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Senator Loren Legarda believes the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has enough resources to expand benefit packages and address gaps in public healthcare access despite the removal of the agency’s P74-billion government subsidy under the proposed 2025 national budget. Legarda made this assertion during a Senate hearing on December 18, as she urged PhilHealth to utilize its P150 billion surplus …

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) have solidified a partnership aimed at addressing critical urban traffic issues through the expanded use of GSIS properties.  The agreement was signed on December 18 by GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso and MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, with MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana as witness. Key …

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the importance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization program in addressing cybercrime and other evolving national security threats during the AFP’s 89th founding anniversary celebration at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday. In his speech, Marcos praised the AFP’s agility and adaptability to modern security challenges. “You have …

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in the National Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR) has approved a P500 increase in the monthly minimum wage for domestic workers (kasambahay). In Wage Order No. NCR-DW-05, the NCR wage board said the new minimum wage in the region for the sector will be at P7,000 a month. “The new minimum wage for kasambahays in …

The Philippine National Police – Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) confiscated nearly P2.4 billion worth of illegal drugs in operations conducted from January 1 to December 18, 2024. PDEG chief Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta disclosed on Friday that the haul included 168 kilograms of shabu, 3,866,600 fully grown marijuana plants, 1,830 kilograms of dried marijuana leaves, 48.672 kilograms of ketamine, 36.9 …

Newly appointed Philippine Air Force (PAF) commander Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura has pledged to spearhead the successful implementation of an integrated air defense system during his tenure, emphasizing a mission-focused and values-driven approach. “Under my term, I intend to pursue a command thrust that focuses on the mission essential task and clearly defines the imperatives for a successful implementation of …

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino urged the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Friday to address long-standing issues with power rate resets, particularly its handling of the Manila Electric Corp.’s (Meralco) rate reset process. Tolentino criticized the ERC’s inaction, noting that Meralco’s last rate reset expired in 2015 and the commission only allowed the withdrawal of Meralco’s rate reset application on …

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) stands at a crossroads where its financial strength must be translated into meaningful healthcare reforms.  With total assets of P628.2 billion, including P150 billion in surplus funds, the agency’s fiscal position is robust enough to weather the loss of a P74-billion government subsidy under the 2025 national budget.  Yet, as Senator Loren Legarda emphasized …

The Social Security System (SSS) has released over P1.15 billion in calamity loan assistance to nearly 70,000 members impacted by recent typhoons. In a statement on Friday, SSS Acting Head for Public Affairs and Special Events Division Carlo Villacorta reported that last month, SSS extended calamity loan assistance to qualified members in areas hit by tropical cyclones Kristine, Marce, Nika, …

For the first time in Philippine history, two health reform champions unite in the upcoming 2025 elections to guarantee that quality healthcare services reach the poorest Filipino families, ensuring access to health services for all. Inspired by the legacy of the late Senator Dr. Juan Flavier (1995–2007), known for his advocacy of “Bringing a Doctor to the Senate,” renowned physician …