Day: October 22, 2025

Taguig city: Environment Secretary Raphael Lotilla announced that the Philippine mining industry is transitioning to a more responsible and sustainable approach. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is modernizing its mining governance framework to enhance transparency, make it data-driven, and ensure it is climate-responsive. According to Philippines News Agency, Lotilla, speaking at the Mining Philippines International Conference and Exhibition, emphasized the importance of Republic Act 12253, also known as the Enhanced Fiscal Regime for Large-Scale Metallic Mining Act, which was recently signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The act is part of the ongoing reforms by the

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed former Ombudsman and Justice Secretary Ma. Merceditas N. Gutierrez as the chairperson of the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC), as announced by Malaca±ang on Wednesday. Gutierrez is set to serve in this role until September 17, 2031. According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized Gutierrez’s extensive experience as both a lawyer and public servant as significant factors in her appointment to the NCSC. Prior to this role, Gutierrez was a member of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Board of Trustees. Her career includes serving as Ombudsman

Manila: The Northern Samar Provincial Hospital (NSPH) has appealed for public understanding and cooperation as it continues to face a surge in patient admissions and is now operating at more than double its authorized capacity. According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Joseph Estanislao, NSPH chief, stated in an advisory that the hospital is currently serving about 360 admitted patients. This number exceeds both its authorized 150-bed capacity and its actual 200-bed operating capacity. Most of these cases are in the medicine and pediatric wards, occupying all available spaces within the facility. Estanislao assured the public that the situation is temporary

Manila: Acting Philippine National Police chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez announced that the PNP will enhance its patrols in coastal areas to prevent the smuggling of illegal drugs into Philippine waters. This initiative follows the recovery of a floating bag containing suspected illegal drugs in the West Philippine Sea. According to Philippines News Agency, Nartatez has instructed the PNP Maritime Group and Police Regional Offices to increase community patrols, particularly in coastal regions, to avert similar incidents. He emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, stating, “I have instructed our police units to intensify patrols in coastal areas to prevent

Iloilo city: The new mayor and vice mayor of the municipality of Zarraga have officially assumed their roles after being sworn in by Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. Sangguniang Bayan member Jeffrey Silveo has taken over from former Mayor Jofel Soldevilla, while Municipal Councilor Laurence John Sortigosa succeeds former Vice Mayor Michael Omar Lacson. The previous officeholders were dismissed by the Ombudsman due to grave misconduct. According to Philippines News Agency, Silveo was accompanied by his sisters, Ma. Reme Silveo and Mary Antonette Silveo-Solas, while Sortigosa was joined by his wife Mariel Valerie, his mother Lynie Brazas-Sortigosa, and his uncle,

Ilocos norte: Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has initiated summary dismissal proceedings against a police corporal implicated in the murder of a barangay kagawad (village councilor) and his partner in San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte. According to Philippines News Agency, the PNP’s Internal Affairs Service is collaborating with local police to investigate administrative cases against the officer, who was apprehended in a follow-up operation. The officer is accused of involvement in the killings of Joshua Bernardo, a 26-year-old barangay kagawad, and his 30-year-old partner, Eloisa Pagaduan Bonilla. Lt. Gen. Nartatez assured the public that