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The recent decision of the Social Security System (SSS) to increase its contribution rate from 14% to 15%, although met with some opposition, is a vital step in ensuring the long-term viability and sustainability of the country’s social security program.  This move, which aims to strengthen the SSS fund and extend its life until 2053, is essential for securing the …

The Philippines’ overdependence on rice imports would lead to worsening trade gap in agriculture with the expected continued rise in prices of rice imports from Vietnam and Thailand. Already Vietnamese rice prices rose in 2024, with the average annual quotation of the 5 percent broken variety increasing to over $550 per metric ton (MT), the World Bank reported. Figures from …

Petron Treats, the convenience store chain of Petron Corporation, now  has a new look even as it continues to bring a new era of convenience to Filipino travelers with its relaunched stores and exciting new features that cater to motorists and commuters alike.  Combining modern aesthetics, quality food service, and a dynamic vibe, PetronTreats now offers more than just convenience—it’s …

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), operated by the New NAIA Infra Corp., has introduced a new fleet of vehicles to support its ground operations, improve passenger convenience, and ensure the safe and efficient flow of movements at the airport. The new additions include two new ambulances equipped with advanced medical tools and staffed by trained paramedics to provide swift medical …

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is confident it will accomplish more projects in 2025 and the coming years to improve mobility and connectivity for Filipinos. Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said bright prospects are ahead for the country’s transport system with more projects seen to be completed in the coming years. Sec. Bautista said construction of several big-ticket projects are …

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently announced that approved investments under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. have exceeded the target set for 2024. According to the DTI, the Board of Investments (BOI) approved P1.62 trillion worth of investments, surpassing the P1.5 trillion target and marking a significant increase from the P1.26 trillion recorded in 2023. …

Government workers are set to receive their medical allowance in 2025 following the approval of guidelines by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the grant of a P7,000 medical allowance. The DBM announced that Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has approved Budget Circular 2024-6, detailing the rules and regulations for the allowance. The initiative is in accordance with Executive …

Over 19 million inbound and outbound travelers were recorded in 2024. Based on the figures from the Bureau of Immigration (BI), a total of 14,540,533 passengers arrived in the country last year. Of the number, 7,922,052 are Filipinos while 6,618,481 are foreign nationals. It also recorded a total of 15,050,136 individuals who have departed from the country, majority of them …

State lawyers will conduct a comprehensive inventory of assets belonging to shuttered Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) following the expiration of the ban on the industry at the end of 2024, the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) announced recently. “The OSG’s massive post-POGO tasks will consist of cancelling all certificates of birth fraudulently acquired by aliens/foreign nationals and forfeiting …

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) expressed gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for signing the P6.32-trillion national budget as it assured responsible use of its allocation under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla acknowledged the DILG’s substantial budget of P279.1 billion, the fourth-largest allocation among government agencies. “As the Department with the …