General

Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is firm on not extending the June 11 deadline for the filing of Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) of candidates in the May 12 midterm elections. “There is no extension. We do not plan to give an extension to anyone who asks. That is the deadline, June 11,” Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said in an interview on Tuesday. Garcia pointed out that the deadline for SOCE filing was announced “a long time ago.” “Therefore, you have to face the consequences of non-filing of SOCE,” he warned. According to Philippines News Agency, the submission

Manila: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized close to PHP16 billion worth of counterfeit items during the first four months of the year. In a statement on Tuesday, BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said that as of April, the bureau has seized PHP15.8 billion worth of counterfeit goods in coordination with brand representatives and partner enforcement agencies. According to Philippines News Agency, Rubio emphasized the importance of protecting intellectual property rights, stating that it remains central to the BOC’s objective of cultivating a fair, secure, and dynamic trade environment. Rubio also pledged to enhance the BOC’s efforts in the coming

Bacolod City: As one of the pioneering local government units involved in the Pambansang Pabahay Para Sa Pilipino (4PH) program, Bacolod City is endorsing all feasible modalities advocated by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) to enhance the inclusivity and sustainability of the 4PH initiative. In a press briefing, Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez expressed approval of the program’s recalibration as the city proceeds with the Asenso Yuhum Residences project in Barangay Vista Alegre. According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Benitez emphasized the importance of diverse housing options to cater to different markets. He mentioned that the current

Butuan City: The Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13) reported the arrest of 1,269 fugitives during intensified manhunt operations conducted from January to May this year. According to Philippines News Agency, PRO-13 Director Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano stated that among the total number of individuals apprehended, 266 were identified as Most Wanted Persons in the region. The majority of arrests were made by the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (PPO) with 331, followed by the Surigao del Norte PPO with 277, and the Agusan del Sur PPO with 241. The Butuan City Police Office also arrested 235

Manila: The Supreme Court has revised its plea bargaining guidelines in drug cases, mandating that the prosecution must present all grounds for objections upfront or risk waiving them. According to Philippines News Agency, the Supreme Court’s en banc decision, dated January 28, 2025, reinstated the Regional Trial Court’s (RTC) verdict, which found Rodulfo Ferraren Aquino guilty of illegal possession of drug paraphernalia under Section 12 of Republic Act No. 9165, also known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. This decision highlights the requirement for prosecutors to raise all objections when an accused offers to plead guilty to a