Category: General

Manila: Senator Robin Padilla has advocated for the swift passage of a new bill that would grant Muslim Filipinos online access to Shari’ah Courts. In his sponsorship speech for Committee Report 237 concerning Senate Bill (SB) 2613, delivered on Wednesday night, Padilla highlighted the urgent necessity to resolve the long-standing issue faced by Muslim Filipinos in submitting documents to Shari’ah Courts, a challenge that has persisted for 15 years. According to Philippines News Agency, Padilla emphasized that part of the amendments to Republic Act (RA) 9997 includes the establishment of a digital platform. This platform would facilitate the paperless filing

Manila: Senate President Francis Escudero on Thursday expressed reservations on Senate Bill (SB) No. 1979, or the Adolescent Pregnancy Bill, currently undergoing deliberation in the chamber. “As it was originally reported, no. At least not in its entirety. In fact, I have relayed to the author several proposed amendments to it,” Escudero told reporters when asked if he supports the bill. Escudero, however, emphasized that the bill is still undergoing the legislative process and remains in the period of interpellation. He also reiterated his commitment to ensuring the bill’s provisions align with necessary safeguards and amendments before casting his vote.

The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) has sounded the alarm over the rising incidence of adolescent pregnancies:ensitive sexuality education to address the issue. According to Philippines News Agency, Bersales emphasized the importance of protecting adolescents from abuse and equipping them with life skills to make informed decisions. She cited data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showing that live births among girls aged 10 to 14 increased from 2,411 in 2019 to 3,343 in 2023, marking a 6.6 percent rise. Bersales further noted that 38 girls under 15 experienced multiple pregnancies in 2023, and 17 women under 20 had given

Mangatarem: About 79,000 residents of Mangatarem town in Pangasinan are expected to benefit from the Super Health Center, which has broken ground in Barangay (village) Umangan. According to Philippines News Agency, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Ilocos Region information officer Esperanza Tinaza stated that the PHP12-million health center, which commenced on January 10, is funded under the Department of Health-Health Facilities Enhancement Program (DOH-HFEP) under the 2024 national budget. The project is anticipated to be completed within the year. ‘It is envisioned as a state-of-the-art polyclinic, which aims to improve healthcare access for residents of Mangatarem and neighboring

Negros Oriental: Authorities in Negros Oriental province are keeping tabs on remnants of a dismantled private armed group (PAG) who may return for the May elections or personal reasons, an official said on Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO), revealed that at least six members of the disbanded group are believed to have fled to another part of the island after their operations were shut down years ago. These individuals are wanted for their alleged involvement in shooting incidents, including some that were election-related, Polinar said. They are