Day: December 2, 2025

Manila: Senator Bam Aquino has filed a measure seeking to overhaul the country’s party-list system to ensure it genuinely represents marginalized and underrepresented sectors, amid growing concerns that powerful political clans and corporations have captured the system. Aquino said Senate Bill No. 1559, or the Party-List Reform Act, aims to restore the system to its original purpose by introducing stronger safeguards and stricter screening of party-list groups and their nominees. According to Philippines News Agency, a 2025 report from election watchdog Kontra Daya found that 86 of the 156 accredited party-list groups in the 2025 polls were linked to political

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had no involvement in, or influence over, the House of Representatives’ decision to suspend Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga, Malaca±ang said Tuesday, emphasizing that the matter is solely within the lower chamber’s jurisdiction. According to Philippines News Agency, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the President ‘fully respects’ the authority of the House to impose disciplinary actions on its members. ‘Desisyon po iyan ng House of Representatives… So, iginagalang po ng Pangulo kung anuman ang desisyon ng House of Representatives (That is a decision of the House of

Soccsksargen: Police in the Soccsksargen region confiscated PHP24.9 million worth of smuggled cigarettes and arrested 204 individuals in November during intensified campaigns against contraband and illegal drugs. Brig. Gen. Arnold Ardiente, regional police director, announced the results Tuesday, stating 46 people were arrested in 43 anti-smuggling operations. According to Philippines News Agency, this operation underscores the police commitment to protecting the national economy and legitimate businesses. In separate anti-drug operations, authorities arrested 158 persons and seized suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP4.1 million and marijuana worth PHP8,000. Confiscated smuggled goods were turned over to the Bureau of

Sultan kudarat: Eleven former combatants, including nine from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and two from Dawlah Islamiyah, surrendered to the Army in Maguindanao del Norte on Monday. The individuals turned in 15 high-powered firearms, including two 60mm mortar tubes and three sniper rifles, during a ceremony at the First Brigade Combat Team headquarters. According to Philippines News Agency, the former extremists were welcomed by Lt. Col. Florencio Zambo Taguba Jr., commander of the 6th Mechanized Infantry Battalion. The returnees wore shirts with the slogan ‘Bagong Simula, Bagong Pag-asa’ (New Beginning, New Hope), symbolizing their desire to reintegrate into society

Bicol: The Department of Trade and Industry has awarded halal certification to 20 establishments across various provinces in the Bicol region. According to Philippines News Agency, the 20 halal-certified companies enhance consumer trust, create new market opportunities, and position Bicol as a leader in halal excellence. The certified establishments include Bahi Enterprise, Leslie Pili Products, and Pilicrush Enterprise from Sorsogon province; Deloverges Agri Farm, Ashley Judd Pilinut Candies, Kuya BS Mushroom Products, ZBC Food Products, and Ikaz Food Products from Camarines Sur; Jireh Food Products and Labo Progressive Multi-Purpose Cooperative from Camarines Norte; as well as Sitti’s Kitchen, First Colonial