Day: January 16, 2025

Manila: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued guidelines on disputed cases involving money claims of Filipino seafarers. The move complies with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for the issuance of corresponding rules to ensure the immediate and full implementation of the Republic Act (RA) 12021 or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. According to Philippines News Agency, Department Order No. 247, series of 2025, which was issued on January 15, will implement Section 59 of RA 12021. The order prescribes rules on the enforcement and execution of decisions of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) and

Northern Samar: KABAYAN Partylist Rep. Ron Salo on Thursday: pushed for the passage of a measure seeking to mandate the livestreaming of Sangguniang Bayan sessions to make local legislative sessions accessible to the public. Salo emphasized the importance of House Bill No. 11294, or the Act Mandating the Livestreaming of Sangguniang Bayan Sessions, to utilize online streaming platforms for promoting transparency in local governance. According to Philippines News Agency, Salo stated that in a democratic country, enhancing accessibility, inclusivity, and openness in governmental processes is crucial. He believes that livestreaming legislative sessions fosters transparency and ensures accountability of public officials.

Northern Samar: The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday that voyeurism and cyberlibel cases saw an uptick in 2024. In a statement, PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) Chief Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said reported cyberlibel cases rose by 4 percent from 1,403 in 2023 to 1,458 in 2024, while voyeurism cases saw an 18 percent increase-from 294 in 2023 to 347 last year. According to Philippines News Agency, Yang underscored the gravity of these offenses which cause significant harm to individuals, tarnish reputations, and infringe on personal privacy. “The rise in photo and video voyeurism, particularly among former lovers, is largely

Northern Samar: Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan said the visit of Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles John Brown, to the province symbolizes the enduring connection between the Vatican and Northern Samar. “The visit of His Excellency Charles John Brown symbolizes the enduring bond between the Vatican and the people of Northern Samar, a relationship rooted in a remarkable history of shared faith, mutual respect, and a commitment to serving humanity,” Ongchuan said in a statement issued Thursday. According to Philippines News Agency, the governor stated that the visit highlights the bond between the Vatican and Northern Samar, driven

Manila: Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced that the PHP58 per kilogram maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice is a preliminary measure, with potential reductions to PHP50/kg by March depending on global rice prices. The MSRP is set to be enforced starting January 20 in Metro Manila to combat profiteering and stabilize rising retail rice prices. According to Philippines News Agency, Tiu Laurel clarified during a joint market inspection with the Department of Trade and Industry that the MSRP will undergo regular reviews and adjustments to safeguard the interests of consumers and stakeholders across the value chain.