United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson is mourning the death of a Filipino police colonel who was among the 67 victims of a mid-air collision in Washington, D.C. This tragic incident involved American Eagle Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army helicopter. Police Col. Pergentino Malabed was on official duty, visiting the U.S. for matters related to police equipment.
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) announces significant enhancements to its Z Benefit Package for Peritoneal Dialysis, extending coverage to ₱1.2 million. Starting January 1, 2025, separate packages will cater to both adult and pediatric patients, aligning with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s healthcare commitment.
The Maharlika Investment Corp. considers acquiring shares in the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines to enhance government oversight on external threats. Details on the potential investment and the role of the sovereign wealth fund in securing national interests.
The Department of Migrant Workers, in cooperation with OWWA and TESDA, provided financial assistance, training certificates, and gift bags to 17 Filipino seafarers recently freed from captivity. A luncheon and thanksgiving mass were held in Manila to welcome them and offer support for their reintegration. The seafarers had been held by Houthi rebels for 428 days. This event marks an important step in aiding those who have returned to the Philippines after enduring difficult circumstances abroad.
Filipino and American military personnel are set to engage in joint training exercises next month, focusing on the Typhon missile system from the United States. The Philippine Army, represented by spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala, announced that the training will occur without live fire drills. This initiative reflects ongoing military collaboration between the Philippines and the United States, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing defense capabilities through shared expertise and technology.
The Department of Justice in the Philippines has withdrawn 98 cases of reckless imprudence against former Health Secretary Janette Garin and two others. The decision followed a comprehensive review, concluding insufficient evidence linking the Dengvaxia vaccine to the alleged fatalities. The DOJ cited legal challenges in proving conspiracy and negligence, emphasizing the absence of malicious intent. Families affected by the vaccine continue to seek justice through alternative legal avenues. The case highlights ongoing debates around vaccine policy and public health accountability in the country.
24 Filipinos living illegally in the United States have already been deported as the Trump administration follows through on its commitment to remove undesirable foreigners, prioritizing those involved in criminal activities.
The Council for the Welfare of Children in the Philippines emphasizes the illegality of child marriages, regardless of religious or cultural traditions. The council’s concern follows an incident involving a young boy and girl partaking in a traditional Maranao wedding. Learn about their actions towards addressing this issue, reflecting the nation’s firm stance on protecting children’s rights and ensuring their safety and well-being.
The Chinese government has expressed concern over the recent arrest of a Chinese national in the Philippines, who is accused of espionage.
In a formal request issued Wednesday, Chinese officials urged the Philippine government to base its actions on verified evidence and avoid assumptions.
The Philippines faces a significant rise in smoking among young people, with 9.5 million new smokers aged 10 and above reported between 2021 and 2023. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian revealed this statistic during a Senate inquiry. Health officials and lawmakers are investigating the causes and exploring interventions. Challenges include marketing tactics, socio-economic factors, and digital influence. Efforts focus on stricter regulations, education, and support for cessation programs. The Senate inquiry aims to develop strategies to address this growing public health concern.