China’s foray into the solar system, starting with a moon exploration, has more of a commercial rather than scientific purpose. American interest in the ongoing imbroglio in the West Philippine Sea goes beyond friendship or the defense agreement expressed through the oft-repeated expression “iron-clad defense commitment” in a historic alliance. …
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Marcos invites Czech defense companies to aid PH armed forces’ modernization
PRAGUE, Czech Republic — President Marcos has invited Czech defense companies to submit proposals to the Philippine government and participate in the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) amid ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea. President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. (Yummie Dingding/PPA Pool) Marcos said this as …
Read More »PBBM meeting Blinken amid incursions in WPS
As Marcos downplays Xi orders for China to prepare troops BERLIN—President Marcos said he will meet with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in Manila on Tuesday (March 19) as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation amid the ongoing incursions of China in the West Philippine Sea. “The …
Read More »Chocolate Hills resort granted building permit by LGU even sans ECC
NO CLEARANCE. The Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort built within the Chocolate Hills in Bohol was not issued an Environmental Compliance Certificate. Environment Secretary Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga says in a virtual press briefer on Friday (March 15, 2024) that the owner of the resort faces imprisonment and milions in penalties. (Screengrab from video …
Read More »Czech Republic ups quota for Filipino workers to 10,000
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. held talks with Czech Prime Minister H.E. Petr Fiala to enhance security and economic ties between the Philippines and the Czech Republic. (Presidential Communications Office) MANILA, Philippines — Czech Republic has doubled the quota for Filipino workers entering their country starting March 2024. The number …
Read More »Gov’t relies on ‘holistic,’ survivor-centered approach to address trafficking
Travelers line up at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on December 20, 2022. (STAR / Ernie Penaredondo) MANILA, Philippines — Victims of human trafficking don’t all look the same and experience the same type of violence. Adopting this approach, according to the Commission of Human Rights (CHR), has allowed …
Read More »Government’s budget surplus nearly doubles in January
At a Glance National government posted a budget surplus of P88 billion in January 2024. Revenue collection increased by 21.15 percent year-over-year, outpacing the 10.39 percent growth in government spending. Total revenue rose to P421.8 billion, with tax collections accounting for 91.31 percent of the total. Bureau of Internal Revenue …
Read More »PSA reports 60% of national IDs printed
A sample of the Philippine National ID, now a valid proof of identity. (Philstar.com / Irish Lising) MANILA, Philippines — Still don’t have the printed version of your national ID? The Philippine Statistics Authority said on Friday that it has already completed printing over 60% of the “physical cards” of …
Read More »Comelec chair urges voters to take advantage of RAP
RAP IN LAPU-LAPU. Commission on Elections chair George Erwin Garcia oversees the Register Anywhere Progam program at a gymnasium in Barangay Bangkal, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on Friday (March 15, 2024). Garcia encouraged Cebuanos to take advantage of the program that makes enlistment hassle-free. (Photo courtesy of Comelec-7 spokesperson Omar Sharif Mamalinta) CEBU …
Read More »BIR warns taxpayers of hefty penalties for failing to file ITR on time
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has urged the public to file their annual income tax returns (ITRs) on time to avoid penalties that could reach up to P25,000 or more. In a Facebook post, BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr. emphasized the importance of early submission for the 2023 …
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