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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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The fuel subsidy for PUV operators and drivers will last only two weeks, according to Pasang Masda, a transport group, amid rising fuel prices driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“In the history of transportation sa jeep, ngayon lang po magtataas ng ganyan, 23 pesos, 20 pesos sa isang biglaang bagsak, napakabigay po ‘yan. Eh baka ho dalawang linggo lang, ubos na ho ‘yan,” Pasang Masda National President Obet Martin said

On March 2, 2026, the DOTr mentioned that they are working with the LTFRB in finalizing the issuance of 2.5 billion pesos fuel subsidy once the crude barrel price climbs to 80 USD.

Subsequently, LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza said that the first option will be a fuel subsidy as a response to looming challenges brought by the Middle East conflict.

“Syempre ang first recourse po natin are non-fare increase options. So hopefully, di naman gusto nating ma-trigger yon pero pag na-trigger yung 80 dollars, our first option of course, will be probably fuel subsidy. Ang pamasahe, last option na natin,” he said

A transport group mentioned that the fuel subsidy that will be distributed for the operators will range from ₱6,500 to ₱ 10,000. Recently, drivers have lost ₱150 to ₱200 in their income due to oil price hike. 

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The Manila Local Government Unit (LGU) will implement a four-day work-week for the offices of the city government. The offices providing frontline services are exempted to this measure.

Under Executive Order No. 8, series of 2026, the regular working schedule will be from Monday to Thursday, with extended working hours from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM or 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

According to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, this initiative serves as a participation of the city government in the national government’s energy conservation measures amid the impact of the conflict in the Middle East.

“Kailangan po natin, iisa ang landas na tatahakin natin na siya ng pinangunahan ng Pangulo ng bansa at doon sasabay tayo sa lakbaying iyon,” he said

[“We need to follow a single path led by the President of the country, and there, we’ll walk with it’]

The Mayor also called on barangay officials to support the directives initiated by the national government.

“Mga barangay officials, I hope you can come up also with the same directives with regard to your barangay activities,” he added

He also encouraged the private sector to cooperate in the efforts of the local and national government.

“Hinihikayat ko din ang bawat pamilyang Manilenyo, nagnenegosyo sa loob ng Maynila na tahakin din ang landas na ating tinutungo ng national government at local government,” he said