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The Philippine government is studying a Singaporean model that invests in women’s health even before they begin conceiving or starting families, an approach officials say could improve maternal and child outcomes while strengthening long-term economic productivity. The interest emerged after a bilateral meeting between Rex Gatchalian, secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Masagos Zulkifli, Singapore’s minister …

Telecommunications provider PLDT and its mobile arm Smart Communications blocked more than 83,000 attempts to access online child abuse materials in January as part of efforts to protect children in the digital space. In a statement Thursday, company first vice president Roby Alampay said the crackdown was made possible by the firm’s tools that detect and block Child Sexual Abuse …

Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV on Thursday filed criminal complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against 18 former Marines, lawyer Levi Baligod, former lawmaker Mike Defensor, broadcaster Jay Sonza and other personalities over allegations that he bribed officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The complaints stem from claims by the respondents that Trillanes received USD2 million from former …

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the El Niño phenomenon may begin developing around July this year and could persist through the August to October period as warmer ocean temperatures emerge. In an announcement, Ana Liza Solis, chief of PAGASA’s Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section, said the weather bureau has been monitoring the possible formation of …

Malacañang on Thursday called for heightened vigilance across government offices following the discovery of espionage operations in the country allegedly linked to Chinese intelligence. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said security agencies have already taken action against individuals identified under the government’s Insider Threat Program. She urged government offices to strengthen safeguards for sensitive information and remain alert against possible …

The government is considering lowering toll rates at the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) once the toll road becomes fully owned by the state through PEA Tollway Corporation (PEATC), officials said Thursday. PEATC President and CEO Delfin Torrecampo Jr. said toll reductions may be possible once government ownership of the expressway reaches 100 percent. “PEATC is the sole or the only government …

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) clarified last week that vehicles with aftermarket mufflers passing a noise test at a Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (PMVIC) can still be apprehended if they violate other regulations. In a statement, the agency said PMVIC inspections only measure noise compliance, not the legality of aftermarket mufflers. Sound level testing, with a limit of 99 …

Expanding work-from-home (WFH) and flexible work arrangements is a practical response to rising oil prices tied to tensions in the Middle East, Senator Joel Villanueva said Thursday. Villanueva, principal author and sponsor of Republic Act 11165 (Work-From-Home Law), said the law provides a framework that can be leveraged to reduce commuting demand and fuel consumption. “Sa panahon na tumataas po …

House Committee on Justice Chair Batangas Rep. Gerville ‘Jinky Bitrics’ Luistro said Thursday that hearings on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte will continue even during the upcoming congressional recess. In a radio interview, Luistro emphasized the importance of keeping the constitutional process on track without unnecessary delays, despite the House of Representatives’ scheduled recess beginning March 18. …

A total of 299 Filipinos, including children, returned home from the Middle East on Thursday, receiving government assistance upon arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac led a whole-of-government team in welcoming the repatriates and assured them of full support. “Sa ngalan ng ating Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr, welcome home po. We …