Day: July 28, 2025

Manila: The Supreme Court (SC) upheld the authority of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) to execute the terms of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA) in cases involving unfair labor practices. According to Philippines News Agency, in a decision made public on Monday, the SC Third Division upheld the NLRC order directing the Guagua National Colleges (GNC) to pay its employees the agreed economic benefits, but adjusted the computation. The case arose from negotiations in 2009 to renew the five-year CBA between GNC and its unions. Although GNC agreed to provide benefits such as a rice subsidy, loyalty pay, and clothing

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Justice Mariflor Punzalan-Castillo as acting Ombudsman, Malaca±ang announced on Monday. Castillo steps into the role temporarily following the retirement of Samuel Martires, who vacated the position on July 27. The confirmation of Castillo’s new designation was made by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin via a text message. According to Philippines News Agency, the Judicial and Bar Council is set to begin interviewing candidates for the Ombudsman post after President Marcos delivers his fourth State of the Nation Address on Monday afternoon. Castillo, prior to her appointment as officer-in-charge of the Office of the

Manila: Lawmakers from Albay expressed their hopes on Monday for the inclusion of key initiatives, such as transport infrastructure and support for farmers, in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA). According to Philippines News Agency, the lawmakers are particularly looking for programs that support farmers and workers, improvements to the Bicol railway, enhancements to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), and projects aimed at mitigating flooding across the country. “A highlight we hope the President will address is the opening of the SLEX extension to Lucena. This critical artery will not only bring us closer

Manila: Seven members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed and nine high-powered firearms were seized during an armed encounter in Uson, Masbate on Sunday. According to Philippines News Agency, troops from the 2nd Infantry Battalion engaged the NPA members in a firefight for about 30 minutes, as reported by 9th Infantry Division (9ID) Public Affairs Office chief Maj. Frank Roldan on Monday. Six of the deceased rebels were identified by their aliases: Waren, Mayong, Alex, Tata, Ruwel, and Rick. The encounter resulted in the recovery of four M16 rifles, two M203 grenade launchers, one M14 rifle, one M653

South Ayrshire: The United States and European Union have reached a trade agreement, concluding a protracted standoff between the two major economic partners. The deal, announced after discussions between US President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland, introduces a 15% US tariff on all EU goods. This figure is a reduction from the previously threatened 30% import tax, which was set to take effect imminently. According to BBC, the agreement, reached after negotiations at Trump’s Turnberry golf course, marks a significant development for both parties. President Trump expressed satisfaction with the outcome, describing it