Day: April 3, 2025

Manila: Senate President Francis Escudero on Thursday proposed a series of strategic responses to soften the blow of the new 17 percent tariff imposed by the United States on Philippine exports, urging the government to act swiftly to protect the country’s economic interests. According to Philippines News Agency, during the Kapihan sa Senado forum, Escudero called on the country’s economic managers to consider immediate amendments to the tariff and customs code and explore options such as currency devaluation and market diversification. “The President has the authority to amend our tariff and customs code while Congress is in recess. This power

Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has expressed its readiness to respond to a petition filed in the Supreme Court seeking to halt Internet voting in the upcoming midterm elections scheduled for May 12. Comelec Chairperson George Garcia, in a recent interview, confirmed the commission’s preparedness to address the legal challenge and seek clarification on the matter. According to Philippines News Agency, the petition was initiated by the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino – Laban ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), which argues that the implementation of digital ballots lacks authorization under current legislation. However, Garcia points to Republic Act (RA) 10590, which amends the

Muntinlupa City: The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have signed an agreement to formally secure the land boundaries of Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm (IPPF) in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. According to Philippines News Agency, the memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed by BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. and DENR-Mimaropa officer-in-charge Regional Executive Director Felix Mirasol Jr. during ceremonies at the BuCor headquarters in Muntinlupa City. In a statement, Catapang emphasized the importance of formalizing land ownership to ensure proper classification and management of the 29,000-hectare BuCor property. He stated,

Pasig City: Cignal will try to close out the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference title series against Criss Cross in Game Two on Friday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The HD Spikers displayed their championship experience to prevail in Game One, 22-25, 25-19, 22-25, 25-21, 15-12, last Wednesday, and moved to within a win of claiming their ninth title. According to Philippines News Agency, Cignal, which had previously swept Criss Cross in the 2024 Invitational and Open finals, will try to sustain its form to achieve the same in their 6 p.m. showdown. Cignal head coach Dexter Clamor noted

Manila: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced that the Philippines holds a favorable position compared to other ASEAN member states and Asian countries following US President Donald Trump’s executive order on reciprocal tariffs worldwide. According to Philippines News Agency, Trump’s order subjects Philippine goods entering the US market to a 17 percent tariff, which remains lower than those imposed on other ASEAN nations. Countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam face tariffs as high as 49, 48, and 46 percent, respectively. This places the Philippines in a better position, with only Singapore enjoying a lower tariff rate of 10