Philippines

MANILA – The World Bank has approved a $500 million (P22 billion) loan to help the Philippines ease the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The World Bank said on Friday, that the fund approved will help the poor and vurnerable household and will support small and medium enterprises by providing financial assistance. The Philippines Emergency Covid-19 Response Development Policy Loan …

MANILA – International flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport will remain restricted despite the easing of community quarantine protocols in Metro Manila, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Friday. Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said travel restrictions that existed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and modified ECQ will still remain unless the restrictions are futher eased or lifted by …

MANILA – Solicitor General Jose Calida who filed for the quo-warranto against ABS-CBN before the high court and regulators, declined the invitation to attend the House hearing seeking a fresh 25-year franchise for the media titan. According to the government’s chief lawyer, under the existing principle of subjudice, he could not participate in the hearing that would touch on the …

METRO MANILA – The modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in Metro Manila will ease into a more relaxed general community quarantine (GCQ) from June 1 to June 15, President Rodrigo Duterte announced on Thursday. In a televised address last night, President Duterte said that the National Capital Region (NCR), Davao City, Regions 2, 3 and 4A, Pangasinan, and Albay would …

MANILA – Actor and singer Sam Milby revealed on his 36th birthday post last Saturday that he and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray are in a relationship. On his Instragram, the actor posted a picture of them together with a caption: “Worth every second of the wait. Most special birthday yet.” Sam celebrated his 36th birthday via a livestream where …

MANILA – Vietnam’s PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc has assured President Rodrigo Duterte of a long-term supply of rice to the Philippines amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Vietnam is Philippine’s biggest source of imports for rice. Vietnam Industry and Trade Minister Tran Tuan Anh assured the country that Vietnam will be providing 400,000 metric tons of rice at a “competitive price”. According …

MANILA – Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta on Tuesday raised a slew of franchise issues and violations allegedly committed by ABS-CBN as congress opened its hearing on Tuesday on the new franchise application of the media titan. Referencing artist Kim Chui in her viral video clip, “Bawal Lumabas,” Marcoleta accused the network of not complying with the provisions in expired 25-year …

MANILA – Metro Manila mayors unanimously recommending to the national government to ease COVID-19 mitigation measures in the region from modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) to general community quarantine (GCQ) on June 1, Metro Manila Development Authority General Manager Jojo Garcia announced Tuesday. Garcia said the mayors agreed on the recommendation on the intention on reviving the economy. All 17 …

MANILA – Sy-led lender BDO Unibank Inc. is the country’s top taxpayer for 2019 with nearly a month ahead of the thrice extended deadline, according to the Department of Finance on Monday, May 25. As of May 19, 2020, BDO is the top corporate taxpayer with Robinsons Land Corp in second place followed by Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), Bank of …

Manila – President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, May 25, rejected calls to open the upcoming school year in August, contrary to Deped’s announcement that it could resume classes in areas with eased quarantine protocols. “I will not allow the opening of classes where students are close to one another. Never mind if they can’t finish, [if] for this generation, there …