Day: October 16, 2025

Manila: Contractor couple Pacifico ‘Curlee’ Discaya and Cezarah Rowena ‘Sarah’ Discaya are currently in no position to demand concessions to become state witnesses, stated Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon. In a recent interview, Fadullon clarified the limitations on the Discayas’ demands as they apply for witness protection coverage. According to Philippines News Agency, Fadullon emphasized that the determination of their qualification for witness protection follows specific procedures. He asserted that the evaluation process is not subject to external influence or conditions imposed by those seeking to enter the program. The necessary criteria include minimal involvement in crimes they are testifying about,

Manila: The government is ramping up efforts to modernize the agriculture sector as it targets to complete 145 Rice Processing Systems (RPS) nationwide before the end of the year, the Department of Agriculture (DA) announced Thursday. The RPS project is implemented under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Mechanization Program through the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech). According to Philippines News Agency, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. described the initiative as one of the Marcos administration’s ‘legacy investments,’ a milestone achievement aimed at helping farmers become more competitive. Laurel stated that this investment is pivotal in

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is heading in the right direction as he remains firm in efforts to eradicate corruption in government, OCTA Research fellow Guido David said Thursday. While David acknowledged that more needs to be done to curb corruption, he said many Filipinos appreciate Marcos’ efforts to address the problem. According to Philippines News Agency, OCTA’s Tugon ng Masa survey conducted from Sept. 25 to 30 showed that 83 percent of 1,200 adult Filipinos support Marcos’ decision to expose corruption in government, particularly in flood control projects. Only 3 percent of the respondents disagreed with Marcos’ move,

Manila: A total of 31 victims of trafficking in persons in the Caraga Region have been provided with government interventions and assistance as of September 2025. According to Philippines News Agency, this figure was reported by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Caraga Region (DSWD-13), through its regional Recovery and Reintegration Program for Trafficked Persons (RRPTP). Of the total number, 23 were females, comprising 11 adults and 12 minors, while eight were males. The DSWD-13 noted that the data reflects the continued vulnerability of women, girls, and boys, many of whom are targeted for sexual and labor

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday administered the oath of office to former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, retired general Benjamin Acorda Jr., as the new executive director of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC). According to Philippines News Agency, Acorda, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1991, served as the 29th PNP chief from April 2023 to April 2024. A pioneer of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group, Acorda also held various key posts, including deputy director of the National Capital Region Police Office, director of the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group, chief of staff of