Day: March 25, 2025

Manila: The Philippines has not made any commitment to comply with a potential order from the International Criminal Court (ICC) to freeze the assets of detained former president Rodrigo R. Duterte, Malaca±ang stated on Tuesday. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that the ICC lacks jurisdiction over the Philippines, rendering any of its requests non-binding on the government. According to Philippines News Agency, Castro explained during a press briefing that the administration has not pledged to adhere to any order issued by the ICC, especially since the court currently holds no jurisdiction over the Philippines.

Bacolod: Bishop Patricio Buzon of the Diocese of Bacolod said the detention of former president Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, The Netherlands can be considered by his supporters as a spiritual opportunity. According to Philippines News Agency, Buzon emphasized in his homily during a Holy Mass at the San Sebastian Cathedral that Duterte’s detention is a special grace and a chance for him to return to God. Buzon highlighted that with Duterte turning 80 on March 28, he is living on ‘borrowed time’, suggesting that prison time can be more powerful than a spiritual

Parang: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has activated the Special Task Force-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (STF-BARMM) to ensure peaceful and orderly midterm elections. PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil stated that this initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to safeguard the electoral process and uphold democracy. According to Philippines News Agency, Gen. Marbil emphasized that the core of these initiatives is a strong commitment to securing free and fair elections through inter-agency collaboration. He highlighted the joint efforts of stakeholders to foster equality, accountability, empowerment, and unity, thus ensuring that the people of BARMM can

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday swore in former UnionDigital Bank president and chief executive officer Henry Rhoel Aguda as the new Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). In a social media post, Marcos expressed confidence in Aguda’s ability to lead the department toward achieving the goals of modernizing the nation’s technological infrastructure. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos stated, ‘Sa pamumuno ni Secretary Aguda, tiwala akong mas mapapabilis ang digital transformation ng bansa (Under Secretary Aguda’s leadership, I am confident that the country’s digital transformation will accelerate).’ He further added, ‘Hangad nating makinabang

Manila: The government is planning the construction of new housing units and cold storage facilities, as announced by Malaca±ang on Tuesday. This initiative follows a sectoral meeting led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at Malaca±an Palace. According to Philippines News Agency, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro shared details about the meeting. She stated that discussions focused on housing projects and various initiatives by the Department of Agriculture (DA), including the development of food hubs and cold storage facilities. Castro emphasized the need for an appropriate budget to ensure the successful implementation of these