Day: July 7, 2025

Manila: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will further intensify its operations against ‘colorum’ or unregistered vehicles after 252 vehicles were apprehended in June. According to Philippines News Agency, LTO Executive Director Greg Pua stated there has been positive feedback from the LTO’s anti-colorum drive, especially after impounding unregistered vehicles and prosecuting drivers and operators. Pua explained that this initiative could either be deterring operators from engaging in illegal activities or prompting them to find ways to avoid arrest. A recent LTO memorandum has strengthened the anti-colorum campaign by requiring a court order for the release of impounded vehicles, even after

Manila: Malaca±ang on Monday assured the public that the country’s national debt, now close to PHP17 trillion as of end-March 2025, remains within a sustainable level despite recent increases. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that the government’s borrowing under the Marcos administration was channeled primarily into ‘growth enhancing investments’ such as infrastructure, education, agriculture, health, and social services. According to Philippines News Agency, Castro highlighted the government’s contributions to various sectors, saying, “We can see what help the President and the government have extended to our farmers, our fishermen; even the increase in assistance

Manila: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) seized PHP31.23 million worth of illegal drugs during operations from June 27 to July 4 in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to pursue a relentless campaign against the drug trade. According to Philippines News Agency, PDEA Director General Isagani Nerez stated that the agency conducted 48 intelligence-driven anti-drug operations nationwide. These included 36 buy-busts, four marijuana eradications, six executed search warrants, and two interdictions, resulting in the arrest of 55 drug personalities. The regions that saw the highest number of anti-drug operations included Central Visayas, Caraga, and Cordillera. Nerez praised

Mabalacat city: Philippine Air Force (PAF) soldiers and their counterparts from the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) officially launched the second phase of this year’s Cope Thunder Philippines (CT PH 25-2) at Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga. This bilateral air exercise is scheduled to run from July 7 to 18, 2025, across various training locations in Northern Luzon, highlighting the strong alliance and defense cooperation between the Philippines and the United States. According to Philippines News Agency, PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo announced that the PAF will deploy 2,301 personnel and a diverse set of air

Manila: The share of digital payments to total monthly retail transactions rose by over 50 percent last year, according to data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Monday. BSP data showed that digital payments’ share to total monthly retail transactions went up by 57.4 percent in terms of volume, higher than the 52.8 percent recorded in 2023. According to Philippines News Agency, digital payments’ share also recorded a growth of 59 percent in 2024 in terms of value, compared to 55.3 percent the previous year. The total value of monthly digital payments reached USD136 billion. “This development