Day: July 28, 2025

Manila: The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the implementation of new staffing standards aimed at improving the research and development (R and D) capacity of state universities and colleges (SUCs). Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman signed National Budget Circular (NBC) No. 598 on July 15, 2025, which sets the guidelines for the second phase of the Revised Organization and Staffing Standards (OSS) for SUCs. According to Philippines News Agency, the circular is designed to reinforce the standards in hiring personnel in SUCs. Pangandaman highlighted the initiative as aligning with President Marcos’ directive to ensure a sufficient and appropriate

Manila: The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) on Monday called on government agencies to immediately report damage to insured assets caused by tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong to facilitate the processing of insurance claims. In a news release, the state pension fund advised agencies to prepare their policy details and coordinate with its nearest branch or extension office. A full list of contact information is available on the GSIS website (www.gsis.gov.ph). According to Philippines News Agency, GSIS officer in charge Juliet Bautista stated, “As the government’s official insurer, GSIS covers all government-owned assets, including buildings, vehicles, equipment, and other

Pasay city: Senator Francis Escudero retained his position as Senate President after securing 19 votes during the opening of the 20th Congress at the Senate plenary in Pasay City. According to Philippines News Agency, the Senate’s inaugural session also saw the reelection of key leaders. Senator Jinggoy Estrada was reaffirmed as Senate President Pro Tempore, while Senator Joel Villanueva was elected as Senate Majority Leader and chairperson of the Committee on Rules. Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III, returning to the upper chamber after a fresh electoral mandate, was chosen as Senate Minority Leader with five votes. He will lead

Manila: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested an individual who figured in a viral road rage incident video and pretended to be an agent of the bureau. According to Philippines News Agency, NBI Director Jaime Santiago identified the suspect as Jay Ar Cabana, who used the alias ‘Paul John Jimenez’, whose antics were featured in the program ‘Raffy Tulfo in Action.’ CCTV footage showed Cabana driving a black sports utility vehicle (SUV) turn on its emergency flashers while trying to avoid the motorcycle rider. The suspect’s SUV then rammed the motorcycle and its rider and tried to escape

Manila: Oil firms have announced upcoming price adjustments beginning Tuesday, July 29, with certain storm-affected areas exempted from these changes. The price modifications include an increase in diesel and kerosene costs, though some regions will not experience these hikes due to recent severe weather conditions. According to Philippines News Agency, Seaoil and Jetti released separate advisories detailing the price adjustments. Diesel products will see a price increase of PHP0.60 per liter starting at 6 a.m., although diesel prices will be decreased by PHP0.10 per liter in certain regions. Jetti explained that these adjustments are a response to fluctuations in the