Dev Flores

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has officially announced the reappearance of the Philippine deer or Rusa marianna in Marinduque.

The agency is delighted with this and identified the species’ crucial role in the ecosystem as it maintains the balance of forests and natural resources.

The Philippine deer is a wildlife species, considered endangered in the country.

“Ang Philippine deer ay isang vulnerable species ayon sa International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), at itinuturing na endangered sa ilalim ng DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2019-19,” according to DENR MIMAROPA

[“The Philippine deer is a vulnerable species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and considered as endangered under DENR Administrative Order (DAO) 2019-19.”]

To ensure the protection of this species, the DENR strictly advises the public to avoid approaching, feeding, chasing, capturing, harming, or killing this wildlife. This safety measure is in accordance with RA 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, which prohibits harming, chasing, killing, or possession without proper authorization.

Violators may face six months and one day to six years of imprisonment and/or a fine of ₱50,000 to ₱500,000.

Motorists are advised to be cautious in areas where wildlife may cross to prevent road accidents. The agency also warns against conducting activities that may harm wildlife’s habitat.

The DENR urges the public to report any illegal activities involving wildlife to the DENR PENRO Marinduque. Reports may be submitted to the following:

Email address: openro.marinduque@gmail.com

Contact numbers: 0956 597 3758 / 0998 901 8883

Facebook page: DENR PENRO Marinduque

The Manila Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) has disallowed the distribution of the ₱5,000 cash relief assistance to tricycle drivers presenting an expired Driver’s License or National ID.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian had mentioned that the claimant must present only one driver’s license ID.

“Sa mga driver natin, simple lang ang dadalhin ninyo bukas, driver’s license, original pati isang photocopy. Yun lang, wala na pong iba pang dokumento. Ito ay alinsunod sa direktiba ng ating Pangulo na tulungan ang ating mga tsuper pero siguraduhin din na mabilis ang proseso,” he said

[“To our drivers, the requirement to bring is simple: a driver’s license, original and one photocopy. That’s it, no other documents. This is in accordance with the directive of our President to help our drivers, while ensuring the quick process.”]

In the records of MSWD in Ermita, Manila, as of March 17 to 18, 2026, there are 1,700 tricycle drivers who have successfully received their aid, while 253 individuals were unable to claim the assistance due to invalid IDs.

According to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the submissions for the list of beneficiaries are still open. He also noted to coordinate with their respective Local Government Unit (LGU) if a legitimate driver is not included in the initial list.

“Hindi pa ho final yung listahan. Ongoing pa rin ang mga submissions,” he said

[“The list is not yet final. The submissions are ongoing.”]

The DSWD reminds all claimants to ensure their driver’s licenses are valid and updated to secure their aid in the succeeding batches of the cash relief assistance program.

With reports from Benedict Samson

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The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) at Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) is currently coordinating with a digital gaming platform, Roblox, to address and enhance the application’s child safety features and measures.

In a Facebook post of DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, there are reported incidents wherein Roblox is being utilized as a platform for sexual predation, grooming, and exploitation of minors.

“May mga reports na ginagamit ang Roblox for sexual predation, grooming, at exploitation ng Filipino minors. Hindi na safe space kung may batang nalalagay sa panganib,” he said

If Roblox does not take necessary actions to address these serious concerns, that could lead to possible restriction or suspension of the gaming app in the Philippines.

According to the DICT, this measure complies with the directive of President Bongbong Marcos Jr. to prioritize the protection of youth, including in online spaces.

All commuters of MRT-3 and LRT-2 will benefit from the 50% fare discount on March 23, 2026, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

The DOTr clarified that all beep card users, both blue and white cards, will also benefit from the discount. Commuters without beep cards may avail a discounted single journey ticket.

The agency is currently coordinating with the LRT-1 management regarding the implementation of 50% fare reduction on the rail line.

“Nakikipag-ugnayan na ang DOTr sa management ng LRT-1 ukol sa pagbibigay ng 50% discount sa mga pasaherong sasakay ng naturang transportasyon,” they said in an online issued statement

According to the DOTr, this initiative is in accordance with the President’s directive to alleviate the financial burden on commuters amid the continuous increase in fuel prices.

The transport groups, MANIBELA and Piston expressed dissatisfaction regarding the fare increase announced by the Land Transportation and Franchising Board (LTFRB) on March 17, 2026.

Under the new fare matrix, the minimum fare for traditional jeepneys will be from ₱13 to ₱14, while for modern jeepneys, from ₱15 to ₱17. These adjustments will be effective on March 19, 2026.

According to LTFRB, if the MANIBELA is not satisfied with the adjustments, they must file a petition to ensure that everything goes under the right process. The Board also added that a minimum of ₱1 should not be eyed as insignificant.

However, MANIBELA National President Mar Valbuena claims that the decision lacks in study and called it “pa-consuelo” and not helpful.

Piston confirmed to proceed with their plan to initiate a transport strike on March 19, 2026. The group previously called on the LTFRB to implement the ₱5 fare increase as a solution to the income loss of the drivers.

Piston plans to file a petition this March.

Regarding their insights on the new fare matrix, they call it an “insult” for the drivers.

Recently, there have been pending fare increase petitions for the UV Express, motorcycle taxis, and regular taxis.

With reports from JP Nuñez

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