Inquirer News
March 2026
Mayon Volcano continues to spew lava fountains — Phivolcs
These events produced 250 m-tall incandescent fountains and ash plumes that rose 250m before drifting southwest,
NGO warns vs coal expansion amid energy crisis
Climate Conflict Action Asia (CCAA) issued the call after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national energy emergency and ordered the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure stable and sufficient power supply amid global energy disruptions
The DOE’s plan to permit and even increase the electricity generation from coal, albeit temporarily, discredits the government’s claim of a shift to renewable energy,
Thus, the energy crisis must not be used as an excuse to further delay or renege on the country’s transition to renewable energy. If at all, this crisis provides an opportunity to prioritize the shift to reduce our dependence on the global energy market,
PNP orders aid for kin of cops slain, hurt in Maguindanao del Sur ambush
Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered the Police Regional Office Bangasamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to provide support for the families of the police officers killed and wounded in an ambush in Maguindanao del Sur
To the families of our fallen heroes, we sympathize with your grief. Their sacrifice will not be forgotten and it will not be vain. No words will ever be enough,
This is not just an attack on our people but an attack on peace and order, and a direct affront to the rule of law,
But, you have our commitment. The PNP will not leave your family behind,
I have directed the Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to ensure immediate and sustained support for the families of our fallen and wounded personnel,
This kind of violence has no place in our society. We will not retreat. We will not be intimidated. The PNP will not stop until the perpetrators are held accountable,
7,500 inmates eyed for transfer in 2026 to decongest Bilibid
This transfer is to alleviate congestion at the NBP, and it aligns with our long-term program to close down NBP by 2028,
Farmers decry delayed aid amid soaring fuel costs
The P2,325 aid is already too small for farmers, yet its release is still being delayed. What will happen to farmers who have nearly stopped planting due to the high cost of agricultural inputs, especially fuel and fertilizers?”
These increases are staggering and unjust,
In truth, this is not a new intervention since it was already funded under the General Appropriations Act. Diesel prices have almost doubled, yet the government continues to make farmers and fisherfolk wait,
In general, prices should be stable although there might be some slight increases due to higher freight and transport costs,
The anticipated spike in fuel prices will result in significant increases in production costs and will certainly affect small farmers and fishers producing food,
The aid is already meager, and now it is delayed. Farmers have every reason to be angry at the slow and inefficient response of the Marcos administration,
Diesel has reached P120 a liter, and urea fertilizer is now around P2,100 a bag. If the government does not act immediately, the country’s food crisis will surely worsen,
This will worsen the country’s food situation. It would be like the COVID-19 pandemic — only without the lockdown,
BOC fast-tracks fuel imports, tightens checks amid price hikes
Ensuring the timely release of petroleum products is critical to keep the country moving. That is why we are making sure petroleum shipments are processed without delay and closely monitored at all times. Our goal is simple — to keep supply steady and ensure that no disruption reaches our industries or our communities,
Solons slam petition filed on SC vs Sara Duterte impeachment
On Friday, pro-Duterte lawyer Israelito Torreon accused the House Committee on Justice of “procedural overreach” in their conduct of the proceedings
Whatever their arguments are, it is obvious that VP Sara is showing signs of desperation in trying to evade accountability (once again!) by not facing the impeachment proceedings.”
The subpoena of documents relevant to the grounds for impeachment is well within the authority of the House Committee on Justice under the 1987 Constitution and the House Rules on Impeachment, both of which expressly allow the conduct of hearings in aid of impeachment proceedings,
This petition is a clear diversionary tactic designed to deflect from the impeachment proceedings now underway against the Vice President,
The Court should not allow itself to be used as Sara’s refuge every time she tries to evade accountability under the law,
Oil traders quiet on May supply — local oil firms
The Philippine Institute of Petroleum (PIP) and the Independent Philippine Petroleum Companies Association (IPPCA) made the revelation during the Senate Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (Protect) committee hearing
So many of the traders are keeping quiet, especially for deliveries in May. There has been no responses for tenders for May,
Our incoming importations are still arriving, but we haven’t received any confirmation for future deliveries beyond April,
Although there are some offers available in the market, the price is very, very high,
PNP touts internal cleansing, recruitment reforms vs ‘ninja cops’
To our police officers, let this be a warning to you that all ninja cops will be removed from the service.”
Our internal cleansing process is strong and this is reinforced by our aggressive push to inculcate integrity and professionalism in each and every police officer… We are also keen on our hiring process to identify any lapses so that we can prevent rogue personnel from entering our organization,
VP Sara Duterte skipping first impeachment hearing
Michael Poa confirmed this to the INQUIRER in a Viber message—just a day before the scheduled hearing
We confirm that counsel for the Vice President submitted a letter today to the Committee on Justice stating that the Vice President will not be attending the hearing tomorrow, in light of the constitutional objections raised therein,
Marcos declares state of national energy emergency
A state of national energy emergency is hereby declared in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and the resulting imminent danger posed upon the availability and stability of the country's energy supply,
MMDA exempts trucks carrying fuel, essential goods from coding, ban
This would ensure the unimpeded movement of energy sources and ease the mobility of goods amid the rising price of fuel products,
The MMDA is in close coordination with the DTI, which will identify the essential goods that will qualify for the exemptions,
Marcos: Plane groundings ‘distinct possibility’ due to jet fuel shortage
We’re hoping not, but it’s a distinct possibility.”
At present, we are not yet considering that we have an oil crisis because our oil supply is complete and sufficient,
Several countries have already told our airlines they cannot fuel their aircraft, so they have to carry fuel there and back,
DepEd invests record P25.6B to feed 4.6M learners
From 120 feeding days last year, the program will now cover 200 days, reaching an estimated 4.63 million learners nationwide
DBM: P230-billion funds available to address effects of ongoing crisis
In addition, just last Saturday, we spoke with (Energy) Secretary (Sharon) Garin. We’re looking at tapping the Malampaya fund of P20 billion, and the request is already with us,
So a total of around P230 billion, Mr. Chair, is the available funding for us for this crisis that we’re now experiencing,
And also, we have to tap the DOLE TUPAD program of P21.28 billion and the DOH’s MAIP of P51.64 billion,
DOTr begins rollout of fuel subsidies for PUV drivers, operators
We received the NCA of P2.5 billion on March 19. On the same day, we released the funds to the LTFRB, and today we began distributing the subsidy to our targeted beneficiaries,
Sara Duterte impeachment: No delays, no steps skipped — Luistro
Not yet because it’s part of our impeachment proceeding to conduct a hearing proper.”
I haven’t seen that resolution, but of course we are committed not to cause any delay, but we are not going to deviate [from] any step of the Rules of Impeachment,
It is necessary that we comply with all the requirements, with all the procedure provided under the Rules of Impeachment because we understand that each requirement and step of the entire procedure forms part of the requirement of due process which we must accord to the respondent, who is the vice president,
So if they have a lot of evidence at hand already, and it is sufficient to impeach, then why would we prolong this? Let’s just craft a committee report and vote on this once we return, as soon as we get back to Congress,
In this hearing proper, we are giving opportunity to the respondent to challenge, to controvert, to refute the complaint, being the allegations of offenses, allegations of grounds, or even the evidence which will be presented by the complainant during the hearing proper. And definitely, we cannot skip this process because this forms part of the due process of the respondent,
OIL PRICE WATCH as of March 24, 2026
The expected price hike starting today would be an additional P6.47 for gasoline, and P11.88 for diesel—mild when compared to the massive price surge in the week of March 17 to 23, wherein an additional P16.60 was added to every liter of gasoline and P23.90 for the diesel
Palace: PH facing ‘price disruption,’ not yet an oil crisis
When we say oil crisis, it is also clear what Secretary Sharon Garin of the DOE [Department of Energy] said, that at present, we are not yet considering that we have an oil crisis because our oil supply is complete and sufficient,
So, if we’re talking about supply, we cannot say that there is a crisis in terms of supply. However, there may be price disruptions due to the ongoing oil crisis in the Middle East,
There is no supply crisis in other things. It’s really just the price, because neither the DOE nor the oil companies can control the international market. When I think of a crisis, I think we would run out of supply, but that hasn’t happened yet,
To be more systematic and organized, so that someone is focused on the situation, because we should always be prepared. We cannot be sleeping soundly amid what is happening in the Middle East right now. As the saying goes, ‘the proactive beats the diligent,'
The oil crisis goes beyond the issue of stockpiles; it has always been about affordability and accessibility, especially for the public. It may not be a crisis situation for Energy Secretary Garin, but for marginalized people like farmers, fisherfolk, workers, and the urban poor, this is already becoming a matter of daily survival,
More commuters seen amid fuel price hike — DOTr-SAICT
There was a minimal increase in passengers this morning. We are monitoring… The queue is normal,
We haven’t seen the data until the end of the month, but during peak hours, there is a noticeable increase,
Hopefully, fares will not rise significantly despite the increase in gasoline prices,
Marcos OKs release of P145.56 billion for Mindanao Highway project
Under the President’s directive to accelerate infrastructure development, we are ensuring that projects will not be delayed due to lack of funds. With this FOA, continuous financing is guaranteed until completion—so that Filipinos, especially in Mindanao, can quickly experience the benefits of smoother, faster, and safer travel,
This is not just about building a road—it is about connecting communities, shortening the distance between opportunities, and making everyday life easier for our kababayans,
Corruption issues may be driving rise in support for anti-dynasty law — data scientist
It is not, therefore, because they desire dynasts; rather they are inched out of discourse,
OIL PRICE WATCH as of March 23, 2026
This observation is different from what has been experienced by motorists for the longest time in the past when diesel was always cheaper than gasoline
PNP asks schools’ help in lessening youth crimes
We in the PNP believe that peace and order is not an exclusive job for the police. Keeping the streets and communities safe requires a whole-of-community effort that includes our academic institutions,
Crime prevention also starts in schools, and that’s where we will shape discipline and awareness,
We expect this [initiative] to improve peace and order because the more we guide our youth properly, the lower the chance of youth involvement in violations of existing laws,
Kanlaon Volcano sends ash plumes over 500 meters
Four episodes of ash emission that lasted 43 to 184 minutes have occurred since 9:02 PM yesterday,