Sara Duterte vows to stay in PH even if arrest warrant is issued
Vice President Sara Duterte vowed on Wednesday that she would not leave the country should the complaints filed against her lead to her arrest.
“I do not plan to leave the country or hide if there’s a warrant of arrest, mainly because my children are here,” said Duterte in a press conference.
Bicam OKs consolidated version of 2025 national budget bill
The Bicameral Conference Committee has approved the committee report on the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025, which contains the reconciled and consolidated versions from the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Sen. Win Gatchalin moved to approve and adopt House Bill No. 10800 at the closing bicam meeting held at the Manila Hotel on Wednesday.
Akap stays in 2025 national budget; senators to have access – Poe
The controversial Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (Akap) survived the scrutiny of the Senate and the House of Representatives as it was kept in the 2025 budget bill after rigorous discussions.
However, the Akap fund was slashed to more or less P26 billion from an initial allocation of P39.8 billion.
OVP budget for 2025 stays at P733M – Sen. Poe
Members of the bicameral conference committee for the 2025 national funding have agreed to retain the P733-million funding of the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
The budget was initially at P2.037 billion but was reduced by P1.29 billion.
House bill initiating reforms in secret fund usage filed – Rep. Chua
A bill that seeks to initiate reforms in confidential and intelligence fund (CIF) usage and accountability was filed before the House of Representatives, Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said on Wednesday.
In a press briefing at the Batasang Pambansa complex, Chua confirmed that he and other lawmakers filed House Bills (HB) No. 11192 and 11193, which cover issues discussed by the House committee on good government and accountability.
PH-US-Japan maritime talks flag ‘unlawful’ Chinese behavior in West PH Sea
The Philippines, United States and Japan raised “serious concerns” over China’s repeated blocking and harassment of Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea during their inaugural trilateral maritime talks in Japan.
The dialogue held on Tuesday, was chaired by Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, US National Security Council Senior Director and Special Assistant to the President Mira Rapp-Hooper, and Japanese Assistant Foreign Minister Nakamura Ryo.
Sofronio Vasquez named ‘The Voice’ Season 26 winner
Sofronio Vasquez emerged as “The Voice” United States Season 26 winner, becoming the first-ever Filipino to have won the competition.
Vasquez bested the remaining four finalists at the two-night finale held on Dec. 9 and 10 (Dec. 10 and 11 in the Philippines).