Senator Francis Tolentino calls for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea that aligns with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award. He emphasizes the importance of such a code to manage tensions among claimant states.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has canceled the certificate of candidacy of Ronald Alarkon Rodriguez, a gubernatorial candidate in Camarines Sur, due to false residency representation. Rodriguez plans to appeal the decision.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a reduction in interest rates for SSS loans starting July 2025. The new rates will be 8% for salary loans and 7% for calamity loans, benefiting members with clean records.
The Philippine government is considering delaying the P20 per kilogram rice project due to an election spending ban suggested by the Commission on Elections. The initiative aims to provide affordable rice, and further discussions are expected to finalize the decision.
The Ombudsman dismissed Albay Governor Edcel Greco “Grex” Lagman on January 28, 2025, for grave misconduct linked to accepting P8 million from jueteng operators, amidst insufficient evidence for other charges.
Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia received a six-month preventive suspension from the Office of the Ombudsman on April 23, 2023, two weeks before the elections, due to a complaint about a permit issued without environmental clearance. The case highlights governance and regulatory challenges in Cebu.
Manila 2nd District Representative Rolando Valeriano responds to Vice President Sara Duterte’s remarks at a campaign rally. Valeriano defends his service to Tondo and Manila, emphasizing that personal insults cannot erase his contributions. The situation highlights the ongoing political tensions and the nature of campaign dynamics in the region.
Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. backs the government’s plan to roll out rice priced at P20 per kilo in the Visayas, emphasizing its significance in fulfilling President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s campaign promise for food affordability. Revilla advocates for a nationwide expansion, highlighting the initiative’s potential to improve food access and security for Filipino families.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vetoed a bill seeking to amend the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) charter, citing conflicts with existing laws and fiscal concerns. The decision, announced by the Presidential Communications Office, highlights issues with proposed capital increases and land ownership authority.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved an electronic food voucher project aimed at assisting 750,000 food-insecure households. The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) board sanctioned the Refuel project, targeting undernutrition and food insecurity. This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment to improving the nutritional status and quality of life for vulnerable populations.