General

Legazpi City: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has commenced random drug testing for drivers in the Bicol Region as part of its initiative to ensure passenger safety. This move aims to maintain the integrity of the licensing system and curb illegal drug use among drivers. According to Philippines News Agency, LTO-5 spokesperson Jamie Roperes emphasized that the drug testing is conducted in collaboration with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and accredited drug testing laboratories. Roperes urged the public and motorists to support the program, stating that it is intended to enhance collective responsibility for road safety. The testing will occur

Manila: About 79 percent of the 94,027 registered voters whose precincts were assigned to various malls nationwide participated in the May 12 polls, according to data from the Commission on Elections (Comelec). According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec data released to journalists on Friday indicated that 74,099 voters took part in the Mall Voting Program. Among these, the majority of voters, totaling 37,523 individuals, cast their ballots at SM Malls, which had 20 branches participating in the mid-term elections. Following SM Malls, 6,101 voters were recorded at three Megaworld Malls included in the program. Meanwhile, 17,648 voters turned up at

Quezon City: Newly appointed Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) administrator Patricia Yvonne Caunan has announced her commitment to enhancing programs that focus on the health and education of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). In a recent statement, Caunan emphasized her dedication to studying and expanding scholarship opportunities not only for the children of OFWs but for the workers themselves. According to Philippines News Agency, Caunan addressed these priorities during a weekly forum held in Quezon City. She highlighted the dual focus on education and health, acknowledging the challenges faced by OFWs who often support sick relatives or fund their children’s education.

Manila: Members of the Electoral Boards (EBs) who served during the May 12 midterm elections will receive an additional PHP1,000 honorarium, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Saturday. According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia formally requested the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to grant additional, tax-free compensation to poll workers in recognition of their dedicated service. Garcia emphasized the importance of this gesture, stating, “We are appealing for an increase in the honoraria of our Election Day workers-a modest PHP1,000 additional compensation, tax free or net of tax, for each of the 758,549 individuals, who

Guimaras: Thirteen tons (around 11,000 kilos) of sweet mangoes will be offered during the 10-day 2025 Manggahan (Mango) Festival which kicked off Friday. Organizers aim to surpass last year’s attendance of nearly 63,000 guests by offering mango-inspired food and delicacies alongside a series of events running until May 25. According to Philippines News Agency, one of the festival’s highlights is the mango-eat-all-you-can event, where visitors can indulge in the sweetest mangoes for 30 minutes at a fee of PHP100. Last year, a visitor from Louisville, Kentucky in the US, outperformed 9,500 others by consuming 25 pieces of mangoes. The festival