The Philippines and China resumed their bilateral political dialogue on Thursday after more than a year of hiatus, signaling a renewed push to keep diplomatic channels open despite lingering tensions. The discussions were led by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Leo Herrera-Lim and Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director-General for Ocean Affairs Hou Yanqi. The meeting took place a day …
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Malacañang expressed confidence that fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co will ultimately be found and brought back to the Philippines, even as authorities reconcile differing reports on his possible whereabouts in Europe. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said government agencies are now verifying information contained in court documents indicating that Co may be in Sweden, a development that runs counter to …
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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has ordered the closure of an unlicensed care facility in Barangay Landayan, San Pedro, Laguna run by vlogger Benjie Perillo, widely known as BenchTV. In a statement released Friday, DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the operation was carried out early Thursday by the agency’s Standards Bureau, working alongside the San …
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The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday assured local farmers that the entry of Pakistani rice into the Philippine market will be carefully regulated, stressing that import volumes will be kept within actual supply needs despite the government’s expanding trade ties. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. gave the assurance following a high-level meeting that paved the way for the …
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The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), through the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), has moved to ensure swift assistance and benefits for workers injured and killed in the Binaliw landfill tragedy earlier this month. ECC Executive Director Kaima Via Velasquez said the commission is coordinating closely with DOLE Central Visayas, the Social Security System (SSS), and the employer, Prime Waste …
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House leaders on Thursday expressed full respect for the Supreme Court’s decision on the motion for reconsideration filed by the House last year, which upheld the unconstitutionality of the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte. “Kinikilala ng Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan ang desisyon ng Korte Suprema kaugnay ng Articles of Impeachment laban kay Vice President Sara Duterte,” Speaker …
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Senior High School technical-vocational programs in the Philippines will transition to a data-driven curriculum to better align with industry demands, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced Thursday. The announcement followed the National Tech-Voc Summit held Wednesday in Quezon City, where education leaders and industry partners discussed strategies for enhancing workforce readiness. Education Assistant Secretary Janir Datukan said the shift aims …
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The Philippine National Police (PNP) is launching a full investigation into the creation and circulation of a fake medical bulletin targeting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) has been assigned to lead the probe and coordinate with other agencies to hold those responsible accountable. “I have already tasked the PNP-ACG to help in the conduct of …
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Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto met with Sen. Francis Pangilinan at Malacañang Palace last week to discuss policy measures aimed at addressing pressing concerns in the sugar industry. The Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) said the meeting reflects the Marcos administration’s commitment to crafting coordinated and responsive interventions for the sector, which continues to face challenges in production, pricing, …
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Sanitation inspectors could soon see better pay, benefits, and working conditions under a bill filed by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson. On Thursday, Lacson introduced Senate Bill No. 1725, which proposes revising the salary grades of sanitation inspectors, enhancing their welfare, and professionalizing the field through mandatory registration and accreditation. “This bill aims to professionalize the health and sanitary-related …
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