General

Manila: Senate President Francis Escudero on Tuesday dismissed concerns that current political issues could delay the implementation of key economic reforms, asserting that such “noise” is inherent in a vibrant democracy. “This so-called noise is part and parcel of having a vibrant democracy, which is normal in a state comprised of diverse peoples with different views,” he said in a Viber message to reporters. According to Philippines News Agency, the senator emphasized that as long as discussions remain peaceful, the democratic process allows for healthy debate. He noted that the upcoming midterm elections in May is the appropriate avenue for

Manila: The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center said eight were recently added to its pipeline of PPP projects for undertaking between the government and the private sector. According to Philippines News Agency, data released by the PPP Center showed that as of March 14 this year, projects newly added to the list include the Localized Online Visitor Ecosystem Metro Manila: Phase 2 of the Philippine Tourism Digitalization Project, Operations and Maintenance of the Panguil Bay Bridge Project, Public-Private Partnerships for School Infrastructure Project Connect, and the Construction of Septage Treatment Plant in Sagay City, Negros Occidental. Other newly added projects included

Baguio: The city government here resumed the retraining of disaster risk reduction management councils (DRRMC) in the 128 villages to further enhance their capabilities ahead of the wet season. Baguio DRRM officer Charles Carame said in a media interview on Tuesday that the initial training sessions on March 5, 6, and 10 involved the reorientation of DRRM coordinators on communication, resilience scorecard, community risk assessment, and quality assessment tools. According to Philippines News Agency, the participants were also briefed about the Philippine DRRM system, barangay DRRM process, DRRM thematic areas, as well as concepts on training and persuading volunteers. The

Manila: Malaca±ang on Tuesday emphasized the importance of collaboration with the private sector to boost broadband connectivity, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). This, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vowed to improve internet connectivity in Eastern Visayas’ remote areas during a meeting with the Regional Development Council in Tacloban City last week. According to Philippines News Agency, in a Palace briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the role of private partners is crucial in addressing the challenges the government is facing as it aims to provide the public with faster Internet.

Manila: The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has emphasized the need for a comprehensive government approach to effectively address the increasing human trafficking cases in the country. Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado highlighted that while enhancing border control is essential, tackling human trafficking demands a collaborative effort that includes local government units (LGUs) and local law enforcement agencies, especially in areas used as illegal travel routes. According to Philippines News Agency, Commissioner Viado stressed the importance of collective action, stating, “Everyone must work together as there is a need to strengthen efforts at all levels to curb illegal departures. Traffickers are exploiting