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Politics

VAT REFUND FOR FOREIGN TOURISTS GETS SENATE OK

The Senate recently approved on third and final reading the proposed value-added tax (VAT) refund measure for non-resident tourists that would hopefully attract more tourists. With 20 affirmative votes, one negative vote and no abstention, Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2415 or An Act Creating a Vat Refund Mechanism for Non-Resident Tourists, adding a New Section […]

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Politics

BILL EYES TREE PLANTING FOR GRADUATING STUDENTS

Senator Cynthia Villar sponsored a bill which seeks to institutionalize tree planting as a “civic duty” for all graduating senior high school and college students nationwide. Villar’s proposed measure- Senate Bill No. 2834. or the “Tree Planting Legacy of Graduates Act of 2024,” under Committee Report No. 330 intends to address environmental challenges, particularly the […]

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Politics

POE TO BSP, PSA: RELEASE NATIONAL ID CARDS

Senator Grace Poe urged the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to lay down their plans to ensure the continuous printing and release of national IDs amid the legal challenges with a private supplier. Poe pointed out that around 116 million IDs were supposed to be printed since the national […]

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Politics

BONG GO EXTENDS SUPPORT TO FUTURE TEACHERS

In a show of support for future educators, Senator Bong Go personally attended the Dr. Carl E. Balita Review Center’s Ultimate Final Coaching series for the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) at the Cuneta Astrodome in Manila recently. “Edukasyon ang susi sa magandang kinabukasan at ang kabataan ang pag-asa at future leaders ng ating bayan,” […]

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Politics

PADILLA CONDEMNS MURDERS OF TEDURAY TRIBE MEMBERS

Senator Robin Padilla condemned the continued spate of killing of members of the Teduray tribe in the Bangsamoro Region, following the fatal shooting of Teduray leader and village councilman Elvin Moires last September 17. Padilla filed Senate Resolution 1203, where he noted the number of killings in the Teduray tribe is “alarming,” with the latest […]

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Politics

DILG: USE OF BRGY FACILITIES FOR PUBLIC EVENTS OK

Rizal 4th District Rep. Fidel Nograles lauded the DILG for reminding all barangay officials that they cannot deny the use of barangay facilities for government programs and activities, and other public purposes. “Natutuwa po tayo sa mabilis na pagtugon ng Department of Interior and Local Government sa pagpapaalala sa mga kapitan ng ating mga barangay […]

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Politics

POE BACK USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN COURTS

Senator Grace Poe supported initiatives to use artificial intelligence (AI) technology in court-related works, but stressed the need for stringent safeguards and vetting. “We will not rely too much on AI, but we can make use of the technology as an option to help check the human side of decisions, such as data, transcript and […]

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Politics

CAYETANO BATS FOR PHIVOLCS MODERNIZATION

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano voiced strong support for the modernization of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), aiming to strengthen the country’s disaster preparedness. “Parati natin sinasabi ‘sana we have more facts,’ ‘sana may warning.’ The good news is that we can be more ready,” Cayetano said as he sponsored Senate Bill No. […]

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Politics

ZUBIRI TO GOV’T: PRIORITIZE PAGASA UPGRADE

Former Senate President Migz Zubiri urged the government to prioritize upgrading the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) for more accurate and timely weather forecasts to enhance disaster preparedness and management. Speaking at a Senate Finance Subcommittee K hearing on the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) 2025 budget, sub-panel chair Zubiri emphasized […]

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Politics Sports & Entertainment

FIVB HOSTING A WIN-WIN SITUATION FOR PH – CAYETANO

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano pointed out that sports have the power to transform a nation not only by fostering unity among supporters but also by driving growth in tourism. “Hindi natin dapat bale-walain na ang sports, lalo na kapag hosting, nakakapag-unite sa atin. We need events like this because win-win [situation] ito,” Cayetano, who serves […]