Marcos replaces peace adviser Galvez with ex-interior chief Sarmiento
Metro Manila, Philippines – Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. (ret.) has stepped down as presidential adviser on peace, reconciliation and unity, Malacañang said, and former Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento is his replacement. “Confirmed,” Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters on Tuesday, April 21. Galvez followed National Security Adviser Eduardo Año who retired from public service. Both were in the Duterte Cabinet. The Palace did not state a reason for Galvez’s exit. Sarmiento, a former Samar lawmaker, helped advance measures that led to the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. He was interior secretary during the Noynoy Aquino administration, handling peace and security coordination.
Big fuel price rollback takes effect, diesel down nearly ₱25 per liter
Metro Manila, Philippines – A major fuel price rollback took effect Tuesday, with diesel prices dropping by nearly ₱25 per liter, oil firms announced. Petron, Shell, and Seaoil announced the implemented rollbacks effective 6 a.m., April 21, cutting diesel prices by ₱24.94 per liter, gasoline by ₱3.41 per liter, and kerosene by ₱2.00 per liter. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier confirmed the rollback, calling it a significant relief for consumers. “Mas malaki ito kaysa sa rollback noong nakaraang linggo, may ginhawang parating,” he said. [Translation: This is bigger than last week’s rollback, relief is coming.] The president directed oil companies to implement the price cuts fully and without delay. “Ipatupad ninyo ang rollback ng buo, tama, at walang pagkaantala,” he said. [Translation: Implement the rollback fully, correctly, and without delay.] He also urged the public to report any violations to authorities. “Kung may paglabag, ipaalam po ninyo sa amin. Kikilos…
Two OFWs killed by employer in Lebanon – DMW
Metro Manila, Philippines – Two overseas Filipino workers were killed by their employer in Beirut, Lebanon, during a hostage incident on April 15, the Department of Migrant Workers said on Tuesday, April 21. The agency said the victims, who were long-time household service workers in the residence, were fatally shot during the incident. DMW did not identify the Filipinos involved. It said the employer is now in police custody pending formal charges. In a statement, DMW vowed close coordination with the Philippine Embassy in Lebanon for proper investigation and filing of appropriate charges. “The Philippine government remains committed to securing justice for the victims and providing continued assistance to their families, including repatriation and access to benefits,” it said. DMW Undersecretaries Bernard Olalia and Felicitas Bay will personally visit the families of the victims.
Duterte’s P375M disallowed over improper disbursement, inadequate documents – COA
Metro Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte’s ₱375-million confidential funds in 2023 were disallowed over improper disbursement and insufficient documents, state auditors said. The notice of disallowance means Duterte and her colleagues should return the funds. They have six months to appeal the decision. In the ruling of the Commission on Audit (COA) intelligence and confidential funds audit office shared by Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon, a House justice committee member, the following people were asked to settle the disallowance immediately: Vice President Sara Duterte OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta OVP chief accountant Julieta Villadelrey former vice presidential security and protection group chief Col. Raymund Dante Lachica The latest COA order is on top of the ₱73.2 million it asked Duterte to return for her confidential funds in 2022 when it junked the vice president’s appeal on the previous order. This means her potential obligations may reach ₱448…
PISTON files P10 jeepney fare hike petition
Metro Manila, Philippines – Transport group PISTON on Monday, April 20, filed a petition before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) seeking a P10 increase in the minimum jeepney fare–from P13 to P23–citing continued financial losses among drivers. The group said recent diesel rollbacks are not enough to offset high operating costs and declining earnings. “Mula noong magkaron ng US aggression ay halos umabot ito ng P170 per liter sa diesel at P120 sa gasolina kaya isa ito sa naging tuntungan ng pagfa-file at siyempre yung mataas na piyesa na ginagamit ng public transport kung saan di naman bumabababa ang presyo,” PISTON president Mody Floranda said. [Translation: “Since the start of US aggression, diesel prices nearly reached P170 per liter and gasoline P120, which became one of the bases for filing the petition, along with the high cost of public transport parts, whose prices have not gone down.”]…
