National

Japan praises PH for commitment to peaceful settlement in SCS

Japan praises PH for commitment to peaceful settlement in SCS

December 14, 2023, 11:02 am Updated on December 14, 2023, 11:38 am

MANILA – The Japanese government has praised the Philippines after showing restraint in the wake of the Chinese Coast Guard’s harassment in the West Philippine Sea. The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the statement on Dec. 13 as it raised “serious concerns” over a recent surge in… Read More

PH, US defense chiefs discuss China aggression, affirm ironclad ties

PH, US defense chiefs discuss China aggression, affirm ironclad ties

December 14, 2023, 10:13 am

MANILA – The Philippines and the United States reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open region grounded in transparency, rule of law, respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and US Department of… Read More

'Amihan' to bring light rains across Luzon

'Amihan' to bring light rains across Luzon

December 14, 2023, 9:03 am

MANILA – The weather bureau said light rains may be experienced across Luzon on Thursday due to the northeast monsoon or "amihan" affecting the island. Cloudy skies and light rains will prevail over Cagayan Valley and the provinces of Aurora, Quezon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and… Read More

BI thwarts trafficking of 3 Singapore-bound Filipinos at NAIA

BI thwarts trafficking of 3 Singapore-bound Filipinos at NAIA

December 13, 2023, 10:51 pm

MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday reported the recent interception of three Filipino women who are alleged victims of human trafficking at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City. In a statement on Wednesday, Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco… Read More

SC to look into convicted surgeon's death

SC to look into convicted surgeon's death

December 13, 2023, 8:53 pm

MANILA – Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo on Wednesday said the Supreme Court intends to probe the death of an incarcerated 58-year-old doctor, who was sued by a lawyer-patient for reckless imprudence. Gesmundo said the situation, if not rectified, may result in doctors staying away from… Read More

House meets self-deadline to pass all 17 SONA bills before yearend

House meets self-deadline to pass all 17 SONA bills before yearend

December 13, 2023, 8:30 pm

MANILA – The House of Representatives made good on its promise to pass the 17 priority bills that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. requested Congress to pass in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) before the year ends, as Congress adjourned for the Christmas break on Wednesday. In his… Read More

DOJ wants fugitive Teves’ passport revoked

DOJ wants fugitive Teves’ passport revoked

December 13, 2023, 8:16 pm

MANILA – The government has asked a Manila court to revoke the passport of former Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr., who has been on the run since being implicated in several murder cases. Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Mico Clavano said Wednesday that once Teves'… Read More

VP Sara urges SEAMEO to align educ system with digitalization

VP Sara urges SEAMEO to align educ system with digitalization

December 13, 2023, 7:01 pm

MANILA – Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Z. Duterte emphasized to Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) member countries the importance of equitable access to technology and education. In a video message, Duterte said benefits of technology should reach… Read More

Gesmundo vows aid for court workers affected in Cebu fire

Gesmundo vows aid for court workers affected in Cebu fire

December 13, 2023, 6:52 pm

MANILA – Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo on Wednesday said court employees affected by a fire inside a Cebu courthouse will be receiving assistance. Speaking with reporters at the CJ Meet the Press forum in Manila, Gesmundo said the fire was started by a disgruntled utility worker who… Read More

Pimentel says charter review necessary; Villanueva questions timing

Pimentel says charter review necessary; Villanueva questions timing

December 13, 2023, 6:47 pm

MANILA – A review of the constitution is always a welcome move, thus Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III’s expression of support on the House of Representatives plan to resume discussions on the amendment of the charter next year. Pimentel said 2024 is the best time to discuss… Read More

Senate ratifies PH pacts with Brunei, South Korea

Senate ratifies PH pacts with Brunei, South Korea

December 13, 2023, 6:39 pm

MANILA – The Senate unanimously approved on Wednesday proposed Senate Resolution Nos. (SRN) 790 and 878 on the Philippines’ pacts with Brunei Darussalam and South Korea. SRN 790 sought to concur with the agreement signed between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam aimed at eliminating… Read More

Solons to investigate 7 NBI agents over ‘abusive arrest’ of worker

Solons to investigate 7 NBI agents over ‘abusive arrest’ of worker

December 13, 2023, 6:13 pm

MANILA – Two congressmen have initiated an investigation on seven agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for the alleged “unlawful and abusive” arrest of a delivery company employee. Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo and Laguna 1st District Rep. Dan Fernandez met with the… Read More

Manila completes distribution of Christmas food boxes for residents

Manila completes distribution of Christmas food boxes for residents

December 13, 2023, 6:08 pm

MANILA – A total of 695,000 households in the city of Manila have received their Christmas food boxes during the 12-day distribution period. Mayor Honey Lacuna led the distribution of the food packs to residents of the city's 896 barangays from Dec. 1 to 12, the Manila Public Information Office… Read More

BOC warns public vs. parcel, love scams

BOC warns public vs. parcel, love scams

December 13, 2023, 3:51 pm

MANILA – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday cautioned the public against parcel or love scams amid the holiday season. “Be careful of calls, messages, or emails saying you have a package or parcel pending with BOC and that you need to pay thru personal bank account or money remittance… Read More

ASG member wanted for arms, explosives raps falls in Basilan

ASG member wanted for arms, explosives raps falls in Basilan

December 13, 2023, 2:59 pm

MANILA – Members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member who is wanted for illegal possession of firearms in Basilan province. In a statement on Wednesday, CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat said the suspect, 31-year-old Gerry Mapula… Read More

Over P800M in taxes evaded by Flava compromise Filipinos' UHC access

Over P800M in taxes evaded by Flava compromise Filipinos' UHC access

December 13, 2023, 2:55 pm

MANILA – Cagayan De Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez on Wednesday said the estimated PHP800 million in taxes allegedly unpaid by vape brand Flava has compromised the access of millions of Filipinos to universal healthcare. In a statement, Rodriguez noted that based on the hearing of the… Read More

PBBM restructures El Niño task force

PBBM restructures El Niño task force

December 13, 2023, 1:59 pm

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said the El Niño Task Force has been reorganized, as part of the extensive efforts to ensure food, water, and power security amid the weather phenomenon. “I have created under the Office of the President a Task Force El Niño. There… Read More

PH, India to hold maritime partnership exercise in WPS

PH, India to hold maritime partnership exercise in WPS

December 13, 2023, 1:37 pm

MANILA – India and the Philippines are conducting a maritime partnership exercise (MPX) in the West Philippine Sea to boost maritime cooperation, the Indian Embassy in Manila announced Wednesday. The Indian Navy conducts MPX with friendly foreign navy units to enhance interoperability and share… Read More

MSU implements academic leniency for students affected by bombing

MSU implements academic leniency for students affected by bombing

December 13, 2023, 1:24 pm

MANILA – The Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City is allowing its students to be given an incomplete grade and another semester to complete their academic requirements in the aftermath of the bombing. MSU’s Board of Regents on Tuesday instructed the university president to implement… Read More

PH votes for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

PH votes for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

December 13, 2023, 1:00 pm

MANILA – The Philippines has joined the calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza as the war between Israel and Hamas enters its second month.Following grave concern over the “catastrophic humanitarian situation” in the besieged enclave, the United General Assembly adopted on… Read More