Day: August 14, 2025

Manila: Filipinos will soon have access to 75 types of medicines for free at select clinics and pharmacies, with a limit of PHP20,000 per year, under the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.’s (PhilHealth) new Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) package. According to Philippines News Agency, PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Mercado announced during the launch that this initiative is a part of the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program para mailayo sa sakit ang bawat Pilipino (YAKAP) program. Mercado highlighted that a significant portion of out-of-pocket expenses for Filipinos is spent on medical goods, such as medicines and

Manila: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday announced the temporary suspension of the Clearance Procedure under the Green Lane to simplify and expedite customs clearance for travelers at airport terminals. According to Philippines News Agency, Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno stated that effective August 14, passengers in the Green Lane will no longer be required to have their QR (Quick Response) codes scanned. In the country, arriving passengers are required to register through the eTravel app and complete the Customs Declaration Form before arrival. A QR code is generated for all passengers, regardless of whether they have goods or currency

Manila: Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III on Thursday criticized the lawyer of a policeman linked to the ‘missing sabungeros’ case, accusing him of attempting to confuse the investigation. Torre emphasized that lawyer Bernard Vitriolo should recognize that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is not the appropriate venue for submitting affidavits supporting the policemen-suspects under investigation. According to Philippines News Agency, Torre’s remarks came in response to Vitriolo’s statement during a press briefing in Quezon City. Vitriolo, representing one of the police officers implicated in the cockfighters’ disappearance, accused the CIDG of neglecting affidavits submitted by

Pangasinan: The government’s emergency hotline ‘911’ and the police’s five-minute quick response program have resulted in the arrest of crime suspects, while assistance was given to several others, the Pangasinan Police Office (PPO) reported. According to Philippines News Agency, data presented during the PPO’s briefing showed three individuals facing various cases were arrested following calls to 911. These included an individual from San Fabian, apprehended on August 5 for frustrated homicide; another from Infanta town, arrested on August 7 for a rape case; and a third from Villasis town, detained on August 8 for murder. Two additional arrests were made:

Manila: Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco extended an invitation to India’s film executives to explore the Philippines as a premier filming destination. Frasco engaged with film executives from Bollylands.com and the National Film Development Corporation of India, promoting the Philippines as an ideal backdrop for Bollywood films. According to Philippines News Agency, Frasco showcased the country’s diverse filming locations and outlined the various fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for filmmakers considering shooting in the Philippines. “Film tourism is a priority product, India is the benchmark for film and film tourism, and we look to forging partnerships and collaborations