General

Manila: The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has expanded the implementation of its Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), bolstering national security through early threat detection. Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado described the initiative as a ‘critical defense line at the nation’s borders’ and a major step forward in the country’s digital transformation and security posture. According to Philippines News Agency, the APIS is a digital platform that allows authorities to screen inbound travelers even before they arrive. Earlier this week, a foreign national was intercepted and denied entry at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 after the system flagged

Manila: Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. met with his counterparts from Singapore and Australia at the Shangri-La Dialogue, acting on President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen defense relations. Teodoro emphasized the Philippines’ dedication to enhancing strategic defense partnerships in the region through increased interoperability, joint training, and improved logistical cooperation. According to Philippines News Agency, in his meeting with Singapore Defense Minister Chan Chun Sing, the two leaders stressed the importance of reinforcing defense cooperation through enhanced training engagements. Teodoro pointed out the Philippines’ vast training areas suitable for urban and airborne exercises and expressed a keen interest

Manila: The “Atin Ito” civilian mission is now sailing back to Manila after wrapping up a successful mission to Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the Philippine Navy (PN) said Thursday. “The Navy will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure the convoy’s safe return to Manila by its expected arrival at around 4 o’clock in the afternoon on May 30, 2025,” PN spokesperson for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a message to reporters. According to Philippines News Agency, as of Thursday afternoon, the Navy said the civilian convoy’s

Manila: The National Food Authority (NFA) is intensifying its palay procurement operations nationwide as the government evaluates a proposed floor price for unmilled rice to protect farmers from unfair trading practices and stabilize the market. In an interview over Radyo Pilipinas, NFA Administrator Larry Lacson emphasized the operational status of newly reopened warehouses in Bulacan, Zamboanga, Cagayan Valley, and other rice-producing areas. According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson highlighted the reopening of several warehouses, including those in Bulacan’s Maytika, which has a 70,000-bag capacity. Despite incomplete renovations, these facilities are already receiving palay to support farmers in Bulacan and surrounding

Manila: Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) president and chief executive officer (CEO) Rafael Jose Consing Jr. announced that he has submitted his courtesy resignation. This move comes in response to a directive issued by the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) to government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs). According to Philippines News Agency, Consing conveyed his decision through a Viber message, stating, “I have submitted my unqualified courtesy resignation.” Additionally, the entire MIC Board of Directors followed suit, submitting their resignations promptly after receiving the relevant memorandum from the GCG. The notice, issued on May 26, requested the courtesy resignation of all appointed