Day: December 18, 2025

Laoag: The alternate road leading to SM Malls in Barangay Nangalisan via the Gilbert Bridge has been opened, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion in this city during the Yuletide season. According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) executed the construction of the 2.7-kilometer road through the initiative of Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Alexander Marcos. The project, with a budget of PHP30 million, seeks to reduce traffic congestion along Airport Avenue and within the central business district. The plan is to extend the road further, from Nangalisan to Barangay Tangid, once fully completed.

Manila: A lawmaker filed a bill on Wednesday to grant comprehensive insurance coverage to all agrarian reform beneficiaries against agricultural risks. Agusan del Norte Rep. Dale Corvera introduced House Bill No. 6951 to address persistent vulnerabilities farmers face from natural calamities, plant diseases, pest infestations, and accidental injuries. According to Philippines News Agency, the measure proposes amendments to the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law to mandate insurance for compensable losses. Coverage would include damage from typhoons, floods, droughts, and other disasters, as well as losses from specified plant diseases and pests. It would also cover loss of life or injury from

Manila: Former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez’s camp on Thursday rejected attempts to pin plunder and other serious crimes on him, stressing that the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) itself made clear its referral to the Ombudsman was ‘issued without finding or conclusion of guilt or liability.’ According to Philippines News Agency, lawyer Ade Fajardo, counsel and spokesperson of Romualdez, said recent statements attributed to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) should not be misconstrued as proof of wrongdoing. Fajardo emphasized that a DPWH ‘recommendation’ does not equate to a finding, much less a determination of guilt. He categorically

Negros oriental: The Coast Guard in Negros Oriental has increased its personnel deployment at various ports starting Thursday to manage the expected surge of travelers during the holiday season. Lt. Marionne Abigal Enopia, Coast Guard Station Negros Oriental commander, mentioned in an interview with the Philippine News Agency that the security measures were initiated two days earlier than planned, as travelers have already begun arriving in the province. According to Philippines News Agency, the operations, originally scheduled to start on Saturday under the Oplan Ligtas Byaheng Pasko, were advanced upon the directive of district commander Commodore Christopher Auro to enhance

Baguio: The Police Regional Office-Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) has taken significant steps to assure the safety and security of residents and tourists during the holiday season with the deployment of 7,368 police personnel across the region. The initiative aims to maintain peace and order as large crowds gather for Christmas and New Year celebrations. According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-CAR Regional Director Brig. Gen. Ericson Dilag announced that the security measures will remain in place until January 6, 2026. The deployment includes monitoring major thoroughfares and transport terminals, as well as areas with high tourist activity such as public markets,