General

Bangued: A voting center in Bangued, Abra was damaged by fire less than a week before the May 12 midterm elections, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia said Wednesday. At the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum in Manila, Garcia said 70 percent of the polling place located inside the Dandangla Elementary School was damaged by the fire, which occurred early Wednesday morning. According to Philippines News Agency, the cause of the fire is still under investigation, with authorities considering the possibility of it being intentional due to the upcoming elections. Despite the damage, Comelec has decided to set

Muntinlupa City: The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) announced a significant advancement in its reform efforts for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) with the unveiling of a renovated college building and improved learning facilities, generously donated by the San Miguel Foundation Inc. (SMF). According to Philippines News Agency, the BuCor, in collaboration with SMF and the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta-Bilibid Extension School (UPHSD-BES), marked the handover of the newly refurbished UPHSD-BES building at the Medium Security Camp-New Bilibid Prison. The ceremony took place on Tuesday in Muntinlupa City. The renovation, financed by SMF, has equipped the building with a

Manila: The European Union (EU) has significantly increased its monitoring presence in the Philippines for the upcoming May 12 midterm elections by deploying 104 additional ‘short-term’ observers. This expansion brings the total number of EU election experts in the country to 226. According to Philippines News Agency, these additional observers will cover all regions, both urban and rural, to supplement the 72 long-term observers who were deployed in mid-April. This strategic move aims to enhance the mission’s presence, reach, and capacity during the election day activities, which include polling, automated counting, and canvassing of results. Chief Observer Marta Temido, who

Manila: Blood testing for avian influenza (AI) is no longer required for the local transport of live poultry, eggs, and related products within Western Visayas until July 15, 2025, according to a new directive from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). Dr. Jonic Natividad, head of the Regulatory Division of the Department of Agriculture-Western Visayas, announced that the waiving of testing was outlined in Memorandum Circular No. 12, series of 2025, by the Bureau of Animal Industry issued on May 5, 2025. According to Philippines News Agency, the decision follows comprehensive surveillance in high-risk areas across the region, all of

Ilocos Norte: A total of 1,533 personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), including 164 from partner agencies, have been deployed to various parts of Ilocos Norte to ensure that the May 12 midterm elections in the province will be safe, peaceful, and credible. According to Philippines News Agency, the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) stated that its units have been on full alert status since May 3. INPPO chief Col. Frederick Obar reported that no election-related incidents have been noted, and the peace and order situation remains stable. INPPO disclosed that at least two police personnel have been