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The Philippines and United Kingdom reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic ties at the 2nd Joint Economic and Trade Committee Meeting held earliet this week. The meeting was co-chaired by DTI Undersecretary Allan B. Gepty and Minister of State for Trade Anas Sarwar of the UK’s Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.  Building on the momentum of the inaugural …

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the temporary suspension of excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene as the government moves to cushion consumers from surging global oil prices. Marcos issued Executive Order No. 125 on Sept. 25, providing for the full suspension of excise taxes on LPG and kerosene, subject to specific exemptions. The suspension covers LPG …

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is pushing for at least ₱9.7 billion in additional funding to help farmers and fisherfolk cope with soaring fuel costs and prepare for a potentially “very strong” El Niño. The agency’s funding push comes as the government begins releasing a separate ₱6.2-billion package under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT), with …

The Philippines and New Zealand are expanding their partnership into climate action and environmental protection as the two countries mark 60 years of diplomatic relations. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the two countries signed a memorandum of arrangement (MOA) in Wellington on Sept. 17, creating a framework for exploring joint environmental projects and exchanging technical knowledge and expertise. …

Nuclear energy could provide the Philippines with a stable source of electricity as the country seeks to reduce its heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels, according to a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) fellow. Mark Aliperio said nuclear power could complement renewable energy sources such as solar, which he noted have limitations, particularly in providing continuous electricity. “Nuclear energy …

Communities managing tourist destinations could receive at least 30 percent of net tourism revenues under a proposed measure in the House of Representatives aimed at ensuring that local residents directly benefit from tourism activities. Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos is pushing House Bill No. 3110, or the Community-Based Tourism (CBT) bill, as the country observes National Tourism Month this …

Luxury vehicles costing more than ₱8 million could face a 75-percent excise tax under a new House proposal that seeks to make the country’s tax system more progressive while raising additional revenue from high-value consumption. Marikina 2nd District Rep. Miro Quimbo filed House Bill No. 11465 on Wednesday, proposing changes to the excise tax provisions covering automobiles and other non-essential …

By Tracy Cabrera Former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez is expected to ask the Sandiganbayan for temporary liberty as his legal team prepares to file a petition for bail in his ₱7.4-billion plunder case. Sources from Romualdez’s camp said his lawyers are preparing the petition and may submit it before the Sandiganbayan Third Division as early as …

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has granted an absolute pardon to Mary Jane Veloso, ending the nearly 16-year legal ordeal of the Filipina who was once just hours away from execution in Indonesia. Marcos confirmed Friday that he had signed the pardon the previous day, putting into effect the government’s move to grant Veloso executive clemency on humanitarian grounds. “Pinirmahan ko …

The Senate impeachment court’s vote on the proposal to lower the two-thirds threshold needed to convict Vice President Sara Duterte has exposed a disturbing dimension of Philippine politics: the power of fear. Senator Mark Villar’s decision to break from the minority bloc and support lowering the conviction threshold is significant not only because of its potential impact on the impeachment …