Day: August 25, 2025

Manila: Cease and desist orders (CDOs) have been issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against seven online lending firms operating unregistered. According to Philippines News Agency, the Commission stated on Monday that the CDOs were issued on August 15 against Cash Konek, Pesosuki, Yescom Lending-Quick Cash Loan, Peso101-Fast Loans PH, Peso Cow-Mabilis Pera Loan, Swiftloan: Loan App Philippines, and Pera Loan: Fast Cash PH. These firms were stopped from “promoting or facilitating lending-related transactions without the necessary registration and approval from the Commission.” The SEC explained that “the orders also cover the companies’ owners, operators, promoters, representatives, agents,

Manila: The nationwide association of barangays (villages) has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to dismiss the petitions challenging the constitutionality of Republic Act (RA) No. 12232 that extends the term of incumbent village officials and reschedules the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to November 2026. According to Philippines News Agency, the petition for intervention was filed by Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas, led by its national president, Brgy. San Fabian, Echaque, Isabela chief Maria Katrina Jessica Dy. The group, through counsel Albert Agra, urged the court to dismiss for lack of basis the petitions seeking to strike down

Manila: Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco has urged Filipinos to reflect on the many faces of heroism that continue to shape the country, past and present, as the nation commemorates its heroes. In a statement Monday, Frasco emphasized that heroism is not only found in history books but also in the daily sacrifices and quiet acts of service of ordinary Filipinos. According to Philippines News Agency, Frasco highlighted that heroism lives on in the resilience of the Filipino people. She noted that in the tourism industry, heroism takes many forms, including the tour guide who shares the nation’s story, the

Manila: The Konektadong Pinoy Act is set to bridge the digital divide and advance digital transformation as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, announced the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev). According to Philippines News Agency, the DEPDev emphasized that reliable and affordable internet access will enable students, particularly those in remote areas, to access online learning resources. The act will also empower micro, small, and medium enterprises to reach wider markets and allow clinics to provide telehealth services to individuals unable to travel to regional centers. The legislation aims to support farmers and fisherfolk by providing

Tacloban: At least 100 inventors from different parts of the Visayas will showcase their innovation during the 2025 Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits (RICE) Visayas Cluster on Aug. 27 to 28 at the Philippine Science High School campus here. According to Philippines News Agency, Florentino Qui±ones, RICE coordinator of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) regional office, mentioned that selected inventors from three Visayas regions will exhibit their best work. The DOST Technology Application and Promotion Institute will choose winners for the National Invention Contest and Exhibits. In a phone interview on Monday, Qui±ones stated that the biennial event