General

Baguio: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Baguio has called on candidates in the upcoming elections to center their campaigns on presenting their platforms and to refrain from engaging in mudslinging. According to Philippines News Agency, lawyer John Paul Martin, the Comelec-Baguio officer, emphasized in a phone interview that politicians should focus on promoting their own agendas and the benefits they can offer voters, rather than disparaging their opponents. He noted that many voters are more interested in hearing about the plans candidates have and what they can provide if elected, rather than negative remarks about other candidates. Martin highlighted

Manila: A private lawyer accredited with the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Thursday said the proceedings against former president Rodrigo Duterte before the Netherlands-based tribunal may be completed sooner than expected due to substantial evidence against the former chief executive. ‘The case against Mr. Duterte may be completed in as little as a year considering the evidence at hand,’ trial lawyer Joel Butuyan told reporters at the Meet the Manila Press forum. According to Philippines News Agency, Butuyan made the comment when asked if the proceedings would take as long as the case of another client of lawyer Nicholas Kaufman

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has vetoed a bill that sought to declare Pampanga as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines.” In a letter to the House of Representatives dated March 12, Marcos explained that while Pampanga’s culinary contributions are widely recognized, officially designating it as the country’s culinary capital could undermine the diversity of Philippine cuisine. According to Philippines News Agency, the President noted that the bill lacked a historical basis and key performance indicators to justify such a declaration, warning that it could offend other provinces with similarly rich culinary traditions. Marcos emphasized that Filipino cuisine reflects

Manila: The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will soon establish a Regional Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Innovation Center in Negros Island Region (NIR). TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez announced this initiative, emphasizing its support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). According to Philippines News Agency, Benitez highlighted the quest for a suitable location for the regional training and innovation center, noting that NIR, as a new region, is actively looking for prospective sites. This announcement was made during a press conference at the 20th TESDA General Directorate Conference held at the Seda Hotel. Benitez mentioned a

Manila: One of the lanes of the M. Roxas Jr. Flyover (northbound), commonly known as the Delpan Flyover, was partially closed for asphalt overlay works starting Thursday. According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Public Works and Highways-North Manila District Engineering Office (DPWH-NMDEO) announced that the rehabilitation works are expected to be completed on April 3. The advisory detailed that the rehabilitation requires partial closure of the affected lanes, with plans for the southbound lane to undergo similar works after the northbound lane is completed. Motorists have been informed about potential traffic slowdowns in the area and advised to