The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine’s (RITM) Schistosomiasis National Reference Laboratory (SjNRL) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) joined forces to train DENR field personnel on schistosomiasis prevention and response. The training, held recently at the Watershed and Water Resources Research, Development and Extension Center (WWRRDEC) in Baguio City, gathered 23 …

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has assured farmers and fishers reeling from the impact of Tropical Depression Mirasol, Super Typhoon Nando (international name: Ragasa), and Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name: Bualoi) that more than ₱3 billion in assistance is ready to roll out. DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the agency has prepositioned interventions nationwide, including agricultural …

Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) president Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso announced fresh investment plans for major transport projects and the redevelopment of the old Jai Alai property in Manila, shortly after his suspension was lifted by the Office of the Ombudsman. Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Veloso said the state pension fund is reviving the proposed intermodal transport …

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed former Supreme Court spokesperson Brian Keith Hosaka as executive director of the newly created Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). The Presidential Communications Office released Hosaka’s appointment paper on Wednesday, September 24, days after Marcos signed Executive Order No. 94 establishing the ICI. The ad hoc fact-finding body is tasked to investigate alleged corruption, …

Amid allegations that one of his deputies received kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects, Education Secretary and former senator Edgardo “Sonny” Angara assured the public that the Department of Education (DepEd) remains firmly committed to its mission of providing quality education. Angara issued the statement after former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Roberto Bernardo told the Senate Blue …

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed into law Republic Act 12305, or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, establishing an independent agency to regulate the safe use of nuclear energy and radiation sources in the country. The new body, called the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM), will oversee nuclear-related activities and ensure compliance with international safety standards, …

Malacañang on Friday confirmed that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will ask the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to issue a “blue notice” against Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who left the country while under investigation for alleged kickbacks in multibillion-peso flood control projects. “Latest from DOJ is that they will request for blue notice,” Palace Press Officer Claire …

The Philippines and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have reaffirmed their partnership to strengthen fair recruitment practices and combat human trafficking, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Friday. On the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac met with ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo to discuss …

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has suspended six officials of the Baguio City District Engineering Office (DEO) and ordered them to explain alleged irregularities in the bidding of infrastructure projects. In a memorandum dated Sept. 26, DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon directed District Engineer Rene Zarate and five other personnel to respond to accusations of rigging, fixing, and …

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has recommended the prosecution of 21 people—including incumbent senators Francis Escudero, Joel Villanueva, and Jinggoy Estrada—over alleged irregularities in government flood control projects. In a statement Friday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that the lawmakers, along with former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, and several former Department …