
National

PCG marks Arbitral Award; PH vows to pursue peace in WPS
The Philippines has vowed to pursue a course of action “anchored on peace” as it secures its rights over the West Philippine Sea as it marks the 8th anniversary of the Arbitral Award victory over China on the contested area. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reiterated its commitment to upholding the landmark ruling, saying it is a testament to Manila’s “unwavering commitment to the…

Miru Systems’ 18 Billion Peso Contract for Philippine Elections Sparks Major Concerns
Manila, Philippines — On July 9, 2024, Hon. Rodante D. Marcoleta, Party List – SAGIP, addressed the media regarding troubling reports on Miru Systems, which COMELEC has chosen to supply voting technology for the 2025 national elections. Marcoleta expressed serious reservations about whether Miru’s technology aligns with the stringent specifications mandated by the Automated Election Law. This law…

PBBM praises entrepreneurs at 2024 Presidential Awards for Outstanding MSMEs
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday praised the remarkable achievements of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) at the 2024 Presidential Awards for Outstanding MSMEs. The event recognized the demonstration of exceptional growth, competitiveness, innovation, and sustainability of MSMEs. “We are here today for a very important commemoration as we recognize the recipients of…

NCR dengue cases drop by 16 percent
QUEZON CITY – The number of dengue cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) has decreased by 16.39 percent, the Metro Manila Center for Health Development (MMCHD) said Tuesday, July 2. The latest data from the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) indicates that as of June, a total of 6,531 dengue cases were reported, a…

DSWD to launch self-service social registry, data validation for agency beneficiaries
In its continuing efforts to improve the delivery of social protection programs, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will soon launch the ‘i-Registro’, a dynamic social registry (DSR) with self-service registration and data authentication of potential beneficiaries. “The i-Registro aims to enhance the exchange of updated demographic and migration data, crucial for targeting…

P35 wage hike for NCR private sector workers effective July
MANILA – Minimum wage earners in Metro Manila will get a bit of relief from the rising cost of living after the region’s wage board approved a PHP35 hike in their daily salary. In a social media post Monday, the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board – National Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR) said Wage Order No. NCR-25…
Bill for free college entrance exams for smart but impoverished students now a law
A bill mandating private higher education institutions to waive college entrance examination fees and charges of students qualified for college admission has lapsed into law on June 14. Republic Act (RA) 12006, or the Free College Entrance Examinations Act, emphasizes the need to assist disadvantaged students who show potential for academic excellence. It exempts qualified…

Pag-IBIG Fund approves funding to construct more than 4,500 homes in Rizal under 4PH
CALAMBA CITY (PIA) — The Pag-IBIG Fund announced that it has approved a P815-million developmental loan to commence the construction of condominium buildings in San Mateo, Rizal, under the government’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) Program. “I am pleased to report a consistent growth of proponents partnering with the Pag-IBIG Fund to build…

Pag-IBIG Fund releases P22.63 billion in cash loans, up 38% in 2024
MANILA, (PIA) – Pag-IBIG Fund, the Philippines’ national home development mutual fund, released P22.63 billion in cash loans from January to April 2024, a 38 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. According to agency officials, the cash loans benefited 965,291 members, nearly 200,000 more than the 766,258 members assisted in the first four…

Philippines-China award, a flagship of friendship
Six outstanding Filipinos were honored Friday night as the 2024 laureates of the Awards for Promoting Philippines-China Understanding (APPCU). Given recognitions at a gala dinner at the Manila Hotel were Hall of Fame awardees businessman Larry Tan Villareal, professor and pioneer APCU member Gabriel “Gabby” Ma. Lopez, Outstanding Contribution awardees Special Envoy to China and…