GOVERNANCE/POLITICS

KORONADAL CITY – The new director general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA-12) has been a strong partner of TESDA-12, according to Regional Director Rafael Y. Abrogar.

In a statement, Abrogar welcomed the appointment of former congressman and former Sultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu.

Mangudadatu has taken his oath of office before Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr during ceremonies held at Malacanang.

Abrogar described Mangudadatu as “one of the strongest allies and advocate of TESDA programs” in the Soccsksargen region.

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday said it will no longer grant extensions on the deadline for the filing of statements of contributions and expenditures (SOCE) of candidates and political parties.

Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia made the remark after the Supreme Court (SC) en banc's 19-page decision on the Comelec Resolution No. 10147 was released, declaring the resolution as void.

The Comelec resolution allowed the extension of the deadline for SOCE filing last 2016.

MANILA – State-pension fund Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) launched a housing program, a low-interest loan product with flexible terms, and additional features on the GSIS Touch mobile app during its 86th anniversary celebration on Wednesday. 

GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso said these programs are in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directives.

In his anniversary message, Veloso said the GSIS is focused on digitizing processes for the convenience of its members and pensioners.

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday vowed to give "urgent attention" to the proposed measure institutionalizing a national land use policy that will ensure the country's holistic development.

In a speech during the grand launching of Pier 88 in Liloan, Cebu, Marcos said he would persuade Congress to immediately pass the proposed National Land Use Act, one of his priority bills.

"Allow me to reiterate the urgency of enacting a [National] Land Use Policy for our country, which is a priority legislative agenda of this administration," Marcos said.

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on the members of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “MADASIGON” Class of 2023 to continue upholding democracy and the rule of law as they officially join the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) following their commencement exercises at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday.

MANILA – The Australian government is allocating AUD89.9 million or approximately PHP3.32 billion worth of official development assistance (ODA) to the Philippines for 2023 to 2024, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the bilateral meeting between visiting Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo in Makati City on May 18.

MANILA – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Wednesday reiterated its commitment to empowering the Muslim community, particularly in rebuilding Marawi City, as the nation commemorates the Marawi Week of Peace.

In a statement, DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, who is a Maranao with roots from the south, said the rehabilitation and recovery of Marawi has "always been a project that is close to my heart."

MANILA – State workers will receive their midyear bonus starting May 15, confirmed Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman on Sunday.

COTABATO CITY – Some 667 indigent Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) received financial assistance from the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government, the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) said Friday.

In a statement, MSSD-BARMM said the beneficiaries included 449 indigent PWDs in Wao, Lanao del Sur; and another 168 in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.

“The beneficiaries received PHP1,500 each. This assistance covers the first quarter of their PHP500 monthly subsidy for this year,” the agency said.

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. arrived in Indonesia on Tuesday afternoon to participate in the 42nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits.

Marcos and the official Philippine delegation arrived at the Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia at 4:54 p.m. via Philippine Airlines Flight PR 001, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement.

"He (Marcos) was welcomed by Indonesian and Filipino officials," Garafil said.