General

Manila: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced Thursday that consultations on a possible wage hike for minimum wage earners in Metro Manila will begin mid-May. DOLE-National Capital Region (NCR) Director Sarah Buena Mirasol said preparations are underway for discussions between labor and employer groups regarding a potential salary adjustment for private-sector workers. According to Philippines News Agency, Mirasol stated that consultations between workers and employers will commence in May, with a public hearing scheduled for June. The announcement was made during the Labor Day job fair at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. If the deliberations proceed smoothly

Kuala Lumpur: Padel Pilipinas bets LA Ca±izares and Joanna Tao Yee Tan pulled off a 7-5, 5-7, 6-4 victory over five-time champions Irina Chernaya of Russia and Tim Brown of Australia to capture the mix pro title at the Asia Pacific Padel Tour (APPT) Open held on April 24-27 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It was the first title for the Filipino tandem after a runner-up finish at the APPT Manila Open last February. According to Philippines News Agency, Tan, ranked No. 2 behind Japanese Kotomi Ozawa in the pro rankings, also bagged the silver medal in the women’s category. She

Pasay City: The state-run Social Security System (SSS) announced its decision to reduce interest rates for salary and calamity loans, expand the pension loan program to include surviving spouse pensioners, and implement a micro-credit loan facility through third-party providers. These enhancements are part of a broader initiative to recognize the contributions of Filipino workers, as highlighted by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his Labor Day message at the SMX Convention Center. According to Philippines News Agency, SSS’s move to reduce interest rates will benefit members with good credit quality who have not availed of penalty condonation in the past

Negros Oriental: Authorities seized nearly PHP7 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested two suspects in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Camanjac early Thursday. Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO), identified the suspects as “Gege,” 37, and “Jeb-jeb,” 22, both residents of Sitio Tuwang in Pamplona town. According to Philippines News Agency, the suspects were caught selling suspected shabu to an undercover operative at Purok Makiangahon. Police recovered around 1,000 grams of suspected shabu, valued at PHP6.8 million. Both suspects are tagged as high-value individuals on the police’s drug watchlist. This marks the third

Manila: The Senate has invited InfinitUs Marketing Solutions, Inc. to participate in a hearing next week concerning its alleged 2023 agreement with the Chinese embassy to conduct pro-Beijing social media campaigns. Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, who confirmed this development on Thursday, emphasized that the firm would have the opportunity to present its perspective. According to Philippines News Agency, the Senate Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones, chaired by Tolentino, is conducting this inquiry as part of an ongoing investigation into foreign interference and espionage. The committee aims to address concerns regarding the integrity of democratic processes. Tolentino stated,