General

Manila: It is time to go after the individuals who are sources of disinformation and misinformation, Malaca±ang said on Thursday. In a chance interview with Palace reporters, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin lamented that the impact of fake news is becoming ‘very devastating,’ given its alarming surge on the internet. According to Philippines News Agency, Bersamin expressed concern over the global issue of fake news, emphasizing that it is not only the Philippines but the entire world suffering the consequences of deceitful information. He stressed the importance of prosecuting those responsible for spreading false information during an event at Malaca±an Palace

Manila: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has arrested a Swedish national wanted in his home country for two counts of child rape. In a press briefing on Thursday, the NBI presented Heinz Henry Andreas Berglund, who was arrested in Angeles City, Pampanga on Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, operatives of the NBI — Violence Against Women and Children Division (NBI-VAWCD) and the Bureau of Immigration – Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU) conducted the operation against Berglund based on information received from the Swedish Police Authority through the Homeland Security Investigations. The fugitive is facing offenses of Rape of a

Iloilo: The public must take earthquake drills seriously, as these exercises could be lifesaving during actual calamities, Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Cornelio Salinas said Thursday. In an interview, Salinas emphasized the importance of these drills, conducted by the Office of the Civil Defense, as a means of preparing people to react effectively in emergencies. According to Philippines News Agency, Salinas stressed the need for the public to internalize these drills as a critical survival measure during disasters. He highlighted ongoing initiatives by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to train barangays on

Manila: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced that the Philippines holds a favorable position compared to other ASEAN member states and Asian countries following US President Donald Trump’s executive order on reciprocal tariffs worldwide. According to Philippines News Agency, Trump’s order subjects Philippine goods entering the US market to a 17 percent tariff, which remains lower than those imposed on other ASEAN nations. Countries like Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam face tariffs as high as 49, 48, and 46 percent, respectively. This places the Philippines in a better position, with only Singapore enjoying a lower tariff rate of 10

Manila: Senate President Francis Escudero on Thursday defended the government’s plan to acquire US-made F-16 fighter jets, emphasizing the necessity of strengthening national defense in light of rising security concerns, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). According to Philippines News Agency, Escudero, speaking at the Kapihan sa Senado forum, explained that the proposed USD5.5 billion deal is a strategic long-term investment in the country’s defense capabilities, despite its substantial cost. He clarified that the financial outlay would be staggered over time, with the specifics of the payment terms and delivery schedule still pending finalization. The current status is merely