Context Dispatch

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Monday announced the seizure of P29 million worth of suspected marijuana and kush oil concealed in balikbayan boxes at the Manila International Container Port (MICP). The boxes, which arrived from Canada, were declared to contain used household goods and personal effects, and consigned to a residence in General Trias, Cavite. Customs Commissioner Bien Rubio condemned the use of balikbayan boxes for smuggling illegal drugs, emphasizing how it tarnishes a Filipino tradition of sending gifts to loved ones abroad. "Using them for something illegal is an insult to our hardworking OFWs and their families," Rubio remarked.

The Bureau of the Treasury said its official Facebook page has been compromised, denying the agency access to the social media account. In response, the Treasury urged the public to ignore any posts, messages, or announcements coming from the compromised page. The Bureau is working swiftly to regain control and resolve the issue. In the meantime, officials recommend relying on the Treasury’s verified communication channels, including its official website, www.treasury.gov.ph, for accurate updates and announcements. The BTr appreciates the public’s cooperation and caution during this ongoing security breach.

In line with the President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration’s commitment to take care of teachers, the Department of Education (DepEd) is set to renew and hire 7,062 school-based Administrative Support Staff under Contract of Service (CoS) across eligible public schools nationwide.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez welcomed the unexpected deceleration in February inflation, calling it “great news for every Filipino family.” Inflation slowed to 2.1% in February, below the lower end of the central bank’s 2.2%-3.0% forecast, a sign the economic policies of the Marcos administration are working. “This proves that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s economic team is getting the job done,” he said. Romualdez said the administration is unwavering in its focus on stabilizing prices, ensuring food security, and protecting the purchasing power of Filipinos. The House of Representatives is fully supporting these efforts by passing laws to lower food costs, stabilize energy prices, and create more jobs. “The past few years have been tough, but numbers don’t lie—our economy is getting stronger,” Romualdez added. “This is the result of sound leadership, strong policies, and the resilience of the Filipino people.”

With the March-to-May rice harvest season approaching, House Agriculture Committee Chair Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga has called for intensified government monitoring to prevent unfairly...