Day: September 11, 2025

Manila: Senator Panfilo Lacson has issued a stark warning concerning the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s ongoing investigation into suspicious flood-control projects, suggesting the probe could extend to involve lawmakers. Lacson, who chairs the committee, emphasized that the scale of the irregularities uncovered thus far surpasses that of the notorious pork barrel scandal associated with Janet Lim-Napoles. According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson stated that the committee would summon senators or representatives if the evidence necessitates such action, underscoring that the investigation will proceed without regard for parliamentary courtesies. Lacson confirmed the acquisition of closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, which purportedly shows

Manila: The Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan entered into force on Thursday, highlighting the “robust strategic partnership” between the two countries, the Department of National Defense (DND) said. “The entry into force of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) between the Philippines and Japan carries forward our robust Strategic Partnership, validating the strength our people-to-people ties, shared values and international principles, and common purpose for the security and stability of the region,” the DND said in a statement. According to Philippines News Agency, the RAA facilitates greater military cooperation between the two nations by streamlining procedures for

Osaka: The Philippine delegation, led by Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, engaged with Japan’s largest economic organizations to attract significant investments. “In the Philippines, you are in the right place, at the right time, with the right partners, and the right opportunities to win big,” Recto stated during the High-Level Courtesy Meeting and Roundtable Discussion with the Kankeiren Executive Committee on Thursday in Osaka, Japan. This meeting underscored the Philippine government’s dedication to strengthening partnerships with Japan’s top business leaders. According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine team included Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Department of Trade

Manila: Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon has filed corruption charges against 20 personnel from the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office (DEO) and four private contractors at the Office of the Ombudsman. According to Philippines News Agency, the charges include violations of Republic Act 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act), Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code (Malversation of Public Funds), related to Articles 171 of the Revised Penal Code, Republic Act 9184, and other pertinent laws. Among those charged are former Bulacan 1st DEO District engineer Henry Alcantara, former assistant district engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez,

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has established an independent fact-finding body, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), to probe alleged irregularities in government flood control and other infrastructure projects, highlighting concerns over public safety and trust. According to Philippines News Agency, the commission was created through Executive Order (EO) 94, which was signed and made public on Thursday. The ICI will consist of a chairperson and two members known for their competence and integrity, supported by an executive director with the rank of undersecretary and a full secretariat for technical and administrative tasks. The commission may also enlist experts