Author: Ramon Diaz

  • Agriculture Secretary Vows Crackdown on Rice Importers Profiteering

    In a stern warning to rice importers, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has pledged to tackle the issue of profiteering in the rice market. During a joint market inspection with the Department of Trade and Industry at the Guadalupe Public Market in Makati City, Tiu Laurel expressed concerns over the high retail prices of…

  • Tropical Depression Querubin and Shearline to Cause Rainfall in Visayas and Mindanao

    The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has forecasted that Tropical Depression Querubin, combined with a shearline, will lead to significant rainfall across the Visayas and Mindanao regions. As of early Wednesday, Querubin was positioned 230 km east of Davao City and 205 km east of Tagum City, with maximum sustained winds of…

  • CICC Alerts Public to Beware of Paid SIM Registration Scams on Social Media

    The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has issued a warning to the public about the dangers of using paid SIM registration services advertised on social media platforms. CICC Executive Director Alexander Ramos highlighted the rise of questionable social media accounts that charge a small fee for SIM registration services. Ramos cautioned that these third-party…

  • Davao City Reinforces Firecracker Ban with Strict Penalties

    As the festive season nears, Davao City’s administration has issued a stern reminder to its citizens about the consequences of breaching the firecracker prohibition. Mayor Sebastian Duterte has called on the community to adhere to the regulations for their own safety. He emphasized the importance of compliance, warning that violators would face fines and jail…

  • PhilHealth’s PHP150 Billion Surplus to Cover Subsidy for Indirect Members in 2025

    MANILA – Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa announced that the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has a PHP150 billion surplus from its 2024 budget, which will be used to support indirect members’ subsidies in 2025. This statement comes as PhilHealth anticipates receiving no government subsidy in the upcoming year. Herbosa, who also serves as the chairperson…

  • Cebu Province Allocates Over PHP126 Million for Tourism Infrastructure

    In a move to enhance tourism, Cebu Province has disbursed more than PHP126 million for infrastructure development across several towns and Bantayan Island, as announced by Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on Monday. The funds are designated for projects that local leaders can choose, aiming to improve tourist attractions and facilities. The distribution of funds saw PHP24…

  • Tragic Highway Accident in Maguindanao del Norte Claims Life of Police Officer

    In a devastating incident on a rainy Sunday night, a police officer lost his life and six others sustained injuries when their patrol vehicle crashed into a house in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte. The accident took place at approximately 9:30 p.m. in Barangay Gang, as confirmed by Lt. Col. Esmael Madin, the chief of…

  • Three DI-Maute Group Members Surrender in Lanao del Sur Amid Military Pressure

    In a significant development in the fight against terrorism, three members of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) have surrendered to the military in Lanao del Sur. The surrender took place in Barangay Matalin, Malabang, on Thursday, December 5, 2024, as reported by the 64th Infantry Battalion (64IB). The trio, who have been active since the…

  • Senate Investigates Revenue Loss from Fake Disability IDs

    REVENUE INVESTIGATION. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian led a public hearing at the Senate in Pasay City on December 5, 2024, to tackle the issue of fake Person with Disability (PWD) identification cards and their negative impact on government finances. Gatchalian highlighted that the misuse of these IDs leads to significant tax losses, unfair price hikes, and…

  • Health Advocates Urge Philippines to Follow ASEAN in Banning Vapes

    Manila – A prominent health advocacy group in the Philippines is pushing for the country to adopt stringent regulations on vaping, mirroring the actions of several Southeast Asian neighbors. The call for action follows Vietnam’s recent decision to ban e-cigarettes and vapes starting in 2025, joining over 30 countries worldwide that have implemented similar bans.…