Day: August 11, 2025

Manila: SSS-GSIS Pensyonado Party-list Representative Rolando Macasaet has introduced a bill aimed at reducing the minimum years of service required for government employees to qualify as pensioners under the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to 10 years. According to Philippines News Agency, the current stipulations under Republic Act (RA) 8291, known as the GSIS Act of 1997, require individuals to have a minimum of 15 years of service, be at least 60 years old at retirement, and not be receiving a monthly disability pension to be eligible for retirement benefits. Macasaet emphasized the need to reassess these provisions, which have

Manila: The Monetary Board (MB) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is expected to implement another interest rate reduction during its upcoming meeting on August 28. BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. made this announcement at the 2025 Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines Economic Forum, indicating a positive outlook for further policy easing. According to Philippines News Agency, BSP has already reduced policy rates by a total of 125 basis points since last year, aiming to stimulate economic growth without triggering inflation. The recent cuts have adjusted the interest rates on overnight deposit and lending facilities to 4.75 percent

Iloilo city: The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) initiated the 2025 national Artificial Intelligence (AI) Fest in Iloilo City, focusing on enhancing AI development within the country. According to Philippines News Agency, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., in his keynote address, emphasized the necessity for science-driven solutions and collaborative efforts to shape a future that is inclusive and prosperous. He highlighted that since 2017, DOST has invested PHP2.3 billion across 113 Research and Development projects to bolster the AI sector. Solidum unveiled the National AI Strategy for the Philippines (NAIS PH), which aims to steer the development, deployment, and

Quezon city: Senator Francis Pangilinan met with Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. to align legislative and executive priorities aimed at empowering farmers, lowering food prices, and ensuring long-term food security. Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, emphasized the shared vision for the sector between himself and Tiu-Laurel, particularly in amending the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) and strengthening direct extension services to farmers at the grassroots and municipal levels. According to Philippines News Agency, both officials discussed immediate measures such as intervention programs to reduce rice and food prices, strengthening farmers’ cooperatives, and establishing trading

Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday stated that the upcoming 60-day ban on rice importation should not be used as a justification for increasing retail rice prices in local markets. The agency made this announcement following a slight PHP2 per kilogram rise in retail prices observed during a joint market inspection by the DA and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) at Quinta Market in Manila. According to Philippines News Agency, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. urged retailers to adhere to the PHP43 per kilogram maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for 5 percent broken imported rice.