Category: General

Manila: Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III has voiced his support for the immediate suspension of the planned increase in Social Security System (SSS) contribution rates, citing concerns over its impact on members’ benefits. According to Philippines News Agency, private school teachers have recently expressed their dissatisfaction with the increase in SSS contributions from 14 percent to 15 percent, arguing that the hike would further reduce their already limited take-home pay in the face of rising prices and additional expenses. Senator Pimentel echoed these concerns, noting that the increase in contributions does not translate to enhanced benefits for members. The

Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that ‘Sulit rice’ will soon be available in 24 Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) Centers and kiosks. Sulit rice, which is 100 percent broken but white, will be sold at PHP36 per kilogram. According to Philippines News Agency, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. mentioned that the official rollout of the Sulit Rice program will be finalized following a positive public reception during its trial in two KNP sites in Metro Manila. He emphasized the need to ensure sufficient stock for the rollout, hinting at a possible launch next week. DA Assistant Secretary Arnel

Manila: Around 4.7 million passengers have passed through the country’s ports during the holiday season, surpassing the projected 4.5 million passengers of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA). ‘It’s more than the expected passengers; the total is 4.7 million this 2024 compared to 4.3 million last 2023 and compared to the 4.5 million forecast [for this year],’ PPA Spokesperson Eunice Samonte said in a message to reporters on Monday. According to Philippines News Agency, PPA port passenger data from Dec. 15, 2024, to Jan. 5, 2025, revealed that the Port Management Office (PMO) Batangas recorded the highest number of passengers, with

Manila: A total of 47 new cases were added to the tally of holiday-related road traffic accidents as of 6 a.m. Monday. This figure brought the overall tally to 703, or 30.6 percent higher than the road traffic injuries recorded from Dec. 22, 2023 to Jan. 6, 2024. According to Philippines News Agency, eight deaths were recorded, five of which were motorcycle accidents. Additionally, a total of 603 motorists were not wearing safety accessories such as helmets and seatbelts, 497 were involved in motorcycle accidents, and 127 consumed alcohol before traveling. The Department of Health (DOH) reminded motorists not to

Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard in Bicol (PCG-5) has reported that over 107,000 passengers departed from all ports in the Bicol region during the recent holiday season. According to Philippines News Agency, PCG-5 Commander, Commodore Ivan Roldan, stated that 315 personnel were deployed to various locations and ports in the region from December 20, 2024, to January 3, 2025. Roldan emphasized that these efforts were crucial in ensuring passenger safety and managing the high volume of travelers. This initiative was part of their Oplan Byaheng Ayos: Pasko 2024, which aimed to provide a safe and convenient travel experience to the