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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hailed the signing of the ASEAN Extradition Treaty (AET) as a landmark achievement in regional justice cooperation, calling it a clear demonstration of unity among Southeast Asian nations. Speaking at the opening of the 13th ASEAN Law Ministers Meeting (ALAWMM) in Taguig City, Marcos emphasized that the treaty ensures individuals
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In a pastoral statement, Cardinal Jose Advincula, Archbishop of Manila, stressed that true loyalty must be directed toward the country and its democratic principles, rather than to individuals or self-serving interests. Cardinal Advincula underscored that allegiance should be rooted in truth, justice, and the common good, not in personalities or partisan gain. He warned that
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The Philippines has once again proven its prowess in the global rice arena, earning a prestigious silver medal at the World’s Best Rice Award held during the World Rice Conference in Phnom Penh. The winning entry? The aromatic NSIC Rc218, affectionately known as “Mabango” and sold locally as Dinorado. Selected from a competitive pool of
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Deputy Speaker Ronaldo “Ronnie” V. Puno and members of the National Unity Party (NUP) have filed House Bill No. 5870, calling for a Constitutional Convention (ConCon) to amend the 1987 Constitution through a transparent, inclusive, and democratic process. Filed on November 11, the bill seeks to address long-standing ambiguities and outdated provisions in the current
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A recent nationwide survey has revealed a growing trust divide between two key legislative bodies in the Philippines, with significantly more Filipinos placing their confidence in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee over the House Committee on Infrastructure. According to the PAHAYAG 2025 Third Quarter Survey, 30% of respondents said they trust the Senate committee more
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The Philippine government has expressed serious concern and strongly condemned the recent ballistic missile launch conducted by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on November 7, 2025. In an official statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippines denounced the launch as a provocative act that undermines peace, stability, and economic
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The Fund for Resilient Local Development (FRLD) has officially opened a $250-million funding call at the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, aiming to support vulnerable nations in building climate resilience and disaster preparedness. The initiative was unveiled during a high-level session attended by global leaders, scientists, and climate advocates. The fund is expected to prioritize
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In the heart of the Typhoon Belt, nations like the Philippines face a recurring nightmare—super typhoons that leave behind trails of destruction, displacement, and despair. As climate change intensifies, these storms grow stronger, deadlier, and more frequent. Yet while billions are spent globally on weapons of mass destruction, the technologies that could protect vulnerable communities
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The Philippine gaming industry posted P94.51 billion in gross gaming revenues (GGR) for the third quarter of 2025, virtually unchanged from the P94.61 billion recorded a year earlier, as the sector grapples with sweeping reforms in online gaming and digital payments. According to the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the Electronic Games (E-Games) segment
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The Philippine economy is showing signs of strain as the peso retreated to the 59:$1 level and the Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) plunged to a three-year low, following a disappointing third-quarter GDP report that revealed a mere 4% growth—the weakest pace in four years. Astro del Castillo, managing director at First Grade Finance, emphasized
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The Bench Files 