Filipinos can expect a more sustainable yet far-reaching Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na! program as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced a possible reduction in government subsidies—thanks to the steady improvement of local rice production. In the latest episode of the BBM Podcast aired last week, the President said the government’s support for the flagship rice initiative is becoming more …
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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. revealed that the Philippines is in the process of acquiring more BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization efforts and its push to strengthen regional defense capabilities. In a televised interview with India’s Firstpost aired last week, Marcos said the need for additional BrahMos systems came …
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The Senate last week voted to archive the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, following a Supreme Court ruling that declared the case “null and void from the beginning” and ruled that the Senate never acquired jurisdiction over it. With 19 senators voting in favor, four against, and one abstaining, the chamber approved a motion by Senator Rodante …
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More Filipinos are landing jobs as the country’s labor market continues to show strong momentum, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma last week welcomed the latest Labor Force Survey results from the Philippine Statistics Authority, which showed the employment rate rising to 96.3 percent in June, up from 96.1 percent in May. The …
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The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has smashed its goal of registering one million new voters for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE)—and it did so in record time. Comelec Chairperson George Garcia announced last week that the poll body exceeded the target just five days into the 10-day registration period. “Based on our estimate, we have more than …
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The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) hailed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for signing into law Republic Act 12231, or the Government Optimization Act, a landmark measure aimed at reshaping the executive branch for faster and more efficient delivery of public services. DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman described the new law as a defining moment in the country’s push for …
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The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has launched a special commemorative stamp celebrating the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV — the 268th leader of the Roman Catholic Church — who shares a heartfelt connection with the Philippines. Pope Leo XIV, known in secular life as Robert Francis Prevost, once served as a missionary in Cebu and other parts of …
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Malacañang last week celebrated what it called a “magical” drop in inflation, as the country posted a six-year low of just 0.9% in July — a rare economic bright spot amid global turmoil. “This is welcome news,” said Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro during a media briefing with the Philippine press corps in India, where …
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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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