General

Manila: Presidential Communications Office (PCO) acting Secretary Jay Ruiz on Monday denied reports that he is on his way out as head of Malaca±ang’s communications arm. Speaking to reporters at the Palace on Monday, Ruiz dismissed speculations that he would be moved to the Presidential Action Center or replaced as PCO chief. “I always serve at the pleasure of the President,” he told reporters. According to Philippines News Agency, Ruiz said he remains focused on leading the PCO unless otherwise instructed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. “Whatever happens I will be forever grateful for the opportunity,” he said. The

Agusan del sur: About 264 former combatants of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Agusan del Sur province have so far submitted their applications for the government’s Amnesty Program under Executive Order (EO) No. 47, according to the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) on Monday. According to Philippines News Agency, EO 47, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Nov. 22, 2023, established the National Amnesty Commission, responsible for receiving, processing, and determining eligibility for amnesty applications. A two-day processing period on June 25-26 by the 4ID successfully concluded for 37 former rebels (FRs), increasing the total number

Manila: National Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has expressed openness to the possibility of a US ammunition production and storage facility being established at the former American base in Subic Bay, Zambales. Although he has not yet received any formal proposal, he believes such a development would be beneficial to the Philippines. According to Philippines News Agency, Teodoro stated, “Any production entity which would be of benefit to the Philippines, not only in terms of our resilience, but improving, giving employment, and other technological transfers, that might be encouraged,” during a press briefing at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel. He emphasized

Capas: The PHP9.4-billion worth of seized illegal drugs, including a significant ‘floating shabu’ haul, have been completely destroyed with no residual traces, Malaca±ang announced. The destruction was overseen by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at a thermal facility in Capas, Tarlac, where he personally witnessed the chemical testing of narcotics prior to their incineration. According to Philippines News Agency, a news release from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Monday confirmed that all four ash samples, taken from separate incineration batches, tested negative for methamphetamine (shabu), marijuana, cocaine, and ecstasy. The PCO emphasized that all tests returned negative results, confirming

Negros oriental: Negros Oriental Governor Manuel Sagarbarria has announced his priority projects for the initial 100 days of his term during his oathtaking ceremony. The governor emphasized the transfer of a drive-thru flea market and the renovation of a sports complex as key projects on his agenda. According to Philippines News Agency, Sagarbarria, speaking to reporters post-inauguration, revealed plans to relocate the current ‘tabo’ market from Barangay Piapi to a newly conceptualized drive-thru market in Barangay Batinguel, Dumaguete City. This move comes in light of a multi-million medical city project that will displace the existing market. The transfer aims to