PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appealed to Filipinos to go beyond festivities and embrace the spirit of giving and compassion as they celebrate Christmas. In his Christmas message Wednesday, Marcos emphasized the importance of spreading hope and sharing the blessings of the season with those in need. “As we enjoy our gatherings, let us also remember those who are in most need of our compassion and generosity-the poor, sick, calamity-stricken, and marginalized,” Marcos said. “Like Jesus who brought salvation to the world, let us share our abundance with the people around us. Let us bring kindness, happiness, and good cheer to everyone we meet, especially to our children for whom these festivities are really for,” he said. He urged the public to become a source of light and goodness this Christmas and in the years to come. “Truly, no other occasion stirs a warmer and more festive spirit in all of us than the Filipino Christmas, which gives us countless moments to appreciate and cherish life’s many blessings,” he said. Malacañang has said Marcos would spend the Christmas holidays working, mainly reviewing the P6.7-trillion budget proposal for 2026 approved by the Bicameral Conference Committee. In his latest vlog released on Tuesday, Marcos reminded Filipinos to be mindful of their health and safety as they celebrate the holidays with their families and friends. He encouraged the public to enjoy holiday food but warned against overindulgence, noting the seasonal rise in health risks. The president also cautioned motorists to be careful while traveling for the holidays and reiterated his call to avoid firecrackers, which have long been linked to injuries during the year-end festivities. In the same light-hearted vlog, the president also shared advice on how to behave when receiving gifts that are not to one’s liking. He reminded Filipinos to value the thought behind every present, while noting that gifts may still be shared with others who could benefit from them. In the vlog, first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos joined the president in answering questions from netizens. Asked whether godparents can avoid giving gifts to their godchildren, Marcos said that was not an option for them. In her own Christmas message, Vice President Sara Duterte also urged Filipinos to share God’s blessings with the less fortunate this Christmas season. Duterte said every Christmas, hearts are being filled with blessings brought by the birth of Jesus, but also asked how to make the celebration more meaningful amid challenges. “Fellow citizens, Christmas will be more meaningful if we share God’s blessings with our fellow men, especially those struggling in life, the sick, the orphans and homeless, victims of disasters and violence, and sectors suffering from neglect,” Duterte said. She said that through the goodness of hearts comes hope, resilience and faith that would “guide and strengthen us as individuals, as families, and as a nation.” Duterte urged everyone to pray for the “blessing of peace and stability for our beloved country.” The vice president’s brother, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, stressed that Christmas reminds them of what truly matters — family, faith, and unity, amid a time filled with trials, noise, and criticism. He thanked the people of Davao for their continued trust in him. “This isn’t blind support; it’s support rooted in experience — because you know what genuine, quiet, and results-driven service looks like,” Duterte said. “This Christmas, let us choose hope over hatred, truth over noise, and unity over division. We may not be going through the same things, but we share a common goal: a nation with dignity, compassion, and the courage to stand up for what’s right,” Mayor Duterte said. Speaker Faustino Dy III said that amid the challenges, Filipinos chose to let integrity, respect for law, and gentle action prevail the Christmas season, adding that it is a time for Filipinos to pause as a nation to give thanks, reflect, and rekindle hope. “In every twinkling light and shared smile, let us remember the true spirit of Christmas: love, care for one another, and the belief that everything becomes more meaningful when we are united,” Dy said. He also said that under a “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines), there is a government that has a “clear direction and accountability to the people.” Former speaker Martin Romualdez said Christmas is a celebration that unites everyone as Filipinos — hope, heart, strength, and love for one another. “May the birth of Christ renew our hearts, strengthen our families, and remind us that even in difficult times, light always finds its way through,” Romualdez said.

• The Manila Times
• 3 gün, 20 saat, 30 dakika

THE year 2025 marked a series of decisive actions by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Malacañang said Wednesday. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Marcos was the first president to expose and pursue actions against corruption, as good governance and accountability became defining pillars of his administration. The president also moved to deepen international partnerships, advance inclusive social reforms, strengthen food security, and improve public services. During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) in July, the president condemned anomalous flood control projects, delivering the unforgettable line, “Mahiya naman kayo! (You ought to be ashamed of yourselves!).” Personally inspecting flood control projects, Marcos stepped the administration’s crackdown on corruption, ordered the recovery of public funds, and encouraged public participation through the launch of the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” website and the Department of Public Works and Highways Transparency Portal. On Sept. 11, Marcos signed Executive Order 94, which created the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate alleged irregularities in flood control and related projects. The president also voiced support for peaceful anti-corruption protests, emphasizing that public office was a public trust and that no individual involved in irregularities would be spared. He ordered the realignment of the flood control budget for next year to priority programs. As the Office of the Ombudsman has begun filing charges and arrest warrants have been issued, Marcos asserted that the government would continue to pursue filing criminal cases against all those involved in flood control irregularities. Marcos was also hands-on in leading disaster response and resilience, which emerged as key priorities in 2025, following the impact of Super Typhoon Nando and Typhoon Opong in September, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Cebu the same month, the double 7.4 and 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Davao Oriental in October, and Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan in November. On Nov. 6, the president declared a one-year state of national calamity to bolster disaster recovery and enhance future resilience. Under Marcos, the government also implemented the zero balance billing policy, ensuring that patients admitted to basic or ward accommodations in Department of Health-listed hospitals had their medical expenses fully covered. Complementing these measures, the nationwide rollout of Yaman ng Kalusugan health caravans provided accessible medical services to communities, while the establishment of Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service centers provided free outpatient care. In education, the Marcos administration advanced comprehensive reforms aimed at enhancing learning opportunities and outcomes. The signing of the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program Act enabled working professionals to earn college degrees through the recognition of prior learning and work experience. Education reforms were prioritized through the fine-tuning of the K–12 curriculum, the signing of the Early Childhood Care and Development System Act, the addition of thousands of new teaching posts, and support for teachers’ welfare and professional growth. Marcos ordered the strengthening and expansion of the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education to provide financial support to more deserving college students. Marcos spearheaded job fairs and improved transportation systems and commuter experience through fare discounts for students, senior citizens, and families and provision of e-shuttle services for persons with disabilities. He addressed community concerns such as the Siquijor power shortage, Bulacan schools’ water supply, and the San Juanico Bridge rehabilitation. He also intensified efforts to promote inclusive economic growth by implementing programs that directly benefit workers, farmers, and small businesses. The initiatives included the historic Social Security System pension reforms, which provided retirees with increased and timely benefits, alongside executive orders that strengthened workers’ rights and ensured their freedom of association. The president also expanded the 4Ps conditional cash transfer program to reach more vulnerable families and scaled up the Aksyon Fund to provide critical support for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). To address food security, the government distributed fertilizer and farm machinery, established fair floor prices for palay, adjusted rice import policies to stabilize supply and prices, and invested in agri-processing and fish ports infrastructure to modernize farming and increase farmer incomes. The government accelerated the country’s digital transformation, expanding the eGovPH Super App to provide more accessible government services. Marcos launched the eGovPH Serbisyo Hub in San Juan City to allow easier access and faster services from government agencies gathered under one center. On the president’s guidance, efforts were made to improve digital connectivity including faster SIM card distribution and the rollout of the Free Wi-Fi for All program. Cybersecurity measures were strengthened to protect citizens’ data and maintain trust in digital government platforms. On the instructions of Marcos, the Department of Transportation deployed Dalian trains, which had been idle for nearly 10 years, to augment MRT-3 operations, significantly improving mass transit efficiency in Metro Manila. Airport upgrades at key tourism gateways enhanced both domestic and international travel, stimulating tourism and supporting local economic growth. The president’s order for the 100-percent electrification of households brought more communities into the national grid. The president and first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos also brought government services directly to OFWs through the OFW Serbisyo Caravan conducted in 11 key cities for migrant Filipinos. The Serbisyo Caravan provided OFWs convenient access to multiple government services, such as welfare and legal aid, documentation, social security and national ID enrollment. The president also maintained full support for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), pushing forward modernization efforts and internal and external security measures. In fighting crime, the president ordered heightened police patrols, faster response time for emergencies through the new Unified 911 System, and intensified operations against drug syndicates. Just three years into Marcos’ term, the amount of illegal drugs confiscated has nearly matched the total haul seized over the entire six-year term of the previous administration. At the same time, the number of fatalities under Marcos’ administration remained a very small fraction of those recorded during the previous administration, highlighting a shift toward a more humane and reform-focused strategy. For the welfare of military and uniformed personnel, the president approved an adjustment in base pay to be implemented in three tranches beginning on Jan. 1, 2026, and raised the daily subsistence allowance to P350. The PCO said that leadership changes and key appointments ensured continuity and stability in governance. Marcos asked all Cabinet-level officials to submit courtesy resignations, in what Malacañang described as a “bold reset” of his administration following the administration coalition’s weak performance in the May 12 elections. The move led to the exit of Environment Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and the reassignment of others, including Raphael Lotilla, who shifted from the energy portfolio to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Marcos also accepted the resignations of a few officials as part of this reset, including former Solicitor general Menardo Guevarra, former Commission on Higher Education chairman J. Prospero de Vera III, former Presidential Commission on the Urban Poor chairman and chief executive officer Meynardo Sabili, former Presidential adviser for Special Concerns Menandro Espineli, and former Trade secretary Alfredo Pascual, who stepped down to return to the private sector. Those retained include then-executive secretary Lucas Bersamin, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., then-Finance secretary Ralph Recto, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, then-Budget secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr., Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Information and Technology Secretary Henry Aguda, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, and Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Charlie Galvez Jr. The president’s remarks in his fourth SONA also set off more departures. Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan resigned soon after, while Bersamin and Pangandaman stepped down “out of delicadeza” after accusations raised by resigned lawmakers. Marcos tapped Recto as executive secretary and appointed Frederick Go to lead the Finance department. Pangandaman was replaced by Budget Undersecretary Rolando Toledo as acting Budget secretary while deliberations on the 2026 spending plan proceed. Marcos also pursued an active foreign policy throughout 2025, strengthening alliances and expanding regional and global partnerships. State visits to Cambodia and India, participation in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) engagements, and high-level meetings during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit further underscored the Philippines’ commitment to multilateralism, regional stability, and international trade and security partnerships. In November, Marcos launched the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Asean for 2026.

• The Manila Times
• 3 gün, 20 saat, 31 dakika

THE Philippines and the Slovak Republic marked a milestone year in their bilateral relations during a diplomatic gathering of Indo-Pacific countries hosted by the Slovak government in Bratislava last Dec. 8. The event highlighted a year of positive developments in Philippine-Slovak relations, including Slovakia’s decision to open an embassy in Manila, expanded cultural exchanges through music and sports, and advanced discussions toward the conclusion of a bilateral labor agreement. Officials said these initiatives reflect growing mutual interest in building practical, forward-looking cooperation between the two countries. The Philippines was among a group of countries invited to the vin d’honneur reception, signaling Manila’s increasing engagement with partners in Central and Eastern Europe and its expanding role in Slovakia’s outreach to the Indo-Pacific region. During the gathering, Slovakia formally launched its “Strategic Concept for Engagement in the Indo-Pacific,” identifying the region as a key foreign policy priority. Slovak officials emphasized the country plans to deepen diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners in line with broader European Union policies.

• The Manila Times
• 3 gün, 20 saat, 33 dakika

(UPDATE) THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) began the first phase of the long-delayed rehabilitation of the historic Epifanio delos Santos Avenue, popularly known as EDSA, on Christmas Eve. “This follows the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to repair the highway to make it safe for motorists, commuters, and pedestrians, especially vulnerable sectors such as persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and pregnant women,” Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said on Wednesday. According to Dizon, concrete reblocking works started at 11 p.m. on the southbound and northbound stretches of EDSA, and the work will continue until Dec. 27, to be followed by asphalt overlay works thereafter. The work plan, Dizon explained, was meant to take advantage of the long Christmas break when people are on vacation, and fewer cars are expected on EDSA. “With less disruption, more work can be done and at least cost to the government,” said Dizon. Based on the DPWH work plan, southbound concrete reblocking will be done from Dec. 24 to 27 on P. Celle St., Pasay City, to Roxas Boulevard (inner lane only), and Tramo Flyover to P. Celle St. (inner lane only) from Dec. 26 to 27. For the northbound side, roadwork will be from Roxas Boulevard to Park Avenue (inner lane only) from Dec. 24 to 27, and Park Avenue to Taft Avenue (inner lane) on Dec. 27. Soulbound asphalt overlay will be done at the ESA Orense to Urdaneta Village (Dec. 25), EDSA Orense to Magallanes Interchange (Dec. 26) and Tramo to Loring St. (Dec. 27). Dizon advised motorists to use alternate routes during the said period, adding that the DPWH will provide an updated repair work schedule from Dec. 28, 2025 to Jan. 5, 2026. Under the revised work plan, Dizon said, the rehabilitation of EDSA will be implemented in two phases of four month each, starting at the Roxas Boulevard to EDSA-Orense, while the second phase will cover the rest of EDSA. The 23.8-kilometer EDSA stretch is the longest and most congested highway in Metro Manila. It passes through six of Metro Manila’s 17 local government units or cities, namely, Caloocan, Quezon City, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Makati, and Pasay. With faster implementation, Dizon pointed out, the cost of rehabilitating EDSA would be down to P6 billion from the original estimates of P17 billion or a substantial savings of P11 billion, which the government can use to fund other projects. Among the action plans on EDSA will be the expansion of pedestrian lanes, implementing shared bike lanes and repair stops, pedestrian waiting sheds, and removal of obstructions along the commuter route.

• The Manila Times
• 3 gün, 20 saat, 34 dakika

SEN. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Wednesday said the inclusion of a P1-billion Bio-Safe biosecurity enforcement program in the proposed 2026 budget of the Department of Agriculture (DA) is a crucial step toward preventing smuggling, animal disease outbreaks, and food supply disruptions before they escalate into price shocks and shortages. “The line item aims to strengthen disease surveillance, border controls, and on-ground enforcement against threats such as African swine fever (ASF) and avian influenza. These outbreaks have previously driven up food prices and wiped out livelihoods,” Pangilinan said. Pangilinan is a member of the bicameral conference committee reconciling the national budget and serves as vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance. He also chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform. The Bio-Safe program institutionalizes biosafety, biosecurity, and surveillance (BSS&S) measures across the agriculture sector, covering crops, livestock, poultry, and fisheries. The program applies to farms, laboratories, quarantine stations, slaughterhouses, and other agricultural facilities. It is designed to prevent the entry and spread of animal and plant diseases that can cripple food production. Under the BSS&S system, the DA issues standardized containment and response protocols, strengthens disease surveillance and reporting, and upgrades engineering controls in facilities handling biological materials. For livestock operations, biosecurity measures may include perimeter fencing, controlled farm access, climate-regulated animal housing, proper waste management systems, and sanitation facilities such as shower-in and shower-out areas for workers. “As they say, ‘Prevention is better than cure.’ Every outbreak we fail to prevent becomes a huge price Filipino families are forced to pay,” Pangilinan said. The senator cited past food emergencies as evidence that delayed responses are far more costly than early prevention, both in terms of public spending and household welfare. African swine fever alone wiped out an estimated five million pigs nationwide, caused losses of at least P200 billion, and reduced the country’s hog inventory by more than 20 percent. The resulting supply shock pushed pork inflation to about 20 percent in 2021 and kept retail prices elevated and volatile in the years that followed. While pork remained safe for consumption, weak biosecurity and market controls left consumers paying higher prices, while many backyard hog raisers lost entire herds and breeding stock. Avian influenza outbreaks have similarly strained food security and farmer incomes. Since 2017, authorities have culled hundreds of thousands of poultry upon detection of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in multiple regions, triggering temporary shortages and spikes in chicken and egg prices. “We always scramble after the damage is done. This budget seeks to stop the damage from happening at all,” Pangilinan said. Beyond disease prevention, Pangilinan said the Bio-Safe program also plays an important role in curbing agricultural smuggling by tightening sanitary and phytosanitary controls on imports. Enhanced inspection, testing, and quarantine measures improve detection rates at entry points, making it more difficult for illegally imported or misdeclared agricultural goods to access domestic markets. Effective implementation, he added, will require close coordination between the DA and the Bureau of Customs, particularly in cases involving large-scale smuggling and economic sabotage.

• The Manila Times
• 3 gün, 20 saat, 35 dakika

PUBLIC transport operators and drivers have been reminded that only G (General Patronage) and PG (Parental Guidance) rated contents are allowed to be shown inside public utility vehicles while in transit. The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), in a statement emailed to The Manila Times on Wednesday, issued the reminder in anticipation of the expected surge in travelers and increased commuter volume this holiday season. The reminder applies to all forms of audio-visual materials displayed or played inside public transport, including buses and other vehicles that provide public conveyance, MTRCB Chairman Lala Sotto said. She explained that the policy was in accordance with a presidential decree and a 2004 Revised MTRCB Implementing Rules and Regulations, which mandate transport operators and drivers to ensure that materials accessible to passengers are appropriate for general audiences, especially children. “This is part of our larger responsibility to ensure that every commuter, particularly commuting Filipino children, will experience a safe and family-friendly environment, even while in transit,” Sotto said.

• The Manila Times
• 3 gün, 20 saat, 36 dakika

(UPDATE) WHILE disputing claims that the Philippines remains a global terrorism hotspot, the Climate Conflict Action Asia (CCAA) warned that Dawla Islamiya, also known as ISIS or Daesh in the Philippines, has not been eliminated and continues to pose a security concern. In a statement issued days after the deadly Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney earlier this month, according to the CCAA, the extremist group was significantly degraded by sustained military operations since the 2017 Marawi siege, but argued that recent developments show the threat persists. “Dawla Islamiya is down but not out,” the group said, pointing to the government’s announcement just a month earlier of the neutralization of two ISIS leaders, Abu Jihad and Mohammad Usman Suleiman. According to CCAA, these operations demonstrated that while large-scale extremist activity has declined, militant networks and leadership elements remain active. The group said the Bondi Beach incident reinforced the need for continued vigilance, especially amid indications of renewed extremist activity in areas previously considered free of violent extremism, including parts of Basilan. CCAA added that it has observed signs of increased mobilization and polarization, citing renewed recruitment efforts targeting the youth and cases of young people breaking away from their families and clans. It also reported a spike in violent encounters between government forces and extremist-linked groups in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) following the recent midterm elections. The organization called on the Philippine government, as well as peacebuilding and development groups, to strengthen reintegration programs for former violent extremism combatants and their families. It emphasized that current approaches should move beyond a limited focus on preventing and countering violent extremism, urging more community-based and early-response initiatives anchored on sustainable reintegration and a restorative justice framework. CCAA said it remained committed to evidence-based analysis in addressing violent extremism and cautioned against speculation while investigations into the Bondi Beach attack are ongoing. “Premature conclusions that lack evidence risk fueling religious- and identity-based conflict and may obscure the deeper and more complex drivers of violence and radicalization,” the group said.

• The Manila Times
• 3 gün, 20 saat, 37 dakika

... Keep on reading: Love Knots, December 25, 2025

• Inquirer
• 3 gün, 20 saat, 38 dakika

FILIPINOS are likely to experience a fair-weather on Christmas Day, the state-run weather agency said, noting that it has not spotted any low-pressure area entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility in the next few days. Weather specialist Daniel James Villamil of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that in the meantime, the easterlies would prevail over Metro Manila and the rest of the country, causing partly cloudy to overcast skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. The same weather system, which brings humid and warm temperatures, would bring cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms to the Bicol Region and Quezon Province, Villamil said. The northeast monsoon, locally known as “amihan,” would prevail over Cagayan, Isabela, and Aurora, where cloudy skies with light rains would be likely in 24 hours, the national weather bureau said. Amihan would also be experienced over Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, the rest of Cagayan Valley, and the rest of Central Luzon, where partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains would be likely, it added.

• The Manila Times
• 3 gün, 20 saat, 38 dakika

... Keep on reading: Tuldok, December 25, 2025

• Inquirer
• 3 gün, 20 saat, 39 dakika

SEN. Bong Go’s Malasakit Team on Wednesday extended assistance to families displaced by a fire that hit Barangay Dulong Bayan in Bacoor City, Cavite. In a message relayed to the affected residents, Go expressed sympathy for the victims and highlighted the irreplaceable value of human life amid material loss. He reminded them that while property and income can be recovered, lives lost in disasters cannot be replaced. He also emphasized the importance of solidarity and mutual support in times of crisis, saying Filipinos must rely on one another during emergencies and reaffirming his commitment to public service. The assistance was carried out in coordination with local government officials and barangay leaders. A total of 88 affected families received grocery packs, snacks, vitamins, water containers, shirts, electric fans, and balls for children, aimed at addressing both immediate needs and basic comfort while families recover. Go, a former special assistant to the president and a longtime advocate of disaster response reforms, pointed out the importance of stronger fire prevention and emergency response systems. He is the principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act (RA) 11589, or the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Modernization Act, which provides for the upgrading of fire and rescue equipment, the hiring of additional firefighters, and the conduct of specialized training programs to improve the BFP’s capacity to respond quickly and effectively to fires and other emergencies. He also cited RA 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of permanent, safe, and well-equipped evacuation centers in all cities and municipalities nationwide. As principal author and co-sponsor of the law, Go said the measure aims to ensure the safety, dignity, and basic needs of disaster-affected families while facilitating faster recovery. “I hope the evacuation centers will be prioritized. It is now the law that evacuation centers be set up so that our countrymen can feel comfort during disasters,” Go said. The senator added that meaningful assistance and compassion should be extended whenever possible, urging communities to help one another in moments of hardship. The fire in Barangay Dulong Bayan left dozens of families temporarily homeless, adding to the series of residential fires that typically rise during the dry season, according to disaster officials.

• The Manila Times
• 3 gün, 20 saat, 39 dakika

... Keep on reading: Crazy Jhenny, December 25, 2025

• Inquirer
• 3 gün, 20 saat, 40 dakika

RECORDED cases of acute non-communicable disease (NCD) complications rose during the holidays, with two deaths reported, according to the Department of Health (DOH) monitoring data. The figures came from 10 DOH pilot sites that tracked cases from Dec. 21, 2025, to 4:59 a.m. on Dec. 24. One death was linked to acute stroke and another to acute coronary syndrome, highlighting the ongoing risks posed by NCDs even during the festive season. Acute coronary syndrome logged 25 cases, with patients aged 60 to 69 accounting for the largest share at 14 cases. Acute stroke recorded 45 cases, with the same age group posting the most at 15 cases. Bronchial asthma was less common but still notable, registering nine cases, with children aged zero to nine comprising the highest number at four cases. The DOH noted that these conditions often worsen during the holidays due to lifestyle factors. Overeating, increased alcohol consumption, disrupted routines, and higher stress levels can trigger acute episodes, particularly among older adults with underlying heart or vascular conditions. As part of its holiday health advisory, the DOH urged the public to monitor their health and seek immediate medical attention for warning signs such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, numbness, or weakness in any part of the body. The department also reminded the public to maintain normal blood pressure, stay physically active, and avoid smoking to reduce the risk of stroke and heart complications. For those with bronchial asthma, avoiding triggers such as dust, smoke, and strong odors, keeping surroundings clean, and always carrying inhalers and prescribed medication are critical preventive measures. Emergency assistance is available nationwide through the 911 Emergency Hotline or the 1555 DOH Emergency Number, the agency said, stressing that timely intervention can save lives, particularly during high-risk holiday periods.

• The Manila Times
• 3 gün, 20 saat, 40 dakika

THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) has declared two more villages — Bagumbayan South and North Bay Boulevard North in Navotas City, cleared of illegal drugs. Jubilant by the declaration, Mayor John Rey Tiangco, together with members of the city council, personally handed the PDEA certificates to Bagumbayan South Barangay Chairman Joselito Sulit and North Bay Boulevard North Barangay Chairman Noel Aviles in recognition of the achievement. “This accomplishment reflects the strong cooperation between the villages, our law enforcement partners, and the community,” Tiangco said. “We urge Navoteños to be vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities to TXT JRT. Let us continue working together to win this fight and keep our city and people safe,” he added. Among Navotas’ 18 villages, Bagumbayan South and North Bay Boulevard North are now the 15th and 16th to be declared drug-cleared. They join other villages that have successfully retained their drug-cleared status, namely: North Bay Boulevard South (NBBS), Dagat-dagatan, NBBS Proper, NBBS Kaunlaran, Navotas East, Navotas West, Tanza I, Tanza II, San Rafael Village, Bagumbayan North, Sipac-Almacen, Bangkulasi, Daanghari, San Roque, and San Jose. PDEA declared the two villages as drug-cleared as of Dec. 18, 2025, following a thorough assessment and validation process that confirmed their compliance with provisions of a Dangerous Drugs Board regulation. This includes ensuring that drug personalities on the barangay's unified watchlist are given appropriate interventions, maintaining a drug-free workplace, and sustaining active anti-drug advocacy among barangay officials. Navotas' anti-drug initiatives are anchored on its community-based treatment and rehabilitation program known as Bidahan, which provides rehabilitation and counseling, as well as an aftercare program that runs for six and 18 months, respectively. In addition to Bidahan, the city government continues to strengthen its anti-drug campaign through drug awareness and prevention lectures for Navoteño students, random and mandatory drug testing for city hall and barangay employees and program beneficiaries, and sustained drug-clearing of villages, the Navotas mayor said.

• The Manila Times
• 3 gün, 20 saat, 40 dakika

It's the most wonderful time of the year! NewsWatch Plus greets one and all a happy Christmas!

• NewsWatch Plus
• 3 gün, 20 saat, 41 dakika

Merry Christmas from all of us at Wishing you a season full of love, laughter and cherished moments with the people who matter most.

• Philstar.com
• 3 gün, 20 saat, 41 dakika