General

Manila: A visiting United States Senate delegation has reaffirmed its commitment and support for the Philippine-United States alliance under the second Trump administration, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo stated Tuesday. US Senators John Peter Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Christopher Coons (D-Delaware), and Theodore Paul Budd (R-North Carolina) met with Manalo on Monday to discuss defense cooperation, economic security, and economic resilience, among other topics. According to Philippine News Agency, the meeting concluded with the US Congressional delegation emphasizing their commitment to the Philippines-US alliance. Manalo shared details of the meeting on X (Twitter), noting the discussions included US Ambassador to Manila MaryKay

Manila: The signing into law of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Act is a ‘historic reform’ and a ‘national victory,’ according to Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri. Republic Act (RA) 12145, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on April 10, reorganized the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) into a full-fledged Cabinet-level department. According to Philippine News Agency, the new law grants DEPDev broader authority to harmonize national and local economic strategies, oversee the Public Investment Program, and manage the Philippine Development Plan. It will also serve as the lead agency in coordinating development efforts across sectors,

Manila: The University of Santo Tomas and Pilipinas Aguilas face off in Game One of the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Invitational best-of-three championship series at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum at 5 p.m. on Wednesday. According to Philippine News Agency, Kent Pastrana, Oma Onianwa, and Eka Soriano will lead the Tigresses, who joined the tournament to enhance their skills ahead of the UAAP season. UST head coach Ged Austria emphasized the importance of the tournament for gaining experience, noting that not all collegiate teams have the opportunity to compete against semi-pro clubs or players with international experience. Austria highlighted

Dumaguete: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Tuesday that automated counting machines (ACMs) destined for the upcoming May 12 elections in Negros Oriental and Siquijor will arrive on Maundy Thursday. This delivery is crucial for the preparation and smooth conduct of the electoral process in these areas. According to Philippine News Agency, Comelec-Negros Island Region director Lionel Marco Castillano stated that the first batch of ACMs for Negros Oriental will arrive in four container vans, transported by a sea vessel from Manila. This arrival is a day later than originally scheduled. The exact number of ACM units will be

Pangasinan: The Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) has reactivated 105 police assistance desks throughout the province, while the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reactivated its motorists’ assistance hubs for the Lenten season. “Police visibility is essential especially during this time to ensure peace and order in the province,” stated PPPO director Col. Rollyfer Capoquian in an interview on Tuesday. According to Philippine News Agency, the assistance desks are strategically located, with 31 in places of worship, 41 in major thoroughfares, 13 in transport hubs, and 20 in commercial areas. In addition to the assistance desks, tourist police