Latest News
Senator Loren Legarda emphasized the crucial role of the Philippine Studies Program in fostering stronger global connections and elevating the country’s voice on the international stage.
Speaking at the launch of a book on the Philippine Studies Program, Legarda emphasized that diplomacy does not begin in embassies, but in libraries, classrooms, and simple acts of curiosity.
“And it taught me this: no matter how vast the world may seem, we shape one another. Our narratives intersect, and in these crossings, we discover deeper ways of speaking and listening,” Legarda said.
Legarda, known for championing culture and education, shared that it is the conviction that inspired her to promote a form of diplomacy that uses the power of storytelling: cultural diplomacy.
“In a world so fractured by uncertainty, we are reminded—now more than ever—that the strongest bridges are built through understanding.”
The Philippines takes another step, serving as the Guest of Honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair this year, making it the second Southeast Asian country to be named as such.
The Philippine Studies program was established in collaboration with the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London in 2017.
It has since expanded into a global initiative in 24 universities worldwide, creating scholarly work on topics such as the medicinal potential of Philippine plants, labor migration driven by climate change, and indigenous languages.
“This is soft power at its most strategic: Scholarly, reciprocal, and deeply human. The Filipino experience standing on the world stage—on our own terms—sparking curiosity about our heritage in ways that ripple across sectors: from tourism and research partnerships to stronger bilateral and multilateral ties,” said Legarda.
The Philippine Studies Program, Legarda noted, provides a model for how nations can assert their identity while contributing to global knowledge.
“What the Philippine Studies Program models is a way forward—for all of us—to see ourselves not only as inheritors of identity, but as contributors to global thought and co-authors of a shared future.”
By PCO
President Ferdinand R.Marcos Jr.’s administration is actively developing a national framework to ensure the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the country, Malacañang said on Tuesday.
The Palace also warned against the threat of disinformation in the lead-up to the President’s upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA).
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos has ordered the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to lead the ongoing research, international benchmarking, and creation of regular policy recommendations to guide AI deployment in the country.
“Ang inuutos po ng Pangulo ay magkaroon ng tuloy-tuloy na pag-aaral patungkol po sa AI, advantages at disadvantages, ang application nito sa bansa at mga best practices nito sa ibang bansa at magkaroon ng regular policy recommendations at research findings,” Castro said.
As the SONA approaches, Castro also warned against efforts to use AI to spread fake news and discredit the government.
She emphasized the government’s commitment to truth and accountability and called on media professionals to be allies in fighting disinformation.
“Hihingin din po namin ang inyong tulong patungkol dito dahil sa media- social media at mainstream media- malaking tulong po kapag kayo ay may nakikita nang fake news, ito at maialarma na sa taong bayan. Kaya we need your help,” Castro said.
By PCO
Prioritizing prevention and rehabilitation over violence, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday ordered law enforcement authorities to step up the peaceful war against illegal drugs, which has borne results with PhP62 billion worth of shabu interdicted since the start of his administration.
President Marcos emphasized that rather than resorting to violence, his administration’s anti-drug campaign focuses on strengthening prevention and rehabilitation efforts. The President highlighted the importance of helping individuals overcome addiction through enhanced support systems and community-based interventions.
“The new concept of the war against drugs is working. So, we will continue down that vein. And I think we are beginning to see the good effects of that new policy,” the President said in his remarks after inspecting the PhP8.87 worth of shabu and other illegal drugs stockpiled at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) headquarters in Quezon City.
“Number one, mas pinapatibay natin ang ating prevention. Tapos mas pinapatibay natin ang ating rehabilitasyon. ‘Pag nasabit na sa droga ang tao, tinutulungan natin na mabitawan niya ‘yang bisyo na ‘yan,” President Marcos said.
President Marcos referred to the policy under his administration that authorities do not resort to killing people on mere suspicion of being linked to the illegal drug trade.
“I continue to encourage all the Drug Board authorities, the PDEA authorities, and of course, the police, that we must continue with the war against drugs. But we must do it in a peaceful way,” President Marcos said.
“It has been described as a bloodless war on drugs. And this is what we are aiming for. But nonetheless, despite the fact that we do not kill people that are just suspected of having anything to do with drugs, imbis na ganoon ang ginagawa natin, we are handling the drug problem in a different way,” President Marcos added.
The President ordered drug enforcement authorities to put equal emphasis on the prevention of illegal drug use and the rehabilitation of users.
The President also instructed the Philippine National Police and PDEA to continue the drug war against large drug syndicates, while at the same time going after small-time drug traffickers.
“Kaya tinitiyak ng ating kapulisan na marami tayong pulis na nakikita, very high presence ng pulis at kung mayroon mang ganoon, mayroong mga ganoong kaso ay mahuli na kaagad natin,” the President said.
“So, that is what we are continuing to do. We are hitting the drug trade at the highest level and at the lowest level. And we are beginning to see some measure of success. Kaya ipapagpatuloy natin ito,” stressed President Marcos.
The seized PhP8.87 billion worth of shabu and other drugs are scheduled to be destroyed on Wednesday in Capas, Tarlac.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) is closely monitoring the ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting of former radio anchor Ali Macalintal on Monday, June 23, 2025, in General Santos City. Macalintal, a former broadcaster for RPN-DXDX General Santos, sustained three gunshot wounds and was declared dead on arrival at a nearby hospital. In coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 12, PTFOMS is investigating the motive behind the attack, including the possibility that it may be connected to the victim’s previous work in media.
PTFOMS is coordinating with local law enforcement units and monitoring developments through its network of Media Security Vanguards—PNP Public Information Officers trained to respond to threats and violence against journalists.
The Task Force assures the public and the media community that justice will be pursued with urgency and transparency.
The Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Services Office IV-A actively participated in the Second Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Office of Civil Defense. The drill, held on June 19, 2025, aimed to reinforce disaster preparedness and instill a culture of safety and responsiveness among everyone.
Before the execution of the drill, Marco Paolo Aclan, Administrative Officer III, provided an orientation highlighting the rationale behind the NSED. He discussed essential aspects of earthquake preparedness, including the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” safety procedure, the office’s earthquake response plan, and some specific instructions to be followed during the drill. This ensures that all personnel understood their roles and the importance of a swift and orderly response during an actual earthquake.
An Evacuation Assembly Area was pre-identified to guide personnel during the evacuation. At the sound of the alarm, employees promptly performed the “Duck, Cover, and Hold” technique and proceeded in an organized manner to the assembly point.
The drill was participated in by a total of 42 PSA RSSO IV-A personnel, consisting of 10 males and 32 females. Their cooperation and active involvement reflected the office’s commitment to safety and preparedness.
Following the drill, a short debriefing was conducted, Juliedin B. Nohay, Registration Officer IV, identified a few areas for improvement which were supported by Chief Administrative Officer Wilma A. Villafuerte, who commended all employees for their participation. In her message, she emphasized the value of regular drills in preparing staff for emergency situations and thanked everyone for their active involvement.
The PSA RSSO IV-A remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting safety and preparedness in the workplace and will continue to support initiatives that enhance disaster resilience and employee readiness.
The newly elected officials of Cavite, led by Governor-elect Francisco Gabriel “Abeng” Remulla, Vice Governor-elect Ramon Vicente “Ram” Revilla Bautista, and 7th District Congressman Crispin Diego “Ping” Remulla, formally took their oaths of office in a grand ceremony at the historic Diocesan Shrine of San Agustin (Holy Cross Parish) in Tanza, Cavite on June 25, 2025.
Also sworn in were the Board Members from Cavite’s eight districts, Tanza Mayor-elect Archangelo “SM” Matro, and the newly elected Municipal Councilors. The oaths were administered by distinguished officials: DILG Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla for Tanza’s local officials, Prosecutor Vivian Monzon-Rojo for the Board Members, Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. for Vice Governor-elect Revilla, and DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla for Congressman Ping Remulla and Governor-elect Abeng Remulla.
Prior to the formal ceremony, a Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Virgilio Mendoza, parish priest of San Agustin Church, offering prayers of guidance, thanksgiving, and hope as the new leaders prepared to begin their term of service.
Adding both solemnity and resonance to the event, the renowned Imusicapella delivered stirring performances. Their heartfelt renditions of inspirational songs enriched the atmosphere and underscored the gravity of the officials’ pledge to serve with honor and dedication.
Set against the backdrop of San Agustin Church – a revered landmark that has witnessed Cavite’s rich history – the ceremony embodied a blend of solemn duty, civic pride, and shared hope for the province’s future.
In their messages, Governor Abeng Remulla and Vice Governor Ram Revilla called for servant leadership, inclusive governance, and sustained progress. Governor Remulla, representing a new generation, pledged to lead an open and proactive government that listens to all sectors and leaves no community behind.
Vice Governor Revilla affirmed that public office is a sacred responsibility – to lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and act with conviction. United in vision, both leaders vowed to work with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to build a just, inclusive, and resilient Cavite for all.—E. Reyes (CPIO)
Ang Pambansang Komisyon para sa mga Nakatanda (NCSC) ay pinatatatag ang mga pangangalaga at benepisyo para sa mga nakatatanda sa tulong at pakikipagtulungan ng mga kasangkot.
Ang NCSC ay nagdaos ng ika-6 na Pambansang Konbensyon ng Lupon ng mga Tagapayo (NAB) at Pagsusuri sa Gitnang Termino ng Planong Pampinansyal ng Pilipinas para sa mga Nakatanda (PPASC) 2023-2028 kahapon sa Great Eastern Hotel.
Ang NAB Conference ay nagtipon ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno, mga lokal na lider, at mga grupo ng lipunan, ang pribadong sektor, at mga samahan ng mga nakatatandang tao upang subaybayan ang progreso, i-ayon ang mga layunin, at palakasin ang mga programa na sumusuporta sa mga matatanda.
Ang pambansang balangkas para sa pagpapabuti ng pangangalaga at suporta sa mga nakatatanda ay nasa sentro ng kaganapang ito sa PPASC.
Ang PPASC ay nagbibigay ng gabay sa mga pagsisikap na itaguyod ang aktibong pagtanda, mapabuti ang akses sa pangangalagang pangkalusugan at mga serbisyong panlipunan, palawakin ang mga proteksyon, at lumikha ng mga inklusibo at kaibig-ibig na mga komunidad para sa mga nakatatanda.
Sinuri ng NAB Conference kung gaano kahusay ang naging trabaho ng PPASC hanggang ngayon at kung ano ang maaaring mapabuti. Nakatuon ito sa direktang kapakinabangan ng mga nakatatandang Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng pagsusulong ng mga sumusunod,
Mas mabuting pangangalaga sa mga komunidad sa pamamagitan ng mga localized Senior Citizen Community Care Centers (SC3Cs) na nag-aalok ng mga mahahalagang serbisyo malapit sa tahanan.
Higit pang benepisyo sa pamamagitan ng mga update sa Republic Act No. 11982 o ang Expanded Centenarians Act, na ngayon ay nagbibigay ng pagkilala at mga cash gift sa mga nakatatanda na may edad 80, 90, at 100 pataas.
Mas matatag na mga sistema ng suporta sa pamamagitan ng pag-aadjust ng mga programa batay sa mga totoong hamon na kinakaharap ng mga nakatatanda tulad ng access sa pangangalagang pangkalusugan, seguridad sa kita, at pang-aabuso sa mga nakatatanda.Sa gitnang pagsusuri, pinatibay ng NCSC ang kanilang pangako na hindi iwanan ang sinumang nakatatandang Pilipino at upang matiyak na ang PPASC ay mananatiling isang tumutugon na patakaran na nagpapabuti sa buhay ng mga nakatatanda sa lahat ng komunidad.
Sa isang press conference, sinabi ni DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) Assistant Secretary Elizabeth N. Lopez De Leon na kasama ang DA (Department of Agriculture), kanilang ipinatutupad ang programang “Hapag” sa pamamagitan ng “Gulayan”, na nagsisiguro ng kasapatan sa pagkain at maging ng pagkakataon sa kabuhayan para sa bawat pook na mahirap.
Idinagdag ni De Leon na ang DILG ay tumatanggap ng lahat ng uri ng reklamo, lalo na mula sa mga mamamayan, sa pamamagitan ng pagtawag sa “911”. Ang Presidential Commission on the Urban Poor (PCUP) ay ang ahensya ng gobyerno na tumutulong sa mga “informal settlers” na hindi pinalad sa buhay.
Tiniyak ni NCSC Commissioner Lt. Gen. Rainier Cruz (Ret.) sa mga nakatatandang Pilipino na maaari silang lumapit sa NCSC, sa pamamagitan ng OSCA (Tanggapan ng Ugnayan ng mga Nakatanda), para sa kanilang mga reklamo, alalahanin, at mga problema.
Binanggit ni Cruz ang isang insidente ng reklamo tungkol sa nawawalang tiket sa isang programa sa radyo, na nalutas bago pa ito umere sa radyo kung saan ang nagreklamo ay na-refund ang halaga ng nawawalang tiket. Sinabi niya na patuloy silang tumatanggap ng mga reklamo araw-araw, at kung hindi sila makagawa ng kahit ano tungkol dito, kanilang ire-refer ito sa Kongreso ng Pilipinas.
Idinagdag ni Cruz na makikipag-coordinate sila sa PNP (Philippine National Police) upang isama ang “Help Desk” na eksklusibo para sa mga reklamo at alalahanin ng mga nakatatandang mamamayan.
Binanggit niya na ang mga nakatatandang mamamayan ay hindi makakapagsampa ng kanilang mga reklamo tuwing katapusan ng linggo (Sabado-Linggo) dahil ang mga opisina ng OSCA ay bukas lamang mula Lunes hanggang Biyernes at sarado tuwing katapusan ng linggo.
Sinabi ng Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) na sa Pilipinas, ngayon ay may 81,500 na banyagang retirado mula sa 150 bansa na isang pinagkukunan ng pagmamalaki para sa ating mga Pilipino kaya’t dapat natin silang protektahan.
Patuloy tayong bumubuo ng mga paraan at hakbang upang gawing maayos ang kanilang pagreretiro dito.Ang PRA ay tinutukoy ang mga banyagang retirado bilang “walang kasing mga nangangarap”. Ang Kalihim ng Agrikultura (DA) na si Francisco “Kiko” V. Tiu Laurel, Jr. ay itinutulak ang “Mekanisasyon para sa mga Walang Kasing mga Nangarap”. Ang DA, sa pamamagitan ng Bureau of Animal Industry (BPI), ay nag-aalok ng programang “Kambingan” para sa mga nakatatanda, bukod pa sa iba.
KALABOSO ang tatlo katao matapos ang matagumpay na buy bust operation na isinagawa ng kapulisan kamakailan sa Tagaytay City, Cavite.
Nakilala ang mga suspek na isa rito ay babae na sina alyas Mia, ng Barangay Pasong Langka, Silang; alyas Johnny, ng Barangay Marinig, Cabuyao City, Laguna; at alyas Carmela, ng Barangay Sinalhan, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna.
Nabatid na ang babaing suspek ay nakatala bilang Street Level Individual.
Ang buy-bust operation ay isinagawa ng mga operatiba ng City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU) ng Tagaytay Component City Police Station dakong alas-12:01 ng tanghali nitong Hunyo 25 sa Barangay Tolentino East, Tagaytay City.
Kumpiskado sa mga suspek ang 11 pieces ng heat-sealed transparent plastic sachet na naglalaman ng puting kristal na substansiyang hinihinalang shabu, na tinatayang may kabuuang bigat na 15 gramo at tinatayang nasa halagang P102,000.00.
ISANG Most Wanted Person, regional level, ang ‘nakalawit’ ng mga awtoridad kamakailan sa Kawit, Cavite.
Ang akusado na si alyas Olan, residente ng Barangay Ligtong 3, Rosario, ay naaresto dakong alas-1:50 ng hapon nitong Hunyo 25 sa Barangay Magdalo-Potol, Kawit.
Si Olan ay inaresto sa bisa ng warrant of arrest na inilabas ng RTC Branch 16, Cavite City, kaugnay ng paglabag sa Section 15, Article II ng Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) at walang inirekomendang piyansa.
Ang operasyon ay isinagawa ng magkasanib na puwersa ng Kawit Municipal Police Station, bilang led unit, at ng Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU) ng Cavite PPO.
TIMBOG ang isang Municipal Level Most Wanted Person kamakailan sa Silang, Cavite.
Ang naaresto ay kinilalang si Salvador Arnedo II y Salayog, alyas Bj, at ng Block 43 Lot 4, Barangay Yakal, Silang.
Siya ay inaresto dakong ala-1:45 ng hapon nitong Hunyo 25 sa Barangay Yakal, Silang at sa bisa ng warrant of arrest na inisyu ng RTC Branch 136, Tagaytay City, para sa kasong Robbery by the Use of Force Upon Things.
Mayroong inirekomendang halagang P72,000.00 na piyansa para sa kanyang pansamantalang kalayaan.
Isinagawa ng warrant personnel ng Silang Municipal Police Station ang operasyon gamit ang Alternative Recording Device.
Sa bisa ng warrant of arrest ay nadakip ang may kasong statutory rape kamakailan sa Dasmariñas City, Cavite.
Ang naaresto ay nakilalang si alyas Pogs, at kasalukuyang naninirahan sa Barangay Salitran 1, Dasmariñas City.
Si Pogs na isang Regional Level Most Wanted Person ay nadakip dakong alas-7:20 ng gabi nitong Hunyo 24 sa harapan ng Covered Court, Barangay San Juan, Dasmariñas City.
Ang warrant of arrest ay inisyu at nilagdaan ng RTC Branch 90, Dasmariñas City, Cavite, nitong Hunyo 3 kaugnay ng tatlong bilang ng kasong statutory rape na kinakaharap ni Pogs at ito ay no bail recommended.
Warrant personnel Dasmariñas Component City Police Station ang nagkasa ng operasyon gamit ang ang Body Worn Camera at Alternative Recording Device.
HIMAS rehas ang isang Most Wanted Person (MWP) sa Provincial Level matapos maaresto ng kapulisan kamakailan sa Dasmariñas City, Cavite.
Ang naarestong suspek na si alyas Nene, residente ng Barangay San Miguel 2, Dasmariñas City ay naaresto dakong alas-9:30 ng umaga nitong Hunyo 24 sa Barangay Burol 2, ng naturang lungsod.
Nabatid na nag-isyu ng warrant of arrest ang RTC Branch 128 ng Dasmariñas City, Cavite, nitong Enero 22 na may itinakdang piyansang P200,000.00.
Bunsod ito sa paglabag sa RA 9165 – Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 (Section 11 – Possession of Dangerous Drugs) ni Nene.
Nagsilbing lead unit ang Provincial Intelligence Unit katuwang ang mga tauhan ng Dasmariñas City Police Station at gamit ang Alternative Recording Device sa nasabing operasyon.
