Day: January 14, 2025

Manila: The House of Representatives on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved on third and final reading a bill reorganizing the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) into the Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDEV). According to Philippines News Agency, during the plenary session, a total of 178 lawmakers voted in favor of House Bill 11199, or the proposed Economy, Planning, and Development Act. No lawmaker voted against the measure or abstained from voting. The bill outlines that DEPDEV would serve as the primary policy planning, coordinating, and monitoring arm of the executive branch for national economic development. The proposed department is tasked

CARAGA: Twelve newly inducted ‘Doctors to the Barrios’ will soon provide healthcare services to underserved communities across Caraga, the regional Department of Health (DOH-13) announced Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, the new doctors took their oath on Monday under the supervision of DOH-13 Director Cesar Cassion. They will undergo pre-deployment orientation until Jan. 17 to prepare them for their assignments. They are expected to start serving their designated areas on Jan. 22 following endorsements to their respective provincial health offices. The doctors include Ivanka Lizbeth Priete, Jade Pajaron Calang, Hazell Mae Dorado, Hanni Bless Linconada, Michelle Pespes, Kathlyn Labiang

Manila: Telecommunications company Globe Telecom Inc. (Globe) on Tuesday lauded the arrest of two Chinese nationals for attempting to sell pre-registered SIM cards in violation of the SIM Registration Act. According to Philippines News Agency, the suspects were arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), with 1,700 Globe SIMs and 2,300 TM SIMs confiscated during a buy-bust operation on January 9. Globe general counsel Froilan Castelo emphasized the importance of the operation, stating it was a significant victory against fraudsters and an indication that the SIM Registration Act is an effective tool against scammers. The

Manila: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued temporary restraining orders (TROs) stopping the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from enforcing its rulings to disqualify or reject the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) of five individuals seeking to run for different positions in the upcoming national and local elections. According to Philippines News Agency, during its first en banc session for the year, the SC granted TROs prohibiting the Comelec from declaring Subair Guinthum Mustapha and Charles Savellano as nuisance candidates in their bid to run for the Senate and as Ilocos Sur 1st District representative, respectively. The high court ordered

Manila: Two-time PBA Finals most valuable player (MVP) Mikey Williams arrived on Tuesday to join the Strong Group Athletics (SGA) team which will see action at the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship. The 33-year-old guard from Los Angeles, California is expected to display his sharpshooting and playmaking skills in the tournament scheduled from Jan. 24 to Feb. 2. According to Philippines News Agency, Williams will be reunited with Strong Group head coach Charles Tiu. They were together in the Mighty Sports squad that won the 2019 William Jones Cup and the 2020 Dubai Basketball Championship. “I’m excited to be working