General

Manila: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday warned that the resurgence of illegal offshore gaming sites showed that the country remains vulnerable to abuses linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian issued the statement after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) released a public advisory warning the public against unlicensed online gaming platforms. “PAGCOR’s public warning against illegal offshore gaming websites is an indication that our fight against POGOs is far from over and warrants an intensified campaign against POGO-like entities,” he said. The senator called on the Department of Information and Communications Technology,

Manila: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Ilocos Region has disbursed a total of PHP525,000 in financial aid to eight overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Pangasinan. These workers were recently repatriated from the Middle East due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. According to Philippines News Agency, DMW Ilocos Region director Christian Rey Sison stated that the financial assistance is intended to help the repatriated OFWs start small businesses, cover medical expenses, or invest in livelihood training for long-term sustainability. DMW Ilocos Region officer-in-charge assistant director Romeo Jaramilla explained that the cash assistance is part of the

Bicol: The National Nutrition Council in Bicol (NNC-5) has called on local chief executives in the region to prioritize health and nutrition programs as they begin their terms in office. Director Emerenciana Francia, NNC-5 Officer-in-Charge, emphasized the crucial role local leaders play in strengthening initiatives to tackle malnutrition. According to Philippines News Agency, Francia highlighted the responsibilities of local leaders in chairing local nutrition committees, whether as governors, mayors, or barangay leaders. She stressed the need for a functional committee, which involves creating a timely plan that includes both nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive programs, as well as enabling programs developed by

Manila: The Supreme Court (SC) has issued a Writ of Kalikasan against the China-funded Samal Island – Davao City Connector Bridge Project, and has referred the case for a temporary environmental protection order (TEPO) to the Court of Appeals (CA): The respondents include the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Samal Island Protected Landscape and Seascape Protected Area Management Board, and the China Road and Bridge Corp. According to Philippines News Agency, in a press briefing during the first day of the resumption of the SC session on Tuesday, spokesperson

Manila: Strengthen border protection and intensify the government’s campaign against smuggling. These were President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s marching orders to newly appointed Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno as he takes the helm of one of the country’s most critical revenue-generating and border protection agencies. According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized the President’s directive during a press briefing. Castro stated, “Unang-una po, strengthen ‘yung border protection at labanan nga po ang smuggling. Nag-uumpisa na po ang pamahalaan sa mas matinding laban sa smuggling (First of all, strengthen border protection and fight smuggling. The