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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

Portland Trail Blazers out to end playoff drought, face host Phoenix Suns in play-in tournament game

PHOENIX coach Jordan Ott is confident regarding the host Suns’ mindset entering their play-in tournament game against the visiting Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday.

“We’ll be juiced and ready to rock,” Ott said as the Suns look to return to the postseason after missing out last year.

Trail Blazers interim coach Tiago Splitter’s advice to his players comes from his seven seasons of NBA experience as a player, including five in the postseason.

Portland has not made the playoffs since 2021, and it has not won a playoff series since 2019, when it fell to Golden State in the Western Conference finals.

“Play free,” said Splitter, who won an NBA title with San Antonio in 2014.

“You know, you can play that game super tense. It’s a balance between playing hard and playing free a little bit. You cannot be in fear. You just have to play hard and enjoy that.”

The seventh-seeded Suns and eighth-seeded Trail Blazers begin the two-for-one round of the NBA extra season on Tuesday.

The winner advances to the eight-team playoffs, with Game 1 set for Sunday at the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs.

The loser has another chance — it will host a second play-in game on Friday against the winner of the Los Angeles Clippers-Golden State Warriors contest on Wednesday.

Phoenix won two of three in the season series, winning twice in Portland but losing at home in the most recent meeting Feb. 22, a 92-77 win for the Blazers with both teams missing key pieces.

Suns leading scorers Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks did not play, while Blazers leading scorer Deni Avdija left 59 seconds in after suffering a recurrence of a back injury.

Ott held out Booker, Brooks and his other starters in the regular-season finale, a 135-103 win at Oklahoma City on Sunday.

Booker and Brooks were rested, but questions surround the availability of Jalen Green (knee) and Jordan Goodwin (ankle), who left the Wednesday victory over Dallas with injuries.

“Whoever’s available, we’ll make it work,” Ott said. “We know we are a competitive group. We have more than enough to go out there and play and play as hard as we possibly can.”

Avdija had 25 points and 10 assists in the Blazers’ 122-120 victory over Sacramento that clinched the eighth seed on Sunday, and 7-foot-2 Donovan Clingan had his fourth straight double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Clingan had 23 points and 13 rebounds in the Feb. 22 game.

The Blazers have won five of seven and seven of 10. The Suns have won six of the last 16, many of those without Brooks (fractured hand).

“They’ve been playing well lately,” Ott said of Portland. “It’s a really good defense. They’re in a different coverage, where they just funnel everything to the big (Clingan).

“They are super active, long on the wings, play super physical. Offensively they play fast in transition and they drive the basketball. It’ll be a challenge, the same challenge that we’ve seen with them before.”

Splitter took over when Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups was placed on administrative leave after being arrested in October in a federal illegal gambling investigation.

“Stuff happens,” Splitter said. “I think we went through everything you can imagine. Of course it is going to be a tough game. Jordan Ott is a great coach. A lot of pressure. You just have to enjoy that, knowing it is going to be part of their lives now, playing these important games.” — Reuters

Luka Dončić to return to LA Friday; game status unknown

LAKERS STAR Luka Dončić is expected to return to Los Angeles (LA) on Friday after receiving specialized treatment for his Grade 2 left hamstring strain in Europe, ESPN reported on Monday, though when he will return to game action remains unknown.

The 27-year-old reportedly spent a week in Spain receiving multiple injections for the injury sustained in a 139-96 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2.

The team announced the next day after an MRI that he will miss at least the remainder of the regular season. The Lakers have not shared any further updates on Dončić’s return since the initial announcement.

The typical recovery timeline for a Grade 2 hamstring strain is a month. That would keep the league’s leading scorer (33.5 points per game) and Los Angeles’ leader in assists (8.3) and steals (1.6) out for potentially the entire first round of the playoffs.

The No. 4 seed Lakers are set to kick off their first-round series on Saturday against the No. 5 seed Houston Rockets.

The Lakers are also without Austin Reaves (23.3 ppg, 5.5 apg) after he sustained a Grade 2 left oblique injury. He’s expected to be sidelined four to six weeks.

Los Angeles finished the season, 3-2, after the loss of Dončić and Reaves. — Reuters

Chance to reclaim top rank is extra motivation for Alcaraz in Barcelona

CARLOS ALCARAZ said the opportunity to quickly reclaim the world number one ranking from his big rival Jannik Sinner provided him additional motivation for this week’s Barcelona Open, but steady improvement during the clay season remained his top priority.

Alcaraz surrendered his Monte Carlo title and the top rank to Sinner after Sunday’s final in Monaco but the Spaniard will have the chance to climb back to his perch by capturing the trophy on familiar territory in Barcelona.

The twice champion’s hopes are boosted by the absence of Sinner in the draw, after the Italian took a break following back-to-back triumphs in Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo over the last few weeks.

Alcaraz, who begins his campaign against Otto Virtanen later on Tuesday, will remain world number two if he fails to win the title.

The Spaniard hopes to play a full schedule on clay this season with events to follow in Madrid and Rome ahead of his French Open title defense beginning in Paris on May 24. — Reuters

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