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In an age where information spreads at lightning speed, social media posts about a supposed new health crisis in China have sparked global attention and anxiety.  Claims of a surge in respiratory illnesses, including human metapneumovirus (HMPV), Influenza A, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Covid-19, have made their rounds online. Allegations that hospitals and crematoriums in China are overwhelmed and that a …

East Zone concessionaire Manila Water ends 2024 with notable completed projects, further improving the provision of water and wastewater services for its customers. These capital expenditure projects address critical infrastructure for water security, environmental sustainability, service enhancement and upgrading especially in geographically challenged areas in Rizal, and compliance with regulatory obligations. 2024 marked the start of operations of Phase 1 …

By Rose de la Cruz In the days leading to Christmas and New Year, I never saw, read or heard any prohibition against fireworks, which is why it did not surprise me that on New Year’s eve, I saw powerful and deafening fireworks being blasted in the air and land, which cause the poor air quality in Manila. It is …

By Rose de la Cruz With four days left before the year ends, the President is now hurdling the biggest challenge to his leadership– a flawed budget courtesy of the greedy members of the House of Representatives, which he must correct or face impeachment. At this juncture, it is anybody’s guess what motivated the members of HoR to cut the …

Senator Loren Legarda believes the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has enough resources to expand benefit packages and address gaps in public healthcare access despite the removal of the agency’s P74-billion government subsidy under the proposed 2025 national budget. Legarda made this assertion during a Senate hearing on December 18, as she urged PhilHealth to utilize its P150 billion surplus …

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) have solidified a partnership aimed at addressing critical urban traffic issues through the expanded use of GSIS properties.  The agreement was signed on December 18 by GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso and MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, with MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana as witness. Key …

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the importance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization program in addressing cybercrime and other evolving national security threats during the AFP’s 89th founding anniversary celebration at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday. In his speech, Marcos praised the AFP’s agility and adaptability to modern security challenges. “You have …

The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in the National Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR) has approved a P500 increase in the monthly minimum wage for domestic workers (kasambahay). In Wage Order No. NCR-DW-05, the NCR wage board said the new minimum wage in the region for the sector will be at P7,000 a month. “The new minimum wage for kasambahays in …

The Philippine National Police – Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) confiscated nearly P2.4 billion worth of illegal drugs in operations conducted from January 1 to December 18, 2024. PDEG chief Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta disclosed on Friday that the haul included 168 kilograms of shabu, 3,866,600 fully grown marijuana plants, 1,830 kilograms of dried marijuana leaves, 48.672 kilograms of ketamine, 36.9 …

Newly appointed Philippine Air Force (PAF) commander Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura has pledged to spearhead the successful implementation of an integrated air defense system during his tenure, emphasizing a mission-focused and values-driven approach. “Under my term, I intend to pursue a command thrust that focuses on the mission essential task and clearly defines the imperatives for a successful implementation of …