General

Manila: The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has increased the minimum transaction value for mergers and acquisitions (M and As) that require notification. This change is part of an effort to streamline regulatory processes and accommodate economic growth. According to Philippines News Agency, the PCC announced that the thresholds for M and A deals have been raised to PHP8.5 billion for the size of party (SOP) and PHP3.5 billion for the size of transaction (SOT). The SOP accounts for the total value of assets held by a party’s parent company, whereas the SOT pertains to the value of the acquired firm

Negros Oriental: The Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) has strategically deployed 1,400 personnel throughout the province to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors during the Holy Week celebrations, an official announced on Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Stephen Polinar, the spokesperson for NOPPO, stated that these officers have been drawn from various police stations, excluding units from the Provincial Mobile Force and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion. “We are on full alert status with all police station personnel required to be on duty during the observance of Holy Week starting from Palm Sunday until

Manila: In the coastal village of Ablan in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, a seasonal seaweed called “gamet” is making the gastronomic experience in the province more exciting. According to Philippines News Agency, Remedios Baniaga, who runs a refreshment stall in the Burgos public plaza, said one of her bestsellers is the gamet empanada. Priced at PHP150 each, the gamet empanada has become a favorite among tourists who have started flocking to Ilocos Norte after the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. “We are grateful to the Department of Tourism for inviting more tourists and helping us promote our native cuisine, including our gamet empanada,”

Manila: Private sector workers who are scheduled to work on April 17 (Maundy Thursday) and April 18 (Good Friday) are entitled to receive double their regular pay for these days. In an advisory issued on Wednesday, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) emphasized the importance of adhering to the correct wage computation for these regular holidays. According to Philippines News Agency, DOLE outlined that employers are required to pay 200 percent of an employee’s standard wage for the first eight hours of work on these holidays. If an employee works beyond eight hours, they will earn an additional 30

Manila: The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) announced five family-friendly movies that can be enjoyed by Filipinos in theaters this Holy Week. In a statement, MTRCB chair and chief executive officer Lala Sotto-Antonio said these films are rated PG, allowing children under the age of 13 to watch with the guidance of parents or supervising adults. According to Philippines News Agency, Antonio urged the public to continue supporting age-appropriate films this week. She emphasized that all MTRCB-classified materials are not only entertaining but also safe for viewers of different age groups. The selected movies include ‘The King