Day: July 15, 2025

Makati city: Taxing electronic wallet providers for online gambling is not within the tasks of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) but a policy is now under study to regulate the digital marketplace, an official said Tuesday. ‘This is something for DOF (Department of Finance) to determine. Taxation matters are not within the purview of the BSP,’ BSP Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier told reporters on the sidelines of the Chamber of Thrift Banks (CTB) convention in Makati City. According to Philippines News Agency, Fonacier said they are currently ‘still evaluating internally’ a draft policy on digital marketplace guidelines, which has

Manila: The Department of Energy (DOE) announced on Tuesday that the renewed focus on exploring the Malampaya gas field under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. represents a crucial move toward ensuring long-term energy security. The ongoing Phase 4 drilling operations show promising initial prospects. According to Philippines News Agency, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin revealed in a Palace briefing that the exploration targets three wells: Camago, Malampaya East, and Bagong Pag-asa. Garin noted that two wells have shown good prospects, while the Bagong Pag-asa well remains prospective but holds a promising chance of success. Garin stressed the importance of this initiative,

Manila: Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday called for intensified investigation and internal reforms in government agencies following reports of another foreign national allegedly posing as a Filipino – a case now being dubbed the ‘Alice Guo of Manila.’ ‘Nobody should be able to purchase being a Filipino,’ Hontiveros said, expressing alarm but not surprise over the latest incident. According to Philippines News Agency, the Senate’s past hearings on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and the identity of former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo revealed how official Filipino documents were being sold and misused for illicit activities. ‘Tila matagal na itong

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will draft his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) to be delivered at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on July 28, Malaca±ang announced on Tuesday. The President himself is involved in the preparation, studying what he will disclose and report during the SONA, as confirmed by Palace Press Officer Claire Castro. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos is set to deliver his address at the House of Representatives’ session hall before a joint session of Congress. The SONA is expected to cover the administration’s progress midway through its term and reaffirm

Manila: Senator Bam Aquino on Tuesday vowed to work closely with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to ensure the full implementation of the Free Internet Access in Public Places Act, particularly in underserved areas with poor connectivity. Aquino met with DICT Secretary Henry Aguda to discuss the ongoing challenges in rolling out Republic Act No. 10929, which mandates free internet access in all national and local government offices, public schools, transport terminals, public hospitals, and libraries. According to Philippines News Agency, the senator, who sponsored and co-authored the law during his previous term as chair of the