Day: July 1, 2025

Manila: An environmental watchdog on Tuesday expressed support for the Department of Health’s (DOH) public health advisory warning against the use of toxic mercury in traditional practices to counter witchcraft. According to Philippines News Agency, the EcoWaste Coalition issued a statement following their appeal for immediate action from the DOH, as misleading claims circulate on e-commerce platforms and social media promoting mercury as a ‘pamatay-bisa’ or antidote to ‘barang’ (sorcery) and ‘kulam’ (witchcraft). The DOH has highlighted the serious health risks associated with mercury exposure, which include damage to the brain, nerves, kidneys, and other vital organs. In light of

Manila: The results of an Octa Research survey showed that more than half, or 57 percent, of Filipinos are in favor of the Philippines rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Tugon ng Masa survey, conducted from April 22 to 24, revealed that 37 percent opposed the idea while 6 percent were undecided. According to Philippines News Agency, the survey highlighted that the majority of respondents from Metro Manila, Luzon, and the Visayas, amounting to 60 percent, support the move for the Philippines to return to the ICC. However, the strongest opposition was seen in Mindanao, where 66 percent of

Quezon city: A nationwide campaign that mobilizes local government units (LGUs) to lead local reading initiatives is expected to help improve foundational literacy rates and ease the strain on overstretched public school teachers, education officials said Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) co-chair Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo emphasized the pivotal role of local governments in supporting struggling readers through barangay reading hubs, mobile libraries, volunteer tutors, and community-based remediation programs. ‘If we truly want to reach children who struggle with reading, there needs to be coordination from the barangay to the

Pasay city: The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has shifted its mindset to territorial defense as it celebrates its 78th founding anniversary, its commander said on Tuesday. Lt. Gen. Arthur Cordura, in his speech at Villamor Air Base, highlighted the transformation initiated when President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. challenged the Air Force to focus on territorial defense. According to Philippines News Agency, Cordura emphasized that the Air Force has responded to the call by focusing on defending the country’s airspace and territorial integrity. The shift in mindset from internal security operations to territorial defense operations marks a significant change in the

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.