Day: May 5, 2025

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that the national government will implement the distribution system used by the Cebu provincial government for the rollout of the PHP20 per kilogram rice sale, known as “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na.” According to Philippines News Agency, this decision follows the Department of Agriculture’s launch of the pilot rollout of the “BBM Na” program in Cebu on May 1. This initiative aligns with the Marcos administration’s commitment to ensuring a stable and affordable food supply for all Filipinos. President Marcos, during a campaign rally in Dumanjug, Cebu, highlighted Cebu’s existing distribution system and

San Juan City: Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has mandated mandatory drug testing for all public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers every 90 days. This directive follows a fatal crash at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). Dizon announced the decision during a press conference at the Department of Transportation (DOTr) office, emphasizing the need for safety measures after a Solid North bus driver refused a drug test post-collision. According to Philippines News Agency, the department order will be signed soon, and the DOTr will collaborate with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to implement the drug tests. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory

Manila: The local cement industry in the Philippines is projected to experience a recovery in the medium term, driven by robust infrastructure spending and a rising demand for housing. Herbert Consunji, president and CEO of Concreat Holdings Philippines (CHP), highlighted this positive outlook during the company’s 2025 annual stockholders’ meeting on Monday, despite the industry currently facing short-term challenges. According to Philippines News Agency, Consunji indicated that cement demand had weakened in 2024 due to factors such as lower prices, increased imports, and global uncertainties. However, he expressed optimism for a rebound supported by government infrastructure initiatives and unmet housing

Malaca±ang: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is far from being a dictator as his government continues to uphold press freedom in the country. “The President is not gearing toward dictatorship. Malaya po ang pamamahayag na nakikita po natin sa kasalukuyan (We are seeing the freedom of the press nowadays),” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing. According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippines rose to the 116th spot, the country’s highest ranking in 21 years, from 134th last year out of 180 countries on the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, according

Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed on Monday that the ransom money paid for the slain Filipino-Chinese steel magnate Anson Que was funneled through accounts belonging to two casino junket operators. According to Philippines News Agency, in a press conference held at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo named the junket operators as 9 Dynasty Group and White Horse Club, which are major players in the country’s casino industry. Fajardo explained that the ransom money was initially transferred through these operators’ accounts and e-wallets before eventually being moved to cryptocurrency wallets. Fajardo provided a visual representation of