Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero and Finance Committee Chairperson Grace Poe emphasized on Wednesday that Malacañang's move to delay the signing of the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) underscores the government’s checks and balances and reflects the health of Philippine democracy. "It's part of the legislative process and the system of checks and balances in our Constitution," Escudero explained when asked about the deferment. He added, "The Executive is well within its rights and prerogatives

Isang malaking kilos protesta ang inilunsad ng isang koalisyon ng labor groups, health workers at medical advocates sa Mendiola Manila kahapon upang igiit ang pagbibitiw ni Health Secretary Ted Herbosa at pagbabalik ng Philhealth subsidy sa ilalim ng 2025 national budget. Nasa 1,000 miyembro ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan para sa Pangkalusugang Pangkalahatan ang sabay sabay na nagmartsa sa Morayta patungo sa Mendiola kung saan sigaw nito ang pagtanggal na kay Herbosa gayundin ang panawagan kay Pangulong

Julia Montes shared that she took on the role in the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry Topakk (English title: Triggered) because of its focus on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a topic that is often overlooked in the Philippines. Produced by Nathan Studios, Fusee, and Strawdogs, the action-thriller Topakk will make its local premiere at the 50th MMFF after debuting internationally at the Cannes, Austin, and Locarno film festivals. Directed by Richard V. Somes,

The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported that the opening of the traditional Simbang Gabi (Dawn Masses) was smooth and incident-free. PNP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo expressed hope that the peaceful atmosphere would continue throughout the nine-day observance, ending on December 24. “Wala naman po na-report na any untoward incident sa simula ng Simbang Gabi. Hopefully po ay matapos po itong nine days ng walang seryosong insidente na naitatala,” she said during an interview with

The Philippine film industry is celebrating a remarkable milestone with the success of Hello, Love, Again, which has officially grossed ₱1.4 billion worldwide. This romantic drama has captured the hearts of audiences both locally and internationally, solidifying its place as one of the most successful Filipino films of all time. A Love Story That Resonates Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Joyce Bernal, Hello, Love, Again tells a heartwarming story of second chances and finding love in

Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla on Friday paid tribute to the late former Sen. Santanina Rasul, who passed away on Nov. 28. Padilla, a Muslim, noted Rasul was the first female Muslim to serve in the Senate. “Inaalala siya bilang isang taga umpisa, tagapagturo, at dedikadong pampublikong lingkod na ang pamana ay kinabibilangan ng mga landmark na batas na nagtataguyod sa mga karapatan ng kababaihan, mga reporma sa edukasyon, at mga pagsisikap sa pagbuo ng

"Sa isang demokratikong pamayanan, wala pong boss kundi ang taumbayan. At bilang tagapaglingkod ng bayan, tungkulin nating tumugon sa mga tanong ng ating mga pinaglilingkuran. Sa panukalang batas po na ito ang bawat Pilipino na humihingi ng impormasyon ay may karapatang mabigyan ng access sa mga tanggapan ng pamahalaan (In a democracy, the people are the boss and the government is duty-bound to address their concerns. The FOI bill ensures people who ask for information

Sen. Robinhood "Robin" C. Padilla has filed a bill to punish abusive landing and financing companies that force borrowers to settle their debts through harassment, shaming and similar practices. Padilla filed Senate Bill 2882, after noting RA 9474 (the Lending Company Regulation Act) and RA 7394 (Consumer Act) do not have enough protections against such unethical practices. "Over the years, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the National Data Privacy Commission and law enforcement agencies

A bill filed by Sen. Robinhood "Robin" C. Padilla seeks to create a new autonomous region for the people of Sulu, following its exclusion from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Padilla filed on Tuesday Senate Bill 2879, which establishes the Basulta Autonomous Region composed of Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi provinces. "To further promote political stability and economic development in the Sulu archipelago, this bill aims to create an effective political entity, provide

Pasay City Councilor and Mayoral candidate Wowee Manguerra expressed alarm over the “bloated” budget of the city for 2025, amounting to P9 billion, with a significant portion allocated to the City Health Office and Pasay General Hospital. According to Manguerra, it is puzzling that the Pasay City Government is allocating such large funds for healthcare, yet residents do not feel the benefits, as there continues to be a shortage of hospital rooms and medical facilities.

Sen. Robinhood "Robin" C. Padilla is planning a movie that will inform the public about the West Philippine Sea (WPS), and to drum up support for the Philippine Coast Guard and other agencies involved in defending our territory. Padilla disclosed this on Wednesday during a ceremony aboard the BRP Teresa Magbanua, marking the promotion of actor Gerald Anderson Jr. to auxiliary captain in the Coast Guard. He said Anderson will star in the movie. "Gagawa

The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a substitute bill, which has not been assigned a number, that will establish the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR). Albay Representative Joey Salceda, one of the sponsors of the bill that was passed by the joint House government reorganization and disaster resilience committee, stated that the DDR will serve as the main government entity tasked with ensuring the creation of safe, adaptive, and disaster-resilient communities. The DDR will