Day: October 9, 2025

Manila: The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of PHP716.15 million to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to replenish its Quick Response Fund (QRF) for disaster-hit communities. This move aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to expedite and enhance relief operations. According to Philippines News Agency, the DBM emphasized that this replenishment ensures the DSWD can continue providing essential support, such as food, shelter, and cash aid, to families in need. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman highlighted that the funds will aid in stockpiling Family Food Packs (FFPs) and Non-Food Items (NFIs)

Cavite: The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Thursday destroyed PHP16 billion worth of dangerous drugs and controlled precursors and essential chemicals (CPECs) in Cavite province. This operation marks the second-largest drug destruction in the country’s history in terms of both volume and value. According to Philippines News Agency, the PDEA stated that the destroyed substances included 2,904,756.6818 grams of solid illegal drugs and 14,117.8500 milliliters of liquid illegal drugs. These were destroyed through thermal decomposition or thermolysis at the Integrated Waste Management Inc. in Barangay Aguado, Trece Martires City. The substances were comprised of 2,336,482.6324 grams of shabu, 529,906.1246

Leyte: A lone bettor from Leyte province hit the PHP13-million jackpot of Wednesday night’s Megalotto 6/45 draw. In an advisory on Thursday, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) said the winner, who bought the ticket in Poblacion, Calubian, Leyte, correctly guessed the winning combination of 25-28-42-17-01-22. According to Philippines News Agency, the winners have one year to claim the PHP13,255,888.20 prize at the PCSO main office in Mandaluyong City, subject to a 20-percent tax. Under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law, lotto winnings worth more than PHP10,000 are subject to a 20-percent tax. Meanwhile, 34 others won PHP32,000

Djibouti: Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac went to Djibouti to personally oversee the repatriation of the remains of the Filipino seafarer who died from critical injuries sustained during a Houthi attack on Dutch cargo vessel MV Minervagracht while sailing the Gulf of Aden on Sept. 29. According to Philippines News Agency, in a news release on Wednesday, the Department of Migrant Workers said Cacdac traveled to Djibouti with the wife and sister of the slain seafarer. “We are here to ensure that our kababayan is brought home with the dignity he deserves, and that his family, along with his

Batangas: Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste on Thursday renewed his call for Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon to reduce the cost of DPWH projects by 25 percent as a measure to curb systemic kickbacks within the agency. According to Philippines News Agency, Leviste stated in his news release that this initiative could also save approximately PHP400 billion in government funds. He referenced past efforts by DPWH Secretary Babes Singson, who previously reduced prices by 10 percent before project approval, and urged Secretary Dizon to not only uphold but extend this effort. Leviste emphasized