Airlines seek parking fees cut at NAIAManila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Eric Ines confirmed that airlines have requested for a discount on NAIA’s landing and parking fees as well as the navigation fee of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). MANILA, Philippines — Airline companies operating at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport appealed to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) yesterday for a cut on airport fees at NAIA, as fuel prices increase and flights to the Middle East remain suspended because of the ongoing tension in the region. Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Eric Ines confirmed that airlines have requested for a discount on NAIA’s landing and parking fees as well as the navigation fee of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). They have also requested a relaxation on the three-hour aircraft parking limit as well as a reduction of fees for aircraft that remain stranded at NAIA due to the ongoing tension in the Middle East. Passengers with connecting flights through affected Middle East hubs are strongly advised to coordinate with their respective airlines for possible rebooking, rerouting and updated travel advisories.

Government to release P21 billion to cushion rising pricesMotorists pass by a gasoline station displaying updated pump prices for various fuel products along Kalayaan Avenue in Quezon City on Sunday, following a staggered hike in prices last week. Acting on the President’s directive, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) fast-tracked the release to ensure that critical services continue uninterrupted – especially as higher oil prices threaten transport costs and household budgets. As global oil prices climb, the subsidy helps drivers stay on the road without passing on the full burden to commuters—keeping fares stable and transport accessible for millions of Filipinos. The problem is the oil prices are volatile. According to Recto, Marcos has ordered the tapping of a P10-billion fund to mitigate the impact of higher fuel prices on farmers and fishermen.

Transport strike proceeds in Metro ManilaCommuters board a police truck along Philcoa in Quezon City during the transport strike yesterday. MANILA, Philippines — Several schools suspended on-site classes as the transport strike proceeded yesterday in Metro Manila, although several jeepneys continued to ply their routes. The militant Piston and Manibela launched the strike to demand lower fuel prices and the scrapping of the Oil Deregulation Law. The Philippine National Police (PNP), said its chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., is eyeing the deployment of some of its vehicles to ferry stranded commuters, as the transport strike continues today. The Philippine Women’s University also announced a shift to synchronous online modality yesterday at PWU Taft and PWU-JASMS Manila to mitigate the effects of the transport strike.

Marcos recycles Loyzaga, swears in FrascoMANILA, Philippines — Former environment secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga has returned to the Marcos administration as special envoy for disaster risk reduction and management. Loyzaga, who led the environment department from 2022 to 2025, will pursue the government’s renewable energy integration and climate action agenda. She took her oath before President Marcos on Wednesday at Malacañang, according to Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro. The assessment was undertaken as part of what has been described as the Marcos administration’s “bold reset” after the midterm elections. Also on Wednesday, Marcos swore in former tourism secretary Christina Frasco as presidential adviser for sustainable and resilient communities.

LRT-2, MRT-3 offer 50% discount on fareshe DOTr said this is in line with President Marcos’ directive to find ways to help ease the burden of commuters. MANILA, Philippines — Starting March 23, the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) and Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) will give passengers a 50- percent discount on fares, the Department of Transportation announced yesterday. Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the train fare discount would be a big help for passengers. The 50-percent fare discount for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and students remains in effect. Regular passengers can use the blue beep cards and the 50 percent discount will be automatically deducted.

FBI probes US security official who quit over Iran war, Semafor reportsNational Counterterrorism Center Director Joseph Kent attends a House Homeland Security hearing entitled "Worldwide Threats to the Homeland," on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S. December 11, 2025. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz

How many people have been killed in the US-Israeli war on Iran? Damaged vehicles belonging to the Lebanese Civil Defence are seen after their headquarters was hit in an Israeli strike in the Nabatieh district, following an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, southern Lebanon, March 18, 2026. Picture taken with a mobile phone. REUTERS/Mohamad Zanaty

Cruise ship and wooden huts for Asian Games athletesA view of the open deck of the Costa Serena cruise ship that will house athletes.

Peso crashes past 60 per dollar, a record lowMANILA, Philippines — The Philippine peso breached the record low 60-per-dollar level on Thursday, March 19, as rising oil prices and a stronger US dollar continue to squeeze the currency. Oil prices appear to have been the main drag on the peso. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said yesterday it has intervened in the foreign exchange market to prevent the peso from slipping even further against the dollar, according to a Bloomberg report. BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. has warned that oil prices sustained above $100 a barrel could force a rate hike. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in January he did not want the peso to reach 60 per dollar.

Filipinos want gov't to tackle food prices, jobs as Middle East oil crisis bites — surveyPresident Marcos inspects basic commodity prices and supply at Agora Market in San Juan City on March 18, 2026, joined by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora. The survey released Thursday, March 19, found that 41% of respondents picked the affordability of food prices as their most important concern. In Balance Luzon and Mindanao, 46% of respondents flagged food affordability, up from 41% and 40%, respectively, in December. Stratbase Institute President Dindo Manhit said the findings reflected growing anxiety over food security and inflation amid the ongoing Middle East crisis. “While corruption remains an important issue, ordinary citizens are now more focused on immediate economic pressures, including food prices and income stability.”

Context of the Marcoleta SOCE caseThe case dates to November 2025, when Marcoleta appeared on his Net25 program and was asked about a mismatch in his campaign finances. The official campaign period for national candidates did not begin until February 11. The Peñera doctrine, and all about 'timing'Marcoleta's defense rests on a 2009 Supreme Court ruling that had nothing to do with declaring campaign donations. Monica, Surigao del Norte, was penalized for holding a motorcade the day before the local campaign period began. "It's a prerequisite that he be a candidate," Bulay said on Storycon on Wednesday.

Ratings dip looms for Eala amid ranking points expiryAlexandra Eala of the Philippines plays a forehand against Marketa Vondrousova of Czechia during their first round match on Day One of the WTA 1000 National Bank Open at IGA Stadium on July 27, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. And per the WTA live rankings, the effect is in full force right away as it dragged Eala to No. 29 this week following a Last 16 finish in the Indian Wells Open with 1525 points. In total, Eala only lost 380 points so far, getting 10 points back due to a first-round bye as the No. The official WTA ranking update will reflect on Monday on a weekly basis and it’s on Eala to turn the tide starting with a Round 2 duel against No.

9,000 cops deployed due to transport strikeMembers of the Manila Police District (MPD) prepare for deployment at their headquarters in Ermita, Manila on January 3, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said that it mobilized 9,000 policemen across Metro Manila to provide security and assistance operations during the strike of transport group PISTON. “We are fully ready for this transport strike. PISTON commenced their transport strike on Thursday, in protest against fuel surges. The PNP previously said it would deploy approximately 180,000 personnel nationwide to ensure peace and order during the transport strike.

Lawmaker pushes 70% tollway fee reductionMotorists traveling from the northern provinces to Metro Manila experience light to moderate traffic at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), as seen from the Bocaue Toll Plaza in Bulacan on January 2, 2024. ZAMBALES, Philippines — House Deputy Speaker and Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson Khonghun on Wednesday, March 18, filed House Bill No. Khonghun said in a statement that the proposed “Tollway Fee Reduction Act” would provide for a 70% decrease in tollway charges within five years: 50% in the first year of implementation and 20% in the succeeding years. “The combined effect of high fuel prices and toll charges exacerbate inflation, reduces economic mobility, and undermines the general welfare,” the lawmaker averred. 879, urging the imposition of a 50-percent reduction on tollway charges.

Frasco sworn in as Marcos adviser on sustainable communitiesPresident Marcos administers the oath to former Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco as Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities at Malacañang Palace on March 18, 2026. Esperanza Christina Garcia-Frasco on Wednesday, March 18, took her oath as presidential adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities in a ceremony at Malacañang Palace. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administered the oath and congratulated Frasco on her appointment. He said her experience working with local communities would be key in implementing programs that strengthen climate resilience and sustainable development across the country. During her time at the DOT from 2022 to 2026, Frasco oversaw programs aimed at supporting tourism enterprises and local partnerships.