Day: December 10, 2025

Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) expressed its gratitude to the public after the latest Pulse Asia’s Ulat ng Bayan survey ranked it among the top three government agencies with the highest approval rating. According to Philippines News Agency, the survey conducted from September 27 to 30 revealed that 71 percent of Filipinos approved of the DSWD’s performance. In a statement, Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao acknowledged the trust placed in the department and highlighted the dedication of its social workers, referred to as ‘Angels in Red Vests’, who deliver essential services and programs daily. The Pulse Asia

Manila: Sen. Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan on Wednesday underscored the deepening link between the country’s food and agriculture crises and what he described as systemic failures and possible collusion enabling large-scale agricultural and fisheries smuggling. Opening the sixth Senate hearing on the issue, Pangilinan recounted the ‘inconsistent and troubling’ testimonies surrounding the controversial Subic incident, where several refrigerated containers flagged by the Department of Agriculture (DA) were released for a supposed 100-percent inspection despite having no formal Bureau of Customs (BOC) alert order and no verified consignee warehouse at the listed destination. According to Philippines News Agency, Pangilinan stated that testimonies

Bayambang: The local government of Bayambang is aiming for the town’s conversion into a component city of Pangasinan. Special assistant to the Mayor, Dr. Cezar Quiambao, highlighted the progress towards cityhood in an interview, mentioning that the town has already met the minimum required total land area of 168 sq. km., surpassing the 100 sq. km. requirement under Republic Act 9009. However, the town still falls short of the required income. According to Philippines News Agency, Quiambao explained that the new law requires an average local revenue of PHP400 million for the past three years, but Bayambang has only achieved

Manila: A ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has made a bold appeal to the remaining members of the New People’s Army (NPA), urging them to denounce the executions carried out by their group. Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr., the Executive Director of NTF-ELCAC, issued this challenge in a statement commemorating International Human Rights Day, emphasizing the importance of condemning the violence ordered by the movement. According to Philippines News Agency, Torres extended the challenge not only to the NPA but also to the leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP),

Manila: Malaca±ang on Wednesday expressed confidence in the timely passage of the proposed PHP6.793 trillion national budget for 2026. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has no plan to certify the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) as urgent. According to Philippines News Agency, Castro mentioned that there is no need for urgency because the legislative process is nearing completion, and the enrolled copy of the GAB is expected to be submitted before Christmas. On Tuesday, the Senate approved the proposed 2026 budget on third and final reading, forwarding the spending plan to the bicameral