Day: May 27, 2025

Manila: The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Tuesday defended Mindanao as a safe destination. The statement comes after reelected Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez called out a United States advisory on the country, criticizing it as ‘particularly biased’ against Mindanao. According to Philippines News Agency, the State Department, in its May 8 travel advisory, places the entire Philippines under level 2 where Americans are advised to ‘exercise increased caution’ due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. The same advisory placed Mindanao (except Davao City, Davao del Norte Province, Siargao Island, and Dinagat Islands) under level 3 where Americans

Manila: Senator Imee Marcos on Tuesday highlighted the need for the newly established Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) to take the reins in crafting the 2026 national budget, emphasizing the need for long-term, data-driven economic planning. Formerly known as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), DEPDev was formally established through Republic Act 12145 and was unveiled to the public on May 22. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos, among the law’s principal authors, said the agency’s enhanced mandate is a crucial step toward refocusing national budgeting and development priorities. ‘With this law, we hope to restore DEPDev

Manila: Innovations used in the May 12 midterm elections will be implemented again in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in December, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Tuesday. Interviewed on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said these innovations include early voting, mall voting, and priority polling places for vulnerable sectors. “We will continue to implement [these] in the BSKE,” he said. According to Philippines News Agency, the poll body official added they are also looking into using automated counting machines (ACMs) in some parts of the country. “And the Comelec also plans maybe in

Manila: The Philippine stock market closed nearly unchanged amid cautious trading while the peso moved sideways on Tuesday. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) declined by 0.08 percent to 6,384.62, while All Shares slightly went down by 0.06 percent to 3,735.54. According to Philippines News Agency, the PSEi stayed below the 6,400 mark amid cautious trading and a lack of fresh catalysts, with most sectors slipping and thin volumes reflecting investor indecision. Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales Luis Limlingan commented, “Market participants are awaiting clearer cues from upcoming global data and central bank commentary.” Sectors ended mixed with

Kuala Lumpur: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has urged the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to enhance their cooperation on digital and halal trade. During the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Malaysia, Marcos emphasized the strategic importance of ASEAN-GCC economic relations, highlighting the regions’ rich natural and human capital and their shared aspirations for prosperity and sustainable development. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos noted that while there is significant potential, current trade patterns remain limited and concentrated. He advocated for moving beyond traditional trade