General

Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) released seed capital of PHP15,000 each to 16 beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program in Antique. This initiative aims to support individuals in improving their economic conditions by engaging in various livelihood activities. According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Paolo Everardo Javier, alongside Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Antique team leader Noli Valenzuela, led the distribution of the seed capital during the regular flag-raising ceremony at Javier Freedom Park. The DSWD has allocated a total of PHP5.05 million to assist 340 beneficiaries across the province. Valenzuela mentioned in an interview that the

Bacolod: The Bacolod City General Hospital is expected to open in 2027 as additional funds are set to be allocated by the national government for its completion. Mayor Greg Gasataya announced that Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri has committed to securing more funding to finalize the construction of the healthcare facility located on donated land in Barangay Vista Alegre. According to Philippines News Agency, Senator Zubiri, during an ocular inspection of the hospital site with Mayor Gasataya, pledged to engage the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Health (DOH) to determine the additional funds required for

Manila: Motorists in the National Capital Region (NCR) will now receive real-time text messages and email notifications for violations caught under the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP). According to Philippines News Agency, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairperson Romando Artes announced on Monday that this enhancement aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to improve the NCAP implementation. Artes emphasized that a key feature of this initiative is the capability for vehicle owners to receive notifications via SMS even without an internet connection, enabling immediate action for their convenience. The new notification feature is a result of collaboration between the

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is in full support of strengthening transparency and accountability in government, Malaca±ang said Monday, amid a proposed law mandating public officials to waive their bank secrecy rights. According to Philippines News Agency, Senate President Francis Escudero earlier refiled a measure that mandates all public officials and employees to waive their rights under Republic Act No. 1405, or the Law on the Secrecy of Bank Deposits, and Republic Act No. 6426, or the Foreign Currency Deposit Act. Under Escudero’s bill, government personnel -except those serving in an honorary capacity- will be required to submit a

Manila: Online gambling has emerged as a more severe social crisis compared to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito cautioned, urging for extensive governmental measures to combat what he perceives as a silent epidemic affecting Filipino families. He, along with other senators, is advocating for urgent action to address the detrimental impact of online gambling on local communities. According to Philippines News Agency, Ejercito highlighted the difference between the victims of POGOs, who were predominantly foreigners, and those affected by online gambling, who are primarily Filipinos including workers, parents, and children. This internal crisis, he argues,