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Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has pledged Japan’s “full assistance” to the Philippines in response to the extensive devastation caused recently by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami). Prime Minister Ishiba conveyed this commitment in a message of sympathy sent to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on October 29. “I am deeply saddened and worried to learn the news …

Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman last week urged government leaders to mainstream gender and development in budget preparation. “When you prepare the budget, the primary purpose is to give jobs, to give employment to the people. So, sana, when you propose your budget, whatever program, project, or activity, make sure that women are already included in your …

A lawmaker proposed recently a multi-year Bicol Rehabilitation and Recovery Fund (BRRF) with an initial allocation of P20 billion for 2025 to aid in the rebuilding of communities in Bicol ravaged by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami). In a statement, Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. suggested that the BRRF could help revive the long-defunct Bicol River …

Senators last week reiterated their stance that Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) funds should remain exclusively within the healthcare system, following a Supreme Court-issued temporary restraining order (TRO) against transferring excess PhilHealth funds to the National Treasury. During a media forum, Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito commended the Supreme Court for the TRO, asserting that PhilHealth resources should directly benefit …

The Senate hearings on the previous administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign have once again stirred up strong emotions and firm words, particularly from former President Rodrigo Duterte.  His behavior in the recent hearing, characterized by pointed finger-wagging and a barrage of expletives, has drawn the sharp rebuke of Senator Risa Hontiveros, who reminded him of the importance of decorum in the …

By Rose de la Cruz The protectionist policies of an upcoming return of former President Donald Trump at the White House would trigger a trade war because of his proposed universal tariff of 120 to 20 percent and 60 percent on Chinese goods, and this could trigger higher inflation and weakening of Asian currencies including the Philippine peso. As early …

By Rose de la Cruz Even as inflation receded somewhat in the past months, there’s still no room for jubilation as inflation risks are tilted upwards and this could be pushed by heavy demand for food in the holidays ahead, the declining food production from recent storms and the El Nino earlier this year and global food prices remain unstable, …

By Rose de la Cruz Rep. Rolando Valeriano (Manila, second district) chair of the Metro Manila Development Committee and member of Good Government and Public Accountability Committee, said “it is not up to former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to determine who are criminally, civilly and administratively liable for crimes committed during his brutal war on drugs. His acceptance of legal …

Following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the House of Representatives has launched a large-scale relief operation to aid families severely impacted by Tropical Storm Kristine, House Speaker Martin Romualdez announced last week. As part of this effort, Romualdez facilitated the swift release of P390 million in cash aid, which will be distributed to 22 typhoon-hit districts in …

As the Asia-Pacific region faces the brunt of climate change, ChildFund International has launched a comprehensive framework to build the resilience of children, families, and communities. This framework aims to protect children from the devastating impacts of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and other environmental hazards. In the Asia Pacific region, 65% of children have experienced four or more …