General

Manila: Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta has stepped down from her post, Malaca±ang said Monday. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that Dimalanta submitted her ‘irrevocable resignation’ to the President. According to Philippines News Agency, Castro conveyed the news in a text message, stating, “[This is confirmed], irrevocable resignation of chair Mona [Dimalanta].” No further details were provided regarding the resignation or the reasons behind Dimalanta’s decision to leave her position.

Antique: The Antique provincial board approved on first reading Supplemental Annual Investment Program (SAIP) No. 3 amounting to PHP1.8 billion for the provincial electric power subsidy (PEPS) during its first regular session on Monday. According to Philippines News Agency, the SAIP No. 3 was approved unanimously by the provincial board to support the request of Governor Paolo Everardo Javier. Board Member Karmila Rose Dimamay, chair of the Committee on Finance and Appropriations, stated in an interview that this substantial amount is earmarked to provide a PHP500 monthly subsidy to 169,786 registered residential electricity consumers over the next 17 months. Dimamay

Pasay city: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is expediting discussions to finalize the Code of Conduct (COC) for the South China Sea by 2026, as stated by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro on Monday. The COC aims to establish a framework for managing tensions in the contested waters of the South China Sea. According to Philippines News Agency, Lazaro revealed that several rounds of negotiations are planned in the upcoming months to build upon the progress made during talks held in Manila last April. She emphasized the goal of having the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct ready by

Manila: A power maintenance is scheduled at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 from 10 p.m. on Tuesday to 2 a.m. on Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, the operator New NAIA Infra, Corp. (NNIC) stated in an advisory that the maintenance is part of ongoing efforts to keep NAIA safe, reliable, and operating at its best. Meralco Energy, Inc.’s maintenance work will necessitate a temporary power interruption during this period. Although backup generators are planned to support critical systems, brief disruptions are expected in elevators, escalators, baggage handling systems, air conditioning, lighting, and electrical outlets. The San

Legazpi city: Police arrested 50 drug suspects and seized from them illegal drugs worth more than PHP6 million during anti-drug operations from July 7 to 13. Police Regional Office-Bicol spokesperson Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib reported the success of the operations, which were aimed at curbing the drug menace in the region. According to Philippines News Agency, a total of 36 anti-drug operations were conducted, yielding a significant haul of 888.53 grams of shabu and nine grams of marijuana. These operations included buy-bust activities, the service of warrants, and other proactive police interventions, specifically targeting both high-value and street-level drug personalities.