DFA chief says a more sustainable global maritime sector must also improve seafarers’ welfare
THE PHILIPPINES’ chief diplomat is looking towards a maritime sector that places more priority into sustainability and ensures inclusivity for women, according to a statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday in time for the observance of World Maritime Day.
SSS opens assistance programs to Karding victims
THE SOCIAL Security System (SSS), which covers private sector workers, announced on Thursday that it will extend financial assistance to its members and pensioners who were hit by Super Typhoon Karding, with international name Noru, which struck northern Philippines Sunday.
Senator suggests provision of cash rather than equipment after DepEd laptop controversy
SENATOR Alan Peter S. Cayetano on Thursday suggested that beneficiaries of equipment and devices in government programs be given cash instead to purchase their own requirements, saying this could be less prone to corruption as he cited the controversy over the education department’s procurement of allegedly overpriced laptops.
Philippines insists on probing its own drug war
THE PHILIPPINES will pursue all legal remedies to block an investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) of the government’s deadly war on drugs, and ensure any suspects are tried by the local courts, the country’s chief lawyer said on Wednesday.
Ditch president’s P4.5-B intel funds, congressmen told
A CONGRESSMAN on Wednesday asked his peers to cut the Philippine president’s P4.5-billion intelligence and confidential budgets and channel these to agencies that need more funds.
Lawmakers confirm appointment of country’s top envoy
THE PHILIPPINES’ top envoy on Wednesday said he would seek updates to the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the United States to keep up with the times, as the Commission on Appointments approved his nomination.
Bangsamoro gov’t submits P85.3-B proposed budget for 2023
THE BANGSAMORO government has submitted an P85.3 billion proposed budget for 2023, up 6.8% from this year’s P79.86 billion expenditure fund for the autonomous region in southern Philippines.
Mindanao agencies appeal significant slash in proposed budgets
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES involved in the development of Mindanao, the southern islands in the Philippines, on Wednesday asked the Senate for more funding as their proposed budgets for 2023 were slashed by more than 50%.
Agricultural damage from Karding reaches almost P2B, infrastructure at P135M
AGRICULTURAL damage from Typhoon Noru, locally named Karding, has risen to P1.97 billion as of Wednesday, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Lawmaker files resolution to fund continued free ride program in 2023
A LAWMAKER on Wednesday filed a resolution directing the House Committee on Appropriations to restore the P12 billion proposed fund for the government’s free ride program under the Land Transportation Office’s (LTO) budget.
Senator vows to consider inclusion of anti-drone tech in PHL defense program
A SENATOR on Wednesday vowed to ensure that funding for anti-drone technologies would be considered in the Defense department’s program.
Solon questions fuzzy disbursement reports of anti-communist task force
A CONGRESSMAN on Wednesday questioned the transparency of how the anti-communist task force spends its billion in funds, adding that the Office of the President has a responsibility to monitor both transfers and disbursements.