Category: General

MANILA: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is set to sign the PHP6.352-trillion national budget for 2025 before Christmas, according to an announcement from Malacañang on Thursday. According to Philippines News Agency, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) stated that the Congress-approved national budget bill will be transmitted to the Office of the President for review, adhering to the standard practice. This procedure allows the President ample time to examine the budget bill thoroughly. The PCO confirmed that the signing of the national budget for 2025 will occur before Christmas Day. This announcement follows the approval of the final version of the

BATANGAS: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Calabarzon has announced plans to establish a Marine Science Research Station in Batangas province, potentially as early as next year. The initiative aims to protect the Verde Island Passage (VIP), recognized as part of the Coral Triangle and declared the “Center of Marine Shore Fish Biodiversity.” According to Philippines News Agency, Regional Executive Director Nilo Tamoria highlighted the necessity for enhanced research and conservation efforts during the “Kapihan sa DENR Calabarzon” event held at the agency’s office in Barangay Mayapa. The research station is envisioned as a hub for scientific

MANILA: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced that 66 candidates will compete for 12 senatorial seats in the upcoming May 2025 midterm elections, moving forward without any temporary restraining orders from the Supreme Court. According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia confirmed the finalized list of senatorial candidates after excluding 117 individuals who were deemed nuisance candidates. Garcia explained that the candidates’ names would appear in alphabetical order on the ballot. The commission plans to print approximately 73 million ballots over a 77-day period, starting January 6 and concluding by April 14, ensuring the ballots reach

Taguig City: The House of Representatives Quad Committee has ordered the arrest of Col. Hector Grijaldo after he failed to attend its hearings for the fourth time, citing him in contempt. The committee’s decision came after Grijaldo claimed he was recovering from shoulder surgery, a justification that lawmakers found unconvincing. According to Philippines News Agency, Rep. Pammy Zamora initiated the motion to cite Grijaldo in contempt, arguing that the police official’s repeated absences were inexcusable. The motion was quickly seconded and approved by quadcom lead chair Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, who announced that Grijaldo would be detained within the House

ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE: A businessman was arrested, and over PHP1 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were seized during a law enforcement operation in Zamboanga del Norte, police announced Thursday. The operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat illegal tobacco trade in the region. According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding, director of the Police Regional Office in Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO 9), identified the suspect as Edgardo Garao, a resident of Barangay New Lebangon, Polanco town. Garao was apprehended on Wednesday while allegedly selling cigarettes that violated Republic Act No. 10643, also known as the Graphic Health Warning Law.