To breathe new life into the struggling Philippine film industry, Senate President Francis Escudero III has filed Senate Bill No. 283, also known as the “Nora Aunor Act,” offering sweeping tax breaks and incentives to accredited industry players. The proposed measure seeks to counter rising production costs, dwindling moviegoers, and the growing dominance of global streaming platforms — all of …
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The Philippines’ recent decision to acquire more BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India marks a significant and strategic step in the nation’s efforts to modernize its defense capabilities amid rising regional tensions. This second deal, coming after the initial 2022 acquisition of a shore-based anti-ship missile system, reinforces the country’s resolve to strengthen its territorial defense, particularly in the West …
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By signing the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) strengthening inter-agency coordination and streamlining the entry of strategic investments in agriculture and fisheries, the Department of Agriculture threw its full support to the ‘green lane’ plan. DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. signed the JMC, which enhances the operational mechanism of the Investment Facilitation Network (INFA-Net) and integrates the provisions of …
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Suzuki Philippines, led by its marine department, spearheaded a quick flood response in the face of the severe flooding that struck Luzon due to the successive impact of typhoon Dante and typhoon Emong where many low-lying areas particularly in Laguna were left submerged and isolated. Among the affected communities were neighborhoods near Suzuki Philippines’ head office, where residents endured days …
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By Tracy Cabrera Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro’s no-nonsense stance on Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea may have ruffled feathers in Beijing—but for civic leader Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia, it was a long-overdue defense of Philippine dignity. “Secretary Teodoro is standing up for the Philippines,” Goitia said. “That’s not provocation. That’s patriotism.” A known advocate of Philippine sovereignty, …
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Senator Erwin Tulfo has issued a strong call to financial technology companies: “Take a stand and cut off access to online gambling from your platforms—no need to wait for a new law”. Framing the issue as a “national crisis,” Tulfo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement, urged major digital wallet providers like GCash and PayMaya to demonstrate …
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Senator Risa Hontiveros is turning up the heat on private water concessionaires as she calls for an urgent Senate investigation into allegedly lopsided joint venture agreements (JVAs) between local water districts and big-name providers like PrimeWater, Manila Water, and Metro Pacific Water. Speaking at the Kapihan sa Senado forum on Thursday, Hontiveros said she has refiled Senate Resolution No. 16 …
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After years of unanswered questions, the mystery surrounding the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts—or *sabungeros*—may be closer to a breakthrough. Two suspects believed to hold critical information on the case are now under the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP), following their arrest in a Southeast Asian country and their return to the Philippines on July 22, police officials confirmed …
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The Marcos administration is making headway in stabilizing the country’s economy, with key indicators showing strong growth, easing inflation, and reduced poverty, according to Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. In a briefing held Thursday in Mandaluyong City, Balisacan highlighted the Philippines’ economic strides, noting that the country remains one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies from 2023 …
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At the heart of Central Luzon, the OFW Hospital in San Fernando City, Pampanga continues to make waves—not just for its expanding services, but for what it proudly refuses to do: charge its patients. Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on Thursday reaffirmed the Marcos administration’s commitment to specialized healthcare for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their …
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The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business