Day: January 29, 2025

Manila: Prosecutors have formally asked the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) to order the arrest of six persons charged in connection with the disappearance of six “sabungeros” (cockfight enthusiasts) from an arena in 2022. Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon told reporters Wednesday that prosecutors made the manifestation during a hearing on Tuesday before the Manila RTC Branch 40. “It was orally manifested in the hearing yesterday,” Fadullon said. According to Philippines News Agency, the prosecutors cited the Court of Appeals’ December 20, 2024, ruling, which stated that the Manila court gravely abused its discretion when it granted the respondents’ petition

Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reiterated on Wednesday that the First 1,000 Days (F1KD) conditional cash grant under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) benefits not only pregnant women but also children up to two years old. According to Philippines News Agency, the program covers either a pregnant woman or a child aged 0 to 2 years old, regardless of whether the grantee is the mother or father, as stated by 4Ps Social Marketing Division Chief Marie Grace Ponce during the 4Ps Fastbreak online talk show. The F1KD grant, which will take effect this month, aims

Bais City: Two more dead dolphins were found in Bais City, Negros Oriental, following a mass stranding, bringing the total number of fatalities to five. Authorities suspect the dolphins died from lung trauma caused by blasting sounds. According to Philippines News Agency, City Veterinarian Dr. Melanie Pescadilla said Wednesday that necropsy results revealed lung lacerations in three of the four examined dolphins, consistent with injuries caused by intense underwater pressure or loud explosions. “They died of drowning secondary to blast trauma,” Pescadilla said, noting that dolphins’ auditory organs are located near their lungs, making them vulnerable to powerful underwater sounds.

Manila: Education Secretary Sonny Angara reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) in addressing gaps in the Philippine education system. According to Philippines News Agency, Angara acknowledged the Commission’s role in driving education reforms and expressed gratitude to Congress for enacting laws based on its recommendations. ‘It’s a wonderful occasion – the release of the EDCOM Year 2 Report. We thank the Senate, under Senate President Chiz Escudero, for passing laws recommended by EDCOM II,’ Angara said during the unveiling of EDCOM II’s Year 2 report. A former EDCOM II commissioner, Angara

Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced its decision to delay the printing of ballots for the Bangsamoro Parliament Elections (BPE) due to recent developments. This was revealed in a statement by Comelec Chairperson George Garcia, who confirmed that they would proceed with printing only the ballots for the May 12 national and local elections. According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia explained that the postponement was in anticipation of potential changes in the electoral landscape, specifically concerning the redistricting and reapportionment of slots originally assigned to Sulu. “Because of these recent developments we did not yet proceed with the