The National Food Authority (NFA) is preparing to file a plunder case against a middle-level employee accused of misappropriating around ₱53 million worth of rice and palay stocks, as the agency intensifies its crackdown on corruption. In a press briefing Friday in Quezon City, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson said the move follows stricter internal audits ordered by President Ferdinand R. …
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The Department of Agriculture (DA) has stepped up surveillance in supermarkets and wet markets nationwide to stop retailers from selling frozen meat as fresh, a practice officials warned poses food safety risks and harms legitimate sellers and local hog raisers. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered AMAS, the Bureau of Animal Industry, and the National Meat Inspection Service to …
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday said its investigation into ghost flood control projects in Bulacan is moving forward, with respondents in the first batch of five cases given until November 24 to submit their counter-affidavits. “Today marks the conduct of the preliminary investigation. We had our very first hearing where we issued copies of the complaint to respondents. …
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Senator Francis Pangilinan on Friday revealed that smuggled frozen chicken seized in October tested positive for salmonella, making it unfit for human consumption and a serious health risk. The contaminated products, packed in two 40-foot containers at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), were valued at ₱12.96 million. The National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) confirmed the presence of the bacteria …
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Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Friday paid tribute to the late Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, recognizing the political stalwart for six decades of service that profoundly shaped Philippine history. “Juan Ponce Enrile was an icon of stability during times of tribulation in our history,” Bersamin said, extending condolences to the Enrile family. He described the late statesman, …
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Canada is investing more than CAD 76.4 million (around ₱3.2 billion) in 12 new development initiatives in the Philippines, focusing on disaster resilience, food and water security, energy stability, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the country’s Minister for International Development announced Friday. Visiting Canadian Secretary of State for International Development Randeep Sarai said the funding will also support expanded access …
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Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo on Friday alleged that several high-ranking officials were involved in the preparation, allocation, and manipulation of the National Expenditure Program (NEP), including supposed “commitments” and cash deliveries tied to infrastructure projects across multiple fiscal years. In his Second Supplemental Affidavit submitted to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, Bernardo named …
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In the aftermath of two devastating typhoons, the pattern has become all too familiar: floodwaters subside, casualties rise, and the blame game begins. Public outrage meets official defensiveness. Politicians point fingers at one another, agencies trade excuses, and social media becomes a digital courtroom. Yet, amid the noise, one crucial question is drowned out: How can we improve our disaster …
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In the aftermath of Typhoons Tino and Uwan, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has called on government agencies and individual members to immediately file their insurance claims to help speed up recovery in severely affected areas. Recognizing the widespread damage caused by the back-to-back storms, GSIS President and General Manager Arnulfo “Wick” Veloso said the agency has begun prioritizing …
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The Philippine National Police (PNP) proved the value of preparedness and swift action as its preemptive measures paid off during the onslaught of Super Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-Wong). Thanks to its all-out mobilization, the police force successfully safeguarded lives and communities in the storm’s path. Before Uwan made landfall, PNP Chief Lieutenant General Melencio Nartatez Jr. had ordered all …
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