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The Department of Agriculture plans to impose a ₱50 price cap for imported rice per kilo.
The plan is linked to the surge in oil prices, which affects the shipping costs.
“We are studying the imposition of a price cap on imported rice, possibly P50 per kilo,” according to DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr.
The agriculture department explains that due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz, the fuel prices in the global market are continuously going upward.
The hike in fuel costs is gradually affecting the agricultural sector, particularly the increasing cost of fertilizer, freight, and fuel.
When it comes to locally-produced rice, the agency is not considering implementing the same price cap as it may cause a potential collapse in prices during the harvest. DA Sec. Tiu Laurel Jr. has confirmed that the same price cap can be implemented during post-harvest to prevent profiteering.
With reports from Mia Alonzo
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A transport group, Piston plans to file a new petition this March, calling for a ₱5 fare increase amid a continuous rise in fuel products driven by the conflict in the Middle East. This move addresses the income loss of the drivers.
Drivers could lose over ₱3,000 in their income if the diesel climbs to ₱120 per liter, based on the transport group.
According to Piston National President Mody Floranda, the group will conduct a nationwide transport strike this coming Thursday, March 19, 2026.
“Sa March 19, iguguhit natin sa kasaysayan, sa buong bansa ang pagkilos ng mga driver at ng mga operator, ng mamayan,” he said
[“On March 19, we will mark in a history, in the entire country, the action of the drivers, operators, and the public.”]
Nearly 100,000 drivers and operators from the group are expected to join the strike.
“Halos nasa 100k tayo sa buong bansa at alam natin na kahit yung mga nag-modern, kahit po yung mga nagk-kooperatiba, yung mga nagc-corporation, alam natin na sila’y lalahok sa darating na transport strike sapagkat sa laki ng nawawala na ring kita dahil sa epekto ng pagtaas ng presyo ng petrolyo,” he said
[We are nearly 100,000 nationwide and we know that even the modern [jeepneys], the cooperatives, the corporation, we know that they’ll join this coming transport strike linked to huge income loss due to the escalating price of petroleum products.”]
According to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), they understand the concerns of the sector, and clarified that the petition will undergo the standard process once the PISTON formally files the petition.
With reports from JP Nuñez
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Limitations in the availability of airspace and airports - that is the primary challenge for the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to carry out repatriation for the Filipinos stuck in the Middle East tensions.
With this, the agency studies and evaluates all available options to ensure the safe repatriation of Filipinos who wish to return to the Philippines.
One of the potential solutions being considered is land travel. Individuals will be transported to a safe and secure location where they can be picked up to get back to the Philippines.
“We are looking in possible alternative ways. Ngayon, kung sarado ang air option, then possibly land options are there, but that is as far as I go. Di ko na sasabihin yung detalye for the safety of our people,” DMW Sec. Cacdac said
[“We are looking in possible alternative ways. At present, if the air option is unavailable, then possibly land options are there, but that is as far as I go. I’m not going to say a detail for the safety of our people,”]
Secretary Cacdac also emphasized waiting for the risk to go down to ensure their safety.
“We want those risks down to zero as much as possible before we undertake repatriation,” he added
With reports from Ryan Lacanlale
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The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has issued a warning against fake news, claiming that the agency and the DMW distribute ₱150,000 in financial assistance for OFWs seeking repatriation.
The OWWA clarifies that they are not distributing that amount.
Hence, authorities expressed disappointment at circulating fake claims using different strategies, including AI-generated videos, amid ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of OFWs in the Middle East.
OWWA also dropped down their official programs and services for the OFWs, such as:
Authorities call on the public to refrain from relying on information from unverified sources and advise them to always visit the official social media pages of DMW and OWWA for credible and verified information.
A total of 299 Filipinos safely returned to the Philippines on March 6, 2026, from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This repatriation is a result of the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran.
According to Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, the group consists of 145 females, 127 males, 17 children, and 10 infants. The repatriates arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 via Emirates Airlines Flight 336.
UNTV News and Rescue correspondent Ryan Lacanlale reported that the majority of the passengers were travelers whose flights were cancelled. The airlines have to fulfill their commitment and responsibility to the passengers in helping them to get back to the Philippines.
Among 299 passengers, 23 of them are OFWs together with 2 children. Most of them were able to return due to existing pre-booked flights.
In a social media post, DMW Sec. Cacdac extended his gratitude to the government of the UAE and other host countries for their cooperation to ensure the safety and security of the Filipinos.
“We thank the UAE government, the local government of Dubai sa pag-aalaga sa ating mga Kababayan. Also, to the government of host countries [Middle East] involved in this crisis for their safety protocols and defense system in place,” he said via DMW online issued statement
The DMW assured returnees would receive necessary assistance from the department and other concerned agencies, including:
No final schedule has been announced regarding the next batch of repatriation.
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