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Despite growing visibility of women in business, government, and civil society across Southeast Asia, studies continue to show a persistent gap in their access to top leadership and decision-making roles. This concern took center stage during the 70th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women 70th Session in New York, where organizers launched the Human and …

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office has launched a “Libreng Sakay” program offering free bus rides to commuters in Metro Manila in a bid to ease rising daily transportation costs. The initiative, introduced in support of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve public commuting services, aims to provide safer, more convenient, and accessible transport for workers, students, and other passengers. …

The rollout of the Commission on Higher Education’s (Commission on Higher Education) Reframed General Education curriculum has been postponed to 2028, following strong feedback and concerns raised by higher education institutions and education stakeholders. CHED Chairperson Shirley Agrupis said the decision was made to allow more time for consultations and further study of the proposed revisions, which include reducing General …

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday visited Pampanga to assess the country’s newest state-of-the-art government hospital located inside the Clark Freeport Zone. The President toured the newly completed Pampanga Provincial Hospital–Clark (PPH-Clark), which was inaugurated on April 29 and is designed to expand healthcare access for both residents and workers in the economic hub. During the visit, Marcos also checked …

Public utility vehicle (PUV) operators using the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) are expected to save as much as ₱5 million under a three-month terminal fee holiday ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.. Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the suspension of terminal fees will take effect today, May 18, 2026, as part of efforts to help operators cope with …

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday confirmed the arrest of a man linked to Wednesday night’s shooting incident inside the Senate building in Pasay City. PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño identified the suspect as alias “Mel Oragon,” 44, a native of Camarines Norte, who was found in possession of ammunition and magazines during his arrest. “He was caught, …

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has extended free assessment and certification services to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Malaysia, resulting in 81 workers earning national certificates in various skill areas. In a news release issued last week, TESDA said the initiative covered in-demand qualifications such as Hairdressing NC II, Barista NC II, Bread and Pastry Production NC …

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Thursday pushed back against attempts to link minority senators to the controversy surrounding the reported Senate security breach and efforts to arrest Senator Ronald dela Rosa, saying the issue should not be used for political narratives. Hontiveros said Senate employees, minority lawmakers, and their staff had already left the Senate complex when the reported shooting incident …

By Jerry Eloja The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) has reminded Filipinos participating in the United States Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) to strictly comply with the conditions of their J-1 visas, warning that failure to return to the Philippines after completing their internship or exchange program may affect future travel and immigration opportunities in the US. During a recent Pre-Departure …

By Jerry Eloja The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision supporting the country’s fully automated election system for the 2026 elections. COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia said the ruling is a major win for the election system. He explained that the Court confirmed there is no law requiring manual counting during election day. The Supreme Court said …