News

Metro Manila, Philippines –  The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said there will be no price increase on basic necessities and prime commodities in major groceries and supermarkets nationwide until May 10, following fresh commitments from manufacturers. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the extension comes as firms agreed to defer price hikes despite rising costs. “Whatever decrease in cost will always help,” Roque said during a market monitoring activity in Muntinlupa, citing recent fuel price rollbacks as a key factor in securing another extension. The latest timeline extends earlier commitments by manufacturers, who initially agreed to hold prices steady until April 16. This was later moved to April 30 before being pushed further to May 10. Roque said the arrangement ensures that prices of basic goods remain stable, even without a formal price freeze in place. Under Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, automatic price controls are…

Metro Manila, Philippines –  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.  confirmed the arrest of former lawmaker Zaldy Co in Prague, Czech Republic over  corruption charges, after months of evading authorities “Nahuli na si Zaldy Co [Zaldy Co has been arrested],” Marcos said, adding that Co is now in custody after allegedly entering the Czech Republic without proper documentation.  The government is coordinating with Czech authorities for his possible return to the Philippines. Co left the country in September 2025, citing medical treatment abroad, but failed to return as investigations into alleged irregularities in flood control projects intensified.  Amid mounting scrutiny, he resigned from the House of Representatives in the same month.  On Nov. 21, 2025, the Sandiganbayan issued arrest warrants and a hold departure order against Co and a number of others over a questionable flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. The anti-graft court declared the former congressman a “fugitive from justice.” …

Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed the arrest of former lawmaker Zaldy Co in Prague, Czech Republic, after months of evasion following corruption charges. “Nahuli na si Zaldy Co [Zaldy Co has been arrested],” Marcos said, adding that Co is now in custody after allegedly entering the Czech Republic without proper documentation. The government is now coordinating with Czech authorities for his possible return to the Philippines. Co left the Philippines in September 2025, citing medical treatment abroad, but failed to return as investigations into alleged irregularities in flood control projects intensified. Amid mounting scrutiny, he resigned from the House of Representatives on the same month. On November 21, 2025, the Sandiganbayan issued arrest warrants and a hold departure order against Co and several others over a flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. Authorities later sought an Interpol Blue Notice to track his whereabouts as he remained…

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman will meet Ramil Madriaga, Vice President Sara Duterte’s self-confessed bagman, to verify his credibility once the impeachment hearings are finished, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said.  “I believe that the Office of the Ombudsman needs to have an opportunity to observe his demeanor when the time comes…I believe the credibility will be seen more so when we are able to have a face-to-face with him,” Clavano told reporters in a press briefing on Thursday, April 16. “Papaunahin natin ‘yung House, saka natin siya kakausapin,” he added. [Translation: We’ll let the House of Representatives talk to him first before we meet with him] Clavano said Madriaga’s affidavit, which was referred to their office in December 2025, was added to the records of the consolidated complaints against Duterte involving plunder for alleged misuse of confidential funds. He noted that the complaints are now under…

Metro Manila, Philippines – A bill lowering value-added tax (VAT) on goods and services from 12% to 10% has been filed in the Senate, formalizing calls for a tax cut amid rising prices triggered by the Middle East crisis. Senator Bam Aquino filed his proposed VAT Reduction Act on Thursday, April 16. It seeks to amend the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 to reduce VAT on goods or properties, imports, and services, including petroleum products. Aquino said the measure would provide much-needed relief for the middle class, which is largely excluded from government aid programs. “Habang tumatagal ang krisis na ito, hindi lang mahirap ang tinatamaan kundi ang ating middle class, kung saan kabilang ang ating mga kababayang naghahanapbuhay ngunit hindi nakakakuha ng direktang tulong mula sa ating pamahalaan,” Aquino said.  [Translation: As the crisis drags on, it is not only the poor who are affected but also our…