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Pope Leo to youth: Sex must not become entertainment
VATICAN CITY – Sex must not become a form of entertainment, Pope Leo XIV said during an audience on Tuesday with a group of young French catechumens who are in Rome for the Jubilee of Youth. The American pontiff stressed the importance of “renouncing a culture of death that is so widespread in our society.” “This…
Public urged to register for ‘YAKAP’ to access health benefits
The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has urged the public to register for the YAKAP (Yaman ng Kalusugan Program) ng Pamahalaan program to ensure access to health benefits. In a public advisory, the state insurer highlighted the vital services and financial assistance provided, especially to those who do not have a medical or health insurance…
200 moms promote infant health via simultaneous breastfeeding
MANILA – Around 200 mothers gathered in Taguig City on Friday to breastfeed their babies simultaneously, marking the start of Breastfeeding Awareness Month. In a news release, the Department of Health (DOH) said the initiative is under its nationwide campaign “One Breastfeeding Philippines: Yakap Hakab,” which aims to raise awareness about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding…
Higher US tariff to have limited impact on PH GDP: DOF exec
The Philippines’ economic output this 2025 is not expected to be hit by the imposition of higher reciprocal tariff for exports to the US, which is set at 19 percent effective August 1. The reduced tariff rate was arrived at after the US visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on July 20 to 22,…
SSS to roll out 3-year pension hike
By Anna Leah Gonzales State-run Social Security System (SSS) said it will implement a Pension Reform Program which features a structured, three-year pension increase for all its pensioners. In a statement Thursday, SSS said the increase is in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. It aims to uplift all pensioners through…
World Bank backs PH efforts to strengthen community resilience
MANILA – The World Bank, through an International Bank for Reconstruction and Development loan, is providing a USD700 million to strengthen the community resilience of 18 million households in the Philippines. In a statement Friday, the World Bank said the amount is part of the USD874.35 million total project cost of the Philippines Community Resilience Project….
BOC posts PHP1-B surplus collection for July
MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Friday reported it has surpassed its July 2025 collection target by P1.094 billion or 1.3 percent. Based on a preliminary report, the bureau collected a total of P85.459 billion, surpassing its P84.365 billion target. The July collection is so far the highest monthly collection this year, reflecting a…
Palace: Proposed ban on online gambling needs thorough study
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will not act in haste on the growing calls to impose a total ban on online gambling, as he sees the need for a thorough study to determine the potential impact of the proposal on the country. Malacañang made the stand after some lawmakers expressed disappointment over Marcos’ alleged failure…
AFP Chief: PH to get more military equipment from India
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (File photo courtesy of AFP) Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., said the Philippines plans to secure more military equipment from India, citing their affordability and quality. “We are in fact ordering more equipment and weapon systems from India,” Brawner said…
DSWD releases nearly 1.3M food packs in continuing relief ops
By Jose Cielito Reganit The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already released a total of 1,278,276 family food packs (FFPs) as it continues its relief operations for communities hit by the successive weather disturbances in July. In a statement Friday, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of the DSWD’s Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG)…