Day: October 8, 2025

Manila: Senators on Wednesday expressed confidence in the appointment of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla as the country’s new Ombudsman, saying his experience in public service and firm stance on accountability would strengthen efforts to fight corruption and restore public trust in government. According to Philippines News Agency, Senate President Vicente Sotto III welcomed Remulla’s transition from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to the Office of the Ombudsman, describing him as a principled and courageous public servant. “I welcome Sec. Boying Remulla’s transition from DOJ Secretary to Ombudsman. He is the tribune and protector of the people, fearless in the

Manila: Malaca±ang on Wednesday stated that the government cannot fully eliminate unprogrammed appropriations (UA), emphasizing that these funds are crucial for emergencies and unforeseen expenses. This declaration came in response to Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno’s call for Congress to reduce the 2026 unprogrammed appropriations to zero, due to their increasing share in the proposed national budget. According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro addressed the issue during a press briefing at Malaca±ang. She asserted that removing unprogrammed funds entirely is not feasible, as they play a vital role in supporting government programs during emergencies. Castro emphasized,

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. praised First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos for her grit and intelligence, describing her as ‘smart,’ ‘effective,’ and a driving force behind key government initiatives. According to Philippines News Agency, in the fifth episode of his podcast aired Wednesday, Marcos cited the First Lady’s instrumental role in the restoration of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City. He lauded his wife’s efforts to bring the PICC ‘back to its old glory.’ ‘She just doesn’t let go of something. Once she gets hold of it and decides to do it, she actually gets it done.

Butuan city: Two platoons of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) have been dismantled through relentless military operations since June this year, including the neutralization of its key leaders in encounters and surrenders, the Philippine Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde) here reported Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, the 901Bde identified the two NPA units as Platun Uno and Platun Dos, both under the rebels’ Sub-Region Sentro De Grabidad (SRSDG) Westland of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee. During this period, military operations took place in Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Butuan City. The 901Bde

Zamboanga city: Filipino weightlifter Albert Ian Delos Santos is aiming for a podium finish at the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, following his record-breaking performance at the World Youth and Junior Championships in Norway on October 6. According to Philippines News Agency, the 19-year-old Delos Santos set a world junior record by lifting 185 kg in the clean and jerk, finishing eighth in the men’s 71 kg category. The young athlete expressed that this achievement was a long-held dream since his initial participation in the youth worlds in 2021. Delos Santos, whose parents Alvin and Diwa were national lifters,