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The standoff in the Senate escalated on Tuesday after members of the chamber’s majority bloc failed to appear for plenary proceedings for the second consecutive day, prompting sharp criticism from opposition senators who accused the leadership of paralyzing the institution. Only senators belonging to the minority bloc were present when the Senate was expected to convene at 3 p.m. According …

Non-bailable plunder and graft charges were filed on Thursday before the Sandiganbayan against Jinggoy Estrada and former Public Works secretary Manuel Bonoan in connection with the alleged multibillion-peso flood control scandal. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the cases stemmed from “illicit” payouts amounting to ₱573 million allegedly tied to infrastructure projects. Also charged were three engineers from the Department of …

A Chinese steel manufacturer is set to begin operations next month in Sarangani as part of a multibillion-dollar investment expansion in the Philippines, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the Panhua Integrated Steel facility of Panhua Group in Barangay Kamanga, Maasim, Sarangani will produce metal sheets and generate about 4,000 jobs for …

Leaders of the House of Representatives are moving closer to institutionalizing a proposed universal social pension program for senior citizens following the endorsement of the measure by House Speaker Faustino Dy III. Dy voiced support for House Bill 10423, which seeks to amend the Expanded Senior Citizens Act and provide broader financial assistance to elderly Filipinos regardless of income status. …

Japan has pledged to strengthen its defense cooperation with the Philippines through the transfer of military equipment and technology. The commitment was made following the summit meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on Thursday. In a joint statement, the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation on the transfer of defense equipment. …

The Philippines and Japan have reaffirmed their commitment to transform the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) into a “world-class economic hub” aimed at boosting regional growth and strengthening global supply chains. The commitment was made following the summit meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo on Thursday. In a joint statement, the two …

Telecommunications firm PLDT is planning to offer solar power solutions bundled with its internet services as part of efforts to help households reduce electricity costs. In a statement released Thursday, PLDT said it is exploring a partnership with a solar energy provider to combine high-speed internet connectivity with renewable energy systems. The company said the initiative aims to help customers …

A major Japanese cable and electronics manufacturer is planning a ₱4.3-billion expansion in Laguna, a move expected to strengthen the Philippines’ position in the global electronics supply chain. The proposal was discussed during the meeting between Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and executives of Sumitomo Electric Industries in Tokyo, Japan, as part of the President’s official state visit. In a Facebook …

Government workers and pensioners now have easier access to services as the Government Service Insurance System expands its Ginhawa Service Hubs to more malls in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. The new mall-based service points aim to bring pension, loan, and claims assistance closer to members who may have difficulty visiting GSIS branch offices. GSIS President and General Manager Wick …

Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre on Thursday urged the Senate to concentrate on its role as an impeachment court instead of reopening separate investigations that could distract from the trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte. Acidre, chair of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, said renewed Senate hearings on the flood-control controversy risk blurring issues and pulling …