Dexter Barro II

Another scoop by @DexterBarroII: @DtiPhilippines told @USTradeRep in a position paper last week that “the Philippines should be the priority trading partner” for the United States (US)-led plurilateral agreement on critical minerals trade. Read here: mb.com.ph/2026/03/23/phi…

.@DexterBarroII reports the latest in the PAL-Delta saga: In a March 19 letter to the US Department of Transportation (DOT), @flyPAL noted that the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) on March 18 expressed support to Delta’s future operations at NAIA. Read here: mb.com.ph/2026/03/20/pal…

The DOTr said Class 1 PUVs can save up to ₱18 per end-to-end trip, while Class 2 and Class 3 vehicles may save as much as ₱47 and ₱72 per trip, respectively. @manilabulletin

JUST IN: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said public utility vehicles and buses, as well as vehicles involved in freight services, will enjoy a two-month discount on tollways starting Monday, March 23. @manilabulletin

JUST IN: Commuters riding the MRT-3 and LRT-2 will benefit from a 50 percent discount starting Monday, March 23, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The DOTr said it is in talks with the LRT-1 management regarding its fare discount. @manilabulletin

Under this level, passengers may pay an additional ₱253 to ₱787 for domestic flights, depending on the distance. For international flights, the surcharge ranges between ₱835.05 to ₱6,208.98. @manilabulletin

JUST IN: The Civil Aeronautics Board is raising the passenger fuel surcharge, which is separate from the basic airfare, from the current Level 4 to Level 8 for the period starting April 1 to 15 due to higher jet fuel prices. @manilabulletin

Only in Manila Bulletin today (in print and online): @DexterBarroII reports that the Philippines is seeking an $800-million loan from @ADB_HQ to cover guarantee for North-South Commuter Railway's winning operator. Read: mb.com.ph/2026/03/02/Phi…

LOOK: DPWH, PCCI, Caritas Philippines, and Mayors for Good Governance sign a memorandum of cooperation to harness dioceses and the private sector in monitoring infrastructure projects across the country. @manilabulletin

To save the universe, he really will need to be… [slam to title card] Season 4 arrives March 18!!!!

.@DexterBarroII's scoop: More than 1.8 million motorcycles were added to Philippine roads last year, the highest annual level on record, as the 2-wheeled vehicle stood out as the most practical option for Filipinos navigating highly congested urban areas. mb.com.ph/2026/02/16/rec…

Another scoop by @DexterBarroII: The government’s seizure of counterfeit goods in 2025 declined by 27 percent to nearly ₱30 billion compared to the previous year despite higher enforcement activity, according to IPOPHL. mb.com.ph/2026/02/16/fak…

The wedding of the year. Zendaya and Robert Pattinson star in THE DRAMA, a new film from Kristoffer Borgli. In theaters April 3. Save the date.

READ: Acting DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez rejected MMDA General Manager Nicolas Torre’s proposal to allow carpooling on the EDSA Busway. Opening the exclusive bus lane to private cars defeats the busway’s purpose of easing the commuting burden, he said. @manilabulletin

Finance Secretary Frederick Go, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, and Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez holds a press conference following a high-level dialogue between Cabinet secretaries and leaders of the business community. @manilabulletin

LOOK: Commuters will have now free access to WiFi across 17 stations along the EDSA Busway, with connection speed of up to 60 Mbps, through the free WiFi For All program. @manilabulletin

Manila Bulletin Business greets 2026 with an insightful scoop from @DexterBarroII, who discussed in this story the losses and gains from tax incentives that the government gives away to qualified investments👇 mb.com.ph/2026/01/02/tax…

JUST IN: The Department of Trade and Industry said it will keep the e-commerce trustmark for online sellers voluntary until the end of 2026. The agency earlier made the policy mandatory but later reverted it to a voluntary scheme to address sellers’ concerns. @manilabulletin

LOOK: The Department of Transportation and mobile wallet GCash teams up to launch the new cashless payment system for the EDSA Busway at the PITX. @manilabulletin

Every wedding has some. THE DRAMA, a new comedy from Kristoffer Borgli starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, opens in theaters April 3. Save the date.