At the heart of Central Luzon, the OFW Hospital in San Fernando City, Pampanga continues to make waves—not just for its expanding services, but for what it proudly refuses to do: charge its patients. Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on Thursday reaffirmed the Marcos administration’s commitment to specialized healthcare for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their …

Consumers can expect more affordable pork in time for the holidays as the Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to route most of its proposed pork imports under the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) Plus to Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) outlets. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the department is seeking to import about 150,000 metric tons (MT) of pork at …

The Department of Energy (DOE) is working to widen the reach of its Lifeline Rate program by pushing for the automatic inclusion of more low-income families, particularly the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Energy Secretary Sharon Garin revealed that only around 330,000 out of the 4.5 million 4Ps households are currently availing of the electricity subsidy, mainly …

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez has a clear message for Filipino students: upskilling is no longer optional—it’s essential. Speaking at the post-SONA conference in San Juan City last week, Benitez emphasized the need for continuous learning in an ever-evolving job market. “Wala pong katapusan ang upskilling,” he said, stressing that as industries advance, so …

By Tracy Cabrera Despite the imminent postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is going full steam ahead with voter registration and other poll preparations. Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said the agency was formally informed by the Office of the Executive Secretary that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to sign …

As the digital economy continues to grow, financial technology (fintech) companies have become vital players in facilitating swift, secure, and accessible transactions.  However, with great influence comes great responsibility. Regulators and lawmakers are now urging fintech platforms to reassess—and ultimately sever—their ties with unregulated online gambling operators. The concern is not without basis. Online gambling, particularly those operating outside regulatory …

By Tracy Cabrera In a renewed push to boost the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Roque is urging lawmakers to approve a higher budget for government loan programs designed to provide accessible, low-interest capital for small businesses. Roque’s call comes on the heels of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation …

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) continues to prove its resilience and efficiency, reporting a record-breaking collection of ₱85.459 billion in July 2025—exceeding its monthly target by ₱1.094 billion or 1.3%. Based on a preliminary report, this marks the BOC’s highest monthly collection for the year, reflecting a 6.4% increase from ₱80.355 billion in July 2024 and a notable rise from …

Toyota Motor has once again claimed the crown as the world’s best-selling automaker, marking its sixth consecutive year at the top with a staggering 5.5 million vehicles sold globally from January to June 2025. The Japanese automotive giant posted a 7.4% increase in global sales compared to the same period last year, achieving its highest-ever half-year sales. Backed by strong …

Global coffee giant Starbucks reported a sharper-than-expected 2% decline in comparable store sales worldwide for the April to June 2025 quarter, highlighting growing challenges in its key markets. Sales in North America, which includes its largest market, also dropped 2%, marking the company’s sixth consecutive quarterly decline in same-store sales in the United States. Internationally, sales were flat, while China—its …