Philippines, France may sign VFA this year
The Philippines and France are expected to finalize a visiting forces agreement (VFA) within the year, paving the way for closer defense cooperation between...
Veto of alleged ‘pork’ funds could strengthen credibility of Marcos
THE veto of alleged “pork” allocations in the 2026 national budget would allow President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to strengthen the credibility of his administration’s commitment to fighting corruption, analysts said over the weekend, as civil society groups step up calls for the Palace to strike out contentious provisions in the bicameral committee’s report.
US attack on Venezuela sends ‘troubling’ signal to int’l community — senator
THE United States attack on Venezuela and capture of its President, Nicolas Maduro, sends a “troubling” signal to the international community, a lawmaker said...
DoTr still negotiating MRT-4 funding with ADB — Usec Batan
THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) said it is still in discussions with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the funding of the Metro Rail...
Visayas and Bicol to see heavy rains
THE Philippines is bracing for another day of heavy rain across parts of the Visayas and Bicol as the state weather bureau warned that...
Whistleblower protection pushed
A POLITICAL group on Sunday urged authorities to pass a comprehensive whistleblower protection law to safeguard witnesses amid a deepening corruption scandal involving anomalous...
BI asks foreigners to register
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has reminded registered foreign nationals in the Philippines to comply with the mandatory annual report, which must be completed...
6 new firecracker-related injuries logged in CAR
BAGUIO CITY — The Health department in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has recorded six new firework-related injuries (FWRI) in the region, as of...
China eyes stricter Scarborough Shoal measures, accuses PHL of reef damage
CHINA will impose “strict protection measures” at the disputed Scarborough Shoal to prevent further environmental damage there, according to a Chinese government report, which also accused the Philippines of damaging the maritime feature’s ecosystem.
Philippines ‘concerned’ over China’s drills near Taiwan, says they undermine regional stability
THE Philippine Defense department on Wednesday said it was “deeply concerned” over China’s massive military drills off Taiwan, warning that they undermine regional peace...
Budget reforms fall short in absence of participatory, accountability mechanisms
THE country’s budget process remained “opaque” even as the government introduced several transparency reforms last year, analysts said, as the recently ratified 2026 national budget awaits President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s approval.
Selective accountability threatens to undercut Philippine anti-graft push
PHILIPPINE anti-corruption efforts risk losing their deterrent effect unless investigations begin to reach senior political and business figures, a failure that could further erode public trust and shape behavior within the government in the years ahead, an analyst said.