Day: March 2, 2025

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) played a crucial role in the country’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, Malaca±ang said on Sunday. In a radio interview, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that the POGO issue was a significant reason for the Philippines’ inclusion in the grey list. According to Philippines News Agency, this move was part of a broader strategy outlined in Executive Order 33, issued by President Marcos in 2023, which sets the country’s anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, and counter-proliferation

San Juan: Erica De Luna delivered a historic quadruple-double to lead De La Salle Zobel to a 114-24 dumping of Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 87 girls’ basketball tournament on Saturday at Filoil EcoOil Centre. According to Philippines News Agency, the 18-year-old guard registered 32 points, 16 rebounds, 12 steals, and 11 assists, becoming the first player across all five UAAP divisions to achieve this feat. The last recorded quadruple-double was in 2009 when Joshua Saret delivered a similar performance in the NCAA Season 86 boys’ basketball. De Luna expressed that the achievement boosts her confidence as

Manila: Crime rate in Metro Manila dropped by 37.06 percent in the second month of 2025, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) acting chief Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin said on Sunday. In a news release, Aberin announced that the NCRPO recorded 343 focus crimes in February, a significant decrease from the 545 incidents logged during the same month last year. According to Philippines News Agency, focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, rape, theft, robbery, vehicle, and motorcycle theft. Data from the Crime Information, Reporting and Analysis System showed that murder cases fell by 41.94 percent, with a reduction from

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. cautioned the public on Sunday about the spread of fake news and disinformation as the campaign season heats up. In his latest vlog, Marcos urged Filipinos to be extra vigilant when consuming information, particularly from social media. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos stated, “Intrigues and mudslinging come hand in hand with campaigns and fake news is everywhere. That’s why, our citizens must be careful,” he said in Filipino. “As we said, the new Filipinos know how to distinguish between right and wrong information. So, now that fake news and disinformation are widespread, we

Manila: The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the country’s tourism recovery, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of strengthening the Philippine economy through increased foreign arrivals and enhanced international connectivity. According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippines recorded 14,733,597 international arrivals in 2024, a strong rebound nearing the pre-pandemic figure of 17,085,097 in 2019. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said this reflects a steady recovery of the tourism sector, bringing the country closer to pre-pandemic levels despite global challenges. South Korea remained the top source of foreign arrivals, with 1,761,281 visitors, followed