MANILA, — The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has approved the toll rate adjustments for the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) following petitions filed by joint venture partners CAVITEX Infrastructure Corporation (CIC) and Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) in 2020 and 2023. The new rates will take effect on October 28, 2025.​

To help ease the impact of the toll increase, CAVITEX’ “Abante Program” will be reactivated — a toll reprieve initiative allowing registered public utility vehicles (PUVs) and agricultural trucks to continue paying old toll rates for 90 days from implementation.​

Transport groups not yet enrolled may contact 1-35000 or email [email protected] to know more about the program and how to avail.​

“We appreciate the government’s affirmation to honor its contractual obligations with the Private Investors and Toll Operators.,” said CAVITEX management“. While the rate adjustments are necessary to ensure continued maintenance, safety, and improvement of the expressway, we also recognize the need to support sectors most affected by rising transport costs. The toll reprieve initiative seeks to strike a fair balance between infrastructure sustainability and public welfare. ​

New Toll Rates​

The TRB resolution grants the 2020 and 2023 petitions, authorizing the implementation of provisionally approved toll rates to support ongoing upgrades and maintenance activities.​

​CAVITEX R1 Portion (Seaside to Zapote) – VAT-inclusive rates effective October 28, 2025:​

Class 1: ₱35 → ₱39​

Class 2: ₱70 → ₱78​

Class 3: ₱104 → ₱117​

​CAVITEX R1 Extension Segment 4 (Zapote to Kawit):​
To moderate the impact on motorists, the rate adjustment will be implemented in two tranches (2025 and 2026). First tranche rates are as follows:​

Class 1: ₱73 → ₱88​

Class 2: ₱146 → ₱176​

Class 3: ₱219 → ₱264​

​Infrastructure Improvements​

CIC and PRA completed major infrastructure projects to ensure the expressway’s safety and efficiency, even prior to the approval of toll petitions, including:​

Expansion Joint Replacement at the Parañaque Segment Bridges and Imus Viaduct, enhancing ride comfort and structural reliability​

Upgraded RFID systems and installation of Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) technology for faster and more seamless transactions​

Ongoing pavement rehabilitation works in critical portions of both the Kawit and Parañaque segments​

CIC and PRA reaffirm their commitment to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient expressways that support economic growth and regional connectivity.​

​Note: Due to adjustment at CAVITEX R1 portion, CAVITEX C5 Link Segment 2 (Sucat Interchange) toll rate will also be adjusted accordingly to the new VAT-inclusive rates: ₱38 (Class 1), ₱76 (Class 2), and ₱114 (Class 3).​

Cebu City, Philippines — The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) denounces the reported harassment and death threats against residents of Toledo City, Cebu, following the protest they staged at the Cebu Provincial Capitol last Oct. 15, 2025. 

The residents who were greeted by Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro submitted a seven-page petition to the provincial government. Among the issues raised included farmers’ rising land taxes and eviction, undistributed Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOA), fisherfolk’s declining fish catch, illegal dumping of coal ash, and disruptive illegal large-scale quarry operations along the Hinulawan River in Toledo City.

The continuous extraction and transport of riverbed materials have caused serious damage to the river system, posing risks during floods to residents living near riverbanks. Quarry materials are used for the construction needs of Cebu City and Mandaue City, including reclamation projects for the expansion of Toledo coal plants.

PMCJ notes that this is not the first time climate defenders have been harassed. In Feb. 2025, PMCJ Cebu leaders reported an attempted intrusion into their office in Cebu City. PMCJ has been assisting communities affected by coal plant operations and development aggression activities not just in Toledo City but across the province. 

The harassment and death threats against Toledo residents only lend credence to the  Global Witness report, which for years has ranked the Philippines as the deadliest place for land and environment defenders in Asia, and fifth in the world.

PMCJ urgently appeals to the authorities to take immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of the concerned residents, who are themselves vulnerable to climate impacts. Those who advocate for environmental and climate justice should not face reprisal for their advocacy and vigilance. Instead, perpetrators of environmental crimes should be held to account to break the culture of impunity and end corrupt practices that allow impunity to thrive.

Senator Loren Legarda has urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to conduct a comprehensive review of questionable infrastructure projects in the 2025 budget, emphasizing that potential savings from overpriced or poorly implemented projects should be redirected to urgently needed social infrastructure, especially education.

During the continuation of the Senate Committee on Finance hearing on the DPWH’s proposed 2025 budget, Legarda raised concerns over projects amounting to nearly 1 trillion pesos that may still reflect outdated or inflated cost estimates.

“Another source of savings, if I may, would be questionable 2025 projects,” Legarda said. 

“I believe there is still 1 trillion worth in projects being implemented. So what do you do with those already being implemented but based on the cost of materials alam niyo na na-overpriced? Dapat mag-renegotiate, at dapat ay ibaba iyong presyo maski may kontrata dahil puwede naman iyan, may mga provisions naman sa New Government Procurement Act. Hindi tayo dapat patuloy na magpaloko sa mga nag-o-overprice. Things will not simply straighten out on their own by 2026 if we allow ₱1 trillion worth of projects to remain overpriced,” the senator explained. 

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon acknowledged Legarda’s concerns and assured the Committee that the Department has begun implementing cost adjustments to reflect the current, lower prices of materials.

“For 2025, for those that have not yet been procured, we will apply already the new cost of materials,” Dizon said. “For those that have already been awarded and are already ongoing. We will consult on papaano natin mahahabol, if kaya, iyong mga ongoing na at awarded na, but for those na hindi pa, definitely po we will apply the new cost already, we will not wait for 2026, we will apply the new cost already now.”

The four-term senator also urged DPWH to submit a district-level breakdown of projects that can be renegotiated or terminated, consistent with the President’s advisory to lower the Detailed Unit Price Analysis (DUPA).

“May we receive from the engineering districts a list of projects not yet implemented that can generate savings from renegotiated contracts based on the President’s advisory on lowering the DUPA? Second, for ongoing projects na alam niyong overpriced naman at niloloko tayo, bago pa makapasok ang bagong team, maaari niyo namang i-terminate ang mga ito — nagawa niyo na rin naman ito sa ibang distrito, ‘di ba?” Legarda asked.

Legarda emphasized that DPWH has both the authority and responsibility to pursue contract renegotiations and terminations where warranted. 

“So the DPWH can actually do a sweep of these projects ongoing for 2025, terminate those that it can terminate, or renegotiate for a lower price based on the President’s advisory for a lower DUPA, so that we can generate more savings,” Legarda said.

Dizon confirmed that DPWH has already taken action against erring contractors.

“Yes, in fact, we have terminated already based on the cases that have been filed as well as the licenses that have been cancelled,” Dizon said. 

“We have terminated several already, particularly all the contracts of the Discaya companies as well as their joint venture partners, as well as the other companies where we have filed, companies such as Wawao, SYMS. We will consult with the Office of the Solicitor General, and we will see papaano natin mahahabol ito,” Dizon added.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education, Legarda underscored the need to redirect potential savings toward school infrastructure.

“Iyong savings na sinabi po ni Chair kanina, na gusto niya ngayon na-i-allocate, huwag na pag-antayin ang mga tao, iyong kay Presidente pa lang, 45 o 50 billion na iyon, assuming lang sa classrooms,” Legarda said.

“I would assume, ‘pag classroom, hindi naman siguro madadaya, hindi naman siguro ma-ghost, hindi naman siguro subject to anomang anomalya o korapsyon, at magiginhawaan ang ating sektor ng basic education. Sang-ayon ako sa sinabi ng Chair na iyong kaya nang ma-save ngayon, i-re-allocate na natin sa ibang imprastraktura, at ang aming bias ay edukasyon, para sa school building.” 

Legarda’s remarks underscore her commitment to fiscal discipline and prioritizing education in national infrastructure planning.

The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) and the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) formally signed a Memorandum of Agreement , 24 October 2025, marking a significant step toward creating a safer and more supportive environment for media workers across the country.

Among the key initiatives is the establishment of an effective case referral and investigation system, designed to facilitate quick response and decisive action on incidents involving media workers. A joint monitoring mechanism will also be set up to ensure continuous, real-time sharing of information, helping to prevent cases from falling through the cracks.

In addition to investigative processes, the agreement prioritizes the protection of media workers through mechanisms that will expedite referrals for protective custody and psychosocial support—ensuring victims of threats or violence receive timely assistance.

Education and awareness will be central to this partnership. Both agencies will review and enhance existing policies on media relations, emphasizing principles of press freedom, the right to information, and responsible communication.

The agreement underscores the importance of policy reform, including engaging media workers’ groups in decision-making processes and strengthening guidelines to better protect their rights. To promote long-term cooperation, regional capacity-building activities will be conducted to train law enforcement officers and media personnel, fostering stronger collaboration and respect.

Both agencies will advocate with relevant authorities, including the Department of Justice, to ensure investigation reports are credible and hold weight in legal proceedings. They will also hold regular meetings to assess progress, set new targets, and reinforce their shared commitment.

“This agreement is more than just a document; it is a shared vow to protect the rights of media workers, uphold press freedom, and promote transparency and accountability in our society,” said Jose Torres Jr., Executive Director of PTFOMS. “Together, we aim to ensure every media practitioner can perform their duties safely, freely, and without fear or obstruction.”

The collaborative effort between PTFOMS and NAPOLCOM highlights the Philippine government’s strong commitment to safeguarding press freedom and ensuring that media workers can operate in a secure and supportive environment.

CITY OF MALOLOS — Another spotlight has been given to the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (PCEDO) of the Provincial Government of Bulacan as its department head Atty. Jayric L. Amil bagged the First Place in the search for Outstanding Cooperative Development Officer (Provincial Category) during the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Gawad Parangal Awards 2025 Ceremony held last October 24, at the Novotel Manila Araneta City.

The CDA-conferred award highlights Amil’s admirable performance in leading PCEDO to advancing cooperative movement in the province through dynamic leadership, innovation, and community empowerment.

Amil expressed his gratitude for the award he received and promised to continue his department’s mission of extending a helping hand to Bulakenyo cooperatives to further promote and improve their businesses and lives.

“[This] recognition serves as an inspiration for Bulacan’s cooperative sector to continue fostering sustainable development and strengthening partnerships for inclusive growth,” he added.

Governor Daniel R. Fernando also congratulated Amil for this milestone and committed to support the coop sector by giving them opportunities that will strengthen their business and cooperative capabilities. 

“Binabati ko ang ating masigasig na PCEDO Head na si Atty. Jayric Amil para sa katangi-tanging parangal na kanyang nakamit para sa ating lalawigan. Asahan po nating mas lalo pa niyang paghuhusayan ang serbisyo para sa inyo, at gayundin ang inyong lingkod kasama ng buong Sangguniang Panlalawigan, palagi kaming susuporta sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng mga oportunidad para sa mga Bulakenyo,” Fernando said.

This marks the second time the province of Bulacan received a recognition this month through PCEDO as it also clinched a special citation award at the 2025 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit Awards last October 20 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.

CITY OF MALOLOS – Thirty-six Bulakenyo jobseekers walked into the Job Fair for Local Employment at Robinsons Malolos here and walked out with new careers, achieving “Hired on the Spot” (HOTS) status.

This immediate success story, split evenly between 18 males and 18 females, serves as a powerful testament to urgent demand for local talent and quality of opportunities available within the province.

A highly successful event drew 427 registered jobseekers and featured 25 local companies offering a total of 2,420 local job vacancies across various sectors. Such a high conversion rate also saw 65 additional applicants classified as “nearly hired,” indicating a robust pipeline of employment matches.

HOTS success stories were best captured by Bravegio Santos, a 22-year-old from Barihan, City of Malolos, who was hired as a service crew member for Jollibee Sta. Rita, Guiguinto.

“Maraming salamat po sa pagbuo ng event na ito na sobrang madaming matutulungan na gustong maging empleyado at mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang mga taong nakisali sa job fair na ito,” Santos said.

In a message delivered by Paombong Councilor James Santos, Governor Daniel R. Fernando emphasized that supporting Bulakenyo youth in finding decent and honorable employment is a top priority—a bridge to supporting their families and aspirations.

“Nawa ay makahanap kayo ng trabaho na inyong ipinagdarasal, trabaho na karapat-dapat na para sa inyo. Hindi lamang trabaho na kikita kayo kundi trabaho na magiging extended home kung saan maipapakita ninyo ang inyong husay at galing na lilinangin sa mga darating pang panahon,” the governor said.

In addition to job matching, this fair featured a valuable “One-Stop Shop” corner, streamlining applicant process by providing essential government services, including Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Philippine Health Insurance (PhilHealth), Pag-IBIG, and Social Security System (SSS).