General

Manila: Flag carrier Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) thrice-weekly direct services between Manila and Da Nang, Vietnam commenced Tuesday, with a planned increase to four flights a week by November. According to Philippines News Agency, Flight PR 585 Manila-Da Nang is scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 11:10 a.m., arriving in Da Nang at 12:45 p.m. The Da Nang-Manila flight PR 586 is every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 1:35 p.m., arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 5:10 p.m. “This flight is more than a connection between two cities. It’s a bridge between our people, cultures, and shared dreams,”

Makati: Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has expressed a strong desire for the proposed multi-role fighter (MRF) program to advance as a complete package, incorporating an airborne warning and control system (AWACS) and aerial tankers for mid-air refueling. This comprehensive approach ensures that the MRF program functions as an operational force package, Teodoro stated during a media briefing at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro emphasized that the integration of these platforms would enable MRFs to perform their missions effectively. He highlighted the necessity of acquiring AWACS capability, which many countries find

Negros oriental: Police in Negros Oriental have seized close to PHP54.2 million worth of shabu during the first half of this year. According to Philippines News Agency, based on its latest data, the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO) seized 7.969 kg of shabu worth PHP54.195 million, along with 197 grams of marijuana worth PHP23,000. In the same period, a total of 277 anti-illegal drug operations were conducted across the province. Of the 293 persons arrested, 32 were high-value individuals, 250 were street-level individuals, and 11 were not listed in the NOrPPO’s list of drug suspects. ‘Majority of the illegal

Manila: Senators have introduced legislation advocating for public participation in the budget deliberations of the bicameral conference committee, emphasizing the necessity for transparency in the process. Manila: Senators have introduced legislation advocating for public participation in the budget deliberations of the bicameral conference committee, emphasizing the necessity for transparency in the process. According to Philippines News Agency, Senator Panfilo Lacson has submitted a bill aimed at institutionalizing the involvement of civil society organizations in the formulation of the national budget. Currently, both the Senate and House of Representatives permit public observation of budget proposal proceedings, but discussions during the bicameral

Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday announced that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s initiative to provide PHP20 per kg rice to vulnerable sectors is a crucial measure aimed at ensuring food security for poor Filipinos amid the effects of global tensions. According to Philippines News Agency, the subsidized rice, which will be distributed by the Department of Agriculture (DA), targets senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “Ang ganitong hakbang ay malaking tulong para sa