General

Davao City: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced that it is now time for former Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. to face the criminal charges filed against him, following his repatriation to the Philippines. The announcement came after a Philippine Air Force plane, carrying Teves, made a refueling stop in Davao City before proceeding to Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos welcomed the decision by Timor-Leste to repatriate Teves. He shared that he was informed of this development by Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmo during the 46th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit

Manila: A government employee facing an administrative offense for drug use must be given an opportunity to undergo rehabilitation, the Supreme Court (SC) said Thursday. ‘Dismissal is only justified if they refuse to cooperate with, or fail to complete, the required rehabilitation program. This is consistent with the approach provided by law and treaties to consider drug use as a public health challenge,’ the court said in a statement. According to Philippines News Agency, this was underscored by the SC En Banc in a decision dated May 20, 2025, which modified the Court of Appeals’ (CA) rulings that upheld the

Manila: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has called on the Department of Health (DOH) to approve the immediate suspension of increased fees for facility registration and certificate of product registration for health products. This request comes as the FDA seeks to reassess certain provisions of Administrative Order No. 2024-0016, which mandates these increased fees. According to Philippines News Agency, FDA Director General Paolo Teston emphasized the need for the proposed suspension to be effective seven days following the DOH’s approval. The suspension is set to last for 60 days unless the DOH secretary decides to lift or extend it.

Cavite City: Two strike helicopters of the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) 15th Strike Wing were returned to active service. The blessing rites for the “recovered aircraft” were held at the Maj. Danilo Atienza Air Base at Sangley Point, Cavite City. According to Philippines News Agency, one of the reactivated helicopters was a MD-520MG while the other one was an AW-109AH. “The ceremony marks a significant boost to the PAF’s operational readiness. A combat veteran since 1990, the MD-520MG remains a backbone of close air support missions, while the AW-109AH, introduced in 2015, brought night strike capability to the force,” the

Digos City: The majestic Mt. Apo, the highest peak in the Philippines, will temporarily close its trails to trekkers from June to August for its annual rehabilitation and preservation, the Digos City Tourism Office (DCTO) said Thursday. In an online post, the DCTO said the annual closure coincides with the mating season of Mt. Apo’s diverse fauna, allowing the mountain to rejuvenate and recover naturally. According to Philippines News Agency, this crucial conservation effort ensures the protection of its rich biodiversity and delicate ecosystem, helping preserve the natural wonders of Mt. Apo for generations to come. The DCTO also assured