Nation
Politics, governance and communities across the Philippines.
Nation Page 35 of 60
Trade chief Cristina Roque vows no price hikes on basic goods until May 10, 2026
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has extended its price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities through May 10, 2026, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque announced, as the government continues weekly negotiations with manufacturers and retailers to keep shelves affordable amid…
Lawmaker warns PH nuclear regulatory body remains without officials, IRR months after founding law took effect
The law creating the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority has been signed, but the government has yet to appoint the officials tasked with implementing it — and the deadline for issuing its implementing rules has already lapsed, Pangasinan 2nd District Rep. Mark Cojuangco said Saturday…
Despite nuclear fuel costing 20 times less, the Philippines is still 75% dependent on coal, gas
The Philippines could slash its fuel import costs by as much as 20 times by shifting to nuclear power, yet the country continues to source roughly three-quarters of its electricity from coal and natural gas, Pangasinan Rep. Mark Cojuangco said Saturday, April 18. Cojuangco, chairman of the House…
The Philippines is four years away from cheap electricity — if it chooses nuclear, according to Rep. Mark Cojuangco
The Philippines could dramatically reduce its electricity costs by shifting to nuclear power, with fuel imports for a 1,000-megawatt nuclear plant costing only $20 million a year compared to $400 million for an equivalent coal or gas facility, Pangasinan Rep. Mark Cojuangco said Saturday. “Twenty…
Marcos expects DOT chief Mathay to make tourism work for local economies
Incoming Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay has been handed a clear mandate: make tourism work not just for popular destinations, but for local economies across the country. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. appointed the veteran trade diplomat to lead the Department of Tourism (DOT)…
TNVS driver under preventive suspension over lewd comments against Xyriel Manabat
Grab Philippines has apologized to actress Xyriel Manabat after one of its drivers made inappropriate remarks about her. The transport network vehicle service (TNVS) said the driver has been placed under preventive suspension and that it is willing to cooperate with government agencies. This came…
Pacquiao tells world leaders to empower youth through sports
NEW YORK CITY — Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao called on world leaders to empower the youth and create more opportunities through sports during a United Nations event in New York. Speaking at the “Sports for Youth Empowerment and Prevention of Violent Extremism” forum, Pacquiao shared how…
Isko Moreno tips his hat to Manila’s jeepney drivers as Libreng Sakay heads into second week
Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso took a moment during Monday’s flag-raising ceremony at Manila City Hall to personally thank the jeepney drivers powering the city’s “Libreng Sakay” free ride program, asking the crowd of city government employees gathered before him to give the…
DOH logs over 1,000 road crash incidents during the Holy Week
The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded a total of 1,091 road crash incidents during the observance of Holy Week this year. The agency said the data were logged from March 29 to April 2, or from Palm Sunday to Maundy Thursday, across 161 hospitals nationwide. In a statement, the DOH said the…
They’ll play gay for views — but will they even lift a finger for LGBTQ+ rights?
Gay culture has never been more profitable online. But for Miss Earth Philippines Joy Barcoma, the creators cashing in on it owe the LGBTQ+ community a lot more than a performance. The beauty queen took to Facebook on March 25 to weigh in on the growing queerbaiting controversy, calling out…
Kiko Pangilinan announces task force formed to protect food security amid oil crisis
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan announced Tuesday, March 31, that the AGRI-AGRA Team has formed a dedicated task force to monitor the Middle East crisis and shield the country’s food security and agriculture sector from its effects. The team brings together the Department of Agriculture (DA)…
The eTravel scam you need to know about before you fly this Holy Week
As millions of Filipinos head to airports this Holy Week, scammers have found a way to cash in on the rush — setting up fake websites that charge unsuspecting travelers fees for a government service that costs nothing. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) raised the alarm Wednesday, April 1, as it…
GSIS rolls out ‘Balik Ginhawa’ relief program, gives members lump-sum refund of 3-month loan amortizations
Government workers with outstanding GSIS loans may soon receive a welcome financial boost — the state pension fund is offering to credit the equivalent of three months’ loan amortizations directly to their accounts in one lump sum, for those who choose to apply. The Government Service Insurance…
DOH chief Herbosa hit yet again with graft charges, this time over P1.4-billion expired medicines, vaccines
Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa and 16 other Department of Health officials were slapped Tuesday afternoon with a fresh batch of criminal and administrative complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman — this time over more than P1.4 billion worth of medicines and vaccines that allegedly…
Teachers’ association, transport group urge national government to adopt Manila’s free ride program nationwide
A teachers’ association and a transport group on Tuesday, March 31, separately voiced support for Manila’s free jeepney ride program, with both calling on the national government to adopt a similar initiative as fuel prices continue to squeeze commuters and drivers across the country. The Manila…