MANILA, Philippines – A fresh debate could erupt after Ako Bicol Representative Alfredo Garbin Jr. warned that the long-delayed Anti-Political Dynasty Act cannot be enforced unless the Constitution is amended. The statement revived an old but unresolved question: Can Congress ban political dynasties using a simple law, or would doingContinue Reading

Two competing anti-political dynasty bills now filed in the House of Representatives offer sharply different approaches to dismantling entrenched family control in Philippine politics. Members of the Dy and Marcos blocs filed House Bill (HB) 6771. Their version places its emphasis on prohibiting family members from holding elective office simultaneously. OnContinue Reading

COTABATO CITY — Local executives in Maguindanao del Norte vowed to strengthen their united campaign against illegal drugs as the province continues to brand itself as a “new investment hub” in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Participants to the Peace and Order and Public Safety Cluster MeetingContinue Reading

ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Zamboanga Sibugay reminded private sector employers to strictly follow labor standards, particularly the mandatory release of the 13th Month Pay to rank-and-file workers on or before December 24. Provincial Director Elamsalih Ungad reiterated that the 13th Month Pay isContinue Reading

MANILA, Philippines – The name Ramil Lagunoy Madriaga has reemerged in the national conversation after his sworn affidavit surfaced alleging that he delivered illicit funds for the 2022 vice-presidential campaign of Sara Duterte. His claims have since circulated online, raising questions about the credibility of the claims and the identityContinue Reading

MANILA, Philippines – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has appointed Scalabrinian priest Fr. Ricky Gente, a former chaplain for Filipinos in Rome, as the new executive secretary of its migrant ministry effective December 1. Gente will work with Bishop Socrates Mesiona, who recently assumed leadership of theContinue Reading