Day: July 1, 2025

Manila: Senate President Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero is advocating for a legislative package designed to bolster micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through tax incentives and enhanced access to financing. According to Philippines News Agency, these proposals are part of Escudero’s 10 priority bills for the 20th Congress, with a focus on reducing the financial strain on MSMEs, which he referred to as the ‘backbone of the Philippine economy.’ MSMEs are responsible for 67 percent of employment across the nation. Escudero stated that these measures would enable financially struggling MSMEs to sustain their operations, increase their workforce, and potentially pursue expansion.

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is currently reviewing a comprehensive report submitted by the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) on the Villar family-owned water concessionaire PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp., following mounting consumers’ complaints against its services. According to Philippines News Agency, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro revealed in a press briefing in Malaca±ang that LWUA’s submission includes a detailed folder and two balikbayan boxes containing documents related to PrimeWater’s operations. Castro emphasized that the report will be studied thoroughly and promptly to address the concerns of PrimeWater consumers. Castro also assured the public that

Manila: The United States has not yet made a formal proposal regarding its plan to establish an ammunition facility in Subic Bay, Zambales, as confirmed by Malaca±ang on Tuesday. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro explained during a press briefing that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is awaiting a detailed briefing about the US proposal before making any decisions on the matter. According to Philippines News Agency, Castro emphasized the importance of receiving a comprehensive briefing about the proposed ammunition plant before seeking a response from the President. She stated, “Since there is no formal offer yet regarding this, it would

Manila: A lone bettor from Metro Manila became an instant millionaire after hitting the PHP72-million jackpot of the Grand Lotto 6/55 on Monday night. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), in an advisory Tuesday, said the bettor guessed the winning combination 03-54-24-36-18-46, which carried a total jackpot of PHP72,366,751.00. According to Philippines News Agency, the winning ticket was bought at an outlet in Novaliches, Caloocan City. Meanwhile, six others won PHP100,000 each for guessing five out of the six winning digits; 388 bettors will get PHP1,500 each for four correct digits; and 10,067 will settle for PHP60 each for three

Manila: Flag carrier Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) thrice-weekly direct services between Manila and Da Nang, Vietnam commenced Tuesday, with a planned increase to four flights a week by November. According to Philippines News Agency, Flight PR 585 Manila-Da Nang is scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 11:10 a.m., arriving in Da Nang at 12:45 p.m. The Da Nang-Manila flight PR 586 is every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 1:35 p.m., arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 5:10 p.m. “This flight is more than a connection between two cities. It’s a bridge between our people, cultures, and shared dreams,”