General

Malaca±ang: The Palace on Tuesday expressed support for making the bicameral budget deliberations open to the public to enhance transparency in the process. ‘We respect the independence of the Congress pero kapag po ang pinag-usapan ay pagsasapubliko ng anumang transaksiyon patungkol sa gobyerno mas maganda po talaga na maging transparent ang bawat galaw ng taumbayan (but when it is about making any transaction involving the government public, it would be better if every move is transparent),’ Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated in a press briefing. According to Philippines News Agency, the Development Budget Coordination Committee has proposed the 2026

Mandaluyong city: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has partnered with the Legal Education Board (LEB) to provide accessible legal aid for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) while training the next generation of lawyers to defend workers’ rights. According to Philippines News Agency, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with LEB Chairperson Jason Barlis at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong City. Cacdac highlighted that the agreement aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directives to bolster the rights and welfare of OFWs, emphasizing the law as a crucial tool against exploitation and distress. The

Bicol: Residents of Bicol will gain more access to the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program following an agreement to sell affordable products inside police camps across the region every Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) signed a memorandum of understanding with various national government agencies to enhance the program implementation and support the ‘Agraryo Merkado sa Kampo’ at Camp Simeon Ola. PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon stated that the move addresses issues like inflation, food security, and poverty. “By streamlining distribution systems and reducing market layers, the program helps ensure price stability and

Talisay city: Some 1,000 public school teachers in Negros Occidental will undergo upskilling training on artificial intelligence (AI) and English proficiency through the support of the provincial government. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Vice Governor Jose Benito Alonso handed over the symbolic 1,000 vouchers to Department of Education-Negros Occidental Schools Division Superintendent Gladys Amylaine Sales during the inauguration of the Negros Occidental Language and Information Technology Center (NOLITC) Global Campus in Talisay City. According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson highlighted the significance of the event, stating that awarding the upskilling vouchers is a transformation tool for teachers, who are considered

Manila: The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday commenced the implementation of a one-year visa-free entry for holders of Taiwanese passports. According to Philippines News Agency, Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado announced that the implementation aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to enhance Philippine tourism and foster diplomatic reciprocity between the two nations. Under Presidential Directive No. PBBM-2025-1539, issued on April 3, 2025, Taiwanese nationals will be permitted visa-free entry into the Philippines for up to 14 days. This policy will be effective from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. The initiative reflects a reciprocal arrangement with Taiwan,