General

Quezon City: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) called on candidates to stick to finding ways to better serve the marginalized sector, including solo parents, instead of making a joke out of them. According to Philippines News Agency, at a news forum in Quezon City, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized that public servants have a responsibility to set a respectful tone, especially when addressing marginalized groups, such as solo parents. Gatchalian stated, “This isn’t about who can deliver the best punchline. It’s about who can deliver the best solutions,” reacting to the viral video of Pasig City congressional

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed seven laws that authorize the establishment and conversion of Land Transportation Office (LTO) offices in seven different locations across the country. According to Philippines News Agency, Republic Act (RA) 12135 initiates the creation of a new LTO office in Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, while RA 12140 greenlights the construction of another office in Pandan, Antique. Additionally, RAs 12137 and 12138 set the groundwork for LTO offices in Cordova and Consolacion towns located in Cebu province. The legislative changes also include RA 1236, which transforms the existing LTO extension office in Las Pi±as

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law two pieces of legislation that declare special non-working holidays in the provinces of Basilan and Sarangani. According to Philippines News Agency, Republic Act (RA) 12142 designates November 28 each year as a special non-working holiday in Sarangani, commemorating the province’s foundation anniversary. Meanwhile, RA 12143 establishes March 7 as a special non-working holiday in Basilan, celebrating its founding anniversary, which will be recognized as ‘Araw ng Basilan.’ The holiday in Basilan also acknowledges the ‘Tennun Pakaradjaan’ as the province’s official festival. This annual cultural festival in Basilan celebrates the Yakan

Manila: Five people were confirmed dead and nine were injured when the tourist van they were riding fell into a 50-meter ravine in Ampawilen, Sadanga, Mountain Province at about 10 p.m. on Friday. According to Philippines News Agency, the Mountain Province Provincial Police Office (MPPPO) shared on its official social media page that the white Nissan van with plate number NDA 9883 slipped and landed in the river, resulting in the death of three male and two female passengers. Police and other rescuers who immediately rushed to the scene had to use ropes to descend the ravine and lift the

Antipolo City: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian has instructed agency officials to work with the Antipolo City local government to file a criminal case against a group of men who ridiculed a female senior citizen, as depicted in a viral video. According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian emphasized the seriousness of the incident, stating, “We will work with the Antipolo City LGU (local government unit) in filing a case against the group of four men who made fun of the senior citizen who is also a person with disability (PWD). This is a very