Day: March 6, 2025

Manila: Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro will be holding a meeting with the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to address the issues concerning the state insurer’s excess funds. ‘Later, I will be having a meeting with the PhilHealth representative so that I will be made aware of all the facts and details of these so that we can also tell to the people what really happened,’ Castro said in a press briefing on Thursday. According to Philippines News Agency, Castro emphasized the necessity for public awareness regarding the legality of transferring PhilHealth funds to the

Manila: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has commended the Marcos administration for its efforts to reduce rice and pork prices, emphasizing the importance of ensuring these price cuts directly benefit consumers. Gatchalian highlighted the anticipated relief for consumers who have faced high commodity prices for several months. According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported on Wednesday that rice prices have been on a decline since December 2024. This decrease is attributed to several initiatives, including President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order for a substantial tariff reduction on rice imports, the DA’s Rice for All program under Kadiwa ng

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. would not hesitate to impose a total ban on Philippine inland gaming operators (PIGOs) if they are found to be causing the country similar problems that led to the shutdown of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), Malaca±ang said Thursday. Responding to concerns raised by Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero regarding the impact of PIGOs on Filipinos, Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro assured the public that the government is closely monitoring the situation and conducting a study to assess the effects of PIGOs or local online gambling in the country. According

Manila: Senate President Francis Escudero on Thursday announced that the joint venture between Nickel Asia Corporation and DMCI Mining Corporation to develop a nickel processing plant in the Philippines represents a ‘monumental stride’ in enhancing the country’s mineral value chain. According to Philippines News Agency, Escudero emphasized that the initiative is a pivotal step in advancing the local mineral processing industry, which is expected to create jobs and strengthen the country’s position as a global player in the sector. He remarked that the partnership aligns perfectly with the vision of reducing raw mineral exports while paving the way for economic

Manila: Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is solidifying its Clark hub by offering daily flights to Siargao and Basco beginning May 1. Currently, flights to Siargao from Clark are available thrice weekly-every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday-while the Basco-Clark route operates four times weekly-every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. According to Philippines News Agency, PAL Express president Rabbi Vincent Ang expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, highlighting the airline’s efforts to attract more travelers to Basco and Siargao for leisure and cultural experiences. The new daily services aim to cater to the peak summer season and provide travelers with the convenience of