The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) continued to solidify their partnership in making the country one of the world’s premier retirement and tourism destinations. PRA CEO Roberto “Bob” Zozobrado told “The Chairman’s Report” hosted by CFO Secretary Dante Ang II on IBC-13 that the country is poised to attract thousands of retirees and returning Filipinos through its Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) program under the Department of Tourism. “The Philippines is not just a vacation spot — it’s a place to live your golden years in comfort and community,” Zozobrado said. “What truly makes the Philippines unique is its people — the hospitality, the care, the sense of belonging. That’s something money can’t buy,” he said. Ang said the CFO, which promotes the welfare of Filipinos overseas, supports various programs like the PRA’s that bridge the diaspora with investment and reintegration opportunities. Many former overseas Filipinos are now returning home to retire, bringing not only remittances but also expertise and entrepreneurial ventures that contribute to local economies, Ang said. “Retirement investment is another form of diaspora engagement,” he said. “When former overseas Filipinos choose to retire in the Philippines, they reinvest their resources and experiences into the country, strengthening our global connection.” Zozobrado said the PRA’s SRRV program offers foreign nationals and former Filipino citizens a long-term residency option with benefits such as tax incentives, health care access, and investment opportunities. It has drawn retirees from the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia — and increasingly, digital nomads seeking a flexible lifestyle in a tropical setting, the PRA chief said. Zozobrado said the Philippines’ affordability and English proficiency give it a competitive edge over similar retirement destinations such as Spain, Portugal, or Malaysia, where investment requirements are higher. “Our visa program is accessible and transparent — you don’t need to buy property to retire here,” he said. Zozobrado acknowledged the need for more world-class retirement and assisted living facilities to serve the growing market. “We need to build more integrated communities with healthcare, leisure, and security — not just condos,” he said, calling on investors to seize the opportunity to develop the industry. More than 61,000 SRRV holders contribute to the Philippine economy through spending, property investment, and job creation, the PRA head told “The Chairman’s Report.” He said that his agency also aims to expand that figure as it strengthens partnerships with local governments to provide accessible services and assistance to retirees nationwide. Zozobrado added that the government’s broader tourism and diaspora strategy is a “’win-win, benefiting retirees, communities, and the national economy. “Every foreign retiree or balikbayan who settles here supports local industries — from healthcare to hospitality,” he said.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 16 saat, 43 dakika

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday swore in former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. as undersecretary of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC). Acorda, who headed the PNP from April 2023 to March 2024, replaced another retired police general, Gilbert Cruz. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Cruz will be given another government post. Details of Cruz’s new assignment have yet to be disclosed. A 1991 graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, Acorda held other key positions in the PNP, including Director of Intelligence from August 2022 to April 2023, and Regional Director for the Police Regional Office X (Northern Mindanao) from November 2021 to August 2022. He was also the first chief of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group and was also Deputy Regional Director for the National Capital Region Police Office, Director of the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group, Chief of Staff of the Civil Security Group, and Chief of the Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Division. Established in 2000, the PAOCC is directly under the Office of the President and is mandated to investigate and prosecute criminal syndicates and corrupt officials. The PAOCC was among the agencies who conducted a nationwide crackdown on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) involved in human trafficking and other criminal activities.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 16 saat, 44 dakika

SENATE Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano wants the government to strengthen safeguards and transparency measures in its borrowing program after the Department of Finance (DOF) revealed plans to borrow P4.5 billion daily in 2026 despite projecting P13.65 billion in daily revenues. Cayetano made the call following the DOF’s presentation before the Senate Committee on Finance earlier this week, where the department disclosed that a substantial financing gap would persist next year, requiring heavy borrowings to sustain public operations and fund key development programs. The department also outlined its P37.78-billion proposed budget for 2026, largely allocated to the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC). The department said it aims to boost revenues through dividends from government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) and proceeds from asset sales. Cayetano, a long-time advocate of accountability and fiscal prudence, warned that unrestrained borrowing without sufficient congressional scrutiny could saddle future generations with hidden obligations. “Theoretically, it would be completely legal for the government to borrow money even without Congress’ approval... You only show it to us once it’s already implemented, and Congress no longer has the option to say we don’t agree with that loan,” Cayetano said. He stressed that fiscal policy must balance revenue generation with social responsibility, questioning the administration’s growing reliance on digital taxes and online gambling revenues. “If the Department of Finance is mostly looking at the revenue side, where is the rest of the government?” he asked. Cayetano also said fiscal measures should uphold transparency and accountability, not just meet collection targets. He cited his co-authorship of Senate Concurrent Resolution 4, which seeks to ensure full public disclosure of key budget documents — including loan contracts — to reinforce oversight and fiscal discipline. “Ensure full transparency. The national budget is not just the work of a few but a product of the entire Congress, representing every Filipino,” he said. Cayetano said the executive and legislative branches share the same goal of ensuring government resources is properly used.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 16 saat, 45 dakika

THE Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday said a super health facility in Antipolo has been “hastily opened” after being idle for months. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa made this observation after visiting the Tanza II Super Health Center, where he discovered that, due to delays in securing additional equipment and hiring the necessary staff, it was only partially operational. His visit followed the inspection of the Concepcion Dos Super Health Center in Marikina on Wednesday, where he said there were 297 “ghost” or nonoperational super health centers in the country. “There is a big difference from the ‘ghost’ issue yesterday; this has been completed, it has been turned over. So its cost to the DOH was P19.5 million. It has a building, it has equipment, and luckily, today is the first day of their operations, the city health officer told me,” Herbosa said, emphasizing the contrast with other delayed projects. Completed in 2024, the health center had remained unused since its completion, he said. A city officer in Antipolo debunked the claims that the Tanza II Super Health Center was “hastily opened.” “We find it unfair,” said the department head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Enrilito Bernardo Jr. Dr. Lat Concepcion, the city health officer, told The Manila Times that the opening for Oct. 16 was planned. “We already planned the opening since September; it was planned to open today,” Lat said. She said the lack of staff contributed to its delayed opening. The Tanza II Super Health Center was reported to have a total budget of P11.4 million for its construction, with an additional P7 million allocated for medical equipment. The total project cost aligns with the standard P12-million budget for a medium-sized health center, but the final figure reached P19.5 million due to the need for full equipment and expanded services. According to a report submitted by DOH Region 4A to the central office, the Antipolo City government had requested funding from the DOH in 2022 for the construction of the super health center. Herbosa discovered that the main reason for the delay was the need to procure additional equipment and hire more staff, responsibilities that fell to the city government. “They bought their own equipment. They will still hire more [staff] because the facility is bigger now,” Herbosa said in Filipino.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 16 saat, 46 dakika

... Keep on reading: Love Knots, October 17, 2025

• Inquirer
• 1 gün, 16 saat, 46 dakika

(UPDATE) THE Supreme Court has dismissed the petition filed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) seeking the disqualification of Caloocan City 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice from seeking reelection during the May 2025 elections. The high tribunal ruled that under the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), the poll body’s authority is to investigate election offenses, while the Regional Trial Courts have the power to decide if an offense was committed. “In this case, the Comelec did not observe the proper legal steps when it directly declared that Erice was guilty and then proceeded to disqualify him,” the Court said. Associate Justice Henri Jean Paul Inting penned the ruling that reversed the order of the Comelec barring Erice from running during the May 2025 polls. The poll body based its decision on an OEC provision that prohibits the spreading of false or alarming information regarding ballot printing, election postponement, or the general conduct of elections. The Comelec said that Erice, during media interviews, claimed that the automated machines from Miru Systems had never been used in elections anywhere in the world. Erice also claimed he had evidence of offshore accounts linked to Comelec Chairman Erwin Garcia and the alleged P18-billion contract between Comelec and Miru. Erice brought the case before the high tribunal, which issued a temporary restraining order on the Comelec’s punitive action. Erice won against then incumbent representative Mitch Cajayon-Uy. Uy was among those implicated in the flood control scam at the Department of Public Works and Highways. Erice said he was doubly elated by the Court’s decision.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 16 saat, 47 dakika

PASIG City Mayor Vico Sotto announced the start of construction of the new Pasig City Hall, a P9-billion project that aims to modernize the city’s main government complex. “Now is the best time to start construction for The New Pasig City Hall. We will prove to Pasigueños that our reforms are working,” Sotto said in a Facebook post, noting Pasig is committed to implement projects that are “well-planned, high-quality, and free of kickbacks and corruption.” The new city hall will cover a construction floor area of 72,405 square meters and will include government offices, health service facilities, a wide public plaza, and other civic spaces. The P9-billion contract covers demolition, site development, IT infrastructure, and interior works, among other components. “But we said, if we’re going to carry out this project, let’s do it properly and make it beautiful. It should be long-lasting and of high quality. We have to make sure that the new city hall is good for the next 100 years — that is the vision,” Sotto said. He emphasized that the project is more than just a new building, but also a reflection of the city government’s reforms. Sotto said the building aims to reflect Pasig’s identity. “Our project has cleared the compound’s middle corridor, which brings back the view to the Mutya ng Pasig Revolving Tower,” he said, noting that the corridor will be transformed into a new plaza connecting the old quadrangle to the Tanghalan. Sotto led the groundbreaking and capsule-laying ceremony together with Vice Mayor Dodot Jaworski, Rep. Roman Romulo, Pasig City Hall Consortium (PCHCC) chairman Isaac David, PCHCC president Nicholas David, and architect Royal Pineda.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 16 saat, 48 dakika

MANILA, Philippines — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), and other religious groups will conduct a four-day conference to promote and expand safeguarding practices of churches in the Philippines in protecting minors and vulnerable adults from abuse.  The conference, titled “National Safeguarding Conference” will be held from October 20-23, 2025 in Pampanga.  The CBCP said that this event is anchored on a theme of “Our Mission of Safeguarding: A Journey of Hope and Compassion,” which is inspired by the Synod 2024 and the central message of hope for Jubilee 2025. The conference will be led by […]... Keep on reading: Church-led conference to tackle abuse of minors, vulnerable adults

• Inquirer
• 1 gün, 16 saat, 48 dakika

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Thursday that it is working with Japanese experts to create an Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). The initiative was discussed between technical working groups of MMDA’s Intelligent Transportation Systems (MMITS) Project and representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. In the same event, representatives of various government agencies and the academe identified issues, including traffic signal control, incident management, public transport, freight and logistics, safety, and disaster response. Traffic Engineering Center Director and MMITS project manager Francisco Pesino Jr. said the workshop aimed to deepen understanding, exchange knowledge, and improve collaboration among related government agencies. Japanese expert Tetsuya Sato presented ITS user services that could be tailored to Metro Manila’s traffic conditions, while project team leader Takeshi Matsunuma emphasized the need for strategic planning and performance monitoring. Physical Planning and Spatial Development Service Director Michael Gison noted that artificial intelligence could be used “in a fruitful way” to optimize traffic management and safety, citing ongoing collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 16 saat, 49 dakika

Aired (October 16, 2025): Consumed by jealousy, Tonyo (Dennis Trillo) can't resist the urge to spy on Bobby (Jennylyn Mercado) as she goes out with Jared Lopez (Rayver Cruz), a powerful CEO and major sponsor of the 'Binibining Calabari' beauty pageant. But, where will Tonyo's jealousy take him, and what will he discover? #GMANetwork #GMADrama #Kapuso Get ready for a wild ride of action and comedy na FOR REAL! Catch the latest episodes of Sanggang-Dikit FR, airing Monday to Friday at 8:50 PM on GMA Prime! Starring Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo, with Roi Vinzon, Joross Gamboa, Chanty Videla, Allen Dizon, Al Tantay, Liezel Lopez, Sam Pinto, and more! #SanggangDikitFR For more Sanggang-Dikit FR Full Episodes, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGRhcC_vtOra4VA0p2JJkeWaBQwbiaXfw

• GMA Network
• 1 gün, 16 saat, 52 dakika

Aired (October 16, 2025): Hindi napigilan ni Tonyo (Dennis Trillo) ang kanyang sarili at minanmanan si Bobby (Jennylyn Mercado) habang kasama ang iba nitong ka-date. #GMANetwork #GMADrama #Kapuso Get ready for a wild ride of action and comedy na FOR REAL! Catch the latest episodes of Sanggang-Dikit FR, airing Monday to Friday at 8:50 PM on GMA Prime! Starring Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo, with Roi Vinzon, Joross Gamboa, Chanty Videla, Allen Dizon, Al Tantay, Liezel Lopez, Sam Pinto, and more! #SanggangDikitFR For more Sanggang-Dikit FR episodes, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGRhcC_vtOracSypKiUUJtAEgYOYTCzEF

• GMA Network
• 1 gün, 16 saat, 52 dakika

Aired (October 16, 2025): Dahil sa kanyang pagseselos at pag-aalala, gumawa ng background check si Tonyo (Dennis Trillo) kay Jared (Rayver Cruz). May matuklasan kaya siyang kahina-hinala? #GMANetwork #GMADrama #Kapuso Get ready for a wild ride of action and comedy na FOR REAL! Catch the latest episodes of Sanggang-Dikit FR, airing Monday to Friday at 8:50 PM on GMA Prime! Starring Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo, with Roi Vinzon, Joross Gamboa, Chanty Videla, Allen Dizon, Al Tantay, Liezel Lopez, Sam Pinto, and more! #SanggangDikitFR For more Sanggang-Dikit FR episodes, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGRhcC_vtOracSypKiUUJtAEgYOYTCzEF

• GMA Network
• 1 gün, 16 saat, 52 dakika

Aired (October 16, 2025): Matapos malaman na kasali si Bobby (Jennylyn Mercado) sa 'Binibining Calabari,' agad gumawa ng paraan si Sophia (Marina Benipayo) upang siya ay mapaglaruan at mapahiya. #GMANetwork #GMADrama #Kapuso Get ready for a wild ride of action and comedy na FOR REAL! Catch the latest episodes of Sanggang-Dikit FR, airing Monday to Friday at 8:50 PM on GMA Prime! Starring Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo, with Roi Vinzon, Joross Gamboa, Chanty Videla, Allen Dizon, Al Tantay, Liezel Lopez, Sam Pinto, and more! #SanggangDikitFR For more Sanggang-Dikit FR episodes, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGRhcC_vtOracSypKiUUJtAEgYOYTCzEF

• GMA Network
• 1 gün, 16 saat, 52 dakika

Aired (October 16, 2025): Magsisimula na ang pageant training ni Bobby (Jennylyn Mercado) para sa 'Binibining Calabari,' ngunit tila hindi mgiging maganda ang kanyang pagsasanay dahil kay Sophia (Marina Benipayo). #GMANetwork #GMADrama #Kapuso Get ready for a wild ride of action and comedy na FOR REAL! Catch the latest episodes of Sanggang-Dikit FR, airing Monday to Friday at 8:50 PM on GMA Prime! Starring Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo, with Roi Vinzon, Joross Gamboa, Chanty Videla, Allen Dizon, Al Tantay, Liezel Lopez, Sam Pinto, and more! #SanggangDikitFR For more Sanggang-Dikit FR episodes, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGRhcC_vtOracSypKiUUJtAEgYOYTCzEF

• GMA Network
• 1 gün, 16 saat, 52 dakika

Aired (October 16, 2025): Labis na ikinagulat nina Mar (Christian Kimp Atip), Abdul (David Domanais), at ng ibang miyembro ng Station 12 nang malaman nilang makikipag-date si Bobby (Jennylyn Mercado) at hindi kay Tonyo (Dennis Trillo). #GMANetwork #GMADrama #Kapuso Get ready for a wild ride of action and comedy na FOR REAL! Catch the latest episodes of Sanggang-Dikit FR, airing Monday to Friday at 8:50 PM on GMA Prime! Starring Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo, with Roi Vinzon, Joross Gamboa, Chanty Videla, Allen Dizon, Al Tantay, Liezel Lopez, Sam Pinto, and more! #SanggangDikitFR For more Sanggang-Dikit FR episodes, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGRhcC_vtOracSypKiUUJtAEgYOYTCzEF

• GMA Network
• 1 gün, 16 saat, 52 dakika

Aired (October 16, 2025): Agad na nagpaliwanag si Tonyo (Dennis Trillo) na ang dahilan kung bakit minanmanan niya sina Bobby (Jennylyn Mercado) at Jared (Rayver Cruz) ay dahil wala siyang tiwala sa bagong kaibigan ng dalaga. #GMANetwork #GMADrama #Kapuso Get ready for a wild ride of action and comedy na FOR REAL! Catch the latest episodes of Sanggang-Dikit FR, airing Monday to Friday at 8:50 PM on GMA Prime! Starring Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo, with Roi Vinzon, Joross Gamboa, Chanty Videla, Allen Dizon, Al Tantay, Liezel Lopez, Sam Pinto, and more! #SanggangDikitFR For more Sanggang-Dikit FR episodes, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGRhcC_vtOracSypKiUUJtAEgYOYTCzEF

• GMA Network
• 1 gün, 16 saat, 52 dakika