DA eyes ‘hybrid’ tariff on rice; projects lower rice imports for 2025

AGRICULTURE SECRETARY Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. on Thursday said he would propose the imposition of “hybrid” tariff on rice, as part of the efforts to lower the price of the staple in the country.

PH, China agree to uphold 'provisional arrangement' for Ayungin RORE

THE PHILIPPINE and Chinese governments have agreed to continue honoring the “provisional arrangement” for the country’s unhampered rotation and resupply (RORE) missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal during their latest bilateral consultation mechanism (BCM), according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Trump’s top diplomat pick: China must ‘stop messing around’ with PH

SENATOR MARCO Rubio, US President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the State Department, said China should “stop messing around” with the Philippines and Taiwan, noting that its “deeply destabilizing” actions in the region are compelling the US to “counteract.”

Arrest warrants out for cops in bungled P6.7-B shabu haul

A COURT has ordered the arrest of 29 active and former police officers charged over the alleged mishandling of the PHP6.7 billion drug haul in October 2022 in Manila.

65K applicants in DOLE job fairs hired on the spot in 2024

AROUND 65,000 participants in the government’s 1,800 job fairs nationwide were hired on the spot in 2024, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Wednesday.

Filipinos receive over 6M text, 600K call scams in 2024

THERE WERE over 6 million scam texts and over 600,000 scam calls recorded in the Philippines last year, with data showing that these fraudulent communications increase per quarter.

Lower MSRP on imported rice seen due to declining global prices

THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) on Monday said the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) on imported rice may be lowered due to the continuous decline in world market prices.

DSWD issues implementing rules for 4Ps F1KD grant

THE DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Monday said it has released the guidelines for the implementation of the First 1,000 Days (F1KD) of Life conditional cash grant under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Senate tackles proposal to enhance teaching standards

THE SENATE Committee on Civil Service, Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation on Tuesday started public hearings on the proposed amendments to Republic Act (RA) No. 7836, also known as the Philippine Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994, which seek to enhance the professional standards and expand the pool of qualified teachers in the country.

MMC okays geo tracking for tobacco-related biz permits

THE METRO Manila Council (MMC) has approved the use of the Geographical Information System (GIS) for the issuance of permits and licenses related to the sale of tobacco products in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Ensure unhampered PhilHealth services, Marcos tells Herbosa

PRESIDENT FERDINAND R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday directed Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa to ensure that the services of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) run without a hitch, even with zero government subsidy for 2025.

NSC: PH won't tolerate Chinese intrusion in territorial waters

A RANKING National Security Council (NSC) official on Tuesday said the Philippines is not tolerating the illegal activities of Chinese maritime forces in its territorial waters.

Lawmaker says Duterte drug war 'catastrophic failure'

FORMER PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs was a “catastrophic failure” and it corrupted the Philippine National Police (PNP), promoted impunity, and led to widespread human rights abuses, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said on Tuesday.

Lack of funds not basis to declare candidate as nuisance – SC

WHETHER OR not a candidate has sufficient financial resources to mount a credible campaign should not be a basis to declare him or her as nuisance, the Supreme Court said in a ruling published Monday.

FDA eases registration, extends validity of health product licenses

BIG CHANGES are underway at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with new rules designed to streamline the registration process and extend the validity of health product licenses.

Acer APAC Predator League 2025 Expands Gaming Tournament to Broader Community with Festivities

Editor’s Summary

• Malaysia hosts the sixth Asia Pacific Predator League at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur, featuring 28 teams from 14 regions competing in Dota 2 and VALORANT.

Suspect arrested in Eastman kidnapping

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities have arrested the alleged mastermind in the kidnapping of American blogger Elliot Eastman in Zamboanga del Norte, police said Thursday.