Day: December 17, 2025

Bais city: The operations of Universal Robina Corp. (URC) Bais Distillery in Bais City, Negros Oriental, remain suspended until the Environmental Management Bureau – Pollution Adjudication Board (EMB-PAB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) lifts its suspension order, an official said on Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, DENR-Negros Island Region (NIR) Executive Director Charlie Fabre stated that the Pollution Adjudication Board (PAB) holds the authority to determine whether the distillery can resume operations. Fabre noted that URC has appealed to the PAB to lift the suspension order against the Bais Distillery, which is currently under review.

Manila: The Bicameral Conference Committee has approved an additional PHP500 million in the 2026 national budget to support the Related Learning Experience (RLE) expenses of students enrolled in allied health sciences programs. This decision aims to alleviate financial burdens faced by students in these fields. According to Philippines News Agency, Senator Bam Aquino played a key role in recommending the allocation under the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) of the Higher Education Development Program. The allied health sciences programs that stand to benefit include Nursing, Medical Technology/Medical Laboratory Science, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, Radiologic Technology, Midwifery,

Manila: The Supreme Court has issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) in favor of former Cebu City Administrator Floro Casas Jr. who is facing graft and malversation charges over a PHP239 million garbage hauling anomaly. “In G.R. No. E-03494 (Floro Q. Casas, Jr. v. The Office of the Ombudsman et al), we confirm that a TRO has been issued,” SC spokesperson Camille Ting said in a message to reporters Wednesday. The TRO, dated Dec. 12, enjoined the Sandiganbayan from proceeding with the case ‘until further orders’ from the SC. According to Philippines News Agency, in February, the Office of the

Tagaytay: Travelers for the holiday season could go to Tagaytay, which is near the Taal Volcano, the head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Wednesday. “It’s generally safe to go (to Tagaytay) since Taal Volcano is still under Alert Level 1. (It is safe) for as long as the public heeds the advisories, and they should be updated regarding official advisories before and during travel,” Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol told the Philippine News Agency. According to Philippines News Agency, listening to advisories from Phivolcs and the local government is important so travelers can immediately leave

Legazpi city: The Department of Labor and Employment in Bicol (DOLE-5) has acknowledged the efforts of local government units (LGUs), partner agencies, and stakeholders in the region for their roles in promoting programs and activities designed to improve the welfare of workers. According to Philippines News Agency, DOLE-5 Regional Director Imelda Gatinao, during an event at The Marison Hotel, highlighted the contributions of 92 partners, institutions, individuals, advocates, and champions across the region. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and stakeholders in achieving significant impacts that uplift workers and empower communities. During the recognition ceremony, 11 qualified