Day: April 26, 2025

Vatican City: Massive crowds and world leaders filled Saint Peter’s Square on Saturday to bid farewell to Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, ending a 12-year papacy that shaped the global Catholic Church. According to Philippines News Agency, 160 official delegations are attending the funeral, including about 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs. Among them are US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. An estimated 250,000 people visited St. Peter’s Basilica between Wednesday and Friday to pay their respects as the Pope lay in state. A similar number is expected

Manila: Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno has urged all Filipinos to remain vigilant as preparations for the national and local elections on May 12 intensify. According to Philippines News Agency, the recent NDRRMC Memorandum 102 series of 2025 states that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (NDRRMOC) will elevate its alert status to “Blue” from May 11 to 14. This alert level signifies that half of the agency’s disaster response force is on standby, prepared to handle any emergencies that may arise. The decision is part of a strategy to ensure smooth coordination

Bataan: The Philippine Navy (PN) announced a significant achievement as one of its newly acquired missile boats successfully tested the Spike Non-Line of Sight (NLOS) missile system off the coast of Mariveles, Bataan. The test marks a crucial step in the Navy’s ongoing modernization efforts. According to Philippines News Agency, PN spokesperson Capt. John Percie Alcos confirmed the successful live-fire demonstration of the Spike NLOS missile system aboard the BRP Albert Majini (PG-909). The missiles were launched and successfully struck a target located approximately 24 kilometers away, showcasing the system’s capability and precision. This event is part of the PN’s

Manila: The soon-to-be-issued digital nomad visas (DNVs) for remote workers is expected to drive spending by international visitors who will be allowed to stay longer in the Philippines, as well as help boost tourism activities during off-peak seasons. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed on April 24 Executive Order No. 86, authorizing the Department of Foreign Affairs to issue DNVs to non-immigrant foreigners planning to visit and work remotely in the Philippines. According to Philippines News Agency, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco described the move as a ‘progressive policy’ that reflects the Marcos administration’s strong commitment to elevating the Philippine tourism

Dagupan City: Thousands of Pangasinenses gathered at the CSI Stadia on Friday to welcome the senatorial candidates of Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas during their campaign stop here. The administration candidates outlined initiatives aimed at alleviating the living conditions of the Filipino people, ranging from reduced electricity costs to the provision of free medicine and hospitalization. According to Philippines News Agency, former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos pledged to lower electricity costs, while Abby Binay promised to push for tax-free bonuses, including the 13th-month pay and overtime pay. Senator Bong Revilla proposed a universal pension of PHP1,000 for senior citizens and