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By Tracy Cabrera Vote buying remains a deeply rooted problem in Philippine elections, according to a foreign observation team mostly composed of representatives from European Union (EU) member countries. In a preliminary report, the EU Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM) criticized the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for failing to effectively curb the illegal practice during the recent midterm polls, calling it …

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has temporarily lifted the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) policy for pork sold in wet markets due to low compliance among vendors, while maintaining a ban on pork imports from China and several European countries amid ongoing efforts to contain African swine fever (ASF). The ban on pork and pork-based products remains in effect for …

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) posted first-quarter earnings of P43.4 billion, rising sharply from P8.9 billion a year earlier, supported by one-time gains from the partial sale of power assets and foreign exchange gains.  Core net income, excluding these non-recurring items, grew 31% to P19.0 billion, driven by disciplined cost management and solid performance in most of its core businesses. Revenues …

An Angeles City Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Pampanga has issued arrest warrants against former presidential spokesperson Atty. Herminio “Harry” Roque Jr., businesswoman Cassandra “Cassie Li” Ong, and 48 other individuals in connection with qualified human trafficking charges linked to the controversial Lucky South 99 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga. Judge Rene Estrada Reyes of RTC …

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has assured the public that the impending impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio will be handled with utmost seriousness and respect for due process, amid concerns that it could devolve into a political spectacle following the recent midterm elections. Speaking at the Kapihan sa Senado media forum, Escudero downplayed fears that the entry of …

Defense Secretary Gilberto Eduardo Gerardo “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. has reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to global peacekeeping efforts, announcing new pledges during his address at the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin. Speaking before international dignitaries at the pledging session, Teodoro committed the deployment of Filipino military and police personnel as field military observers and officers in various UN-mandated missions …

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) is exploring ways to support the logistics and e-commerce operations of the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program to help ensure the regular availability of affordable and fresh agricultural products for consumers. PHLPost Postmaster General Luis Carlos, in a news release issued Friday, said the effort is in line with the agency’s mission to assist local farmers …

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has summoned the driver and the registered owner of a Toyota Vios that figured in a series of collisions in Noveleta, Cavite last week, prompting a formal investigation and preventive measures. LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II confirmed on Friday that a Show Cause Order (SCO) was issued to both the female driver and …

The recent observation by European Union (EU) election observers that the Philippines’ midterm elections were marred by rampant vote buying and political violence should be a sobering call for national reflection, not indignation or denial.  Their assessment, which paints a dismal portrait of the democratic process in action, is not an affront to our sovereignty but a mirror held up …

Atty. Bong Suntay, the head of Cleanfuel stations in the country, returns to the House of Representatives after securing a very close victory in Quezon City’s 4th District,  Atty. Suntay expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his constituents. “Ang tagumpay na ito ay hindi lamang para sa akin. Ito ay tagumpay ng bawat mamamayan ng District 4 na naniniwala sa tapat …