Category: General

The Philippines is set to be the President-nominee of the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA) to be held in Geneva, Switzerland in May 2025. This is after the 75th Regional Committee Meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the Western Pacific where member states in attendance gained consensus to nominate the Philippines. ‘Filipinos are recognized as bridge-builders in the international community. Our nomination by the Western Pacific Member States as WHA78 President is a recognition of our collective contribution and leadership in international health,’ Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in a news release Thursday. ‘Thank you to our neighbors

Malacañang on Thursday commended authorities for the arrest of a suspected drug pusher at a residential area in the Malacañang Complex in San Miguel, Manila. In a statement, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the arrest reflects the ‘unyielding resolve’ of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his administration in eradicating illegal drugs. The arrest was reportedly conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), in coordination with the Presidential Security Group (PSG), Philippine Drug Enforcement Unit (PDEA) and the local police. The suspect, identified as Edgar Ventura, was reportedly caught inside his house at San Miguel within the Malacañang Complex.

Manila: Social Security System (SSS) members and pensioners affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) may now apply for salary and pension loans. ‘As part of our proactive response to the urgent financial needs of our members and pensioners during natural calamities, the SSS loan programs are readily available to support their recovery,’ SSS Senior Vice President for Lending and Asset Management Group Pedro Baoy said in a statement on Thursday. To qualify for a one-month salary loan, employed, self-employed, and voluntary members must have 36 monthly contributions, six of which should be within the last 12 months

Manila: The baggage delays at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 are unacceptable and should be addressed immediately, Senator Grace Poe said on Thursday. “It’s unacceptable that hundreds of luggage are stuck at the airport due to a technical glitch. A delayed flight is a bad thing; a mishandled or delayed luggage is equally disappointing,” Poe said in a statement. “Whoever is responsible must address the matter urgently as what’s piling up in the airport are valuable belongings of passengers.” Poe said a week is too long for the problem to be remedied and called for a refund

Malacañang has suspended classes at all levels and work in government offices in the entire Luzon for Friday due to the continuing onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami). Government agencies involved in disaster preparedness and response as well as delivery of vital services are not covered by the suspension, which was announced Thursday evening by the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES). For private companies, the suspension of work ‘is left to the discretion of their respective heads,’ the OES said. ‘The localized cancellation or suspension of classes and/or work in government offices in other areas may