Day: July 4, 2025

Baguio city: The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) on Friday announced its initiatives to assist 137 personnel identified as overweight or obese in accordance with the health and fitness regulations set by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III. BCPO Information Officer Maj. Marcy Grace Marron emphasized the focus on supporting these officers to achieve fitness standards without hiring external trainers. According to Philippines News Agency, the BCPO will utilize the expertise of the PNP Medical Unit to design individualized wellness and nutrition programs. The programs will be developed by a nutritionist and will focus on promoting proper

Jakarta: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) may soon begin discussions on Papua New Guinea’s application to join the regional bloc, as shared by Sidharto R. Suryodipuro, Director General for ASEAN Cooperation at the Indonesian Foreign Ministry. According to Philippines News Agency, Papua New Guinea has formally submitted its application for ASEAN membership. The decision-making process will rely on a consensus among current ASEAN countries. Suryodipuro mentioned that Papua New Guinea’s path to membership might mirror that of Timor-Leste’s, emphasizing that no amendments to the ASEAN Charter are necessary since the charter already includes ‘location in the recognized geographical

Manila: Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday pushed back against recent remarks by the spokesperson of the Senate Impeachment Court, cautioning against what she called premature and unilateral decisions being made before the court has even convened. According to Philippines News Agency, Hontiveros issued the statement following public comments by lawyer Regie Tongol during a recent press conference, where he outlined positions on how the court would operate. ‘Atty. Tongol is entitled to speak in his own capacity, but, with all due respect, he does not reflect the voice of the Senate,’ Hontiveros said. The senator emphasized the importance of collective

Manila: The Benguet Electric Cooperative (Beneco) is set to complete the electrification of 206 additional sitios across Baguio City and Benguet province by 2027, extending electricity access to more underserved communities. According to Philippines News Agency, Beneco General Manager Melchor Licoben stated that the project will benefit an estimated 26,438 households in 269 barangays located in the municipalities of Atok, Bakun, Bokod, Buguias, Itogon, Kabayan, Kapangan, Kibungan, La Trinidad, Mankayan, Sablan, Tuba, Tublay, and Baguio City, as well as parts of Pangasinan. “Electricity is a necessity. There are many things we cannot do without power that is why it is

Leyte: Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez is advocating for a legislative measure that mandates business establishments to apply the 20-percent discount and exemption from the 12-percent value-added tax (VAT) enjoyed by senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) on top of any existing promotional offers or discounts. According to Philippines News Agency, Romualdez introduced House Bill No. 16, titled ‘An Act Enhancing the Discount on the Purchase of Goods and Services of Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities’, with the aim of maintaining the preferential treatment provided to these groups. The bill seeks to ensure that the current