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COVID-19
Cases
PH logs 176 new COVID-19 cases, active slightly up to 2,257
An additional 176 new cases of COVID-19 were added to the country’s total caseload on Wednesday, as shown in the Department of Health (DOH) COVID-19 Tracker.
Inquirer
Department of Health
Expert assures PH can access vaccines for monkeypox
“Bagama’t ngayon ay wala pa naman tayong stockpiles ng vaccines, mayroon naman tayong (Although we do not have stockpiles of vaccines yet, we have) contacts with the United States Center for Disease Control and other agencies,” said Department of Health-Technical Advisory Group (DOH-TAG) member Dr. Edsel Salvana
Manila Bulletin
REGIONS
Luzon including NCR
10 anyos na babae nadiskubreng patay sa Isabela
Natagpuang patay ang isang batang babaeng hinihinalang hinalay sa bahagi ng Mabiret River sa lungsod na ito Miyerkoles ng umaga.
ABS-CBN News
RTC judge’s wife shot dead by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Ilagan, Isabela
The wife of a Regional Trial Court judge here was shot dead by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Brgy. San Felipe in this city on Wednesday, May 25.
Manila Bulletin
Visayas
One dies as 2 former policemen engage in gun duel in Leyte
A retired policeman was killed by his neighbor who is also a retired cop after they exchanged gunfire on Wednesday afternoon (May 25) in San Isidro, Leyte. A 15-year old boy was also wounded in the incident.
Manila Bulletin
Mindanao
Fate of Mindanao railway up to next administration
THE Transportation department on Wednesday said it will now be up to the next administration to start constructing the Mindanao railway project, as the government has yet to receive from China a shortlist of bidders for the design-and-build contract.
Business World
3 inmates bolt Surigao Sur town jail facility
Authorities launched a massive manhunt against three inmates who staged a predawn escape Wednesday from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility in the Surigao del Sur town of Cantilan.
PNA
World
Russia offers fast-track citizenship to residents of occupied Ukraine
President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Wednesday (May 25) simplifying the process for residents of Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions to acquire Russian citizenship and passports.
The Straits Times
Indonesia may outlaw gay sex amid growing anti-LGBTQ sentiment
Homosexuality and extramarital sex are not outlawed in Muslim-majority Indonesia, but some among the more conservative followers of Islam here view them as vices. It is only in Aceh province where a version of Islamic law, or sharia, is in force, punishable by up to 100 lashes of the cane.
Benar News
UN Official Urges World Not to Forget Rohingya Refugees
Filippo Grandi, the United Nations high commissioner for refugees, said he visited the camps near the border with Myanmar and a remote island where 28,000 refugees have been relocated to ensure that their plight is not forgotten amid the crises in Ukraine and Afghanistan.
Asharq Al-Awsat
What we know so far about the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas
A reported 21 people were killed in an attack by a lone gunman at an elementary school in the small town of Uvalde, Texas, on Tuesday. Of the dead are 19 students and two adults. An additional 17 people were injured.
NPR
Trump to address gun lobby meeting in wake of Texas massacre
Former US president Donald Trump said Wednesday he will still address a convention of the pro-gun rights National Rifle Association in Texas this week, even after an elementary school shooting that left 19 children and two teachers dead.
Manila Bulletin
Four bombs kill at least 12 in Afghanistan
Four bombs ripped through minibuses and a mosque in Afghanistan on Wednesday, killing at least 12 people, officials said, with at least some of the attacks claimed by the Islamic State group.
Manila Bulletin
AUDIT, GRAFT, AND CORRUPTION
Marcos on corruption in BIR, Customs: Let’s forget the past
Marcos said he would only go after those personalities who will be involved in corruption activities under his term. He stressed that there should be no place for corruption in the government.
GMA News
BUDGET, FINANCE, and TAXATION
COA: Government has P697 billion unutilized 2021 budget
A total of P696.95 billion in unutilized or unobligated funds from the 2021 budget remains at the disposal of the national government when the new administration takes over, the latest Commission on Audit (COA) report showed.
Philstar
DBM urged to tap unused funds to support BBM stimulus program
A House leader on Wednesday said the Department of Budget and Management can help identify any unused appropriations or possible savings to support the proposed stimulus measure, dubbed "Bayan Bangon Muli", of the incoming administration of presumptive President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
PNA
Philippines’s Marcos names new finance chief, central bank head
Philippine President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr has announced his picks for finance minister and central bank governor ahead of taking office next month. Benjamin Diokno, the current governor of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), will become the next finance chief, Marcos said on Thursday in an interview streamed on Facebook.
Al Jazeera | Business World
Benjamin Diokno is Marcos’ pick for DOF, Felipe Medalla for BSP
Diokno was supposed to serve as governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) until July 2023, covering the remaining term of former governor Nestor Espenilla Jr., who died of tongue cancer in February 2019.
Rappler | Inquirer
Deferring personal income tax reduction, more taxes pitched to help Marcos admin settle PH debt
The Department of Finance has recommended beefing up tax collection efforts under the incoming government of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos to help settle the country’s debt which surged under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.
CNN Philippines
Marcos urged to impose new taxes
THE FINANCE department is pressing the incoming Marcos administration to impose new tax measures, defer personal income tax reductions and repeal some tax exemptions to raise much-needed revenues and reduce the Philippines’ debt.
Business World
BUSINESS, ECONOMY AND INVESTMENT
Ex-UP president Alfredo Pascual named Marcos’ trade secretary
Pascual, whom Marcos referred to as his “friend,” served as president and co-chair of the UP Board of Regents from 2011 to 2017. The development banker and finance expert was also adviser to various organizations, including the Philippine Institute for Development Studies and the World Health Organization.
Rappler | Inquirer
Gov’t raises inflation forecast to 3.7%-4.7% in 2022
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is expected to again raise its key policy rate in June, this time by as much as 50 basis points as the government’s team of economic managers raised their forecast for average inflation in 2022.
Inquirer
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD and PUBLIC WORKS
Marcos taps SMC Tollways chief Manny Bonoan as DPWH secretary
President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. on Thursday said he was eyeing Manuel "Manny" Bonoan, the chief executive officer of San Miguel Corp Tollways, to lead the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
ABS-CBN News
DISASTER AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Filipino scientist wins UN award for disaster risk reduction
Filipino scientist Glenn Banaguas won the United Nations' (UN) Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction Award this year, besting more than 200 nominations worldwide.
Philstar
EDUCATION
DepEd lauds DBM for budget hike
The Department of Education (DepEd) is grateful for the move of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to increase the budget for the Senior High School Voucher Program (SHS VP) and the Educational Service Contracting (ESC).
PNA
ELECTION RELATED
Comelec
CA defers confirmation of Comelec, COA, CSC officials
The congressional Commission on Appointments (CA) has postponed the confirmation hearing for five commissioners of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Commission on Audit (COA), and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) because of the canvassing of the votes for president and vice president.
Inquirer
Comelec’s 2022 polls performance an 8.5 / 10, much room for improvement — Garcia
The Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) performance in the May 2022 elections “is not perfect” as it faced several challenges, such as faulty vote-counting machines.
Inquirer
Misplacing COCs not an election offense but warrants investigation — Comelec
The Commission on Elections clarified that a missing certificate of canvass, which delayed the processing of votes for the country’s top two positions, will not equate to an election offense for election officers responsible for the area.
Philstar
Comelec union expresses support to Pangarungan’s confirmation
The Commission on Elections Employees’ Union (Comelec-EU) has expressed its “full and unequivocal” support for the confirmation of Saidamen B. Pangarungan as chairperson of the poll body.
Manila Bulletin
National elections
Philippine Congress officially declares Marcos new president
The Philippine Congress on Wednesday officially declared Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sara Duterte-Carpio winners of the May 9 presidential and vice-presidential polls, saying the running mates each garnered about 60 percent of ballots cast in landslide victories.
Benar News
Congress proclaims Marcos, Duterte
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was proclaimed as the country’s 17th president on Wednesday, 36 years and three months since his family hastily evacuated Malacañang Palace after the fall of his father’s dictatorship, bringing both the hope of unity to the nation and the fears of a return to strongman rule.
Inquirer
Marcos admin vows to strive for perfection
"I am humbled because for anyone in public service or in a public life, the most valuable thing you may receive from a fellow citizen is their vote," said Marcos in a chance interview with reporters.
CNN Philippines
It's official: Sara Duterte is the new vice president
“Thank you for the opportunity to save lives,” she said after being officially proclaimed vice president-elect at the Batasang Pambansa on Wednesday.
CNN Philippines
Critics to Marcos: Prove us wrong on issues
Critics of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Wednesday voiced their discontent over his proclamation as the president, but had a hopeful message for his upcoming six-year term.
ABS-CBN News
Poised for Palace return, Marcos family hopes to ‘clarify’ legacy of late strongman
“The return to Malacañang, galing na kami doon eh, kung tutuusin hindi masyadong mahalaga ‘yung pagbabalik sa Palasyo,” Senator Imee Marcos, sister of presumptive president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., told CNN Philippines on Wednesday.
CNN Philippines
Marcos Jr. proclaimed president-elect in what sister calls 'second chance' for clan
Joshua Vida, 22, voted for the second time on May 9, his heart burning with a vision of a united Filipino people and a Philippines that would be the envy of its neighbors in the region.
Philstar
Marcos administration
'If he wants to': President-elect Marcos 'open' in making predecessor Duterte as drug czar
President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. on Thursday said it will not be a problem if his predecessor President Rodrigo Duterte joins his administration and becomes a drug czar.
ABS-CBN News
Ex-Davao congressman Anton Lagdameo is next Special Assistant to the President
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is following in President Rodrigo Duterte’s footsteps by tapping a “Special Assistant to the President” or SAP. The one-of-a-kind position has been given to his childhood friend, former Davao del Norte congressman Antonio “Anton” Lagdameo Jr.
Rappler
For brother’s Cabinet, Imee Marcos recommends forming a ‘team of rivals’
“Yung sa Cabinet members, marami kaming nire-recommend na galing sa iba’t ibang partido. Kasi yung dream talaga ever since—pati sa tatay ko noon—yung tinatawag na team of rivals,” Sen. Marcos said in an interview over radio RMN DZXL.
Inquirer
Will People Power be commemorated in 2023? Marcos aide evades question
In a chance interview with reporters after Marcos' proclamation, he said: "I don't see any connection to what we did today, getting the president elect and vice president elect proclaimed to what you're asking me now."
Philstar
Marcos discussing possible appointments for Rep. Marcoleta, Prof. Carlos
President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Thursday said he is talking with House Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta and retired UP Professor Clarita Carlos regarding potential appointments under his administration.
GMA News
Duterte asked me to continue anti-illegal drug war –Bongbong
"Before the elections, sinasabi niya itong mga bagay na ito ... iyong kanyang priority ay anti-[illegal] drug [program]," Bongbong, son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, said in his first news conference as president-elect.
GMA News
Marcos admin needs 'the best and the brightest' –Imee
During a radio interview today Marcos said this pool of ‘’best snd brightest’’ would form a ‘’team of rivals’’ who shares his brother’s vision of a dynamic Republic that starts with the younger sibling taking his oath as the 17th President of the Republic on June 30.
Manila Bulletin
Local elections
Comelec funds for barangay, SK polls intact: exec
The Commission on Elections has yet to spend its P8.6 billion budget for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections for which it will begin preparations next month, an official said Thursday.
ABS-CBN News
LABOR
Group backs Ople as DMW chief
Policy research and labor advocate organization Lilac Center for Public Interest yesterday expressed elation over the selection of Susan “Toots” Ople as the secretary of the new Department of Migrant Workers and vowed to support the DMW’s programs and projects.
Philstar
LEGISLATIVE
Senate of the Philippines
Hontiveros confirms talks with Pimentel, other senators regarding minority bloc
"Kaming dalawa pa lang po ang nakapag-usap para at least pagtibayin 'yung aming talagang direksyon patungo sa pagbubuo ng minorya," Hontiveros said in an interview over Unang Balita when asked if she and Pimentel had already discussed the minority bloc leadership.
GMA News
House of Representatives
Comelec to proclaim Gabriela, Kabataan despite pending cases
The proclamation of Kabataan party-list and Gabriela will proceed despite their pending cases, a Commission on Elections official said Thursday.
ABS-CBN News | Inquirer | GMA News
READ: Official list of party-list winners in Halalan 2022
The Commission of Elections on Wednesday released the the official list of party-list groups that won in the 2022 national and local elections.
ABS-CBN News | CNN Philippines
Comelec: Party-lists can still substitute nominees after elections but...
This, after former commissioner Rowena Guanzon traded barbs with Duterte Youth Party-list Rep. Marie Cardema over the former's supposed substitution for the Pamilya, Pasyente, at Persons with Disabilities (P3PWD) party-list.
ABS-CBN News
Fight continues for progressive party-lists facing disqualification cases
Last year, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict filed disqualification cases against Kabataan Partylist and Gabriela Women’s Party. This amid the rampant red-tagging that the government’s counterinsurgency arm has been doing.
Bulatlat
Zarate vows to help allies in 19th Congress to push advocacies, fight revisionism
Outgoing Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said Thursday he will help his allies who secured seats in the incoming 19th Congress to push for their advocacies in the Makabayan bloc and fight revisionism as President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. assumes power.
ABS-CBN News
FOREIGN RELATIONS
Asean citizens view China as most important future partner, poll shows
Nearly half picked Beijing, which moved ahead of Tokyo in the ranking for the first time since the Japanese survey was conducted in the current format. The result may reflect China increasing its clout in Southeast Asia through vaccine diplomacy, a Japanese official says.
South China Morning Post
Duterte receives credentials of 4 envoys
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Wednesday received the credentials of four new diplomats assigned in the Philippines and expressed their intention to improve bilateral ties between their respective countries.
PNA
West Philippine Sea
Marcos wants 'bilateral cooperation with China' while 'asserting' claim in West PH Sea
President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said he will assert the Philippines' claim in the West Philippine Sea while continuing to pursue bilateral contact with China.
ABS-CBN News | GMA News
'We can't go to war with China': Marcos echoes Duterte on West Philippine Sea
The incoming Marcos administration's policy on the West Philippine Sea appears to be a continuation of its predecessor.
Philstar
Bilateral consultation on SCS among Duterte admin’s legacies
The establishment of the bilateral consultation mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea (SCS) is among the Duterte administration's legacies, a Filipino security and Chinese studies expert said Wednesday.
PNA
China continues development in Subi Reef, says tech firm
China has reportedly continued to develop structures in Subi Reef, part of the contested West Philippine Sea (WPS), satellite imaging firm Simularity said.
GMA News
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
Imee slams DA ‘midnight madness’
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has reportedly made “another attempt to pull off a midnight deal” and import galunggong while the nation focused on the official vote count for president and vice president in Congress, Sen. Imee Marcos said yesterday.
Philstar
CLIMATE CHANGE, ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES
DENR suspends quarry companies' mineral agreements in Masungi Georeserve area
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Monday suspended the mineral agreements of three companies operating in Masungi Georeserve area in Baras, Rizal, following mounting calls from civil society organizations.
CNN Philippines
'Mine site not in protected areas'
THE Mati City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) clarified on Monday, May 23, that the mining site of the Austral-Asia Link Mining Corp. and Hallmark Mining Corp. in Barangay Macambol, Mati City, Davao Oriental is outside protected areas.
The Manila Times
Didipio Mine adheres to the Paris accord
In support of the Paris Climate Agreement, Australian mining firm OceanaGold Corp. said it was able to transparently demonstrate its commitment to pursuing the highest standards of technical, environmental and social performance.
The Manila Times
WATER and ENERGY
Consumer group doubts that ERC chairperson is fit to be next DOE chief
Consumer rights and energy advocacy group Power for People Coalition (P4P) on Wednesday expressed reservations over the possible appointment of Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairperson Agnes Devanadera as the secretary of the Energy department, questioning decisions made under her leadership and calling her an "ally of dirty energy."
Philstar
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