National

Senate approves mental health bill on final reading

(Eagle News) — The Senate on Tuesday approved on third and final reading a bill creating a national mental health policy, the first of its kind in the country. Senate Bill No. 1345, or the Philippine Mental Health Bill which was filed on Feb. 17, was passed on final reading on the Senate’s first day back in session. The bill–which seeks to incorporate mental health services in the public health system—  was sponsored  by former Senate […]

Majority of Filipinos still trust US, Japan, distrust China and Russia – Pulse Asia survey

QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News) — Most Filipinos still trust the United States and Japan, more than China and Russia, according to the latest survey conducted by Pulse Asia. The survey said majority or 79% of Filipinos still trust the US, while 75% trust Japan. In contrast, 63% of Filipinos expressed their distrust of China, while 54% expressed their distrust of Russia. This was despite the Duterte administration’s foreign policy shift geared towards creating closer […]

President Duterte gives private firms using gov’t lands 3 months to return land

QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte said private companies that are using government lands to evade their tax liabilities, should give up these lands within three months. The President said that those who are abusing the government should return such lands to the government or else he will give the public the “go” signal to occupy the companies’ properties. “Within the next three months, those occupying government lands but did not pay taxes […]

Duterte promises thousands of jobs for Filipinos on Labor Day

QUEZON City, Philippines (Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte, in his Labor Day message, promised thousands of new jobs for Filipinos. “Everyone who contributes labor as part of his commitment to nation-building deserves nothing less than a share of the fruits of his hard work,” he said. The President also said that government recognized the contribution of the Filipino worker to the country’s economy and promised to continue protecting the welfare of Filipino employees. “Workers […]

VP Robredo camp pays first tranche of electoral counterprotest fee

(Eagle News) — The camp of Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday paid the first tranche required by the Presidential Electoral Tribunal  for her electoral counterprotest to move forward. The P8 million they paid, Atty. Barry Gutierrez, Robredo’s lawyer, said, was borrowed from Robredo’s relatives and those of the late Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, her late husband. Before making the payment, Robredo’s camp filed an appeal on the PET’s […]

DENR chief Gina Lopez: “I’m not against mining”

Ni Meanne Corvera Eagle News Service Sa ikatlong pagkakataon, isinalang sa makapangyarihang Commission on Appointments ang kumpirmasyon ni Gina Lopez bilang environment secretary. Sa pagharap sa komisyon, isa-isang sinagot ni Lopez ang alegasyon ni Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez na hindi idinaan sa konsultasyon ang ginawang shutdown at arbitrary suspension sa ilang mining operations. Paglilinaw ni Lopez, hindi nya tinututulan ang pagmimina pero kailangan daw maging responsable ang mga mining firms. “I’m not against mining as […]

Gina Lopez to face Commission on Appointments today

(Eagle News) — The Commission on Appointments is resuming today the confirmation hearing of Gina Lopez as environment secretary. Lopez–who faces opposition from several mining companies—was bypassed after two consecutive hearings last month. She was only reappointed to the position by President Rodrigo Duterte on April 17. The powerful body is set to implement new rules, which consist primarily in deciding whether to confirm or reject an appointment if the appointee has been bypassed three […]

Impeachment complaint vs Robredo set to be filed today, May 2, when Congress opens

(Eagle News) — Today, May 2, when Congress opens, critics of Vice President Leni Robredo are all set to file the impeachment complaint against her with the House of Representatives despite the earlier call of President Rodrigo Duterte not to pursue such a move. Lawyer Bruce Rivera said that they have already prepared the impeachment complaint, and they hoped to get it endorsed by lawmakers. Rivera said they would be filing the complaint at the […]

Duterte hesitant on US visit; warm on China

DAVAO, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte said Monday he may turn down an invitation by Donald Trump to visit the United States, as he welcomed three Chinese warships to his home town. Duterte, who has loosened the Philippines’ long alliance with the US while strengthening ties with China and Russia, said he could not commit to the American president because of a busy schedule that included a trip to Moscow. “I am tied up. I […]

President Duterte visits Chinese warships docked in Davao as Chinese naval fleet starts friendly visit

  Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday visited Chinese warships docked in his home town, highlighting fast-warming relations despite competing claims in the South China Sea. The visit came a day after Duterte issued a chairman’s statement on behalf of the 10-nation ASEAN bloc. Duterte boarded the missile destroyer Chang Chun which arrived with two other vessels in Davao City on Mindanao island on Sunday for a three-day goodwill visit. “Goodwill games” of basketball and […]

Senador Drilon: De Lima nasa mabuting kalagayan sa Custodial Center

  Ni Meanne Corvera Eagle News Service Personal na binisita ng mga senador na miyembro ng oposisyon si Senador Leila de Lima sa Philippine National Police Custodial Center sa Camp Crame nitong Lunes. Alas onse singko kaninang umaga nang pumasok sa Custodial Center sina Senador Franklin Drilon, na lider din ng minorya; Francis Pangilinan; Antonio Trillanes IV; at Risa Hontiveros. Tumagal sila doon ng isang oras. Bago ang pagbisita, nagsagawa ng caucus ang minorya para […]

Lacson counters PNP chief, says “secret jail” in Manila, a clear violation of the law

    (Eagle News) — Senator Panfilo Lacson criticized Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa for defending members of the Manila Police District who set up a “secret jail” inside MPD’s station 1. Lacson said these policemen violated police procedures and should not be tolerated by the PNP chief. The men and women were found packed into the tiny cell behind a wooden cabinet at a Manila police precinct on Thursday, sparking […]