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Metro Manila, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs said it has made “strong representations” to the Omani government to scrap a reported requirement for Filipino travelers to present a negative HIV test before entry. In a statement Friday, the DFA said it has raised the issue with the Oman Embassy in Manila following reports that some Filipinos were asked to submit medical certificates before travel. The Omani embassy clarified that the requirement applies only to tourists availing of visa-free entry to Oman and not to Filipinos holding work visas. The embassy also said the policy is under review by Omani authorities, with a meeting scheduled next week to discuss the matter. “The DFA expects a positive outcome given the good and strong relationship between the Philippines and Oman,” the agency said. The clarification came after a circular from Oman Air dated March 1 circulated online, stating that Filipino travelers…

Metro Manila, Philippines –  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has extended the validity of driver’s licenses and motor vehicle registrations set to expire in April 2026 by three months, Malacañang said Friday. Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the extension covers driver’s and conductor’s licenses, student permits, and vehicle registration. “Pinahabaan po ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ang validity ng mga pa-expire na dokumento sa pagmamaneho at pagrehistro ng mga sasakyan,” Castro said in a briefing.[Translation: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has extended the validity of documents that are about to expire for driving and vehicle registration.] “Kung ang inyong lisensiya at rehistro ay mag-i-expire na ngayong April 2026… na-extend din po ang validity nito ng tatlong buwan,” she added.[Translation: If your license and registration are expiring this April 2026, their validity has been extended by three months.] The president directed the Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Giovanni Lopez, to implement…

Metro Manila, Philippines – A number of ride hailing companies vowed to implement lower commission rates beginning Monday, April 20, heeding lawmakers pressuring them to carry out temporary relief from soaring fuel prices. In a press statement on Friday, April 17, JoyRide said it is cutting commission rate from 20 percent to 18 percent for motorcycle taxis.  The company noted that it is already carrying out a lower commission fee at 10 percent, which, it said, is the industry lowest. “This is not just about providing relief,  it is about standing by our driver-partners when it matters most,” said Sherwin Yu, JoyRide president.  JoyRide said fees can go as low as 15 percent through a tiering system, where drivers with higher number of trips get a lower commission rate. Angkas earlier announced a reduced rate, setting the fee at 18 percent beginning April 20. “Wala pong kondisyon ‘yan. Kahit isang…

Metro Manila, Philippines – With the arrest of former lawmaker Zaldy Co, one of the alleged masterminds in the flood control corruption scandal, Senate blue ribbon committee chairman Panfilo “Ping” Lacson is eyeing his attendance at the legislative inquiry to face off with witnesses whose claims are “interconnected” with his. Co was arrested in the Czech Republic on Thursday, April 16, ending a nine-month search for the former House appropriations committee chairman who led proceedings on the controversial 2025 budget. He has since resigned as a congressman. “Once Co is in the Philippines and the court allows it, I plan to have him attend the hearing along with Guteza and the ex-soldiers so we will find out who is truthful, who is telling half-truths, and who is lying,” Lacson said in a news release on Friday, April 17.  “We can also invite them to separate hearings but I think it…

Metro Manila, Philippines –  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is prepared to hear any testimony from former lawmaker Zaldy Co once he is in the country, Malacañang said Friday, April 17, as authorities move to bring the fugitive back to face corruption charges. Palace press officer Claire Castro said the president remains open to whatever Co may disclose, highlighting that the administration itself initiated the investigation on anomalies in flood control projects. “Ang pangulo ay handang makinig sa lahat ng maaaring sabihin ng mga taong involved at dapat na managot sa batas,” Castro said. [Translation: The president is ready to listen to whatever those involved may say and those who should be held accountable under the law.] Castro turned the issue back on Co, saying the key question is whether the former lawmaker is willing to tell the truth. “Ang dapat na tanong diyan ay kung handa ba si Zaldy Co…