General

Manila: The Department of Energy (DOE) might not have the police powers to run after erring oil companies, but it continues to monitor and report violations to other relevant agencies, its officer-in-charge said Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, Energy OIC Sharon Garin mentioned that the issue of an oil cartel in the country is based on unconfirmed information. She acknowledged the existence of some forms of anti-competitive behavior in the industry, though not widespread. “There are still some activities that are not of the best interest of the public,” Garin stated. The DOE remains vigilant in its monitoring efforts.

Baguio: The municipal disaster risk reduction and management office (DRRMO) of Tuba, Benguet, urged motorists on Wednesday to avoid Kennon Road when traveling to and from Baguio City, citing safety concerns due to landslides and rockfalls. According to Philippines News Agency, Gerald Jhune Alejo Jr., local DRRM Officer II of Tuba, emphasized in a radio interview the unpredictable nature of falling rocks and landslides along the 33-km road. Despite some slope protection measures and repairs, Kennon Road is not considered an all-weather route. Alejo noted that while the alternative routes may be longer in time and distance, they are much

Buhi: The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has taken significant steps to enhance the financial literacy of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries through the “e-Panalo ang Kinabukasan” advocacy activity. Held at the Millennium Covered Court in Buhi, Camarines Sur, this pilot initiative aimed to empower beneficiaries with the knowledge to manage their finances using digital platforms. According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD-5 Director Norman Laurio revealed that 163 4Ps beneficiaries, including 31 individuals from indigenous peoples (IP) communities, were chosen for the pilot implementation of e-Panalo in the Bicol Region. The program seeks to strengthen

Manila: FinTech Alliance Philippines expressed its support for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) enhanced regulatory framework aimed at promoting the responsible use of digital financial services, particularly in relation to licensed online gaming platforms. According to Philippines News Agency, the Alliance has acknowledged the growing concerns from the public and various sectors regarding the impact of gaming. FinTech Alliance PH founding chair Lito Villanueva emphasized their commitment to being part of the solution by collaborating with regulators, enhancing safeguards, and protecting the welfare of Filipino consumers. The Alliance highlighted urgent risks associated with financial distress, addiction, and the access

Manila: The leaders of the House Quad Committee in the 19th Congress have refiled a bill aimed at classifying extrajudicial killing (EJK) as a heinous crime, seeking justice for victims of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial drug war. House Bill No. 1629 has been jointly authored by several representatives including David ‘Jay-jay’ Suarez, Bienvenido Abante Jr., Romeo Acop, Zia Alonto Adiong, Paolo Ortega V, Ernesto Dionisio Jr., Rodge Gutierrez, Lordan Suan, Jay Khonghun, Gerville ‘Jinky Bitrics’ Luistro, and Jonathan Keith Flores. According to Philippines News Agency, the bill was first introduced during the 19th Congress after the Quad Committee’s investigation