President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act (RA) 12312, officially banning Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and declaring their operations illegal across the country. Signed on October 23, the Anti-POGO Act of 2025 repeals RA 11590, which previously legalized offshore gaming. The new law underscores the State’s commitment to maintaining peace and order, protecting life and property, and …
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Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Chair Vigor Mendoza II has committed to resolving more than 37,000 pending motions and petitions filed with the agency before the end of the year. Mendoza said last week that he has directed all LTFRB division chiefs to act on at least 4,000 pending motions and petitions within the next 30 days as …
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In the last quarter of 2026, the Philippines will once again stand at the center of regional diplomacy as it hosts the next ASEAN Summit. The year-long preparations have long started, involving logistical overhauls, inter-agency coordination, and — as is often the case in Philippine politics — the juggling of priorities such as the postponed EDSA rehabilitation project. Yet, beneath the official …
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Senator Erwin Tulfo is facing a quo warranto petition before the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) questioning his right to hold office due to alleged citizenship issues. SET Deputy Secretary Eleanor Francisco-Anunciacion revealed during the agency’s budget hearing that the case was filed on July 15, 2025—two months after the proclamation of newly elected senators. While she did not name Tulfo, …
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Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has ordered over 80 senior officials of the Office of the Ombudsman to submit their courtesy resignations as part of a sweeping reorganization aimed at addressing alleged “midnight appointments” made under his predecessor, Samuel Martires. Under Office Order 347, officials holding Salary Grades 25 to 29—including assistant ombudsmen, directors, and senior graft investigators—were given seven …
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Amid renewed calls for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to speak out on corruption and questions over the loyalty of uniformed services, civic leader Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia defended the AFP and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), saying they remain steadfast protectors of the nation and the Constitution. Citing an OCTA Research survey showing that seven in 10 …
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The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has expressed full readiness to share data with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) that could expose more politicians who received questionable campaign contributions from government contractors. Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said the poll body is willing to cooperate with the ICI and other investigative agencies to help uncover potential corruption links between public officials …
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Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III is seeking to give more teeth and transparency to his proposed Independent People’s Commission (IPC), a body envisioned to investigate corruption across all government sectors—not just infrastructure. Speaking during the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights hearing, Sotto said the IPC’s mandate must go beyond the limited scope of the executive-created Independent Commission …
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Malacañang announced last week that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Education (DepEd), and local government units (LGUs) will join forces to speed up the construction of classrooms across the country. Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the initiative follows President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to provide direct funding to LGUs …
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The Bureau of Customs (BOC) assured the public last week that the 13 luxury vehicles seized from contractor couple Pacifico “Curlee” II and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya are safe and legal to use once auctioned off. According to BOC Assistant Commissioner and spokesperson Vincent Philip Maronilla, the high-end vehicles, which were found to have been illegally imported, will be available for …
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The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business