Malacañang has declared Friday, Sept. 18, a special non-working day in 17 municipalities in Camarines Sur and Masbate to allow residents and visitors to participate in the Peñafrancia Festival. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, by authority of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., signed Proclamation No. 1444 on Sept. 16. The declaration covers Bombon, Bula, Calabanga, Camaligan, Canaman,…
The Government Service Insurance System has expanded its emergency loan assistance to nearly Php 8 billion, covering 317,721 members and pensioners in 16 areas affected by recent typhoons and the southwest monsoon. The GSIS said Friday the assistance covers areas affected by Typhoons Luis, Maymay and Neneng, as well as the enhanced southwest monsoon, where…
(PNP photo) The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will go on full alert starting Sept. 19 as authorities prepare for rallies scheduled across Metro Manila on Sept. 21. PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said the alert status will take effect at midnight, with full deployment expected by Saturday afternoon. More than 15,700 personnel…
(Photo Health Justice Philippines) BAGUIO CITY – The city government is stepping up enforcement of its anti-smoking and vaping ordinance, with authorities increasing inspections and monitoring of cigarette and vape sellers. Mayor Benjamin Magalong said Friday that while awareness of the smoking ban in public places has improved, the city is now focusing on making…
(Photo: Anadolu) TEHRAN – Iran said Thursday that its forces struck a Togo-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz after accusing the vessel of attempting what it described as an illegal passage through the strategic waterway. In a statement carried by state-run IRNA, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said the tanker Trend was…
Domestic fuel prices could increase sharply next week as escalating tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt global oil supply routes. Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas said Friday that diesel prices are projected to rise by Php 10 to Php 10.50 per liter, while gasoline may increase by Php 4.50 to Php 5 per…
Total assets of the Philippine banking system grew by more than 10 percent year on year in July, reflecting the sector’s continued expansion despite domestic and external uncertainties. Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed banking system assets reached Php 30.71 trillion in July, up from Php 27.74 trillion in the same month last…
(Photo: Anadolu) BRUSSELS – The European Union will disburse another €3.3 billion to Ukraine for defense needs, including missiles and drones, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Thursday after speaking with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Von der Leyen said the payment forms part of the EU’s broader Ukraine Support Loan, which provides financing…
(Photo: Anadolu) UNITED NATIONS – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Thursday that hate speech is increasingly exploiting digital platforms, algorithms and artificial intelligence, allowing harmful rhetoric to spread rapidly across societies. Speaking at a UN event on intercultural dialogue and countering hate speech, Guterres said hateful rhetoric is eroding trust, dividing communities and dehumanizing groups…
(Photo from Lanao del Sur PPO) MARAWI CITY – Lanao del Sur Police Provincial Office director Col. Caezar Cabuhat on Thursday commended more than 1,000 police augmentation personnel for helping maintain peace and order during the Sept. 14 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections. During a send-off and recognition ceremony in Marawi City, Cabuhat thanked the deployed personnel…