Day: September 29, 2025

Pasay city: Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez has called for the passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill, which he says should “meet global standards and empower democracy.” Gomez made these remarks during the opening ceremony for the 2025 International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) held at Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts. According to Philippines News Agency, Gomez emphasized the Marcos administration’s vision of creating a government that operates ‘not only for the people but also with the people’ under a ‘New Philippines.’ However, he acknowledged that additional efforts are needed to institutionalize the

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s recent directive to realign funds originally intended for flood control projects in 2026 will not compromise the country’s overall infrastructure spending, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said Monday. According to Philippines News Agency, Pangandaman stated that the realignment of PHP255.55 billion in flood control funding is a strategic move to prioritize vital government programs while ensuring critical infrastructure projects remain unaffected. She emphasized that the Marcos administration remains committed to delivering key infrastructure projects, including school buildings, hospitals, and infrastructure that supports the agriculture sector. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has already

Manila: The Philippine Embassy in The Hague has officially launched the Philippine electronic visa (e-Visa) system in the Netherlands, enhancing the visa application process for Dutch residents and other eligible individuals planning short-term visits to the Philippines. According to Philippines News Agency, the Embassy announced that travelers can now submit their e-Visa applications online via the official portal evisa.gov.ph. The process includes secure payment of the necessary fees through direct bank transfers. Successful applicants will receive approved e-Visas that can be accessed remotely and presented either digitally or in printed form, eliminating the traditional requirement of visa stickers on passports.

Pasay city: Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has assured Filipino seafarers of enhanced protection of their rights and welfare during the opening of a manning exhibition in Pasay City on Monday. In his speech at the Marino World: Manning Expo and Conference 2025 at the SMX Convention Center, Cacdac reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protect and empower the almost 2 million Filipino seafarers deployed around the globe. According to Philippines News Agency, the opening of the manning exposition coincided with the 30th National Seafarers Day, celebrated every last Sunday of September since its declaration under Proclamation 828 in 1996

Manila: Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and GCash are set to adopt InstaPay for cash-in transactions beginning October 1. The move is in response to a directive from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas mandating all online banks and e-wallets to use InstaPay, aiming to provide faster, safer, and more transparent fund transfers across the nation. According to Philippines News Agency, BPI announced a standard PHP15 service fee for cash-in transactions executed via InstaPay, including those directed to GCash. This fee accounts for additional expenses such as clearing costs from BancNet, the designated clearing switch operator for InstaPay. However,