General

Kuala Lumpur: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders to expedite the adoption of a legally binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. This call comes amid escalating tensions in the region. According to Philippines News Agency, during the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Marcos emphasized the importance of the COC to safeguard maritime rights, promote stability, and prevent miscalculations at sea. He reiterated the Philippines’ call for a rules-based order in the face of increasing geopolitical tensions. The backdrop of this call is the intensification

Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) emphasized the necessity of reinstating the National Food Authority’s (NFA) regulatory powers to enforce a floor price for palay (unhusked rice) and safeguard local farmers from exploitative traders. According to Philippines News Agency, the DA is currently conducting a study to explore possible legal avenues for setting a floor price under the Price Act, Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law, and other relevant laws. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted that the proposed floor price should at least cover the production costs incurred by palay farmers. In a recent ambush interview, Tiu Laurel stated, “Seriously

Antique: Members of the Antique provincial board will relinquish their duties and accomplishments to their successors by June 23, a week before the official start of the new administration. Vice Governor Edgar Denosta, who failed in his gubernatorial attempt during the May 12 midterm elections, said they will have a ceremonial turnover of duties and accomplishments, including approved ordinances and resolutions, to Vice Governor-elect Genevive Reyes and the new set of board members. According to Philippines News Agency, Denosta emphasized the importance of a smooth transition, stating, “Through this ceremonial turnover, we are looking forward to a smooth transition of

Quezon City: Local investment officers in the country have formed a group to capacitate its members, promote innovation in investment facilitation, and build a more competitive and investor-ready Philippines. The Philippine Association of Local Investment Officers (PALIO) has 84 local investment officers as members from across the country, including the National Capital Region, said Jhon Allen Berbon, the group’s founding president. According to Philippines News Agency, Berbon, who heads the Northern Samar provincial economic development and investment promotions office, said in a phone interview that forming the group was conceptualized last year. “Almost a year ago, shortly after we received

Manila: The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has received its 10th consecutive unmodified opinion from the Commission on Audit (COA) for its financial statements for the year ended Dec. 31, 2024, demonstrating its commitment to transparency and accountability within its operations. According to Philippines News Agency, the unmodified opinion, the highest given by the COA, affirmed that the CCC’s financial statements present fairly its financial position and performance, cash flows, changes in net assets/equity, and the comparison of budget and actual amounts, in accordance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS). The audit was conducted in accordance with the International Standards