Day: December 17, 2025

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on the newly-promoted senior officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to exercise fairness and focus on their personal and career growth amid political noise. During the oathtaking of the 50 PNP star-ranked officers at Malaca±an Palace in Manila, Marcos emphasized the greater influence the officers now carry as they hold broader authority in police operations. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos urged the officers to continue improving themselves personally, professionally, and institutionally. He stressed the importance of upholding the law to earn public trust and promote the welfare of the

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to enhance security measures and maintain vigilance nationwide during the holiday season. This directive aims to ensure public safety amid the increase in travel and public activities typical of this time of year. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos emphasized the importance of a “visible and reassuring” police presence in major roads, public spaces, transport hubs, and communities where families gather for Yuletide festivities. Speaking during the oathtaking ceremony of 50 PNP star-ranked officers at Malaca±an Palace, he highlighted the need for heightened security and vigilance. Marcos

Manila: Lawmakers in the bicameral conference committee on the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) have decided to increase funding for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS). This decision was made in response to the growing impact of natural disasters, poverty, and expanded social protection mandates. According to Philippines News Agency, Senator Erwin Tulfo highlighted concerns regarding the reduced allocation for AICS during the bicameral deliberations. He warned that the fund often runs out before the end of the year due to continuous calamities and expanded benefits mandated by law, such

Manila: The bicameral conference committee on the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) has decided to retain a reduced allocation for the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program under the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), citing low utilization rates. According to Philippines News Agency, House Committee on Appropriations chairperson Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing announced that the House proposal kept DHSUD’s budget at PHP3.09 billion, in line with the National Expenditure Program (NEP). Senate Committee on Finance chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian clarified that this allocation covers agency operations and technical services, with only PHP35 million specifically set aside

Manila: Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday rejected claims that the Senate inserted a PHP17.9-billion pork barrel fund in the proposed 2026 national budget, stating that the questioned amount was a realignment intended to increase the subsistence allowance of uniformed personnel. According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson addressed the claims made by ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio regarding supposed ‘Senate pork.’ Lacson described these allegations as resulting from either ‘trabahong tamad (lazy work)’ or a deliberate effort to discredit and destabilize the Senate. He explained that the ‘Senate pork’ mentioned by Rep. Tinio were actually reallocations aimed