Author: Gregorio Rosales

  • President Marcos Jr. Commends ADB’s Vital Role in Philippine Development and Recovery from Pandemic

    In a heartfelt farewell meeting at Malacañang, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed his deep appreciation for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and its outgoing President Masatsugu Asakawa. The meeting, held on January 23, 2025, was marked by Marcos conferring the prestigious Order of Sikatuna to Asakawa, recognizing his significant contributions to the Philippines’ growth…

  • President Marcos to Review Revised Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Bill

    President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Thursday that he will first review the updated version of Senate Bill 1979, known as the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Act, before deciding on its approval. This bill proposes the mandatory implementation of the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) Program. Marcos’s statement came in response to inquiries about his…

  • Illicit Cigarette Trade Fuels Smoking Surge and Revenue Decline in the Philippines

    In a recent crackdown, authorities in Leon B. Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte, seized smuggled cigarettes valued at PHP7.79 million on January 14, 2025. This seizure underscores a broader issue highlighted by the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, which has identified illicit trade as a significant contributor to the increased smoking rates and diminished tax…

  • Philippine Police Chief Sets Deadline to Dismantle Private Armed Groups by March

    In a decisive move to curb the influence of private armed groups (PAGs) during the election period, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil has issued a stern directive to all police units across the country. The order, announced during a press conference at Camp Crame, mandates the complete eradication of both active…

  • Philippine Civil Defense Chief Expresses Solidarity with Taiwan Earthquake Victims

    In a heartfelt message, Ariel Nepomuceno, the head of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the Philippines, expressed his deep condolences to those affected by the recent 6.4-magnitude earthquake in Taiwan. The quake, which occurred shortly after midnight on Tuesday, led to 27 injuries, triggered landslides, and caused extensive damage to residential areas. Nepomuceno…

  • NIA Urges Local Governments to Boost Distribution of Affordable BBM Rice

    The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) is reaching out to local government units (LGUs) across the Philippines to expand the reach of Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka (BBM) rice, priced at PHP29 per kilogram. This initiative aims to make the affordable rice more accessible to Filipino consumers, particularly to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and beneficiaries…

  • Philippine Agriculture Department Poised to Declare Rice Emergency on January 22

    In a move to combat soaring rice prices, the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Philippines is set to declare a food security emergency for rice on January 22. This decision follows a resolution passed by the National Price Coordinating Council last week, aimed at stabilizing the market and ensuring food availability. DA spokesperson Assistant…

  • Marcos Jr. Optimistic About Future of Philippines-U.S. Relations Under New Leadership

    President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed confidence in the continued strengthening of economic, diplomatic, and defense ties between the Philippines and the United States during a recent phone conversation with outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris. Marcos highlighted the significant advancements made in the bilateral relationship under the current U.S. administration and expressed hope for further…

  • Senate and House Finalize Amendments to Motorcycle Safety Law

    In a significant move towards enhancing motorcycle safety and streamlining regulations, the Senate and House of Representatives have reached a consensus on amendments to Republic Act 11235, popularly known as the ‘Doble Plaka Law’ or the ‘Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act.’ The bicameral conference committee report, which was approved on Tuesday, introduces changes aimed at simplifying…

  • Two Chinese Nationals Arrested in Pasay for Illegal Sale of Pre-Registered SIM Cards

    In a recent operation conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, two Chinese nationals, identified as Yingchun and Chunmei, were arrested in Pasay City for the illegal sale of pre-registered SIM cards. The arrest took place around 5:15 p.m. on Thursday in front of a coffee shop within a mall in Pasay City, following…