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By Rose de la Cruz Except for government economists and state officials, no one else believes that inflation would improve next year based on the legacy of high inflation over the past few years, said the Cost of Living Monitor done by Paris-based Ipsos Group S.A., a multinational market research and consulting firm. The Ipsos survey said most Filipinos see …

The Philippines is intensifying efforts to strengthen trade ties with Canada and other member nations of the World Trade Organization (WTO). During a meeting with WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at Malacañang, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. shared the administration’s vision for bolstering trade and commerce partnerships. He stressed the pivotal role of trade in the country’s recovery from the …

Thirteen Filipino women have been sentenced in Cambodia for violating the country’s surrogacy ban, the Philippine Embassy in Phnom Penh reported. Initially handed a four-year prison term, their sentence was reduced to two years following mitigating arguments presented by embassy-appointed legal counsel. The women have been detained since September 23 at a medical facility and were tried by a Cambodian …

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has introduced the Local Government Unit Support System (LGUSS), aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s initiative to digitalize government services. According to a news release on Thursday, the LGUSS is an integrated platform designed to streamline local government operations and enhance the delivery of public services. The system includes the …

The Senate is preparing for a potential impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte as the complaint filed in the House of Representatives moves forward. Senator Ronald Dela Rosa acknowledged this possibility during a virtual press briefing on Friday, stating, “I am expecting the worst. Magkakaroon talaga ng (There will really be an) impeachment.” He emphasized that the Senate …

Some 10,821 foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have left the country, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Wednesday last week. In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said these workers are part of more than 21,757 foreigners employed in POGOs “who have downgraded their visas as of Nov. 7”. Sandoval said the remaining foreigners …

The United States has condemned China’s latest act of harassment against Philippine vessels near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), calling the actions “unlawful.” “The PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) unlawful use of water cannons and dangerous maneuvers disrupted a Philippine maritime operation on December 4, putting lives at risk,” US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson posted on X. She …

The Philippines should consider joining other ASEAN nations that have implemented stricter regulations, including outright bans, on e-cigarettes and vapes, a public health advocacy group urged last week. HealthJustice issued this call following Vietnam’s recent approval of a resolution prohibiting the production, trade, importation, storage, transportation, and use of e-cigarettes starting in 2025. With this move, Vietnam becomes part of …

The looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape, as the complaint against her gains momentum in Congress and is expected to reach the Senate.  This development underscores the importance of upholding constitutional processes, even as it threatens to deepen political divisions. Impeachment is a grave and solemn process, designed not …

Japan is extending at least 1.6 billion Japanese yen (approximately P611 million) in defense equipment to the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force under its Official Security Assistance (OSA) program for fiscal year 2024. The Philippines is one of four countries selected as beneficiaries of Japan’s OSA this year. This marks the second OSA grant received by Manila, following the …