Day: October 22, 2025

Marikina city: A Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) official on Wednesday expressed optimism that the agency will exceed its 2024 total of approximately PHP300 million worth of confiscated unregistered products, as enforcement operations continue this year. According to Philippines News Agency, DTI Assistant Secretary lawyer Regino Mallari Jr. declined to provide the amount of substandard products confiscated so far this year but stated that monitoring continues nationwide. “Mahigit isang taon na po yan kasi continuous po ang monitoring sa NCR [National Capital Region] at mga regions natin. Tapos iniipon natin, tapos kinakasuhan natin ng formal complaint. Pagkatapos ng kaso

Tokyo: Sanae Takaichi was elected Japan’s first female prime minister Tuesday, 80 years after women in the Asian nation gained suffrage. This marks a historic moment as Takaichi, president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), breaks the country’s highest glass ceiling, although women’s participation in politics has remained limited. According to Philippines News Agency, women in Japan gained the right to participate in politics in 1945, following the country’s defeat in World War II. This milestone was largely attributed to the efforts of female activist leader Fusae Ichikawa and others. The subsequent year saw thirty-nine women winning seats in

Taguig city: The Department of Labor and Employment-National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR) has issued a work stoppage order (WSO) against the contractor of a construction site in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig City, following a fatal accident that resulted in the death of a construction worker and injuries to several others earlier this week. According to Philippines News Agency, DOLE-NCR Director Sarah Buena Mirasol confirmed that the WSO was issued on Tuesday. “Yes, on Oct. 21, 2025, DOLE-NCR issued Work Stoppage Order against the contractors for the installation of vertical reinforcement bar at the construction site,” she stated in a

Manila: The reduced funding for the labor department’s emergency employment programs, such as the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) in its proposed 2026 budget, would cut the number of beneficiaries by over one million. During the Senate Committee on Finance hearing Wednesday, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) officials said the reduction would shrink TUPAD’s coverage from 4.2 million beneficiaries in 2024 to about three million next year. According to Philippines News Agency, the program faces a PHP6.31-billion cut under the agency’s proposed PHP44.382-billion budget for 2026. DOLE Assistant Secretary Amuerfina Reyes said the reduction would directly affect

Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday warned that it would issue show-cause orders against those behind the spiking rice retail prices amid a stable supply. This announcement comes as the prevailing price of premium imported and local rice in Metro Manila rose to PHP50 per kg. as of October 20, exceeding the PHP43 maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) set for 5 percent broken imported rice. According to Philippines News Agency, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa has assured swift actions against those who may be taking advantage of consumers, starting Thursday or within the week. “Mag-iikot muli

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. extended his congratulations to Takaichi Sanae on her groundbreaking election as Japan’s first female prime minister, marking a significant milestone for democracy and gender representation. According to Philippines News Agency, Takaichi, a veteran member of the Liberal Democratic Party and a close associate of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, took the reins from Shigeru Ishiba after securing a decisive majority in Japan’s parliament. President Marcos noted that Takaichi’s leadership highlights Japan’s dedication to democratic principles and its commitment to progress and representation. President Marcos expressed his eagerness to collaborate with Prime Minister Takaichi in