Author: Ramon Diaz

  • Senator Gatchalian Demands Thorough Investigation into Banks’ Involvement in POGO Money Laundering

    Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has pledged to ramp up the investigation into the potential role of banks and other financial entities in money laundering activities connected to the illegal operations of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). This commitment was made public on January 13, 2024, following the shutdown of the largest POGO facility in Kawit, Cavite,…

  • Four Arrested on First Day of Nationwide Election Gun Ban

    On the inaugural day of the nationwide election gun ban, four individuals were apprehended for violations, as announced by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil. The arrests took place across various regions including Soccsksargen, Western Visayas, Central Luzon, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The gun ban, part of…

  • President Marcos Jr. Offers Condolences to Southern California Wildfire Victims

    President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to those affected by the devastating wildfires in Southern California, USA. In a statement released on Sunday, Marcos emphasized the significant Filipino community in the region, noting the personal impact of the disaster on many Filipinos living there. ‘On behalf of the…

  • Senator Gatchalian Advocates for Permanent Roles for Long-Serving Contractual Workers in Government Overhaul

    Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is pushing for a significant amendment to the proposed bureaucracy rightsizing bill, aiming to establish permanent positions for contractual employees who have been performing essential roles within the government for extended periods. Gatchalian emphasized the need for these ‘qualified’ workers, many of whom have served over a decade, to be integrated into…

  • Canlaon City Enhances Volcano Evacuation Strategy with New Siren System

    Canlaon City, located in Negros Oriental, has taken significant steps to improve its disaster response capabilities by introducing a new siren system. This system, recently tested, is designed to alert residents and evacuees about dangerous volcanic activity from Mt. Kanlaon, enhancing the city’s preparedness for potential eruptions. The siren system was put to the test…

  • Seven Pangasinan Localities Categorized as Yellow by Comelec Ahead of Midterm Elections

    In preparation for the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has designated seven areas in Pangasinan as yellow category locations. This classification includes the cities of Dagupan and Urdaneta, along with the municipalities of Aguilar, Binmaley, Malasiqui, Mangaldan, and Sual. The decision was made by Comelec’s central office, independent of local…

  • Negros Farmers Thrive with DSWD’s Agricultural Support Programs

    In a significant boost to local agriculture, two farmers’ associations in northern Negros Occidental have successfully harvested freshwater tilapia and a variety of crops, thanks to the support from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Projects LAWA and BINHI. These initiatives have been pivotal in helping communities recover from the drought caused by…

  • Four NPA Members Surrender in Bicol Region

    In a significant development in the fight against insurgency, four members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Bicol region have surrendered to authorities. The surrender took place early this week, as reported by Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, the spokesperson for the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5). The individuals who turned themselves in…

  • Senator Gatchalian Clarifies Education Budget Includes Military and Police Academies

    Senator Sherwin Gatchalian addressed concerns about the 2025 Government Appropriations Act, asserting that the budgets for the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) are rightfully categorized under the education sector. Speaking at the regular Kapihan sa Senado, Gatchalian emphasized that these institutions offer Bachelor of Science degrees, classifying them as…

  • FDA Considers Broader Discounts on Medications for Seniors and Disabled

    MANILA – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is exploring the possibility of extending discounted medications and medical devices to not just senior citizens, but also to individuals with disabilities (PWDs). This initiative was highlighted during a recent meeting focused on the implementation of Administrative Order No. 2024-0017, which has eliminated the need for senior…