Author: Jean Vergara

  • DOH Welcomes Dr. Edwin Mercado as New PhilHealth President

    The Department of Health (DOH) has expressed its approval of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to appoint Dr. Edwin Mercado as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). The announcement was made on Tuesday in Manila. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, who also serves as the chair of…

  • Supreme Court Penalizes Judge for Delays in Leila de Lima’s Drug Case

    The Supreme Court has imposed a fine on a Muntinlupa regional trial court judge for causing significant delays in the drug case involving former senator Leila de Lima. The decision, announced on November 13, 2024, by the SC First Division, found Judge Romeo Buenaventura guilty of simple misconduct and neglect of duty, resulting in a…

  • New Bishop of Balanga to Be Ordained on February 25

    Rev. Fr. Rufino Sescon Jr., recently appointed as the Bishop of Balanga, is set to be ordained later this month. The Archdiocese of Manila’s Office of Communications announced via social media that the ordination ceremony will take place on February 25 at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros. The ceremony will be officiated by Archbishop Socrates…

  • Philippines Maintains Strong Economic Growth in 2024 Despite Challenges, Says Budget Secretary

    MANILA – Despite not reaching the government’s target, the Philippines achieved a robust 5.6% GDP growth in 2024, positioning it among the fastest-growing economies in the Asia Pacific, according to Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman. She made these remarks following the release of the Philippine Statistics Authority’s report, which indicated a 5.2% growth in the fourth…

  • Decrease in Flu-like and Dengue Cases Reported by DOH from January 1 to 18

    The Department of Health (DOH) announced on Thursday a significant reduction in the number of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and dengue cases across the Philippines from January 1 to January 18. According to DOH Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Albert Domingo, the country saw 5,789 ILI cases during this period, marking a 54% decrease from the 12,620…

  • Decrease in Influenza-Like Illnesses and Dengue Cases Reported by DOH

    The Department of Health (DOH) announced a significant reduction in the number of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and dengue cases across the Philippines from January 1 to January 18. According to DOH Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Albert Domingo, the country saw 5,789 ILI cases during this period, marking a 54% decrease from the 12,620 cases reported…

  • Police Arrest Two, Seize P2.3 Million in Smuggled Cigarettes in North Cotabato

    In a successful operation in Makilala, North Cotabato, police arrested two men and confiscated smuggled cigarettes valued at PHP2.3 million. The arrests were made after vigilant civilians tipped off the authorities about two minivans carrying contraband from Digos City, Davao del Sur, to North Cotabato. The drivers, identified only as ‘Mike’ and ‘Adzal,’ were apprehended…

  • Three Weather Systems to Bring Rain Across the Philippines on Thursday

    On Thursday, the Philippines will see widespread rain due to the influence of three distinct weather systems, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). The shear line is expected to bring scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms to regions including Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Laguna, Quezon, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Aklan, and Capiz.…

  • Leaders of ‘Fake’ Indigenous Group Charged in Surigao City

    In a significant legal move, the leaders of the so-called Federal Tribal Government of the Philippines (FTGP), including Jorgeto Corpuz Santisas and Lourdes Latraca Infante, are now facing a barrage of criminal charges in Surigao City. The charges, filed by the police on January 28, 2025, include malicious mischief, alarm and scandal, grave coercion, usurpation…

  • Leaders of Fake Indigenous Group Charged in Surigao City

    In a significant crackdown, the police in Surigao City have filed a series of criminal charges against the leaders of the so-called Federal Tribal Government of the Philippines (FTGP). The accused, including Jorgeto Corpuz Santisas and Lourdes Latraca Infante, are facing a total of 10 charges, ranging from malicious mischief to violations of the Cybercrime…