Approved under Monetary Board Resolution 296 dated April 8, 2026, banks are allowed to give clients more time to pay their loans, including up to six months of grace period for most borrowers and up to one year for farmers.

This means affected individuals and businesses can delay payments without being immediately penalized.

The BSP also said these loans will not automatically be classified as “bad loans” for up to one year, giving both borrowers and banks room to recover without hurting credit standing.

In addition, the central bank is urging banks and e-wallet providers to temporarily waive fees for online transfers, including InstaPay and PESONet, to help people save on costs.

“Lower-cost digital transactions may help consumers and businesses by reducing the need for transportation to banks and e-money service providers,” the BSP said in a news release.

The relief measures can be used for up to one year from the government’s declaration of a national energy emergency on March 24, which was triggered by global supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East.

The BSP said the goal is to help businesses stay afloat and keep lending flowing despite rising costs.

“The BSP remains committed to promoting financial stability, financial consumer protection, and overall financial health amid the energy emergency,” it added.

However, banks are expected to apply the relief only to borrowers genuinely affected by higher energy costs, ensuring responsible lending practices are maintained.

In a statement, Meralco said the incident occurred on April 8, 2026, inside a subdivision in Rodriguez, Rizal, where a man was seen forcibly removing a resident’s electric meter despite objections from the homeowner and without presenting any valid identification or authorization.

The utility company said it immediately acted upon learning of the incident, later determining that the individual involved was acting upon instructions from the property owner.

Meralco has since filed a criminal complaint for Malicious Mischief before the Rizal Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against two individuals, citing deliberate damage to company-owned property.

Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga reiterated that electric meters remain the property of the distribution utility and stressed that any unauthorized removal or tampering is punishable under the law.

“We would like to emphasize once again that electric meters are property of Meralco and any unauthorized removal or damage is illegal and subject to legal action,” Zaldarriaga said.

He also urged the public to be vigilant against individuals impersonating Meralco personnel, noting that legitimate employees and contractors are always in proper uniform, carry official identification, and operate marked service vehicles.

“We once again remind the public that all legitimate Meralco employees and contractors are in uniform with company ID, carry official field orders, and use clearly marked vehicles,” he added.

Meralco said it has already restored the customer’s electricity service and continues to coordinate with authorities as part of its investigation and enforcement efforts.

“We also urge the public to immediately report these illegal activities to us and to the proper authorities. We will continue to work closely with authorities to address illegal acts and protect the welfare of our customers,” Zaldarriaga said.

Customers may report concerns through the My Meralco app, Meralco’s official Facebook page (facebook.com/meralco) and X account (@meralco), or via text hotlines 0920-9716211 and 0917-5516211, or through the Meralco Hotline 16211.

The agreement, reached following an April 6 meeting convened by Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, covers a wide range of staple goods with suggested retail prices (SRPs), including canned sardines, processed milk, bread, coffee, locally manufactured instant noodles, bottled water, laundry soap, candles, salt, canned meat, condiments, and toilet soap.

Roque said the continued industry cooperation underscores a shared commitment to price stability and consumer protection despite volatility in fuel and supply chains.

“We thank our manufacturers for their continued cooperation with the government. This constant dialogue allows us to respond proactively, keep prices stable, and ensure that Filipino consumers remain informed and protected,” she said.

She also assured the public that supply remains sufficient. “There is no need for panic buying, as supply remains adequate. The DTI continues to monitor markets daily to ensure that basic goods are available and prices remain affordable,” Roque added.

As part of its broader UPLIFT framework, the DTI is intensifying nationwide monitoring, adopting a whole-of-government approach to cushion Filipino families from inflationary pressures. While no enforcement actions have been necessary so far, the agency emphasized that compliance mechanisms are in place. Businesses found selling above SRP levels may face Letters of Inquiry or Notices of Violation, with strict penalties for practices such as hoarding and profiteering.

Participating companies include Nestlé Philippines, Inc., Monde Nissin Corporation, Universal Robina Corporation, Century Pacific Food, Inc., Procter & Gamble Philippines, San Miguel Foods, Inc., and Alaska Milk Corporation, among others.

To promote transparency and guide consumers, the DTI said the official SRP bulletin is widely available through in-store postings in supermarkets and groceries nationwide, as well as online via its official website and social media channels.

With sustained coordination between government and industry, the DTI said it remains focused on maintaining reasonable prices, ensuring adequate supply, and protecting both consumers and enterprises under the administration’s economic agenda.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its E-Commerce Bureau (ECB), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Direct Selling Association of the Philippines (DSAP) on March 17, 2026, establishing a coordinated effort to curb unauthorized online selling and promote a safer digital marketplace.

The agreement, signed at Discovery Suites in Ortigas Center, Pasig City, focuses on protecting consumers from illegitimate sellers while supporting legitimate businesses that comply with fair trade standards.

Under the partnership, both parties will collaborate on information sharing, consumer education, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening accountability and trust in online transactions.

DTI ECB Director Atty. Eryl Royce R. Nagtalon underscored that safeguarding consumers in the digital economy requires shared responsibility.

“This partnership with DSAP is a recognition that effective e-commerce governance requires collaboration. The government cannot do this alone,” Atty. Nagtalon said.

He stressed that beyond addressing unauthorized sellers, the broader goal is to restore confidence in online platforms.

“The goal of this partnership is not only to address unauthorized online selling of direct selling companies’ products, more importantly, this is about building trust in the digital marketplace,” he added.

The initiative is aligned with Republic Act No. 11967, or the Internet Transactions Act, which mandates the DTI to strengthen consumer protection and ensure fair competition in e-commerce.

For its part, DSAP said the agreement reinforces the need for ethical business practices as more companies shift to digital platforms.

“This partnership between DSAP and the DTI E-Commerce Bureau reflects a shared vision of a digital marketplace built on trust, accountability, and responsible innovation,” said DSAP Chairman Joey Sarmiento.

“As the direct selling industry continues to embrace digital platforms, collaboration between the private sector and government is essential to safeguard consumers, protect legitimate businesses, and elevate the standards of e-commerce in the Philippines,” he added.

The DTI said it will continue working with industry stakeholders to ensure that the country’s digital marketplace remains safe, fair, and trustworthy for consumers.

As social media increasingly doubles as a sales channel, regulators are reminding online merchants that digital convenience comes with regulatory obligations.

The partnership, led by DTI’s E-Commerce Bureau (ECB), centers on helping sellers understand and comply with Republic Act 11967, also known as the Internet Transactions Act of 2023, which sets rules for online transactions and platform accountability.

Under a memorandum of understanding signed between DTI and TikTok Shop, the two parties will roll out awareness and capacity-building initiatives, including webinars, short educational videos, and learning modules. These materials aim to guide platform sellers on their duties and liabilities when conducting internet-based trade.

The initiative kicked off with a January 28 webinar for TikTok Shop sellers that drew over 179,000 views. The session introduced the mandate of the DTI ECB and key programs supporting the implementation of RA 11967.

DTI ECB Director Atty. Eryl Royce Nagtalon highlighted that “collaboration with a private e-commerce stakeholder such as TikTok Shop is a key initiative of the government to continuously enhance the skills and services of online sellers, including their awareness of their obligations and liabilities under the Internet Transactions Act and other regulatory requirements.”

Yves Gonzalez, TikTok Shop’s Head of Public Policy, also emphasized that “this understanding strengthens our common goal of building a more robust e-commerce sector by focusing on and prioritizing the continuous development of our sellers. Both TikTok Shop and DTI ECB recognize the positive change and impact that ongoing learning brings to our sellers, ultimately contributing to a vibrant and future-proof e-commerce ecosystem.”

In a letter to ERC Chairman Hon. Francis Saturnino C. Juan, the think tank noted that removing bill deposits disrupts regulatory predictability under the Performance-Based Regulation (PBR) framework and introduces costs that utilities would likely recover through higher rates.

Bill deposits provide low-cost working capital and a buffer against credit risk. Abrupt removal could force utilities to borrow commercially, raise bad debt provisions, and increase cost-of-capital assumptions—factors directly affecting electricity rates.

“The result is mathematically certain: rate hikes will surpass the one-time refunds given to consumers, undermining regulatory credibility,” InfraWatch PH Convenor Raymond E. Kahiwat said.

The group highlighted that smaller distribution utilities and rural electric cooperatives would bear the brunt, serving dispersed communities with thin margins. They also noted the absence of a coordinated framework to reconcile consumer protections, such as grace periods and disconnection suspensions under the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers.

InfraWatch PH recommended publishing a transparent regulatory impact analysis, aligning any policy change with the PBR rate-reset timeline, and implementing transition safeguards for smaller utilities. The ERC should also strengthen coordination with disconnection rules and define alternatives to bill deposits.

The think tank emphasized it does not oppose abolishing deposits in principle but called for a careful, data-driven, and coordinated approach to avoid long-term consumer harm.

“Immediate relief should not come at the expense of sector stability, regulatory predictability, and future infrastructure investment,” Kahiwat concluded.

Approved by the UN General Assembly on December 15, 2025, the resolution affirms every consumer’s right to safe, non-hazardous products, in line with the UN Guidelines for Consumer Protection.

Key principles include:

All products—new, used, repaired, or reconditioned—must be safe.

Businesses hold primary responsibility for product safety throughout the design, production, and supply chain.

Public authorities can conduct risk assessments, order recalls, remove unsafe online listings, and share safety alerts internationally.

The framework is flexible and non-trade-restrictive, allowing countries to strengthen domestic laws, enforce safety standards, protect vulnerable consumers, and align product safety with sustainable consumption and circular economy goals.

Businesses are expected to act promptly on unsafe products. If they fail, authorities can require corrective measures, such as notifying consumers of risks, marking products with warnings, withdrawing or recalling items, repairing or destroying unsafe goods, or removing unsafe listings from online marketplaces. Companies that proactively ensure product safety can reduce recall risks, strengthen consumer trust, and meet global sustainability standards—key factors for competitiveness in international markets.

According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), 44% of UN member states still lack adequate legal frameworks for consumer product safety. The rise of e-commerce complicates enforcement, with an OECD study finding that 87% of recalled or banned products remain available online.

To support implementation, UNCTAD is developing its first Handbook on Consumer Product Safety, offering guidance to policymakers—especially in developing nations.

The study, based on a survey of 1,000 Filipino adults nationwide, reflects the growing sophistication and frequency of digital fraud. Scam attempts most commonly arrive through text messages and messaging apps, allowing fraudsters to seamlessly blend into everyday online conversations. Investment scams and unexpected money offers continue to top the list, often leaving victims stressed, overwhelmed, and realizing the deception only after financial or emotional damage has been done.

The findings were unveiled during the recent launch of the GASA Philippines Chapter, a multi-sector initiative chaired by Derick Ohmar Adil, Head of AI and Privacy Governance at Globe. The report underscores the urgent need for a coordinated, cross-industry response to counter the rapidly evolving scam landscape.

Through its leadership role in the GASA PH Chapter, Globe will help drive consumer education, enhance threat intelligence sharing, and foster closer collaboration across industries. The initiative aims to equip Filipinos with greater confidence and protection as they navigate the digital space.

With a global footprint, GASA has long championed collaborative approaches to combat scams and protect consumers worldwide. Globe’s acceptance of the GASA PH chairmanship—alongside vice chairs Gogolook and Meta—builds on earlier engagements with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and other government and private-sector stakeholders.

“The goal is to level the playing field for Filipinos,” Adil said. “Scams today move fast across different channels, and no single organization can solve this alone. Collaboration is the only way forward. We want Filipinos to feel safe online and to know that Globe is a trusted partner in addressing these threats.”

The partnership signals a shared commitment across sectors to strengthen online safety for Filipinos. Work among partners is already underway, with GASA PH set to refine recommendations, align stakeholders, and roll out targeted education and awareness programs in the coming months.

Through its continued leadership in the GASA PH Chapter, Globe aims to help build a digital environment where trust is reinforced, protections are clearer, and every Filipino feels supported online.

Senior Citizens Party-list Representative Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes has filed House Resolution No. 472 urging the House Committee on Energy to investigate, in aid of legislation, the continued non-implementation of the VAT removal required under Republic Act No. 12120, or the Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Act.

RA 12120, enacted on January 8, 2025, exempts the sale of indigenous natural gas—and the electricity generated from it—from VAT to help reduce power costs for Filipino households, particularly seniors and low-income consumers.

The Department of Energy released the Implementing Rules and Regulations on April 8, 2025, followed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 11-2025. Both took effect in April.

Despite these, power plants using indigenous natural gas are still being charged 12% VAT, resulting in households consuming around 200 kWh monthly paying about ₱42 per billing cycle—an amount that should have already been eliminated.

Ordanes warned that the delay undermines the law’s objective to ease the financial burden on consumers. He also wrote to DOE Secretary Sharon Garin seeking an update on the implementation status and requesting a time-bound action plan.

House Resolution No. 472 aims to identify bottlenecks, ensure accountability from implementing agencies, and close policy gaps preventing the immediate rollout of the VAT exemption.

According to Roque, supermarkets inspected were fully compliant with the automatic price freeze covering essential goods such as sardines, instant noodles, bread, coffee, processed milk, salt, bottled water, candles, and laundry soap.

“Iyong mga presyong na-monitor natin ngayon are even below the prices set by the DTI, so maganda itong balita dahil sumusunod ang mga grocery at supermarket sa direktiba ng ating Pangulo tungkol sa nationwide price freeze for the next 60 days,” the trade chief said.

Roque, accompanied by central and regional officials, inspected several major retail establishments including Gaisano Grand Fiesta Mall in Talisay, GMall Supermarket on Soriano Avenue, SM Supermarket in Mabolo, and Pacific Mall Metro Supermarket in Mandaue. The team reported no major violations and observed sufficient inventory levels throughout all stores visited.

To strengthen consumer protection during the 60-day price freeze period, DTI has mobilized monitoring teams nationwide to conduct daily field inspections, particularly in typhoon-affected communities. As of November 10, the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) also reported stable prices and adequate supply in Metro Manila after checking 75 firms across various districts.

Under Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, prices of basic necessities automatically revert to prevailing levels and remain frozen for 60 days in areas declared under a state of calamity.

Businesses found violating the automatic price freeze may face administrative and criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to ₱1 million. Establishments selling beyond the mandated prevailing prices will be issued a Notice of Violation and required to submit a response within 48 hours.