General

Manila: As the country celebrates Labor Day, key members of the Philippine Senate called for decisive reforms to ensure fair wages, stronger protections, and inclusive opportunities across all sectors of the labor force. According to Philippines News Agency, Senate President Francis Escudero highlighted the significance of Labor Day as a moment to honor workers, whom he described as the backbone of the economy. Escudero pointed out that the country’s labor force, comprising over 50 million Filipinos, spans crucial sectors, including agriculture, construction, transportation, and manufacturing. Senator Loren Legarda stressed the need for economic growth to be reflected in the quality

Negros Oriental: A total of 45 job seekers were hired on the spot during the Labor Day mega job fair held Thursday, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Negros Oriental. DOLE-Negros Oriental Provincial Chief Vivencio Lagahid stated that as of 3 p.m., 42 of those hired were for local employment while three were for overseas jobs. “We expect the number to increase slightly before the end of the day,” he added. According to Philippines News Agency, one of the successful applicants was 29-year-old Jason B. Zerna from Valencia town, who secured an overseas job on the

Manila: Asialink Finance Corporation, known for lending to small and medium enterprises, is diversifying into real estate lending, offering quick processing and low interest rates to individuals and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). According to Philippines News Agency, Asialink Finance Corporation announced this strategic expansion with three new lending options: Sangla Titulo, take-out of housing units, and acquisition of property. Under the Sangla Titulo option, a business entity can borrow up to PHP20 million by using property as collateral. The interest rate for this option is 0.8 percent for terms up to five years, alongside a one-time 5.5 percent service

Manila: The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has arrested 237 suspects and confiscated PHP53.9 million worth of evidence during its ‘focused operations’ against criminality nationwide from April 21 to 25. According to Philippines News Agency, CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III stated that the arrests included eight Chinese nationals, 13 regional most wanted persons, 32 provincial-level most wanted fugitives, and a member of the Ocariza Criminal Group of Cebu. The operatives also seized 28 loose firearms and assorted ammunition as well as illegal products, including substandard cigarettes, unregistered beauty products, animal feeds, and other evidence, totaling PHP53.88 million.

Manila: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed concerns over the reported ‘punit’ (rip) passport incidents, stating that such deliberate tampering poses a threat to the Philippines’ tourism industry. According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian highlighted that unchecked tampering could deter tourists and weaken trust in the nation’s airport system. He emphasized the severity of the ‘punit passport’ scheme and its potential impact on the country’s image as a tourist destination, urging immediate accountability for those involved. Gatchalian called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and airport authorities to develop security protocols that secure passenger safety while maintaining convenience. DOTr Secretary Vince Hizon