General

Dapitan City: The Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the conviction of former Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte mayor Joseph Cedrick Ruiz for corruption and misuse of almost PHP1 million in confidential and intelligence funds. According to Philippines News Agency, a decision by the First Division upheld the Sandiganbayan’s ruling, finding Ruiz guilty of violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act (RA) 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code on malversation of public funds. Ruiz served as mayor from 1998 to 2001. Court records showed that weeks before the end of his term,

Baguio City: There will be more than 6,500 job vacancies available during the Labor Day jobs fair in two locations in Baguio City this May, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). According to Philippines News Agency, approximately 1,715 local job vacancies will be presented by 33 employers. Additionally, there will be 4,492 overseas job openings offered by 11 overseas companies and manning agencies, alongside 372 positions from 14 locators of SM City Baguio. The jobs fair is scheduled to take place at Baguio Convention Center and SM City-Baguio mall. The overseas job opportunities will be available in

Manila: Investment approvals by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) from January to April this year surged by 112 percent to PHP63.5 billion, from PHP29.96 billion in the same period in 2024. PEZA reported Tuesday that its board approved an additional 20 new and expansion projects worth PHP4.58 billion for this month alone. According to Philippines News Agency, seven of the newly approved projects are in the export manufacturing sector, five in the information technology and business process management (ITBPM), five facilities, two utilities, and one each for logistics and the domestic market. These projects will generate 9,000 jobs and

Quezon City: The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday reminded the public to monitor the air quality index (AQI) in their areas and avoid the ill effects of pollution. On Monday, haze was reported in certain areas of Quezon City and Rizal province caused by fire incidents. According to Philippines News Agency, the common indicators for AQI are Particulate Matter 10 micrometers (PM 10) and PM 2.5, which come from vehicle emissions, burning of trash, wildfires, or fire. PM 10 can cause irritations of the upper respiratory tract like the sinuses and throat, while PM 2.5 can lead to asthma

Iloilo City: Traffic enforcers in Iloilo City are permitted to take heatstroke breaks to protect themselves from the extreme heat. Public Order and Safety Management Office (POSMO) head Uldarico Garbanzos said in an interview Monday that from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., traffic enforcers are to stay in shaded or cooler areas within their assigned beats while remaining visible to the public. They only go back in the middle of the streets when necessary, such as during vehicular accidents or heavy traffic, he said. According to Philippines News Agency, POSMO has also advised enforcers with co-morbidities or those on maintenance