THE SENATE committee on agriculture has asked members of the House of Representatives to monitor the construction of marine hatcheries in their constituencies, amid a backlog in such projects and as bills for more hatcheries pile up in the legislature.

THE GOVERNMENT is considering destroying seized luxury cars after they failed to attract bids in the second-round public auction on Monday, the Department of Finance said.

THE HOUSE of Representatives on Monday approved two maritime-related bills on second reading, including one that clarifies the government’s authority to regulate shipping fees, according to plenary proceedings at the chamber.

THE special risk allowance (SRA) for health workers needs to be set at P5,000 per month to avoid delays in distribution, according to the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).

During one of my yearly home visits, I asked my father why there were no more cornfields visible along the roads. He replied “Alkanse na ang pang uma karon dong uy” (Farming is no longer profitable nowadays, son). I sensed his frustration as he was once a farmer. He then added that the cost of farming inputs, as well as the effects of climate change, prompted him to quit farming.

AGRICULTURE OUTPUT in 2021 is expected to contract due to damage incurred late in the year from Typhoon Odette (international name: Rai), an analyst and industry representatives said.

THE ENERGY Regulatory Commission (ERC) said it expects no power interruptions during the campaign, election, and canvassing period, with contracts for reserve power currently awaiting approval.

THE National Government made debt service payments in November amounting to P81.24 billion, or triple the year-earlier total, after amortization payments surged, according to preliminary data from the Bureau of the Treasury.

LEGISLATORS expressed hope that the House of Representatives will approve a bill seeking to create a water management department, after the bill hurdled committee-level evaluation.

THE PHILIPPINES has deposited its Instrument of Accession to the Istanbul Convention, which will help exporters access foreign markets, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday.

THE SUPPLY of paracetamol in Metro Manila has stabilized following reports of drug store shortages earlier this month, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said. 

THE PHILIPPINES has received assurances on Indonesia’s intention to resume coal exports once Jakarta allocates sufficient quantities for its domestic needs.