Day: September 2, 2025

Manila: Senators Panfilo Lacson and Sherwin Gatchalian are set to collaborate with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to address and realign PHP51.82 billion in questionable ‘distinct’ insertions found in the proposed 2026 national budget. According to Philippines News Agency, Senator Lacson flagged these lump-sum allocations during a Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) briefing, highlighting their vague nature and potential for misuse. These allocations include multiple entries for flood management programs in Metro Manila and Regions 1, 2, and 3, all featuring identical costs but lacking specific project details. Senator

Manila: The Monetary Board (MB) of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) approved the imposition of maximum penalties in the administrative cases against two supervisors allegedly involved in falsifying attendance records of four BSP staffers dismissed in 2024. According to Philippines News Agency, the decision, approved on August 20, includes the formal dismissal from service and disqualification from holding public office. The BSP stated that the formal dismissal also involves the forfeiture of retirement benefits, cancellation of civil service eligibility, perpetual disqualification from holding public office, and a bar from taking civil service exams. The MB’s decision followed a thorough

Pagudpud: Local milk production is expected to get a boost in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, with at least 50 crossbred female buffaloes that the local government unit purchased to boost dairy farming in the area. Funded by the local government through its share in tobacco excise tax, dairy farming is among the agri-ventures being developed in the municipality to boost the livelihood of farmers, particularly in Barangay Caparispisan where the farm is located. According to Philippines News Agency, the dairy farm is a key component of an agro-industrial hub being developed on a government-owned lot spanning some 11 hectares. “Through this

Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) has confidently dismissed concerns over significant price hikes in retail rice, citing the country’s ample supply and the temporary import ban that commenced on September 1. According to Philippines News Agency, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa reassured the public in a phone interview, emphasizing that the nation’s rice inventory remains robust despite the 60-day halt on rice imports, which extends until October 30. De Mesa stated, “We are not expecting sudden spikes na malalaki dahil marami tayong imbentaryo ng bigas (because we have high rice inventory).” As reported by the Bureau of

Iloilo city: The city government has announced plans to purchase 1,500 bags of low-cost rice, each weighing 50 kg, as part of the “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na!” Rice Program. Mayor Raisa Tre±as shared in an interview that the government has allocated PHP500,000 for this initiative. According to Philippines News Agency, the program has identified specific beneficiaries, including members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, solo parents, senior citizens, indigents, and persons with disabilities. The rice will be sold through the city’s Merkado Lokal and Uswag Rolling Stores, with plans to release approximately 200 bags during the third week of