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The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP ACG) is warning the public against vacation scams as the vacation season approaches.
According to the PNP ACG Spokesperson, PLt. Wallen Mae Arancillo, the public must remain cautious and avoid sharing personal and financial information with anyone to protect themselves from scammers.
“Kung (may) makikita po tayong napakamura or too good to be true offers and kung hinihingan na po tayo ng pera, downpayment or full payment, magduda na po tayo. Lalong lalo na huwag po tayong magbigay ng mga financial accounts po natin or mga personal information po natin,” she said
[“If we notice very affordable and too good to be true offers and they are asking for money, down payment, or full payment, we should be suspicious. Most importantly, let’s refrain from disclosing our financial accounts and personal information.”]
PLt. Arancillo added that scammers may create fake advertisements. They steal photos and videos from the legitimate resorts or condominiums and will utilize those materials for advertising. This is their strategy to attract potential customers.
“Kadalasan po may ginagamit po (silang) mga companies or mismong legit na akomodisyon - resorts man ito or condominium and ang mga ginagawa po nila itong mga photos and videos po, pinopost nila sa isang account and yung mga accounts na ito ay nilalagyan po nila ng mga comments din, mga reviews,” she added
[“Oftentimes, they use actual companies or legitimate accommodations, either resorts or condominium and what they do to the photos and videos, they post them to one account, and in that account, they put comments on it, and reviews.”]
Additionally, scammers typically ask for a down payment through online money transfer. Once the payment has settled, they will block the victim.
The PNP ACG has also received complaints where the scammers offer fake accommodations to the victims.
“Pagdating nila don sa mismong accomodation ay wala palang resort or ganitong klaseng hotel sa ganong lugar,” PLt. Arancillo said
[“Upon arrival at the accommodation, they discover that there is no such resort or hotel exists in that place.”]
The PNP has recorded 29 cases related to vacation scams from January to February 2026. This is slightly higher than the previous record of 28 cases in 2025 in the same month.
With reports from Lea Ylagan
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Due to high demand for fuel products, the Department of Energy (DOE) has issued guidelines regarding the purchase of fuel using drums or containers.
The agency clarified that the purchase of fuel products using drums and containers is allowed for the legitimate operations of fishing vessels, sea transport, generator sets, and agricultural machinery.
The purchase of one drum or 100 liters of diesel or a recent purchase that matches normal operations is also allowed. However, the purchase request exceeding the standard consumption pattern shall undergo a verification process.
The use of jerry cans is also permitted, as long as it is safe and appropriate based on DC2017-11-0011.
In a Facebook post from DOE Secretary Sharon Garin, the following consumers who commonly consume fuels using this kind of container are the following:
To ensure orderliness, the agency advised the public to report their concerns formally using the eGovPH App.
The agency emphasized that utilizing digital platforms is essential nowadays to protect the public and ensure quick and documented action from the authorities.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has received complaints about more than 500 gas stations nationwide via the eGov portal, alleging overpricing.
DICT Usec. David Almirol noted that NCR has 162 complaints, the highest number in the country.
“Ang pinakamarami po ay NCR, nasa 162 na po ang report for the overpricing,” he said on a fuel subsidy program briefing of the House Committee on Transportation
[“The highest number is in NCR, with 162 reports of overpricing.”]
The fuel subsidy program is part of the government's response to support PUV operators and drivers amid rising oil prices driven by the tensions in the Middle East.
The Department of Energy is coordinating with the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police to conduct regular price monitoring at gasoline stations.
DOE Assistant Director Rodela Romero noted that the agency is implementing restrictions to prevent consumer abuse.
“Naging mahigpit po talaga si Department of Energy sa mga gas station lalo na po sa mga abusive one(s). Kaya po we partnered with DILG, particularly the PNP,” she said
[“The Department of Energy becomes strict with gas stations, especially the abusive one(s). That’s why we partnered with DILG, particularly the PNP.”]
With reports from Rosalie Coz
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PNP-PIO Chief PBGen. Randulf Tuaño confirmed that the Philippine National Police is not included in the list of government agencies that will implement a four-day workweek.
“Malinaw na po ang naihayag ng Malacañang na hindi po kasama ang mga law enforcement unit, particular po ang Philippine National Police at BJMP po,” he said
[“The statement of Malacañang is clear. The law enforcement unit, particularly the Philippine National Police and BJMP, is not included.”]
PBGen. Tuaño also stated that the administrative staff is not included in a condensed workweek, as they play a critical role in the PNP.
The four-day workweek was declared by President Bongbong Marcos Jr. on March 6, 2026, as a strategy to conserve energy consumption. This measure is initiated due to the oil crisis linked to the Middle East conflict.
“Simula sa Lunes, ika-9 ng Marso, pansamantala nating ipapatupad ang four-day workweek sa ilang tanggapan ng ehekutibo. Hindi kabilang dito ang mga nagbibigay ng emergency o pangunahing serbisyo, gaya ng mga pulis, bumbero, at mga tanggapan na nagbibigay ng frontline services sa publiko.” he said
[“Starting Monday, the 9th of March, we’ll temporarily implement the four-day workweek in some offices of the executive branch. Sectors that provide emergency and primary services, such as the policemen, firemen, and other offices that provide frontline services to the public, are not included.”]
Despite the 5-day workweek, the PNP assures to limit non-essential travel and electricity consumption in cooperation with the order of President Bongbong Marcos Jr.
“Inaatasan ko ang lahat ng ahensya ng ating pamahalaan na magtipid at magbawas ng sampu hanggang dalawampung porsyento sa konsumo ng kuryente at gastos sa petrolyo,” PBBM said on March 6
[“I am directing all government agencies to conserve and limit the electricity consumption and fuel expenses to 10% to 20%”]
With reports from Lea Ylagan
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The Bureau of Customs plans to monitor oil company depots to prevent hoarding and smuggling of oil products.
BOC Asst. Commissioner and Spokesperson Atty. Vincent Philip Maronilla explained the possible outcome if the smuggled petroleum product passes through.
“Maaari kasi nilang gawin na mag-smuggle ng ilang petroleum products at itago ito. Bukod sa smuggled ito at hindi nagbabayad ng tamang buwis, maaari pa nilang itago ito at maghintay ng mas mataas na pagpe-presyo,” he said
[“They can smuggle some petroleum products and then store them. Aside from it is smuggled and evades taxes, they can store it and wait for the peak season to sell it in high price.”]
The BOC will also use their visitorial powers to ensure that oil companies comply with the right process of importation and pay a proper tax.
Maronilla assured the public that any violations found by the oil companies will be held accountable.
“Maaari may paglalabag diyan, mayroong paglalabag diyan ang ating tinatawag na Philippine competition law, ‘yong pagmamanipula, mayroong ding paglabag sa price act under ng jurisdiction ng Department of Trade and Industry at I’m sure mayroong mga regulasyon na ipinatutupad strictly and Department of Energy na maaaring gamitin na violation at basehan ng pagkaso,” he said
Additionally, the Department of Energy has coordinated with the Department of Interior and Local Government and the Philippine National Police to monitor the oil prices in gasoline stations nationwide to prevent overpricing and consumer abuse.
According to the DOE, gasoline stations found in violation may face consequences such as cancellation of the certificate of compliance, license to operate, business permit, and other actions under law.
With reports from JP Nuñez and Asher Cadapan Jr.
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