Malacañang on Sunday warned that individuals spreading false information to exploit the country’s energy situation will face legal action, underscoring a “zero tolerance” policy against disinformation that could undermine public trust, disrupt the economy, and threaten national stability.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez urged citizens, media partners, and stakeholders to rely on official briefings and verified information disseminated to the public.

“Let us work together to prevent the manipulation of critical energy information for personal or political gain,” Gomez said in a statement.

“To every Filipino on social media: stop and think before you post or hit “share.” In these difficult times, sharing unverified posts can cause public harm. So, always verify information through official government channels before you spread it,” the PCO secretary added.

“In light of the current energy landscape, we warn anyone who deliberately fabricates stories and spreads fake news online to exploit the situation that they will be held to account to the fullest extent of the law,” Gomez said

Gomez reminded “users of social-media platforms that publishing “false news” is punishable by up to six months imprisonment under Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code. When committed online, the penalty is doubled under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.”

The PCO acting chief noted that, “Spreading fake news and disinformation undermines public trust, destabilizes our economy, and threatens the welfare of every Filipino during this time of energy emergency.”

Gomez added that, “There will be zero tolerance for those who maliciously and deliberately commit these acts to advance their personal or political vested interest.”

“Any attempt to mislead the public about energy security, supply, or pricing to sow confusion will be treated as a serious offense. Our anti-fake-news desk, in coordination with the Department of Justice, will file charges against those who flagrantly disseminate deceptive information or manipulate markets,” Gomez noted.

“We are intensifying monitoring of social media and information ecosystems to detect and counter deliberate disinformation campaigns. This effort is conducted in close collaboration with our partners in the Oplan Kontra Fake News initiative of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO),” he added.

The PCO acting chief said the government remains steadfast in ensuring transparent, accurate, and timely communication about energy developments.

“Our ultimate obligation is to safeguard the stability of energy supply, protect consumers, and uphold democratic processes,” Gomez said.

The PCO acting chief added that the PCO will continue to deliver accurate, timely updates through verified platforms.

“We call on all citizens to reject disinformation, uphold truth, and stand united in resilience,” Gomez noted.- PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday called on Filipinos to embrace hope, unity, and compassion as the nation celebrates Easter, marking the resurrection of Christ and the culmination of Holy Week.

“I join the entire Filipino nation in celebrating Easter Sunday, the triumphant culmination of Holy Week and the sacred proclamation of Christ’s Resurrection,” President Marcos noted in his message.

Filipinos Christians celebrate Easter Sunday with deep religious devotion and joy across the Philippines to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ, marking the end of a week-long solemnity.

The President emphasized that “the occasion symbolizes triumph over despair and renewal through faith, urging citizens to translate these values into acts of kindness and collective responsibility in building a stronger, more united Philippines.”

“On this day, the empty tomb stands as a powerful testament that life conquers death and hope prevails over despair,” the President noted.

“Let us build a nation where kindness is instinct and unity is our strength. For when we stand together guided by faith, bound by love of country, and driven by a shared vision, there is no challenge we cannot overcome,” President Marcos noted.

“Together, let us move forward in building a Bagong Pilipinas where compassion and care for one another continue to define who we are as a people,” President Marcos added.

The Chief Executive added that “across generations, Easter has reminded us that sacrifice is never in vain, that suffering is not the end but the beginning of renewal.”

“In the Resurrection of Christ, we find an unshakable promise that God’s grace endures, and that even in our darkest hours, faith will lead us to the light,” the President said.

President Marcos added that, “As a people known for our resilience and deep faith, let us carry the light of Easter into our daily lives not only in words, but in action. Let us always choose compassion over indifference, generosity over self-interest, and unity over division.”

“For in every act of kindness, in every hand extended to help, we become instruments of renewal for our entire nation,” the President said.

“Today, I call on every Filipino to rise with renewed purpose, unyielding hope, and a deep sense of responsibility for one another,” President Marcos said. – PND

Iranian Ambassador to the Philippines Yousef Esmaeilzadeh on Wednesday expressed readiness to assist the Philippines, as government officials sought Iran’s commitment to designate the country as “non-hostile” and ensure safe passage for Philippine-flagged vessels and oil shipments.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Iranian Ambassador made a commitment during a meeting with Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin on Wednesday.

Castro described the meeting to be exceptionally warm and open, given their stated readiness to cooperate, “we are highly optimistic about a favorable outcome.”

“Amb. Esmaeilzadeh noted that they have been awaiting our outreach and reaffirmed their strong willingness to assist the Philippines with our specific requests,” Castro said.

The Palace Press Officer noted that the officials agreed to course all detailed requests through official diplomatic channels to expedite processing.

“Sec Lazaro requested that Iran formally designate PH as a “non-hostile country” and ensure safe passage for PH-flagged vessels and oil shipments. This is vital for the protection of our seafarers and our energy supply. DOE is finalizing the necessary details for immediate transmission,” Castro added.

The Palace Press Officer added that Secretary Lazaro expects to speak with the Iranian Foreign Minister tomorrow to personally secure these commitments at the highest level.

Castro said Secretary Lazaro and Secretary Garin reported this matter immediately to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.-PND

More than 100 Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) features will have Philippine names following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s issuance of Executive Order No. 111, which strengthens administration and governance, as well as sovereignty, in Palawan and the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

President Marcos issued the EO last March 26 in line with existing maritime laws and policies.

Under EO No. 57, the National Maritime Council (NMC) recommended the adoption of the standard set of Philippine names for 131 features of the KIG located in Kalayaan, Palawan, and the WPS.

NMC stated that it is imperative to adopt a standard set of Philippine names for maritime features in the KIG to ensure efficient administration and governance of the area and to exercise the country’s sovereignty in the WPS.

Republic Act No. 12064, or the “Philippine Maritime Zones Act,” the maritime zones of the Philippines on the western side of the Philippines archipelago, including the Luzon Sea and the territorial seas of Bajo de Masinloc and the maritime features of the KIG, shall be collectively called the West Philippine Sea.

The EO also directed the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) to produce and publish updated charts and maps that reflect the names set forth in the issuance.

It likewise directed all national government agencies, instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and government financial institutions, to use the names set forth in the EO in all official communications, messages, and documents.

Moreover, the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and all state universities and colleges are to use the standard names in educational and training institutions, particularly in conducting research, publishing textbooks, and preparing educational or instructional materials. | PND

The government will extend an additional PhP1.28 billion support to transport workers, which will be handed over starting April 6, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday.

“Mahigit 256,000 na transport workers sa Metro Manila ang nakatanggap na ng PhP5,000 na cash assistance,” President Marcos said in an address to the nation.

“May PhP1.28 bilyon pa na ibibigay. Magsisimula na ang nationwide na pagbibigay sa April 6,” the President added.

The President outlined measures undertaken by the government, including a 50-percent fare discount for LRT-2 and MRT-3, benefiting more than 12 million additional passengers.

“Libreng Sakay” in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao is also being implemented, the chief executive said.

At the same time, a temporary toll discount is being extended to jeepney, bus, and freight food transport in NLEX, SLEX, and STAR, the President said, announcing that, starting April 15, ports will collect PhP1 RORO terminal fee for vehicles carrying agricultural products.

The government, President Marcos said, allocated PhP2.5 billion in fuel subsidies to more than 1.4 million driver-beneficiaries and unit operators. Some 155 drivers and 55,252 unit operators received a fuel subsidy amounting to PhP300 million. | PND

The country is assured of a 51-day oil supply as the government relentlessly works to secure the Philippines fuel stocks in the midst of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday.

“Nag-order na ang PNOC-EC ng 1.04 milyong bariles ng diesel. Mayroon ding 142,000 na bariles na [na-deliver] ngayong linggo. Ang natitira ay darating sa buwan ng Abril,” President Marcos said in an address to the nation.

“Nai-release na ng DBM ang PhP20 bilyon para sa procurement ng hanggang dalawang milyong bariles ng karagdagang langis. Sampung araw ito na dagdag sa ating buffer stock. Sa ngayon, may 51 days tayo na supply dito sa bansa,” the President added.

President Marcos Jr. earlier said the Philippines has sufficient crude oil supply until June 30 this year.

President Marcos enumerated the measures undertaken to address the energy emergency, such as the issuance of Executive Order No. (EO) 110, authorizing the Department of Energy (DOE), Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC), and Philippine National Oil Co.-Exploration Corp. (PNOC-EC) to act quickly on oil procurements.

The President likewise signed on March 25, Republic Act No. 12316, granting him the authority to suspend the imposition of excise tax on oil if needed.

The chief executive said the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) will meet this week to present its excise tax assessment.

EO 110 authorized the DOE to recommend Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) action on the operation of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) to monitor electricity prices and to prevent price fluctuations.

“Simula March 26, pansamantalang sinuspinde na ng ERC ang WESM. Ibig sabihin, ipatutupad na ang optimal dispatch ng mas murang energy source tulad ng renewable,” said the President. “Magkakaroon din ng kontrol ang gobyerno sa presyuhan sa WESM. Kasalukuyan itong inaayos na ng ERC.”

As to the long-term solution, the President mentioned the successful drilling and testing of the Camago-3 well, which can produce up to 60 million cubic feet of gas per day, benefiting Filipino power consumers.

The government also extended support to affected workers and operators in the transport sector, as well as ordinary commuters.

These include a 50 percent discount on LRT-2 and MRT-3 fares, benefiting more than 12 million additional passengers. “Libreng Sakay” in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao is also being implemented, the chief executive said.

At the same time, a temporary toll discount is being extended to jeepney, bus, and freight food transport in NLEX, SLEX, and STAR, the President said, announcing that, starting April 15, ports will collect PhP1 RORO terminal fee for vehicles carrying agricultural products.

The government, President Marcos said, allocated PhP2.5 billion in fuel subsidies to more than 1.4 million driver-beneficiaries and unit operators. Some 155 drivers and 55,252 unit operators received a fuel subsidy amounting to PhP300 million.

Also, more than 256,000 transport workers in Metro Manila received PhP5,000 cash assistance. The government is readying PhP1.28 billion additional support, with the nationwide handover commencing April 6, the President said. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said he will issue an executive order to impose a PhP50 price cap on every kilo of imported well-milled rice.

“Ilalabas natin ang Executive Order para maipatupad na ito sa lalong madaling panahon,” President Marcos said in a presidential address following the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Committee meeting on Monday.

“Pinalalawak din ang P20 rice program. May 627 na center sa buong bansa. Ito’y naging mas malawak dahil dati ang aming pino-provide sa PhP20 rice ay 600 tons, at ngayon umakyat na sa 2,000 tons dahil tumaas ang demand,” the President added.

The move was based on the recommendation of the National Price Coordinating Council, a government body responsible for coordinating, monitoring, and stabilizing the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities.

The President said that currently, the price of basic necessities and prime commodities remains at the suggested retail price levels, including rice.

The government, he said, is working to control the prices of 205 commodities in the midst of the current energy emergency.

“Patuloy tayong nakikipag-usap sa manufacturer at retailer na hindi sila magtaas muna ng presyo hanggang sa susunod na buwan,” the President noted.

President Marcos signed Executive Order No. 110, declaring a state of national energy emergency in light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, authorizing him to declare a critically low energy supply or imminent danger, and to implement the fuel and energy allocation plan and other energy conservation measures.

The EO also adopts the UPLIFT as the government’s coordinated, whole-of-government response framework. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. wants the public to see his administration as actively fighting corruption and to ensure that investigations into government abuses continue even after his term ends, a Malacañang official said Tuesday.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that the President is determined to uphold accountability and preserve the trust of the Filipino people.

“Wala pong natutulog pagdating po sa pag-iimbestiga sa flood control projects…Hindi po tumitigil ang Pangulo para mapanagot ang dapat mapanagot,” Castro said. “Iyan naman talaga ang nais ng Pangulo na maipakita sa taumbayan na ang administrasyon ngayon ay lumalaban sa korapsyon. Ang administrasyon na ito ang siyang nagpapa- imbestiga sa mga abuso sa gobyerno, at iyan ang gustong manatili ng Pangulo sa isipan ng taumbayan at iyan ang ayaw niyang mapatid.”

“Gusto niya sana ay magtuluy-tuloy ito (kampanya laban sa korapsyon) kahit hindi na siya ang Pangulo,” the Palace Press Officer added.

Castro reminded the public that the government’s investigations into the flood control anomalies remain ongoing and will continue even after the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) concludes its work.

“Ang tangi nating masasabi ay Hoy, gising! Dahil alam po natin kung papaano —nagsumite na ang ICI ng kanilang report hindi lamang sa Ombudsman kung hindi pati sa DOJ (Department of Justice),” Castro said.

Castro also reiterated that the government will hold everyone accountable, regardless of how high-ranking the individuals involved may be, noting that the government’s investigations are based on evidence, not “drama.”

“Of course. Definitely, kahit sino pa iyan, kung mayroong kinalaman, may ebidensiya, hindi puro pa-media. Sabi nga natin, stop the drama. We have to start working,” Castro said.

“Marami kasing nagda-drama sa media. Ang kailangan natin dito ay ebidensiya – ebidensiya na siyang magtuturo at siyang magiging basehan para ma-prosecute ang mga taong involved,” Castro said.

She said the Ombudsman and the DOJ will also conduct their own investigations.

“Ang trabaho ng ICI – fact-finding committee. Marami na silang naisumite sa DOJ. Marami na silang naisumite sa Ombudsman. So, ang ibig pong sabihin niyan, hindi natulog, nagpahinga, hindi nag-relax ang ICI. Ngayon lahat ng kanilang nairekomenda, nakasuhan o for further investigation nasa kamay na po iyan ng DOJ at ng Ombudsman,” she added. | PND

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the foreign affairs department to discuss with Iran the possibility of allowing safe passage of Philippine-bound vessels through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure energy stability in the country.

“Kahapon ay nagkaroon din ng meeting ang UPLIFT at iyan (discussion) ay ipinag-utos na ng Pangulo kay Secretary Tess Lazaro,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing at Malacañang on Tuesday.

“At ayon kay Secretary (Maria Theresa) Tess Lazaro ng DFA, makikipag-usap siya sa ambassador ng Iran, most probably ay tomorrow. Kung hindi man magkakaroon ng tomorrow, by next week,” Castro added.

A legislator called on the executive branch to hold high-level discussions with Iran to ensure the safe passage of such vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently under Iranian control.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which large volumes of oil flow, lies between Oman and Iran and connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Handling the world’s largest crude oil tankers, it is one of the world’s most important oil chokepoints.

Asked if there are Philippine-bound ships scheduled to traverse the Strait of Hormuz, Castro said the foreign affairs secretary did not give such information.

Earlier, President Marcos said the Philippines continues to seek other sources of petroleum products worldwide, particularly from non-traditional sources.

Among the possible sources being floated under a government-to-government oil procurement are Russia, Indonesia, and India.

In an event last week, President Marcos said he received information from Petron, the country’s sole oil refiner, that the Philippines has sufficient oil supply until June 30.

According to news reports, a shipment of over 700,000 barrels of Russian crude oil has arrived in the country. | PND

Major business organizations have expressed support for the Marcos administration’s efforts to cushion the impact of rising global oil prices stemming from the ongoing Middle East crisis, particularly in helping ease the burden on Filipino consumers.

The industry groups, composed of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc., Federation of Philippine Industries, Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, made a commitment Monday to working closely with the government to protect Filipino consumers and sustain economic stability.

The industry groups issued a joint statement following a high-level dialogue convened by Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go to map out a “whole of nation” approach in addressing the energy emergency.

Among the priority measures identified during the discussion are the exploration of government-to-government oil procurement from non-traditional sources such as Russia, Indonesia, and India, as well as the provision of targeted subsidies for vulnerable transport sectors, including jeepney and bus operators, to help offset rising fuel costs.

Business leaders also underscored the importance of maintaining stable interest rates and reducing non-fuel costs to prevent price spikes in basic commodities, and emphasized promoting locally manufactured products to support domestic industries and protect jobs.

They also outlined plans under a “whole-of-nation” approach to address the crisis, such as implementing stricter energy conservation measures across corporate operations, optimizing logistics through flexible work arrangements, and promoting sustainable practices among employees.

The groups also committed to accelerating investments in renewable energy, particularly solar power, to reduce reliance on imported fuel and enhance long-term energy security.

Among President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent actions are the declaration of an energy emergency, authorizing the government to act quickly, particularly in purchasing much-needed petroleum products without undergoing the circuitous process, and at the same time providing a single direction to multiple agencies.

The issuance of Executive Order No. 110 also led to the adoption of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) as the government’s coordinated, whole-of-government response framework.

The President also ordered the suspension of the planned fare hike to shield commuters and led the rollout of fuel subsidies for public utility vehicles (PUVs) to cushion the impact of rising oil prices under the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) PhP2.5-billion Fuel Subsidy Project.

Other measures introduced by the government to help commuters cope with rising oil prices include offering free bus rides on selected routes and providing discounts on train fares.

President Marcos also recently led a joint price and supply monitoring effort by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), assuring consumers of price stability and sufficient supply amid global uncertainties. | PND