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By Rose de la Cruz  As local cement manufacturers are complaining that utilization of cement plants have been low, with some plants being forced to shut down, because of slow demand which is being filled by surging cement imports, the Department of Trade and Industry is now conducting what it calls preliminary safeguard investigation of cement coming from various countries. …

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that the government is making significant progress in reducing food poverty, as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported a substantial drop in food-poor families. “We are doing a better job of feeding people who need it,” Marcos stated during a sectoral meeting at Malacañang. According to the DSWD, the number of …

The Department of Education (DepEd) has partnered with Canva Philippines for free access and training for public school teachers nationwide that will aid them with tools to provide a more interactive learning experience for students. DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara formalized the partnership for Canva for Education on Wednesday in a signing ceremony in Pasig City, attended by Australian Ambassador to …

The newly inaugurated Maersk Optimus Distribution Center in Calamba City, Laguna, is expected to generate approximately 2,000 jobs for Filipinos, with 1,000 direct positions within the facility and an additional 1,000 indirect roles in support sectors, including trucking, vending, and other essential services. The said facility will also aid in alleviating congestion in Manila by strategically shifting logistics operations to …

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has pledged Japan’s “full assistance” to the Philippines in response to the extensive devastation caused recently by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami). Prime Minister Ishiba conveyed this commitment in a message of sympathy sent to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on October 29. “I am deeply saddened and worried to learn the news …

Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman last week urged government leaders to mainstream gender and development in budget preparation. “When you prepare the budget, the primary purpose is to give jobs, to give employment to the people. So, sana, when you propose your budget, whatever program, project, or activity, make sure that women are already included in your …

A lawmaker proposed recently a multi-year Bicol Rehabilitation and Recovery Fund (BRRF) with an initial allocation of P20 billion for 2025 to aid in the rebuilding of communities in Bicol ravaged by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami). In a statement, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. suggested that the BRRF could help revive the long-defunct Bicol River …

Senators last week reiterated their stance that Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) funds should remain exclusively within the healthcare system, following a Supreme Court-issued temporary restraining order (TRO) against transferring excess PhilHealth funds to the National Treasury. During a media forum, Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito commended the Supreme Court for the TRO, asserting that PhilHealth resources should directly benefit …

The Senate hearings on the previous administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign have once again stirred up strong emotions and firm words, particularly from former President Rodrigo Duterte.  His behavior in the recent hearing, characterized by pointed finger-wagging and a barrage of expletives, has drawn the sharp rebuke of Senator Risa Hontiveros, who reminded him of the importance of decorum in the …

By Rose de la Cruz The protectionist policies of an upcoming return of former President Donald Trump at the White House would trigger a trade war because of his proposed universal tariff of 120 to 20 percent and 60 percent on Chinese goods, and this could trigger higher inflation and weakening of Asian currencies including the Philippine peso. As early …