Day: February 27, 2025

Manila: The national government’s total revenue collections reached PHP4.419 trillion last year, exceeding the target of PHP4.27 trillion, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said. In a report released on Thursday, the BTr said the revenue collection last year is equivalent to 16.72 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), marking the highest revenue effort since 1997. According to Philippines News Agency, the BTr attributed the higher revenue collections to the better-than-expected non-tax revenue collections. Data showed that non-tax revenues recorded double-digit growth of 56.61 percent to PHP618.3 billion, exceeding the revised full-year target of PHP449.6 billion. The better-than-expected

Manila: Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon on Thursday announced the formation of the Flagship Project Management Office (FPMO) to oversee and expedite the execution of key transportation infrastructure projects. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to accelerate projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and easing commuter difficulties. According to Philippines News Agency, Department Order 2025-002 outlines that the FPMO will set policies and ensure the allocation of resources for implementing priority infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs), while also monitoring their progress. The IFPs under this office include the Metro Manila Subway Project, North-South Commuter Railway Project, EDSA Busway Project,

Manila: The Philippines wants to enhance bilateral relations with Sweden and Egypt, as the newly appointed ambassadors of both countries presented their credentials to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday. President Marcos made this statement during separate meetings with Swedish Ambassador-designate Anna Ferry and Egyptian Ambassador-designate Nader Nabil Zaki at Malaca±ang. According to Philippines News Agency, Ferry informed the President that Sweden views the Philippines as a “priority partner.” He stressed that both countries share common values, including respect for human rights, the upholding of democracy, and the pursuit of progress. Ferry said Sweden supports the United Nations Convention

Pasig City: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has raised concerns over the increasing incidents of violence involving minors, highlighting the need for enhanced security, anti-bullying strategies, and mental health programs in schools. According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian referenced a recent stabbing incident involving Grade 7 and Grade 10 students outside Rizal High School in Pasig City. Additionally, he pointed to a brawl in Iloilo City where students aged 13 to 17 sustained stab wounds, and an incident in Marikina where two female elementary students were stabbed on school grounds. As the head of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Gatchalian has

Manila: Korea Electric Power Company (KEPCO) remains keen on the Philippine market as it considers exploring opportunities in renewable energy (RE), nuclear energy, and smart grid in the country. In a news release on Thursday, the Department of Energy (DOE) said KEPCO president Kim Dong-cheol paid a courtesy visit on Secretary Raphael Lotilla on Feb. 25 and reaffirmed their commitment to invest in the Philippine energy sector. According to Philippines News Agency, the meeting between Lotilla and Kim centered on RE, nuclear energy, and bringing in Korea’s smart grid platform. Secretary Lotilla expressed appreciation for KEPCO’s commitment to advancing renewable