Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez on Monday confirmed that Manila and Washington are expected to hold a “2-plus-2 meeting” of top diplomatic and defense officials in Manila in March. Romualdez has confirmed a Nikkei report citing sources on the discussions, saying there is an “intention” to …
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Comelec halts people’s initiative proceedings
George Erwin Garcia Chairman, COMELEC. (STAR / File) MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced Monday the suspension of all proceedings related to people’s initiative to amend the 1987 Constitution. The poll body had received signature forms from municipalities and cities across the country for the people’s initiative, …
Read More »PBBM arrives in Vietnam for 2-day state visit
BILATERAL TIES. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos arrive in Vietnam on Monday afternoon (Jan. 29, 2024). Marcos’ two-day state visit is part of the government’s bid to strengthen the bilateral ties between the Philippines and Vietnam. (Photo courtesy of PCO) MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos …
Read More »Diplomat files P10-M cyberlibel suit vs. Daily Tribune
Consul General Elmer Cato (File photo) MANILA – The Consul General of the Philippines in Milan on Monday filed a PHP10-million defamation suit against Daily Tribune for accusing him of coddling the owners of an immigration consultancy firm that is under investigation for allegedly defrauding Filipinos applying for jobs in Italy. Consul …
Read More »UN Rapporteur visits jailed ‘Tacloban 5’
UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan visits journalist Frenchie Cumpio and human rights defenders Marielle Domequil and Alexander Abinguna at the Tacloban City Jail over the weekend. (Photo Courtesy: Kahn via X) United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression Irene Khan visited members of the “Tacloban 5” at …
Read More »PH GDP likely grew 4.9% in Q4 2023 — Moody’s Analytics
Moody’s Analytics said the Philippine economy likely expanded by a modest 4.9 percent in the fourth quarter 2023, a slower pace of growth compared to 5.9 percent in the third quarter last year. In its latest Asia Pacific Economic Preview released Monday, Jan. 29, Moody’s said the decelerating inflation path …
Read More »Senate people’s initiative probe open to Speaker, House members
Speaker Martin Romualdez answers questions during a press conference at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on Nov. 23, 2023./Photo courtesy of House Press and Public Affairs Bureau MANILA, Philippines — The Senate begins this week its probe into alleged “signature buying” for a people’s initiative to …
Read More »Marcos lays down plans to win back people’s trust in gov’t
At a Glance Marcos acknowledged that the people had lost confidence in the government, and this was evident in how people disrespected the law by trying to get away with traffic violations and using connections. However, he said no one could really blame Filipinos as they have been repeatedly duped …
Read More »Slow down on the constitutional crisis rhetoric, House leaders tell Zubiri
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri House leaders have openly criticized Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, condemning his focus on a potential constitutional crisis rather than promoting constructive dialogue in response to the collaborative gesture of Speaker Martin Romualdez on constitutional amendments. “It is disheartening to see the Senate President jump …
Read More »House leader laments ‘words like daggers’ of some senators
In a fiery display of parliamentary solidarity, House Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe on Saturday denounced the actions of certain senators, whom he did not name, for allegedly undermining the institution’s integrity and the collaborative efforts of Speaker Martin Romualdez. “At a time when our nation beckons for unity and cooperative …
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