CATEGORIES

Not so confidential funds

Properly defined, confidential and intelligence funds are the total amount of allocations set aside in the national budget for expenses that involve surveillance and intelligence information gathering activities while intelligence funds are for intelligence expenses related to information gathering activities of uniformed and military personnel and intelligence practitioners that have a direct impact on national security.

Time better spent

I was recently invited to be a guest on a news and current affairs program to talk about the ongoing investigations of the quad comm. It shocked the guest coordinator when I replied that I have not watched a single episode and therefore, I would not be qualified to comment or analyze any of it.

Continuing scams

By mid-December, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas expects to wrap up its probe into a recent spate of unauthorized deductions from GCash accounts.

Secret bank deposits

Congressmen stress that the ongoing inquiry being con-ducted by four committees of the House of Representatives is in aid of legislation.

'No price cup on Iechon despite increase in demund'

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. yesterday said that the Department of Agriculture (DA) has no plan to implement a price cap on lechon or roasted pig amid the expected increase in demand during the holidays.

China's fake fishing boats swarm WPS - lawmaker

Aside from flooding the markets with fake products, the Chinese are now swarming Philippine waters on \"fake\" fishing boats manned by coast guard and naval personnel, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said yesterday.

JICA expanding collaboration with Phl on disaster risk reduction

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is eyeing to expand collaboration with the Philippines in the area of disaster risk reduction, citing the two countries' susceptibility to severe disasters.

Senate to hold last POGO hearing next week

The Senate will hold its final hearing on illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and unravel China's espionage activities and the role of dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo, according to Sen. Risa Hontiveros.

Funding's key role in fighting climate change

Support seen as empowering developing countries in South-South cooperation framework. Hou Ligqiang reports

Face House, explain intel funds, Sara urged

For the first time since they had a falling out, Speaker Martin Romualdez spoke openly about his estranged ally, Vice President Sara Duterte, advising her to face the congressional probe on her alleged misuse of confidential funds.

New Great Wall set to generate green benefits

Ordos in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region is advancing an ambitious initiative known as the Solar Great Wall, aiming to combine the development of renewable energy with efforts to combat desertification, local authorities say.

For breeders, red plumes are the crowning glory

When 380 red-crowned cranes were released into the wild recently, it turned a Chinese nature park into the world's largest breeding site and habitat for the bird.

Managing success for road that lies ahead

As the Belt and Road Initiative enters the second decade of implementation, its sphere of global outreach has been growing with gusto.

Joint effort urged to meet challenges facing Asia-Pacific

Blocks to trade, investment and technology need to be removed, says Xi. Mo Jingxi reports

APECis resilience in changing world

In its 35th year of existence. the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum continues to remain relevant despite the emergence of other regional forums and is projected to maintain its growth in the face of global uncertainties and challenges. experts say.

'Guanzon may still run as party-list nominee'

Former poll commissioner Rowena Guanzon may still run as a party-list nominee in the May 2025 midterm elections despite a Supreme Court (SC) ruling declaring null and void her substitution as the first nominee of the P3PWD party-list, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Tulfo brothers still leading in new Senate poll

Two brothers of Sen. Raffy Tulfo are still the most preferred candidates for senator in a voter preference survey con-ducted by polling firm Tangere.

ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyaha, Hamas officials

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants yesterday for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas officials, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity over the war in Gaza and the October 2023 attacks that triggered Israel's offensive in the Palestinian territory.

Speaker vows to fight for AKAP funding

Speaker Martin Romualdez vowed yesterday to fight and secure funding for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)'s Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) in the 2025 budget, high-lighting the program's impact on more than four million \"near poor\" Filipinos nationwide.

OCD lauds success of 4th quarter national earthquake drill

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) lauded the execution of the fourth quarter nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill held in Camiguin on Nov. 14.

Re-nationalization of agri services pushed

Senate President Francis Escudero and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. yesterday agreed to work together for the renationalization of the agriculture sector after many of its services were devolved to the local government units (LGUs).

Sara: OVP staff °collateral victims, of persecution

Vice President Sara Duterte said she is taking pity on the officials and personnel of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) as they have become \"collateral victims\" of her critics' efforts to persecute her for political reasons.

BBM leads groundbreaking of Meralco Terra Solar

President Marcos led the groundbreaking yesterday of what would become the world's largest integrated solar and battery storage facility, a project seen to make the Philippines a leader in renewable energy while contributing to efforts to address climate change and global warming.

Indonesia says clemency for Veloso up to Marcos

Indonesia will fully respect whatever decision President Marcos makes on the grant of clemency to Mary Jane Veloso, the overseas Filipino worker saved from execution on drug trafficking charges.

AFP confirms presence of US Task Force in Palawan

US embassy: Unit enables US forces to support AFP in SCS

No word on whether Garma seeking US political asylum

There is no word yet from US authorities if former police colonel Royina Garma is indeed requesting for political asylum, according to Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.

GIVING THANKS WITH SMOKED TURKEY

You know you’re in for a different kind of treat once you enter The Smokeyard. Here, the aroma of smoked meat permeates the air.

'GRAND BINIverse' DELIVERS WORLD-CLASS PRODUCTION

It wasn’t just a show.

Chefs Alfred Santiago & Aaron Isip in rare collab at Waterside

If you're looking for an exciting new dining adventure, there's no need to look any further than what our talented chefs can do with our very own Filipino food.

THE MORE LOVE SHARED, THE MERRIER AT ITALIANNI'S

They say that the fondest memories are made when gathered around a table.