Day: December 9, 2025

Bicol: The inflation rate in the Bicol Region slightly decreased from 0.8 percent in October to 0.6 percent in November, the Philippine Statistics Authority-Bicol (PSA-5) reported on Tuesday. PSA-5 Regional Director Cynthia Perdiz attributed the decline primarily to a significant drop in the inflation rate of food and non-alcoholic beverages, which now stands at -2.0 percent. According to Philippines News Agency, key contributors to the overall inflation in November included restaurant and accommodation services, recording a 7.7 percent inflation rate and accounting for a 75.7 percent share. Other notable contributors were housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels with a

Quezon city: The Philippine National Police on Tuesday awarded a total of PHP10.6 million in reward money to 30 informants who aided in the arrest of 30 wanted individuals across the nation. The informants, maintaining their anonymity by wearing full-face masks, each received their rewards in plastic envelopes during a ceremony at Camp Crame, led by PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and other top officials. According to Philippines News Agency, PNP Director for Intelligence Maj. Gen. Wilson Joseph Lopez stated that the reward money was sourced from the agency’s intelligence fund, with allocations approved by the

Manila: The Senate on Tuesday approved on third reading House Bill No. 4058, or the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA), with 17 affirmative votes and no abstentions. This PHP5.768-trillion spending plan will now proceed to the bicameral conference as senators prepare to reconcile differing provisions with the House of Representatives. According to Philippines News Agency, Senator Win Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, stated that the Senate version of the budget aims to enhance education, health, disaster response, and transparency measures. He described it as being more disciplined and accountable, highlighting increases in funding for classroom construction,

Pasay city: Defending champion University of the Philippines and De La Salle University are set to renew their rivalry in the UAAP men’s basketball best-of-three finals at Mall of Asia Arena, starting Wednesday. The Fighting Maroons and the Green Archers, who split their first two title duels, will face off in Game 1 at 4 p.m. According to Philippines News Agency, UP finished the eliminations at No. 2 and overcame University of Santo Tomas in the semifinals to secure a spot in the finals for the fifth straight season. On the other hand, La Salle defeated top seed National University

Baguio: The city government is offering a 20 percent discount to owners who pay their real property taxes before the year ends. ‘We encourage the public to avail of this discount aside from shorter queues on January,’ Aileen Refuerzo, chief information officer, said in a phone interview Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, payments can be made online at or via bank deposit to the city’s LandBank account, with official receipts issued within five days. For business taxes, City Treasurer Alex Cabarrubias reminded owners of a staggered renewal schedule from January to March 2026 based on business name initials. Starting