Day: October 23, 2025

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has vowed to enhance the mining sector while intensifying efforts against illegal mining operations. During the opening of the Mining Philippines 2025: International Conference and Exhibition at The Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig City, he emphasized the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the mining industry. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos outlined his administration’s goal to develop a responsible and climate-resilient mining sector. He stressed that all mining activities must align with environmental commitments, including the Paris Agreement and the Philippine Energy Plan, to avoid jeopardizing the planet. Marcos declared that irresponsible

Manila: Funds allocated to communities hosting energy resources and power-generating facilities will increase starting January 2026, aimed at ensuring greater development for the people and the economy while fostering inclusive growth and accelerating the universal electrification program. According to Philippines News Agency, host communities currently receive PHP0.50 per kilowatt hour (kWh) under the Energy Regulation (ER) Program No. 1-94 (ER 1-94). Starting January next year, this allocation will rise to PHP2.50/kWh, as stated by the Department of Energy (DOE) in a press release issued on Wednesday. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, in a Department Circular signed on October 14, 2025, noted

Manila: The Office of the Ombudsman on Wednesday voiced its support for the decision to livestream the bicameral conference committee proceedings on the 2026 national budget. ‘The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) welcomes and fully supports the decision of the Bicameral Conference Committee to livestream its proceedings. Transparency in legislative deliberations strengthens public trust and ensures that accountability remains at the heart of governance,’ Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said in a statement. According to Philippines News Agency, the OMB encourages practices of openness and transparency, as they allow citizens to better understand and engage with the democratic process. ‘By opening

Washington: The Philippine Embassy in Washington is coordinating with United States authorities over the reported denial of entry to Filipinos in some US ports of entry. The embassy revealed that it is aware of reports concerning Filipino seafarers facing this issue “in recent months.” According to Philippines News Agency, the denial of entry for the concerned seafarers was conducted in compliance with existing US laws, regulations, and policies. The embassy assured that it will continue to engage with the relevant agencies regarding these denials and ensure that mandatory consular notification is observed in such cases. Furthermore, the embassy mentioned that

Manila: Police arrested a female drug suspect and seized suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP4.08 million during a buy-bust operation in Pili, Camarines Sur. According to Philippines News Agency, Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 (Bicol) Director, Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr., identified the suspect as alias Leila, 37, of Kalubihon, Dalipuga, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte. The suspect was apprehended while selling 50 grams of suspected shabu to a police poseur-buyer for PHP100,000 in marked money. A subsequent search led to the recovery of five knot-tied plastic bags and one heat-sealed plastic sachet, all containing suspected shabu