Day: October 16, 2025

Manila: Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri announced that Hungary is set to finalize a USD33-million (about PHP1.9 billion) loan agreement with the Philippines. This agreement aims to establish water treatment and desalination facilities to improve access to clean water and enhance the country’s climate resilience. According to Philippines News Agency, the announcement was made following the courtesy call of Hungarian National Assembly Speaker L¡szl³ K¶v©r on Senate President Vicente Sotto III at the Senate. During the meeting, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation. Zubiri, who also serves as president of the Philippines-Hungary Parliamentary Friendship Group, emphasized

Iloilo: Various Aklan products, led by its renowned pi±a fibers, are taking center stage in the Aklan Product Expo, which officially opened at SM City here on Wednesday afternoon. The event, which runs until Oct. 19, features products of 36 micro, small, and medium enterprises from Aklan. It is part of the marketing initiatives of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Aklan under the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan (CFIDP). According to Philippines News Agency, DTI Aklan Director Romel Amihan announced that Aklan pi±a was awarded a Certificate of Geographical Indication (GI) Registration by the Intellectual Property Office

Manila: Malaca±ang on Thursday accused Vice President Sara Duterte of pursuing personal interests during her time as Department of Education (DepEd) secretary, stating that her actions were not aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized that Duterte’s decisions prioritized self-interest over national priorities, challenging her claims of unclear leadership from Marcos. According to Philippines News Agency, Castro criticized Duterte for not understanding the President’s directives, accusing her of crafting strategies for personal interests rather than listening to national directives. Castro highlighted alleged irregularities under Duterte’s leadership at DepEd, including the ‘ghost students’ scheme

Antipolo: The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday announced it is examining the reasons behind the delayed operation of the Antipolo Super Health Center, which remained unopened for over a year despite being fully completed in 2024 and receiving complete funding and equipment support from the agency. According to Philippines News Agency, the Antipolo City Government had requested and secured approximately PHP11.4 million in funding for the project. This amount was allocated in two phases: PHP6.4 million for Phase 1, which was completed in October 2023, and PHP4.9 million for Phase 2, finalized in July 2024. In addition to construction

Davao del norte: 1st District Rep. De Carlo Uy announced that the House of Representatives has initiated the legislative process for Bill 5307, which aims to amend Republic Act (RA) 9344, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, as updated by RA 10630. The bill, authored by Uy, has been forwarded to the House Committee on Justice for further discussion. According to Philippines News Agency, the proposed legislation seeks to address public concern regarding heinous crimes committed by minors. It aims to hold minors criminally responsible for such acts while emphasizing rehabilitation. Uy highlighted the necessity of closing gaps