General

Vigan City: National Capital Region’s (NCR) Titus Rafael Sia and Sophia Rose Garra set new records in the 65th Palarong Pambansa swimming competition at Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium here Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, Sia of Xavier School won the elementary boys’ 200m freestyle in 2 minutes and 7.86 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 2:08.12 set by Central Luzon’s Rafael Barreto in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental in 2013. Findly Jake Mackenzie from NCR secured the second position with a time of 2:12.01, followed by Caraga Region’s Cosme Calejesan III at 2:12.89. In another achievement, Sia also broke the

Davao: The Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 in the Davao Region seized illegal drugs valued at over PHP2.1 million through a series of operations conducted from May 19 to 25, a top official announced. According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Rosete, the director of PRO-11, reported that a total of 69 coordinated anti-illegal drug operations resulted in the arrest of 83 individuals, comprising 16 high-value targets and 67 street-level individuals. The operations led to the confiscation of 12,428.6 grams of suspected shabu, valued at PHP2.1 million, and 64.7 grams of dried marijuana, valued at PHP7,773. Rosete emphasized

Kuala Lumpur: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday rejected calls for his resignation, saying there is no reason for him to step down amid his efforts to recalibrate his administration. In a media interview, Marcos stated that his recent directive for Cabinet secretaries and government heads to submit courtesy resignations is not a sufficient ground for him to vacate the highest post. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos expressed his commitment to addressing the present challenges in the country, emphasizing that his leadership style is ‘solution-oriented.’ On May 22, he ordered Cabinet secretaries, heads of agencies with Cabinet rank,

Manila: Senator Imee Marcos on Tuesday highlighted the need for the newly established Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) to take the reins in crafting the 2026 national budget, emphasizing the need for long-term, data-driven economic planning. Formerly known as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), DEPDev was formally established through Republic Act 12145 and was unveiled to the public on May 22. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos, among the law’s principal authors, said the agency’s enhanced mandate is a crucial step toward refocusing national budgeting and development priorities. ‘With this law, we hope to restore DEPDev

Manila: Two-time All-Filipino MVP Brooke Van Sickle of Petro Gazz headlines the honorees in the Pilipinas Live Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Press Corps Awards Night at the Novotel Manila. The event celebrates the achievements of the league’s outstanding players, coaches, and executives. According to Philippines News Agency, the awardees include Alas Pilipinas middle blocker Thea Gagate, who was recognized as Rookie of the Year for her contributions to ZUS Coffee’s journey to the quarterfinals. League president Ricky Palou expressed the significance of the awards, highlighting the achievements of all players, coaches, and staff members who have elevated the game and