General

Manila: The continued decline in the Philippines’ unemployment rate signals ‘growing strength and stability’ in the economy, House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez said Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, Romualdez attributed the decline to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push for creating sustainable economic opportunities for Filipinos. “This improvement in our labor market conditions reflects the growing strength and stability of our economy. It is proof that our policies are prudent and uplifting our people’s lives,” Romualdez said. “Our President’s clear vision for economic growth is bearing fruit.” The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Tuesday reported that the country’s

Palo: The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Palo has urged the public to focus on their spiritual journey with Christ rather than planning vacations during this Lenten season, particularly as the Church prepares to mark 2025 as a Jubilee Year. According to Philippines News Agency, the Jubilee Year is a significant event celebrated by the Church every 25 years, and Pope Francis has themed the 2025 celebration as “Pilgrims of Hope.” In the Catholic tradition, a Jubilee or Holy Year is a time for forgiveness and reconciliation, encouraging individuals to restore their relationship with God, one another, and the broader creation.

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has raised concern over the China Coast Guard’s (CCG) dangerous maneuvers in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, Malaca±ang said on Tuesday. ‘Of course, concerned po ang ating Pangulo sa mga nangyayari (Of course, our President is concerned about what is happening),’ Presidential Communications Office and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro told Palace reporters, in the wake of Beijing’s latest aggressive actions in Panatag Shoal. According to Philippines News Agency, Castro said Manila would continue to be ‘professional’ and would let the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) address the issue. ‘Mini-maintain pa rin po natin ‘yung (We still

Seoul: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Tuesday announced its commitment to provide legal assistance to the 20 Filipino crew members of M/V Lunita, a vessel seized by South Korean authorities for allegedly carrying two tons of cocaine. According to Philippines News Agency, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac revealed in a television interview that within the next two days, the department will integrate its own lawyers into the legal team supporting the crew. The Norwegian-flagged cargo vessel, manned by Filipino crew, was intercepted by the Korea Coast Guard and Korea Customs Service at the port of Okgye in Gangwon

Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has taken a significant step by classifying the use of foul language as an election offense, aiming to transform campaign activities into safe spaces. In Supplemental Resolution 11127, approved by the poll body’s en banc, the public is now empowered to file cases for violations of Resolution 11116 before the Task Force on Safeguarding against Fear and Exclusion in Elections (Task Force Safe) for uttering foul words, particularly against women, during the campaign season. According to Philippines News Agency, this decision follows reports of local candidates using hateful, sexist, and discriminatory remarks against women,