Day: November 26, 2025

Manila: The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has the legal basis to grant the resource persons’ requests for closed-door sessions, Malaca±ang said on Wednesday. ‘Mas alam nila kung ano ang nagaganap sa hearing nila (They know better what is happening in their hearing),’ Palace Press Officer Claire Castro told reporters when asked if holding executive sessions undermines transparency, as the ICI livestreams all its proceedings. According to Philippines News Agency, Castro made the statement after the ICI on Tuesday granted the request of Quezon City 1st District Rep. Juan Carlos ‘Arjo’ Atayde and Caloocan City 3rd District Rep. Dean Asistio

Manila: Malaca±ang on Wednesday reiterated its call to former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co to return to the Philippines and explain his allegations in the proper forum, as it cast doubt on the credibility of his online videos. Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Co’s claims continued to shift across multiple video releases, noting inconsistencies that call into question the integrity of his statements. According to Philippines News Agency, Castro highlighted that Co’s videos appeared to have been recorded on different days, with noticeable changes in his appearance, suggesting his statements are being adjusted

Tacloban: After more than six months, the Regional Inter-Agency Coordination Committee (RIACC) in Eastern Visayas announced that its ‘Libreng Sakay’ (free ride) program has come to its final week as transport conditions surrounding the San Juanico Bridge continue to stabilize. The free roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) trip initiative was introduced on June 18, 2025, a month after the enforcement of load limit restrictions on the iconic San Juanico Bridge. The program serves as a temporary response to mobility challenges caused by transport restrictions. According to Philippines News Agency, the program has now entered its final phase, with only 19 service trips

Manila: The House of Representatives on Wednesday welcomed International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi in a courtesy meeting, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to better understand the role of nuclear energy in addressing persistent power challenges. Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III said the meeting allowed lawmakers to engage directly with the IAEA’s top leadership at a time when the Philippines is pushing to strengthen its energy security and deepen scientific cooperation with global partners. According to Philippines News Agency, Dy expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Grossi and the IAEA team.

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) are set to submit evidence to the Ombudsman, recommending the filing of plunder, graft, bribery, and conflict-of-interest charges against eight lawmakers allegedly involved in irregular flood-control projects. According to Philippines News Agency, the President disclosed in his latest public report on the government’s flood-control investigation that certain lawmakers allegedly own construction companies that have secured contracts in districts they influence. Although Marcos did not reveal the names of these lawmakers, he stated that evidence against them would