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The Philippine Embassy in London has confirmed that Filipinos were among those targeted during violent, racially motivated riots in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, following reports of an alleged assault involving two Romanian teenagers. In a June 12 advisory, the embassy said a Filipino-owned vehicle was among those torched during the unrest. “It is regrettable that innocent individuals have been caught in …

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Thursday expressed support for a gradual increase in tariffs on 5% broken imported rice, nearly a year after the rates were slashed to address inflation concerns. In July 2024, the government reduced rice import tariffs from 35% to 15% to stabilize prices and slow down food inflation, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s …

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara announced that the Department of Education (DepEd) is set to release the P7,000 annual medical allowance for all eligible public school teachers and non-teaching personnel. Angara said the move aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand healthcare assistance for government workers. “The release of funds for this initiative is authorized under …

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin has directed intensified police patrols and targeted operations to deter criminals disguising themselves as motorcycle taxi and delivery riders across Metro Manila. Aberin said coordination has already been made with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and major motorcycle taxi companies to help distinguish legitimate riders from those using …

Celebrating two decades of championing local artistry, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) announced the winners of its 20th National Art Competition during an awarding ceremony held Wednesday at the GSIS Gymnasium. This year’s edition set a new record, drawing over 1,000 entries from artists all over the country. In the Representational category, Crispin L. Tuazon bagged first place for …

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has partnered with Flash Express Philippines Co., Ltd. to bolster efforts against drug trafficking through online delivery platforms. PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez and Flash Express deputy director for communications and government relations Reginald Rex Pumihic signed a memorandum of agreement at the PDEA national headquarters in Quezon City last week, pledging to coordinate …

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado last week expressed support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call to investigate allegations of corruption within the agency. “We respectfully acknowledge and welcome President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s statement regarding the need to look into the issues raised in the so-called Bureau of Immigration (BI) white paper,” Viado said in a …

The prosecution panel handling the case against former Philippine president Rodrigo Roa Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has expressed no objection to his request for temporary release while awaiting further proceedings. In a recently filed motion, Duterte’s defense team urged the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I to grant him interim release, arguing that the former president no longer meets …

Amid rapidly escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv has mobilized its crisis management team to ensure the safety of thousands of Filipinos in the region. Ambassador Aileen Mendiola is at the helm of the Embassy’s ongoing response efforts, which include close coordination with Israeli and Philippine authorities, real-time monitoring of the situation, and issuing …

Allegations of corruption against Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado have once again thrown a spotlight on the festering rot within one of the country’s most sensitive frontline agencies. While the accusations remain under investigation, the gravity of the claims — involving bribery, protection rackets, and alleged complicity in illegal immigration activities — demands immediate and transparent action …