Day: November 26, 2025

Manila: Tropical cyclone Verbena has intensified into a severe tropical storm, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 11 a.m. bulletin on Wednesday. The cyclone is packing maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 115 kph. According to Philippines News Agency, the storm was last tracked 375 km west of Coron, Palawan, or 310 km east northeast of Pag-asa Island, Kalayaan, Palawan. It is moving westward at a speed of 35 kph. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is currently hoisted in Kalayaan Islands, PAGASA

Manila: There are no expected changes in the Cabinet of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., except for the impending abolition of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA), Malaca±ang said on Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced that OSAPIEA’s functions will end following the appointment of its former chief, Secretary Frederick Go, as head of the Department of Finance (DOF). “Sa kasalukuyan, wala pa pong ganoon. Wala pa pong muling balasahan (At present, there is nothing like that yet. There is no new reshuffling for now),”

Manila: Malaca±ang on Wednesday rejected Vice President Sara Duterte’s statement that she is prepared to assume the presidency should President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. resign, calling the remark ‘unacceptable’ and a potential source of political instability. ‘It is not acceptable for a Vice President to anticipate the resignation of the President,’ Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a media briefing. According to Philippines News Agency, Castro stated that such comments undermine public confidence in the administration at a time when political groups are being accused of discussing succession scenarios, transition councils, and questioning the President’s fitness to lead. ‘This

Manila: Malaca±ang on Wednesday emphasized the need to investigate allegations that Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) officials are misappropriating up to 70 percent of collections from Letters of Authority (LOAs) due to corruption, highlighting the government’s commitment to addressing any form of corruption. According to Philippines News Agency, Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito disclosed reports suggesting that some BIR revenue officers and regional directors are allegedly involved in a scheme exploiting LOAs, which are official documents authorizing tax audits of businesses and taxpayers. Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the Executive expects authorities

Legazpi: Construction of a three-story building to serve as a home for distressed women and children is ongoing on a 1.5-hectare site in Barangay Estanza. Legazpi City Mayor Hisham Ismail said the project, initiated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Bicol (DSWD-5) in partnership with Ako Bicol Party-list, aims to provide a safe shelter for women and children who are emotionally, mentally, or physically distressed and abused. According to Philippines News Agency, the project is expected to be completed by the first or second quarter of 2026. Ismail added that the facility would not only cater to the