General

Manila: The Senate has proposed to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on July 30, following a structured pre-trial process to ensure a fair and orderly proceeding, Senate President Francis Escudero announced in a press briefing on Thursday. According to Philippines News Agency, Escudero confirmed that official preparations would start on June 2, when the Senate resumes session wherein prosecutors will present the Articles of Impeachment and senators will approve revised trial rules. By June 3, the Impeachment Court will convene and senator judges will take their oaths of office. The following day, June 4, the Senate

Pasay City: Immigration authorities intercepted two Chinese fugitives who attempted to flee the country for Malaysia at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City. According to Philippines News Agency, Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado disclosed that the foreigners were intercepted on different occasions at the immigration departure area before they could board their flights bound for Kuala Lumpur. He stated that the passengers were immediately arrested after BI officers found that they are subjects of watchlist orders issued by the bureau for being undesirable aliens due to criminal cases filed against them in

Makati City: Manulife Philippines anticipates double-digit growth across key financial metrics this year, driven by a strong economy and a growing young population. “I won’t be able to share the exact number, but yes, we target a double-digit growth across our key financial metrics,” said Manulife Philippines president and chief executive officer Rahul Hora in a briefing in Makati City on Thursday. According to Philippines News Agency, data from the Insurance Commission showed that Manulife Philippines’ net income reached PHP2.77 billion in 2024, up 46.2 percent from PHP1.89 billion in 2023. Premium income also rose to PHP15.83 billion from PHP15.55

Antique: A total of 39,177 out of 44,138 farmer-beneficiaries under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund – Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RCEF-RFFA) 2024 have claimed their PHP7,000 cash assistance as of Feb. 26. According to Philippines News Agency, Sonie Guanco, head of the Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Program Coordinating Office (DA-APCO) in Antique, stated in an interview that the 39,177 farmers represent 88.76 percent of the first batch of beneficiaries. The remaining 4,961 farmers are expected to receive their aid by the first week of March. ‘Farmers claimed their cash assistance using their intervention monitoring card or automated teller machine

Manila: Senator Nancy Binay on Thursday called for the immediate approval of a new dengue vaccine, warning that the government’s current strategies may no longer be enough to contain the current surge in cases. According to Philippines News Agency, Binay urged the Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fast-track the evaluation of TAK-003, a dengue vaccine developed by Japanese pharmaceutical firm Takeda, which has already been licensed in over 40 countries, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Brazil, and members of the European Union. “I think it’s time we approve the new dengue vaccine. We