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Japan and the Philippines have signaled their readiness to further deepen their trilateral partnership with the United States amid what both sides described as a rapidly evolving and increasingly complex regional security landscape. Visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu made the statement after his bilateral meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro in Pasay City on Thursday. “The Secretary …

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has issued a strong warning against individuals or groups claiming to provide cash assistance through private messages by using supposed “backers” inside the agency. In a statement Thursday, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao clarified that DSWD programs and services are never processed via private social media accounts, personal messages, or unauthorized intermediaries, and …

Malacañang on Thursday said it is investigating claims that former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan submitted inaccurate data on flood control projects nationwide, following allegations by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson. Lacson, chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, claimed on Wednesday that Bonoan “deliberately submitted” incorrect grid coordinates for thousands of flood control projects, including 421 so-called “ghost” projects, …

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will implement the Accessible Travel Policy (ATP) across all railway operations nationwide to ensure safe, inclusive, and user-friendly services for all passengers. Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the move aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push for a transport system that caters to the needs of persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and …

The Philippine Navy (PN) said it is fully capable of escorting Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) if directed by higher authorities, following recent incidents of harassment by Chinese maritime forces. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, PN spokesperson for the WPS, emphasized the naval service’s readiness to provide protection depending on its operational capabilities, though he declined to …

The Marcos administration has set aside over ₱4 billion this year to create more than 10,000 new military and uniformed personnel (MUP) positions, while rolling out the first tranche of base pay increases totaling ₱21.7 billion, Malacañang announced Wednesday. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the move underscores President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to the welfare of soldiers, police, …

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has suspended a ride-hailing vehicle and ordered mandatory drug testing for its driver following a sexual harassment complaint, the agency announced Tuesday. LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II said Green and Smart Mobility Philippines, Inc. (Green GSM) must present the driver implicated in a viral passenger post. The post detailed how the driver …

Senator Jinggoy Estrada is advancing a measure that seeks to criminalize the practice of red-tagging in the Philippines, aiming to shield citizens from harassment, intimidation, and persecution. Senate Bill No. 1071 defines red-tagging as publicly labeling or accusing individuals or groups as communists, terrorists, or enemies of the state without evidence. The offense can occur through statements, social media posts, …

Philippine politics has once again proven that when accountability knocks, distraction answers the door. The recent verbal skirmish between Senators Ping Lacson and Imee Marcos—sparked by the latter’s insinuation that Lacson wears a wig and is gay—was comic relief of the lowest order, a word-war better suited for a schoolyard than the Senate floor. Yet it succeeded in doing what …

LOVE FOR ALL​By: Virginia Rodriguez Being in Dubai at a time when Philippine diplomacy, labor welfare, and cultural pride intersect is a reminder that governance is not confined to borders. I witnessed this firsthand as First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos met with top officials of Dubai Chambers, signaling that the Philippines’ engagement with the world—particularly with the Middle East—is becoming more …