Day: December 16, 2025

Manila: Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has criticized China for the actions of its maritime forces against Filipino fisherfolk in Escoda Shoal, which is also known as Sabina Shoal, located in the West Philippine Sea. According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro condemned the use of water cannons, aggressive maneuvering, and the cutting of anchor lines by Chinese forces, which led to physical injuries among Filipino civilians. He stated that these actions are inconsistent with the responsibility of all nations to ensure the safety of human lives. The incident occurred on December 12, when China Coast Guard

Manila: The Senate Committee on Local Government on Tuesday opened deliberations on proposals for a Magna Carta for Barangays, one of the identified priority bills by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC). The bill seeks to strengthen the welfare, capacity, and frontline role of barangay officials in delivering basic services to communities. According to Philippines News Agency, Committee Chairperson Senator Jinggoy Estrada said the measure is alongside proposals to reprogram the Seal of Good Local Governance and amend the Local Government Code of 1991. Estrada emphasized the committee’s role as a platform for effective dialogue and collaboration aimed at empowering

Manila: The Army has successfully mediated a peace agreement between two commanders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, putting an end to a decade-long feud between clans in Maguindanao del Sur. According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, the commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, confirmed that the rival factions have agreed to cease hostilities and resolve their territorial and personal disputes through diplomatic means in Ampatuan town. As a gesture of their commitment to peace, the commanders handed over high-powered firearms and vowed to refrain from future violence. The commanders involved in the pact, Maki Dumpao and

Iloilo city: Lone District Representative Julienne Baronda is calling for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the issuance of titles for a mangrove area spanning three barangays in Iloilo City. According to Philippines News Agency, Baronda highlighted in her privilege speech at the House of Representatives on Monday evening that homestead patents were issued for areas integral to the Iloilo Flood Control Project. This involves a 50-hectare coastline located in Barangays Balabago, Bito-on, and Hinactacan. “These mangroves are not ornamental, they are not optional, and they are not dispensable. They are a lifeline. For years, the government invested money, labor,

Pasay city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. unveiled Tuesday the newly installed electronic (e)-gates, dignitaries’ lounge, and modern food halls at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in a bid to modernize the country’s primary gateway. During the launching ceremony, Marcos toured the e-gates, the Dignitaries Lounge, and the Mezzanine and Tambayan food halls. According to Philippines News Agency, the e-gates, funded by the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), are powered by global travel technology company Amadeus. The system enables eligible passengers to complete immigration clearance in about 20 seconds, easing congestion during peak travel periods by using