Day: December 14, 2025

Manila: Senators on Sunday demanded full transparency regarding the PHP33-billion allocation for farm-to-market roads (FMRs) in the proposed 2026 national budget. Concerns have been raised about whether the list of projects was developed through agency planning or resulted from congressional insertions following the realignment of flood-control funds. According to Philippines News Agency, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson emphasized the need for clarity on the origin and vetting of the FMR projects. He noted that the funding level is double the PHP16 billion proposed under the National Expenditure Program (NEP) and surpasses the House version. Lacson questioned whether the

Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed all units on heightened alert nationwide ahead of the start of Simbang Gabi on Dec. 16. Millions of Catholic faithful are expected to attend dawn and evening Masses leading up to Christmas. According to Philippines News Agency, under the Ligtas Paskuhan 2025 strategy, more than 70,000 police personnel will be deployed in churches and other busy areas to ensure the safety of worshippers. In a statement on Sunday, PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said security measures include intensified foot patrols, checkpoints, and mobile patrols, as well as close coordination

Manila: Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Sunday called on the government to provide regular Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) escorts and secure adequate funding to protect Filipino fishers operating in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). This appeal followed reports of Chinese vessels firing water cannons at Filipino boats, resulting in injuries to local fisherfolk. According to Philippines News Agency, the incident has underscored the urgent need to enhance maritime protection, with Hontiveros warning that ongoing acts of aggression continue to jeopardize Filipino lives within the country’s exclusive economic zone. She condemned China’s actions, highlighting the challenges faced by Filipino fishermen in their