Farmers in La Trinidad, Benguet, welcomed the visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to two of the province’s major vegetable trading hubs—marking the first time a sitting Philippine president has personally visited the area.

“Siya lang ang Presidente na pumunta dito sa amin sa Benguet (vegetable trading post). Siya ‘yung Presidente na personal na nakiharap sa aming mga farmers,” said Jasper Cabinta, chairman of the Peakless Farmers Association.

The President met with farmers, wholesalers, retailers, and other stakeholders at the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post and the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) to personally hear their concerns, particularly amid reports of disruptions in vegetable transport due to high fuel prices.

“Mabuti at nakausap ko ‘yung mga iba na nagtitinda rito para ‘yung kanilang mga suggestion kung ano sa palagay nila ang kailangan pang gawin,” President Marcos said in his brief remarks during the visit to BAPTC.

According to Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., he briefed the President on the farmers’ situation last week, noting that the latter felt the need to personally assess the conditions on the ground.

Among the measures announced by the President to alleviate the plight of the farmers were the P10-per-liter fuel subsidy for transport trucks, toll-free passage for trucks transporting vegetables from Benguet to Metro Manila, and temporary suspension of certain local government charges.

Farmers also received seeds and fertilizers to reduce production costs for the next planting season.

Drivers and their assistants will also benefit from the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. Affected farmers may likewise access TUPAD support for land preparation, canal cleaning, and the establishment of small water impounding systems in preparation for El Niño.

“Napakalaking tulong po itong binigay sa amin ng mahal na Pangulo at kami po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat,” said Cabinta.

During the visit, President Marcos also led the distribution of millions of pesos worth of agricultural assistance under the DA’s High Value Crops Development Program.

A total of P15.79 million worth of farm inputs, machinery, and trading capital was distributed to 45 farmer cooperatives and associations (FCAs). These included 20 pump engine sets, 10 walking-type agricultural tractors, 15 grass cutters, thousands of kilos of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs, and financial assistance.

Long-time vegetable grower Grace Bacangan, president of the Macascasa Farmers Association in Buguias, Benguet, said the President’s visit offered both a rare opportunity and renewed hope that government support will continue while fuel prices remain volatile.

“Mapalad po kami na makasama at makita ang ating Pangulo… Sana po ay tuloy-tuloy ito at suportahan kaming mga magsasaka,” said Bacangan, who has been farming for 35 years.

As immediate help for farmers, the Office of the President purchased 20 tons of assorted vegetables to be distributed to disadvantaged communities in Metro Manila—including Caloocan, Navotas, Malabon, Quezon City, Pasay, and Manila—as well as to institutions such as the DSWD’s Walang Gutom Centers, the New Bilibid Prison, the Manila City Jail, and several orphanages. | PND

Despite the present challenges, the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has not wavered in its implementation of major infrastructure and energy projects in Western Visayas, a Palace official said.

In a press briefing in Iloilo City on Friday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro outlined the administration’s priority projects in the region.

“Dito mismo sa Western Visayas, maraming priorities ang administrasyon. Unahin na natin at ito’y malamang na… ang target nito na maaaring matapos ay bago mag-2028,” Castro said. “Kaya ang Western Visayas, makakaasa kayo na kayo rin ay tinutukan ng ating Pangulo.”

According to the Palace official, those projects include the Panay-Guimaras 138 kV Interconnection Project; Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay Transmission Line Project; Boracay Circumferential Road; and Caticlan Airport New Passenger Terminal Building.

The Rehabilitation of the Oyungan Bridge in Iloilo, Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Stage 2, or JRMP 2, and the expansion of Libas Port in Roxas City are also on the government’s top list.

Castro also mentioned projects that are in the early stages of construction or development, but cannot be completed within President Marcos’ term, including the Panay East-West Road; Panay-Guimaras-Negros Interisland Link Bridge; and Panay River Basin Integrated Development Project.

There are also major projects in the region that are under study, such as the Panay Railway System and the Iloilo-Capiz-Aklan Expressway. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is open to proposals to postpone anew the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) if it would benefit the country, Malacañang said, noting that the move could save the government around PhP16 billion.

“Nabanggit nga po na maaaring makatipid ng PhP16 billion para dito po kung hindi maitutuloy ang nasabing eleksiyon,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a press briefing at the RDC Hall of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) Region VI (Western Visayas) in Iloilo City on Friday.

“Ang Pangulo at ang gobyerno pong ito ay open sa lahat ng maaaring suggestion na siyang makakabuti sa ating bansa,” Castro said, in reference to a lawmaker pushing for a new postponement of the 2026 BSKE to realign the funds for programs addressing the fuel crisis.

Castro said that if lawmakers filed a bill to postpone the 2026 BSKE, President Marcos would still have to study it and would be willing to support it as long as it would benefit the country.

“So, kung magkakaroon po sila ng anumang bill or panukala po dito at aaralin po ‘to ng Pangulo – basta po ito’y makakabuti sa ating bansa, open po ang Pangulo para diyan,” she said.

In August 2025, President Marcos signed Republic Act No. 12232 into law, which postpones the December 2025 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to the first Monday of November 2026.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) had cited that preparations for the 2026 BSKE will continue and will not be wasted even if the elections are postponed.

Comelec made the statement after Deputy Speaker and Bacolod City Rep. Albee Benitez called for a six-month postponement of the BSKE, scheduled for November 2, 2026, due to the crisis caused by tensions in the Middle East. | PND

Bumili si Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ng 20 toneladang produktong agrikultural sa dalawang vegetable trading post sa Benguet upang tulungan ang mga magsasakang apektado ng pagtaas ng presyo ng gasolina.

Sa isang panayam, sinabi ni Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. na namili ang Punong Ehekutibo sa pamamagitan ng Tanggapan ng Pangulo, ng iba’t ibang gulay sa kanyang pagbisita sa La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post at Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC).

“Sa ngayon, si Pangulo mismo ay namili ng mga agri goods mula dito. Seven na bus nga ang pinaglagyan,” ani Laurel.

Ayon kay Pangulong Marcos, ang mataas na presyo ng gasolina ay nakakaapekto sa paghahatid ng mga ani mula sa kabundukan, partikular sa Mountain Province, na nagdudulot ng problema sa suplay at presyo sa merkado.

Dagdag ni Laurel, ang mga biniling gulay ay dadalhin sa mga komunidad sa Navotas, Caloocan, Malabon, Manila, Pasay, at Quezon City. Ipamamahagi rin ang mga ito sa mga institusyong gaya ng Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Walang Gutom Centers, at ilang bahay-ampunan.

Sinabi rin ni Laurel na ang Department of Agriculture (DA), sa pamamagitan ng Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), ay bumili rin ng produktong agrikultural upang palakasin ang inisyatiba ng Pangulo.

Ang FTI ay nagsisilbing pangunahing hub para sa pagproseso at distribusyon ng pagkain, at tumutulong sa pagpapatatag ng presyo, pagbibigay ng imbakan, at direktang pag-uugnay ng mga magsasaka sa mga mamimili.

Upang higit pang matulungan ang mga magsasaka, inaprubahan ng Pangulo ang kahilingan ng BAPTC na magtayo ng vegetable processing center sa lugar.

Nangako ang Benguet State University na maglalaan ng lupang katabi ng trading center para dito.

“Nangako ako kanina na popondohan ito ngayong taon,” ani Laurel.

Ang pasilidad ay magkakaroon ng mga kagamitan tulad ng dehydrators at freezing units upang mapahaba ang shelf life ng mga gulay gaya ng carrots, broccoli, at bell peppers.

Ang BAPTC ay mahalagang hub na nagtitipon at nagdadala ng mga ani patungong Metro Manila at iba pang pamilihan sa Luzon, Visayas, at Mindanao, kalakip ang mga gulay mula sa kabundukan gaya ng repolyo, carrots, patatas, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, pechay Baguio, Baguio beans, at bell peppers.

Ayon kay Laurel, layunin ng proyekto na magsilbing agaran at pangmatagalang solusyon upang mabawasan ang post-harvest losses at mapatatag ang suplay.

Inaprubahan din ng Pangulo ang rehabilitasyon ng isang cold storage facility na kasalukuyang hindi nagagamit, na inaasahang matatapos sa loob ng anim na buwan. Magtatayo rin ng karagdagang cold storage unit bilang bahagi ng bagong processing center. | PND

Malacañang on Friday warned that vloggers accused of spreading false information could face legal consequences, including possible criminal charges, damages, and arrest warrants.

“Kung ano man ang kanilang ginagawa, they should face the consequences,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said when asked to comment on the complaints filed against three vloggers who allegedly spread fake news about the health of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

During a press briefing at the RDC Hall of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) Region VI (Western Visayas) in Iloilo City, Castro said those spreading fake news could be ordered to pay damages, could be charged with criminal cases, and could be issued warrants of arrest.

“Unang-una, kung gumagamit naman tayo ng kaisipan, ang mga fake news peddlers ay hindi na dapat ito wina-warningan. Alam naman nila na mali ang kanilang ginagawa. So, warning, hindi ito ang nararapat na salita para sa kanila,” Castro said.

“Alam nila ang ginagawa nila. Alam nila na mali ang ginagawa nila. Alam nila na naninira lamang sila,” the Palace Press Officer added.

Castro said fake news peddlers can be liable for damages, cyber libel, and the dissemination of fake news that disrupts public order.

The PCO Undersecretary also clarified that this could be imposed on anyone who violates the law by spreading fake news.

“Lahat po na nag-spread ng fake news. We are talking about fake news. We are not curtailing anybody’s freedom of expression. Hindi po saklaw. At hindi po iyon ang pinipigilan natin,” Castro said. “Only those spreading fake news.”

Castro said the PCO had already filed the endorsement for further investigation of three vloggers who allegedly spread fake news.

“If there will be a case to be filed against them, then they should be held liable for that,” Castro stressed.

The PCO, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and Department of Justice (DOJ) had earlier signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to strengthen coordination against fake news, disinformation, and AI-generated deepfakes.

The agreement, signed by PCO Acting Secretary Dave M. Gomez, DICT Secretary Henry R. Aguda, and Acting DOJ Secretary Frederick A. Vida, establishes a whole-of-government approach to curb false information that threatens public safety, national security, and democratic institutions.

Gomez underscored the urgency of the initiative, saying, “We are confronting a rapidly evolving information landscape where truth is increasingly vulnerable to distortion and manipulation.”

On April 15, the DOJ is now evaluating three Facebook accounts endorsed by the PCO for prosecution after spreading fabricated health claims against President Marcos.

Vida confirmed the PCO endorsement, saying his office will rule on the cases within 10 days of receipt of the endorsement. | PND

The Department of Energy (DOE) is fast-tracking renewable energy projects to boost alternative power sources and ensure a stable energy supply in the country, a Malacañang official said.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro affirmed the government’s continued push to develop the country’s alternative energy sector.

“The DOE is now fast-tracking the renewable energy [projects],” Castro said in a press briefing at the RDC Hall of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development in Iloilo City.

According to Castro, the DOE is currently expediting 22 renewable energy projects, including the energy storage initiatives.

These include 12 solar projects, six hydroelectric plants, two biomass facilities, one wind project, and one integrated renewable energy storage system.

“Nakatutok po ang DOE para sa ating mga alternative resources,” Castro assured. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued an executive order suspending the excise taxes on specific petroleum products to cushion the effects of the present energy emergency following the recommendation of the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).

“The excise taxes on LPG, except when used as raw material for production of petrochemical products or used for motive power, and kerosene, except when used as aviation fuel, are hereby fully suspended for a period of three months from effectivity of this Order,” President Marcos said in issuing Executive Order No. 114 last April 16.

The President’s issuance stated that the temporary suspension will be subject to a monthly review by the DBCC, which will then recommend to the President the continuation, modification, extension, or termination of the order.

According to the EO, excise tax rates on petroleum products shall automatically revert to the rates prescribed under Section 148 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 (NIRC) without the need for further issuance, in the event of developments in oil supply and pricing.

Tax rates will revert back to previous rates if one week after the one-month average Dubai crude oil price based on Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) falls below US$80 per barrel, as certified by the DOE, or upon expiration of the duration provided under Section 2.

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Finance (DOF), through the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), were also directed to conduct an inventory of existing stocks of LPG and kerosene as of the effectivity of the order.

The BIR and the BOC were also mandated to submit to Congress monthly information on the declared value and volume of petroleum products covered by the EO.

The DOE certified on 10 April 2026 that the average Dubai crude oil price, based on MOPS, for the last 30 calendar days has reached US$93.71 per barrel.

Additionally, the DBCC, through Resolution No. 2026-3, recommended the full suspension of excise taxes on LPG and kerosene.

Early this week, President Marcos said he suspended the excise tax levied on LPG and kerosene to provide relief to Filipino families amid the current energy emergency.

The removal of the tax is equivalent to P3.36 per kilo of LPG, or almost a P37 reduction for every tank of LPG, and P5.60 for every liter of kerosene, reducing cooking expenses for Filipino families.

The President signed Republic Act 12316 last month, allowing him to temporarily suspend or reduce fuel excise taxes for up to three months per instance (maximum of one year) when Dubai crude oil prices exceed a certain per-barrel threshold. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday announced several measures to ease the impact of rising fuel prices on the transport of vegetables from Northern Luzon, following a visit to the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC) in La Trinidad, Benguet.

During his visit, President Marcos said the spike in fuel costs had disrupted the movement of produce from upland farms, particularly in Mountain Province and nearby areas, affecting both supply and market prices.

“We are here now at the Trading Center… because nagulat kami, ‘yung mga report dahil sa pagtaas ng presyo ng diesel ay hindi na binababa ang mga gulay na galing dito sa Mountain Province, dito sa mga mountainous areas,” President Marcos said in his remarks. “Kaya tiningnan natin, hinanapan natin ng paraan.”

Among the measures cited by the President were the PhP10-per-liter reduction in diesel prices, the waiver of certain local government charges, and the temporary suspension of toll fees for trucks carrying vegetables.

The President noted that truck operators previously paid up to PhP3,000 in toll fees for 10-wheeler vehicles and around PhP1,000 for smaller trucks.

“Ngayon, hindi na sila kailangang magbayad for a short time hangga’t matapos itong problema natin sa pagtaas ng presyo ng langis,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos also said that drivers affected by high fuel costs have been included in the government’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program under the Department of Labor and Employment, providing them with emergency employment.

The President stressed that these interventions are intended to stabilize food supply while easing the burden on farmers, producers, and wholesalers.

“Mabuti naman at mukha namang dahil sa mga ating inisyatiba na ginawa ay… ‘yung sistema ay umaandar na,” President Marcos said.

The President said the government will continue to monitor the situation and consult stakeholders at the trading post for further recommendations.

“Kaya patuloy ang aming pag-aaral at patuloy ang aming pag-monitor para tiyakin na lahat ay makakaramdam ng tulong ng pamahalaan ngayon sa dinadaan natin na problema at sa krisis na naging bunga ng giyera sa Middle East,” President Marcos added.

Established in 2015, the BAPTC serves as a key agri-logistics and marketing hub for vegetables produced across the Cordillera, linking farmers to major markets and supporting the agricultural value chain.

Also during the visit, the President observed trading operations and witnessed the distribution of assistance under the Department of Agriculture’s High Value Crops Development Program.

A total of PhP15.79 million worth of farm inputs, machinery, and trading capital was distributed to 45 farmer cooperatives and associations.

Prior to visiting the BAPTC, the President also inspected the nearby La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday purchased 20 tons of agricultural products in two vegetable trading posts in Benguet to support farmers affected by rising fuel costs.

In an interview, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the President, through the Office of the President, bought assorted vegetables during his visit to the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post and the Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC).

“Sa ngayon, si Pangulo mismo ay namili ng mga agri goods mula dito. Seven na bus nga ang pinaglagyan,” Laurel said.

President Marcos earlier said higher fuel prices have hampered the delivery of crops from highland farms, especially in Mountain Province, affecting supply and market prices.

According to Laurel, the purchased goods will be transported to underserved communities in Navotas, Caloocan, Malabon, Manila, Pasay, and Quezon City. These will also be distributed to government institutions such as Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Walang Gutom Centers, and some orphanages.

Laurel added that the DA, through its attached agency Food Terminal Inc (FTI), also procured agricultural products during the visit to reinforce the President’s initiative.

FTI serves as a major food processing and distribution hub, helping stabilize food prices, provide storage, and link farmers directly to consumers. It is frequently utilized for programs such as the KADIWA ng Pangulo initiative.

To further assist farmers, Laurel said the President approved a request from BAPTC to establish a vegetable processing center in the area.

He said Benguet State University has pledged to provide a site adjacent to the trading center.

“Nangako ako kanina na popondohan ito ngayong taon,” Laurel said.

The planned facility will include equipment such as dehydrators and freezing units to extend the shelf life of produce like carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers.

The BAPTC is a vital hub that gathers and transports farm produce to Metro Manila and other markets across Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, trading mainly highland vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, potatoes, lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage (“pechay Baguio”), Baguio beans, and bell peppers.

Laurel said the project is intended as both an immediate and long-term solution to reduce post-harvest losses and stabilize supply.

He also noted that the President approved the rehabilitation of an existing cold storage facility in the area that is currently non-operational, with a target completion of six months.

An additional cold storage unit will also be constructed as part of the new processing center, added Laurel. | PND

Authorities are working with Czech officials to facilitate the immediate return of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who was denied entry at the German border and returned to Czech custody.

In a post on the Bongbong Marcos’ Facebook account, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said, “Our coordination with Czech authorities continues.”

“The latest information confirms that Zaldy Co was stopped at the German border after entering from the Czech Republic. He was denied entry and returned to Czech authorities, where he remains in custody,” the President said.

Last November 2025, the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division issued a warrant of arrest against Co for graft and malversation in connection with an allegedly anomalous road dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.

The anti-graft court declared the former congressman a “fugitive from justice.”

The President said they are in close coordination with the Czech government to ensure that all necessary legal processes are followed. | PND