The US Embassy in the Philippines encouraged more students to explore higher education opportunities in America, following a 50% increase in the Filipino student population in the country.
\n“The United States is really a leader in both quality and innovative education, and the doors are very much open for Filipino students,” Jessica Simon, counselor for public affairs of the US Embassy in the Philippines, told reporters on Friday at the sidelines of an event.
\nAccording to the Open Doors 2024 Report on International Educational Exchange, the number of Filipino students enrolled in US universities and colleges increased from 3,000 to 4,500 over the past decade.
\nScience, technology, education, and mathematics are among the popular programs pursued by Filipinos, driven by the global rise in demand for artificial intelligence (AI).
\n“We’re hoping the number just goes one direction, and that’s up,” Ms. Simon said.
\n“With the increasing awareness of the importance of artificial intelligence, and the jobs that are going to be created in artificial intelligence fields, that’s definitely an interest,” she added.
\nThe US Embassy official also noted that global economic uncertainties and challenges do not directly affect learners’ interest in studying abroad.
\n“I don’t know that we’ve seen a direct effect on the demand for student visas,” she said. “I think any kind of uncertainty, economic uncertainty, global uncertainty, causes just general uncertainty.”
\nShe also assured that there would be no tighter regulations on student visa applications for the Philippines, following the US government’s expansion of its travel ban to 39 countries in January. “There are no restrictions; we have student visa appointments open.”
\n“We very much welcome Filipino and international students in the United States, and that’s why we’re holding the EducationUSA Fair today,” she added.
\nThe EducationUSA University Fair Spring 2026, happening in Quezon City and Davao City, connects Filipino students with 17 higher education institutions overseas.
\n“I think this is the 1st step in pursuing an education exchange experience,” Ms. Simon said. “Even if it’s not to depart next month, next year on an exchange, the students here today can really benefit from taking this 1st step and getting this initial information.”
\nArizona State University, College of Central Florida, Lewis University, Manhattan University, Middle Tennessee State University, and the University of San Francisco are among the universities at the fair.
\nEducationUSA is the official source of information on US tertiary education. It offers free advising services to interested applicants through its offices at the US Embassy and Fulbright Philippines.\u2014 Almira Louise S. Martinez
\n", "content_text": "The US Embassy in the Philippines encouraged more students to explore higher education opportunities in America, following a 50% increase in the Filipino student population in the country.\n“The United States is really a leader in both quality and innovative education, and the doors are very much open for Filipino students,” Jessica Simon, counselor for public affairs of the US Embassy in the Philippines, told reporters on Friday at the sidelines of an event.\nAccording to the Open Doors 2024 Report on International Educational Exchange, the number of Filipino students enrolled in US universities and colleges increased from 3,000 to 4,500 over the past decade.\nScience, technology, education, and mathematics are among the popular programs pursued by Filipinos, driven by the global rise in demand for artificial intelligence (AI).\n“We’re hoping the number just goes one direction, and that’s up,” Ms. Simon said.\n“With the increasing awareness of the importance of artificial intelligence, and the jobs that are going to be created in artificial intelligence fields, that’s definitely an interest,” she added.\nThe US Embassy official also noted that global economic uncertainties and challenges do not directly affect learners’ interest in studying abroad.\n“I don’t know that we’ve seen a direct effect on the demand for student visas,” she said. “I think any kind of uncertainty, economic uncertainty, global uncertainty, causes just general uncertainty.”\nShe also assured that there would be no tighter regulations on student visa applications for the Philippines, following the US government’s expansion of its travel ban to 39 countries in January. “There are no restrictions; we have student visa appointments open.”\n“We very much welcome Filipino and international students in the United States, and that’s why we’re holding the EducationUSA Fair today,” she added.\nThe EducationUSA University Fair Spring 2026, happening in Quezon City and Davao City, connects Filipino students with 17 higher education institutions overseas.\n“I think this is the 1st step in pursuing an education exchange experience,” Ms. Simon said. “Even if it’s not to depart next month, next year on an exchange, the students here today can really benefit from taking this 1st step and getting this initial information.”\nArizona State University, College of Central Florida, Lewis University, Manhattan University, Middle Tennessee State University, and the University of San Francisco are among the universities at the fair.\nEducationUSA is the official source of information on US tertiary education. It offers free advising services to interested applicants through its offices at the US Embassy and Fulbright Philippines.\u2014 Almira Louise S. Martinez", "date_published": "2026-05-22T15:48:47+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-22T15:48:47+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/agarwalekwensi/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/63a6222a994ecdcd0783bb257b7c4e6d18b49dfa789dd168af5420ab8a45082c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/agarwalekwensi/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/63a6222a994ecdcd0783bb257b7c4e6d18b49dfa789dd168af5420ab8a45082c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/EducationUSA.jpg", "tags": [ "almira louise s. martinez", "Lilybeth Tan-Ng", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751482", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/22/751482/lpa-to-drench-the-country-on-friday-says-pagasa/", "title": "LPA to drench the country on Friday, says PAGASA", "content_html": "A low-pressure area (LPA) is expected to bring rains over large parts of the country on Friday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
\nThe LPA being monitored within the Philippine Area of Responsibility was located 875 kilometers east of southern Mindanao, PAGASA said in a tropical cyclone formation outlook released at 10am.
\n\u201cIt has a low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone,\u201d PAGASA weather specialist Loriedin De La Cruz-Galicia said in a 5am media briefing in Filipino, attributing this to the LPA\u2019s weak circulation.
\n\u201cHowever, its trough or extension is expected to bring rains over large parts of the country today and in the succeeding days.\u201d
\nShe added that the LPA may persist within at least the next 48 hours.
\nPAGASA cautioned against possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to occasional heavy rains, attributed to the LPA.
\nMeanwhile, the easterlies are also expected to prevail over large parts of Luzon and Visayas, bringing hot and humid weather conditions within the next 24 hours.
\nDangerous-level heat index is expected in 56 out of the 78 monitoring stations of PAGASA on Friday, based on the agency\u2019s heat index monitoring.
\nThe highest \u201cfeels-like\u201d temperature expected is 45 degrees Celsius, which may be experienced in seven areas.
\nPAGASA still reminded the public to avoid going outdoors and to use sun protection to prevent heat-related illnesses.\u2014 Edg Adrian A. Eva
\n", "content_text": "A low-pressure area (LPA) is expected to bring rains over large parts of the country on Friday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).\nThe LPA being monitored within the Philippine Area of Responsibility was located 875 kilometers east of southern Mindanao, PAGASA said in a tropical cyclone formation outlook released at 10am.\n\u201cIt has a low chance of developing into a tropical cyclone,\u201d PAGASA weather specialist Loriedin De La Cruz-Galicia said in a 5am media briefing in Filipino, attributing this to the LPA\u2019s weak circulation.\n\u201cHowever, its trough or extension is expected to bring rains over large parts of the country today and in the succeeding days.\u201d\nShe added that the LPA may persist within at least the next 48 hours.\nPAGASA cautioned against possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to occasional heavy rains, attributed to the LPA.\nMeanwhile, the easterlies are also expected to prevail over large parts of Luzon and Visayas, bringing hot and humid weather conditions within the next 24 hours.\nDangerous-level heat index is expected in 56 out of the 78 monitoring stations of PAGASA on Friday, based on the agency\u2019s heat index monitoring.\nThe highest \u201cfeels-like\u201d temperature expected is 45 degrees Celsius, which may be experienced in seven areas.\nPAGASA still reminded the public to avoid going outdoors and to use sun protection to prevent heat-related illnesses.\u2014 Edg Adrian A. Eva", "date_published": "2026-05-22T13:44:17+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-22T13:44:17+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/agarwalekwensi/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/63a6222a994ecdcd0783bb257b7c4e6d18b49dfa789dd168af5420ab8a45082c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/agarwalekwensi/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/63a6222a994ecdcd0783bb257b7c4e6d18b49dfa789dd168af5420ab8a45082c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/pagasa-lpa-5-22.jpg", "tags": [ "Edg Adrian A. Eva", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751467", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/22/751467/phl-logs-over-4600-new-hiv-cases-in-q1-nearly-all-cases-reported-among-males-doh/", "title": "PHL logs over 4,600 new HIV cases in Q1; nearly all cases reported among males \u2014 DoH", "content_html": "The Philippines recorded 4,633 new confirmed cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) during the first quarter of 2026, with nearly all cases occurring among males, according to the Department of Health (DoH).
\nThe newly logged cases translate to a ninefold increase from January to March compared with the same period last year, the DoH said in its latest surveillance report.
\nThis means that about 51 new cases were diagnosed per day during the first quarter, which the report noted an 11% decline compare to the previous quarter.
\nThe country\u2019s total HIV cases stands at 168,079, from the first reported case in January 1984 to March 2026.
\nOf the total new cases, 4,381 were reported among males, comprising 95% of the cases, while 252 new cases were logged among females, accounting for 5%.
\nAs for age demographics, nearly half of the new cases, or 2,118 (46%), were reported among individuals aged 25 to 34 years old.
\nThis was followed by individuals aged 15 to 24 years old, with 1,443 new cases or 31% of the total.
\nOther age groups also recorded new cases: 845 (18%) among individuals aged 35 to 49 years old, 116 (3%) among those aged 50 years and older, and 23 (<1%) among individuals younger than 15 years old.
\nThe DoH said this brought the country\u2019s median age of new HIV cases to 28 years old.
\nOf the total recorded new cases, 24% or 1,104 were diagnosed with advanced HIV disease at the time of diagnosis.
\nIn terms of geographic distribution, the National Capital Region logged the highest number of cases at 989 (21%), followed by Region IV-A with 808 (17%), and Region III with 551 (12%).
\nNew cases were also reported in Region XII (277), Region XI (263), Region VII (228), Region VI (216), Region I (191), Region X (183), Region V (158), Region IX (137), the Negros Island Region (133), and Region II (108), as well as in Region IV-B and VIII (101), CARAGA (84), BARMM (42), and CAR (37).
\nThe DoH said the mode of transmission for new HIV cases remains primarily through sexual contact, accounting for 4,214 cases (91%), including 3,095 among males who have sex with males and 567 among individuals who engaged in both male-to-male and male-to-female sexual contact.
\nWhile no definitive cure is currently available, the DoH earlier said that people living with HIV undergo antiretroviral therapy (ART), which \u201cslows down and virtually halts the progression\u201d of the disease. People living with HIV on ART may still live long and healthy lives.
\nFor prevention, the DoH urged the public to practice safe sex and to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals at high risk of infection.\u2014 Edg Adrian A. Eva
\n", "content_text": "The Philippines recorded 4,633 new confirmed cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) during the first quarter of 2026, with nearly all cases occurring among males, according to the Department of Health (DoH).\nThe newly logged cases translate to a ninefold increase from January to March compared with the same period last year, the DoH said in its latest surveillance report.\nThis means that about 51 new cases were diagnosed per day during the first quarter, which the report noted an 11% decline compare to the previous quarter.\nThe country\u2019s total HIV cases stands at 168,079, from the first reported case in January 1984 to March 2026.\nOf the total new cases, 4,381 were reported among males, comprising 95% of the cases, while 252 new cases were logged among females, accounting for 5%.\nAs for age demographics, nearly half of the new cases, or 2,118 (46%), were reported among individuals aged 25 to 34 years old.\nThis was followed by individuals aged 15 to 24 years old, with 1,443 new cases or 31% of the total.\nOther age groups also recorded new cases: 845 (18%) among individuals aged 35 to 49 years old, 116 (3%) among those aged 50 years and older, and 23 (<1%) among individuals younger than 15 years old.\nThe DoH said this brought the country\u2019s median age of new HIV cases to 28 years old.\nOf the total recorded new cases, 24% or 1,104 were diagnosed with advanced HIV disease at the time of diagnosis.\nIn terms of geographic distribution, the National Capital Region logged the highest number of cases at 989 (21%), followed by Region IV-A with 808 (17%), and Region III with 551 (12%).\nNew cases were also reported in Region XII (277), Region XI (263), Region VII (228), Region VI (216), Region I (191), Region X (183), Region V (158), Region IX (137), the Negros Island Region (133), and Region II (108), as well as in Region IV-B and VIII (101), CARAGA (84), BARMM (42), and CAR (37).\nThe DoH said the mode of transmission for new HIV cases remains primarily through sexual contact, accounting for 4,214 cases (91%), including 3,095 among males who have sex with males and 567 among individuals who engaged in both male-to-male and male-to-female sexual contact.\nWhile no definitive cure is currently available, the DoH earlier said that people living with HIV undergo antiretroviral therapy (ART), which \u201cslows down and virtually halts the progression\u201d of the disease. People living with HIV on ART may still live long and healthy lives.\nFor prevention, the DoH urged the public to practice safe sex and to use pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals at high risk of infection.\u2014 Edg Adrian A. Eva", "date_published": "2026-05-22T13:33:07+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-22T13:33:07+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/agarwalekwensi/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/63a6222a994ecdcd0783bb257b7c4e6d18b49dfa789dd168af5420ab8a45082c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/agarwalekwensi/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/63a6222a994ecdcd0783bb257b7c4e6d18b49dfa789dd168af5420ab8a45082c?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/hiv-and-aids.jpg", "tags": [ "Edg Adrian A. Eva", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751383", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/21/751383/philippines-moves-to-enforce-icc-warrant-of-arrest-on-senator-bato/", "title": "Philippines moves to enforce ICC warrant of arrest on Senator Bato", "content_html": "THE Department of Justice (DoJ) said it has ordered Philippine law enforcement agencies to arrest Senator Ronald \u201cBato\u201d M. dela Rosa and facilitate his transfer to The Hague, escalating a legal standoff tied to International Criminal Court (ICC) crimes against humanity charges.
\nJustice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida on Thursday said state authorities, including the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation, are now mandated to enforce the arrest warrant after the senator left Senate custody.
\n\u201cSenator Bato is a fugitive from justice, and he should be brought to the ICC to face the charges,\u201d he told reporters.
\nThe directive follows a Supreme Court ruling that declined to issue a temporary restraining order that would have blocked the ICC warrant\u2019s implementation, effectively removing judicial barriers cited by the defense.
\nMr. Vida said the government had refrained from acting due to the Senate\u2019s protective custody arrangement, but that cover ended when Mr. dela Rosa, who enforced former President Rodrigo R. Duterte\u2019s deadly drug war as his national police chief, left the premises on May 14.
\nHe rejected suggestions that authorities were mounting a \u201cmanhunt,\u201d describing such terminology as unnecessary, while confirming that intelligence operations and coordination among agencies were underway.
\nLaw enforcement units have been ordered to conduct intelligence gathering, operational planning and counterintelligence work to determine the senator\u2019s location. Authorities also warned that people helping in evasion could face legal consequences.
\nAn Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order remains in effect, according to the DoJ, preventing Mr. dela Rosa from leaving the country while efforts to secure custody continue.
\nDoJ spokesman Raphael Niccolo L. Martinez said the government might also pursue an Interpol Red Notice as part of international coordination efforts.
\n\u201cThat is a remedy available to us,\u201d Mr. Martinez said, adding that a domestic hold departure order could not be issued without a pending case before a Philippine court.
\nThe DoJ maintained that enforcement of the ICC warrant aligns with the Philippines\u2019 obligations under the Rome Statute despite its withdrawal from the treaty in 2019, citing continuing legal exposure linked to alleged crimes committed while the country was still a party.
\nThe ICC has accused Mr. dela Rosa of crimes against humanity of murder as a co-perpetrator in Mr. Duterte\u2019s drug war, covering incidents between 2011 and 2019.
\nJudges of the ICC\u2019s Pre-Trial Chamber I found reasonable grounds to believe he bore responsibility for killings between July 2016 and April 2018, involving at least 32 deaths, according to the warrant summary.
\nMr. dela Rosa\u2019s legal team said it would file a motion for reconsideration and exhaust all remedies to block enforcement, arguing that the warrant lacks domestic enforceability.
\nThe Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) said the Supreme Court\u2019s denial of injunctive relief confirms there is no legal impediment to executing the arrest order.
\nIt said Mr. dela Rosa failed to show a clear and unmistakable right, an imminent violation or urgent and irreparable harm that would justify court intervention. It also noted that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group subpoena cited in earlier filings had been withdrawn.
\nThe OSG said it is awaiting the full Supreme Court ruling to clarify remaining legal issues.
\nFamilies of drug war victims, represented by the advocacy group Rise Up for Life and Rights, urged the international community to support swift enforcement of the ICC warrant.
\nThey said their pursuit of accountability followed years of impunity and denial of justice domestically.
\n\u201cIn the interest of justice, respect for due process, and the healing of our families and communities, Senator Bato dela Rosa should be arrested and surrendered to the ICC immediately,\u201d the group said in a statement. \u2014 Erika Mae P. Sinaking
\n", "content_text": "THE Department of Justice (DoJ) said it has ordered Philippine law enforcement agencies to arrest Senator Ronald \u201cBato\u201d M. dela Rosa and facilitate his transfer to The Hague, escalating a legal standoff tied to International Criminal Court (ICC) crimes against humanity charges.\nJustice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida on Thursday said state authorities, including the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation, are now mandated to enforce the arrest warrant after the senator left Senate custody.\n\u201cSenator Bato is a fugitive from justice, and he should be brought to the ICC to face the charges,\u201d he told reporters.\nThe directive follows a Supreme Court ruling that declined to issue a temporary restraining order that would have blocked the ICC warrant\u2019s implementation, effectively removing judicial barriers cited by the defense.\nMr. Vida said the government had refrained from acting due to the Senate\u2019s protective custody arrangement, but that cover ended when Mr. dela Rosa, who enforced former President Rodrigo R. Duterte\u2019s deadly drug war as his national police chief, left the premises on May 14.\nHe rejected suggestions that authorities were mounting a \u201cmanhunt,\u201d describing such terminology as unnecessary, while confirming that intelligence operations and coordination among agencies were underway.\nLaw enforcement units have been ordered to conduct intelligence gathering, operational planning and counterintelligence work to determine the senator\u2019s location. Authorities also warned that people helping in evasion could face legal consequences.\nAn Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order remains in effect, according to the DoJ, preventing Mr. dela Rosa from leaving the country while efforts to secure custody continue.\nDoJ spokesman Raphael Niccolo L. Martinez said the government might also pursue an Interpol Red Notice as part of international coordination efforts.\n\u201cThat is a remedy available to us,\u201d Mr. Martinez said, adding that a domestic hold departure order could not be issued without a pending case before a Philippine court.\nThe DoJ maintained that enforcement of the ICC warrant aligns with the Philippines\u2019 obligations under the Rome Statute despite its withdrawal from the treaty in 2019, citing continuing legal exposure linked to alleged crimes committed while the country was still a party.\nThe ICC has accused Mr. dela Rosa of crimes against humanity of murder as a co-perpetrator in Mr. Duterte\u2019s drug war, covering incidents between 2011 and 2019.\nJudges of the ICC\u2019s Pre-Trial Chamber I found reasonable grounds to believe he bore responsibility for killings between July 2016 and April 2018, involving at least 32 deaths, according to the warrant summary.\nMr. dela Rosa\u2019s legal team said it would file a motion for reconsideration and exhaust all remedies to block enforcement, arguing that the warrant lacks domestic enforceability.\nThe Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) said the Supreme Court\u2019s denial of injunctive relief confirms there is no legal impediment to executing the arrest order.\nIt said Mr. dela Rosa failed to show a clear and unmistakable right, an imminent violation or urgent and irreparable harm that would justify court intervention. It also noted that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group subpoena cited in earlier filings had been withdrawn.\nThe OSG said it is awaiting the full Supreme Court ruling to clarify remaining legal issues.\nFamilies of drug war victims, represented by the advocacy group Rise Up for Life and Rights, urged the international community to support swift enforcement of the ICC warrant.\nThey said their pursuit of accountability followed years of impunity and denial of justice domestically.\n\u201cIn the interest of justice, respect for due process, and the healing of our families and communities, Senator Bato dela Rosa should be arrested and surrendered to the ICC immediately,\u201d the group said in a statement. \u2014 Erika Mae P. Sinaking", "date_published": "2026-05-21T21:11:15+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-21T21:11:15+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Ronald-Dela-Rosa-.jpg", "tags": [ "Erika Mae P. Sinaking", "Editors' Picks", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751382", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/21/751382/marcos-to-expand-direct-aid-if-delivery-improves/", "title": "Marcos to expand direct aid if delivery improves", "content_html": "PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said the government would expand direct aid to local governments and villages if implementation proves effective, as Manila pushes faster decentralization of social assistance amid inflation pressures.
\n\u201cDon\u2019t worry because this is not a one-time thing,\u201d he told fire-hit residents of Obando, Bulacan in Filipino on Thursday. \u201cWe will provide 10 kilos of rice every two months, six times a year, repeatedly.\u201d
\nAbout 2,000 residents received 10-kilo rice packs during Thursday\u2019s distribution in the province.
\nMr. Marcos said stronger coordination with local government units (LGUs) is key to improving delivery through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), which he said has been underused.
\n\u201cIf results are good, we will try the LGSF and the Socio-Civic Development Program for the village,\u201d he said.
\nHe added that budget allocations could be increased next year if implementation proves effective at the local level.
\n\u201cIf we are doing well and see implementation is good, I will increase the budget so we can help more people,\u201d he said.
\nUnder the Socio-Civic Development Program, each village receives P200,000, with half allocated to five presidential scholars per village, each receiving P20,000 from the Office of the President.
\nMr. Marcos said education remains a central priority of the administration\u2019s social development agenda.
\n\u201cI tell them to make good use of that funding so they can graduate,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen it\u2019s their time to become leaders\u2026 they are ready and trained.\u201d
\nHe said education is a right, not a privilege, and the government is expanding health access and nutrition programs and school-based feeding initiatives.
\nThe administration is rolling out targeted subsidies to cushion households from rising prices linked to global supply shocks, including the Middle East war. Mr. Marcos recently ordered a P50 cap on imported rice prices to ease food inflation.
\nHe also addressed the landfill fire in Obando that affected nearby communities in April, saying the blaze took more than three weeks to extinguish after spreading underground.
\nHe warned about health risks from burning plastics and said authorities would tighten monitoring of dumpsites during dry season to prevent similar incidents.
\nMr. Marcos said the administration is assessing local execution capacity to determine whether expanded transfers could be sustained across provinces, noting that stronger implementation would justify higher allocations under existing fiscal programs.
\nThe initiative forms part of a broader effort to streamline social assistance delivery by channeling funds directly through LGUs while maintaining national oversight on targeting and monitoring.
\nIt also reflects the administration\u2019s push to strengthen fiscal efficiency by reducing administrative bottlenecks that delay distribution of aid in disaster-affected and low-income communities. \u2014 Chloe Mari A. Hufana
\n", "content_text": "PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. said the government would expand direct aid to local governments and villages if implementation proves effective, as Manila pushes faster decentralization of social assistance amid inflation pressures.\n\u201cDon\u2019t worry because this is not a one-time thing,\u201d he told fire-hit residents of Obando, Bulacan in Filipino on Thursday. \u201cWe will provide 10 kilos of rice every two months, six times a year, repeatedly.\u201d\nAbout 2,000 residents received 10-kilo rice packs during Thursday\u2019s distribution in the province.\nMr. Marcos said stronger coordination with local government units (LGUs) is key to improving delivery through the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), which he said has been underused.\n\u201cIf results are good, we will try the LGSF and the Socio-Civic Development Program for the village,\u201d he said.\nHe added that budget allocations could be increased next year if implementation proves effective at the local level.\n\u201cIf we are doing well and see implementation is good, I will increase the budget so we can help more people,\u201d he said.\nUnder the Socio-Civic Development Program, each village receives P200,000, with half allocated to five presidential scholars per village, each receiving P20,000 from the Office of the President.\nMr. Marcos said education remains a central priority of the administration\u2019s social development agenda.\n\u201cI tell them to make good use of that funding so they can graduate,\u201d he said. \u201cWhen it\u2019s their time to become leaders\u2026 they are ready and trained.\u201d\nHe said education is a right, not a privilege, and the government is expanding health access and nutrition programs and school-based feeding initiatives.\nThe administration is rolling out targeted subsidies to cushion households from rising prices linked to global supply shocks, including the Middle East war. Mr. Marcos recently ordered a P50 cap on imported rice prices to ease food inflation.\nHe also addressed the landfill fire in Obando that affected nearby communities in April, saying the blaze took more than three weeks to extinguish after spreading underground.\nHe warned about health risks from burning plastics and said authorities would tighten monitoring of dumpsites during dry season to prevent similar incidents.\nMr. Marcos said the administration is assessing local execution capacity to determine whether expanded transfers could be sustained across provinces, noting that stronger implementation would justify higher allocations under existing fiscal programs.\nThe initiative forms part of a broader effort to streamline social assistance delivery by channeling funds directly through LGUs while maintaining national oversight on targeting and monitoring.\nIt also reflects the administration\u2019s push to strengthen fiscal efficiency by reducing administrative bottlenecks that delay distribution of aid in disaster-affected and low-income communities. \u2014 Chloe Mari A. Hufana", "date_published": "2026-05-21T21:10:59+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-21T21:10:59+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/MC-taxi-cash-aid.jpg", "tags": [ "Chloe Mari A. Hufana", "Editors' Picks", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751381", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/21/751381/senate-eyes-july-6-start-of-vps-impeachment-trial/", "title": "Senate eyes July 6 start of VP\u2019s impeachment trial", "content_html": "THE SENATE is targeting July 6 for the start of the impeachment trial of Vice-President (VP) Sara Duterte-Carpio, potentially moving proceedings ahead of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.\u2019s annual address to Congress, a minority senator said on Thursday.
\nSenator Erwin T. Tulfo said the timeline was discussed during a caucus, where senators mapped out a weekly schedule for the impeachment court.
\n\u201cWe\u2019re looking at July 6, the impeachment trial may start earlier than expected, pre-SONA (State of the Nation Address),\u201d he told reporters.
\nHe said Mondays would combine regular plenary work with trial sessions, while Tuesdays and Wednesdays would be dedicated to impeachment proceedings.
\nThursdays will be reserved for committee hearings, while Fridays will be used for motions and other chamber matters unless additional hearings are required.
\n\u201cThe day off of the senators will only be Saturday and Sunday,\u201d he said.
\nMr. Tulfo said the schedule could constrain legislative work as the chamber allocates more time for the trial.
\nThe impeachment court convened on May 18, with Senate President Alan Peter S. Cayetano sitting as presiding officer.
\nThe court summoned Ms. Duterte and gave her 10 days to respond. The prosecution was given a nonextendible five-day period to reply once her response is filed.
\nThe Office of the Vice-President confirmed receipt of the summons on May 20.
\nThe House of Representatives impeached Ms. Duterte on May 11 with 257 votes, alongside 25 opposition votes and nine abstentions.
\nHouse Secretary-General Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil sent the articles of impeachment to the Senate on May 13.
\nMs. Duterte faces allegations of misuse of public funds and threats against the President, First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez. She has denied the charges.
\nA conviction in the Senate impeachment court would bar her permanently from holding public office.
\nMs. Duterte was previously impeached in 2025, but the Senate archived the case after a Supreme Court ruling cited the one-year bar rule on repeat impeachment filings.
\nMeanwhile, Batangas Rep. Gerville R. Luistro opposed proposals allowing online participation of senator-judges in the proceedings, saying impeachment requires full in-person attendance.
\n\u201cMy humble submission about this issue is that senator-judges must personally witness the trial and personally vote because this process is very important,\u201d she said in a statement in mixed English and Filipino.
\nThe statement came after Senator Rodante D. Marcoleta suggested that Senator Ronald M. dela Rosa could be allowed to participate and vote via Zoom if necessary.
\nMr. dela Rosa, who is known to be close to the Duterte family, had earlier taken refuge in the Senate after reports of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant linked to the previous administration\u2019s anti-drug campaign, before later returning to participate in a vote that led to a change in Senate leadership.
\nMs. Luistro stressed that senator-judges must be physically present to properly assess evidence and witness credibility.\u00a0
\n\u201cIt is very important that senator-judges personally see each witness,\u201d she said, adding that reviewing documents and video evidence requires direct scrutiny.
\n\u201cIt is difficult to leave such a critical decision based only on online voting or remote participation,\u201d she added. \u2014 Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel and Pexcel John Bacon
\n", "content_text": "THE SENATE is targeting July 6 for the start of the impeachment trial of Vice-President (VP) Sara Duterte-Carpio, potentially moving proceedings ahead of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.\u2019s annual address to Congress, a minority senator said on Thursday.\nSenator Erwin T. Tulfo said the timeline was discussed during a caucus, where senators mapped out a weekly schedule for the impeachment court.\n\u201cWe\u2019re looking at July 6, the impeachment trial may start earlier than expected, pre-SONA (State of the Nation Address),\u201d he told reporters.\nHe said Mondays would combine regular plenary work with trial sessions, while Tuesdays and Wednesdays would be dedicated to impeachment proceedings.\nThursdays will be reserved for committee hearings, while Fridays will be used for motions and other chamber matters unless additional hearings are required.\n\u201cThe day off of the senators will only be Saturday and Sunday,\u201d he said.\nMr. Tulfo said the schedule could constrain legislative work as the chamber allocates more time for the trial.\nThe impeachment court convened on May 18, with Senate President Alan Peter S. Cayetano sitting as presiding officer.\nThe court summoned Ms. Duterte and gave her 10 days to respond. The prosecution was given a nonextendible five-day period to reply once her response is filed.\nThe Office of the Vice-President confirmed receipt of the summons on May 20.\nThe House of Representatives impeached Ms. Duterte on May 11 with 257 votes, alongside 25 opposition votes and nine abstentions.\nHouse Secretary-General Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil sent the articles of impeachment to the Senate on May 13.\nMs. Duterte faces allegations of misuse of public funds and threats against the President, First Lady Marie Louise Araneta-Marcos and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez. She has denied the charges.\nA conviction in the Senate impeachment court would bar her permanently from holding public office.\nMs. Duterte was previously impeached in 2025, but the Senate archived the case after a Supreme Court ruling cited the one-year bar rule on repeat impeachment filings.\nMeanwhile, Batangas Rep. Gerville R. Luistro opposed proposals allowing online participation of senator-judges in the proceedings, saying impeachment requires full in-person attendance.\n\u201cMy humble submission about this issue is that senator-judges must personally witness the trial and personally vote because this process is very important,\u201d she said in a statement in mixed English and Filipino.\nThe statement came after Senator Rodante D. Marcoleta suggested that Senator Ronald M. dela Rosa could be allowed to participate and vote via Zoom if necessary.\nMr. dela Rosa, who is known to be close to the Duterte family, had earlier taken refuge in the Senate after reports of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant linked to the previous administration\u2019s anti-drug campaign, before later returning to participate in a vote that led to a change in Senate leadership.\nMs. Luistro stressed that senator-judges must be physically present to properly assess evidence and witness credibility.\u00a0\n\u201cIt is very important that senator-judges personally see each witness,\u201d she said, adding that reviewing documents and video evidence requires direct scrutiny.\n\u201cIt is difficult to leave such a critical decision based only on online voting or remote participation,\u201d she added. \u2014 Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel and Pexcel John Bacon", "date_published": "2026-05-21T21:10:33+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-21T21:10:33+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Sara-Duterte-Carpio-1.jpg", "tags": [ "Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel", "Pexcel John Bacon", "Editors' Picks", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751380", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/21/751380/house-approves-waste-to-energy-bill/", "title": "House approves Waste-to-Energy bill", "content_html": "THE House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on third and final reading a bill that seeks to address the country\u2019s worsening waste management problem and recurring flooding through waste-to-energy technologies.
\nLawmakers voted 255 in favor, six against, and three abstentions to pass House Bill No. 9157 or the proposed Waste-to-Energy Act.
\nThe measure, listed under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council priority agenda, establishes a national framework for the development, regulation and operation of facilities that convert waste into usable energy.
\nThe bill aims to reduce waste accumulation in waterways, drainage systems and flood control infrastructure, which are major contributors to flooding during heavy rains and typhoons.
\nResidual waste under the proposal may be converted into heat, electricity or fuel, while integrated solid waste management systems will operate in line with Republic Act No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
\nFacilities must comply with environmental regulations, including the Clean Air Act, Renewable Energy Act and Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act.
\nThe measure mandates installation of continuous emission monitoring systems approved by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and requires operators to adopt technology designed to limit pollution.
\nLocal government units are encouraged to collaborate in building shared waste-to-energy facilities to reduce costs and improve efficiency. The bill also provides fiscal and nonfiscal incentives for qualified projects.
\nIt prohibits the use of imported municipal solid waste as feedstock, and imposes penalties including fines, imprisonment and license revocation for violations.
\nIlocos Norte Rep. and Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos III said the proposal seeks to balance environmental protection, public health and energy security.
\n\u201cThis is not simply an energy measure or a waste management proposal,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a national development measure that will help build cleaner, safer and more resilient communities for future generations.\u201d \u2014 Pexcel John Bacon
\n", "content_text": "THE House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on third and final reading a bill that seeks to address the country\u2019s worsening waste management problem and recurring flooding through waste-to-energy technologies.\nLawmakers voted 255 in favor, six against, and three abstentions to pass House Bill No. 9157 or the proposed Waste-to-Energy Act.\nThe measure, listed under the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council priority agenda, establishes a national framework for the development, regulation and operation of facilities that convert waste into usable energy.\nThe bill aims to reduce waste accumulation in waterways, drainage systems and flood control infrastructure, which are major contributors to flooding during heavy rains and typhoons.\nResidual waste under the proposal may be converted into heat, electricity or fuel, while integrated solid waste management systems will operate in line with Republic Act No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.\nFacilities must comply with environmental regulations, including the Clean Air Act, Renewable Energy Act and Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act.\nThe measure mandates installation of continuous emission monitoring systems approved by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and requires operators to adopt technology designed to limit pollution.\nLocal government units are encouraged to collaborate in building shared waste-to-energy facilities to reduce costs and improve efficiency. The bill also provides fiscal and nonfiscal incentives for qualified projects.\nIt prohibits the use of imported municipal solid waste as feedstock, and imposes penalties including fines, imprisonment and license revocation for violations.\nIlocos Norte Rep. and Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos III said the proposal seeks to balance environmental protection, public health and energy security.\n\u201cThis is not simply an energy measure or a waste management proposal,\u201d he said. \u201cIt is a national development measure that will help build cleaner, safer and more resilient communities for future generations.\u201d \u2014 Pexcel John Bacon", "date_published": "2026-05-21T21:10:08+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-21T21:10:08+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Indonesia-workers-trash.jpg", "tags": [ "Pexcel John Bacon", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751379", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/21/751379/faster-teacher-recruitment-urged/", "title": "Faster teacher recruitment urged", "content_html": "SENATOR Sherwin T. Gatchalian renewed his call for the Department of Education (DepEd) to speed up teacher hiring after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the creation of 32,916 teaching positions under the 2026 national budget.
\nThe allocation, totaling P42.4 billion, is intended to fund the creation of these items, of which 32,047 are classified as Teacher I positions.
\nMr. Gatchalian said prolonged teacher shortages continue to hamper learning outcomes as public schools deal with overcrowded classrooms and post-pandemic recovery.
\n\u201cThe education crisis cannot be addressed if there is a shortage of teachers who shape the future of our youth. When our schools lack teachers, what is directly affected is the quality of learning for each student,\u201d Mr. Gatchalian said in a statement on Wednesday in Filipino.
\nMr. Gatchalian\u2019s call for speed also comes as the DepEd implements DepEd Order No. 021, s. 2024, which amended previous guidelines to ensure the \u201ctimely and efficient filling-up of vacant positions.\u201d
\nThe senator previously noted that the hiring process could languish for up to six months due to bureaucratic requirements involving both the DBM and the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
\nThe new policy mandates that the filling of positions must strictly adhere to existing law and CSC rules and regulations.
\nWhile the new positions are intended to alleviate pressure, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) argued that the move barely addresses a decades-long deficit.
\nACT Chairperson Ruby Ana Bernardo said that the 32,000 new posts are insufficient against an estimated backlog of 145,000 teachers in the previous year alone.
\nShe said that while the hiring is welcome, such levels must be maintained annually if the country hopes to fill a projected 150,000-teacher shortage by 2030.
\n\u201cIn many schools, shortages force teachers to handle subjects beyond their specialization,\u201d Ms. Bernardo said via Facebook Messenger, noting that staff are also burdened with administrative tasks and programs like DepEd\u2019s Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning despite previous promises that such duties would be removed from their workload.
\n\u201cYou cannot expect quality education when teachers are stretched beyond their training, forced into multiple roles, and deprived of adequate support. Overwork has been normalized, but it is fundamentally unsustainable,\u201d she said.
\nThe group is calling for a P50,000 entry-level wage increases for public and private school teachers, as well as those in state and local universities and colleges, to ensure both recruitment and retention.
\n\u201cHiring new teachers is necessary and retention is equally critical. Without addressing low wages and poor working conditions, newly hired teachers will eventually leave, and the cycle of shortage will continue,\u201d Ms. Bernardo said. \u2014 Erika Mae P. Sinaking
\n", "content_text": "SENATOR Sherwin T. Gatchalian renewed his call for the Department of Education (DepEd) to speed up teacher hiring after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the creation of 32,916 teaching positions under the 2026 national budget.\nThe allocation, totaling P42.4 billion, is intended to fund the creation of these items, of which 32,047 are classified as Teacher I positions.\nMr. Gatchalian said prolonged teacher shortages continue to hamper learning outcomes as public schools deal with overcrowded classrooms and post-pandemic recovery.\n\u201cThe education crisis cannot be addressed if there is a shortage of teachers who shape the future of our youth. When our schools lack teachers, what is directly affected is the quality of learning for each student,\u201d Mr. Gatchalian said in a statement on Wednesday in Filipino.\nMr. Gatchalian\u2019s call for speed also comes as the DepEd implements DepEd Order No. 021, s. 2024, which amended previous guidelines to ensure the \u201ctimely and efficient filling-up of vacant positions.\u201d\nThe senator previously noted that the hiring process could languish for up to six months due to bureaucratic requirements involving both the DBM and the Civil Service Commission (CSC).\nThe new policy mandates that the filling of positions must strictly adhere to existing law and CSC rules and regulations.\nWhile the new positions are intended to alleviate pressure, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) argued that the move barely addresses a decades-long deficit.\nACT Chairperson Ruby Ana Bernardo said that the 32,000 new posts are insufficient against an estimated backlog of 145,000 teachers in the previous year alone.\nShe said that while the hiring is welcome, such levels must be maintained annually if the country hopes to fill a projected 150,000-teacher shortage by 2030.\n\u201cIn many schools, shortages force teachers to handle subjects beyond their specialization,\u201d Ms. Bernardo said via Facebook Messenger, noting that staff are also burdened with administrative tasks and programs like DepEd\u2019s Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning despite previous promises that such duties would be removed from their workload.\n\u201cYou cannot expect quality education when teachers are stretched beyond their training, forced into multiple roles, and deprived of adequate support. Overwork has been normalized, but it is fundamentally unsustainable,\u201d she said.\nThe group is calling for a P50,000 entry-level wage increases for public and private school teachers, as well as those in state and local universities and colleges, to ensure both recruitment and retention.\n\u201cHiring new teachers is necessary and retention is equally critical. Without addressing low wages and poor working conditions, newly hired teachers will eventually leave, and the cycle of shortage will continue,\u201d Ms. Bernardo said. \u2014 Erika Mae P. Sinaking", "date_published": "2026-05-21T21:09:38+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-21T21:09:38+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/teachers-computers-DEPED.GOV_.PH_.jpg", "tags": [ "Erika Mae P. Sinaking", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751378", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/21/751378/phl-india-team-up-to-aid-42000/", "title": "PHL, India team up to aid 42,000", "content_html": "MANILA and New Delhi are rolling out healthcare and livelihood projects expected to benefit nearly 42,000 people in three provinces under India\u2019s grant assistance program, according to the Philippine Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
\nThe projects, funded through the Indian government\u2019s Quick Impact Project initiative under the Indian Grant Assistance Program, include a livelihood training center in Bobon, Northern Samar, an upgraded primary care facility in Bacolod, Lanao del Norte and a village health station in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur, the DILG said in a Facebook post on Thursday.
\nThe program stems from a 2023 agreement between the DILG and the Indian Embassy in Manila aimed at financing small-scale infrastructure projects in health, education, sanitation and community development.
\nLocal government units may receive up to $50,000, or around P2.8 million, per project.
\nOnly six proposals nationwide were approved during the initiative\u2019s first cycle.
\nAbout 15,000 residents in Bobon, Northern Samar are expected to benefit from the livelihood training center, which will host skills development and income-generation programs to improve employment opportunities.
\nIn Bacolod, Lanao del Norte, almost 25,000 residents are set to benefit from the upgraded primary care facility, which now includes diagnostic equipment such as an X-ray machine, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for medical services.
\nAbout 2,000 residents of Aluling village in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur are expected to gain improved access to immediate healthcare services through the newly established village health station. \u2014 Chloe Mari A. Hufana
\n", "content_text": "MANILA and New Delhi are rolling out healthcare and livelihood projects expected to benefit nearly 42,000 people in three provinces under India\u2019s grant assistance program, according to the Philippine Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).\nThe projects, funded through the Indian government\u2019s Quick Impact Project initiative under the Indian Grant Assistance Program, include a livelihood training center in Bobon, Northern Samar, an upgraded primary care facility in Bacolod, Lanao del Norte and a village health station in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur, the DILG said in a Facebook post on Thursday.\nThe program stems from a 2023 agreement between the DILG and the Indian Embassy in Manila aimed at financing small-scale infrastructure projects in health, education, sanitation and community development.\nLocal government units may receive up to $50,000, or around P2.8 million, per project.\nOnly six proposals nationwide were approved during the initiative\u2019s first cycle.\nAbout 15,000 residents in Bobon, Northern Samar are expected to benefit from the livelihood training center, which will host skills development and income-generation programs to improve employment opportunities.\nIn Bacolod, Lanao del Norte, almost 25,000 residents are set to benefit from the upgraded primary care facility, which now includes diagnostic equipment such as an X-ray machine, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for medical services.\nAbout 2,000 residents of Aluling village in Cervantes, Ilocos Sur are expected to gain improved access to immediate healthcare services through the newly established village health station. \u2014 Chloe Mari A. Hufana", "date_published": "2026-05-21T21:09:16+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-21T21:09:16+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/DILG-logo.jpg", "tags": [ "Chloe Mari A. Hufana", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751377", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/21/751377/dole-fuel-consumption-down-21/", "title": "DoLE fuel consumption down 21%", "content_html": "THE Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) central office reported 21% reduction in fuel consumption after implementing compressed workweek and austerity measures in February and March.
\nIn a news release on Thursday, DoLE said that based on its internal assessment covering the office of the secretary, undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, bureaus, and services, total fuel consumption declined by 970.22 liters to 3,752.63 liters in March.
\nIt followed a directive requiring Philippine government agencies to enforce strict energy conservation protocols amid the Iran war.
\nThe agency said several units recorded notable reductions, including the administrative service, which posted an 80% drop equivalent to 92.89 liters.
\nDoLE attributed the overall decline to fewer onsite reporting days under the compressed workweek arrangement, which allowed for optimized use of government vehicles and reduced transport-related activities.
\nThe central office also reported gains in energy efficiency, with electricity consumption falling by 14.93% from 113,560 kilowatt-hours in February to 100,720 kilowatt-hours in March. \u2014 Erika Mae P. Sinaking
\n", "content_text": "THE Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) central office reported 21% reduction in fuel consumption after implementing compressed workweek and austerity measures in February and March.\nIn a news release on Thursday, DoLE said that based on its internal assessment covering the office of the secretary, undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, bureaus, and services, total fuel consumption declined by 970.22 liters to 3,752.63 liters in March.\nIt followed a directive requiring Philippine government agencies to enforce strict energy conservation protocols amid the Iran war.\nThe agency said several units recorded notable reductions, including the administrative service, which posted an 80% drop equivalent to 92.89 liters.\nDoLE attributed the overall decline to fewer onsite reporting days under the compressed workweek arrangement, which allowed for optimized use of government vehicles and reduced transport-related activities.\nThe central office also reported gains in energy efficiency, with electricity consumption falling by 14.93% from 113,560 kilowatt-hours in February to 100,720 kilowatt-hours in March. \u2014 Erika Mae P. Sinaking", "date_published": "2026-05-21T21:08:42+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-21T21:08:42+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/DoLE.jpg", "tags": [ "Erika Mae P. Sinaking", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751376", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/21/751376/un-may-not-tackle-ngos-icc-claims/", "title": "UN may not tackle NGO\u2019s ICC claims", "content_html": "THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday said it does not expect the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to take action on a nongovernment organization\u2019s (NGO) claims that ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte\u2019s detention in The Hague was politically motivated.
\nThe Japan-based NGO International Career Support Association (ICSA) earlier claimed that Mr. Duterte\u2019s surrender to the International Criminal Court (ICC) was \u201chighly politicized.\u201d
\n\u201cThis is not the first time the International Career Support Association has brought these baseless claims before the United Nations. None of its previous actions have borne any fruit,\u201d the DFA said in a press statement.
\nThe ICSA, in a written statement to the UNHRC, called on the ICC to not let itself be weaponized in the domestic political affairs of the Philippines, citing Mr. Duterte\u2019s arrest.
\nMr. Duterte was arrested and taken to The Hague in March 2025 due to crimes against humanity stemming from his anti-illegal drug campaign.
\nThe DFA in response said that the UN regularly receives such statements but refuses to comment on them, but noted that the actions taken by the HRC and Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights contradict the claims made by ICSA.
\n\u201cWhat the records show are the UN and its member states calling for accountability,\u201d the DFA added. \u2014 Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel
\n", "content_text": "THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday said it does not expect the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to take action on a nongovernment organization\u2019s (NGO) claims that ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte\u2019s detention in The Hague was politically motivated.\nThe Japan-based NGO International Career Support Association (ICSA) earlier claimed that Mr. Duterte\u2019s surrender to the International Criminal Court (ICC) was \u201chighly politicized.\u201d\n\u201cThis is not the first time the International Career Support Association has brought these baseless claims before the United Nations. None of its previous actions have borne any fruit,\u201d the DFA said in a press statement.\nThe ICSA, in a written statement to the UNHRC, called on the ICC to not let itself be weaponized in the domestic political affairs of the Philippines, citing Mr. Duterte\u2019s arrest.\nMr. Duterte was arrested and taken to The Hague in March 2025 due to crimes against humanity stemming from his anti-illegal drug campaign.\nThe DFA in response said that the UN regularly receives such statements but refuses to comment on them, but noted that the actions taken by the HRC and Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights contradict the claims made by ICSA.\n\u201cWhat the records show are the UN and its member states calling for accountability,\u201d the DFA added. \u2014 Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel", "date_published": "2026-05-21T21:08:16+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-21T21:08:16+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/FPPRD-Duterte-ICC-1.jpg", "tags": [ "Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751375", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/21/751375/ppp-center-to-assist-bucor/", "title": "PPP Center to assist BuCor", "content_html": "THE Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center said it is ready to assist the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) in developing the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) property and other BuCor assets through PPPs.
\nIn a statement on Thursday, the PPP Center said it participated in the market sounding activity for the redevelopment of BuCor assets ahead of the planned transfer of the NBP by 2028.
\n\u201cThe PPP Center, as the lead oversight and monitoring agency in the Philippine PPP program, is always ready to actively assist the BuCor in ensuring that they can confidently handle these prospective PPP projects in the future,\u201d it said.
\nPPP Center Undersecretary and Executive Director Rizza Blanco-Latorre said the projects will allow BuCor to maximize the economic value of its assets while modernizing the country\u2019s correctional system.
\nThe center said it has pledged support through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and guidance on institutional arrangements, legal processes, and other key considerations throughout the project life cycle.
\nDuring the event, BuCor presented its redevelopment vision for the NBP reservation property and the different pathways for private sector participation.
\nThe proposal covers a 160-hectare portion of the NBP property for purely commercial leasing arrangements and another 106 hectares earmarked for PPP or joint venture agreements.
\n\u201cThis strategic move aims to generate steady revenue to support BuCor\u2019s ongoing development and modernization plan,\u201d said BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr.
\n\u201cThe arrangement will be structured as a commercialized long-term lease with all improvements made on the property remaining the sole property of BuCor, ensuring no divestment of government assets,\u201d he added.
\nBuCor said revenues generated from the project would help fund its prison decongestion program, infrastructure modernization, rehabilitation initiatives for persons deprived of liberty, and staff capability enhancement programs.
\nAmong the companies that expressed interest were Robinsons Land, Double Dragon Corp., Solaire Properties, Inc., Asian Center of Entrepreneurship and Real Estate, Inc., SM Prime Holdings, Inc., and the New San Jose Builders, Inc. \u2014 Justine Irish D. Tabile
\n", "content_text": "THE Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center said it is ready to assist the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) in developing the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) property and other BuCor assets through PPPs.\nIn a statement on Thursday, the PPP Center said it participated in the market sounding activity for the redevelopment of BuCor assets ahead of the planned transfer of the NBP by 2028.\n\u201cThe PPP Center, as the lead oversight and monitoring agency in the Philippine PPP program, is always ready to actively assist the BuCor in ensuring that they can confidently handle these prospective PPP projects in the future,\u201d it said.\nPPP Center Undersecretary and Executive Director Rizza Blanco-Latorre said the projects will allow BuCor to maximize the economic value of its assets while modernizing the country\u2019s correctional system.\nThe center said it has pledged support through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and guidance on institutional arrangements, legal processes, and other key considerations throughout the project life cycle.\nDuring the event, BuCor presented its redevelopment vision for the NBP reservation property and the different pathways for private sector participation.\nThe proposal covers a 160-hectare portion of the NBP property for purely commercial leasing arrangements and another 106 hectares earmarked for PPP or joint venture agreements.\n\u201cThis strategic move aims to generate steady revenue to support BuCor\u2019s ongoing development and modernization plan,\u201d said BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr.\n\u201cThe arrangement will be structured as a commercialized long-term lease with all improvements made on the property remaining the sole property of BuCor, ensuring no divestment of government assets,\u201d he added.\nBuCor said revenues generated from the project would help fund its prison decongestion program, infrastructure modernization, rehabilitation initiatives for persons deprived of liberty, and staff capability enhancement programs.\nAmong the companies that expressed interest were Robinsons Land, Double Dragon Corp., Solaire Properties, Inc., Asian Center of Entrepreneurship and Real Estate, Inc., SM Prime Holdings, Inc., and the New San Jose Builders, Inc. \u2014 Justine Irish D. Tabile", "date_published": "2026-05-21T21:07:56+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-21T21:07:56+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/NationalBilibidprison-BUCOR.jpg", "tags": [ "Justine Irish D. Tabile", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751374", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/21/751374/davao-landfill-facing-suspension/", "title": "Davao landfill facing suspension", "content_html": "THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Thursday said the Davao City Sanitary Landfill is facing suspension after a trash slide left one dead and two others wounded.
\nIn a statement, the DENR said the collapse, which occurred at 1:10 p.m. on Wednesday, followed days of heavy rains, limiting access to the site due to unstable ground conditions.
\nSearch and rescue teams from the Bureau of Fire and Protection, 911 Urban Search and Rescue, the City Engineers Office, and village responders were deployed for the two missing persons.
\nThe City Engineers Office also declared the area unsafe for full entry, temporary halting disposal operations.
\n\u201cThe DENR and the LGU (local government unit) have been working together on the technical and regulatory requirements for months,\u201d Environment Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna was quoted as saying.
\n\u201cThis incident reinforces the need to accelerate slope stabilization and the safe closure plan.\u201d
\nAccording to the DENR, close monitoring of the landfill started as early as January, with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in the Davao Region conducting technical meetings on Jan. 20 and March 4.
\nThe EMB also issued a Notice of Violation on March 19 due to the landfill\u2019s lack of a discharge permit. A technical conference followed on April 29, which resulted in the imposition of penalties upon the city.
\nThe DENR added that the earlier inspections found steep slopes, a collapsed leachate pond and the presence of waste pickers and makeshift dwellings near the landfill perimeter.
\nThis prompted the department to push for slope stabilization, partial closure, and relocation of households within the 200-meter buffer zone.
\nMr. Cuna said that once the landfill is suspended, operations will not resume until the site is declared safe.
\nThe landfill, which receives an average of 786 tons of waste per day, is nearing full capacity. \u2014 CAT
\n", "content_text": "THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Thursday said the Davao City Sanitary Landfill is facing suspension after a trash slide left one dead and two others wounded.\nIn a statement, the DENR said the collapse, which occurred at 1:10 p.m. on Wednesday, followed days of heavy rains, limiting access to the site due to unstable ground conditions.\nSearch and rescue teams from the Bureau of Fire and Protection, 911 Urban Search and Rescue, the City Engineers Office, and village responders were deployed for the two missing persons.\nThe City Engineers Office also declared the area unsafe for full entry, temporary halting disposal operations.\n\u201cThe DENR and the LGU (local government unit) have been working together on the technical and regulatory requirements for months,\u201d Environment Secretary Juan Miguel T. Cuna was quoted as saying.\n\u201cThis incident reinforces the need to accelerate slope stabilization and the safe closure plan.\u201d\nAccording to the DENR, close monitoring of the landfill started as early as January, with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in the Davao Region conducting technical meetings on Jan. 20 and March 4.\nThe EMB also issued a Notice of Violation on March 19 due to the landfill\u2019s lack of a discharge permit. A technical conference followed on April 29, which resulted in the imposition of penalties upon the city.\nThe DENR added that the earlier inspections found steep slopes, a collapsed leachate pond and the presence of waste pickers and makeshift dwellings near the landfill perimeter.\nThis prompted the department to push for slope stabilization, partial closure, and relocation of households within the 200-meter buffer zone.\nMr. Cuna said that once the landfill is suspended, operations will not resume until the site is declared safe.\nThe landfill, which receives an average of 786 tons of waste per day, is nearing full capacity. \u2014 CAT", "date_published": "2026-05-21T21:07:27+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-21T21:07:27+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/the-nation-default.jpg", "tags": [ "Charmain A. Tadalan", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751372", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/21/751372/barmm-chief-takes-over-education-ministry/", "title": "BARMM chief takes over Education ministry", "content_html": "COTABATO CITY \u2014 Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua assumed control on Wednesday of the region\u2019s Education ministry after an audit report revealed the misuse of P2.2 billion worth of funds from its coffer.
\nSenior officials of different ministries and support agencies under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) confirmed to reporters on Thursday that Mr. Macacua will take over the management and control of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE).
\nMr. Macacua, as figurehead of the 80-seat Bangsamoro parliament, is also overseeing the operation of all ministries and support agencies under the BARMM government.
\nRadio reports on Thursday stated that Mr. Macacua took over the post of Mohagher M. Iqbal, Education minister after he declined to resign, as requested via a memorandum sent to him last week.
\n\u201cWe just want to fix everything in the operation of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education, nothing more,\u201d Mr. Macacua told reporters on Thursday, after confirming his assumption as temporary caretaker of the MBHTE-BARMM.
\nThe Commission on Audit earlier announced that the budget and finance records from the MBHTE-BARMM\u2019s office in Cotabato City indicated that certain signatories had facilitated the questionable disbursements of up to P2.2 billion worth of ministry funds in less than a week sometime last year.
\nMr. Macacua also informed reporters on Thursday that he extended the tenure of regional Health Minister Kadil M. Sinolinding, Jr.
\n\u201cHe enjoys the trust and confidence of the Bangsamoro regional leadership. The Ministry of Health has been functioning smoothly, efficiently with him at his helm,\u201d Mr. Macacua said. \u2014 John Felix M. Unson
\n", "content_text": "COTABATO CITY \u2014 Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua assumed control on Wednesday of the region\u2019s Education ministry after an audit report revealed the misuse of P2.2 billion worth of funds from its coffer.\nSenior officials of different ministries and support agencies under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) confirmed to reporters on Thursday that Mr. Macacua will take over the management and control of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE).\nMr. Macacua, as figurehead of the 80-seat Bangsamoro parliament, is also overseeing the operation of all ministries and support agencies under the BARMM government.\nRadio reports on Thursday stated that Mr. Macacua took over the post of Mohagher M. Iqbal, Education minister after he declined to resign, as requested via a memorandum sent to him last week.\n\u201cWe just want to fix everything in the operation of the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education, nothing more,\u201d Mr. Macacua told reporters on Thursday, after confirming his assumption as temporary caretaker of the MBHTE-BARMM.\nThe Commission on Audit earlier announced that the budget and finance records from the MBHTE-BARMM\u2019s office in Cotabato City indicated that certain signatories had facilitated the questionable disbursements of up to P2.2 billion worth of ministry funds in less than a week sometime last year.\nMr. Macacua also informed reporters on Thursday that he extended the tenure of regional Health Minister Kadil M. Sinolinding, Jr.\n\u201cHe enjoys the trust and confidence of the Bangsamoro regional leadership. The Ministry of Health has been functioning smoothly, efficiently with him at his helm,\u201d Mr. Macacua said. \u2014 John Felix M. Unson", "date_published": "2026-05-21T21:07:17+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-21T21:07:17+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/the-nation-default.jpg", "tags": [ "John Felix M. Unson", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751328", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/21/751328/dbp-grants-500-new-college-scholarships/", "title": "DBP grants 500 new college scholarships", "content_html": "The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) on Thursday said that it will add 500 new college students to its scholarship program, as financial concerns widen the nationwide dropout rates.
\n\u201cWe know that our future relies on these young people, so we want to contribute whatever we can,\u201d DBP President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michael O. De Jesus told reporters in an interview.
\n\u201cObviously, we have limits, but education is a top priority for us. There\u2019s a lot of fulfillments on our end, and we know it\u2019s important,\u201d he added.
\nData from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) last year found that subsidies for tertiary education among the poorest declined from 74.24% in 2018 to 30.74% in 2022.
\nThe commission also noted that the national dropout rate for tertiary education stands at 39%, with the need to work (44%), lack of engagement in school (25%), and financial struggles (20%) cited as primary reasons.
\nUnder the DBP Integrated Scholastic Program for Inclusive and Responsive Education (DBP INSPIRE), a P96.75 million funding has been allocated for college scholars. Beneficiaries will receive financing for tuition fees and miscellaneous fees throughout their college education.
\nThe scholarship also covers living allowances for food, lodging, and study materials, such as books and uniforms.
\n\u201cWe pay for the tuition and some out-of-pocket expenses so they can really just concentrate on studying,\u201d Mr. De Jesus said.
\nDBP INSPIRE is a five-year omnibus assistance program with a total allocation of P437.5 million for the higher education sector.
\nThe program aims to support the Philippine Development Plan for 2023-2028 by financing students from priority courses, including Accountancy, Education, Engineering, Agriculture and Forestry, Sciences, Maritime, Information Technology, and Technical Vocational.
\nFor Academic Year 2026-2027, DBP partnered with 11 educational institutions across the country, up from nine schools a year earlier. Of which, six are state universities and colleges (SUCs), while five are private higher education institutions (HEIs).
\n\u201cIt\u2019s more SUCs than the private institutions, so that more students, especially those who are financially challenged in poverty-stricken areas, are accepted into the program,\u201d DBP Head of Corporate Affairs Department First Vice President Zando Carlos P. Sison told reporters in an interview.
\nPartner schools will have the opportunity to select the students eligible for the scholarship to create a more \u201cliberal\u201d system.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s part of the agreement; the validation and the vetting are done by the partner schools,\u201d Mr. Sison said. \u201cAs long as they pass the subjects, they will be part of the scholarship program until they graduate.\u201d
\n\u201cThey will apply to the schools and the schools will be the ones to pick them. And we spread this out, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao,\u201d he added.
\nPamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, University of Baguio, West Visayas State University, STI Education Services Group, and Cebu Normal University are among the partner schools for the program. \u2014 Almira Louise S. Martinez
\n", "content_text": "The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) on Thursday said that it will add 500 new college students to its scholarship program, as financial concerns widen the nationwide dropout rates.\n\u201cWe know that our future relies on these young people, so we want to contribute whatever we can,\u201d DBP President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michael O. De Jesus told reporters in an interview.\n\u201cObviously, we have limits, but education is a top priority for us. There\u2019s a lot of fulfillments on our end, and we know it\u2019s important,\u201d he added.\nData from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) last year found that subsidies for tertiary education among the poorest declined from 74.24% in 2018 to 30.74% in 2022.\nThe commission also noted that the national dropout rate for tertiary education stands at 39%, with the need to work (44%), lack of engagement in school (25%), and financial struggles (20%) cited as primary reasons.\nUnder the DBP Integrated Scholastic Program for Inclusive and Responsive Education (DBP INSPIRE), a P96.75 million funding has been allocated for college scholars. Beneficiaries will receive financing for tuition fees and miscellaneous fees throughout their college education.\nThe scholarship also covers living allowances for food, lodging, and study materials, such as books and uniforms.\n\u201cWe pay for the tuition and some out-of-pocket expenses so they can really just concentrate on studying,\u201d Mr. De Jesus said.\nDBP INSPIRE is a five-year omnibus assistance program with a total allocation of P437.5 million for the higher education sector.\nThe program aims to support the Philippine Development Plan for 2023-2028 by financing students from priority courses, including Accountancy, Education, Engineering, Agriculture and Forestry, Sciences, Maritime, Information Technology, and Technical Vocational.\nFor Academic Year 2026-2027, DBP partnered with 11 educational institutions across the country, up from nine schools a year earlier. Of which, six are state universities and colleges (SUCs), while five are private higher education institutions (HEIs).\n\u201cIt\u2019s more SUCs than the private institutions, so that more students, especially those who are financially challenged in poverty-stricken areas, are accepted into the program,\u201d DBP Head of Corporate Affairs Department First Vice President Zando Carlos P. Sison told reporters in an interview.\nPartner schools will have the opportunity to select the students eligible for the scholarship to create a more \u201cliberal\u201d system.\n\u201cIt\u2019s part of the agreement; the validation and the vetting are done by the partner schools,\u201d Mr. Sison said. \u201cAs long as they pass the subjects, they will be part of the scholarship program until they graduate.\u201d\n\u201cThey will apply to the schools and the schools will be the ones to pick them. And we spread this out, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao,\u201d he added.\nPamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, University of Baguio, West Visayas State University, STI Education Services Group, and Cebu Normal University are among the partner schools for the program. \u2014 Almira Louise S. Martinez", "date_published": "2026-05-21T19:10:59+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-21T19:10:59+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Micheal-De-Jesus.jpg", "tags": [ "almira louise s. martinez", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751221", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/21/751221/medical-clinics-eyed-in-public-schools-nationwide/", "title": "Medical clinics eyed in public schools nationwide", "content_html": "Public schools nationwide will have their own medical clinics, which offer free check-ups, laboratory tests, and medicines, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).
\n\u201cWe are bringing basic healthcare straight to our campuses,\u201d Education Secretary Juan Edgardo \u201cSonny\u201d M. Angara said in a news release on Thursday.
\n\u201cHealthy learners and healthy teachers are the foundation of a better education system,\u201d he added.
\nThrough its partnership with health provider 1Life Inc., the agency aims to establish primary care facilities inside school campuses under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation\u2019s (PhilHealth) YAKAP Program.
\nParticipating schools must allot a minimum of 60 square meters for the medical facility, while 1Life will provide digital diagnostic tools, basic emergency supplies, and telemedicine equipment.
\nThe clinics will focus heavily on learner wellness, providing specialized developmental screenings to promote early detection of conditions that may impact learners\u2019 academic growth. All services under the program are covered by the PhilHealth YAKAP benefits.
\n\u201cThe program comes at zero cost to DepEd and requires no school funding,\u201d DepEd said.
\n\u201cThis health infrastructure integration\u2026 ensures all public schools nationwide are well-resourced, specifically by giving campuses immediate access to functional clinics and reliable healthcare,\u201d it added.
\nTeachers and school staff can also acquire free, annual executive medical check-ups conducted right on campus. Meanwhile, eligible parents and their dependents can access consultations, basic lab tests, and maintenance medicines under PhilHealth\u2019s YAKAP Program.
\n\u201cWe look forward to our collaboration with DepEd by supporting them with free accessible healthcare services onsite, providing learners and teachers with preventive care,\u201d 1Life, Inc. President Ni\u00f1o L. Namoco said in a news release.
\nAll electronic medical records within the clinics are protected under \u201cstrict data privacy protocols\u201d and will not be shared without a written consent form to ensure the safety of patients.
\n\u201cThis is a big help for our teachers and learners because if a student or teacher is feeling unwell, they will no longer need to leave the school or spend money just to consult a doctor,\u201d Mr. Angara said in Filipino.
\nThe program is expected to benefit learners and teachers as classes begin on June 8 under the new three-term calendar. \u2014 Almira Louise S. Martinez
\n", "content_text": "Public schools nationwide will have their own medical clinics, which offer free check-ups, laboratory tests, and medicines, according to the Department of Education (DepEd).\n\u201cWe are bringing basic healthcare straight to our campuses,\u201d Education Secretary Juan Edgardo \u201cSonny\u201d M. Angara said in a news release on Thursday.\n\u201cHealthy learners and healthy teachers are the foundation of a better education system,\u201d he added.\nThrough its partnership with health provider 1Life Inc., the agency aims to establish primary care facilities inside school campuses under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation\u2019s (PhilHealth) YAKAP Program.\nParticipating schools must allot a minimum of 60 square meters for the medical facility, while 1Life will provide digital diagnostic tools, basic emergency supplies, and telemedicine equipment.\nThe clinics will focus heavily on learner wellness, providing specialized developmental screenings to promote early detection of conditions that may impact learners\u2019 academic growth. All services under the program are covered by the PhilHealth YAKAP benefits.\n\u201cThe program comes at zero cost to DepEd and requires no school funding,\u201d DepEd said.\n\u201cThis health infrastructure integration\u2026 ensures all public schools nationwide are well-resourced, specifically by giving campuses immediate access to functional clinics and reliable healthcare,\u201d it added.\nTeachers and school staff can also acquire free, annual executive medical check-ups conducted right on campus. Meanwhile, eligible parents and their dependents can access consultations, basic lab tests, and maintenance medicines under PhilHealth\u2019s YAKAP Program.\n\u201cWe look forward to our collaboration with DepEd by supporting them with free accessible healthcare services onsite, providing learners and teachers with preventive care,\u201d 1Life, Inc. President Ni\u00f1o L. Namoco said in a news release.\nAll electronic medical records within the clinics are protected under \u201cstrict data privacy protocols\u201d and will not be shared without a written consent form to ensure the safety of patients.\n\u201cThis is a big help for our teachers and learners because if a student or teacher is feeling unwell, they will no longer need to leave the school or spend money just to consult a doctor,\u201d Mr. Angara said in Filipino.\nThe program is expected to benefit learners and teachers as classes begin on June 8 under the new three-term calendar. \u2014 Almira Louise S. Martinez", "date_published": "2026-05-21T17:42:14+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-21T17:42:14+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/YAKAP-clinic.jpg", "tags": [ "almira louise s. martinez", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751092", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/20/751092/philippine-supreme-court-junks-bid-to-block-transfer-of-senator-to-icc/", "title": "Philippine Supreme Court junks bid to block transfer of senator to ICC", "content_html": "THE PHILIPPINE Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a bid by Senator Ronald \u201cBato\u201d M. dela Rosa to stop his arrest and transfer to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
\nVoting 9-5 with one abstention, the high court decided not to issue a restraining order, while noting that other issues in the senator\u2019s petition had yet to be addressed.
\nMr. dela Rosa, whose whereabouts are unknown, is wanted for alleged crimes against humanity over his role in a bloody \u201cwar on drugs\u201d during former President Rodrigo R. Duterte\u2019s 2016-2022 presidency. He has denied involvement in illegal killings.
\nPhilippine authorities last week confirmed they were seeking to arrest the former police chief and top enforcer of the crackdown, who had argued in a petition to the court that law enforcement had no authority to execute an arrest warrant issued by a foreign court.
\nThe court\u2019s decision is the latest turn in a dramatic story that has gripped the Philippines since early last week and paves the way for his arrest.
\nMr. dela Rosa emerged from six months of hiding last week and took refuge at the Senate for several days, before slipping away in the early hours of May 14, after a night of chaos and gunfire following his appeal for help and claims that his arrest was imminent.
\nAs Mr. Duterte\u2019s national police chief, he was the top enforcer of a bloody crackdown during which thousands of alleged drug dealers were shot dead in police operations.
\nAt the peak of the campaign, murders of drug users spiked dramatically, with police blaming those killings on vigilantes and turf wars.
\nHuman rights groups say an accurate death toll might never be known and accuse police of systematic murders and cover-ups, which they deny, insisting those killed were armed and had resisted arrest.
\nMr. Duterte is in detention in The Hague after his arrest last year and will go on trial for crimes against humanity. He maintains his innocence.
\nMr. dela Rosa\u2019s lawyers in a statement said they would seek a reconsideration and continue pursuing all available legal remedies.
\n\u201cToday\u2019s resolution is not a judgment on the merits,\u201d they said. \u201cIt is not a final ruling on the legality of enforcing an ICC process within Philippine territory. It is not a final ruling on the constitutional limits of executive cooperation with a foreign tribunal.\u201d
\nJustice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida on Friday said authorities would \u201cdefinitely\u201d seek to arrest Mr. dela Rosa and execute the ICC warrant.
\nMalaca\u00f1ang said the International Criminal Court\u2019s arrest warrant against Mr. dela Rosa could now be enforced \u201cSince there is no temporary restraining order, we are saying that the warrant of arrest is valid,\u201d Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told reporters in Filipino on Wednesday, citing the position of the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).
\nShe said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. intends to follow the law in implementing the warrant.
\n\u201cWhat the President can do is start with the law and abide by the rule of law,\u201d Ms. Castro said.
\nShe declined to comment on the timing or operational details of any arrest, referring questions to the Department of Justice.
\nSolicitor General Darlene Marie B. Berberabe earlier argued before the Supreme Court that the ICC warrant against Mr. dela Rosa does not require validation by Philippine courts to be enforceable.
\n\u201cThe ICC warrant against Senator dela Rosa does not require validation by a domestic court to be enforceable,\u201d the OSG said in its filing.
\nThe Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019, an argument both Mr. Duterte and Mr. dela Rosa have used in challenging the ICC\u2019s jurisdiction over the drug war cases. \u2014 Chloe Mari A. Hufana with Reuters
\n", "content_text": "THE PHILIPPINE Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected a bid by Senator Ronald \u201cBato\u201d M. dela Rosa to stop his arrest and transfer to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.\nVoting 9-5 with one abstention, the high court decided not to issue a restraining order, while noting that other issues in the senator\u2019s petition had yet to be addressed.\nMr. dela Rosa, whose whereabouts are unknown, is wanted for alleged crimes against humanity over his role in a bloody \u201cwar on drugs\u201d during former President Rodrigo R. Duterte\u2019s 2016-2022 presidency. He has denied involvement in illegal killings.\nPhilippine authorities last week confirmed they were seeking to arrest the former police chief and top enforcer of the crackdown, who had argued in a petition to the court that law enforcement had no authority to execute an arrest warrant issued by a foreign court.\nThe court\u2019s decision is the latest turn in a dramatic story that has gripped the Philippines since early last week and paves the way for his arrest.\nMr. dela Rosa emerged from six months of hiding last week and took refuge at the Senate for several days, before slipping away in the early hours of May 14, after a night of chaos and gunfire following his appeal for help and claims that his arrest was imminent.\nAs Mr. Duterte\u2019s national police chief, he was the top enforcer of a bloody crackdown during which thousands of alleged drug dealers were shot dead in police operations.\nAt the peak of the campaign, murders of drug users spiked dramatically, with police blaming those killings on vigilantes and turf wars.\nHuman rights groups say an accurate death toll might never be known and accuse police of systematic murders and cover-ups, which they deny, insisting those killed were armed and had resisted arrest.\nMr. Duterte is in detention in The Hague after his arrest last year and will go on trial for crimes against humanity. He maintains his innocence.\nMr. dela Rosa\u2019s lawyers in a statement said they would seek a reconsideration and continue pursuing all available legal remedies.\n\u201cToday\u2019s resolution is not a judgment on the merits,\u201d they said. \u201cIt is not a final ruling on the legality of enforcing an ICC process within Philippine territory. It is not a final ruling on the constitutional limits of executive cooperation with a foreign tribunal.\u201d\nJustice Secretary Fredderick A. Vida on Friday said authorities would \u201cdefinitely\u201d seek to arrest Mr. dela Rosa and execute the ICC warrant.\nMalaca\u00f1ang said the International Criminal Court\u2019s arrest warrant against Mr. dela Rosa could now be enforced \u201cSince there is no temporary restraining order, we are saying that the warrant of arrest is valid,\u201d Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told reporters in Filipino on Wednesday, citing the position of the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).\nShe said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. intends to follow the law in implementing the warrant.\n\u201cWhat the President can do is start with the law and abide by the rule of law,\u201d Ms. Castro said.\nShe declined to comment on the timing or operational details of any arrest, referring questions to the Department of Justice.\nSolicitor General Darlene Marie B. Berberabe earlier argued before the Supreme Court that the ICC warrant against Mr. dela Rosa does not require validation by Philippine courts to be enforceable.\n\u201cThe ICC warrant against Senator dela Rosa does not require validation by a domestic court to be enforceable,\u201d the OSG said in its filing.\nThe Philippines withdrew from the Rome Statute in 2019, an argument both Mr. Duterte and Mr. dela Rosa have used in challenging the ICC\u2019s jurisdiction over the drug war cases. \u2014 Chloe Mari A. Hufana with Reuters", "date_published": "2026-05-20T21:03:25+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-20T21:03:25+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Bato-dela-Rosa-philstar.jpg", "tags": [ "Chloe Mari A. Hufana", "Editors' Picks", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751091", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/20/751091/incoming-us-envoy-phl-ambassador-discuss-economic-cooperation/", "title": "Incoming US envoy, PHL ambassador discuss economic cooperation", "content_html": "THE INCOMING US ambassador to the Philippines and Manila\u2019s top envoy in Washington discussed expanding economic cooperation and strategic industries ahead of a year marked by deeper bilateral engagement and major joint infrastructure initiatives.
\nThe Philippine Embassy in Washington said incoming US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton met with Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel G. Romualdez on May 19 before his departure for Manila.
\n\u201cThe two officials discussed the longstanding and enduring alliance between the Philippines and the United States, including opportunities to further strengthen bilateral economic engagement, security cooperation, people-to-people ties and regional collaboration,\u201d the embassy said in a statement.
\nThe meeting comes as Manila and Washington prepare to commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations and the 75th anniversary of their Mutual Defense Treaty, while both governments deepen cooperation on trade, supply chains, infrastructure and regional security.
\nThe embassy said the officials discussed expanding cooperation in energy, advanced manufacturing, critical mineral processing and resilient supply chains \u2014 sectors that have become increasingly important amid rising geopolitical competition and efforts by Washington to diversify strategic production networks away from China.
\nThe diplomats also exchanged views on the Philippines\u2019 chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year and Manila\u2019s bid for a nonpermanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.
\n\u201cAmbassador Romualdez welcomed the incoming envoy and expressed confidence that Philippine-US relations would continue to grow under their shared commitment to advancing the interests of both countries and peoples,\u201d the embassy said.
\nMr. Lipton, a businessman-turned-diplomat, served as chief of staff to the US Mission to the Organization of American States under the US Department of State, where he handled security matters.
\nDuring his confirmation hearing before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee in March, Mr. Lipton pledged to deepen security and economic cooperation with the Philippines as the Indo-Pacific region becomes a focal point of US strategic policy.
\n\u201cMy goal will be to deepen US-Philippine security cooperation, strengthen supply chains, advance the Luzon Economic Corridor initiative and promote fair and transparent trade,\u201d Mr. Lipton said in his prepared testimony.
\nHe also described the Philippines as a key regional partner as tensions continue to rise in the Indo-Pacific region.
\nA major focus of bilateral economic cooperation is the Luzon Economic Corridor, a flagship Philippine-US initiative covering infrastructure, logistics, energy, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.
\nPhilippine officials have said the corridor could generate as many as one million jobs and help accelerate economic growth through increased foreign investments and industrial activity.
\nThe project has also become part of broader US efforts to strengthen regional supply chains for semiconductors, critical minerals and emerging technologies.
\nThis week, US Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Jacob Helberg visited New Clark City in Tarlac, which Washington is considering as the site of an industrial hub under the Pax Silica initiative.
\nThe hub is expected to support semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence infrastructure, advanced computing and critical mineral processing.\u00a0
\nThe Philippines has increasingly emerged as a strategic partner for Washington as the US seeks to expand economic and security cooperation across Southeast Asia while countering China\u2019s growing influence in the region. \u2014 Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel
\n", "content_text": "THE INCOMING US ambassador to the Philippines and Manila\u2019s top envoy in Washington discussed expanding economic cooperation and strategic industries ahead of a year marked by deeper bilateral engagement and major joint infrastructure initiatives.\nThe Philippine Embassy in Washington said incoming US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton met with Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel G. Romualdez on May 19 before his departure for Manila.\n\u201cThe two officials discussed the longstanding and enduring alliance between the Philippines and the United States, including opportunities to further strengthen bilateral economic engagement, security cooperation, people-to-people ties and regional collaboration,\u201d the embassy said in a statement.\nThe meeting comes as Manila and Washington prepare to commemorate 80 years of diplomatic relations and the 75th anniversary of their Mutual Defense Treaty, while both governments deepen cooperation on trade, supply chains, infrastructure and regional security.\nThe embassy said the officials discussed expanding cooperation in energy, advanced manufacturing, critical mineral processing and resilient supply chains \u2014 sectors that have become increasingly important amid rising geopolitical competition and efforts by Washington to diversify strategic production networks away from China.\nThe diplomats also exchanged views on the Philippines\u2019 chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year and Manila\u2019s bid for a nonpermanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.\n\u201cAmbassador Romualdez welcomed the incoming envoy and expressed confidence that Philippine-US relations would continue to grow under their shared commitment to advancing the interests of both countries and peoples,\u201d the embassy said.\nMr. Lipton, a businessman-turned-diplomat, served as chief of staff to the US Mission to the Organization of American States under the US Department of State, where he handled security matters.\nDuring his confirmation hearing before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee in March, Mr. Lipton pledged to deepen security and economic cooperation with the Philippines as the Indo-Pacific region becomes a focal point of US strategic policy.\n\u201cMy goal will be to deepen US-Philippine security cooperation, strengthen supply chains, advance the Luzon Economic Corridor initiative and promote fair and transparent trade,\u201d Mr. Lipton said in his prepared testimony.\nHe also described the Philippines as a key regional partner as tensions continue to rise in the Indo-Pacific region.\nA major focus of bilateral economic cooperation is the Luzon Economic Corridor, a flagship Philippine-US initiative covering infrastructure, logistics, energy, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing.\nPhilippine officials have said the corridor could generate as many as one million jobs and help accelerate economic growth through increased foreign investments and industrial activity.\nThe project has also become part of broader US efforts to strengthen regional supply chains for semiconductors, critical minerals and emerging technologies.\nThis week, US Undersecretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment Jacob Helberg visited New Clark City in Tarlac, which Washington is considering as the site of an industrial hub under the Pax Silica initiative.\nThe hub is expected to support semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence infrastructure, advanced computing and critical mineral processing.\u00a0\nThe Philippines has increasingly emerged as a strategic partner for Washington as the US seeks to expand economic and security cooperation across Southeast Asia while countering China\u2019s growing influence in the region. \u2014 Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel", "date_published": "2026-05-20T21:03:01+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-20T21:03:01+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Lee-Lipton.jpg", "tags": [ "Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel", "Editors' Picks", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751090", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/20/751090/philippine-firms-urged-to-boost-worker-retention-amid-inflation-spike/", "title": "Philippine firms urged to boost worker retention amid inflation spike", "content_html": "PHILIPPINE business leaders urged companies to adopt workforce retention and strategic investments to stabilize the domestic market as surging inflation threatens consumer spending, job stability and business growth.
\n\u201cThe Philippines faces considerable headwinds on the global front,\u201d Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) President Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr. said during the group\u2019s national conference in Manila on Wednesday.
\nHe cited volatile oil prices, slowing global growth and the Iran war disrupting supply chains and weighing on economic activity.
\n\u201cWe could be at the moment of extraordinary challenge, not merely for our businesses but for the nation as a whole,\u201d he added.
\nHe made the call as inflation accelerated to 7.2% in April, sharply raising living costs and pressuring employers to retain workers while managing higher operating expenses.
\nPhilippine Stock Exchange Chairman Jose T. Pardo, who heads the ECOP Council of Business Leaders, said the inflation spike is hitting minimum wage earners hardest and weakening household purchasing power.
\n\u201cOn a spreadsheet, that looks manageable,\u201d he told the conference. \u201cOn the ground, in the wet markets, in the jeepney lines, in the small [eatery] along the sidewalk, it means that the minimum wage worker is just working just as hard and eating a lot less.\u201d
\nMr. Pardo urged companies to move beyond a \u201cwait-and-see posture\u201d by implementing faster compensation reviews, flexible work arrangements and other support measures to ease commuting and living costs.
\nHe said these measures should be viewed as business necessities rather than corporate charity, especially as manufacturers, transport operators, retailers and food service companies face rising input costs and weaker consumer demand.
\n\u201cThese are not charity. These are smart retention strategies in an environment where replacing a good employee costs far more than retaining one,\u201d he added.
\nMr. Pardo said the economic climate demands a departure from traditional management playbooks. He noted that while fiscal deficits remain under control and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has managed the \u201cgreat swell,\u201d the growth numbers do not fully capture the struggle of the individual worker.
\nThe 7.2% inflation rate recorded in April 2026 is the highest since March 2023, a figure that Mr. Pardo described as \u201cnearly double where we were just a month prior.\u201d
\nThis volatility, he argued, requires employers to prioritize employee welfare as a core business discipline rather than an act of generosity.
\n\u201cThe sustainability of our business depends on the well-being of the people inside them. That is not a slogan. In a 7.2% inflation environment, it is a survival strategy,\u201d Mr. Pardo said.
\nHe said fuel costs remain a primary driver for logistics, which in turn affects raw materials, distribution and general operations across all major sectors.
\nEnterprises in manufacturing, food service, transport and retail are being squeezed from both ends, facing high input costs while their customers\u2019 purchasing power is quietly shrinking, he added.
\nThe Department of Trade and Industry echoed the need for private sector resilience by focusing on overseas expansion to offset domestic strain.
\nTrade Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque said the government is finalizing four game-changing free trade agreements this year, including those with the European Union, Canada, Chile and India, to provide preferential tariffs for Philippine products.
\nIn a resolution, ECOP cited the need to respond collectively to geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, technological disruption and climate-related challenges affecting jobs and competitiveness.\u00a0
\n\u201cECOP, being the single voice of employers recognized by the government, should continue to affirm its commitment to advocate and support policies that strengthen business enterprises, improve the investment climate and engender economic growth and competitiveness amid the global and domestic crises and disruptions,\u201d according to the resolution.
\nECOP said employers recognize both risks and opportunities arising from a young workforce, natural resources and regional integration, provided that reforms and coordinated action are pursued.
\nIt added that these commitments are meant to guide continued engagement among stakeholders to strengthen resilience, sustainability and long-term economic stability. \u2014 Erika Mae P. Sinaking
\n", "content_text": "PHILIPPINE business leaders urged companies to adopt workforce retention and strategic investments to stabilize the domestic market as surging inflation threatens consumer spending, job stability and business growth.\n\u201cThe Philippines faces considerable headwinds on the global front,\u201d Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) President Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr. said during the group\u2019s national conference in Manila on Wednesday.\nHe cited volatile oil prices, slowing global growth and the Iran war disrupting supply chains and weighing on economic activity. \n\u201cWe could be at the moment of extraordinary challenge, not merely for our businesses but for the nation as a whole,\u201d he added.\nHe made the call as inflation accelerated to 7.2% in April, sharply raising living costs and pressuring employers to retain workers while managing higher operating expenses.\nPhilippine Stock Exchange Chairman Jose T. Pardo, who heads the ECOP Council of Business Leaders, said the inflation spike is hitting minimum wage earners hardest and weakening household purchasing power.\n\u201cOn a spreadsheet, that looks manageable,\u201d he told the conference. \u201cOn the ground, in the wet markets, in the jeepney lines, in the small [eatery] along the sidewalk, it means that the minimum wage worker is just working just as hard and eating a lot less.\u201d\nMr. Pardo urged companies to move beyond a \u201cwait-and-see posture\u201d by implementing faster compensation reviews, flexible work arrangements and other support measures to ease commuting and living costs.\nHe said these measures should be viewed as business necessities rather than corporate charity, especially as manufacturers, transport operators, retailers and food service companies face rising input costs and weaker consumer demand.\n\u201cThese are not charity. These are smart retention strategies in an environment where replacing a good employee costs far more than retaining one,\u201d he added.\nMr. Pardo said the economic climate demands a departure from traditional management playbooks. He noted that while fiscal deficits remain under control and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has managed the \u201cgreat swell,\u201d the growth numbers do not fully capture the struggle of the individual worker.\nThe 7.2% inflation rate recorded in April 2026 is the highest since March 2023, a figure that Mr. Pardo described as \u201cnearly double where we were just a month prior.\u201d\nThis volatility, he argued, requires employers to prioritize employee welfare as a core business discipline rather than an act of generosity.\n\u201cThe sustainability of our business depends on the well-being of the people inside them. That is not a slogan. In a 7.2% inflation environment, it is a survival strategy,\u201d Mr. Pardo said.\nHe said fuel costs remain a primary driver for logistics, which in turn affects raw materials, distribution and general operations across all major sectors.\nEnterprises in manufacturing, food service, transport and retail are being squeezed from both ends, facing high input costs while their customers\u2019 purchasing power is quietly shrinking, he added.\nThe Department of Trade and Industry echoed the need for private sector resilience by focusing on overseas expansion to offset domestic strain.\nTrade Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque said the government is finalizing four game-changing free trade agreements this year, including those with the European Union, Canada, Chile and India, to provide preferential tariffs for Philippine products.\nIn a resolution, ECOP cited the need to respond collectively to geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, technological disruption and climate-related challenges affecting jobs and competitiveness.\u00a0\n\u201cECOP, being the single voice of employers recognized by the government, should continue to affirm its commitment to advocate and support policies that strengthen business enterprises, improve the investment climate and engender economic growth and competitiveness amid the global and domestic crises and disruptions,\u201d according to the resolution.\nECOP said employers recognize both risks and opportunities arising from a young workforce, natural resources and regional integration, provided that reforms and coordinated action are pursued.\nIt added that these commitments are meant to guide continued engagement among stakeholders to strengthen resilience, sustainability and long-term economic stability. \u2014 Erika Mae P. Sinaking", "date_published": "2026-05-20T21:02:37+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-20T21:02:37+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Rice-scaled.jpg", "tags": [ "Erika Mae P. Sinaking", "Editors' Picks", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751089", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/20/751089/dnd-rejects-china-protest-over-thitu-nanshan-construction-activities/", "title": "DND rejects China protest over Thitu, Nanshan construction activities", "content_html": "THE PHILIPPINE Defense department rejected China\u2019s latest protest against Manila\u2019s activities on Thitu Island and Nanshan Island in the South China Sea, saying the projects are legitimate exercises of Philippine sovereignty and warning that Beijing\u2019s actions undermine regional stability.
\nIn a statement on Wednesday, the Department of National Defense (DND) junked claims by China\u2019s Ministry of National Defense that the Philippines was violating Chinese sovereignty through construction and development activities on Thitu, which Manila calls Pag-asa, and Nanshan or Lawak Island.
\nThe agency said both islands are part of the Kalayaan Island Group in the Spratly Islands and have long been administered by the Philippines under the municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan province.
\nChina earlier criticized the Philippines\u2019 continued upgrade of facilities on the two islands and reiterated its claim of indisputable sovereignty over most of the South China Sea through its so-called nine-dash line.
\n\u201cThe legitimate exercise of Philippine authority in these areas, including the conduct of improvement and development activities, is intended to support the welfare, safety and livelihood of Filipinos residing and working therein,\u201d Defense spokesman Assistant Secretary Arsenio R. Andolong said.
\nThe agency said China\u2019s sweeping maritime claims have no legal basis under international law, citing the 2016 arbitral ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea that voided Beijing\u2019s claims within the nine-dash line.
\n\u201cThe award remains final and legally binding on the parties,\u201d Mr. Andolong said.
\nThe DND also noted that the arbitral tribunal found that China\u2019s large-scale land reclamation and construction activities in disputed waters had caused severe damage to the marine environment.
\nIt added that continued Chinese interference in Philippine activities, including around Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, threatens regional stability and weakens the rule-based international order.
\n\u201cThe Department of National Defense remains steadfast in safeguarding Philippine territory, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,\u201d Mr. Andolong said. \u2014 Pexcel John Bacon
\n", "content_text": "THE PHILIPPINE Defense department rejected China\u2019s latest protest against Manila\u2019s activities on Thitu Island and Nanshan Island in the South China Sea, saying the projects are legitimate exercises of Philippine sovereignty and warning that Beijing\u2019s actions undermine regional stability.\nIn a statement on Wednesday, the Department of National Defense (DND) junked claims by China\u2019s Ministry of National Defense that the Philippines was violating Chinese sovereignty through construction and development activities on Thitu, which Manila calls Pag-asa, and Nanshan or Lawak Island.\nThe agency said both islands are part of the Kalayaan Island Group in the Spratly Islands and have long been administered by the Philippines under the municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan province.\nChina earlier criticized the Philippines\u2019 continued upgrade of facilities on the two islands and reiterated its claim of indisputable sovereignty over most of the South China Sea through its so-called nine-dash line.\n\u201cThe legitimate exercise of Philippine authority in these areas, including the conduct of improvement and development activities, is intended to support the welfare, safety and livelihood of Filipinos residing and working therein,\u201d Defense spokesman Assistant Secretary Arsenio R. Andolong said.\nThe agency said China\u2019s sweeping maritime claims have no legal basis under international law, citing the 2016 arbitral ruling under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea that voided Beijing\u2019s claims within the nine-dash line.\n\u201cThe award remains final and legally binding on the parties,\u201d Mr. Andolong said.\nThe DND also noted that the arbitral tribunal found that China\u2019s large-scale land reclamation and construction activities in disputed waters had caused severe damage to the marine environment.\nIt added that continued Chinese interference in Philippine activities, including around Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal, threatens regional stability and weakens the rule-based international order.\n\u201cThe Department of National Defense remains steadfast in safeguarding Philippine territory, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea,\u201d Mr. Andolong said. \u2014 Pexcel John Bacon", "date_published": "2026-05-20T21:02:19+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-20T21:02:19+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Spratly-Islands-South-China-Sea.jpg", "tags": [ "Pexcel John Bacon", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751088", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/20/751088/ovp-served-impeachment-summons/", "title": "OVP served impeachment summons", "content_html": "THE Office of the Vice-President (OVP) on Wednesday said it received the summons issued by the impeachment court as the Senate begins its preparations for the trial of Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio.
\n\u201cThe Office of the Vice-President confirms receipt of the Summons issued by the Impeachment Court at approximately 10:40 AM today, 20 May 2026,\u201d Ms. Duterte\u2019s office told reporters via Viber.
\nHer office did not elaborate on how the Vice-President will respond. She has until May 30 to file her answer.
\nThe chamber, presided by Senate President Alan Peter S. Cayetano, issued the summons to Ms. Duterte on Monday after the Senate officially convened as an impeachment court.
\nMs. Duterte is accused of betrayal of public trust, graft, violations of the Constitution and a plot to assassinate President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. She has denied all accusations.
\nThe Senate will likely begin the trial in June.
\nThe House of Representatives impeached her twice. The first attempt collapsed in the Senate, which archived the articles after the Supreme Court declared the proceedings unconstitutional.
\nRenewed efforts to remove Ms. Duterte resumed in February 2026, following the lapse of the one-year bar.
\nIf the Senate convicts her, she will be perpetually barred from holding public office, derailing her dreams to become president in 2028. \u2014 Chloe Mari A. Hufana
\n", "content_text": "THE Office of the Vice-President (OVP) on Wednesday said it received the summons issued by the impeachment court as the Senate begins its preparations for the trial of Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio.\n\u201cThe Office of the Vice-President confirms receipt of the Summons issued by the Impeachment Court at approximately 10:40 AM today, 20 May 2026,\u201d Ms. Duterte\u2019s office told reporters via Viber.\nHer office did not elaborate on how the Vice-President will respond. She has until May 30 to file her answer.\nThe chamber, presided by Senate President Alan Peter S. Cayetano, issued the summons to Ms. Duterte on Monday after the Senate officially convened as an impeachment court.\nMs. Duterte is accused of betrayal of public trust, graft, violations of the Constitution and a plot to assassinate President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. She has denied all accusations.\nThe Senate will likely begin the trial in June.\nThe House of Representatives impeached her twice. The first attempt collapsed in the Senate, which archived the articles after the Supreme Court declared the proceedings unconstitutional. \nRenewed efforts to remove Ms. Duterte resumed in February 2026, following the lapse of the one-year bar.\nIf the Senate convicts her, she will be perpetually barred from holding public office, derailing her dreams to become president in 2028. \u2014 Chloe Mari A. Hufana", "date_published": "2026-05-20T21:01:56+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-20T21:01:56+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Sara-Duterte-Carpio.jpg", "tags": [ "Chloe Mari A. Hufana", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751087", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/20/751087/dbm-to-safeguard-budget-from-abuse/", "title": "DBM to safeguard budget from abuse", "content_html": "THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) would ensure that the national budget would not be abused again, newly appointed Secretary Kim Robert C. de Leon said, following last year\u2019s corruption scandal.
\n\u201cWe are also mindful of the past concerns that continue to hound the budget process, but let us be clear, we must not allow these to prevent us from doing what is legally mandated for us to do,\u201d Mr. de Leon said in his inaugural speech on Wednesday.
\n\u201cIn the same vein, we will not allow the budget to be abused again for another flood control scandal. The President\u2019s directive is clear, every peso will go to the people,\u201d he added in mixed English and Filipino.
\nThe country was embroiled with a corruption scandal last year, linking government officials, lawmakers, and contractors to substandard or nonexistent flood control projects.
\nMr. de Leon also expressed openness to reforms that will make the budget the most powerful instrument to make the lives of Filipinos better.
\n\u201cLet us remove unnecessary red tape. Push for digitization and digitalization so that programs and services will be funded when and where Filipinos need them the most,\u201d he said.
\n\u201cI am not new to our processes and systems, and we know that there are still opportunities to improve either by pursuing legislating the Philippine Budgeting Code or through our own internal processes,\u201d he added. \u2014 Justine Irish D. Tabile
\n", "content_text": "THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) would ensure that the national budget would not be abused again, newly appointed Secretary Kim Robert C. de Leon said, following last year\u2019s corruption scandal.\n\u201cWe are also mindful of the past concerns that continue to hound the budget process, but let us be clear, we must not allow these to prevent us from doing what is legally mandated for us to do,\u201d Mr. de Leon said in his inaugural speech on Wednesday.\n\u201cIn the same vein, we will not allow the budget to be abused again for another flood control scandal. The President\u2019s directive is clear, every peso will go to the people,\u201d he added in mixed English and Filipino.\nThe country was embroiled with a corruption scandal last year, linking government officials, lawmakers, and contractors to substandard or nonexistent flood control projects.\nMr. de Leon also expressed openness to reforms that will make the budget the most powerful instrument to make the lives of Filipinos better.\n\u201cLet us remove unnecessary red tape. Push for digitization and digitalization so that programs and services will be funded when and where Filipinos need them the most,\u201d he said.\n\u201cI am not new to our processes and systems, and we know that there are still opportunities to improve either by pursuing legislating the Philippine Budgeting Code or through our own internal processes,\u201d he added. \u2014 Justine Irish D. Tabile", "date_published": "2026-05-20T21:01:32+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-20T21:01:32+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/DBM-facade.jpg", "tags": [ "Justine Irish D. Tabile", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751086", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/20/751086/marcos-inspects-qc-drainage-rehab/", "title": "Marcos inspects QC drainage rehab", "content_html": "PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday emphasized the need for the continuous rehabilitation of drainage systems in a flood-prone area in Quezon City (QC) as he inspected an ongoing improvement project.
\n\u201cThese are the strategies we are employing\u2026 This is just one. We are doing several around Metro Manila and the entire Philippines to find a way to flood control,\u201d he said in mixed English and Filipino in an inspection at G. Araneta Avenue, Quezon City, ahead of the country\u2019s wet season.
\nAmong the works undertaken in the area were pipe-laying activities expected to be completed next week and the construction of a pumping station, which is expected to begin within the year or in early 2027.
\nThe Philippines in 2025 was struck by a multibillion-peso flood mitigation scam following Mr. Marcos\u2019 revelation in his annual state address, alleging the collusion involving public officials, lawmakers and private contractors to pocket money from projects.
\nPublic Works Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon said residents have felt some relief during recent rains since projects began.
\n\u201cDuring the last rain over the weekend, we saw that we are already seeing some alleviation, we are already seeing some improvement. But we are not yet satisfied with that. We need to continue and finish it before June,\u201d he told reporters in Filipino, noting that the President\u2019s directive is to complete the project before the onset of the rainy season.
\nThe projects form part of the government\u2019s \u201cOplan Kontra Baha\u201d which involves clearing operations, drainage rehabilitation and pumping station upgrades. \u2014 Chloe Mari A. Hufana
\n", "content_text": "PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday emphasized the need for the continuous rehabilitation of drainage systems in a flood-prone area in Quezon City (QC) as he inspected an ongoing improvement project.\n\u201cThese are the strategies we are employing\u2026 This is just one. We are doing several around Metro Manila and the entire Philippines to find a way to flood control,\u201d he said in mixed English and Filipino in an inspection at G. Araneta Avenue, Quezon City, ahead of the country\u2019s wet season.\nAmong the works undertaken in the area were pipe-laying activities expected to be completed next week and the construction of a pumping station, which is expected to begin within the year or in early 2027.\nThe Philippines in 2025 was struck by a multibillion-peso flood mitigation scam following Mr. Marcos\u2019 revelation in his annual state address, alleging the collusion involving public officials, lawmakers and private contractors to pocket money from projects.\nPublic Works Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon said residents have felt some relief during recent rains since projects began.\n\u201cDuring the last rain over the weekend, we saw that we are already seeing some alleviation, we are already seeing some improvement. But we are not yet satisfied with that. We need to continue and finish it before June,\u201d he told reporters in Filipino, noting that the President\u2019s directive is to complete the project before the onset of the rainy season.\nThe projects form part of the government\u2019s \u201cOplan Kontra Baha\u201d which involves clearing operations, drainage rehabilitation and pumping station upgrades. \u2014 Chloe Mari A. Hufana", "date_published": "2026-05-20T21:01:04+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-20T21:01:04+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/drainage-worker.jpg", "tags": [ "Chloe Mari A. Hufana", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751085", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/20/751085/senator-pia-to-chair-blue-ribbon/", "title": "Senator Pia to chair Blue Ribbon", "content_html": "SENATOR Pilar Juliana \u201cPia\u201d S. Cayetano has been elected as the new chairperson of the Senate Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations, in place of Senator Panfilo \u201cPing\u201d M. Lacson.
\nThe panel, also known as the Blue Ribbon Committee, led the chamber\u2019s investigation into alleged corruption linked to the government\u2019s anomalous flood control project.
\nFour more committee chairmanships were filled on Wednesday, with Senator Maria Imelda \u201cImee\u201d R. Marcos taking over the Foreign Relations panel and Senator Robinhood C. Padilla leading the Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes committee.
\nThe Judicial and Bar Council committee has also been transferred to new chairperson Senator Rodante D. Marcoleta.
\nMeanwhile, Senator Camille A. Villar retained chairmanships of the committees on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, and Government Corporations and Public Enterprises. \u2014 Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel
\n", "content_text": "SENATOR Pilar Juliana \u201cPia\u201d S. Cayetano has been elected as the new chairperson of the Senate Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations, in place of Senator Panfilo \u201cPing\u201d M. Lacson.\nThe panel, also known as the Blue Ribbon Committee, led the chamber\u2019s investigation into alleged corruption linked to the government\u2019s anomalous flood control project.\nFour more committee chairmanships were filled on Wednesday, with Senator Maria Imelda \u201cImee\u201d R. Marcos taking over the Foreign Relations panel and Senator Robinhood C. Padilla leading the Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes committee.\nThe Judicial and Bar Council committee has also been transferred to new chairperson Senator Rodante D. Marcoleta.\nMeanwhile, Senator Camille A. Villar retained chairmanships of the committees on Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, and Government Corporations and Public Enterprises. \u2014 Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel", "date_published": "2026-05-20T21:00:21+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-21T09:07:14+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Senate-building-113018.jpg", "tags": [ "Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751084", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/20/751084/medical-scholars-get-p186m-more-funding/", "title": "Medical scholars get P186M more funding", "content_html": "ABOUT 648 medical scholars may be supported by the additional funding of P186 million for the Medical Scholarship Act, a senator said on Wednesday.
\nIn a press statement, Senate Minority Leader Vicente C. Sotto III, who authored the measure, welcomed the continued funding for the program, noting it could enhance the Philippine medical workforce.
\n\u201cThis is really necessary because of the shortage in doctors, nurses, and medical practitioners in our country, especially in far-flung areas or provinces,\u201d Mr. Sotto said.
\nUnder the Republic Act No. 11509, enacted in December 2020, scholars are mandated to return service by serving in government health facilities for a year for every scholarship year availed.
\n\u201cI take this very positively and support this completely, as many medical students want to finish their education but lack the financial capability to do so,\u201d Mr. Sotto said.
\nHe said he has envisioned supporting about 40 medical scholars for every State University and College (SUC) offering Doctor of Medicine programs.
\nAccording to the statement, there are 25 SUCs that offer medical doctor programs.
\nMr. Sotto added that the additional funding also prioritizes students who are almost finished with their studies.
\nIn 2024, Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa reported the Philippines faced a shortage of 190,000 healthcare workers. \u2014 Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel
\n", "content_text": "ABOUT 648 medical scholars may be supported by the additional funding of P186 million for the Medical Scholarship Act, a senator said on Wednesday.\nIn a press statement, Senate Minority Leader Vicente C. Sotto III, who authored the measure, welcomed the continued funding for the program, noting it could enhance the Philippine medical workforce.\n\u201cThis is really necessary because of the shortage in doctors, nurses, and medical practitioners in our country, especially in far-flung areas or provinces,\u201d Mr. Sotto said.\nUnder the Republic Act No. 11509, enacted in December 2020, scholars are mandated to return service by serving in government health facilities for a year for every scholarship year availed.\n\u201cI take this very positively and support this completely, as many medical students want to finish their education but lack the financial capability to do so,\u201d Mr. Sotto said.\nHe said he has envisioned supporting about 40 medical scholars for every State University and College (SUC) offering Doctor of Medicine programs.\nAccording to the statement, there are 25 SUCs that offer medical doctor programs.\nMr. Sotto added that the additional funding also prioritizes students who are almost finished with their studies.\nIn 2024, Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa reported the Philippines faced a shortage of 190,000 healthcare workers. \u2014 Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel", "date_published": "2026-05-20T20:59:55+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-20T20:59:55+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Briefs-6-hush-naidoo-jade-photography-yo01Z-9HQAw-unsplash.jpg", "tags": [ "Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751083", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/20/751083/2-paf-pilots-die-in-benguet-mountain-plane-crash/", "title": "2 PAF pilots die in Benguet mountain plane crash", "content_html": "TUBA, Benguet \u2014 Two Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel died as their trainer aircraft (SF 620) crashed in a forested area in Sitio Cabuyao, Barangay Poblacion, Tuba town, on Wednesday morning.
\nCol. Ma. Christina Basco, PAF spokesperson said, the victims have died from injuries they suffered from the impact of the crash.
\nAuthorities earlier identified one of the victims as Ruth Angelique R. Pasos, a first lieutenant of the Philippine Air Force, while the other occupant, a uniformed male, has yet to be identified.
\nQuoting Tuba police, Lt. Col. Roy Calulot, Cordillera police spokesman said the crash involving a gray, white and orange Philippine Air Force aircraft bearing tail number 10-39 occurred at around 10:20 a.m. but was reported to authorities at about 11:40 a.m.
\nResponding Tuba town policemen, Bureau of Fire Protection, Tuba Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, nearest Baguio City station personnel and local residents reportedly found the two occupants unconscious at the crash site. \u2014 Artemio A. Dumlao
\n", "content_text": "TUBA, Benguet \u2014 Two Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel died as their trainer aircraft (SF 620) crashed in a forested area in Sitio Cabuyao, Barangay Poblacion, Tuba town, on Wednesday morning.\nCol. Ma. Christina Basco, PAF spokesperson said, the victims have died from injuries they suffered from the impact of the crash.\nAuthorities earlier identified one of the victims as Ruth Angelique R. Pasos, a first lieutenant of the Philippine Air Force, while the other occupant, a uniformed male, has yet to be identified.\nQuoting Tuba police, Lt. Col. Roy Calulot, Cordillera police spokesman said the crash involving a gray, white and orange Philippine Air Force aircraft bearing tail number 10-39 occurred at around 10:20 a.m. but was reported to authorities at about 11:40 a.m.\nResponding Tuba town policemen, Bureau of Fire Protection, Tuba Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, nearest Baguio City station personnel and local residents reportedly found the two occupants unconscious at the crash site. \u2014 Artemio A. Dumlao", "date_published": "2026-05-20T20:59:28+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-20T20:59:28+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/the-nation-default.jpg", "tags": [ "Artemio A. Dumlao", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751081", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/20/751081/nbi-raids-pampanga-online-game-farm-arrests-2-koreans/", "title": "NBI raids Pampanga online game-farm, arrests 2 Koreans", "content_html": "TARLAC CITY, Tarlac \u2014 National Bureau of Investigation-Special Action Unit (NBI-SAU) agents with NBI-Tarlac District Office agents overran an alleged illegal online game-farming operation in Angeles City, Pampanga and arrested two Korean nationals on May 15.
\nSeveral computer sets allegedly used in operating the online gaming scheme linked to Lineage Classic, a Korean multiplayer role-playing game with a virtual economy involving the in-game currency \u201cAdena,\u201d were seized, the NBI-SAU said.
\nA warrant to search, seize and examine computer data against the operation was secured before the raid.
\nThe two Koreans, whose names have been withheld, are now facing violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.
\nThe Angeles, Pampanga raid followed a May 8 raid in Imus City, Cavite, where three Korean nationals were also arrested for allegedly running the same type of online game-farming activities.
\nNBI-SAU said the surveillance operations showed that foreign nationals were allegedly operating organized \u201cfarming\u201d activities using multiple computer units and messaging applications to coordinate gaming-related tasks and transactions.
\nDuring the Cavite raid, Filipino workers told agents they worked up to 12 hours a day with only one rest day weekly while receiving salaries from Korean supervisors. The arrested suspects there were charged with violations of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act and the Social Security Act. \u2014 Artemio A. Dumlao
\n", "content_text": "TARLAC CITY, Tarlac \u2014 National Bureau of Investigation-Special Action Unit (NBI-SAU) agents with NBI-Tarlac District Office agents overran an alleged illegal online game-farming operation in Angeles City, Pampanga and arrested two Korean nationals on May 15.\nSeveral computer sets allegedly used in operating the online gaming scheme linked to Lineage Classic, a Korean multiplayer role-playing game with a virtual economy involving the in-game currency \u201cAdena,\u201d were seized, the NBI-SAU said.\nA warrant to search, seize and examine computer data against the operation was secured before the raid.\nThe two Koreans, whose names have been withheld, are now facing violations of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.\nThe Angeles, Pampanga raid followed a May 8 raid in Imus City, Cavite, where three Korean nationals were also arrested for allegedly running the same type of online game-farming activities.\nNBI-SAU said the surveillance operations showed that foreign nationals were allegedly operating organized \u201cfarming\u201d activities using multiple computer units and messaging applications to coordinate gaming-related tasks and transactions.\nDuring the Cavite raid, Filipino workers told agents they worked up to 12 hours a day with only one rest day weekly while receiving salaries from Korean supervisors. The arrested suspects there were charged with violations of the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act and the Social Security Act. \u2014 Artemio A. Dumlao", "date_published": "2026-05-20T20:59:13+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-20T20:59:13+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/the-nation-default.jpg", "tags": [ "Artemio A. Dumlao", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751080", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/20/751080/dpwh-asks-legacy-construction-corp-to-stop-operations-after-crane-collapses/", "title": "DPWH asks Legacy Construction Corp. to stop operations after crane collapses", "content_html": "THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) issued a cease-and-desist order against Legacy Construction Corp., contractor of the Udalo Bridge in Occidental Mindoro, after a crane collapse left one dead.
\nIn a statement on Wednesday, the DPWH said it has ordered the company to stop its lifting operations following the incident.
\nPublic Works Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon said he has ordered the DPWH-Mimaropa Regional Office to investigate the incident to determine if there was negligence on the contractor\u2019s part.
\n\u201c[The] DPWH-Mimaropa Regional Office [is tasked] to investigate the incident to determine if it was caused by material fatigue, overloading, or lack of equipment maintenance and if comprehensive safety protocols were implemented,\u201d the agency said.
\nThe DPWH also said that it has ordered the Legacy Construction Corp. to submit an updated third-party heavy equipment certificate, as well as maintenance logs for all cranes on site as part of its equipment audit.
\nThe agency said that the contractor may face penalties if found that it violated occupational safety and health standards. \u2014 Ashley Erika O. Jose
\n", "content_text": "THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) issued a cease-and-desist order against Legacy Construction Corp., contractor of the Udalo Bridge in Occidental Mindoro, after a crane collapse left one dead.\nIn a statement on Wednesday, the DPWH said it has ordered the company to stop its lifting operations following the incident.\nPublic Works Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon said he has ordered the DPWH-Mimaropa Regional Office to investigate the incident to determine if there was negligence on the contractor\u2019s part.\n\u201c[The] DPWH-Mimaropa Regional Office [is tasked] to investigate the incident to determine if it was caused by material fatigue, overloading, or lack of equipment maintenance and if comprehensive safety protocols were implemented,\u201d the agency said.\nThe DPWH also said that it has ordered the Legacy Construction Corp. to submit an updated third-party heavy equipment certificate, as well as maintenance logs for all cranes on site as part of its equipment audit.\nThe agency said that the contractor may face penalties if found that it violated occupational safety and health standards. \u2014 Ashley Erika O. Jose", "date_published": "2026-05-20T20:58:57+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-20T20:58:57+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/the-nation-default.jpg", "tags": [ "Ashley Erika O. Jose", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751135", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/20/751135/marcos-names-new-pnoc-chief/", "title": "Marcos names new PNOC chief", "content_html": "PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. appointed Franz Josef George E. Alvarez as acting president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC), the Palace said on Wednesday.
\nExecutive Secretary Ralph G. Recto signed his appointment letter last May 13, 2026, according to a document sent to Palace reporters on Wednesday and confirmed by Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro.
\nMr. Alvarez previously led PNOC subsidiary, PNOC Exploration Corp., as president and CEO from 2023 to 2024.
\nHe also represented the first district of Palawan in Congress from July 2013 to June 2023.
\nThe President also appointed Mr. Alvarez as acting member of board of directors. He replaces Ma. Cristina Sheila Canag Cabaraban. \u2014 Chloe Mari A. Hufana
\n", "content_text": "PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. appointed Franz Josef George E. Alvarez as acting president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC), the Palace said on Wednesday.\nExecutive Secretary Ralph G. Recto signed his appointment letter last May 13, 2026, according to a document sent to Palace reporters on Wednesday and confirmed by Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro.\nMr. Alvarez previously led PNOC subsidiary, PNOC Exploration Corp., as president and CEO from 2023 to 2024.\nHe also represented the first district of Palawan in Congress from July 2013 to June 2023.\nThe President also appointed Mr. Alvarez as acting member of board of directors. He replaces Ma. Cristina Sheila Canag Cabaraban. \u2014 Chloe Mari A. Hufana", "date_published": "2026-05-20T20:58:41+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-20T20:58:41+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Philippine_National_Oil_Company_PNOC-logo.jpg", "tags": [ "Chloe Mari A. Hufana", "The Nation" ] }, { "id": "/?p=751134", "url": "/the-nation/2026/05/20/751134/more-than-70-filipinos-hit-by-fraud-attempts-in-2025/", "title": "More than 70% Filipinos hit by fraud attempts in 2025", "content_html": "MORE than 70% of Filipinos were targeted for fraud last year, driven mainly by phishing amid the extensive use of mobile channels for commerce and social interaction, a survey by TransUnion showed.
\n\u201cOur data indicate that fraud in the Philippines is driven more by scale than severity,\u201d Yogesh Daware, TransUnion Philippines chief commercial officer said in a press release. \u201cWhile a significant proportion of Filipino consumers report being targeted through online, e-mail, phone call or text messaging fraud attempts, the typical financial loss per incident is relatively lower compared to other markets.\u201d
\nThe survey found 72% of the 821 Filipinos surveyed reported being targeted for fraud last year, with 11% falling victim, both higher than the global average of 53% that were targeted and 10% that fell victim.
\nThe survey was conducted from Nov. 20 to Dec. 8, 2025 as part of the global survey of 12,730 consumers.
\nThis places the Philippines among the markets with the most widespread digital fraud exposure across 18 countries and regions surveyed by TransUnion.
\nThe country\u2019s suspected digital fraud rate stood at 4.1% in 2025, exceeding the global level of 3.8% for the sixth consecutive year.
\nAmong those who fell victim, the survey found Filipinos lost a median $850 (P50,028) to fraud last year, mainly due to money mule activity and third-party seller scams on legitimate online retail websites.
\nFraud attempts were driven by the country\u2019s high internet penetration and mobile-first connectivity, with 91% of Filipinos reported conducting at least part of their account management activities online \u2014 such as address changes, account name updates and other modifications.
\nFraud risk was highest at the account login stage at 6.1%, higher than the global rate of 4.3%. This was followed by account creation (4.5%) and financial transactions (1.1%).
\n\u201cFraudsters rely on impersonation and synthetic identities to evade detection, while AI (artificial intelligence)-powered tactics make these attacks easier to scale and harder to identify,\u201d Mr. Daware said, noting that fraud is fundamentally an identity issue in the Philippines.
\n\u201cThis raises critical questions for both businesses and consumers: whether organizations can reliably verify the person on the other side of a digital interaction and whether consumers can effectively protect their personal information.\u201d
\nThe logistics sector recorded the highest suspected digital fraud rate in 2025 for attempted transactions at 8.5%, followed by the insurance sector at 7.6%, the communities sector at 5.8%, retail sector at 5.2%, and the financial services sector rounding out the top five at 2.3%. \u2014 Aaron Michael C. Sy
\n", "content_text": "MORE than 70% of Filipinos were targeted for fraud last year, driven mainly by phishing amid the extensive use of mobile channels for commerce and social interaction, a survey by TransUnion showed.\n\u201cOur data indicate that fraud in the Philippines is driven more by scale than severity,\u201d Yogesh Daware, TransUnion Philippines chief commercial officer said in a press release. \u201cWhile a significant proportion of Filipino consumers report being targeted through online, e-mail, phone call or text messaging fraud attempts, the typical financial loss per incident is relatively lower compared to other markets.\u201d\nThe survey found 72% of the 821 Filipinos surveyed reported being targeted for fraud last year, with 11% falling victim, both higher than the global average of 53% that were targeted and 10% that fell victim.\nThe survey was conducted from Nov. 20 to Dec. 8, 2025 as part of the global survey of 12,730 consumers.\nThis places the Philippines among the markets with the most widespread digital fraud exposure across 18 countries and regions surveyed by TransUnion.\nThe country\u2019s suspected digital fraud rate stood at 4.1% in 2025, exceeding the global level of 3.8% for the sixth consecutive year.\nAmong those who fell victim, the survey found Filipinos lost a median $850 (P50,028) to fraud last year, mainly due to money mule activity and third-party seller scams on legitimate online retail websites.\nFraud attempts were driven by the country\u2019s high internet penetration and mobile-first connectivity, with 91% of Filipinos reported conducting at least part of their account management activities online \u2014 such as address changes, account name updates and other modifications.\nFraud risk was highest at the account login stage at 6.1%, higher than the global rate of 4.3%. This was followed by account creation (4.5%) and financial transactions (1.1%).\n\u201cFraudsters rely on impersonation and synthetic identities to evade detection, while AI (artificial intelligence)-powered tactics make these attacks easier to scale and harder to identify,\u201d Mr. Daware said, noting that fraud is fundamentally an identity issue in the Philippines.\n\u201cThis raises critical questions for both businesses and consumers: whether organizations can reliably verify the person on the other side of a digital interaction and whether consumers can effectively protect their personal information.\u201d\nThe logistics sector recorded the highest suspected digital fraud rate in 2025 for attempted transactions at 8.5%, followed by the insurance sector at 7.6%, the communities sector at 5.8%, retail sector at 5.2%, and the financial services sector rounding out the top five at 2.3%. \u2014 Aaron Michael C. Sy", "date_published": "2026-05-20T20:58:15+08:00", "date_modified": "2026-05-20T20:58:15+08:00", "authors": [ { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" } ], "author": { "name": "大象传媒", "url": "/author/cedadiantityclea/", "avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fc38d2668fdee8f1e2b22df5e72ae6f4ad265ab7814de4aa60060edd377a70ce?s=512&d=mm&r=g" }, "image": "/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/cyber-crime.jpg", "tags": [ "Aaron Michael C. Sy", "The Nation" ] } ] }