Day: July 7, 2025

Manila: The Department of Health (DOH) has announced that HIV confirmatory testing in the Philippines has become more efficient and accessible, with 168 rapid HIV diagnostic algorithm (rHIVda) laboratories now operational across the country. According to Philippines News Agency, the DOH highlighted in a public advisory that previously, confirmatory HIV test results could take from seven days to up to three weeks. Now, the results can be obtained in just one day. The rHIVda is utilized to confirm reactive results from initial HIV screening tests, which is a necessary step before a person can be officially diagnosed and begin treatment

Manila: Online gambling has emerged as a more severe social crisis compared to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito cautioned, urging for extensive governmental measures to combat what he perceives as a silent epidemic affecting Filipino families. He, along with other senators, is advocating for urgent action to address the detrimental impact of online gambling on local communities. According to Philippines News Agency, Ejercito highlighted the difference between the victims of POGOs, who were predominantly foreigners, and those affected by online gambling, who are primarily Filipinos including workers, parents, and children. This internal crisis, he argues,

Manila: The Financial Stability Coordination Council (FSCC) vowed to continue safeguarding the country’s financial system amid shifting global and local conditions. According to Philippines News Agency, FSCC members include the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Department of Finance, Insurance Commission, Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Council coordinates efforts to monitor and manage systemic risks in the Philippine financial system. In a statement Monday, the BSP said that during the latest quarterly meeting on June 20, the FSCC reviewed efforts to strengthen financial resilience through continuous risk monitoring and policy initiatives, including proposed reforms to the

Quezon city: Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III announced that 15 police officers connected to the disappearance of ‘sabungeros’ (cockfight aficionados) are now in restrictive custody at Camp Crame. The officers are under investigation for their alleged involvement in the case. According to Philippines News Agency, Gen. Torre stated that the PNP has collaborated with the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to conduct an in-depth investigation. This partnership aims to ensure transparency and impartiality, along with achieving justice. The investigation will address both criminal and administrative charges against the officers, among whom is a lieutenant colonel. Gen. Torre

Manila: Foreign investments in the Philippines’ financial markets are seen to remain robust following the signing into law of Republic Act (RA) 12214 or the Capital Market Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA) last May 29. Among others, RA 12214 reduces stock transaction tax from 0.6 percent to 0.1 percent, and the documentary stamp tax (DST) on the original issue of shares of stock from 1 percent to 0.75 percent. It also imposes a uniform 0.75 percent DST on bonds, debentures, and certificates of stock or indebtedness issued in foreign countries, regardless of jurisdiction, and exempts from DST the original issuance, redemption,