Author: Ramon Diaz

  • Supreme Court Shocker: Renewable Energy Developers No Longer Need DOE Endorsement for VAT Refunds!

    In a groundbreaking decision, the Supreme Court has declared that renewable energy developers do not require an endorsement from the Department of Energy to claim VAT refunds. This ruling came after the court’s Third Division reviewed a case brought by Maibarara Geothermal, Inc., which sought a refund exceeding PHP80 million for the year 2013. The…

  • Albay Cancels 2025 Magayon Festival Due to Election Rules

    The provincial government of Albay has decided to cancel the 2025 Magayon Festival to comply with a Commission on Elections (Comelec) resolution. The decision was made after a meeting with various government officials, prompted by Comelec Resolution 11060, which bans the use of public funds for social services from March 28 to May 11, 45…

  • Philippine Agriculture Department Hastens Rice Stock Disposal to Aid Farmers

    In a strategic move to alleviate warehouse congestion and support local farmers, the Department of Agriculture (DA) in the Philippines has initiated the rapid disposal of rice stocks held by the National Food Authority (NFA). This action follows a food security emergency declaration and aims to expedite the purchase of palay from local farmers at…

  • Bureau of Immigration Warns of Filipinos Lured to Foreign ‘POGO-Like’ Scam Operations

    The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has raised concerns about an increasing number of Filipinos being recruited to work for companies resembling Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) in various Asian countries. During a press briefing at the Palace, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval revealed that approximately 118 Filipinos have been enticed to join what are essentially scam…

  • DA’s SAAD Program Boosts 28 Farmers’ Groups in Caraga with P36.3 Million in 2024

    In a significant boost to agricultural development, the Department of Agriculture’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program has allocated PHP36.3 million to support 28 farmers’ associations across Caraga in 2024. This financial aid, aimed at enhancing food production and sustainable livelihoods, has reached 726 individuals from various associations in Surigao del Norte, Agusan del…

  • Philippine Government Agencies Finalize CREATE MORE Act Regulations to Boost Investment

    In a significant move to enhance the country’s investment climate, key government officials, including Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, have signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the CREATE MORE Act. The signing took place on February 17, 2025, and was attended by notable figures such as Senator Sherwin…

  • Philippine Army Discovers Hidden Weapons in Nueva Ecija’s Mountains

    In a significant operation over the weekend, the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion, part of the 7th Infantry Division, discovered a hidden arsenal in the mountainous village of Barangay Sawmill, Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. The operation, spurred by information from a former rebel, led to the seizure of various weapons and explosives believed to be linked…

  • Comelec Approves Online Campaign Platforms for 2025 Midterm Election Candidates

    The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Manila has unveiled the first batch of approved online campaign platforms for the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections. This list includes platforms for 29 senatorial hopefuls and 85 party-list groups. The announcement was made via a social media update, highlighting that platforms such as Facebook, X (previously known as…

  • Iloilo City’s Employment Rate on the Rise, Thanks to Aggressive Job Programs

    Iloilo City is witnessing a continuous increase in its employment rate, which now stands at an impressive 96.2 percent, according to the Public Employment Services Office (PESO). This figure represents a total of 294,711 workers employed in the city. The data was shared by PESO Manager Gabriel Felix Umadhay during a recent interview. The city’s…

  • Philippines Asserts Right to Enhance Defense Amid Chinese Criticism

    MANILA – A high-ranking official from the National Security Council (NSC) of the Philippines has firmly stated that the nation possesses the sovereign right to bolster its defense capabilities at its discretion. This statement comes in response to China’s disapproval of the Philippines’ efforts to upgrade its military systems, which the NSC official described as…