General

Manila: The United States has reinforced its commitment to the Philippines’ infrastructure modernization efforts by continuing the support and raising funding for the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) despite the Trump administration halting some US government financing programs in different countries. According to Philippines News Agency, Office Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) Secretary Frederick Go stated that the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has increased its grant funding for the pre-feasibility study of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Cargo Railway from USD2.5 million (PHP138.8 million) to USD3.8 million. Go mentioned that the expanded grant was conveyed

Manila: The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) is initiating the process to clear 27 abandoned aircraft located in the general aviation area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), part of efforts to enhance safety, streamline airside operations and make better use of limited space. According to Philippines News Agency, some of the aircraft have remained idle for years despite previous attempts to resolve the issue, the NNIC said in a news release. For example, a Cessna 421B has been parked at NAIA since 2009, while a Boeing 737-200, occupying 865.52 square meters at the North Taxiway Extension, has been unused

Washington: The Philippines is optimistic about reaching a fairer trade deal with Washington following what officials described as ‘very positive’ talks with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on May 2. Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go, who led the high-level delegation in Washington, D.C., said the discussions with USTR Jamieson Greer ‘went very well.’ According to Philippines News Agency, Go was joined by Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez. The Philippine delegation sought tariff relief after US President Donald Trump imposed a 17-percent reciprocal

Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has initiated a full alert status to ensure a peaceful, fair, and orderly conduct of the May 12 mid-term elections. The alert was activated yesterday and will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. local time on May 15. According to Nam News Network, PNP Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil emphasized the commitment of the police force to maintaining peace and order during the election period. “There is no place for violence or intimidation in a democratic process,” General Marbil stated, underscoring the importance of a secure environment for voters and candidates alike. The mid-term

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. paid tribute to four iconic Filipino women who he said shaped the country’s soul through art, music, film, and food, as he posthumously conferred them the Presidential Medal of Merit for their lasting contributions to Philippine culture. According to Philippines News Agency, the solemn ceremony at Malaca±an Palace saw Marcos honor National Artist for Film and Broadcast Nora Aunor, music legend Pilita Corrales, film icon Gloria Romero, and internationally acclaimed chef Margarita Fores. Marcos referred to them as ‘undeniably icons’ who gave voice and identity to the Filipino spirit. In his address, Marcos expressed