Month: February 2026
PSA: Zamboanga Sibugay Sees Drop In Poverty, Stable Jobs, But Inflation Bites
ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY – Poverty incidence in Zamboanga Sibugay has sharply declined even as inflation continues to erode household purchasing power, according to the latest QuickSTAT released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Data show that poverty incidence among families fell to 17.8 percent in 2023, down from 26 percent in 2021 and 27.1 percent in
Opinion | Why Community Journalism Needs A Media-Citizens Council
Community journalism is often described as the frontline of democracy. It reports on barangay politics, local governance, social services, and community conflicts—stories that shape people’s daily lives but rarely reach national headlines. However, it is precisely this closeness to power and people that makes community journalism both essential and vulnerable. One way to protect local
BARMM Lawmaker Backs Probe Into Police Hazing, Warns Of Impact On MILF Integration
COTABATO CITY, Philippines — A Bangsamoro lawmaker has expressed support for the investigation into the brutal hazing of 129 newly inducted police officers in Lamitan City, Basilan, warning that the incident could undermine the ongoing integration of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members into the Bangsamoro police force. Naguib Sinarimbo, deputy floor leader of
House Urged To Probe Alleged ‘Weaponization’ Of BIR Audit Orders
MANILA, Philippines — A ranking lawmaker is pushing for a House of Representatives investigation into alarming allegations of corruption within the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). The lawmaker particularly cited the misuse and “weaponization” of letters of authority (LOAs) and mission orders (MOs) against taxpayers. Deputy Speaker and Zambales 1st District Representative Jay Khonghun filed
The Kalayaan Island Group Belongs To The Philippines — And Why Giving It Up Is Dangerous
Calls to “just give up” the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) surface every now and then, usually framed as pragmatism or a way to avoid conflict in the West Philippine Sea. But legally, constitutionally, and strategically, that position is deeply flawed. Here’s why. What is the Kalayaan Island Group? The Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) refers to
DOH Plans Zero-Balance Billing In Pay Wards For PhilHealth Direct Contributors
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) plans to require all DOH-run hospitals to implement zero-balance billing in pay wards for PhilHealth direct contributors, a move aimed at expanding access to government health benefits to middle-class earners. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said the policy will be enforced through a Department Memorandum Circular that will
Breaking The Ranks: How Lt. Col. Jovily Carmel Cabading Made Philippine Army History
Lt. Col. Jovily Carmel Cabading did not raise her voice to make history in a profession long defined by tradition, hierarchy, and masculine imagery. She simply took command. Cabading is the first woman to lead an infantry battalion in the Philippine Army. She assumed command of the 60th Infantry Battalion (Mediator Battalion) under the 10th
First Woman Army battalion Commander Lauded For Leadership In Davao del Norte
COTABATO CITY, Philippines — The saying that the best man for the job is a woman could be aptly applied to the country’s first woman Army battalion commander who has drawn praise from military officials, local executives, and peace advocates for exceeding expectations during her two-year leadership in Davao del Norte. Lt. Col. Jovily Carmel Cabading,
Shear Line, Amihan Bring Rains Over Luzon, Visayas — PAGASA
MANILA, Philippines — A shear line continues to affect Southern Luzon while the northeast monsoon, or amihan, remains the dominant weather system over much of Luzon. It brings generally cloudy skies and periods of rain, state weather bureau PAGASA said Monday. In its 4 am forecast, PAGASA said the shear line will bring cloudy skies
PNP Orders Nationwide Crackdown On Illegal Tobacco Hubs
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered a nationwide crackdown on strategic transit points and storage hubs used in the illegal tobacco trade, a move that could directly affect long-standing cigarette smuggling routes in the Zamboanga Peninsula. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. directed all police units to intensify operations against smuggling networks.
Tawi-tawi Governor Lauds BARMM Chief Minister, Parliament Member For Swift Response To Bongao Fire
COTABATO CITY — Tawi-Tawi Governor Ysmael Sali thanked on Thursday Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Abdulrauf Macacua and Parliament Member Jet Lim, the province’s representative to the 80-seat Bangsamoro parliament, for his swift response to the massive fire that displaced more than a thousand families in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi. Sali said the
BARMM Vaccinates 400,000 Children Versus Measles, Rubella
COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Health workers in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have vaccinated more than 400,000 children against measles and rubella in just two weeks, regional officials said on Wednesday, February 4, marking a major boost to the region’s immunization drive. Jet Lim, spokesperson of the BARMM parliament, said 400,740 children
