Day: July 4, 2025

Manila: The termination of joint venture agreements (JVAs) between the Villar-owned PrimeWater Infrastructure Corporation and local water districts (LWDs) around the country is being considered by the government, the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) said Friday. According to Philippines News Agency, LWUA Administrator Jose Moises Salonga emphasized in a Palace press briefing that terminating the JVAs is part of their strategies, but the immediate focus is on resolving the water issues rather than assigning blame. Salonga stated, “We are here to act first, finger point later,” highlighting the priority of ensuring water delivery to affected areas. Salonga elaborated that the

Manila: Malaca±ang on Friday expressed elation over Lithuania’s support for the Philippines’ stand and policy to defend and protect the West Philippine Sea (WPS). This, after Lithuania’s Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene backed the Philippines amid China’s incursions and aggression in the WPS. According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro conveyed gratitude towards Lithuania and Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene during a press briefing. ‘Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa bansang Lithuania at kay (We are grateful to the country of Lithuania and to) Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene,’ Castro stated. She emphasized the current administration’s efforts in defending the rights of

Laoag city: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Friday distributed PHP8.3 million worth of farm machinery and equipment to 12 agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) in Ilocos Norte province. The distribution was part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s ongoing support to farmers through the Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project (CRFPS). According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative aims to help agrarian reform beneficiaries and their organizations enhance farm productivity and food security despite the challenges posed by climate change by providing support, training, and technologies to farmers. During the blessing and ceremonial turnover at the multi-purpose hall

Iloilo city: A total of 65 establishments from Western Visayas received the 2024 Bagwis Award from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for promoting consumer rights. The awards were conferred on Wednesday, the second day of the two-day Western Visayas Business Conference and Expo 2025, organized by DTI, in collaboration with the Economic Development Committee of the Regional Development Council. According to Philippines News Agency, in an interview on Friday, DTI-6 Consumer Protection Division chief Grace Benedicto said that the Bagwis Awards give recognition to business establishments that uphold the rights of consumers and practice responsible business. “Consumers are

Manila: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has urged the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expand the list of value-added tax (VAT)-exempt medicines. He emphasized that this initiative would alleviate the financial burden on patients. According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian made this appeal after the recent inclusion of 19 more medicines in the VAT exemption list. He welcomed this development as a significant step in making essential treatments more accessible and affordable for the public. Gatchalian stated, “This move is a clear win for ordinary Filipinos, as it directly translates to reduced costs for