General

Manila: For 12 consecutive years, the Philippines has remained off the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Special 301 Watch List, which indicates progress in protecting and enforcing intellectual property (IP) rights. The 2025 Special 301 Report, published by the USTR, serves as an annual review of the global state of IP protection and enforcement. According to Philippines News Agency, this year’s report recognized several efforts by the Philippine government to strengthen IP rights, including the establishment of the e-Commerce Bureau under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This bureau enhances regulatory oversight of online transactions and helps curb the

Manila: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is set to distribute PHP137 million in financial assistance to disadvantaged individuals and workers’ groups in the Ilocos Region on Labor Day. According to Philippines News Agency, approximately PHP131.5 million will be allocated to the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, benefiting over 29,000 individuals. DOLE Ilocos Region chief labor and employment officer Teresa Bonavente shared this information during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum. Additionally, around PHP5.97 million is earmarked for the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), which aims to support 280 groups. In terms of distribution, Ilocos Norte

Manila: Senator Sherwin Gatchalian stated that the filing of human trafficking charges against individuals linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) signifies the government’s dedication to justice and accountability. The senator welcomed the development, cautioning that those who misuse their power or breach the law will face consequences, irrespective of their status or influence. “Let this serve as a warning to all,” he said. “We will continue monitoring these cases closely and will not stop until all those responsible are made to answer before the law.” According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian’s comments followed the Department of Justice’s confirmation of

Nonthaburi: Philippine Tennis Academy player Tennnielle Madis eliminated No. 10 seed Lee Hyun-yee of South Korea, 1-6, 6-2, 6-2, Tuesday in the second round of the Nonthaburi Closed Regional Championships at the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand hard court. According to Philippines News Agency, Madis, who pulled off a 6-3, 6-2 win over Kimiko Cooper in the first round, reached a career-high No. 208 in the ITF Juniors singles rankings last Monday. The 17-year-old from M’lang, North Cotabato will face No. 6 Kamonwan Yodpetch of Thailand in the third round. Yodpetch, ranked No. 78 in the world juniors, defeated Elizabeth

Manila: Lawmakers on Tuesday said the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey shows that Filipinos demand leaders who will defend the country’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). In a statement, Deputy Speaker and Quezon 2nd District Rep. David Suarez said overwhelming support for pro-sovereignty candidates reflects the Filipino people’s clear desire for a strong, independent future. According to Philippines News Agency, Suarez was referring to the Stratbase-commissioned nationwide survey, conducted from April 11 to 14, which found that 75 percent of the 1,800 respondents prefer candidates who assert Philippine sovereignty in the WPS against China’s aggressive actions. “The