Day: June 23, 2025

Manila: Canada has expressed concern over another unprovoked incident involving Chinese vessels firing water cannons against civilian boats from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the South China Sea. The targeted BFAR vessels were on a routine mission to support traditional Filipino fishing communities operating in the area. According to Philippines News Agency, the Embassy of Canada in the Philippines issued a statement emphasizing that “coercion and intimidation have no place in a stable, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.” The incident involved the Chinese Coast Guard vessel 4203, which reportedly used water cannons on the BRP Datu

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to meet with his economic team to assess the potential impact of the escalating Middle East conflict, particularly on fuel prices, Malaca±ang said Monday. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced that the meeting aims to review contingency measures amid growing concerns over a possible energy crisis, as tensions in the oil-rich region threaten global supply chains. According to Philippines News Agency, the statement comes amid rising fears over global oil market disruptions as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies. The tension escalated after the United States launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear

Manila: The House of Representatives vowed swift action on the proposed revamp of the National Food Authority (NFA) once it is formally transmitted to Congress. The measure directly ‘responds to the urgent need to bring down rice prices, help farmers, and stabilize the country’s food supply system,’ Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said Monday. According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Agriculture (DA) submitted the proposal to Malaca±ang last week, seeking to restore the NFA’s authority to intervene in the rice market, including the power to buy palay (unhusked rice) at competitive prices and maintain adequate buffer stocks to prevent

Manila: State-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) awarded a PHP100-million grant to the provincial government of Ilocos Norte for the construction of a sports and research facility. According to Philippines News Agency, Casino Filipino Ilocos Norte Branch Manager Danilo Tejano formally handed over the grant check to Senior Board Member Rafael Medina on behalf of Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Manotoc during the turnover ceremony on June 20. PAGCOR Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro Tengco stated that the project aims to uplift athletes and inspire future generations while enhancing Ilocos Norte’s capacity to develop sustainable world-class sports programs. The

Marilao: The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corp. announced that the major structural repairs on the Marilao Bridge have been completed as of midnight Monday. In a statement, NLEX Corp. said all four lanes of the NLEX Marilao Northbound segment are now passable to motorists. According to Philippines News Agency, NLEX Corp. expedited the repair work on the Marilao Bridge, which sustained significant damage due to a truck violating regulations. The company expressed gratitude to the public for their understanding and patience during the repair period. NLEX Corp. emphasized its commitment to improving safety and traffic management across key areas of