Day: September 2, 2025

Para±aque city: Three drug suspects have been arrested and PHP3.4 million worth of illegal narcotics have been seized in an anti-drug operation in Para±aque City, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, the buy-bust operation took place around 11:36 a.m. Monday in Barangay Tambo. During the transaction, the PDEA arrested ‘Nards’ along with two accomplices, ‘Chris,’ 46, and ‘Lon,’ 42. The seized narcotics had a total weight of over 500 grams. The PDEA stated that the primary target was an individual operating under the alias ‘Lex,’ 29, who has been identified as a

Manila: Finance Secretary Ralph Recto assured senators that the proposed PHP6.79-trillion national budget for 2026 would focus on projects with the ‘highest multiplier effect’. Recto, speaking before the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s briefing at the Senate, emphasized the National Expenditure Program’s commitment to infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, and social welfare. According to Philippines News Agency, Recto stated that the proposed budget is designed to eliminate ghost projects and corruption while ensuring every peso is well-spent. The government plans to allocate 5 to 6 percent of the gross domestic product for infrastructure projects, 4 percent for education, and approximately 4 percent

Manila: Senate President Francis Escudero has called for a ban on ‘vanity projects’ in the 2026 budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), highlighting concerns that these non-essential amenities often lead to waste and corruption. According to Philippines News Agency, Escudero proposed that Malaca±ang should create a ‘negative list’ of projects that should be outright vetoed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. if included in the General Appropriations Act. He emphasized the need for zero budget allocation for projects that offer no substantial benefits, citing structures like waiting sheds, swimming pools, and signages as examples of budgetary

Legazpi city: The Civil Service Commission-Bicol Region (CSC-5) is extending an invitation to aspiring public servants to partake in a weeklong government jobs fair. This event, aimed at providing opportunities to join the public service, is set to take place on September 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at SM City Legazpi, showcasing a variety of vacant positions from nine regional government agencies. According to Philippines News Agency, over 300 pre-registered applicants have been recorded as of Tuesday. Participants are advised to come prepared with a personal data sheet that includes a recent passport-size photo nameplate and signature, along

Quezon city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has deployed more social workers and support personnel to the new processing center for its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, reinforcing efforts to provide faster and more efficient service to thousands of Filipinos in crisis and who are seeking aid each day. According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD transferred the AICS processing center from the agency’s Central Office in Batasan to the Commonwealth Satellite Office in Paragon Place, Quezon City on July 31 to provide a more comfortable and accessible venue for beneficiaries. Assistant Secretary Juan