01/04/2026
🇵🇭 Top 5 Major News in the Philippines Today (April 1, 2026)
1. PH Eyes Diplomatic Talks with Iran to Secure Fuel Tankers President Marcos Jr. has directed the DFA to initiate talks with Tehran to ensure the safe passage of Philippine-bound fuel shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. The move aims to protect the country's energy supply as the Middle East conflict threatens key global oil transit routes. manilatimes.net
2. Palace Suspends Gov't Work Starting 12:00 Noon Today Malacañang issued Memorandum Circular No. 116, suspending work in government offices and classes in public schools starting noon today, Holy Wednesday. The half-day schedule is intended to give employees sufficient time to travel and observe Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. pia.gov.ph/
3. DOE: 900,000 Barrels of Diesel to Arrive This April The Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed that nearly 1 million barrels of diesel are scheduled to arrive this month to bolster the national buffer stock. The shipment is part of the government's emergency procurement strategy to stabilize supply during the ongoing global energy crisis. pna.gov.ph
4. Health Sec. Herbosa Sued Over P1.4-B Expired Meds, Vaccines A group of "concerned DOH personnel" has filed a graft complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman against Health Secretary Ted Herbosa. The complaint alleges negligence regarding P1.4 billion worth of expired medicines and vaccines that were reportedly left undistributed. philstar.com/
5. Holy Week Travel Peak: 5M Passengers Daily Expected Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced that transport hubs are bracing for over five million passengers per day during the Lenten peak. Despite record-high fuel prices, a "massive exodus" to the provinces has begun, with the PCG and PNP on "Full Alert" status. philstar.com/