Some gas stations in Tagbilaran City flagged for alleged overpricing
Some gas stations located in Tagbilaran City are reportedly being investigated for alleged or possible overpricing.
This comes following an inspection conducted by the City Government of Tagbilaran on Mar. 31, 2026.
Reports said three or four gas stations were suspected by authorities to be allegedly overpricing the fuel products they are selling.
The names of the gas stations were kept confidential as there are no public announcements which gas stations were flagged by city authorities.
On Tuesday, acting Mayor Adam Jala led an inspection team from the City Price Monitoring Council.
Reports said the flagged gas stations allegedly were selling fuel products at much higher prices compared to the prevailing market prices of fuel.
The members of the Tagbilaran Crisis Management Committee also were on hand during the inspection as the city intensified its monitoring of prices of fuel products sold in various gas stations across the city.
The inspection also coincided with the latest round of oil price hikes that hit the country as supplies of fuel remain uncertain due to the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Jala said the gas stations flagged by authorities might receive show cause orders to explain the reason behind the prices of fuel products sold in their gas stations.
Reports said those flagged gas stations may not be compliant with the directives of the Department of Energy (DOE).
Reports add about 40 gas stations across the city were inspected and aimed to prevent profiteering or overpricing of fuel products as well as hoarding or any other illegal acts.
Fuel prices are expected to increase as the war continues to intensify as attacks on Iran and ftom Iran drag on.
Observers say the crisis will only get worse if the conflict continues to worsen and Boholanos will continue to real from the rising fuel prices.
Catigbian expands agricultural programs for farmers
Catigbian Mayor Benjie Oliva said his administration is expanding help provided to farmers and workers in the agriculture space.
He said he is starting to coordinate with national agencies to gain more support for local farmers.
He sought the help of the Bureau of Soil and Water Management and the National Irrigation Administration to help irrigate farm lands.
Oliva said Catigbian focuses on areas on health, roads, water supply and agriculture.
These are the concerns raised by Catigbian residents.
He said the program of works will soon be crafted for the solar-powered irrigation system seeking to irrigate 20 hectares.
Next year a project is being mulled to irrigate 300 hectares, he continued.
He also engaged with agriculture-based government owned and controlled corporations as Catigbian may receive dairy cows and produce milk for the feeding program.
Also, there is a program to help in rice processing and covers rice producing areas in Catigbian similar to the rice processing center in Pilar.
Catigbian also seeks to acquire five hectares of land to host the rice processing center.
Moreover, he hopes to expand waterworks services to cover almost all areas of the town by the end of his term.
Oliva said the waterworks will be tapping surface water to supply water needs and these are sourced from springs and rivers and not from underground sources.
He also seeks to build a water treatment plant and hopefully supply water needs of at least five barangays.
In another development, Mayor Oliva backs blind massage cooperative at the Bohol Panglao International Airport (BPIA) amid rental hike concerns
Catigbian Mayor Benjie Oliva expressed support for the blind massage cooperative operating in the BPIA as the latter is facing issues.
Oliva appealed to Aboitiz Infracapital (AIC), which is the operator and manager of BPIA, to support the blind masseurs operating at the said airport.
Oliva said he heard allegations that from P30,000 rental, Aboitiz Infracapital jacked up the fee to P200,000.
Oliva appealed to emotions by asking AIC to show compassion and love to the blind people who are trying to eke out a decent livelihood by providing services to passengers or travelers using the BPIA.
Oliva made a name as an administrator of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and has been known as an advocate of cooperatives, and secretly helping cooperatives in the province.
He took exception by calling out the AIC about the allegations on the plight of the blind massage cooperative inside the BPIA.
He was told the blind people may be leaving the airport because of alleged higher rental fees.
Oliva said it pains him to think about the plight of the blind persons who are trying to earn an honest living and it hurts that it seems money is being prioritized rather than providing support to a vulnerable sector of society.
Oliva said he will raise the concern during the next meeting of the League of Municipalities and the Provincial Development Council and hopes the AIC can help accommodate those vulnerable persons to earn some livelihood.
In a related developmen, Catigbian Mayor Oliva pushes for a war memorial in the area called “Behing the Clouds”.
Oliva said his town is pursuing to build a war memorial in “Behind the Clouds”.
“Behind the Clouds” is an area in Bohol that served as a resistance movement headquarters during the Japanese occupation in World War II.
It was a critical base for Boholano guerrilla soldiers who fought against the Japanese forces.
He said, he wants to build a war memorial to highlight the significance of “Behind the Clouds” .
The town is trying to build the “Behind the Clouds Peace Park and War Memorial” to help institutionalize the contribution of the area to the resistance movement during the war.
Oliva said the town is in the process of acquiring land for the park and war memorial and looks to acquire 20 hectares for the project.
He already met with the National Historical Institute, National Commission on Culture and the Arts, and the veterans federation to ask and consult on how to design the area.
The local government unit (LGU) wants to be sure in providing honor and respect to the sacrifice of those who fought in the war and remember and appreciate their sacrifices to defend the freedom of Bohol and the Philippines.
Meanwhile, the LGU signed a memorandum of agreement for peace.
The pact is to strengthen the responsibility in matters involving community peace and order in cooperation with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the barangays.
The LGU works to provide the local police with their needs such as acquiring a new police patrol car and establishing police substations.
Oliva believes the LGU is the primary agency to push peace and order in the town.
Bohol Light educates public on using payment partners for bill payments
Bohol Light informs the public to use third-party collection partners when paying bills and the office is not available.
Sheryl Paga of Bohol Light said that customers may encounter situations where they need to settle the bill and the due date falls on a weekend or holiday.
In this case, she said, consumers may settle the bill using third-party collection agents.
On April 6 and 7, 2026, GCash representatives were posted in Bohol Light offices and gave tutorials to consumers, she said.
GCash representatives provided tutorials on how to transact payments of bills using the GCash platform, which is more convenient, she said.
Bohol Light wishes to educate the consumers in using payment partners and save on costs, she added.
In other news, Bohol Light has been engaged in upgrading programs on distribution lines to ensure safe and reliable power for all within Bohol Light’s franchise area.
Paga said the program aims to prevent sudden loss of services.
Bohol Light urges consumers to coordinate with the office if abnormal connections are noted in respective homes so these can be properly addressed.
For any inquiry, Bohol Light can be contacted via the trunkline number 0920 960 2372 or 0939 911 5671 or 038 427 2372.
Paga also touched on the subject of disconnection saying that all bills have an embedded disconnection notice when there is two months past due.
Bills must be settled two days after receiving the statement, she said when settling any past due bill.
The grace period for the current bill is 10 days from receipt of the bill, she explained.
She said Bohol Light has a system to trace if a bill has been delivered.
Meanwhile, Paga, fresh from her one-week trip to South Korea, shared her observations on the fuel crisis’ impact on Koreans.
She said most of the transport in Korea are running on batteries and less are running on fossil fuels.
Paga said Korea has a plethora of charging stations where electric vehicles can top up battery charge unlike in the Philippines, cars using petroleum top up fuel in gas stations.
Bohol Water Utilities Inc implements pipe laying project, announces temporary road closure
Bohol Water Utilities Inc. (BWUI) announced a temporary road closure due to pipe laying works, according to BWUI’s Victor Tambis.
BWUI is laying new pipes along the provincial road connecting Corella and Balilihan.
The temporary road closure which happened and only overnight was necessary, and was allowed by the Provincial Engineering Office and the local government unit of Corella.
The road closure is near Corella center, near a municipal road to Poblacion Anislag.
Excavation was done to lay pipes and to reach up to Corella gym, Tambis said.
The pipe laying is part of the BWUI project to expand services within the franchise area.
Tambis also touched on the disconnection policy, saying a notice is embedded on the billing statement once there is a past due amount.
Meanwhile, Tambis was recently in Bali, Indonesia, and had a first-hand encounter with the fuel crisis impact there.
He was told the crisis’ impact is less compared to the Philippines, as the Indonesian government is subsidizing fuel prices in Indonesia.
The Indonesians also cushioned the impact of fuel supply issues by engaging in fuel rationing, he said.
He also mentioned the economic situation there and how the Indonesian government encourages family planning.
Middle East tensions keep fuel prices uncertain
Uncertainty still hovers and may not be helping to bring down the cost of fuel, said lawyer Adnan Alonto, former Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
Alonto, told Ardy Araneta-Batoy and Gloria Leodivica Araneta during a radio interview, that even with a ceasefire, uncertainties still hover in the Middle East.
Alonto said he is not certain if the Hormuz strait has been opened yet, but Iran was supposed to allow ships to sail through the narrow passage, subject to coordination with Iranian Armed Forces.
Alonto said the mentioned passageway has been under Iranian control and this caused supply disruptions, especially for countries dependent on Middle Eastern oil, such as the Philippines.
He said time will tell if free passage of all ships through the strait will happen.
Alonto said he thinks that it may take time for fuel prices to decline back to pre-war levels.
He said the problem is nuanced and there are issues needing to be ironed out, and the ceasefire is just for a couple of weeks, and no one is completely sure if the corresponding peace talks will ripen into a final peace agreement among US, Israel, and Iran.
He also said most of the Gulf States have incurred damage to the energy infrastructure from the bombings coming from the Iranians.
It is uncertain about the extent of the damage incurred and how long the recovery is, he said, and the damage may play a role when prices of fuel rollback to pre-war levels.
He said the next few days will help provide clarity on the situation and will have a positive impact on global oil prices.
He said oil industry stakeholders have a say on how long it takes to dial back the fuel prices back to pre-war levels.
Alonto said he was surprised that when the war broke out, fuel prices immediately increased at the pump, even though the oil companies are selling old inventory, and it seems oil companies are acting predatory, and the rise in fuel prices is uncalled for.
The current inventory is set to last for 50 days, and he assumed the stocks were procured before the war broke out, and rising prices due to geopolitical tensions may be seemingly predatory, and the government should have stopped it.
Alonto wants the government to be more stern and to ensure that as oil companies are entitled to profit, they don’t have an unbridled license to amass huge profit at the expense of the Filipino people.
Alonto said while the US and Israel want to decapitate Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions, after a few weeks, the world saw that the war is not just disabling Iran’s nuclear ambition, but is connected to Israel’s agency for the region, and that war against Lebanon should not be included in the truce.
He said it is in the interest of Israel to expand its territory into southern Lebanon.
He thinks the objectives of the US and Israel are divergent, and this may play some complications in the peace talks during the truce, he explained, and the US must clarify its objectives to remove anxiety among the American public.
It seems, he said, Israel’s objectives are being carried out more than the US’ objectives.
Anda, Loon hit with mild quakes
Two mild quakes hit the towns of Anda and Loon on Mar. 30, 2026, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
A 2.8-magnitude quake hit Anda town early Monday morning with the epicenter located on the landmass of Anda.
PHIVOLCS said the fault near Anda has been moving constantly since 2024 and the state bureau said it is best for the fault to be moving frequently to ease pressure.
A 1.6-magnitude quake hit Loon also early Monday morning, said Nolan Evangelista of PHIVOLCS Bohol.
Evangelista reported no damage were reported as a result of the twin quakes.
Evangelista said a portion of Bohol East Fault that has not moved for a long time.
He said the portion is located at sea and there is no reason to be complacent.
While the magnitude is dependent on the length of the fault, shorter length means milder magnitude.
Bohol is particular with earthquake as it experienced a devastating one in 2013 causing massive damage to infrastructure.
However, Bohol is able to survive and show its resilience following the earthquake.
DPWH denies contractors’ call to suspend infra projects
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) denied calls of contractors to suspend the bidding and implementation of various infrastructure projects included in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) amid the fuel crisis.
The contractors called for the suspension of bidding and award of government projects and this was denied by the DPWH.
DPWH 7 regional director Simon Arias said in a dialogue with Bohol contractors, the DPWH will continue with the implementation of projects despite the fuel crisis, reports on Mar. 30, 2026, said.
Reports said no less than 120 Bohol contractors signed a resolution asking the DPWH and other implementing agencies to temporarily suspend the bidding for projects and awarding of such as mandated in the GAA.
During these discussions, Arias confirmed that the government allows for adjustments to project costs rather than a blanket suspension of bidding or works.
The contractors also asked for a recalculation and review of construction material price data issued by the DPWH early this year.
Contractors aired concerns on the reduction of the construction market price data as the reduction has affected their capacity to implement the projects based on the approved budget for contract as prices of materials continue to rise.
Arias said contractors can use local market prices to help contractors cope with rising materials costs.
Reports said the local price escalation is designed to avert any possible problems in implementing the project, by adjusting the contract based on prevailing market prices.
Loon mayor reveals impact of ME conflict on town’s plans
Loon mayor Pedro Literatus Jr. revealed the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has impacted the town’s plans.
He made the revelation to town employees during the flag ceremony on Mar. 30, 2026.
He said the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued a directive to local government units (LGU) to suspend trainings or seminars that require travelling.
The Liga ng mga Barangay and the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines asked all departments to cancel all travel plans until new guidelines are released from Manila.
Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado also issued a directive to closely monitor the prices of fuel sold in Bohol, including Loon where nine gas stations are operating in the said town.
Reports said a monitoring team issues regular reports every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and submits these reports to the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force on Economic and Energy Resiliency as a way to monitor the fuel prices sold in gas stations.
People are on pins and needles as fuel prices spiral unabated with rounds of increases happening each Tuesday.
There is a call to unite amid the challenges of the times as fuel prices soaring means that commodity prices may also surge, causing problems to the people.
Three suspected drug pushers arrested in Bohol
Three suspected drug pushers were arrested in separate instances in Bohol following buy bust operations on Mar. 29, 2026 in Panglao, Calape, and Inabanga.
The operations yielded over P200,000 worth of alleged shabu, reports add.
In Panglao, the local police arrested a suspect in barangay Danao.
The suspect is a 36-year-old male and unemployed, residing in the said barangay.
The suspect was newly identified and added to the drug watchlist.
Taken from him were alleged shabu weighing 1.83 grams worth P12,000.
In Calape, the police took into custody a drug suspect in barangay Sta. Cruz.
The suspect is a 39-year-old male and from San Isidro, Calape.
Taken from him were 3.65 grams of alleged shabu worth P24,000.
Meanwhile, in Inabanga, police arrested a drug suspect in barangay Luyo.
The suspect is a 43-year-old male from barangay Luyo.
Seized from the suspect were alleged shabu weighing approximately 24.18 grams and worth P164,000.
The suspects now face charges of violation of Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
5 Boholano graduates from PNPA, commissioned as lieutenants
The Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) announced that five Boholanos graduated from the police academy.
John Emerson Cubillo of Tubigon, Iverson Caitom of Sierra Bullones, and Carl Vincent Rulona of Calape, John Philip Alexis Regidor from Loon, and Jimwell Ampit of Anda, graduated from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) and are now lieutenants in the police organization.
They completed four years of training in the academy, showing character, discipline, and dedication.
BPPO chief Col. Patrico Degay Jr. said the achievement of the new police officers showed the determination of the Boholano youth as the new officers start their careers in the police service.
They are among the 326 graduates of the PNPA’s class of Silang-Paglaom class of 2026.
They were officially commissioned as lieutenants during the 47th PNPA Commencement Exercises held on March 27, 2026, at Camp General Mariano N. Castañeda in Silang, Cavite.
The guest of honor was President Marcos Jr., and the batch name refers to the birth of hope.
This class is the second batch in the Academy’s history to graduate with all members exclusively joining the Philippine National Police (PNP).
In the past, some PNPA graduates ended up with the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
This is mandated under Republic Act No. 11279.
The law mandates the BJMP and BFP to conduct their own training.
The law mandates that the PNPA will focus exclusively on developing police officers, making them a dedicated unit under the Philippine National Police.
RDC 7 meets to discuss Middle East conflict impact
The Regional Development Council (RDC) 7 convened its full council meeting on Mar. 30, 2026 in Cebu and the discussions focused on the possible effects of the Middle East conflict on the region.
The concerns revolved on economy, security, and public order amid the growing concerns about ballooning fuel prices, reports said.
The said meeting was presided over by Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro where the RDC assessed the possible effects of the war in the Middle East.
Also discussed were the steps on how to mitigate the impact of the conflict as well as policy directions and solutions that the government can undertake in order to cushion the impact of the fuel supply crisis.
Attending the meeting was Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado and his wife Second District Rep. Maria Vanessa Aumentado.
They pushed for more projects for Bohol during the council meeting.
The council also took notice on the effects on the currency exchange, business climate and situation of overseas Filipino workers as they might be impacted by the worsening conflict in the Middle East, reports add.
Drug suspect arrested in Ubay
A drug suspect was arrested in Ubay, reports said on Mar. 31, 2026.
The suspect was arrested following a buy bust operation in barangay Tipolo.
The suspect is a 32-year-old ice delivery rider and a resident of barangay Tipolo.
Taken from him were packets of alleged shabu weighing 4.52 grams and valued at P30,733 more or less.
The suspect now faces appropriate charges as he has been taken into police custody.
In other news, a construction worker was arrested by a tracker team of Bien Unido after the suspect was tracked in Cambangay Norte, San Miguel on Mar. 27, 2026.
Judge Jorge Espinal of Regional Trial Court branch 51 in Carmen issued the arrest warrant against the suspect.
The suspect is charged with violation of Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and no bail has been recommended for his provisional liberty.
Fisherman arrested in Anda for frustrated homicide
A fisherman was arrested in Anda, reports on Mar. 31, 2026 said as the victim reportedly sustained several injuries.
The Anda police arrested the 56-year-old fisherman after allegedly stabbing a fellow fisherman in the said town.
The suspect was known as alias Upong from barangay Suba, Anda and the incident happened when there was a drinking session on Mar. 26, 2026.
Based on the investigation, the motive behind the stabbing is unclear and the victim was attacked by the suspect using a broken glass bottle.
The victim sustained injuries on several parts of his body as he was stabbed repeatedly.
The victim was then rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The police conducted a hot pursuit operation against the suspect and resulted in the suspect’s arrest as the suspect is now in police custody as he faces appropriate charges.
Alleged kidnap victim returns home safely in Inabanga
An alleged kidnap victim from Inabanga has reportedly returned home.
The person was earlier reported to have been missing following a questionable operation.
Reports said that an unidentified person called the victim’s sibling saying the family can pick the victim up near a border store in Catigbian.
Ento, who is from Badiang, Inabanga, was successfully retrieved and the victim said that he had no idea where he was brought by those who abducted him.
He said he was blindfolded all the while he was abducted by unidentified persons.
The recovery of the victim ended the saga where Ento was taken by unidentified persons on Mar. 21, 2026, in an alleged buy bust operation.
The family said Ento is not a big-time drug personality and only run errands by those who allegedly wish to buy alleged illegal drugs and Ento was rewarded by letting him use drugs.
Despite the return of Ento, questions remain as to who the abductors were.
Reports said the motive of the abductors remain unknown as the identity is also uncertain.
Village chief disputes kuja poisoning linked to resident’s death
Barangay Booy captain Eutorgio “Jun” Telmo Jr. denied reports that kuja caused poisoning leading to the death of a person.
A 63-year-old male died and initially it was blamed on consumption of kuja, a locally-known seafood.
Telmo denied the earlier reports that kuja poisoning was the cause of the death of a person from barangay Booy.
Telmo asked the City Health Office (CHO) about the incident and learned that the victim did not die from kuja consumption. It was the fatality’s companion who complained of stomach troubles following kuja consumption.
Meanwhile, the one who died showed no signs of being poisoned with food and it appears the kuja was not the culprit in his death.
Telmo conducted a probe at Cainggit beach on Mar. 30, 2026, where he met with vendors at the beach and said they have no clue on the incident.
Telmo also called an emergency meeting with kuja divers to discuss the situation as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources issued a red tide warning at Tagbilaran Bay.
Telmo urged the CHO to visit the beach in Booy to probe the situation there as the barangay wants to know the source of the kuja and to educate people on the harm brought by the red tide.
Telmo said kujas are harvested at a distance and not near the shore.
He wants to strengthen monitoring to avoid any incident of health issues.
Meanwhile, bean vendors in Cainggit expressed concern on their sale as a result of the news circulating about alleged food poisoning from kuja.
They said their daily income has taken a hit since the alleged food poisoning news broke out.
Vendors are waiting for additional feedback and official declaration from the CHO to clarify the issue.
Village chief disputes kuja poisoning linked to resident’s death
Barangay Booy captain Eutorgio “Jun” Telmo Jr. denied reports that kuja caused poisoning leading to the death of a person.
A 63-year-old male died and initially it was blamed on consumption of kuja, a locally-known seafood.
Telmo denied the earlier reports that kuja poisoning was the cause of the death of a person from barangay Booy.
Telmo asked the City Health Office (CHO) about the incident and learned that the victim did not die from kuja consumption. It was the fatality’s companion who complained of stomach troubles following kuja consumption.
Meanwhile, the one who died showed no signs of being poisoned with food and it appears the kuja was not the culprit in his death.
Telmo conducted a probe at Cainggit beach on Mar. 30, 2026, where he met with vendors at the beach and said they have no clue on the incident.
Telmo also called an emergency meeting with kuja divers to discuss the situation as the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources issued a red tide warning at Tagbilaran Bay.
Telmo urged the CHO to visit the beach in Booy to probe the situation there as the barangay wants to know the source of the kuja and to educate people on the harm brought by the red tide.
Telmo said kujas are harvested at a distance and not near the shore.
He wants to strengthen monitoring to avoid any incident of health issues.
Meanwhile, bean vendors in Cainggit expressed concern on their sale as a result of the news circulating about alleged food poisoning from kuja.
They said their daily income has taken a hit since the alleged food poisoning news broke out.
Vendors are waiting for additional feedback and official declaration from the CHO to clarify the issue.
BM calls for clarity on tourist transport pricing
Second district Board Member Jaime Aumentado Villamor called on the Provincial Government to help clarity pricing for tourist transport services.
This comes as the board member cited the seemingly lack of a price guide for tourist transport services in Bohol.
Villamor raised the said concern during the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on Mar. 31, 2026.
Villamor pointed out what seems to be a price fragmentation in the said sector.
She said the various proposals including the 40 percent fare hike or fuel surcharge caused confusion among operators and tourists.
Villamor understands the surcharge is meant to cushion the impact of fuel price surge, she said there is a need for clear and standard pricing and the lack thereof may lead to an erosion of trust among tourists and the stability of the tourist industry.
She warned that the lack of an official price guide, various interpretation of pricing will soon surface and the problem remains unresolved.
She urged the Provincial Tourism Development Council led by Gov. Aris Aumentado, to gather stakeholders and to forge a formal agreement and to publicize a clear and transparent price guide for tourist transport services.
The price guide should reflect based on actual cost such as fuel, she added.
Villamor said that deregulation does not mean the lack of order and this system needs a coordinated and robust leadership to protect Bohol tourism.
An SP resolution was approved asking the tourism development council to come up with a price guide that is clear and publicly available for tourist transport services in Bohol in relation with the Provincial Tourism Code to prevent price fragmentation and ensure order within the said industry.
Villamor chairs the SP Committee on Tourism and this is reason she is really pushing for clarity in prices of tourist transport services.
City Council pushes for VAT suspension to ease burden on consumers
The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) called on the suspension of the collection of Value-Added Tax (VAT) as a possible solution to lower prices especially of fuel.
The SP made the call during the regular session on Mar. 31, 2026, where VAT collection suspension or possibly the removal of the tax altogether imposed on products and services was discussed.
The move is aligned on the assumption that the tax’s removal may result in lower goods and services prices as a result of spiralling fuel prices.
Coun. Fausto Budlong filed a resolution calling for the suspension of VAT collection during his privilege speech.
He pointed out that the masses are having trouble coping with rising commodity prices due to ballooning fuel prices in the world market.
Budlong said the people are now approaching a breaking point and they need to get a lifeline in order to survive the elevated prices of goods and services as the rising fuel prices caused an inflationary effect.
He asked for swift action coming from the national government as Budlong earlier called for the suspension of excise tax collection on fuel products.
The city SP resolution urges President Marcos Jr. to mull the possible suspension of VAT collection levied on essential goods and services as a way to cushion the impact of the global fuel supply crisis.
Another resolution urges both houses of Congress to pass a law suspending VAT collection on prime goods and services.
The city SP also urges the Bohol Sangguniang Panlalawigan and other provincial boards to pass a similar resolution calling for an economic relief.
Budlong said the issue is all about justice as VAT collection suspension may provide prompt relief to consumers affected by rising prices of commodities.
Budlong suggested other ways to fill the collection deficit created by the suspension of VAT collection by imposing wealth tax, increase taxes imposed on luxury goods, and to boost tax collection to prevent tax evasion and anomalies.
He added that there is a need for diplomatic solutions to explore joint gas and oil exploration at the West Philippine Sea as long-term solution to solve the fuel supply issues.
The resolutions are formal appeal to officials to impose swift remedy against the continuing increases in fuel prices, he said.
Bohol police crack down on wanted persons, nabbing two suspects
Bohol Police successfully arrested two wanted persons in Bohol, including the top 6 most wanted in the municipal level and top 9 in the provincial level.
The wanted persons were arrested in separate operations conducted by the authorities.
They are now under police custody and face criminal charges in court.
Ubay police arrested a 57-year-old man, known as the top 6 most wanted in the municipal level.
The suspect was already in detention in Abuyog jail on Mar. 30, 2026.
He resided in barangay Tuburan and faces charges of violation of child abuse law and his arrest warrant was issued by Regional Trial Court branch 52 based in Talibon-Ubay.
Bail was set at P70,000 for his provisional liberty.
He remains detained as he is serving sentence for a completely different charge.
Meanwhile, Anda police nabbed a 26-year-old male, known as the top 9 most wanted at the provincial level.
He faces charges of violation of New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016.
The warrant of arrest was served on Mar 31, 2026, at the Ubay District Jail as the suspect is currently detained for illegal drug charges.
His warrant of arrest was issued by Regional Trial Court branch 51 in Carmen and bail was set at P300,000.
LPG prices rise again, hitting consumers hard
Prices of liquified petroleum gas (LPG) spiked again on April 1, 2026.
Reports said the increase was implemented in two tranches, of P10 per kilo of LPG, and make it less of a hassle for consumers.
This means, the first P5 per kilo was imposed on Wednesday and translates to P55 increase per 11 kilogram tank used in most households.
On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, another P5 per kilo increase will be implemented, which means another P55 increase in LPG prices for the tanks usually used in residences.
The cost increase was approved by the Department of Energy (DOE), as well as the instalment imposition of the rate increase to prevent cost shock among consumers.
Reports say the country imports LPG from South Korea and Japan.
Reports add the country’s LPG stock is eyed to last 40 days.
Man arrested for firing gun in residential area
A man was arrested for using a gun in a residential area in barangay Untaga, Alicia on Mar. 30, 2026.
The suspect is a 51-year-old male from the said barangay.
Alicia police received reports of a man allegedly firing a firearm in the said area following a call from a concerned citizen.
Allegedly, the man was under the influence of alcohol when he fired a gun, reports said.
The police responded to the report and saw the suspect walking towards his home.
Reports said the suspect threw the gun away upon seeing the police officers, but he was ultimately arrested.
He is now facing charges of violation of Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act as the suspect failed to show any form of license to carry or possess firearms.
Taken from the suspect was a .9 mm pistol and six rounds of live ammunition.
The suspect has been taken into custody by the police.
Man arrested for firing gun in residential area
A man was arrested for using a gun in a residential area in barangay Untaga, Alicia on Mar. 30, 2026.
The suspect is a 51-year-old male from the said barangay.
Alicia police received reports of a man allegedly firing a firearm in the said area following a call from a concerned citizen.
Allegedly, the man was under the influence of alcohol when he fired a gun, reports said.
The police responded to the report and saw the suspect walking towards his home.
Reports said the suspect threw the gun away upon seeing the police officers, but he was ultimately arrested.
He is now facing charges of violation of Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act as the suspect failed to show any form of license to carry or possess firearms.
Taken from the suspect was a .9 mm pistol and six rounds of live ammunition.
The suspect has been taken into custody by the police.
Southern Star Bus offers discount amid rising fuel costs
Despite fuel prices continuously ballooning, Southern Star Bus is offering a 10 percent discount for its regular passengers.
The offer lasted from Holy Wednesday until Good Friday.
The news was relayed by the bus company’s management in a radio report.
The discounted fares will revert to regular fares by April 6 or Easter Monday.
The promo does not cover those enjoying special discounts such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and students, who will receive the regular discounted rate of 20 percent.
The discount promo is made to heed the call of President Marcos Jr. to avoid fare increases amid the tension in the Middle East.
The bus company still had trips during Good Friday in selected routes, reports said.
Panglao councilor denies giving interview on alleged 2028 mayoral bid
Panglao Municipal Councilor Analyn Casane on Friday denied that she had been interviewed about plans to seek the municipal mayorship in the 2028 elections, saying she never gave any statement to any reporter and did not authorize the release of such information.
Casane issued the clarification via Messenger after reports emerged that a local group had been urging her to run for the top post, with some accounts mentioning the possibility of a tandem with fellow councilor Aya Montero-Caindec.
The disputed reports also portrayed Casane as hesitant, citing her non-native roots in Panglao and attacks she had allegedly already been receiving despite the election being years away.
Casane categorically denied the reports in their entirety.
She did not say whether she was ruling out a mayoral run altogether, leaving open the question of her political intentions for 2028.
PNP-Bohol cites legal basis for withholding identities of suspects, victims
The Bohol provincial police on Friday defended its practice of concealing the names and images of suspects, victims, and witnesses, saying the policy is rooted in law and intended to protect the integrity of the justice process.
The Philippine National Police-Bohol said the withholding of personal information is not an attempt to suppress the truth but a measure to prevent trial by publicity, which it said could irreparably damage an individual’s reputation before a court has ruled on the case.
The police cited the Data Privacy Act of 2012 as the primary legal basis for the policy, noting that personal information is classified as sensitive under the law and that its unauthorized disclosure — particularly before guilt is established — constitutes a privacy violation.
Internal PNP regulations and the agency’s Media Relations Policy also prohibit the public display of the faces of those taken into custody, the statement said, in order to preserve their dignity and safeguard ongoing investigations.
The police further invoked the constitutional presumption of innocence, under which all accused persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in court.
Special protections apply to victims in cases involving violence against women and children under Republic Act 9262 and Republic Act 7610, the police added, with identity concealment intended to prevent further trauma and shield victims from possible retaliation.
Operationally, the police said keeping suspect identities confidential also reduces the risk that accomplices could be tipped off, potentially enabling them to evade arrest.
Major fuel price rollback expected next week, industry monitors say
Motorists and transport operators may get significant relief at the pump next week, with industry monitors projecting a substantial rollback in diesel prices based on four days of trading data from the Mean of Platts Singapore.
Diesel prices are expected to fall by between 5.50 pesos and 6.50 pesos per liter, while gasoline prices could see a smaller reduction of up to 1 peso per liter or no adjustment at all, according to the preliminary estimates.
The projected rollback is attributed to a market reaction to a two-week ceasefire in an unspecified geopolitical conflict, which eased global supply concerns and pulled down international benchmark prices.
The final price adjustments are expected to be announced Monday and take effect Tuesday at fuel stations nationwide.
The rollback, if confirmed at the upper end of estimates, would be among the more significant weekly fuel price reductions in recent months and comes as transport groups have been pressing for fare relief amid an extended period of elevated pump prices.
Bohol governor urges mayors to consider cutting business taxes amid global crisis
Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado has called on the province’s mayors to explore reducing business taxes for 2026 to ease the burden on local entrepreneurs amid the continuing global economic crisis.
Aumentado said the private sector is a pillar of the local economy and must be given relief to recover, stressing that unity between government and business is essential to weathering the downturn.
He said the provincial capitol, together with Eustaquio Socorin, would look into ways to further lighten the load on businesses.
The governor expressed confidence that through cooperation, Bohol’s economy could recover faster and build a stronger foundation for the province’s future
Tagbilaran City allots P40M for fuel subsidy, free rides, food vouchers
The Tagbilaran City government has approved a P40,350,000-peso supplemental budget to help residents cope with rising fuel prices, covering food vouchers, free rides, and cash subsidies for tricycle drivers and fisherfolk.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod approved the measure during its regular session Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
Councilor Tim Butalid, chairman of the SP Committee on Appropriations and Accounts, sponsored the ordinance and said guidelines for distribution were already in place.
The largest allocation — P28,600,000 pesos — goes to a food voucher program giving each city household 1,000 pesos. Some P6,750,000 pesos is earmarked for fuel subsidies, and 5,000,000 pesos funds the Libreng Sakay free-ride program. All funds come from unappropriated surplus.
Registered tricycle drivers and fisherfolk with boats will each receive a 2,000-peso fuel subsidy, with distribution set for April 16 to 18. Eligible fisherfolk must be listed in the Registry of Fisherfolks under the City Agriculture and Veterinary Office.
The Libreng Sakay program offers free PUV rides from Tagbilaran City Square along recognized routes from 4 to 8 p.m., and a separate route from Tagbilaran City College to B. Inting-Jacinto streets from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.
Petron cuts fuel prices at Bohol stations effective Thursday
Petron Corporation rolled back prices on select fuel products at its Bohol stations effective 6 a.m. Thursday, April 9, offering modest relief to motorists amid volatile global oil prices.
Under the adjustment, Diesel Max is now priced at 138.90 pesos per liter, Turbo Diesel at 141.90 pesos, XCS at 91.10 pesos, and Xtra Advance at 89.00 pesos.
The rollback applies to three stations in Tagbilaran City: Petron JS Torralba – Petrobest Servicenter near the Cathedral, Petron Dampas – Petrobest Bohol Corp near IBT/Dao Market, and Petron JA Clarin – Petrobest Bohol Corp near Citi Hardware Dao.
The company thanked consumers for their continued patronage and urged the public to follow its official pages for future price adjustments and announcements.
Motorists were also reminded to carry their Petron Value Cards to earn points with every fill-up.
The price cuts come as pump prices across the Philippines remain sensitive to swings in the global petroleum market, driven in part by ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
TAGBILARAN CITY ORDERS PHARMACY INSPECTIONS OVER FAKE ANTI-RABIES VACCINE REPORTS
City Mayor Jane Yap has ordered the City Health Office to conduct urgent inspections of all pharmacies in the city, following reports of fake anti-rabies vaccines being sold in various parts of the country, including Bohol.
The directive came after a GMA Public Affairs report and complaints from residents raised concerns over the safety of vaccines distributed by some private pharmacies.
Yap assured the public that anti-rabies vaccines stocked at the Tagbilaran City Health Office were safe and unaffected by the controversy due to strict government regulations.
The inspection team, to be led by City Health Head Dr. Jeia Pondoc and City Administrator Alvin Acuzar, will be joined by representatives from the Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health, Philippine National Police, and National Bureau of Investigation.
The city government also ordered all pharmacies to voluntarily surrender any fake or unregistered anti-rabies vaccines from their stockrooms, and warned that erring business owners would face sanctions.
Residents were urged to immediately report any suspicious transactions or information to the City Health Office.
NATIONAL ID NOW PRIMARY REQUIREMENT FOR SENIOR CITIZENS’ SOCIAL PENSION PAYOUT
The National ID under the Philippine Identification System will serve as the primary identification document for beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens program beginning April 1, 2026.
The move aligns with Republic Act No. 11055, or the PhilSys Act, which mandates the use of a single official identification for all government transactions.
The DSWD has said the policy will help eliminate ghost beneficiaries and streamline document validation during payouts.
Both the physical National ID card and the digital ePhilID are accepted as valid proof of identity, carrying equal weight under government regulations.
Senior citizens who have yet to register are urged to visit the nearest Philippine Statistics Authority office.
Only a valid ID or a PSA-issued birth certificate is required for registration.
The National ID is free and valid for life, easing the burden on elderly beneficiaries who previously had to secure multiple identification documents to claim their pensions.
LIM BLASTS CYBERLIBEL CASE, CALLS IT AUMENTADO BID TO HUMILIATE HIM
Former Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Lim on Monday slammed the cyberlibel case filed against him by 2nd District Representative Vanessa Aumentado, wife of Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado, calling it a deliberate attempt to publicly humiliate him.
Lim said the case was designed to embarrass him, particularly through the prospect of a mugshot, but claimed the effort had backfired.
He added that the Aumentados had similarly filed cases against other individuals.
Lim and Poblacion 1 Barangay Kagawad Arlene Karaan are now facing trial after each posting P48,000 bail following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.
Defense counsel Atty. Lord Marapao IV said the case would proceed after prosecutors found sufficient grounds to charge both respondents.
VIRAL ‘KIDNAPPING’ VIDEO IN BACLAYON A DOMESTIC DISPUTE, POLICE SAY
A viral video purportedly showing a kidnapping in Baclayon town was nothing more than a domestic dispute, the Bohol Police Provincial Office said.
Investigators determined that what appeared to be an abduction was actually a forceful attempt at reconciliation between individuals in a relationship, the BPPO said in a statement.
The incident was initially reported as a coercion case at the Baclayon Municipal Police Station but was settled privately.
The complainant has since signed an Affidavit of Desistance, prompting authorities to consider the matter closed.
Provincial Director PCOL Patricio C. Degay Jr. assured the public that the incident was isolated and posed no threat to public safety.
The BPPO, however, expressed concern over the video’s spread without proper context, warning that it had caused unnecessary alarm.
“We urge the public to exercise caution and responsibility in sharing unverified information online,” said PMAJ Rey Olar, the BPPO’s public information officer. “Always rely on official police reports to avoid misinformation and public panic.”