Nation – Arkipelago News

CAB raises airline fuel surcharge to Level 19, airfares may increase up to ₱15,397

MANILA, Philippines — Air travelers are expected to face higher ticket costs after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) raised the passenger fuel surcharge to Level 19 from Level 8 for the April 16–30 implementation period. Based on official CAB guidelines and recent reports, the adjustment reflects a sharp increase in jet fuel costs, which airlines are allowed to pass on to passengers through fuel surcharge mechanisms. Under the new Level 19 classification, passengers on domestic flights may pay an additional ₱627 to ₱1,824, depending on distance. For international flights, surcharges range from ₱2,070.77 up to ₱15,397.15. The CAB emphasized that fuel surcharge is an optional, government-regulated add-on fee separate from the base airfare, designed to help airlines recover operational costs amid volatile fuel prices. This marks a significant jump from the previous Level 8 adjustment, which was already implemented earlier in the month. Officials said the surcharge level may still be reviewed depending on global oil price movements, and airlines must comply with CAB-approved ceilings when imposing additional charges. The latest adjustment is expected to have a noticeable impact on travel costs for both domestic and international passengers in the coming weeks. 📷 Civil Aeronautics Board FB 3 weeks ago

Marcos leads UPLIFT meeting; gov’t boosts aid for OFWs, transport sector

MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday led a meeting of the UPLIFT Committee, where officials discussed intensified government measures to address the impact of rising oil prices. During the meeting, the government reported that more than 24,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have received assistance, including over 4,000 who were repatriated along with around 1,300 dependents. Authorities also assured that the country has sufficient oil supply for up to 50 days. Support for the transport sector continues, with over 977,000 public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers having received aid, while about 373,000 have benefited from fuel subsidies. The government is also strengthening food and energy security efforts, including the rollout of P20-per-kilo rice in 661 sites and the expansion of renewable energy projects. Officials added that there will be no price increases on basic goods and prime commodities until May 10. Authorities said these measures aim to cushion the effects of high fuel costs while ensuring stable supply and affordability of essential goods. 📷 Presidential Communications Office FB 3 weeks ago

Ex-Speaker Romualdez cleared for Singapore surgery despite Ombudsman’s opposition

MANILA -- Former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has been cleared by congressional leaders to fly to Singapore for heart treatment — even as the country’s top anti-graft office attempts to block his departure. The House of Representatives granted Romualdez travel clearance for April 20 to May 4, 2026, allowing him to undergo a long-delayed follow-up procedure related to his angioplasty. “As requested, travel clearance is hereby granted to the Honorable Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Representative, 1st District, Leyte, in connection with his personal trip to Singapore from 20 April to 04 May 2026,” House Secretary General Cheloy Garafil said. “This clearance is issued predicated upon the Honorable Representative’s commitment to return to the Philippines forthwith following his medical procedure. It is understood that the Representative shall maintain accessibility for any urgent official functions or legal proceedings during his absence,” she added. Romualdez made the request directly to House Speaker Faustino Dy III, writing: “Dear Speaker Dy, I respectfully write to request for a travel clearance to Singapore on April 20–May 4, 2026 to do a long overdue follow-up on my angioplasty surgery.” “I have also written the Department of Justice (DOJ) of my intention to travel, in view of an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) issued last October 8, 2025,” he added. Remulla Moves to Block Travel, Romualdez’s Camp Pushes Back The approval comes despite opposition from Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, who said his office “did not respond favorably” to the request. He cited an ongoing investigation and concerns that Romualdez might not return to the Philippines. Remulla also revealed that steps are underway to freeze the lawmaker’s assets over a money laundering complaint endorsed to the Anti-Money Laundering Council. “We’re waiting for the AMLC to file a freeze order on Martin Romualdez,” the ombudsman said, adding the move could come “very soon.” Remulla has also asked the Sandiganbayan to issue a precautionary hold departure order. However, Romualdez’s lawyer, Ade Fajardo, said the congressman is not barred from leaving the country. “Any statement suggesting that a freeze order is imminent remains speculative,” Fajardo said. “I Will Not Be the Fall Guy” Romualdez, however, is no longer staying quiet. “I will not allow myself to be turned into the scapegoat so that others who are actually accountable can walk away clean,” he said. “If this is a political play to push me out and close the story, tarnishing my name and my reputation, then I am telling everyone now: I will not go quietly, and I will not go alone. I will not be the fall guy for other people’s corruption.” He also challenged investigators to go further. “If your office truly believes in justice, then follow the sworn statements, follow the records, and follow the evidence all the way,” he said. “Do not stop where it is politically convenient. Do not settle for the easiest headline. Do not confuse public pressure with prosecutorial duty.” Romualdez said he is releasing his affidavit tied to the case to the public. “And because I have nothing to hide, I am today authorizing the immediate public release of the affidavit I submitted, together with all supporting information so that the Filipino people can judge for themselves who has been transparent and who is simply being politically targeted,” he said. He also dismissed claims that he controlled the national budget during his time as House Speaker. “The national budget is not the act of one person or one chamber. It is a product of a constitutional chain involving the executive, the House, and the Senate,” he said. “Congress does not build flood control projects. Congress does not conduct procurement. Congress does not inspect whether our project was actually completed.” 📷 Martin Romualdez FB 3 weeks ago

Gov’t expands service contracting program to cushion impact of rising fuel costs

Amid continued increases in fuel prices, the government has strengthened its Service Contracting Program to support public transport drivers and ease the burden on commuters. Under the initiative, operators and drivers are paid based on the distance they travel, allowing them to continue operating despite higher fuel expenses. Current rates provide P100 per kilometer for busway drivers, P82 for city buses, P40 for modern jeepneys, and P30 for traditional jeepneys. In exchange, passengers benefit from reduced fares, with a standard 20% discount and up to 40% for students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. Transport officials said the program has helped bring more drivers back on the road while improving service reliability. Commuters, meanwhile, are seeing shorter waiting times and lower transportation costs. The government said the initiative aims to sustain mobility and protect livelihoods as the transport sector continues to navigate the challenges posed by volatile fuel prices. 📷 Presidential Communications Office FB 3 weeks ago

Robredo rules out national comeback, eyes second term as Naga Mayor

NAGA CITY — Mayor Leni Robredo has ruled out a return to national politics in 2028, saying her focus remains firmly on unfinished work in her hometown as she eyes a second term as mayor. The former vice president, who now serves as Naga City’s first female mayor, said she has made up her mind not to seek a national post despite persistent calls from supporters. “Sigurado na ako sa sarili ko na hindi na ko ma-national,” she told 91.1 DWNX FM. Robredo stressed that while her administration has achieved significant progress, there is still much to be done in the city she has long called home. “Sa hiling ko considerably, maaachieve ta man si mga pigset pero beyond that kadakol pang gigibuhon,” she added. The mayor also cited the limits of her current three-year term, describing it as too short to fully implement her agenda. “Ako sa tingin ko, ang three years maiksi. Maiksi siya para gawin ang lahat. In fact, very frustrating para sa akin… na marami ang gusto kong gawin na hindi ko mamadali dahil kailangan kong i-navigate ang bureaucracy. Dahil marami rin ang hindi ko control,” Robredo said. “Ako most probably, magsi-seek pa ako ng second term [as Naga City mayor],” she added. Robredo acknowledged ongoing calls for her to stage a political comeback on the national stage, but emphasized that her priorities remain local. “Layo na sa horizon ko na mabalik ako sa national,” Robredo said. The former vice president last ran in the 2022 presidential race, losing to Ferdinand Marcos Jr. She later shifted to local politics and won the Naga mayoralty in the May 2025 elections, marking a return to grassroots governance for the longtime public servant. 📷 Leni Gerona Robredo FB 3 weeks ago

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COA orders VP Duterte to return ₱448M in confidential funds

MANILA -- The Commission on Audit (COA) has ordered Vice President Sara Duterte and several high-ranking officials to return ₱448 million in "confidential funds" after a series of audits flagged the expenditures as irregular and unjustified. In a Notice of Disallowance (ND) dated March 31 2026, COA rejected ₱375 million in spending related to three separate cash advances made between February and September 2023. This latest ruling comes on top of an earlier ₱73-million disallowance from 2022, bringing the total amount the Vice President is legally obligated to return to ₱448 million, should the ruling be sustained. Unlike standard government budget cuts, a notice of disallowance signifies that the auditor has formally rejected an expense. Once final, the law requires the officials named to settle the debt using their personal wealth rather than the agency's budget. A ‘Pattern’ of Misuse The findings from COA’s Intelligence and Confidential Funds Audit Office suggest a systemic failure to adhere to the strict transparency rules governing "black budget" spending. Key violations cited in the report include: • Undocumented ‘Rewards’: At least ₱62 million was reportedly paid out as "rewards," but officials failed to provide any documentation proving that these payments led to successful intelligence or surveillance operations. • Unsupported Procurement: Nearly ₱199 million was spent on supplies and provisions, yet these were backed only by simple "acknowledgment receipts" rather than the official invoices or receipts required by law. • Unauthorized Personnel: Funds were allegedly released to individuals who were not authorized as accountable officers. • Prohibited Reimbursements: Auditors found that some disbursements occurred before the cash advances were even granted, suggesting a "reimbursement" practice that is expressly forbidden for confidential funds. The Question of Due Process VP Duterte’s camp has previously suggested that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) was not given a fair opportunity to explain the spending. However, Bicol Saro Partylist Rep. Terry Ridon, a member of the House Justice Committee, has pushed back against these claims. “Hindi totoo na walang due process na nangyari. May pagkakataon silang sumagot, at hindi naman ito nangyari ng isang beses lamang. Dumaan iyan sa audit observation memo at notice of disallowance, kaya malinaw na may proseso bago sila umabot sa puntong ito,” Ridon said. The lawmaker emphasized that the failure was not in the system, but in the OVP’s inability to provide a factual basis for how the money was used. “The real issue here is not the absence of process. Ang problema, hindi nila naipakita nang sapat ang mga report at supporting documents para maipaliwanag ang paggamit ng confidential funds,” he added. Personal Accountability The COA ruling is notably specific, identifying four individuals as personally liable for the ₱375 million: Vice President Sara Duterte, Special Disbursing Officer Gina Acosta, Chief Accountant Julieta Villadelrey, and VPSPG Head Col. Raymund Dante Lachica. Ridon stressed that the financial burden falls on these individuals, not the institution they represent. “Kapag naging final na ang finding ng COA, hindi na ito usapin ng opisina lamang. May personal na pananagutan na ang mga pinangalanan sa disallowance. Hindi ang OVP ang pinagsosoli ng pera—ang mga personalidad na tinukoy ng COA ang may obligasyon na magsoli,” he clarified. The Vice President and her team now have six months to appeal the findings. If they fail to do so, or if the appeal is rejected, the disallowance becomes "final and executory" under law. For critics, the scale of the funds—now approaching half a billion pesos—represents more than a technical accounting error. “Kapag may final finding na, may proseso na nasunod, at may personal na pananagutan na itinakda, hindi na ito simpleng audit issue—ito ay usapin na ng pananagutan sa paggamit ng pondo ng bayan,” Ridon concluded. 📷 Inday Sara Duterte FB Read more >> 3 weeks ago

COA orders VP Duterte to return ₱448M in confidential funds

Marcos approval climbs as Duterte faces declining ratings, OCTA poll reveals

MANILA -- Public satisfaction with Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has rebounded in early 2026, while ratings for Vice President Sara Duterte have weakened, according to a new nationwide survey released by OCTA Research. The poll, conducted from March 19 to 25 among 1,200 adults through face-to-face interviews, suggests a widening divergence in how Filipinos view the country’s two highest officials as political and economic pressures intensify. Marcos’s trust rating rose by six percentage points to 54%, while satisfaction with his performance climbed to 55%, up four points from the previous quarter. Gains were recorded across all major regions, with the largest increases seen in the National Capital Region and Mindanao. By contrast, VP Duterte’s trust rating remained statistically unchanged at 55%, but her performance rating declined by four points to 50%, reflecting what analysts described as “mixed and differentiated” public perceptions. The survey was carried out during a period of heightened national strain, including a worsening oil crisis linked to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, and renewed political tensions at home. On March 24, midway through the polling period, Marcos declared a national energy emergency in response to rising fuel prices and supply concerns. At the same time, the House of Representatives was advancing a second impeachment case against VP Duterte, with formal hearings opening on the final day of the survey. Regional Shifts The President’s improved ratings were most pronounced in urban and politically competitive regions. Trust in the president rose nine points in Metro Manila and a similar margin in Mindanao, traditionally considered a stronghold of the Duterte family. Performance ratings followed a similar trend, with a ten-point increase in the capital and notable gains in the Visayas and Mindanao. Only Balance Luzon recorded a marginal decline. Despite these gains, Mindanao remains Marcos’s weakest region, where both trust and satisfaction levels trail national averages and dissatisfaction is highest. Duterte’s Mixed Standing Sara Duterte continues to command strong support in Mindanao, where her trust rating stands at 90% and performance satisfaction rose to 83%. However, her ratings have declined sharply in other parts of the country. In Metro Manila, her performance rating fell by seven points to 37%, while Balance Luzon saw a six-point drop. Declines were also recorded among lower-income respondents, who make up the majority of the population. The number of undecided respondents regarding her performance increased nationwide, suggesting growing uncertainty about her leadership amid mounting political challenges. “Widening Gap” in Perception In its report, OCTA Research said the results “highlight a widening gap in perception,” explaining that while opinion of the president is “becoming more defined and positive,” views of the vice president are growing “mixed and differentiated.” “This divergence may reflect evolving public expectations shaped by both domestic political developments and external pressures, including global geopolitical tensions and their potential economic impacts,” OCTA said in its executive summary. With both an energy crisis and political confrontation unfolding simultaneously, analysts say public sentiment in the coming months may hinge on how effectively leaders respond to rising costs and institutional challenges. 📷 Inday Sara Duterte and Bongbong Marcos FB Read more >> 3 weeks ago

Ombudsman prepares plunder cases against Romualdez, Escudero over flood control projects

MANILA -- The Office of the Ombudsman says it is preparing to file plunder charges against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and former Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero over an alleged multi-billion peso flood control scandal. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Monday that the cases are expected to be filed within May, once preparations are complete. “We have been seriously preparing a case of plunder against former speaker Martin Romualdez and former Senate President Chiz Escudero,” Remulla said. “Within the month of May, we’re just tying up many things that have to be there for us to make a case out of it.” Ghost Projects, Budget Maneuvers, and Conspiracy Toward Plunder The allegations relate to flood control projects funded under the 2024 and 2025 national budgets, which investigators say may include “ghost projects” — works that were either not implemented or were substandard. Remulla said the investigation is examining how the budgets were approved and implemented. “It’s actually the way that the budget was passed upon by the two houses, and how many things happened to have been implemented because of that,” he explained. The Ombudsman indicated that the inquiry may extend beyond the current timeframe and could include actions taken during the tenure of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, who served from 2020 to 2022. Authorities said they have reviewed testimonies from previous Senate hearings as part of the evidence-gathering process. A former undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Roberto Bernardo, has been named as a state witness and has alleged irregularities in flood control projects. “Actually you’ve already heard of the story, you heard it from the testimonies before in the Senate, and if you think about it, there was a conspiracy towards plunder. I think even you can put it together, it doesn’t take a genius to do it,” Remulla told reporters. The Ombudsman said the planned cases could involve multiple individuals, including officials from the Department of Budget and Management, as well as private contractors. Denials and Defense Both Romualdez and Escudero have previously denied any involvement in anomalous flood control projects. A 576-page minority report in the Senate, signed by six members, previously suggested that Romualdez was either “complicit with the crooks or was grossly negligent in his job” during the alleged irregularities. Romualdez has denied any wrongdoing. His lawyer, Ade Fajardo, said they respect the Ombudsman’s process but emphasized that there is no evidence linking him to anomalies involving ghost or substandard projects. Escudero has also denied involvement in the alleged anomalies, despite being named in testimony related to the case. High Stakes Under Philippine law, plunder — defined as the accumulation of ill-gotten wealth amounting to at least ₱50 million through a series of overt or criminal acts — carries a penalty of life imprisonment. If filed, the case would mark a dramatic escalation in the government’s campaign against corruption in infrastructure spending, particularly in sectors long plagued by allegations of kickbacks and ghost projects. 📷 Congressman Martin Romualdez and Senator Chiz Escudero FB Read more >> 3 weeks ago

Naga City grants ₱500 daily fuel vouchers to jeepney drivers amid rising oil prices

3 weeks ago

Fuel price rollback expected tomorrow, Marcos announces additional motorists relief

3 weeks ago

Marcos leads oath-taking of over 2,100 promoted teachers, school heads in Eastern Visayas

1 month ago

RAGE Coalition, inilunsad sa panguguna ni Baste Duterte

1 month ago

Big fuel price rollback expected, relief seen for motorists — DOE

1 month ago

Net Service Contracting Program launched to support drivers, ensure reliable transport

1 month ago