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Tribunal asked to compel Marcos health disclosure

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. jogs with members of the Malacañang Press Corps within Palace grounds to quash rumors about his health condition. — REVOLI CORTEZ/PPA POOL

A GROUP of retired military and legal professionals has asked the Supreme Court to compel the Executive branch to disclose clearer information on President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s health, citing what they described as weeks of public uncertainty over his condition.

In an urgent petition for mandamus dated April 10, the United People’s Initiative asked the tribunal to order Mr. Marcos to undergo a hair follicle drug test and publicly release the results to demonstrate his fitness for office.

“Considering the present volatile situation where a full-blown conflict can erupt at any moment, [there is a] need for a leader who is mentally and physically fit to steer the nation on a 24/7 basis,” the plaintiffs said.

Mr. Marcos on Monday appeared before Palace reporters to slam rumors about his health.

Doing jumping jacks before a surprise briefing at the Palace, he challenged anyone saying he is sick to exercise with him.

He said the last time he visited a hospital was during his diverticulitis scare — where small “pouches” in one’s colon get infected or swollen, causing stomach pain — in January.

He is taking Allopurinol, which is maintenance medicine for gout, and another for hypertension, he said.

After his briefing, he encouraged Palace reporters to run with him back to his office.

In its pleading, the group said the request is anchored on the public’s right to information, arguing that unclear or conflicting reports about the President’s condition have fueled uncertainty that could undermine public trust and institutional stability.

The petition cited what it described as a “lack of transparency” surrounding Mr. Marcos’ medical status, alleging inconsistencies between official media releases and public appearances.

It pointed to his attendance at the Day of Valor commemorations, where petitioners claimed there were “conflicting depictions” of his physical condition in different video materials.

“We the people have a constitutional right to be informed of the state of his health (including physical and mental condition of the President) particularly when such condition may impair his ability to discharge official duties,” they added.

The group also argued that global standards recognize hair follicle testing as a reliable method for detecting long-term substance use, and said such a test would address doubts about the President’s capacity to govern.

It further said the petition comes amid a national energy emergency linked to the Middle East war, which heightens the need for stable leadership during a period of economic and geopolitical volatility.

The petitioners asked the Supreme Court to direct Mr. Marcos to undergo and publicly disclose the results of a hair follicle drug test, and to require the Executive branch to issue regular and accurate medical bulletins if any condition arises that could affect the President’s ability to perform his duties.

Mr. Marcos earlier dismissed the allegations regarding his health as “fake news,” insisting that he is in good condition. Malacañang has yet to issue a detailed response to the petition. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

Philippines seeks US nod to extend Russian oil waiver

A GASOLINE attendant fills a motorcycle’s tank at a gasoline station. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE Philippines has begun diplomatic talks with the US to extend a waiver allowing Manila to import Russian oil, as the government seeks to secure supply amid volatile global markets, the Energy department said.

“We are awaiting their response, but we are very positive on getting this other window,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin told a news briefing at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday.

The 30-day waiver, which allowed the Philippines to buy Russian crude despite sanctions, expired on April 11. Ms. Garin said the government is pursuing an extension to maintain supply flexibility as global oil prices remain elevated.

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel “Babe” G. Romualdez told BusinessWorld via Viber the request “is being processed for consideration.”

The Philippines turned to nontraditional suppliers such as Russia to augment supply as disruptions linked to war in the Middle East tightened global markets.

“We wanted to open the Russian window because we want more options,” Ms. Garin said in mixed English and Filipino. “Diversification is necessary so that we don’t become dependent on just one country.”

She added that the government is also exploring alternative sources if the waiver is not extended, including oil-producing countries in South America such as Colombia and Argentina, as well as Canada and the US.

Ms. Garin said the Philippines is not awaiting further shipments from Russia for now, noting that the country received about 700,000 barrels of Russian crude last month.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro earlier said Manila is seeking Washington’s approval to import Russian oil products in line with international commitments tied to sanctions imposed on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.

Reuters reported on April 10 that US President Donald J. Trump is expected to extend waivers allowing some countries to continue buying limited volumes of Russian oil and petroleum products.

The push for supply diversification comes as the Philippines grapples with rising fuel costs driven by global developments, including conflict in the Middle East that has disrupted key shipping routes.

The Iran war, which began on Feb. 28, has led to surging oil prices, pushing Philippine inflation to a near two-year high in March.

Although the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, talks over the weekend in Islamabad failed to produce a longer-term agreement, renewing concerns about supply stability.

In response to rising fuel costs, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Monday approved the suspension of excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene, which are widely used by households.

Economic managers said the measure aims to provide targeted relief to lower-income consumers. The President did not adjust taxes for diesel and gasoline, which have a broader impact on transport and inflation. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Balikatan drills underscore US commitment

DVIDS/ LANCE CPL. ISAIAH CAMPBELL

THE latest round of military drills involving the Philippines, the US and several partner nations will underscore Washington’s “ironclad” commitment to its treaty ally and to the region, even as global attention remains fixed on the Middle East, a US military official said on Tuesday.

Running from April 20 to May 8 across multiple locations in the Philippine archipelago, the annual Balikatan or “shoulder-to-shoulder” drills will see more than 17,000 troops participate in one of the biggest and most complex training programs yet, expanding beyond bilateral exercises into a broader multinational effort.

“Balikatan represents an opportunity to showcase our ironclad alliance with the Philippines and demonstrate our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Colonel Robert S. Bunn, US spokesman for the exercises, said at a press briefing in Manila.

Japan’s participation in the drills is set to expand this year, with members of its Self-Defense Force taking part in live-fire exercises for the first time, using its Type 88 surface-to-ship missile to help sink a decommissioned vessel during a maritime strike exercise.

Tokyo has been strengthening its defense engagement with Manila after they signed a reciprocal access agreement in 2024, allowing them to deploy their militaries in each other’s territory.

The exercises are also set to highlight the Philippines’ widening network of security partnerships with Canada, France, New Zealand and Australia, with the countries contributing naval vessels, aircraft and troops.

Mr. Bunn said the scale and scope of this year’s Balikatan demonstrate the country’s sustained commitment to the Indo-Pacific, despite competing global demands.

Thousands of US personnel will be deployed to the Philippines for the drills, reinforcing alliance readiness, regional stability and the shared goal of maintaining a free and open region, US and Philippine military officials said.

The expanded drills come amid rising tensions between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea, where Manila has accused Beijing of increasingly aggressive actions, an accusation China rejects.

Activities will span air, land, sea and cyber domains, including maritime operations, integrated air and missile defense, counter-landing live-fire exercises and humanitarian missions.

Colonel Dennis Hernandez, Philippine spokesman for the exercises, said the country has the right to bolster its defense capabilities, adding that the drills were not directed at any country. — Reuters

ASEAN crisis protocol eyed, DFA says

REUTERS

THE Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is looking at establishing a foreign ministers’ crisis communication protocol to address economic shocks, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the DFA said the proposed protocol would be “rapidly convened” for policy coordination on regional challenges as discussed in the Second Special ASEAN Foreign Ministers meeting on the situation in the Middle East held on Monday.

Foreign ministers will convene as needed “to enable timely consultations, information-sharing and policy coordination during major crises affecting the region,” the statement read.

They also called for the joint convention of the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and ASEAN Economic Ministers in order to come up with a coordinated response to the oil crisis, as well as a meeting among the region’s energy ministers at the earliest time possible before the Special ASEAN Ministers for Energy Meeting by the end of April.

This followed ASEAN foreign ministers’ statement urging the US and Iran to continue their peace talks, hoping that the two-week ceasefire would lead to the permanent end of the conflict despite the two parties’ failure to reach a peace deal after more than 20 hours of negotiation on Friday.

The war in the Middle East, which started on Feb. 28, has disrupted global fuel markets, driving oil prices up. — Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel

ITR filing extended until May 15

BW FILE PHOTO

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday announced the one-month extension of the deadline for the filing of 2025 Annual Income Tax Returns (ITR), moving it to May 15.

“We did this to make it easier for every Filipino to pay, especially at a time when oil prices are rising,” he said in a Facebook post in Filipino.

The extended period will give taxpayers additional time to submit all necessary documents without penalties.

Taxpayers may pay through the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s electronic platforms or Authorized Agent Banks. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Toll fees waived for agri trucks

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

TOLLWAY operators have agreed to temporarily waive fees for vehicles transporting agricultural goods to reduce the cost of farm logistics, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. told a House hearing late on Monday that major expressway operators have agreed to suspend toll charges for one month for trucks hauling agricultural commodities.

“We have already spoken with (the operators of) North Luzon Expressway, Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway, and other road networks. They agreed to impose no toll fee for agricultural trucks for one month on major expressways,” he said.

Mr. Laurel told reporters separately that tollway operators are expected to formally announce the toll relief soon.

He added that the DA is hoping the suspension of toll fees can be implemented within the month.

The Agriculture secretary said the DA is also discussing with the Department of Transportation and the Philippine Port Authority to prioritize agricultural cargo in ports, particularly for roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) services.

“If rates cannot be reduced, at least agricultural goods should be given priority for Ro-Ro loading, because the quality of produce degrades,” he said. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

SMAI clarifies Navotas landfill link

MEMBERS of the Bureau of Fire Protection board a fisherman’s boat to inspect the massive fire at the Navotas Sanitary Landfill as seen from the Dampalit mega dike in Malabon City, April 11, 2026. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

SAN MIGUEL Aerocity, Inc. (SMAI), a wholly owned subsidiary of San Miguel Holdings Corp., on Tuesday clarified it neither operates nor manages the Navotas Sanitary Landfill Facility (NSLF), which caught fire on Friday.

In a statement, it said the Phil Ecology Systems Corp. (PhilEco), which ran the landfill under a concession agreement with Navotas City, continued operating until August 2025 even after SMAI acquired the property through a court-approved expropriation in 2023.

PhilEco remained at the landfill site afterward without carrying out the safe closure and rehabilitation plan, the company noted, adding SMAI entered the area only in February 2026 to allow for a proper transition.

Citing the Environment Compliance Certificate for the NSLF and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, SMAI asserted that PhilEco remains responsible for the implementation of the facility’s safe closure and rehabilitation plan.

Amid the rubbish fire that has affected air quality in Navotas and surrounding areas, SMAI said it will continue to help contain the fire, deploying heavy equipment, barges and tankers in coordination with local authorities and other agencies. — CAT

DBM reports P36.22-B balance in disaster fund

Strong winds and heavy rains brought by Super Typhoon Uwan caused damage to various structures in Barangay Aplaya, Dingalan, Aurora, Nov. 10, 2025. — PHILIPPINE STAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reported a P36.22-billion balance in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) as of the end of March.

At the end of the first quarter, the DBM had only released P3.92 billion to the Department of Social Welfare and Development under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Program (NDRRMP).

These consist of the Quick Response Fund (QRF) replenishments of P1.98 billion in February and P1.94 billion in March.

The remaining balance comprises of P19.57 billion under the NDRRMP and P15.33 billion for the Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Assistance Program (DRRAP) for local government units.

It also consists of P1 billion under the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) from the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), along with P322.86 million in continuing PSF appropriations from the 2025 GAA.

According to DBM, the NDRRMF has been allotted P39.82 billion in the 2026 GAA. This allocation includes P23.49 billion for the NDRRMP, P15.33 billion for the DRRAP, and P1.32 billion for the PSF.

Last year, calamity funds released totaled P20.68 billion, with P322.86 million left undisbursed.

NDRRMF is meant for aid, relief and rehabilitation services to areas affected by human-induced and natural calamities, as well as the repair and reconstruction of permanent structures, including other capital expenditures for disaster operations and rehabilitation activities.

Meanwhile, the annual PSF is intended for local government units and accredited local/community organizations to implement climate change adaptation projects. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Roblox Corp. told to set up PHL office

PLAY.GOOGLE.COM

A SENATOR on Tuesday urged Roblox Corp. to establish an office in the Philippines to improve regulation of its platform amid reports of it being used for violent plots and grooming.

“It seems, by the hearing so far, Roblox is dealing with inordinate number of cases that we are concerned about so it might really be worth your while to actually establish an office in [the] country as other entities like Facebook META are doing,” Senator Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros-Baraquel, who chairs the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, said in a hearing.

According to Roblox Corp. Vice-President for Global Public Policy Nicky Jackson Colaco, the platform has 144 million active users daily, with 20,000 cases reported to the cyber tip line of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) Executive Director Renato A. Paraiso said the Roblox ban set on April 10 has been canceled following its commitment to strengthen safety measures for children, including the establishment of a regional office.

Mr. Paraiso noted that the presence of online platforms’ offices and representatives in the Philippines may help security officials communicate with the companies in terms of banning illegal cyber activities.

“If we can acquire or gather jurisdiction over these platforms, we can effectively legislate and enforce that legislation because if they are not here, who are we enforcing the legislation on?” Mr. Paraiso said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Talks on banning the game followed police reports that seven high school students plotted violent activities in January through the platform.

According to Police Colonel Romeo B. Desiderio, the discussions were initially made via Roblox chats before the minors transferred to another online platform. — Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel

ICI hands luxury cars to Ombudsman

ICI office facade — BW FILE PHOTO

THE GOVERNMENT’S anti-graft agency has taken custody of two luxury vehicles surrendered by a former Public Works official under investigation over the flood control mess.

The now-defunct Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) said in a statement on Tuesday that it turned over a black GMC Yukon Denali XL and a navy-blue Lamborghini Urus Performante to the Office of the Ombudsman.

The vehicles were surrendered in September 2025 by former Department of Public Works and Highways engineer Brice Ericson D. Hernandez, following an inquiry into anomalous flood control projects. Mr. Hernandez is currently facing malversation and graft charges before the Sandiganbayan in connection with a “ghost” flood control project in Bulacan.

ICI Executive Director Brian Keith F. Hosaka said the turnover follows the submission of the commission’s investigative findings to the Ombudsman in March.

“The commission is hopeful that the turnover of these vehicles will further aid the Office of the Ombudsman with its ongoing investigations, and also support its restitution initiatives for the benefit of the Filipino people,” Mr. Hosaka said in a letter received by Assistant Ombudsman Eliseo DC. Cruz. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

Tourists urged to visit quieter Baguio

BAGUIO CITY — With tourist arrivals noticeably down, Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong is urging travelers to seize what he calls a rare window to experience the country’s summer capital without its usual crowds.

“Now is the right time… expect really light traffic,” Mr. Magalong said in mixed English and Filipino, pointing to significantly lighter traffic conditions across the city as visitor arrivals decline.

Long known for its cool climate, pine-lined vistas, and vibrant cultural scene, Baguio City typically draws heavy foot traffic during peak months, often resulting in gridlocked roads and packed attractions. However, the lull has transformed the city into a more relaxed destination, with shorter queues and easier mobility.

For visitors, the change offers a different kind of Baguio — one where parks, markets, and scenic spots can be explored at a gentler pace.

For local businesses, especially in tourism and services, it presents both a challenge and an opportunity to draw guests seeking a more comfortable experience.

City officials say preparations remain in place to draw tourists, with continued efforts to ensure cleanliness, safety, and order.

Mr. Magalong expressed optimism that the current conditions could entice more travelers to return while supporting small enterprises affected by the slowdown.

As the city journeys into the economic impact of reduced tourist arrivals, Mr. Magalong said visitors can play a key role in sustaining livelihoods — while enjoying a calmer, more accessible side of Baguio rarely seen during peak travel periods. — Artemio A. Dumlao

DLSU closes in on second-round sweep vs listless Lady Warriors

DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY LADY SPIKERS — UAAP

Games on Wednesday
(UST Quadricentennial Pavilion)
9 a.m. – UE vs DLSU (Men)
11 a.m. – UE vs DLSU (Women)
3 p.m. – AdU vs UP (Men)
5 p.m. – AdU vs UP (Women)

BARRING a monumental upset, De La Salle University (DLSU) could move on the cusp of a second-round sweep on Wednesday to shore up its redemption tour in the UAAP Season 88.

The mighty DLSU Lady Spikers are heavily favored to post their 13th win in a row against the listless University of the East (UE) in the final week of the two-round eliminations for a goal of advancing straight to the finals at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

La Salle is already assured of the top seeding and a twice-to-beat incentive given a traditional Final Four format but is determined on upgrading it to an outright berth in the best-of-three finals against whoever survives the grueling stepladder play.

The Lady Spikers attempt to zero in on that bid at 11 a.m. against UE (0-12) that’s in the middle of a 26-game skid before a final hurdle to pass against no less than titleholder National University (NU) (9-3) this Sunday. At 5 p.m., Adamson University (AdU) (7-5) clashes against the University of the Philippines (UP) (5-7) to break free from a logjam with University of Santo Tomas (UST) and Far Eastern University (FEU) at third to fourth place.

The spikers from Taft, however, would like to cross the bridge when they get there, wanting no stumble as they approach the homestretch with the target on their back getting bigger each day to spoil a 14-0 sweep.

If La Salle is out for a steady momentum entering the postseason, Adamson is in a must-win set-to to gain a solo third spot and boost its Final Four chances since its last appearance in 2023. A win would also keep a slim hope of snatching the other twice-to-beat edge from the second-running NU.

The AdU Lady Falcons are gridlocked with UST Golden Tigresses and the FEU Lady Tamaraws for the last two semifinal spots as UP stays in contention but with the slimmest of chances by needing all other scenarios to fall in its favor, on top of needing to win its final two matches.

And Adamson has no plans of getting foiled.

In the men’s division, La Salle (5-7) tries to keep its playoff hopes alive against the also-ran UE (2-10) at 9 a.m. while eliminated squads UP (3-9) and Adamson (2-10) go for graceful exits at 3 p.m. — John Bryan Ulanday

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