4:46 p.m. March 20, 2026

Transport community groups welcomed the decision of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to adjust the base fares for transport network vehicle service (TNVS), calling the move a much-needed relief for transport professionals grappling with rising fuel and operating costs.

The TNVS fare structure has remained unchanged since 2019 despite the unabated hikes in oil pump prices even before the Middle East conflict erupted, and the decision by government regulators to adjust the fares upward was a recognition of the challenges confronting drivers and operators, according the TNVS sector.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the LTFRB and the DOTr (Department of Transportation) for heeding our long-standing call for a fair and just adjustment of the base fare,” said Walter Lugay, spokesperson of TNVS Community Philippines. “This decision is a vital recognition of the challenges faced by ordinary drivers and operators in today’s volatile economic climate.”

Lugay also acknowledged Grab’s role in helping ensure that the concerns of drivers were heard through dialogues with regulators in recent weeks. “We also recognize the leadership of Grab for their steadfast support in ensuring that our grievances reached the regulators through constructive dialogues over the past weeks.”

“This fare adjustment is more than just a price increase; it is a lifeline to ensure driver retention — preventing our members from leaving the service due to unsustainable operating costs,” he added.

Under the fare adjustments set by the LTFRB, the TNVS base fare will increase by ₱20, while the pick-up fare per kilometer will increase by ₱15. This brings the new base fares to ₱65 from ₱45 for sedans; ₱75 from ₱55 for AUVs; ₱55 from ₱35 for hatchbacks; and ₱165 from ₱145 for premium TNVS. The LTFRB said there will be no increase in the per-kilometer and per-minute travel time charges for TNVS.

At the same time, the group emphasized that easing these financial burdens will also help ensure that vehicles remain roadworthy and safe for passengers, while supporting the continued delivery of reliable service to the riding public.

“By addressing these financial burdens, we can help ensure that our vehicles remain in top condition for the safety of our passengers,” Lugay added. “We remain committed to providing safe, reliable, and high-quality service, serving as partners with the government and the public in keeping our transport system stable and dependable.”

According to the United Transportation Coalition Philippines, Inc. (UTCP), the LTFRB’s decision reflects government recognition of the challenges all transport workers across sectors deal with every day.

“We thank the LTFRB for listening to the appeals raised by our coalition through a series of dialogues,” said Lisza Buscaino-Redulla, president of UTCP. 

“It means a great deal to our sector that the government saw and heard our concerns—from our call for immediate assistance to our appeal for a fair increase in the base fare—especially amid the mega oil price hikes that continue to weigh heavily on the livelihoods of drivers,” she added.

The coalition also said it will continue to monitor market developments and their impact on transport professionals nationwide, while sustaining its engagement with relevant government agencies.

“We will continue to monitor market movements and their effects on transport professionals across the country,” Buscaino-Redulla said. “At the same time, we remain open and proactive in engaging the relevant government agencies to help ensure that every measure responds to the real conditions on the road and helps sustain a fair and humane livelihood for every driver.”

The LTFRB earlier announced fare adjustments across multiple land public transport modes, citing the need to balance commuter welfare with the viability of the transport sector amid extraordinary increases in fuel, maintenance, and operational costs. 

6:30 p.m. March 19, 2026

VISA has officially teamed up with GoTyme Bank for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, marking a defining moment in the journey of the fastest-growing bank in the Philippines. 

The partnership marks GoTyme Bank’s growing presence on the global stage, bringing Filipino fans closer than ever to the world’s most-watched sporting event and delivering unforgettable experiences on and off the pitch.

With more than 9 million customers in the Philippines and over 20 million worldwide, GoTyme Bank has rapidly grown into the country’s fastest-growing bank, expanding access to everyday financial services while connecting Filipinos to opportunities beyond the country.

“This partnership marks an important step forward for GoTyme Bank. Working alongside Visa in connection with the FIFA World Cup 2026™ reflects the ambition we have for our customers and for the country.” says GoTyme Bank CEO Nate Clarke.

“Visa and FIFA have a long, shared history of promoting football culture and celebrating football talent through the power of payments. We are committed to connecting fans to the moments that matter most, and the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is one of the world’s most anticipated sporting events. We are amplifying this partnership through the collaboration with GoTyme Bank, reflecting our shared goal of expanding access and enabling more Filipinos to participate in the global football experience. Together, we are enabling secure and seamless digital payments to unlock meaningful opportunities for cardholders across the Philippines,” said Jeffrey Navarro, Visa’s Country Manager for the Philippines. 

Step into the beautiful game: Experience the thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026™ with Visa and GoTyme Bank

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is expected to be one of the most widely watched sporting events in history. Hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the tournament will feature a record-breaking 48 teams competing in 104 matches. FIFA projects that billions of viewers around the world will tune in via broadcast and streaming, potentially setting new global viewership records. 

The tournament will kick off on June 11, 2026, and conclude with the final on July 19, 2026, in New York/New Jersey, drawing millions of fans to stadiums and fan events across North America.

For many Filipino fans, the FIFA World Cup™ is a global spectacle they passionately follow but rarely have the chance to experience firsthand. 

Through Visa’s partnership with GoTyme Bank for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, this is set to change. GoTyme Bank cardholders who use their GoTyme Bank Visa Debit Card will have the opportunity to experience the tournament live, marking a significant milestone for the bank as it aligns itself with one of the world’s most recognized sporting events and expands its presence on the global stage. 

Fly to the FIFA World Cup 2026™: Spend and win big with GoTyme Bank limited-edition Visa cards

As part of its official partnership with Visa for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, GoTyme Bank is launching a series of limited-edition GoTyme Bank Visa Debit Cards featuring the tournament’s iconic trophy. Available in Pitch Black and Trophy Gold, these GoTyme Bank Visa Debit Cards will showcase FIFA World Cup 2026™ imagery created by Filipino artist Ross Du, bringing a distinct local touch to the global tournament. These cards will be available nationwide through GoTyme Bank kiosks beginning March 23.

Cardholders, whether using the Classic GoTyme Bank Visa Debit Card, the Pitch Black edition, or the ultra-exclusive Trophy Gold, will earn raffle entries toward the promo, giving them a chance to win an all expenses paid trip to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in the United States, courtesy of Visa.

For the Classic and Pitch Black cards, every minimum spend of PHP1,000 earns one raffle entry. Overseas spending comes with a 3x multiplier, meaning every PHP1,000 equivalent spent abroad counts as three raffle entries, increasing customers’ chances of winning. One Classic cardholder and one Pitch Black cardholder will each win an all-expense-paid trip for two to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Group Stage in Los Angeles, including roundtrip business class tickets.

1:11 a.m. March 8, 2026

The annual closed fishing season for roundscad (galunggong) has been instrumental in ensuring sustainable yield and enhanced volume production, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said, citing the success of the science-based approach in Palawan. 

BFAR National Director Elizer Salilig said this fishing cycle, which has been enforced for over 10 years, allows the galunggong to thrive in Palawan waters, ensuring ecological balance and economic success for the local fishing industry. 

Galunggong is a dining staple among Filipino families, known to be relatively more affordable than other options. In Palawan, it sells for between P150 and P200 per kilo. 

“The success of the annual roundscad fishing cycle in Palawan shows what we can do together through science and discipline. It proves that science-based conservation is not a hindrance to the fishing industry, but its greatest ally,” said Salilig. 

The National Stock Assessment Program has confirmed the positive impact of the annual fishing hiatus, said Salilig. 

The annual fishing ban contributed to improved volume of roundscad production at 3,363.75 MT in the third quarter of 2024, a sequential increase of 55.1 percent. It was the top contributor to the total commercial fisheries production in MIMAROPA, accounting for 27.1% of the total fish catch. 

Enforcement of the fishing cycle has also led to a decrease in fishing mortality and the amount of immature galunggong in the catch. The roundscad also showed an increase in average length from 16.8 cm in 2015 to 17.6 cm in 2024, suggesting “improved growth and a healthier, more mature population.” 

The closed season for commercial fishing of roundscad in Northern Palawan takes effect every November 1 to January 31 and is lifted between February 1 and October 31. This fishing cycle, implemented via a 2015 administrative order, covers the West Philippine Sea and the Northern Sulu Sea.

This policy leaves the galunggong breeding ground largely undisturbed during the closed season, protecting the species during its peak spawning period.

Salilig thanked the Palawan fishing community for continuing to comply with the annual fishing cycle. 

“By respecting the natural spawning cycles of the galunggong, we are not just protecting an ecosystem; we are securing the food supply and the livelihoods of thousands of Filipino fishers for years to come,” he said. #