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22 December

Zero-balance billing to apply to barangay health workers

The Department of Health (DOH) plans to expand the zero balance billing program to include semi-private rooms in government accredited hospitals for the benefit of barangay health workers. DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa said they plan to admit barangay health workers in semi-private wards of its hospitals for free. This would convey DOH’s gratitude “for their dedication in delivering health programs …

22 December

Scourge of unabated online illegal recruitment

Illegal recruitment of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) through social media has seriously proliferated over the last four years, rendering efforts by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to curb the practice ineffective. Four years since DMW was established, the department was able to close 170,140 pages on Facebook and TikTok that were conducting illegal recruitment activities such as online direct …

22 December

The 2026 national budget is NOT corrupt-proof

The congratulatory sound bites celebrating the on-time passage of the 2026 national budget were never really about reform. They were political anesthetics, carefully administered to dull public outrage over the shameful revelations of corruption involving public funds. By beating the deadline, lawmakers projected efficiency and responsibility, but speed alone does not cleanse a P6.793-trillion budget of the rot that has long plagued its …

22 December

Walang Gutom: the Government’s Kitchen Program Matters This Holiday Season

LOVE FOR ALLBy: Virginia Rodriguez The holiday season in the Philippines is often described as a time of abundance—tables filled with food, homes warmed by laughter, and communities bound by shared traditions. Yet for many street dwellers and informal settlers, the season can sharpen the pain of scarcity. It is against this backdrop that the government’s Walang Gutom Kitchen program, …

22 December

FFCCCII welcomes Ambassador Jing at business meeting

By DIEGO C. CAGAHASTIAN The troubles that beset the Philippine economy, particularly the business community, mainly emanating from the embarrassing billion-peso flood control projects scandal, were momentarily set aside by Chinese-Filipino businessmen at an important event. The occasion was the welcoming function in honor of His Excellency, Ambassador Jing Quan, held at the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce …

22 December

Action on fixed pickup fare cited

Transport Network Company Grab has expressed its appreciation for the swift action taken by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Transportation (DoTr) in addressing the concerns of Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers. In a statement, Grab extended its gratitude for the implementation of a fixed pickup fare system, which was introduced as a …

22 December

Why Megaworld Hotels & Resorts is a great place to work

Hospitality is often seen through the lens of warm smiles and flawless guest experiences, but behind every welcoming gesture is work that demands both physical endurance and emotional strength. A career in the service industry means long hours on one’s feet and the ability to show genuine care. It requires an unwavering commitment to serve others well, no matter the …

22 December

2026 according to Madam Suzette Arandela

as told to Boy Villasanta (Editor’s Note: What’s in store for us in the Philippines and around the globe in 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse as seen through the eyes of one of the most sought-after psychics in the country today, Madam Suzette Arandela? Read on). Generally, the Year of the Fire Horse will bring luck to the …

22 December

So, what if “Magellan” misses 98th Oscars’ shortlist for best international film

Lav Diaz’s “Magellan” missed a shortlist foray into the 98th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film. The Philippines has been a perennial submitter of film to the Oscars but always misses a nomination, much more, a shortlist victory except for the late Gil Portes’ “Mga Munting Tinig” which was reportedly shortlisted in the Top 7 or 8 ranking of about …

22 December

MTRCB appoints 2 entertainment journalists as board members

Not only one but two among the members of the working entertainment press were appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to sit as Board of Directors of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). Nestor G. Cuartero, a veteran journalist and Rose Garcia-Fabregas, an enterprising news hen in the entertainment industry were appointed by BBM to join …

TimeLine Layout

December, 2025