Author: Mark Salazar

  • Philippine Budget Secretary Commits to Sustained Fiscal Performance Amid Improved Deficit

    Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has pledged to intensify efforts to uphold the government’s commendable spending performance. This commitment comes in the wake of a reported 5.7% reduction in the national budget deficit for 2024, a development that has filled Pangandaman with joy. The announcement followed a report from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) indicating…

  • Bicol Police Crack Down on Drugs, Seize PHP5 Million in Contraband, Arrest 37

    In a robust week of anti-drug operations from February 17 to 23, 2025, the Bicol region’s Police Regional Office (PRO-5) reported a significant haul of illegal substances valued at over PHP5 million. The crackdown led to the arrest of 37 suspects across the region’s six provinces and one city. PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Andrei Dizon…

  • Charges Laid in Naga Doctor’s Murder Case

    In a significant development in the investigation into the murder of a doctor in Naga City, the Bicol Police Regional Office (PRO-5) has officially charged the suspect, Raymart Martinez, with murder. The 34-year-old from Barangay Concepcion Pequeña was the boyfriend of the victim, Dr. Rajean Monnette Romualdez, who was discovered deceased in her parked car…

  • Military Bolsters Presence in Zamboanga City to Enhance Security

    ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has declared an increase in military personnel in Zamboanga City to aid the local police in maintaining law and order. This announcement came on Thursday following a visit by Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, the head of Westmincom, to the…

  • Iloilo City Launches Weekly Tours for Elderly to Explore Local Attractions

    Iloilo City has introduced a new travel initiative aimed at its senior citizens, allowing them to explore the city’s rich heritage and tourist spots. The program, which kicked off on February 20, 2025, is set to occur every Thursday, offering elderly residents a chance to experience Iloilo as tourists. The inaugural tour saw fifteen senior…

  • Philippines Records Significant Balance of Payments Deficit in January

    The Philippines experienced a substantial balance of payments deficit amounting to USD4.1 billion in January, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). This figure marks a significant increase from the USD740 million deficit reported in January of the previous year. The balance of payments is a comprehensive record of a nation’s economic interactions with…

  • LRT-1 Fare Increase Set to Take Effect on April 2, Approved by DOTr

    The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has given the green light for a fare increase on the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), set to be implemented starting April 2. The announcement came from Enrico Benipayo, president of the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), who shared the news following the DOTr’s approval on February 14. The…

  • Police Operations in Nueva Ecija Result in Arrest of Three Top Fugitives

    In a significant crackdown on crime, the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3) successfully apprehended three of Nueva Ecija’s most wanted criminals in a series of operations conducted on Monday. The arrests, which took place across different locations in the province, were highlighted by PRO-3 as a testament to their dedication to enhancing public safety and…

  • Philippines and Japan Reaffirm Dedication to Maritime Freedom and International Law

    In a significant diplomatic exchange, the National Security Advisers of the Philippines and Japan, Eduardo Año and Okano Masataka respectively, have once again pledged their support for the principles of freedom of navigation and adherence to international law in the contentious waters of the South China Sea and East China Sea. This commitment was voiced…

  • Philippine Army Set to Bolster Defenses with New Missile Systems

    In a recent announcement, Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Roy Galido revealed that the military branch has secured funding to purchase short-range air defense missile systems. Speaking in Manila, Galido confirmed that the budget, allocated last year, is now actively being used to initiate the procurement process. This move is part of a broader strategy…