Day: October 29, 2025

Manila: Sen. Francis Escudero has introduced a legislative measure designed to institutionalize a system aimed at standardizing the budgeting process for infrastructure projects, with the goal of curbing overpricing. The proposed Senate Bill No. 1467, titled ‘An Act Institutionalizing a Detailed Unit Price Analysis System (DUPA) in the Determination of Appropriations for Any and All Infrastructure Projects in the National Expenditure Program and the General Appropriations Act,’ requires that all infrastructure appropriations align with actual market costs and are backed by comprehensive technical documentation. According to Philippines News Agency, Escudero emphasized the necessity of this reform in light of President

Kuala lumpur: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines’ resolve to defend its sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) ‘firmly but calmly,’ amid renewed tensions with China over disputed waters. ‘I reaffirmed that the Philippines will continue to remain firm, calm, and resolute in defending our sovereignty, our sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea in accordance with, of course, international law,’ Marcos said in his arrival statement early Wednesday after attending the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos also emphasized strengthening ties with ‘like-minded nations’ to advance regional stability

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. approved the Tatak Pinoy Strategy (TPS), a national plan designed to strengthen Philippine industries, expand local production, and boost the global competitiveness of Filipino goods and services. Through Memorandum Circular No. 104, Marcos directed national government agencies, government-owned or -controlled corporations, and local government units to support the implementation of the TPS. According to Philippines News Agency, the strategy was developed by the Tatak Pinoy Council, led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in consultation with the private sector, research institutions, and other key stakeholders. The circular builds on Republic Act No.

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has enacted Republic Act (RA) 12312, effectively banning Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and declaring all related activities illegal. The signing of the Anti-POGO Act of 2025 marks a significant shift in the country’s stance on offshore gaming, which was previously legalized under RA 11590. According to Philippines News Agency, RA 12312 underscores the state’s commitment to maintaining peace, protecting life and property, and promoting general welfare. The law explicitly prohibits the establishment and operation of offshore gaming in the Philippines, as well as the acceptance of bets, provision of gaming content, creation of

Laurel: The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) inaugurated a socio-civic center in San Gregorio, Laurel, Batangas, designed to function as an evacuation site during disasters and as a venue for social and community activities. According to Philippines News Agency, PAGCOR announced that the PHP50 million two-story building includes multipurpose halls, kitchens, restrooms, and other disaster-resilient amenities, ensuring its functionality in both emergencies and daily use. PAGCOR Assistant Vice President for Community Relations and Services Department (CRSD) Eric Balcos handed over the building to Laurel Mayor Lyndon Bruce. He emphasized that the new structure demonstrates PAGCOR’s commitment to safeguard and