Day: August 21, 2025

Pasay: The Court of Appeals has affirmed the decision of the Pasay Regional Trial Court Branch 115 convicting two Vietnamese nationals for their involvement in the kidnapping for ransom of a Vietnamese woman three years ago. In its 10-page decision dated August 18, the CA “dismissed for lack of merit” the appeal filed by Nguyen Chi Trung, 30, and Phan Minh Viet, 32. According to Philippines News Agency, the two men were charged with the kidnap for ransom of their compatriot Nguyen Thi Ben Van, also known as “Miss Ann.” They detained her at two different safehouses on orders from

Manila: Ariel Joseph Alegarbes and Gary Bejino have been added to the five-member national team roster for the World Para Swimming Championships scheduled from Sept. 16 to 27 in Singapore. Alegarbes will compete in the S14 100m backstroke and 100m butterfly, while Bejino is entered in the S6 50m butterfly, and the 50m and 100m freestyle events. Both swimmers received direct invitations from World Para Swimming. According to Philippines News Agency, at the 2023 ASEAN Para Games in Cambodia, Alegarbes set a new Games record of 2:18.19 in the men’s 200m Individual Medley, breaking the 2022 mark of Malaysian Ethan

Manila: Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. has appealed to lawmakers to back proposed amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), arguing that the current version has failed to protect local farmers and left the industry exposed to market volatility. According to Philippines News Agency, Tiu-Laurel made a presentation before the House Committee on Agriculture and Food, chaired by Quezon Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga, describing the RTL as a policy with provisions that had unintended consequences, particularly on the welfare of Filipino rice farmers. Tiu-Laurel emphasized the significance of rice as more than just a staple, highlighting its role in fueling

Manila: The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Mimaropa marked its 23rd founding anniversary on Thursday with a region-wide simultaneous tree planting activity anchored on the theme, ‘Matatag na Serbisyo, Patnubay sa Tunay na Pagbabago (Stable Service, Guidance for Real Change).’ According to Philippines News Agency, the activity was carried out across jail facilities in Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan, with the participation of jail personnel, partner agencies, local government units, and civic organizations. BJMP Mimaropa Regional Information Officer Jail Officer 3 Joefrie Anglo stated that the initiative symbolizes the bureau’s dual mission of rehabilitation and environmental protection. “Just

Manila: The Department of Health (DOH) has announced the initial rollout of Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) Providers accredited by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in the National Capital Region (NCR) starting Thursday. This initiative enables members to access essential medicines from designated partner pharmacies and medical centers. According to Philippines News Agency, the accredited providers in NCR include CGD Medical Depot Inc. in Quezon City, VidaCure in Alabang and Cubao, Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center in Manila, and Pharm Gen Ventures Corp. (Generika Drugstore) with branches in Para±aque, Navotas, Quezon City, and Taguig. The