Day: November 5, 2025

Manila: Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday expressed support for the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) initiative to align construction material prices with market rates. He emphasized that the anticipated PHP60 billion savings should be redirected to essential government services that directly benefit the populace. According to Philippines News Agency, Cayetano suggested that these funds could be allocated to strengthen education, health, and social aid sectors, which require additional resources to enhance existing programs. He highlighted that addressing the issue of child stunting at an early stage offers the “best return on investment” by preventing more

Ilocos: The Ilocos Police Regional Office (PRO-1) seized a total of PHP27.7 million worth of illegal drugs in 184 operations in October this year. According to Philippines News Agency, Major Divina Albino, chief of the PRO-1 information office, stated that the estimated value of the confiscated drugs includes 1,335.4 grams of shabu, approximately 130.8 grams of dried marijuana, 92,225 fully grown marijuana plants, and 5,288 marijuana seedlings. These were seized during 184 anti-drug operations. The operations, conducted in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, led to the arrest of 212 individuals and the surrender of 10 additional drug suspects.

Manila: A bill has been filed at the House of Representatives seeking to ban the conversion of irrigated and irrigable agricultural lands to promote food security in the country. According to Philippines News Agency, House Deputy Minority Floor Leader and Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima introduced House Bill No. 5762, known as the Agricultural Land Conversion Ban Act. The bill aims to amend Section 20 of Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) to impose stricter conditions on agricultural land conversion. These measures are intended to protect food security, environmental sustainability, and rural development by restricting

Manila: The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced minimal damage to airports in areas impacted by Typhoon Tino. The authority confirmed that while several airports experienced minor structural impacts, no significant infrastructure damage or aviation-related incidents were reported. According to Philippines News Agency, CAAP Director General, retired Lt. Gen. Raul Del Rosario, stated that initial situation reports revealed minor structural impacts. However, major infrastructure damage was not observed. Del Rosario emphasized that personnel have been deployed to assess any damage and ensure immediate repairs. He also mentioned that CAAP is coordinating with area managers for timely updates and

Bacolod city: Power supply has been restored in some areas covered by the Negros Electric and Power Corp., including this highly urbanized city, on Wednesday, after the destruction brought by Typhoon Tino to distribution lines. According to Philippines News Agency, in a press conference, engineer Bernard Bailey Del Castillo, Negros Power’s chief operating officer and chief technical officer, said that after the total loss of power on Tuesday, initial restoration activities reduced the affected areas to 87 percent before 9 a.m. on Wednesday. “We determine what needs to be done first, then the next, until we finish all of the