Abbey M.

MANILA—Filipino consumers will see prices hold steady for most household essentials this year, as producers have agreed to shoulder increased expenses rather than pass them on to shoppers.

The Department of Trade and Industry announced Wednesday that 186 of 205 tracked stock-keeping units for basic necessities and prime commodities show no price changes, covering approximately 91 percent of essential goods.

Everyday items maintaining their current rates include canned sardines in tomato sauce, instant noodles, laundry soap, candles, bread, toilet soap and batteries.

Manufacturers have committed to absorbing higher expenses for raw materials, packaging, logistics and toll-packing operations. The DTI had previously urged producers to postpone price hikes, especially during typhoon season and holiday periods last year.

"The DTI stays committed to protecting consumers while recognizing the economic realities faced by manufacturers," Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said.

"Through regular price monitoring and open dialogue with manufacturers, the agency helps ensure that any price adjustments are fair and properly justified," she added.

The voluntary price freeze provides relief to millions of Filipino families dealing with economic pressures, keeping critical household staples affordable at market stalls and stores across the country.

Former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. appeared before the Sandiganbayan on January 20 a day after he voluntarily surrendered to authorities in connection with cases linked to the flood control fund scandal.

Revilla underwent booking and other standard procedures following his surrender. The anti-graft court is set to determine where he will be detained while his cases are being heard.

Following his surrender, the Sandiganbayan Third Division immediately issued a commitment order for Revilla in relation to the malversation case filed against him. The court ordered that he be detained at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, where other accused in the flood control scandal are also being held. This followed the commitment order issued by the Third Division, which is handling the malversation cases.

Revilla’s legal team promptly filed a motion requesting that he be allowed to remain at the Philippine National Police custodial facility, citing security concerns.

“To protect him, not for anything but for security reasons for his safety,” said Revilla’s lawyer, Atty. Francesca Señga. “Maybe the court took judicial notice that there have been a lot of gang-related activities in certain confinement facilities, and if he would be placed there without proper protection, he would be at risk.”

The court, however, denied the request for now, stating that granting it could give the impression of special privileges or preferential treatment for the accused.

Meanwhile, Revilla posted bail for the graft case that was filed by the Office of the Ombudsman on January 16.

“Bail was posted for the graft and corrupt practices act. I think it was around 90 million pesos, more or less. At the moment, it has already been signed and processed,” Señga said.

Despite posting bail for the graft charge, Revilla will remain in detention as the malversation case is not immediately bailable.

His son, Cavite 1st District Representative Jolo Revilla, said the family respects the process. “Of course, we are saddened, but we respect the institutions,” he said.

The Sandiganbayan Third Division has scheduled the hearing on Revilla’s motion to transfer facility as well as his arraignment and pre-trial, on Friday, January 23.

Revilla’s camp stressed that his voluntary surrender does not signify guilt but is meant to demonstrate full cooperation with the judicial process.

“In fact, former Senator Revilla is eager for the judicial process to proceed,” Señga said. “So that the alleged evidence against him, or the lack of it, will be judicially scrutinized in keeping with the dictates of due process. He trusts the judicial process. Through these proceedings, the truth will be revealed.”

Supporters of Revilla also gathered to show their support for the former senator. One of them, Mark Duller, said residents of Cavite came to express solidarity, insisting that Revilla has no involvement in the alleged wrongdoing and citing the family’s service to Caviteños, especially during times of calamity.

Revilla, for his part, thanked those who continue to support him. “Thank you very much to those who are praying for me,” he said. “My conscience is clear.”

With reports of Evan Alvarez

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Quezon City, Philippines — Japanese singer Nanao officially formalized her partnership with KDR Music House in a contract signing ceremony held today, January 16 to solidify a collaboration that bridges J-Pop and OPM for Filipino music fans.

The signing event marked a milestone collaboration between JFK Music, KDR Music House, and Wish 107.5, strengthening cultural ties between Japan and the Philippines through music.

Nanao, who captured Filipino hearts with her passionate OPM covers online, brings both vocal talent and deep respect for Filipino music to the label. Her dedication includes translating song lyrics into Japanese to fully understand their emotional depth with notable covers of SB19 and TJ Monterde.

KDR Music House Operations Director Arnold Sanchez expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: "We are incredibly excited about our partnership with JFK and truly look forward to what we can achieve together. We believe this collaboration will create meaningful opportunities and be highly beneficial in promoting music across both the Philippines and Japan."

JFK Music CEO Kenkoh Furukawa shared his vision for the collaboration: "It feels like a challenge, and I'm excited to take it on with KDR Music House. We're preparing new music that blends Japanese taste with Filipino sound, and I can't wait for everyone to hear it through Nanao."

The signing signals the start of an exciting new chapter, with Nanao set to release music featuring Tagalog lyrics, Japanese-inspired melodies, and J-Pop energy throughout the year, bringing a fresh cross-cultural sound to Filipino audiences.

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MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has issued an advisory urging the public to postpone non-essential land travel to the Bicol Region amid the threat of Tropical Storm Ada.

The LTFRB is discouraging non-essential trips, particularly to the provinces of Masbate and Catanduanes, as well as some areas in Visayas and Mindanao.

The agency warned of possible travel delays and congestion at ports and along Maharlika Highway due to adverse weather conditions.

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has broken his silence on the status of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure following recent concerns about the body's dissolution after two commissioners resigned.

PBBM confirmed he has not decided on whether to disband the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), stating he will first assess if the commission has completed its work, particularly its investigation into the flood control projects anomaly.

"If their work is finished, then we will see what they can do next. But they really are coming toward the end—everything that needed to be investigated has been investigated. Maybe there are one or two other loose ends that they have to clear up," Marcos said.

[“Kung matapos na yung trabaho nila, then we will see what they can do next. But they really are coming toward the end-- lahat ng kailangang imbestigahan, naimbestigahan na nila. Maybe there are one or two other loose ends that they have to clear up.”]

The President also has not decided on appointing new commissioners to fill the vacancies left by former Commissioners Rogelio Singson and Rosanna Fajardo, who both stepped down from their positions.