Jonathan Frederic De Santos

In this screen grab obtained on February 28, 2026 from video released by the US Central Command on their X account @CENTCOM shows the Arleigh Burke class guided-missile-destroyer, USS Spruance (DDG 111), firing Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles in support of Operation Epic Fury, from an undisclosed location on February 28, 2026.

In this screen grab obtained on February 28, 2026 from video released by the US Central Command on their X account @CENTCOM shows the Arleigh Burke class guided-missile-destroyer, USS Spruance (DDG 111), firing Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles in support of Operation Epic Fury, from an undisclosed location on February 28, 2026. The United States and Israel launched a wave of strikes against targets in Iran on February 28, sparking swift retaliation by the Islamic republic which responded with missile attacks across the region. (Photo by US Central Command (CENTCOM) / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "U.S. CENTCOM - HAND-OUT" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Article (news)

Karen De Guzman

Harlene Delgado

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1772695904949AFP__20260228__99DW2UL__v1__MidRes__UsIsraelIranConflict.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">In this screen grab obtained on February 28, 2026 from video released by the US Central Command on their X account @CENTCOM shows the Arleigh Burke class guided-missile-destroyer, USS Spruance (DDG 111), firing Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles in support of Operation Epic Fury, from an undisclosed location on February 28, 2026. </span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The Department of the Interior and Local Government will direct its attached agencies as well as local government units to cut down on expenses to mitigate the potential economic impact of escalating violence in the Middle East.</p><p>Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the directive applies not only to his department but to all Cabinet members after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued an order to adopt cost-saving measures.</p><p>He clarified that the cost-cutting measures would not necessarily involve work-from-home arrangements but would instead target unnecessary spending within the department. There will be &quot;adjustments for everyone&quot;, he said.</p><p>“Ibang issue kasi ‘yun. Marami kasing wastage sa amin—‘yung mga seminar, ‘yung mga awarding magre-renta ka ng buong hotel. Ang dami ng gastos ng aming department sa ganyan so we are gonna cut back on a lot of those things” he said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2026/3/5/israel-iran-launch-fresh-attacks-as-war-spreads-1006"><strong>Israel, Iran launch fresh attacks as war spreads<br/></strong></a></div><p>Remulla said the department would also tighten its inventory and procurement practices.</p><p>The directive to cut costs will also cover all offices under the department, including his own.</p><p>He cited as an example the changes made to the awarding ceremony for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), which used to be held annually.</p><p>Remulla said the recognition program is now conducted once every three years instead of annually.</p><p>“‘For me it’s too much of cost na ginagastos namin,” he said.</p><p>He noted that most of the department’s budget falls under maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE), making it the primary area where savings can be generated.</p><p>The DILG is expected to release details on how much the government could save from the austerity measures.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/3/4/airspace-closures-complicate-plans-to-bring-ofws-home-from-middle-east-1732"><strong>Airspace closures complicate plans to bring OFWs home from Middle East</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>FUEL SUBSIDIES TO TRANSPORT SECTOR MAY BE OUT BY MID-APRIL<br/></strong></div><p>Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation said it is eyeing releasing fuel subsidies for beneficiaries in the transport sector by mid-April, or about a month from now.</p><p>Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the department has to finish all the documentation needed for the assistance.</p><p>“Kapag hindi nagbago ang sitwasyon, ako po no, we’re targeting na mid-April baka makapagsimula na po kami. On the premise na tapos na po namin lahat ng mga documentation,” Lopez said in an ambush interview with reporters prior to Marcos Jr.’s inspection of the new Kamuning footbridge and rehabilitated Kamuning busway station Thursday, March 5.</p><p>Once all the papers are finalized, Lopez said they would ask for the Notice of Cash Allocation from the Department of Budget and Management and the certification from the Department of Energy.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2026/3/5/oil-crisis-plan-staggered-price-increases-excise-tax-cuts-4-day-work-week-1009"><strong>Oil crisis plan: Staggered price increases, excise tax cuts, 4-day work week<br/></strong></a></div><p>“Kasi ang nakalagay po sa ating batas, kailangan umabot tayo ng 80 dollars per barrel for one calendar month and average. So kapag ‘yan nagawa natin ng Marso, umabot tayo doon, at least pagdating po ng Abril, kapag naayos na po lahat ng mga papeles, magbibigay na lang tayo ng subsidiya,” he said.</p><p>The DOTr chief noted that P2.5 billion from the 2025 continuing budget can be used for the fuel subsidy. </p><p>Asked if a fare increase is also possible to further mitigate the skyrocketing of prices of petroleum products, Lopez said it needs to be studied thoroughly.</p><p>“We have to thread this very carefully with abundance of caution. Ang pagtataas po kasi ng pamasahe at this point in time ang kaakibat po niyan ay pagtaas ng mga bilihin, matik po ‘yan,” he said.  </p>

<p>The Department of the Interior and Local Government will direct its attached agencies as well as local government units to cut down on expenses to mitigate the potential economic impact of escalating violence in the Middle East.</p>

The Department of the Interior and Local Government will direct its attached agencies as well as local government units to cut down on expenses to mitigate the potential economic impact of escalating violence in the Middle East.

Middle East crisis: DILG to cut costs; DOTr eyes release of fuel subsidies by mid-April

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Middle East crisis: DILG to cut costs; DOTr eyes release of fuel subsidies by mid-April

Karen De Guzman,

Harlene Delgado,

ABS-CBN News

Published March 05, 2026 03:34 PM PHT

Read More:

Middle East

Iran

Department of the Interior and Local Government

Department of Transportation

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