Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines —  The Philippines’ first polymer banknote series was presented to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in a ceremony in Malacañang on Thursday. The new designs of P50, P100, and P500 bills were released following the launch of the P1,000 polymer banknote into circulation in 2022. READ: BSP: New P1,000 bill worth only P1,000 The P500 note features the Visayan spotted deer, symbolizing clarity and sharpness, while the P100 note showcases the Palawan peacock-pheasant, which reflects Filipinos’ grace even in challenging times. Meanwhile, the P50 note features the Visayan leopard cat, which symbolizes independence […]…

Keep on reading: BSP unveils new polymer banknote series

CEBU CITY, Philippines – A 58-year-old widow was arrested after he allegedly touched the private part of a college student who did not respond when asked for the time. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on December 18, 2024, in Sitio Mahayahay 1, Barangay Poblacion Pardo, Cebu City. The suspect, identified as Oscar Rubio, resides in the said area and is now detained at the Inayawan Police Station. The victim, a 20-year-old college student, is also from the same place. Initial investigation revealed that the victim was on her way home when Rubio allegedly blocked her path and asked for […]…

Keep on reading: Widow arrested for alleged harassment of college student

Senator Loren Legarda has urged PhilHealth to prioritize the use of its surplus funds to expand benefit packages and address gaps in healthcare access to ensure the effective implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law. Her statement came during a Senate committee on health hearing on December 18, where PhilHealth’s financial state and management were scrutinized following the removal of the P74-billion government subsidy in the 2025 proposed general appropriations. This move leaves PhilHealth’s 2025 operation reliant on its surplus and reserve funds. Legarda called on PhilHealth to make the most of its P150-billion surplus fund to support the […]…

Keep on reading: Legarda urges PhilHealth to utilize funds for expanded benefits

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is keen on finishing the feasibility study for the P100.64-billion train project in Metro Cagayan de Oro—or the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) phase 3–by the first quarter of next year, according to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center of the Philippines. PPP Center deputy executive director Jeffrey Manalo, in an interview last week in Quezon City, said the review of 54.8-kilometer (km) inter-city passenger and cargo railway system was still being finalized. In a feasibility study, the government looks into the alignment of the railway, its final project cost, economic impact and other related matters. “The […]…

Keep on reading: Mindanao Railway Project Phase 3 study to be completed by Q1

WASHINGTON — The US Supreme Court agreed on Wednesday to hear TikTok’s appeal of a law that would force its Chinese owner to sell the online video-sharing platform or shut it down. The top court scheduled oral arguments in the case for January 10, nine days before TikTok faces a ban unless ByteDance divests from the popular app. The law, signed by President Joe Biden in April, would block TikTok from US app stores and web hosting services unless ByteDance sells its stake by January 19. READ: Appeals court upholds TikTok ban: 5 essential reads on the case TikTok is […]…

Keep on reading: US Supreme Court agrees to hear TikTok ban case

It’s almost poetic the way JD Cagulangan ended his career at University of the Philippines (UP) by leading the Maroons to their second UAAP title in four years over the team where he started growing his college varsity roots. “I am happy because I did not have a good start to my career in the […]…

Keep on reading: After handing dream school a nightmare, Cagulangan vows to live UP lessons

MANILA, Philippines — The administration is ready to show critics that the government’s social aid program (ayuda) has actual beneficiaries and have been issued true receipts, House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said on Wednesday. In his speech before the House plenary, Romualdez addressed criticisms about social aid initiatives of the government—including those who claim that projects like the Ayuda Para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) are congressional pork—by saying that funds stay with implementing agencies. Among the implementing agencies mentioned by Romualdez are the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Labor and Employment […]…

Keep on reading: Romualdez to ayuda critics: Aid went to true beneficiaries, has receipts

MANILA, Philippines —  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. convened with top government officials on Wednesday to review the 2025 national budget, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said. Marcos met with Executive Secretary Bersamin, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan in Malacañang. READ: Signing of 2025 GAA deferred for President’s review – Bersamin In a message sent to Palace reporters, PCO Secretary Cesar Chavez said they are not yet ready to announce details regarding the new signing date and other matters related […]…

Keep on reading: Marcos meets with Cabinet officials to review 2025 national budget

Asian Home Appliance, a leading retailer in home appliances, has reached a significant milestone with the opening of its 20th branch in Toledo City, Cebu.     The new store is located at the FGM Building, D. Macapagal Highway, Toledo City. This expansion further solidifies the company’s commitment to providing high-quality home appliances to customers across the Visayas and Mindanao. The grand opening was supported by the company’s major suppliers, highlighting strong partnerships that ensure a consistent supply of reliable products. Home Credit The financial ally of the Filipinos, Home Credit, is one in celebration with Asian Home in enabling […]…

Keep on reading: Asian Home Appliance expands with opening of its 20th branch in Toledo City

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Owing to its economic growth, Finnish firms are eyeing to invest in the Philippines, particularly in green energy, sustainability and mobility sectors. This was revealed by the newest Finnish Ambassador to the Philippines, Saija Nurminen, during a recent trip in Cebu. For two days, Nurminen visited Cebu as part of Finland and the Philippines’ objectives to strengthen bilateral relations as well as spur economic activities between the two countries. READ MORE: Marcos’ foreign trips yield $14.2 billion in investments PH investments surge over 500% in Q3, driven by local investors Gealon shares plan to transform SRP […]…

Keep on reading: Finnish firms keen on tapping into PH’s growth — envoy