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The Department of Agriculture (DA) is preparing to roll out a pilot sale of blended rice in May as part of efforts to stabilize retail prices amid concerns of a potential spike later this year. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the initiative will initially be tested in selected retail outlets in Metro Manila, with the goal of cushioning …

Senator Imee Marcos is proposing tax incentives for companies that invest in employee health and wellness programs, saying healthier workplaces translate to stronger productivity and better workforce performance. Under Senate Bill No. 1928, or the “Workers Health and Wellness Act,” employers that implement approved wellness initiatives may qualify for tax credits of up to ₱1,000 per employee for firms with …

The government is planning to establish a centralized system that will serve as the main reporting and coordination center for victims of fraud and online scams, in a bid to streamline response efforts and reduce confusion among complainants. The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), led by Executive Director Undersecretary Renato Paraiso, is pushing for the creation of a National …

Vice President Sara Duterte emerged from the House Committee on Justice impeachment hearings politically battered, if not decisively weakened. The proceedings, marked by detailed testimonies and documentary evidence, have shifted the battleground to the Senate, where her camp now pins its hopes. Yet the strategy of withholding a full defense at the House level in favor of a Senate showdown is a …

The week just passed has been filled with Constitutionalism, thePower of Congress, and the Power of Judicial Review of the Supreme Court. One of the impeachable officials is the Vice-President. The possible grounds for impeachment under Article XI, Section 2 of the Philippine Constitution are: culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of the public …

The recent exit of the United Arab Emirates from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its expanded alliance, OPEC+, was greeted locally with cautious optimism. Industry players see in it a potential easing of supply constraints and a possible softening of pump prices.  On paper, the logic is simple: freed from production quotas, UAE can maximize its heavily funded oil infrastructure, flood the market with supply, and undercut competitors. In a time …

REALPOLITIKBy Benjie Alejandro The Department of Agriculture’s plan to introduce blended rice—mixing imported and locally produced grains—has sparked debate among stakeholders. Framed as a pragmatic response to rising food prices and supply concerns, the initiative offers short-term relief but raises long-term questions about sustainability. Blended rice is expected to lower retail prices, providing households some respite from inflationary pressures. By …

LOVE FOR ALL​By: Virginia Rodriguez First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos expressed her joy and pride as she attended a special concert on April 26, 2026, celebrating the achievements of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Chorale. Held at the Proscenium Theater in Makati City, the event honored the group’s Grand Prix victory in South Korea, a moment that brought pride not only …

More than two decades after the phaseout of leaded gasoline, hazardous lead particles continue to circulate in Metro Manila’s air—now driven by newer, less visible sources. A research team, including scientists from the Ateneo de Manila University Department of Physics and the Manila Observatory, analyzed aerosol samples from 2018 and 2019 using lead isotope fingerprinting.  Their findings reveal that while …

A specialized disaster response team from Japan has been deployed to assist Philippine authorities in managing the aftermath of the massive landfill fire in Navotas City. The Japan International Cooperation Agency said the move was carried out under the Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Operations after an official request from the Philippine government, following the blaze that erupted on April 10 …