LAWIN.news, Author at LAWIN.news

PH population growth projected at 15 million over next decade

LAWIN.newsJanuary 18, 2026033 views

The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) projects that the Philippines will add about 15 million people in the next 10 years as it enters a demographic sweet spot, characterized by a rising share of working-age citizens and a relatively smaller proportion of dependents. The agency says this shift can support stronger economic growth if the government aligns investments in education, health, jobs, and social protection with the changing population structure. The CPD plans to provide detailed projections and policy inputs to guide national and local development planning during this demographic window.

PACC Texas Greater Houston Kicks Off 2026 with Winter BizMix Event

LAWIN.newsJanuary 17, 2026042 views

The Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of Texas – Greater Houston Region (PACC Texas-GHR) is inviting all members, business partners, and professional networks to its first BizMix event of the year.

OpenAI to introduce ads on ChatGPT, ending free-only experience

LAWIN.newsJanuary 17, 2026036 views

OpenAI announced that it will begin testing advertisements for non-paying ChatGPT users in the coming weeks as part of a broader push to monetize the widely used AI chatbot. The San Francisco-based company, valued at about $500 billion and reporting significant operating costs, plans to introduce clearly labeled ads within the free version of ChatGPT while leaving paid tiers ad-free. OpenAI said it will work with selected advertisers during the initial rollout, publish detailed ad and data-use policies, and monitor user experience and regulatory compliance as it seeks to move the service toward profitability.

Dr Pepper Museum hits all-time high in visitor numbers

LAWIN.newsJanuary 17, 2026040 views

The Dr Pepper Museum in Waco, Texas, reported a record-breaking attendance of more than 270,000 visitors in 2025 and announced plans to unveil a new landmark as part of its 35th anniversary observance. The nonprofit museum, located in a historic bottling plant, cited group tours, educational programs, and tourism partnerships as key factors in the increase. Officials said the forthcoming landmark will honor Dr Pepper’s history and Waco’s role in the soft drink’s origin while serving as a focal point for future visitors.

Phillips aims to write underdog story with Chameleons

LAWIN.newsJanuary 17, 2026032 views

MJ Phillips has joined the Nxled Chameleons from the Petro Gazz Angels in the Premier Volleyball League, bringing championship experience to a young team she described as an underdog. Nxled also signed former Angels Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo and several ex-Petro Gazz teammates in a bid to strengthen its roster ahead of the next PVL conference. Team officials, coaches and league representatives confirmed the multi-player move and said the new recruits will report for pre-season training before the final lineup and schedule are announced.

ICI urges Ombudsman takeover after finishing mandate

LAWIN.newsJanuary 17, 2026036 views

Deputy Speaker and Antipolo Representative Ronaldo Puno said the Independent Commission for Infrastructure has completed its mandate in probing alleged corruption in flood control projects and may now defer to the Office of the Ombudsman. He explained that the ICI conducted fact-finding, gathered evidence, and submitted its report and recommendations to relevant agencies. The Ombudsman, which holds constitutional authority over graft and corruption cases, can review the commission’s findings and decide on possible administrative or criminal proceedings.

US envoy Carlson ends mission in the Philippines

LAWIN.newsJanuary 17, 2026040 views

US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson ended her nearly four-year posting in the Philippines, marking the close of a tenure that saw expanded defense cooperation, deeper economic engagement, and wider people-to-people exchanges between Manila and Washington. In her farewell message, Carlson reviewed key diplomatic milestones, highlighted joint security and development initiatives, and shared personal experiences from her time in the country, including a Filipino song she said she would remember. The US Embassy in Manila announced that a chargé d’affaires will lead the mission in the interim as Washington moves to designate Carlson’s successor under standard diplomatic rotation procedures.

ICC urges Philippine police again to testify vs Duterte

LAWIN.newsJanuary 17, 2026044 views

The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has renewed its call for current and former Philippine police officers and other law enforcement personnel to testify in its ongoing investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s antidrug campaign, inviting confidential submissions of testimony and evidence under the Rome Statute framework.

Texas AG settlement sends millions of eggs to state food banks

LAWIN.newsJanuary 17, 2026035 views

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a settlement with Cal-Maine Foods Inc. over alleged egg price gouging during the 2020 COVID-19 emergency, requiring the company to provide more than 2 million eggs to Texas food banks and comply with future pricing restrictions under state consumer protection laws.

ICC urges Philippine witnesses to appear in The Hague for antidrug campaign probe

LAWIN.newsJanuary 17, 2026046 views

International Criminal Court prosecutors renewed their call for Philippine police officers, victims, and other witnesses to testify in the ongoing investigation into alleged killings linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s antidrug campaign in the Philippines. The Office of the Prosecutor invited individuals with direct knowledge of drug war operations to contact the ICC through secure channels and assured potential witnesses of available protection measures. Prosecutors continue to gather evidence on alleged crimes committed between 2011 and 2019, focusing on potential individual criminal responsibility and the court’s jurisdiction despite the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute.