 million, we just want to be sure that they are also protected,” she said. “Even our political thinking must be weighed heavily because sila yung iniisip natin  —  na malayo sila from harm’s way,” she added. [Translation: Even our political thinking must be weighed heavily because they are who we think about — that they are far from harm’s way.] Lazaro said…