National

Senate to pursue raps vs Purisima; Palace says it respects Senate’s decision

MANILA, Philippines — Malacanang said it respects the decision of a Senate committee asking the Office of the Ombudsman to pursue charges against Philippine National Police Dir. Gen. Alan Purisima. The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs asked the Ombudsman to file plunder and graft charges against the PNP chief for alleged unexplained wealth and corruption.Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Malacanang will respect the decision of the Senate committee and will let “the […]

One year after super typhoon Haiyan, Philippines approves rebuilding plan

(Reuters) – Almost a year after a super typhoon devastated wide areas of the central Philippines killing thousands, President Benigno Aquino only this week approved a $3.74 billion master plan to rebuild housing, social services and public infrastructure. Typhoon Haiyan wiped out or damaged practically everything in its path as it swept ashore on Nov. 8, 2013, with seven-metre storm surges destroying around 90 percent of the city of Tacloban in Leyte province. Haiyan killed […]

Commercial fishing operators allowed to operate within Bangsamoro waters

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Oct. 31 — Commercial fishing vessels will be allowed to operate within the proposed Bangsamoro waters, subject to regulations of the future Bangsamoro regional government and respective local governments. Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Undersecretary Jose Lorena explained that the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, filed as House Bill 4994 in the House of Representatives, provides for Bangsamoro Waters that shall extend up to 22.224 kilometers (12 nautical […]

Palace thanks congressmen for approving P2.6 trillion nat’l budget

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has expressed its gratitude to the House of Representatives for approving the P2.6-trillion 2015 national budget, which will now be sent to the Senate for deliberations.“We’d like to thank the House of Representatives for the speedy resolution and passing of the 2015 budget in their chamber,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during Thursday’s press briefing at the Palace.“Now, the process of budget approval goes to the Senate, and we also hope […]

Health Sec. Ona takes a leave; Palace says fight vs Ebola not affected

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang confirmed on Thursday that Health Secretary Enrique Ona took a leave of absence due to health reason. Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Ona took a leave of absence for “health and personal reasons.” “Si Secretary Ike Ona ay nag-leave muna for health and personal reasons. May mga nagtatanong kung nag-resign siya, hindi. Naka-leave lang siya,” Lacierda said in a press briefing.He added that Undersecretary Janette Garin is now the Officer-In-Charge of […]

Malacanang sends condolences to family of ex-Sen. Flavier

MANILA, Philippines — Malacanang extended its condolences to the family of former Senator Juan Flavier who died after multiple organ failure and sepsis brought about by pneumonia at around 4 p.m. Thursday.“We join the Filipino people in mourning the death of former Senator and Health Secretary Juan Flavier. As a public servant, he championed the cause of countryside development and upgrading the quality of public health care,” said Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, […]

PRC announces LET passers

The Professional Regulation Commission announced more than 25, 000 new elementary teachers and more than 26, 000 new secondary teachers in the Licensure Examination for Teachers or LET.