July 2, 2025

Manila: The Philippines is on track to achieve the upper-middle income (UMIC) status by the end of 2025 or in 2026, according to Finance Secretary Ralph Recto. Recto expressed confidence in a text message, stating, “Yes we expect to achieve UMIC status by the end of this year or next year.” According to Philippines News Agency, data recently released by the World Bank showed that the Philippines is currently at the lower-middle income (LMIC) status, with the gross national income (GNI) per capita reaching USD4,470 last year. The GNI per capita measures the economic output per citizen, encompassing both domestic

Quezon city: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) distributed 56 fire extinguishers to Culiat High School in Quezon City. This initiative is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to enhance fire safety measures in schools following his visit to San Francisco High School, which suffered a fire incident a day before the school year commenced. According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos emphasized the need for proactive measures to ensure student and community safety during emergencies. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, during the turnover ceremony, highlighted the importance of

Manila: The Court of Appeals (CA) has dismissed the petition filed by Katherine Cassandra Li Ong questioning her indictment for qualified human trafficking over her alleged part in the illegal activities of a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Central Luzon. According to Philippines News Agency, in a seven-page resolution dated June 25, the appellate court’s Special 13th Division “dismissed outright” Ong’s petition for being premature as she failed to file a motion for reconsideration before the Department of Justice (DOJ). “In not availing of a motion for reconsideration and an available appeal, petitioner (Ong) deprived PG (Prosecutor General

Manila: The new head of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has named new top officials to help implement policies to meet the revenue target. In a radio interview on Wednesday, newly-appointed Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, who formally assumed office on Tuesday, revealed that he has appointed Romeo Allan Rosales for the Intelligence Group (IG), Nolasco Bathan for the Enforcement Group (EG), and Agaton Teodoro Uvero for the Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group (AOCG). According to Philippines News Agency, Nepomuceno stated, “It has begun (the movement of officials). We have replaced most of the top leadership. Yesterday, we have sworn in three

Manila: The Supreme Court (SC) has joined forces with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Philippines to initiate an implementation survey as a significant step in the ‘Improving Judicial Efficiency and Accessibility by Innovating Philippine Courts’ project. According to Philippines News Agency, the survey was officially launched on June 30 at the SC Session Hall, with attendance from SC justices, officials, and KOICA representatives. This initiative is aimed at integrating electronic systems into court operations, providing tools for verifying case details, managing court records, and converting paper records into digital formats. Training for key court personnel will be conducted to