Day: April 29, 2025

Manila: The human trafficking charges filed against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Cassandra Li Ong, and 40 others mark a crucial step toward accountability, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros said Tuesday. ‘They had it coming,’ Hontiveros stated, referring to the Senate’s previous hearings that she claimed uncovered a ‘mountain of evidence’ – including documents, testimonies, and direct links – implicating the individuals in the operations of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga. According to Philippines News Agency, Hontiveros emphasized that all those who played a role in human trafficking, torture, and deceit that enabled the

Manila: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday reminded all local government units (LGUs) to guarantee all candidates equal access to public facilities, regardless of their political affiliations, religious beliefs, or other similar considerations. This directive comes as the campaign period intensifies with only two weeks left before the May 12 midterm national and local elections. According to Philippines News Agency, the reminder applies to the use of village halls, multipurpose halls, civic centers, plazas, parks, open spaces, covered courts, sports complexes, recreational centers, and other comparable public venues. The DILG stated that Memorandum Circular 2025-037

Manila: The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP CIDG) on Tuesday said its operatives seized PHP45.4 million worth of smuggled cigarettes under the government’s intensified operations against economic sabotage and illicit trade of commercial products across the country. According to Philippines News Agency, CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Nicolas D Torre III stated that the three-day operation under Oplan Mega Shopper from April 22 to 24 in Davao, Zamboanga, Cagayan Province, and Bulacan led to the arrest of six individuals. On April 22, the CIDG Davao City Field Unit, in coordination with the Vices Regulation Unit (VRU) and the

Davao City: The government’s flagship infrastructure program hit a significant milestone on Monday with the breakthrough of the 2.3-kilometer northbound tunnel of the Davao City Bypass Construction Project (DCBCP). In a statement on Tuesday, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said a ceremonial breakthrough was held at the North Portal in Barangay Waan, Davao City to mark the completion of tunnel excavation works for the two-lane northbound tube. According to Philippines News Agency, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, who graced the event, said the tunnel breakthrough “is more than a civil engineering triumph.” “It represents a bold step in

Manila: University of Santo Tomas and De La Salle will clash for the second twice-to-beat semis incentive on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The Tigresses and the Lady Spikers square off at 2 p.m., with the winner gaining the momentum when they clash anew in the Final Four on Saturday. According to Philippines News Agency, defending champion National University, which topped the eliminations at 12-2 to secure the first semis bonus, will battle No. 4 Far Eastern University also on Saturday. UST, De La Salle, and FEU finished with