Day: July 20, 2025

Washington d.c.: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. left for Washington D.C. on Sunday for a three-day official visit, where he is expected to press for a bilateral trade deal and discuss defense cooperation in a high-level meeting with United States President Donald Trump. ‘This visit is the first by an ASEAN head of state to the United States under this administration,’ Marcos said in his departure speech at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. ‘My meeting with President Trump is essential to continuing and to advance our national interest and strengthening our alliance.’ According to Philippines News Agency, the visit

Manila: Three ranking police officials have been included in the latest reorganization of the Philippine National Police (PNP). In an order dated July 18 and made public Sunday, PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III designated Brig. Gen. Erickson Dilaga as regional director of Police Regional Office (PRO) Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR); Brig. Gen. Ronald Gayo as chief of Firearms and Explosive Office (FEO); and Brig. Gen. Rogelio Raymundo Jr. as Deputy Regional Director for Administration of PRO 3 (Central Luzon). The reshuffle took effect July 21. According to Philippines News Agency, 11 officials with the rank of police colonels received

Manila: The government is currently assessing the potential implications of enforcing a nationwide ban on all forms of online gambling. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced this amidst increasing calls for a total prohibition, spurred by the growing number of Filipinos reportedly suffering financial ruin due to gambling addiction. According to Philippines News Agency, Bersamin addressed media inquiries regarding whether President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will declare a comprehensive ban on online gambling during his upcoming fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) later this month. This follows last year’s SONA announcement, where Marcos prohibited Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). Bersamin

Las vegas: Manny Pacquiao fell short of pulling off a stunner in his comeback fight against Mario Barrios, as their WBC welterweight title bout ended in a majority draw at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. According to Philippines News Agency, the judges scored the 12-round title clash 115-113 for Barrios, and 114-114 on two scorecards, allowing the 30-year-old American to retain his crown. It was Pacquiao’s first fight since announcing his comeback and his first professional bout since 2021. Pacquiao, 46, showed glimpses of his vintage form, particularly in the early and middle rounds, where he pressed the action

Manila: The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has mobilized emergency shelter assistance for families affected by Severe Tropical Storm “Crising” (Wipha), which left 356 houses damaged in three regions. According to Philippines News Agency, as of Saturday noon, DHSUD regional offices reported 307 homes partially damaged and 49 totally destroyed, with the highest number of cases in Region VI (Western Visayas) at 183, followed by Region IX with 87 and the Negros Island Region with 65. To aid the displaced families, DHSUD has requested 5,000 shelter-grade tarpaulins from the International Organization for Migration for distribution in the