General

Pasig city: The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) is currently studying how the government could keep rice prices affordable while also safeguarding the welfare of farmers, a DEPDev official said. “The issue is, you want to maintain low and stable inflation, especially rice prices, but at the same time, you also want to safeguard the farmers. So we are looking for that win-win solution,” DEPDev Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said at the sidelines of the Communication and Advocacy Workshop on Economic and Financial Literacy held in Pasig City on Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, latest data showed that

Bulacan: A former member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Barangay Sampaloc, San Rafael, carrying an unlicensed firearm. According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Col. Ronnie Albino, commander of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), identified the surrenderer as alias ‘Ka Rey,’ 47, a construction worker and resident of Do±a Remedios Trinidad (DRT), Bulacan. “Ka Rey was a former member of KLG Sierra Madre-Squad Uno, who was included in the Periodical Status Report (PSR) list in 2001,” Albino said. Ka Rey revealed that he was recruited in 1997 under the leadership of alias ‘Jimmy’

Manila: Hopes for lower final tariff rates in the United States lifted the local bourse on Wednesday, but the peso weakened against the US dollar. According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose by 1.10 percent to 6,504.34 points, and the All Shares by 0.88 percent to 3,817.62 points. Most of the sectoral indices also gained during the day, with Services increasing by 2.52 percent, Property by 2.38 percent, Industrial by 1.08 percent, and Holding Firms by 0.93 percent. However, Financials fell by 0.77 percent and Mining and Oil by 0.05 percent. Trading volume reached 1.41

Manila: Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday stated her commitment to maintaining an independent stance in the Senate as questions arise concerning the future of the chamber’s minority bloc ahead of the 20th Congress. Speaking to reporters after filing cases against Michael Maurilio and six vloggers at the Department of Justice Prosecution Service, Hontiveros acknowledged the potential scenario of becoming the Senate’s sole minority member but expressed her determination to stand firm. According to Philippines News Agency, Hontiveros’s comments followed reports indicating that members of the prospective minority bloc have pledged their support for Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero. One senator

Manila: Through its nationwide ‘Himig MAKABATA’ Jingle Writing Contest, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) is calling on young Filipinos who have a knack for catchy tunes to champion child protection, and remind every child that they are not alone. The contest urges teens to turn their personal stories and creative energy into a jingle that can help save lives. According to Philippines News Agency, the CWC is inviting in-school and out-of-school Filipino youth to create original songs that amplify the message of child rights, protection, and empowerment, while promoting the MAKABATA Helpline 1383, the country’s critical lifeline