Day: March 25, 2025

Manila: Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro extended her birthday wishes to detained former president Rodrigo Duterte. Currently detained in The Hague, The Netherlands, Duterte will celebrate his 80th birthday on March 28. He is facing crimes against humanity charges before the International Criminal Court for his brutal war on drugs. According to Philippines News Agency, Castro suggested a simple celebration by singing a birthday song for Duterte. ‘Kantahan natin ng happy birthday – iyon lang po. Siyempre birthday po iyon, kailangan pong maging maligaya ang taong nagbi-birthday at wini-wish po natin siya ng happy birthday

Manila: The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said Tuesday that detained Chinese businessman Tony Yang has been hospitalized after a medical emergency. Yang, whose real name is Yang Jian Xin, is facing charges in connection with Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs). According to Philippines News Agency, in a statement sent to reporters, PAOCC spokesperson Winston Casio said Yang was rushed to the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Taguig City on Monday afternoon after complaining of congested chest pains and showing the on-duty PAOCC personnel his blood-covered handkerchief. “He has been diagnosed with suspected tuberculosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by

Manila: The police and the military should remain ‘apolitical’ and refrain from becoming entangled in issues surrounding the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, Malaca±ang emphasized on Tuesday. In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro concurred with Senate President Francis Escudero, highlighting that uniformed services need not be involved in such controversies. According to Philippines News Agency, Castro expressed agreement with Escudero’s stance, asserting that public servants should maintain neutrality and avoid being drawn into personal matters, particularly those involving the Duterte family. Castro stated, “Tama naman po (It’s right). The public

Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that it has filed a PHP5.7 billion tax evasion case against five Chinese nationals involved in the illicit cigarette trade in various locations in Valenzuela and Bulacan. According to Philippines News Agency, the DOJ stated that the charges for violation of Section 258 (Unlawful Pursuit of Business) in relation to Section 236, and Section 263 (Unlawful Possession of Articles subject to Excise Tax without Payment of the Tax) of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 were filed before the Court of Tax Appeals on March 14. The DOJ emphasized that warrants of

Manila: The National Food Authority (NFA) has committed to purchasing palay, or unhusked rice, from local farmers, as announced by Malaca±ang. This pledge comes amidst concerns that the NFA has been unable to buy larger quantities of palay due to budget constraints. According to Philippines News Agency, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro addressed these concerns during a Palace press briefing. She explained that the NFA is prepared to expand its rice storage capacity to accommodate farmers looking to sell their palay. Castro emphasized that farmers need to queue up due to the current peak season,