Day: July 23, 2025

Manila: State prosecutors will withdraw the motion for reconsideration they earlier filed asking the Muntinlupa court to revisit the acquittal of Makabayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima in a drug-related charge, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced. According to Philippines News Agency, Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon confirmed that prosecutors would retract the appeal. Fadullon stated that the motion should not have been filed initially, as pursuing it would constitute a case of double jeopardy. He also mentioned that the DOJ would proceed cautiously in addressing de Lima’s call to sanction the prosecutors who challenged her acquittal. Justice Secretary Jesus

Manila: The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has initiated the process of accepting requests for shelter assistance under its Integrated Disaster Shelter Assistance Program (IDSAP) from local government units (LGUs). This move aligns with the directive issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to aid families affected by Severe Tropical Storm “Crising” and the ongoing southwest monsoon rains. According to Philippines News Agency, the DHSUD has released a public advisory stating that LGUs can now submit their requests for assistance to the regional offices, provided they meet specific requirements. These include a disaster report, a Master List

Manila: Government aid for farmers and fishers affected by Severe Tropical Storm Crising and the enhanced southwest monsoon has reached nearly PHP1.2 billion, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced on Wednesday. In a virtual press briefing, Agriculture spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa assured that the interventions are already prepositioned for distribution. According to Philippines News Agency, initial assistance includes PHP545.56 million worth of rice, corn, and vegetable seeds for farmers in regions such as Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Soccsksargen. The Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC) has also allocated PHP400 million under its

Manila: The United States government has allocated approximately PHP3 billion (USD60 million) in foreign assistance to the Philippines, marking the first such announcement to any country since the US paused most of its foreign aid commitments in January. According to Philippines News Agency, the US Embassy in Manila confirmed on Wednesday that the funding, coursed through the US Department of State, will support programs in energy, maritime security, and economic growth in the Philippines. The aid announcement follows a meeting between President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, DC on July 21. The

Manila: Malaca±ang has announced the suspension of classes across all levels in Metro Manila and 37 provinces as a result of the southwest monsoon, intensified by Tropical Storms Dante and Emong. This decision was formalized through Memorandum Circular No. 91, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. According to Philippines News Agency, the suspension aims to prioritize safety amid adverse weather conditions affecting the region. The affected areas include Zambales, Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Benguet, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bataan, Bulacan, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal, Quezon, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Palawan, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Nueva