Day: February 15, 2025

Manila: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced on Saturday that it collected PHP931.04 billion in revenues for 2024. In a statement, the bureau said it successfully achieved its revenue targets despite challenges caused by the impact of tariff reductions on rice and selected electronic vehicles, and the deferment of priority reforms, such as the excise tax on pickup trucks under the Capital Market Promotion Efficiency Act. According to Philippines News Agency, several ports, including Legazpi, Tacloban, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Clark, and Cagayan de Oro, contributed to the annual collection after exceeding their revenue targets. The BOC also generated PHP2.71

Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) released on Saturday the initial list of approved online campaign platforms for 29 senatorial candidates and 85 party-list organizations participating in the May 2025 midterm elections. According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec announced through a social media post that platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram have been approved for those candidates and party-list groups that have fully complied with the registration requirements. The announcement was made under Comelec Minute Resolution No. 25-0167 dated February 7, 2025, confirming the Commission En Banc’s approval. The list of senatorial candidates includes notable figures such

Quezon City: The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) has announced its goal to eradicate all illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) by the end of 2025. The initiative follows a total ban on POGOs implemented by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in January. According to Philippines News Agency, PAOCC Executive Director, Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz, shared during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City that more than a hundred small-scale POGOs are still operating in the country. Cruz emphasized that the commission is committed to declaring a ‘zero POGO’ status in the Philippines, once these operators are entirely stamped out. Cruz

Pasay City: University of the Philippines (UP) relied on Nigerian Olayemi Raheem to prevail over University of the East, 19-25, 25-23, 24-26, 25-16, 18-16, at the opening of the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena. According to Philippines News Agency, Raheem ignited a crucial 9-3 rally in the deciding fifth set, lifting the Fighting Maroons to victory. Raheem said, “For me, it’s kind of like a new experience, having a lot of people, drums and everything, but I focused on our preparations for the game. The mindset of having to win before going into the

Manila: The Social Security System (SSS) is seeking enhanced services for pensioners, lower interest rates on its salary and calamity loan programs, and self-employed coverage. In a news release on Saturday, the SSS said it expects to implement its plans and programs this year. According to Philippines News Agency, SSS president and chief executive officer Robert Joseph De Claro said a review of the guidelines on the Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) Program is underway to make it easier for pensioners to comply with the requirements and other verification processes. “Our review of the current guidelines and profile of pensioners