The Department of Migrant Workers is verifying reports that three Filipino seafarers were killed by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The MV Eternity C, attacked off the coast of Yemen, had a crew of 22, mostly Filipinos. Five crew members have been rescued, and the DMW is assisting the families of the victims.
The Philippine Navy is set to assist in the search for the remains of missing sabungeros, believed to be in Taal Lake, Batangas, pending a go-signal from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
A proposed House bill seeks up to P5 million fines and license revocation for e-wallet platforms promoting online gambling to curb illegal activities and protect consumers.
Businessman Atong Ang and actress Gretchen Barretto identified as suspects in the investigation of missing sabungeros, as announced by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. The investigation is ongoing with efforts to resolve the case and bring those responsible to justice.
Patrick Gregorio replaces Richard Bachmann as the chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, confirmed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. Gregorio, a former Philippine Basketball Association chair, takes leadership of the sports agency, marking a new direction in Philippine sports governance.
OpenAI banned accounts in the Philippines for generating AI-driven social media comments supporting President Marcos Jr. and criticizing Vice President Duterte, as reported in their assessment of malicious AI uses. The operation, called “Operation High Five,” utilized ChatGPT to post on TikTok and Facebook, but had low engagement.
Gina Ortiz Jones takes office as the third woman mayor of San Antonio, alongside four City Council members. The leadership team focuses on addressing local issues and driving community development.
Trump’s proposed 3.5% remittance tax sparks concern among Filipino immigrants in the US. The tax, part of a broader bill, could affect non-US citizens sending money home. Filipino workers and advocacy groups warn of economic impacts and potential discrimination, as the bill faces Senate deliberation.
The Department of Education in the Philippines has acquired over 38,000 laptops and 26,000 Smart TV packages for the 2025-2026 school year. This initiative, part of DepEd’s Early Procurement Activities, aims to equip teachers and enhance school resources, utilizing 79% of the annual budget for their computerization program.
South Korea’s program for overseas domestic workers faces delays and uncertainty amid governmental changes. The initiative, which started in September 2024, aimed to address labor shortages, but plans for its expansion remain stalled.