Torre takes oath as MMDA general manager

Torre takes oath as MMDA general manager

MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine National Police chief Nicolas Torre 3rd took his oath as the new general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Malacañang announced Friday. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto administered the oath of office to Torre, who replaced Procopio Lipana. Torre, who had served as the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief, led the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte and his transport to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands on March 11, 2025 to face charges of crimes against humanity case in connection with his administration’s war on drugs. As Police Regional Office 11 chief, Torre led the capture of Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy on Sept. 8, 2024 in Davao City over charges of human trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors.

DSWD expands social aid programs, reports gains in hunger reduction

DSWD expands social aid programs, reports gains in hunger reduction

MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday, December 25, highlighted the expanding coverage and measurable impact of its social protection programs for senior citizens, children, and disaster-affected households as it continues to strengthen the delivery of basic services nationwide. DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said more than four million indigent senior citizens are receiving a monthly P1,000 social pension under the agency’s Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens program. “While the amount may be modest, it helps our elderly meet essential needs, especially medicines,” she said during a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview. Dumlao said Secretary […]... Keep on reading: DSWD expands social aid programs, reports gains in hunger reduction

November trade gap shrank by 29% to $3.5B

November trade gap shrank by 29% to $3.5B

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ trade deficit in November narrowed by almost 30 percent as exports sustained their growth, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Friday. READ: Philippine trade deficit down 34% in Oct on strong exports, sluggish imports Data from the PSA showed the trade-in-goods balance, or the difference between exports and imports, narrowed by 28.8 percent to $3.51 billion in November from $4.94 billion the same month last year. READ: Killing exports, under(mining) growth Exports continued to grow, rising to $6.91 billion, up 21.3 percent from a year ago. Meanwhile, imports eased to $10.42 billion, posting a […]... Keep on reading: November trade gap shrank by 29% to $3.5B

The Watch Store makes its Cebu debut at The Outlets @MEZ2 Estate

The Watch Store makes its Cebu debut at The Outlets @MEZ2 Estate

The Watch Store has officially made its mark in Cebu with the grand opening of its first outlet at The Outlets @MEZ2 Estate, Brgy. Basak, Lapu-Lapu City. Known for its stylish and high-quality timepieces, The Watch Store brings both classic and contemporary designs to the city, perfect for holiday gifting—or treating yourself before the year ends. Renowned watch brands such as Citizen, Bering, Tommy Hilfiger, and Calvin Klein are now more accessible to Cebuanos. Coinciding with the holiday season, The Watch Store is celebrating its soft opening with up to 40% off on selected watches, available until December 31. The […]... Keep on reading: The Watch Store makes its Cebu debut at The Outlets @MEZ2 Estate

NBA: Amen Thompson, Rockets dump Luka Doncic, Lakers

NBA: Amen Thompson, Rockets dump Luka Doncic, Lakers

LOS ANGELES— Amen Thompson scored 26 points to lead six players in double figures and the Houston Rockets never trailed in beating Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers 117-96 in the NBA on Thursday night. Kevin Durant added 25 points and nine assists for the Rockets, who ended a two-game skid while improving to 7-7 on the road. Thompson had seven rebounds and five assists. Doncic scored 25 points and LeBron James added 18 points for the Lakers, who fell to 25-27 in their 27th consecutive appearance on Christmas and 52nd overall in a tradition that began in 1949. […]... Keep on reading: NBA: Amen Thompson, Rockets dump Luka Doncic, Lakers

P21.4M illegal drugs seized in Pasay

P21.4M illegal drugs seized in Pasay

MANILA, Philippines — More than P21.4 million in illegal drugs were intercepted by Bureau of Customs (BoC) personnel in Pasay City, authorities said on Friday. Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno on Friday disclosed that based on the report of lawyer Yasmin O. Mapa, district collector at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the illegal drugs were hidden inside five unclaimed inbound parcels declared as various consumer items at the Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC). The parcels were, however, subjected to examination after exhibiting suspicious indicators. Physical inspection revealed that the parcels contained a total of 2,928 grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu," with an estimated value of ₱19,910,400, and 997 grams of high-grade marijuana (kush) with an estimated street value of ₱1,495,500. Nepomuceno said the seized items were officially turned over to Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for proper disposition and further investigation. The case constitutes violations of Republic Act (RA) 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, as amended) and RA10863 (Customs Modernization and Tariff Act). “These interceptions reflect the Bureau’s sustained efforts to detect and prevent the entry of illegal drugs through postal and courier channels. We remain resolute in protecting our borders and the welfare of the public,” added Nepomuceno.

Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino welcomes 2026 with Catwalk Countdown

Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino welcomes 2026 with Catwalk Countdown

As Cebu prepares to close the year, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino invites guests to usher in 2026 through Catwalk Countdown, a New Year’s Eve celebration that places fashion and live entertainment at the heart of the experience.   Admission to the Waterfront countdown party is priced at ₱2,026 nett per person, inclusive of free-flowing drinks canapés, party favors, a photobooth, and a 360 camera. Guests may also avail of the UNO Dinner Buffet, offered separately at ₱2,588 nett per person. Dinner buffet access does not include entry to the countdown party. Waterfront Cebu is also offering New Year’s […]... Keep on reading: Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino welcomes 2026 with Catwalk Countdown

TORRE TAKES OATH AS NEW MMDA GENERAL MANAGER

WATCH: Former Philippine National Police chief Nicolas Torre III is sworn in as the new Metropolitan Manila Development Authority general manager before Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

During his time at the PNP, Torre played a key

TORRE TAKES OATH AS NEW MMDA GENERAL MANAGER WATCH: Former Philippine National Police chief Nicolas Torre III is sworn in as the new Metropolitan Manila Development Authority general manager before Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. During his time at the PNP, Torre played a key

TORRE TAKES OATH AS NEW MMDA GENERAL MANAGER WATCH: Former Philippine National Police chief Nicolas Torre III is sworn in as the new Metropolitan Manila Development Authority general manager before Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. During his time at the PNP, Torre played a key

Pump prices of fuel to increase again next week

Pump prices of fuel to increase again next week

MANILA, Philippines – Geopolitical developments overseas are projected to result in up to P0.50 per liter increase in domestic fuel prices next week. Citing price developments as of Dec. 25, Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas, in a report, said diesel prices are expected to increase between P0.30 to P0.50 per liter, and gasoline by up to P0.10 per liter. READ: Rollback of fuel prices to happen before Christmas “Oil prices have been supported by geopolitical developments as the tougher U.S. sanctions enforcement on Venezuela and intensified attacks by Ukraine on Russian oil infrastructures have raised the risk of supply disruptions,” he […]... Keep on reading: Pump prices of fuel to increase again next week

ICI wraps up flood control mess probe as 2 of 3 commissioners step down

ICI wraps up flood control mess probe as 2 of 3 commissioners step down

MANILA, Philippines — With the resignation of two out of its three commissioners, the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) is finalizing its remaining referrals to the Office of the Ombudsman, pertaining to the multibillion corruption scandal involving flood control projects. ICI chairperson Andres Reyes made the remark on Friday shortly after the resignation announcement of Commissioner Rosanna Fajardo. Former Public Works and Highways (DPWH) chief Rogelio Singson had previously left his post in the panel. “To ensure the fulfillment of its mandate, the Commission will now focus on finalizing the remaining items that will be submitted to the Office of […]... Keep on reading: ICI wraps up flood control mess probe as 2 of 3 commissioners step down