Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories:
DBM: P1.054-B proposed budget for Marcos’ travel expenses in 2025
The proposed budget for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s travel expenses in 2025 is pegged at P1.054 billion, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said on Thursday.
According to the DBM, the proposed allocation is P94 million, or 8 percent less than Marcos’ travel budget in 2024, which was P1.14 billion.
DOJ won’t bar arrest warrants vs suspects in ICC ‘drug war’ case
The Philippine government will not block any arrest warrants that the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) may issue concerning the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) “drug war” case, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said.
Remulla explained on Thursday that while the Philippines is no longer a member of the ICC, it remains a part of Interpol, which facilitates worldwide police cooperation and crime control.
DOJ chief on VP Duterte’s reduced security: Not a bad matter
It is not a “bad matter” to remove some of Vice President Sara Duterte’s security personnel, according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.
This was his response when asked for a comment on Duterte’s appeal for protection for her family, following the recall of 75 police officers from her personal protection team.
Padilla seeks Cha-cha anew – this time, to end political dynasties
Sen. Robinhood Padilla is seeking a fresh push to amend the 1987 Philippine Constitution to shatter political dynasties.
Padilla, head of the Senate panel on constitutional amendments and revision of codes, filed Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 9 on Wednesday evening.
LTFRB: PUV modernization to go on despite Senate’s suspension reso
The Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Thursday said that the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program will go on despite the filing of Senate Resolution No. 1096 calling for the suspension of the program due to concerns raised by some drivers and transport groups.
“We assure the drivers, operators, and stakeholders who participated in the PUVMP that it will proceed as long as there is no directive coming from the President and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to halt the program,” LTFRB Chairman Teofile Guadiz III said in a statement.