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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 …

Malacañang on Friday said it respects the decision of the International Criminal Court to uphold all charges of crimes against humanity against former President Rodrigo Duterte, emphasizing that justice must ultimately prevail for both the accused and alleged victims. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro underscored that accountability and due process remain central as the case …

A strong public clamor is building for Vice President Sara Duterte to face a Senate impeachment trial, with a new survey showing that 88 percent of Filipinos support the move—an outcome lawmakers say significantly raises the stakes for the House Committee on Justice. Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V said the findings of the Tangere poll reflect a shift from political …

The ASEAN Summit in May is set to zero in on some of Southeast Asia’s most urgent concerns—energy security, food stability and the protection of its citizens overseas—as geopolitical tensions ripple across global supply chains. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the Philippines is prepared to host the 48th summit and related meetings in Cebu on May 8, bringing …

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has assured the safety and continued employment of 412 Filipino seafarers working in offshore operations in the Persian Gulf, following a high-level visit to Saudi Arabia by Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac. Speaking in an online briefing, Cacdac said he met with officials of Zamil Offshore, which employs the Filipino crew aboard support vessels operating …

The Civil Service Commission has imposed a sweeping ban on all forms of gambling among government officials and employees, extending the prohibition beyond office hours and into private time. Under Resolution 2600111, the policy covers the entire bureaucracy and reinforces the principle that “public office is a public trust,” requiring state workers to uphold the highest standards of conduct at …

The Philippine National Police has ordered faster processing for trucks carrying food and agricultural goods at checkpoints, aiming to prevent supply disruptions as global tensions tied to the Middle East drive up fuel and logistics costs. PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police commanders nationwide have been directed to recalibrate security procedures to avoid delays that could inflate transport …