By Ma. Teresa Montemayor | Philippine News Agency

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on Tuesday urged direct contributors to take advantage of its one-time penalty waiver for past-due premiums to help ease financial burdens during the current state of national energy emergency.

The state insurer issued the call following the declaration of Executive Order 110, which recognizes the heavy impact of the energy emergency on the livelihoods of Filipinos.

While the agency is currently reviewing calls for a temporary suspension of premium collections, it emphasized that the penalty condonation scheme is an immediate measure to provide relief to employers and self-paying members.

“We encourage our direct contributors to avail of this penalty condonation to lighten their expenses,” PhilHealth said in a statement.

“The agency is currently coordinating with government economic managers and awaiting further guidance from Malacañang regarding additional measures,” it added.

PhilHealth assured its members that despite the ongoing economic challenges, health benefits and services will remain uninterrupted for all members in accordance with the Universal Health Care Act.

‘No SPA, No Payment’ for self-paying members

PhilHealth has also begun implementing the “No SPA, No Payment” policy for self-paying members on April 1, as part of digitalization and service efficiency efforts.

In a news release on March 28, the state insurer said the digital system aims to ensure that contributions are accurately recorded and credited without delay, reducing common errors in manual payment processing.

Under the new initiative, self-paying members must generate a Statement of Premium Account (SPA) before contribution payments.

They include self-earning individuals, professional practitioners and land-based overseas Filipinos.

“By requiring a validated SPA prior to payment, PhilHealth aims to minimize posting errors, ensure faster posting of payments and improve overall service efficiency,” read Advisory 2026-0016.

Members can generate their QR-coded SPA by visiting the official portal at spagen.philhealth.gov.ph or by scanning the QR codes available on the PhilHealth website.

The generated SPA must be presented to any PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office cashier or Accredited Collecting Agent to complete the transaction.

PhilHealth said maintaining up-to-date and accurate contribution records is essential for members to remain eligible for health benefits.

The agency also reminded the public to transact only with authorized collecting agents and to protect their personal information by not sharing their generated SPA with unauthorized individuals.

For a complete list of accredited collecting agents or inquiries regarding the SPA Generator, members may contact the PhilHealth Corporate Action Center at (02) 866-225-88 or through mobile hotlines 0998-8572957 (Smart) and 0917-1275987 (Globe). (PNA)

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By Brian Campued

As the Philippines is a predominantly Catholic nation, the faithful express their deep religious devotion through various traditions, such as the Pabasa or Visita Iglesia. However, long before the Spaniards brought Catholicism to the country, Filipinos had followed common beliefs rooted in local superstition.

These pre-colonial superstitions merged with Catholic traditions, creating a “syncretic” practice of religious faith and folk belief, according to cultural anthropologist Nestor Castro.

“Ang Kristiyanismo, dinala ng mga Kastila sa Pilipinas, pati yung mga traditions sa Semana Santa… Pero siyempre, ito ay nag-fuse sa mga katutubong practices ng mga Pilipino. Ito yung tinatawag namin sa anthropology na naging syncretic yung practices, pagsasalubong ng dalawang kultura, lumikha ng isang bagong kultura na Pinoy na Pinoy,” Castro said in an interview on Rise and Shine Pilipinas.

Through generations, these local superstitions are still being practiced in the country to this day:

Observe silence. As Holy Week is a period for reflection on the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ, people are urged to stay quiet and not make any unnecessary noise so as not to distract others.

“Pinapalagay ko na ang turo ng mga sinaunang prayle, mga Kastila ay dapat igalang itong banal na okasyong ito. So dapat, hindi malikot, dapat hindi magulo. So, doon ang naging interpretasyon ay maging tahimik, huwag mag-ingay.”

Do not take a bath after 3:00 p.m. on Good Friday. Taking a bath after 3:00 p.m. on Good Friday is believed to be bad luck as it is the hour of Jesus’ death. It is likewise seen as a time for mourning, similar to a wake.

“Iyan ay ginagawa din natin sa mga lamay sa patay, sinasabi sa mga miyembro ng pamilya, huwag kayo maglilinis, huwag kayo maliligo muna. Pagkatapos ilibing yung patay, saka nagbubuhos ng tubig doon sa dinaanan ng burol.”

Not safe to travel. With the observance of Holy Week, leisure travel is usually frowned upon by the Elderly as Catholics are encouraged to stay at home to meditate and reflect during the period. Another belief is that accidents are likely to happen during the Holy Week as Christ is dead and cannot protect people.

“May paniniwala na medyo delikado na lumabas-labas, ano. Again, folk belief ito, patay si Kristo—patay si Kristo so naglalabasan ang mga masasamang espiritu, maaari kang maaksidente.”

-jpv

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By Brian Campued

As Filipinos are expected to travel back to their home provinces or take a vacation during the Holy Week and long weekend, authorities warned the public against various travel scams targeting those who are looking for cheaper options.

One such example of travel-related scams taking advantage of the season is fraudulent websites that charge fees for the government’s electronic declaration system (eTravel).

Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado underscored the importance of vigilance against these fake websites as registration in the eTravel platform is completely free of charge.

“These are clear cases of fraud. The public should not fall victim to these schemes, especially during the holiday rush,” Viado said in a news release Wednesday.

Travelers are advised to register through the official government website at etravel.gov.ph or accomplish their eTravel registration through the eGovPH super app.

Meanwhile, cybersecurity campaigner Scam Watch Pilipinas urged the public to familiarize themselves with the most common travel scams, including fake accommodations, fake Wi-Fi hotspots, “too-good-to-be-true” travel deals, and cheap airline tickets sold by fake agents.

“These scams are designed to create urgency and lower your guard. If you’re being rushed to pay or the price is far below market, that’s already a red flag,” Scam Watch Pilipinas co-founder Jocel de Guzman said in a statement posted March 30.

De Guzman reminded travelers to book using official travel apps or platforms, check real reviews, or verify directly with airlines or hotels when transacting.

The public is also urged to avoid clicking random links and messages as well as connecting to suspicious Wi-Fi hotspots, as these may be used by cybercriminals to steal personal and banking information from users.

Travelers who encounter such fraudulent activities are encouraged to report them to the national anti-scam hotline 1326 or through the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).

-jpv

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By Brian Campued

As part of the Marcos administration’s whole-of-government approach under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT), the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) launched a new program to provide financial relief to government workers amid the economic impact of the Middle East conflict.

Under the “Balik Ginhawa” initiative, GSIS will return a lump sum or three months’ worth of loan amortizations covering December 2025 to February 2026 to members who apply for the program.

“Sa ganitong paraan, agad ninyo itong magagamit para sa inyong mga pangangailangan. Mananatili ang regular na salary deductions upang mapanatili ang kaayusan at katatagan ng GSIS, at upang patuloy na mapangalagaan ang kapakanan ng mga miyembro nito,” GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso said as quoted in a news release Wednesday.

Members who wish to avail of the “Balik Ginhawa” program may apply through the GSIS Touch mobile application.

Once approved, the loan term will be extended by three months without additional interest or penalties.

On March 24, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order 110, declaring a state of national energy emergency and creating the UPLIFT Committee, tasked to coordinate the government’s response to the Middle East tensions and cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on Filipinos.

The GSIS previously rolled out its Ginhawa Solar Energy Loan (GSEL) Program, encouraging the adoption of renewable energy systems to reduce electricity costs and help ensure energy stability.

Under the program, members may borrow up to P500,000 to cover the purchase and installation of solar panel systems, payable over five years at an interest rate of 5% per annum with no service fee.

Eligible applicants include active GSIS members with at least three years of government service, subject to submission of requirements such as a supplier quotation, installation agreement, or proof of purchase certified by an authorized agency officer.

Entirely processed through the GSIS Touch mobile application, approved loan proceeds are credited directly to the borrower’s bank account within three working days, with repayments automatically deducted from salaries.

GSIS likewise provides three-year insurance coverage for solar installations against hazards such as fire, lightning, typhoon, and earthquake at no additional cost, as well as redemption insurance that settles the outstanding balance in case of the borrower’s death.

-jpv

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By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency

Any reduction or suspension of excise tax on petroleum products will apply only to incoming fuel shipments and not to existing inventory, Malacañang clarified on Wednesday.

“Gusto lang nating liwanagin ito. Itong pagpataw or pag-reduce, pagtanggal, pag-suspend ng excise tax, ito po ay para sa bagong parating na bagong supply ng fuel,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a radio interview.

Castro made the clarification, as she noted that Republic Act (RA) 12316, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on March 25, will take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

RA 12316 grants the President emergency powers to temporarily suspend or reduce excise tax on petroleum products in response to rising global oil prices due to the Middle East conflict.

Castro said that current inventory held by oil companies will not be covered by the adjustment.

She explained that excise taxes are imposed upon the entry of fuel products, the reason why only new shipments will be affected.

“Hindi ‘yung inventory nila ngayon ‘yung papatawan, ‘yung sabihin na wala nang excise tax. Hindi po. Kung ano lang yung papasok, kasi upon entry iyan. Doon lamang nila mararamdaman kung dapat bang walang excise tax o na-reduce ang excise tax,” Usec. Castro said.

She, however, said there is no estimate yet on how much fuel prices may decrease, as global oil prices remain volatile.

She added that the government is still computing possible adjustments and monitoring trends in crude oil prices.

Emergency powers may be used if global oil prices reach US$80 per barrel for 30 consecutive days, Usec. Castro said.

“Kailangan lamang nilang i-compute kasi sabi nga natin ang presyo ng krudo is pabago-bago sa ngayon. So, wala pa sa atin binibigay na specific kung paano ito gagawin, kung ilang porsyento ba or what,” she said.

“Dapat 30 days prior sa pag-announce yung presyo ng fuel ay US$80 per barrel for a month, nang tuloy-tuloy. ‘Pag let’s say biglang bumaba, naging US$79 or US$78, hindi siya agad magagamit. Hindi pwedeng i-reduce o i-suspend yung excise tax kasi bumaba yung presyo ng fuel,” she added. (PNA)

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By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency

There will be no holiday break for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and key government agencies during the Holy Week as they continue to monitor pressing national and global concerns, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

In a radio interview, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President remains on duty “24/7” even if he spends Holy Week in his hometown Ilocos Norte.

Castro assured the public that concerned agencies are ready to act swiftly to mitigate any adverse effects of the Middle East conflict during the holiday.

“Alam natin basta ang Pangulo ay kahit nasa Ilocos Norte o kahit nasaan pang lugar iyan, kapag nag-utos ang Pangulo, dapat sundin, lalo na kung inutos niya para sa ating mga kababayan,” she said.

“Itong nangyayaring krisis sa Middle East, hindi naman ito pwedeng kahit na holiday tayo, tapos hindi gagalaw ang Pangulo. Hindi ganoon. 24/7 ang Pangulo.”

Castro said government work remains uninterrupted during holidays, especially when public welfare is at stake.

She noted that the government is closely monitoring developments in the Gulf region and their possible impact on global oil prices and local fuel supply.

Key agencies such as the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Transportation (DOTr), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are on standby, she said.

She said these agencies are expected to respond to any issues that may arise during the long holiday, particularly those affecting travelers and consumers.

“Iyan ang mga ahensya na dapat kumikilos. Lalo na kapag walang pasok, lalo na kapag holiday. Sila yung dapat inaasahan,” Usec. Castro said.

DND also on alert

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. also said its attached agencies, particularly the Armed Forces of the Philippines, are on alert for the annual religious observance.

“During this solemn season, the DND and its attached bureaus will continue to be vigilant against all threats, whether natural or man-made, to ensure the safety and well-being of our people,” he said in a statement.

Teodoro likewise joined Filipino Catholics in observing this sacred time for prayer, reflection, and renewal of faith.

“We also keep in our thoughts and prayers our men and women in uniform who remain on duty during this occasion. May we all have a blessed Holy Week,” he said. (With a report from Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

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By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz | Philippine News Agency

All transportation hubs across the country are ready for the expected influx of travelers during Holy Week.

In a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Tuesday, acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said various government agencies are working together to ensure the safety and comfort of motorists.

The whole-of-government approach in making the Holy Week exodus safe for the public complies with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to ensure the availability of public transportation and unhampered flow of traffic.

Secretary Lopez told the media, “Minabuti po namin kasama po ang DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government), DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways), PNP (Philippine National Police), maging ang LTO (Land Transportation Office) at LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) na siguruhing wala tayong obstruction sa kahabaan ng mga highway.”

More than five million passengers are expected to flock to various transport hubs across the country during the period.

To date, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has activated 17,000 personnel and has placed all of its units on full alert since Saturday.

The Transport chief added, “This is to ensure order, safety, and protection of the commuters at airports, seaports, bus terminals, and railway stations.”

In particular, he ordered the PCG to pre-position vessels in high-volume passenger areas and ports to provide free rides to stranded passengers in case there are not enough ships to ferry travelers.

Secretary Lopez said, “Ito po ay usually sa Marinduque, sa Batangas, at sa Calapan. Naka-ready na po ang ating mga coast guards.”

On the other hand, the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2), and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) will be offline beginning Maundy Thursday until Easter Sunday as part of annual maintenance activities.

However, the EDSA Busway will remain operational 24/7 along with other modes of transport, such as jeepneys and transport network vehicle service (TNVS).

To ensure enough transportation for commuters heading for the provinces, the LTFRB has also issued 1,297 special permits to operators of passenger buses.

Earlier, the LTFRB reminded all motorists to keep their cool to avoid road rage incidents during the expected influx of travelers during the Holy Week.

On Friday, the Philippine Ports Authority also announced the expansion of its Online Reservation Assistance System (ORAS) to cover more ports nationwide, providing a standardized online booking system for maritime passengers. (PNA)

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By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet

In a move to assert sovereignty over the hotly contested islands and features in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order (EO) No. 111 which calls for a stronger administration and governance in Palawan and its environs.

Executive Order No. 57, the National Maritime Council (NMC) is tasked with adopting a standard set of Philippine names for 131 features of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) located in the namesake municipality in Palawan and the WPS.

This initiative is touted by the NMC as pivotal in ensuring more efficient governance and to further safeguard the area from threats posed by Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia vessels.

President Marcos Jr. earlier signed Republic Act No. 12064 (Philippine Maritime Zones Act) and Republic Act No. 12065 (Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act) in November 2024, which define the Luzon Sea, territorial waters of Bajo de Masinloc, and maritime features of the KIG as part of the West Philippine Sea.

The EO also directed the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) to produce and publish updated charts and maps that reflect the names set forth in the issuance.

It likewise directed all national government agencies, instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and government financial institutions, to use the names outlined in the EO in all official communications, messages, and documents.

The Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and other educational institutions were also encouraged to adopt these names in educational materials, textbooks, academic curricula, and research papers.

jpv

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By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered authorities to investigate alleged cases of abuse and harassment in a locality in Camarines Sur after receiving a letter from an 11-year-old student detailing the situation.

In a response addressed to the child, the President said her letter left him “close to tears” and “very angry,” prompting immediate action to ensure the safety of the victims.

President Marcos Jr. said in his reply, “I am sending policemen to you and your sisters to protect you and to find anyone who has hurt any of you.”

The letter, written by a Grade 6 student from Tinambac, Camarines Sur, raised concerns over alleged sexual abuse and intimidation involving a barangay official, as well as the impact of these incidents on children’s safety and access to education.

President Marcos Jr. assured the student that the government would act to protect her and others in the community, “I will make sure that you will be able to continue reading and studying as much as you want.”

The Chief Executive likewise commended the child’s courage, “You are a very brave, intelligent, and very kind girl and I will make sure to help you and your sisters in any way you need.”

The letter, which has circulated on social media, reported to the President alleged sexual violence committed by the sons of a barangay official.

The official was also accused of harassment, intimidation, and disruptions to the community’s basic services. (PNA)

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By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet

As part of the government’s persistent crackdown on illicit firms preying on aspiring Filipino migrant workers for profit, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has shut down an alleged illegal recruitment agency in Binondo, Manila in an operation on Tuesday.

MAXILUM Recruitment Agency, also operating as Cell Venus Elite Workforce Manpower and Recruitment Agency Inc., is said to be recruiting workers without a valid license.

Said enterprise promises prospecting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with jobs in New Zealand, Japan, and Canada enticing them through social media with monthly salaries ranging from ₱90,000 to ₱100,000 under 3-year contracts.

Applicants were required to pay placement and processing fees ranging from ₱35,000 to ₱72,500 through online payment channels, but were neither deployed nor processed for overseas employment. 

Prior to the closure of the office, the owner of the firm named Celisti Maxilum was arrested in an entrapment operation on March 25, 2026, together with her Russian fiancé and their two armed bodyguards.  

The Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB), meanwhile, reminded those seeking work overseas to only transact with licensed agencies and approved job orders on its website: www.dmw.gov.ph.

jpv

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