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By Rose de la Cruz Bohol has become a favorite of investors in the country’s tourism sector, according to a report of business blog site, Bilyonaryo. While investors remain cautious about short-term prospects in the country, many are optimistic about the medium and long term, with Bohol emerging as the most attractive location, according to Alfred Lay, director for Hotels, …

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Chairman/Postmaster General Mike Planas of the Philippine Postal Corporation (The Post Office) awarded the Centenarian Personalized Stamps to Mrs. Basilia Tabudlong Ortiz and Mr. Ceasario Gubaton Lamela, Jr.  of Mandaluyong and Bacolod City respectively during the LAB FOR ALL Service Caravan held in various cities in Mandaluyong, Bacolod and Tacloban. “Living to 100 years old …

By Rose de la Cruz Local property brokers, Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) traced the 24 percent growth in the Philippine office market to the expansion of government and BPO (business process outsourcing) demand. A report in business blog site, Bilyonaryo said government demand spurred a 24 percent increase in the office property market to 685,000 square meters in the first six …

By Rose de la Cruz After wasting six years on the infrastructure momentum of previous presidents since Ramos, the Philippines under President Marcos Jr. is catching up for lost time in terms of public private partnerships (PPs) that were suppressed by the Duterte administration, who favored only official development assistance (ODAs) for mega projects. Right now, the momentum is again …

The upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is drawing national attention and controversy.  House Secretary General Reginald Velasco recently announced a ban on guests wearing outfits with protest or derogatory statements, sparking debate.  Velasco argues this is necessary to maintain the event’s formality and decorum, though it raises questions about balancing respect for …

By Rose de la Cruz Regarded as the Cabinet’s weak link because of his department’s lackluster performance, his tardiness in meetings (here and abroad) and his laziness, Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual is said to be on his way out and would soon be replaced by economic czar– the President’s first choice for the post– Frederick Go, Palace …

By Rose de la Cruz “Cybercrime threats and their perpetrators are constantly upgrading, and so must we and our tools. The crimes they commit continue to recognize no borders, and so our efforts in response must be as broad and expansive, with all due regard, of course, for the law and the rights of all.” Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo told …

By Rose de la Cruz Even before the Duterte administration, the controversy over the unsuitability and non-compliance of the trains delivered by CRRC Dalian Co. Ltd. for the MRT3 system had blown but with the assumption of Rodrigo Duterte to the presidency, the conflict was swept under the rugs. Today, the same trouble still hounds the Department of Transportation, which …

The country’s headline inflation decelerated to 3.7 percent in June from 3.9 percent in May due to the easing of energy and transport costs, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said. In a press briefing last week, PSA Undersecretary and National Statistician Dennis Mapa said inflation in June last year was higher at 5.4 percent. Year-to-date headline inflation was at 3.5 …

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Friday approved the PHP27.453-billion Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the health emergency allowance (HEA) of medical workers. In a statement, Pangandaman said the released fund is expected to compensate 5,039,926 unpaid HEA and 4,283 Covid-19 sickness and death compensation claims of eligible healthcare and non-healthcare workers. She said the …