General

Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed the filing of non-bailable human trafficking charges against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and others in a Pampanga court. The charges are related to their alleged involvement in Lucky South 99 Corporation, a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub raided in Porac. According to Philippines News Agency, Justice Undersecretary Nicholas Ty stated that there are over 40 respondents in the case, including Roque, businesswoman Cassandra Ong, Dennis Cunanan, and Duanren Wu. Ty noted that Roque had admitted to being a lawyer for Whirlwind, the company that leased its Porac compound to Lucky South

Manila: The MVP Group, led by chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, has formalized its steadfast support for the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) in hosting the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Philippines 2025, scheduled from September 12 to 28. According to Philippines News Agency, the partnership was solidified by Pangilinan and PNVF president Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara at the Lighthouse in Meralco Building, Ortigas. This collaboration marks another strategic alliance between the two entities, following their joint success in hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023. Pangilinan expressed his enthusiasm for promoting the Philippines as a prime destination for sports and

Sorsogon: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is not seeing any reason to postpone the May 12 midterm elections in areas near Mt. Bulusan despite the volcano’s eruption early Monday morning. “Currently, we don’t see any reason for the Comelec to postpone the conduct of elections,” Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said in an interview. According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia stated that election officers in the affected areas of Irosin, Juban, and Bulusan in Sorsogon province have been instructed to devise contingency plans should the volcano’s activity escalate. “The concerned election officers are given instructions to coordinate closely with the Department

Manila: The Philippines and New Zealand are on the brink of formalizing an agreement designed to foster close military coordination between the two countries. This development marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral defense ties, allowing for enhanced cooperation and joint activities. According to Philippines News Agency, New Zealand Defense Minister Judith Collins announced her plans to travel to the Philippines to sign the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement. This treaty-level document outlines the legal responsibilities and obligations of both nations, establishing a framework for military engagement and facilitating ongoing cooperation, activities, and exercises within their respective territories. Collins highlighted

Manila: The Philippines has reinforced its commitment to global disarmament and adherence to international standards against weapons of mass destruction with the introduction of a new law prohibiting the development, production, stockpiling, and use of chemical weapons, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada announced Monday. According to Philippines News Agency, Estrada emphasized that the enactment of Republic Act No. 12174, known as the ‘Chemical Weapons Prohibition Act,’ is a significant step beyond merely fulfilling the nation’s international obligations as a State Party to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which the country joined over thirty years ago. The law was signed