Day: July 28, 2025

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

Manila: The reported deaths from the effects of the southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong have climbed to 31, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Monday. The disaster response body said that out of this number, only two have so far been confirmed — one each in Northern Mindanao and Caraga. According to Philippines News Agency, reports of 29 fatalities are still undergoing verification. These include nine in the National Capital Region, six in Western Visayas, five in Calabarzon, three in Negros Island Region, two in Central Luzon, two in Northern Mindanao, and

Manila: Senator Francis Pangilinan announced his decision to join the Senate majority bloc on Monday, citing the urgent need to address the national food crisis and secure the position of chairperson for the Committee on Agriculture. According to Philippines News Agency, Pangilinan explained his vote for Senate President Francis Escudero by highlighting the severe issues of skyrocketing food prices, rising hunger, and worsening malnutrition affecting Filipino children. He emphasized the necessity for coordinated action between the executive and legislative branches to combat these challenges effectively. “Our nation is facing a food crisis, and high food prices have led to unprecedented