Day: February 6, 2025

Manila: The defense chiefs of the Philippines and the United States discussed the importance of “reestablishing deterrence in the South China Sea” by working with allies and partners. This took place during the introductory call between Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his counterpart, US Department of Defense (DOD) Secretary Pete Hegseth on February 5 (US time). The call also discussed defense cooperation in the US-Philippines alliance, the statement posted at the DOD website said. Also tackled were how the “capability and capacity” of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are to be enhanced. According to

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday reaffirmed the country’s commitment to defending its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) despite the ongoing presence of China’s ‘monster ship’ in Philippine waters. In a press briefing in Malaca±ang, Marcos emphasized that Manila will maintain its presence in the disputed waters, regardless of the actions taken by Beijing. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos stated, “They will always find the Philippine presence, no matter what they do. Kahit na banggain ang barko natin, kahit mag-water cannon sila, mag-laser sila, kahit mag-block sila – kahit anong gawin nila, laging nandiyan ang

Manila: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Thursday issued the latest suggested retail price (SRP) bulletin for basic necessities and prime commodities, more than a year after its last release on January 12 of the previous year. The new bulletin reflects significant changes in the pricing of various consumer goods. According to Philippines News Agency, the DTI data indicates that out of 191 shelf-keeping units (SKUs) on the latest SRP list, 77 items, or 40 percent of the SKUs, have experienced an increase in their suggested retail prices. The affected goods include a wide range of products such

Taguig City: The government will institutionalize the digitalization, as well as the monitoring and evaluation of the Public Financial Management (PFM) processes, to make the budget system ‘more transparent,’ Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said Thursday. ‘We will institutionalize our monitoring and evaluation and the digitalization in our PFM processes,’ Pangandaman said in a press conference on the sidelines of the 2025 Open Government Partnership (OGP) Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting (APRM). According to Philippines News Agency, the PFM Reforms Roadmap 2024-2029, launched in September 2024, addresses 11 strategic focus areas that cover all aspects of public financial management. These

Makati City: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has launched a full investigation into the disappearance of 28-year-old Filipino seafarer Ralph Bobiles while onboard MV Prestige Ace on December 5 last year. In a media briefing Thursday at the DMW office in Makati City, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac announced the suspension of the Parola Maritime Agency Corporation’s license. The agency, responsible for Bobiles’ deployment, failed to provide a sufficient explanation regarding the incident. According to Philippines News Agency, the lack of an investigation report or a captain’s report on Bobiles’ disappearance prompted the DMW’s decision. Furthermore, when requested