The Philippines has lost its viability, based on recent tourism figures in Southeast Asia. Data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed that the Philippines attracted 5.235 million tourists from January to November last year, a 2.16% drop from the 5.35 million recorded in the same period in 2024. With 7,641 islands offering diverse cultures and sights – including Boracay and Palawan -and surfers continuing to flock to Siargao, the country should easily …
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The Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) of 2022 was enacted to promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Philippines, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and democratize access to cleaner transportation. Yet barely years into its implementation, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) appears to be undermining both the spirit and the letter of the law by pushing to …
Read More »LOVE FOR ALLBy: Virginia Rodriguez Hunger remains one of the most painful realities for many Filipino families, especially among the poor and Indigenous Peoples in far-flung communities. Programs that directly address empty stomachs are not just acts of charity; they are investments in human dignity. This is why the continued implementation of the Walang Gutom Program (WGP), strengthened by partnerships …
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By Tracy Cabrera QUEZON CITY, Metro Manila — The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) management has assured commuters there will be no fare increases in the coming year as it confirmed that it will be focusing instead on improving the line’s stations, particularly the escalators. In a public statement, MRT-3 general manager Mike Capati announced plans to replace escalators at Taft …
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By Tracy Cabrera MALATE, Manila — A day after Christmas, China’s embassy in Manila publicized an incident involving a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) warship that allegedly provided food and water to a Filipino fisherman, claiming coordination with Philippine authorities. The incident was framed as humanitarian assistance but in truth, the narrative was clearly intended to portray China as a benign …
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By Tracy Cabrera PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTER, Pasay City — Following yesterday’s signing of the bicameral conference committee report on the reconciled P6.7 trillion 2026 General Appropriations Bill, the stage has been set for its ratification and submission to Malacañan in a one-day extended session today. President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. is expected to sign the budget bill into law in …
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The uneven treatment of whistleblowers in the unfolding budget manipulation controversy reveals less about the credibility of evidence and more about the power structures that decide what is worth believing. When fugitive, resigned congressman Zaldy Co released a series of videos naming alleged beneficiaries of commissions tied to budget distortions, his claims were swiftly dismissed. The reason: the statements were …
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By: VIRGINIA RODRIGUEZ The true measure of leadership is often revealed not in grand speeches or political slogans, but in quiet moments of service—especially when leaders choose to stand beside the most vulnerable. This spirit was clearly felt during a recent Christmas outreach in Occidental Mindoro, where Governor Ed Gadiano joined hands with community partners to bring hope, dignity, and …
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SENATE, Pasay City — Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson didn’t mince words as he expressed his disappointment over the Marcos Jr. administration’s failure to fulfill its promise of catching the “big fish” in the flood control corruption scandal before Christmas day. According to Senator Lacson, “who else will believe in the government if promises were not kept and …
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MALATE, Manila — With teacher promotion backlogs having persisted for years—slowed by structural and administrative constraints that were often acknowledged but rarely resolved—the promotion of more than 16,000 public school teachers by the Department of Education reflects a clear outcome of coordinated leadership across the executive branch under President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. But this did not happen overnight, as Dr. …
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