Security has been tightened at airports and seaports across the country as the Philippine National Police ramps up efforts to arrest businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, who is facing a court-issued arrest warrant in connection with the case of missing cockfight enthusiasts. Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units have been instructed to work closely with …
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Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto on Thursday said the Marcos administration has fully carried out the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) funds—and has gone further by increasing the agency’s budget to strengthen public health services. Recto said that while he respects the right of any party to seek legal remedies, his focus remains on enforcing …
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Despite what he described as efforts to divert public attention, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said Filipinos remain firmly focused on holding high-ranking officials accountable for corruption, particularly those implicated in the controversial flood control projects. Speaking at a recent media forum, Ridon dismissed concerns that public clamor for justice in the flood control scandal would fade, stressing that …
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Construction has begun on two major port projects in the island municipality of Laoang, Northern Samar, in a move seen to boost maritime connectivity and spur long-term economic growth in the province, Mayor Charlene Lademora-Ongchuan said. Ongchuan said work on the Mualbual Port and Laoang Port officially started on January 13, 2026, following a coordination meeting with officials of the …
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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 …
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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 …
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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, …
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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 …
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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 …
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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, …
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