Day: December 1, 2025

Manila: Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday said the Senate remains on course to pass House Bill No. 4058, or the 2026 General Appropriations Act, despite working under a compressed timetable following last weekend’s fire incident at the Senate building. According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian, who chairs the Finance panel, outlined the chamber’s target timeline in a virtual press briefing. He emphasized that each stage has been spaced to allow senators ample time to study amendments, a shift from previous years when amendments and approvals were rushed within the same day. Under the schedule, the period of amendments for the

Zamboanga: Police seized PHP21 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested one suspect during an anti-smuggling operation Sunday (Nov. 30, 2025). Brig. Gen. Edwin Quilates, regional police director, said operatives intercepted a wing van at the local port containing 300 master cases of assorted cigarettes concealed inside the vehicle. A 42-year-old resident of Barangay San Jose Cawa-Cawa was taken into custody for investigation. According to Philippines News Agency, Quilates commended the operating units for their effective coordination in curbing the entry of illicit goods. ‘This operation underscores our continuing campaign against smuggling and other illegal activities that undermine lawful trade

Eastern visayas: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Council for the Welfare of Children have recognized six cities and 103 towns in Eastern Visayas as passers in the 2025 Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit (CFLGA). According to Philippines News Agency, the list released by the DILG on Monday includes the cities of Tacloban, Baybay, and Ormoc in Leyte; Borongan in Eastern Samar; Catbalogan in Samar; and Maasin in Southern Leyte. The awardees also comprise 22 towns in Leyte, 18 in Southern Leyte, 19 in Northern Samar, 14 in Samar, 22 in Eastern Samar, and eight in

Manila: Travel between the Philippines and Australia is expected to improve with the launch of Jetstar Airways’ direct flights between Perth and Manila on Friday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco stated that the new service enhances air connectivity and supports tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between the two countries. According to Philippines News Agency, Frasco emphasized that the flight symbolizes a commitment to offering opportunities for tourism and business, facilitating easier travel to Manila and connecting the Philippines to the world. Jetstar’s inaugural flight carried 169 passengers and took six

Quezon city: The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday reiterated its commitment to protect the rights and welfare of women across its sector. The DND made the commitment in observance of the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), which is being held from Nov. 25 to Dec. 12. According to Philippines News Agency, during the flag-raising ceremony at the DND grounds at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Defense Senior Undersecretary Irineo Espino emphasized their continuing commitment to mainstreaming gender equality and strengthening institutional mechanisms for women’s protection. Espino, who chairs the DND Gender and Development (GAD) Focal