National
PAPI Courtesy Call Strengthens Ties with Aklan Leaders
KALIBO, AKLAN – A meaningful and productive courtesy call was held between the officers of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI) and key leaders of Aklan, further strengthening collaboration between the media sector and local government units. Leading the delegation were PAPI Chairman Nelson S. Santos and PAPI Vice President for Visayas Giecel…
On the Killing of Broadcaster Julito “Jaz” Diamante Calo
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security condemns the killing of broadcaster Julito “Jaz” Diamante Calo of La Castellana, Negros Occidental, on March 20. Such an attack on a journalist poses a significant threat to press freedom and the safety of journalists in our country. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and…
New wellness hub to serve 500,000 Filipino seafarers with public-private support
More than 500,000 Filipino seafarers help keep the global maritime industry moving. Now, a new Seafarers’ Wellness Center aims to ensure they and their families are supported beyond the deck. Led by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the center brings together legal, medical, and welfare services in one…
FFCCCII: Revised Economic Targets Must Spur Urgent Reforms
Manila, Philippines – The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) called today for urgent national reforms following the government’s recent revision of economic growth targets for 2026–2028. The government now projects 5–6% growth in 2026, rising to 6–7% by 2028, citing the lingering impact of the DPWH flood-control corruption scandal and…
1 missing, 58 Filipinos accounted for in massively lethal Hong Kong fire
Some 58 Filipinos residing in the razed Tai Po high-rise residential condominium buildings in Hong Kong have been confirmed safe and accounted for, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong recently assured. In its latest update, the foreign service post, however, said one domestic worker is still missing while another is recuperating in a hospital….
Palace: US recruiting Filipinos to fight in Ukraine is ‘fake news’
Malacañang has dismissed as “fake news” the Russian claim that the United States is recruiting Filipinos to fight in the Ukraine war. Citing the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) statement, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Ukraine Embassy has already debunked the alleged recruitment. “It is fake news, according to Ukraine Embassy,” Castro said,…
ICC rejects Duterte’s appeal for interim release
By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora MANILA – The International Criminal Court (ICC) Appeals Chamber has denied former President Rodrigo Duterte’s appeal to overturn an earlier ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I ruling, rejecting his request for interim release. In a recent public hearing, ICC Presiding Judge Luz del Carmen Ibañez Carranza said Duterte’s defense had “failed to demonstrate…
E-bikes, e-trikes ban on major roads to push through on December 1
MANILA – The implementation of the rule banning electric bicycles or e-bikes and electric tricycles or e-trikes on national highways would push through beginning Dec. 1, Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief, Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao, said in a press conference on Friday. “I know many would get mad, but my priority is your safety,” he said…
800K public school teachers, other DepEd personnel gain access to P20/kg rice
By Stephanie Sevillano MANILA – Public school teachers and and non-teaching personnel of the Department of Education can now access rice at P20 per kilogram under the Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na program, the Department of Agriculture (DA) recently announced. The inclusion follows a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the DA and the DepEd, signed during…
PBBM to AFP: Stand with me, don’t let ‘lies’ distract you
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to remain united and steadfast in their mission to protect the country, despite attempts to spread misinformation and disinformation. Marcos made the call during a traditional dinner with members of the AFP Council of Sergeants Major at Malacañan Palace…