Day: August 21, 2025

Manila: Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles is set to visit Manila this week with the goal of further strengthening the already close defense ties between Australia and the Philippines. In a media statement, Marles announced his plans to meet with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. to enhance the nations’ cooperation and mutual trust through the 2nd Australia-Philippines Defense Ministers’ Meeting. According to Philippines News Agency, Marles expressed his eagerness to discuss ways to deepen Australia-Philippines defense cooperation by building capacity and strengthening interoperability. He also plans to meet with Australian personnel participating in Exercise Alon

Pangasinan: The Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) in Alaminos City, Pangasinan is welcoming tourists for the long weekend after the devastation brought by Typhoon Emong. City Tourism Officer Miguel Sison, in a phone interview on Thursday, said the damage caused by the typhoon to facilities in the tourist spot has been repaired. According to Philippines News Agency, the typhoon had damaged tables, tiles, and glass windows and doors in the guest houses and retreat house, which has temporarily halted overnight accommodations. However, swimming, water activities, and ziplines are now available for tourists. The recovery and rehabilitation commenced immediately after the

Manila: The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) confirmed that the video sharing platform TikTok will halt all Real Money Gambling (RMG) advertisements starting Friday. This decision comes as part of the administration’s efforts to promote a safe digital environment. According to Philippines News Agency, DICT Secretary Henry Aguda announced that TikTok voluntarily decided to cease gambling ads in alignment with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive and the government’s campaign for a safer digital nation. Aguda stressed the importance of global platforms like TikTok supporting these digital safety initiatives, which aim to ensure internet access in the Philippines

Manila: Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva on Thursday lauded President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for responding to long-standing appeals to address alleged anomalies in flood control projects, saying the move answers the concerns of communities suffering from persistent flooding. According to Philippines News Agency, Villanueva recalled being surprised when Marcos, in his 2024 State of the Nation Address, cited 5,500 completed flood control projects, noting that residents of Bulacan, his home province, have yet to feel improvement. The senator added that reports of failed projects, particularly in Bulacan, continue to reach his office, and those responsible should be held accountable.

Manila: Malaca±ang on Thursday expressed its respect for the Senate’s initiative to advocate for mandatory drug testing, though it maintained that the proposal conflicts with the Constitution. According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that only ‘random and suspicion-less’ drug testing has been validated by the Supreme Court. This stance is based on the 2008 Supreme Court ruling in the case of Social Justice Society vs. Dangerous Drugs Board. Castro highlighted that universal drug testing infringes on the Constitution and the right to privacy, unlike random testing. She stated that if the Senate wishes to proceed,