Covering the week’s most noteworthy news stories throughout the Philippines for the Filipino-American and Global Filipino community.
The importation of rice into the Philippines will continue in accordance with the law, the country’s agriculture secretary clarified. Agriculture Secretary William Dar on Thursday, November 21 said that instead of suspending the importation, the government will tighten food safety measures to control the entry of cheap grain that is affecting the incomes of Filipino…
SENATE President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Tuesday, November 19, noted that despite the Duterte administration pressing Congress to pass the National ID law and making it the highest priority, it did not provide funds for the bill’s implementation since its enactment in 2018. “That was two years ago, when we passed the law certified…
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, November 18, clarified that Vice President Leni Robredo is not a Cabinet member despite her appointment as the administration’s anti-drug czar. The president made this statement after revealing his concerns that Robredo might disclose sensitive information discussed during Cabinet meetings to various groups. “She is not a member of the…
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday, November 15, expressed her support for Vice President Leni Robredo’s plan to use a public health approach in her fight against illegal drugs, saying that the government is in need of a health-based and rights-based drug law enforcement approach to stop the country’s drug problem. “This is not a contest…
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday, November 13, said he fully supports Vice President Leni Robredo’s request for additional funds in the fight against illegal drugs. “I, as a legislator, fully support whatever is needed to help us achieve our objective of eliminating drugs,” he said. According to the senator, 82% of Filipinos support the…
Palace says VP can scrap ‘tokhang’, ICC still has no jurisdiction Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday, November 11, met with the officials of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for a briefing on the strategies that other countries employ in fighting illegal drugs. “I can’t disclose to you all the details…
Malacañang on Wednesday, November 6, said the Philippine government would file a protest over China’s reported firing of warning flares against a Philippine military aircraft patrolling the West Philippine (South China) Sea, saying such action is “provocative.” Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said the government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, would fire a diplomatic protest…
Justice Undersecretary for Immigrations Markk Perete on Friday, November 1, said new deportation rules stating that a foreigner ordered to be deported have to leave the country after 30 days — even if it’s on appeal will soon be issued by the Philippine justice department. “After 30 days of receipt of deportation order, unless stayed…
SURIGAO CITY –Department of Tourism (DOT) Assistant Secretary for Mindanao Myra Paz V. Abubakar said the newly-inaugurated Battle of Surigao Strait Memorial and Museum in this city will serve as a major tourist attraction, as well as a special educational experience for the young generation. The historical landmark, perched on a ridge with a breathtaking view…
A TOTAL of 23 people have died from the earthquakes that have struck areas of Mindanao since mid-October, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said in its latest report. Released on Friday, November 1, the numbers said seven were killed on October 16, when a 6.3 magnitude quake struck the northeast portion…
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte plans on giving Vice President Leni Robredo a Cabinet secretary rank as the administration’s drug czar to show the seriousness of his previous offer, Malacañang on Thursday, October 31. Under the drug czar position, Robredo would oversee all bureaus and agencies involved with the enforcement of the law on prohibited drugs…
A Filipino and seven Chinese nationals were arrested on Friday, November 1 for allegedly trying to kidnap a Chinese man at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City. Based on the report by Philippine National Police – Aviation Security Group, the victim, who was identified as Zhouzeng Lin, was meeting with…
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), in its latest situation report released Wednesday, October 30, said that 1,681 families or 8,402 people in Mindanao have been affected by the magnitude 6.6 earthquake that hit Cotabato on Tuesday, October 29. According to NDRRMC, those who were displaced are from Kidapawan, Mlang, and Tulunan…
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) on Tuesday, October 29, listed the Philippines among the 13 countries that make up the world’s worst impunity offenders. According to its 2019 Global Impunity Index, Somalia is the world’s worst country for the fifth year in a row based on unsolved journalist deaths as a percentage of each…
The spokesperson of Vice President Leni Robredo insisted Wednesday, October 30, that the administration could not be serious about its offer of a drug czar post since the invitation was merely sent through mobile text. According to lawyer and former lawmaker Barry Gutierrez, Malacañang and presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo are merely messing with Robredo, who’s…
CAMIGUIN, Philippines – The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday lauded the province of Camiguin for reaping not only the sweetest harvests of lanzones in the country but also for garnering a national award. Now on its 40th run, the Lanzones Festival is sweeter this time around as the collaborative efforts of the locals and…
Malacañang on Friday, October 25, dismissed calls to release a medical bulletin of President Rodrigo Duterte’s condition since the Constitution only requires a health dispatch in case of a “serious illness.” Duterte’s visit to Japan on Tuesday, October 22, was cut short because of an “unbearable” pain in his spine and pelvic area following a…
The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday, October 24, assured the public that eating pork products contaminated with African swine fever (ASF) does not affect human health. “It is completely safe. It has no effect on human health. It is safe for human consumption,” said Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo. “Those threatened by (ASF) are…
A bill that seeks to repeal the crime of offending religious feelings, of which the late artist and activist Carlos Celdran was found guilty of, has been filed by Albay 1st District Representative Edcel Lagman. If passed into law, House Bill (HB) No. 5170 — which would repeal Article 133 of the Revised Penal Code…
Russia Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev on Tuesday, October 22, said Russia wants to build a long-term strategic cooperation with the Philippines, with defense and security as a key area of cooperation both countries wish to expand. “We are ready to supply our sophisticated technologies in order to help your country develop your own…
Malacañang on Wednesday, October 23, vowed that President Rodrigo Duterte will disclose to the public the result of his medical consultation after concerns were raised due to the chief executive’s motorcycle accident last week and an abbreviated trip to Japan. Duterte’s visit to Japan was cut short on Tuesday, October 22, because of an “unbearable”…
A recent study revealed that the retirement or pension system of the Philippines is the 4th lowest out of 36 countries. According to the 2019 Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index — which takes into consideration the pension system’s sustainability, adequacy, and integrity — the Philippines had an overall index value of 43.7, placing it above…
A study conducted by the United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) found that the Philippines has the “fastest growing epidemic” of the sexually transmitted disease, with a 203 percent rise in new HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infections from 2010 to 2018. Worldwide HIV cases, on the other hand, declined by at least 18 percent. Only…
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines, the marketing and promotions arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT), is set to boost tourism in the Philippines as it simultaneously mounts the Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) and MICE Buyers Invitational (MICECONnect) 2019 on October 20 to 27 to promote the Philippines as a prime tourist destination for…
The number of Filipinos satisfied with President Rodrigo Duterte’s performance as chief executive saw a slight dip in the results of the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released this week. The survey released on Wednesday, October 9, conducted from Sept. 27 to 30, revealed that 78% of adult Filipinos were satisfied with Duterte’s performance….
HIV in the Philippines is spreading faster than any other country in the world, and health advocates are saying that dating apps — along with the lack of education — may be part of the problem. Citing numbers by the United Nations’ AIDS agency, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that the estimated number of…
THE House of Representatives on Tuesday, October 1, transmitted the proposed P4.1-trillion national budget for 2020 to the Senate ahead of the month-long break beginning Oct. 4 for its consideration and approval. According to Deputy Speaker Neptali M. Gonzales II of Mandaluyong City, the spending plan is “pork-free,” inviting the Senate to “see for themselves.”…
Malacañang on Monday, September 30, said President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the Department of Agriculture (DAR) to stop the spread of African swine fever. “Contain it, stop it,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said, quoting Duterte’s order to Agriculture Secretary William Dar, when he was asked for a reaction in regard to the confirmed cases of the…
Davao City – City mayors expressed their gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte following the latter’s announcement that he is exploring options for local governments to immediately avail their share of the national revenue as ruled by the Supreme Court in the petition filed by Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas. President Duterte’s statement was met with a…
A new generation of tycoons entered Forbes magazine’s 2019 Philippines Rich list on Wednesday, September 25, with the children of late tycoon Henry Sy nabbing the top spot with their combined net worth of $17.2 billion. The Sy siblings — Teresita (Sy-Coson), Elizabeth, Henry “Big Boy” Jr., Hans, Herbert, and Harley — replaced their father…
