Day: December 11, 2025

Manila: The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) has undertaken significant improvements in lighting and security across all its 13 stations as part of government initiatives to bolster commuter safety and security. According to Philippines News Agency, acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced that the upgraded lighting systems in MRT-3 stations will be complemented by additional security personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the holiday season. Lopez emphasized that the President’s mandate to enhance lighting in all MRT-3 stations marks a first in the transit line’s history. While some may view this as a simple project, Lopez highlighted

Manila: Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian confirmed that the bicameral conference committee meeting for the proposed 2026 national budget has been rescheduled to December 13. This change aims to provide technical staff from both legislative chambers additional time to align differing entries in the spending measure. According to Philippines News Agency, the bicameral meeting was originally set for Friday. However, Senate President Sotto stated that the technical teams from the Senate and the House of Representatives requested an extra day to finalize the detailed budget matrix essential for the concluding negotiations. Sotto explained that the delay

Manila: The nationwide crime rate went down by 12.86 percent in November, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday. Data released on Thursday showed index crimes dropped to 2,615 last month from 3,001 in October, reflecting a decrease of 386 cases. According to Philippines News Agency, focus crimes are murder, homicide, rape, physical injury, carnapping of motorcycles and motor vehicles, and theft. In a statement, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. attributed the decline in crime rate to enhanced police visibility, better intelligence operations, and stringent law enforcement. “This is proof that our strategies are working. Our

Capas: The Philippine Army (PA) has taken a significant step towards enhancing its defensive capabilities by receiving an automated weapon system designed to mount .50 caliber machine guns from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The turnover of the system was held at the headquarters of the PA Armor Division in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac. According to Philippines News Agency, the locally designed Controller-Operated Battle Ready Armament (COBRA) enables Filipino troops to operate heavy weapons without being exposed to heavy fire. PA commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete emphasized that COBRA is not only a tool for national defense but

Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that additional charges might be filed against individuals involved in the case of the missing “sabungeros” (cockfight aficionados), including businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang. Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon revealed in a press briefing that a new preliminary investigation might be initiated concerning a case currently pending at the Manila Regional Trial Court related to incidents at the Manila Arena. According to Philippines News Agency, Fadullon stated that Ang could potentially be included in the case, contingent upon the outcome of a preliminary investigation to determine the presence of evidence sufficient to charge him.