The Department of Agriculture (DA) is urging a faster transition to a higher coco-biodiesel blend, proposing an increase from the current 3 percent to 5 percent (B5) as part of a broader strategy to strengthen energy security and revive the country’s coconut industry. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. revealed that the proposal has already been formally endorsed to lawmakers …
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Authorities have placed two minors involved in the recent school shooting in Tacloban City under intensive rehabilitation and evaluation, as government agencies work to uncover the factors behind the tragic incident. The Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) confirmed that the children in conflict with the law (CICLs) are now in the custody of the Regional Rehabilitation Center for the …
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Senator Risa Hontiveros is turning to diplomatic channels after the developer of the controversial online game GoreBox declined to participate in an upcoming Senate inquiry tied to the Tacloban school shooting. Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, confirmed that Germany-based developer Felix Filip informed the panel that he would not attend the …
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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed deep concern over a series of violent incidents involving students, saying he was “heartbroken” upon learning about the recent school shooting in Tacloban City. In a Palace briefing, Press Officer Claire Castro said the President was particularly distressed by the involvement of minors both as perpetrators and victims. “Noong nabalitaan nga po ng …
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The Japanese Embassy in Manila clarified that Filipino nationals will continue to enjoy free temporary visitor visas for stays of up to 90 days, even as Japan rolls out its first visa fee increase in over 40 years for select countries. The advisory follows reports that new visa charges will apply to applicants from countries such as China, India, and …
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Authorities foiled a planned school attack in Leyte after Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla received a tip from Senator Bam Aquino about a student allegedly plotting violence at Tolosa National High School. Remulla said Aquino relayed the information after an informant in Tacloban reported that a student was planning a mass shooting or stabbing targeting classmates. Aquino had earlier visited San …
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BY: Vito Barcelo Jr. More than 15,000 transport workers across the country have received over P55 million in financial assistance through the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) TUPAD-Tuloy Pasada Program. As of June 22, a total of 15,044 beneficiaries have been provided with P55.3 million in aid to help ease the burden of rising fuel prices. Launched in April, …
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The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized 11 container vans loaded with smuggled cigarettes worth about ₱860 million in a joint operation in Cebu. The latest haul came days after authorities intercepted 23 containers of illicit cigarettes valued at ₱1.7 billion at a private wharf in Manila. The operation was carried out by the BOC–Port of Cebu with the Philippine …
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The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has conducted a simulated voting exercise at Siyola Primary School in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi as part of its preparations for the Sept. 14, 2026 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections. The simulation began with the opening of polling precincts and the casting of test ballots, allowing election officials to assess the readiness of …
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By Tracy Cabrera Few cities have managed to engineer a financial turnaround as dramatic as Manila’s. Once weighed down by a massive budget deficit that threatened its ability to deliver basic services, the country’s capital has bounced back, reclaiming its reputation as a financially stable and well-managed city. Speaking at last week’s Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel at the Rizal Park …
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