Day: November 20, 2025

Makati city: The Canadian and European Union (EU) governments have expressed confidence that the ongoing corruption scandal involving flood control projects in the Philippines will not impede discussions on potential free trade agreements (FTA). This assurance came from their ambassadors in Manila during the Stratbase ADR Institute 2025 Pilipinas Conference. According to Philippines News Agency, EU Ambassador Massimo Santoro stated that the controversy was never a concern for the EU, as it sees the Philippine government taking concrete steps to address the issue. Ambassador Santoro highlighted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s initiative in identifying and launching actions against the corruption

San juan city: Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has called for stricter enforcement of safety protocols following a technical glitch at the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) on Tuesday. In a recent meeting at the Department of Transportation (DOTr) office, Lopez emphasized the importance of adhering to safety procedures and best practices during incidents to ensure commuter safety. According to Philippines News Agency, Lopez’s directive aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s goal to enhance passenger safety across all transport hubs. He highlighted the necessity for train marshals, Philippine Coast Guard personnel, and other security teams to assist passengers

Manila: Bargain-hunting sustained the Philippine Stock Exchange index’s (PSEi) rise on Thursday, but the local currency weakened against the U.S. dollar after closing sideways in the last two days. The main stock index rose 2.01 percent to 5,930.81 points, and the broader All Shares rose by 2.56 percent to 3,335.02 points. According to Philippines News Agency, most of the sectoral gauges also posted increases during the day, led by the Property, after it rose 2.82 percent. It was followed by the Financials, 2.64 percent; Holding Firms, 1.38 percent; Industrial, 1.22 percent; and Services, 1.13 percent. Only the Mining and Oil

Manila: The Climate Change Commission (CCC) is calling for a stronger nature-based and community-led climate action, as it kicks off the 18th Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week. According to Philippines News Agency, in partnership with the National Power Corporation (NPC) and the Paete local government, the CCC spearheaded a tree-growing activity at the Caliraya-Lumot Watershed on Wednesday to strengthen nature-based solutions. The event was part of the CCC’s Net Zero Challenge (NZC), a reforestation initiative that aims to restore 25 hectares of watershed forest and plant over 15,000 seedlings by 2030 to boost carbon sequestration and support the

Manila: Japan, Canada, Australia, the United States, and the European Union (EU) have expressed support for the Philippines’ efforts to strengthen its artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity capabilities, their envoys said Thursday. Speaking at the Stratbase ADR Institute 2025 Pilipinas Conference, Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya emphasized the rapid escalation of cyberattacks globally and the pressing need for international coordination. According to Philippines News Agency, Endo stated that Japan will continue to effectively cooperate in enhancing the Philippine cybersecurity capabilities, working closely with the government of the country and fully utilizing each nation’s resources. He highlighted that bolstering cyber capacity across