Sila ang nangunguna sa ranking ng mga siyudad ng #MetroManila sa kasalukuyan at manunungkulan mula June 30, 2025 hanggang sa 2028. May mga bago, may mga nanatili. #Caloocan — Mayor Along Malapitan #LasPinas — Mayor April Aguilar #Makati – Mayor Nancy Binay #Mandaluyong — Mayor-elect Menchie Abalos #Marikina — Mayor-elect Maan Teodoro #Navotas — Mayor John Rey Tiangco #Paranaque — Mayor-elect Edwin Olivarez #Pasig — Mayor Vico Sotto #SanJuan — Mayor Francis Zamora #Taguig — Mayor Lani Cayetano #Valenzuela — Mayor Wes Gatchalian #Manila — Mayor-elect Isko Moreno #Pasay — Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano #Pateros — Mayor-elect Gerald German #QuezonCity — Mayor Joy Belmonte Proud ka ba sa mayor ng city niyo?   Source Comelec Source: COMELEC

Globe is taking real steps to support Filipino students through initiatives that spark passions, strengthen leadership skills, and prepare young people for a world that’s changing faster than ever. Students today are juggling a lot — classes, tech, social life, and figuring out who they want to be. Globe understands that being a telco today means more than just providing a signal. It is about being part of a student’s journey to discover their passion and build their future. Globe wants to help students find those passions and chase them without feeling lost in the noise. Globe offers a lot of ways for students to get involved in the Globe Community Builders Program. Students can unlock daily perks and essentials through the Student Rewards on the GlobeOne app. If students have big ideas, they can pitch them through Globe Student Grants on the Globe website— and the best ones can partner with Globe to bring their ideas to life. Students can pitch their organized events, projects, and connect with mentors, and take a more active role in shaping their communities. Internships are also available for those ready to start building their careers early. One example of this in action happened in May when Globe organized the Marvel Studios’ Thunderbolts* led by the Marketing Youth Culture department. Student leaders from different high schools and universities were invited to special block screenings held in select Metro Manila, Nueva Ecija, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao cinemas. Apart from enjoying the movie, they were also given the opportunity to connect with Globe mentors and learn more about joining the Globe Community Builders Program, where they could take a more active role in leading projects, organizing events, and building their leadership skills. “Just like the heroes we see on screen, every student has the potential to rise, lead, and make a difference. Through Globe Community Builders Program, Globe is here to champion their dreams and stand with them every step of the way,” said Andrew James Lim, Lead for Marketing Youth Culture at Globe. Globe continues to move forward, solidifying its role as a true partner for students — helping them find their voice, chase their passions, and build a future they can proudly call their own. Because every student deserves someone in their corner as they step into who they are meant to become.      

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) urges the public to be the eyes and ears of their neighborhood through its Operation: Private Eye (OPE). “PDEA OPE is a reward and incentive program designed to fully engage the participation of the citizenry in the national anti-drug campaign by reporting illegal drug activities taking place in the communities”, said PDEA Director General Undersecretary Isagani R Nerez. For the first quarter of 2025, a total of ₱7,061,202.68 cash rewards were given to 16 civilian volunteers whose reports led to the successful conduct of 22 anti-illegal drugs operations nationwide. The Operation Private Eye Reward Committee, which is composed of key PDEA Officers and members from the business, academe and religious sectors with proven integrity and probity, evaluated, deliberated and approved the resolution granting the monetary rewards to the qualified informants. OPE aims to counter fear and apathy as hindrances to the active involvement of the citizenry in reporting illegal drug activities by ensuring anonymity of the informant and the confidentiality of the information. PDEA requires the informants to use codenames and wear masks during the awarding ceremony to hide their real identity. To report illegal drug activities, the public is advised to forward the information through OPE Hotline Number 09178677332. “Paying no heed to their own safety, private citizens go out of their way to report illegal drug activities indicating that there is public trust and confidence in PDEA”, Undersecretary Nerez said. Under the “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign – the flagship program of the administration of President Ferdinand R Marcos, Jr., promotes participatory governance by enlisting the active engagement of the public to foster a genuine sense of ownership in the nation’s fight against the drug menace. “There is always strength in numbers. The more people engaged in the fight, the more potential for greater success”, the Director General concluded.            

In celebration of Labor Day, SM Supermalls reaffirms its dedication to supporting Filipino job seekers by providing accessible employment opportunities through strategic partnerships and nationwide job fairs. As part of this commitment, SM is renewing its collaboration with Jobstreet by SEEK to enhance job matching, ensuring that more Filipinos find meaningful careers. Renewing our partnership with Jobstreet by SEEK Building on past successes, SM will renew its partnership with Jobstreet by SEEK on May 1, reinforcing its commitment to connecting job seekers with top employers. This continued collaboration enhances digital and on-site recruitment efforts, ensuring a seamless job search experience. Join the nationwide Labor Day Job Fairs SM Supermalls, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), invite all job seekers to participate in the nationwide Labor Day Job Fairs on May 1. These events will be held across 20 SM malls, providing thousands of employment opportunities: SMX Convention Center Manila SM Center Las Piñas SM City East Ortigas SM City Marikina SM City Sucat SM City Grand Central SM City Baguio SM City Tuguegarao SM City Cabanatuan SM City Olongapo Central SM City Pampanga SM City San Jose Del Monte SM City Taytay SM Center San Pedro SM City Sto. Tomas SM City Roxas SM City Bacolod SM Seaside City Cebu SM CDO Downtown Premier SM City Davao Hassle-free job hunting with on-site government services Job seekers can enjoy a convenient hiring process with the presence of key government agencies, including the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Pag-IBIG Fund. These agencies will provide assistance with essential employment requirements, making job hunting more efficient and stress-free. Driving growth, building the nation More than just hiring events, these Job Fairs contribute to economic recovery and community development. By promoting employment opportunities, SM Supermalls plays a vital role in driving economic growth and supporting businesses. Your next big career move starts here—don’t miss out! Other Job Fair activations happening in May that you can catch in SM Supermalls: May 1 – SM Malls (20 malls) May 2 – SM City Valenzuela May 22 – SM City Lucena May 29 – SM City Dasmariñas May 30 – SM City Trece Martires Ready to level up your career? Visit the SM Job Fairs this Labor Day, May 1, doors open at 10AM! Bring multiple copies of your updated resume, a valid ID, and your best self.          

MANILA, Philippines  – The Philippine Association of Private Telecommunications Companies (PAPTELCO), an organization of independent  telecommunications companies providing connectivity in farflung provinces, warned the government that the national security risk from the Konektadong Pinoy bill (Senate Bill 2699)is a real concern. “This is not just a concern of the large telecommunications players that own the cable landing stations and international gateway facilities, but also small telecommunication companies like us. The country’s national security is everyone’s concern,” said Atty. Normandy Baldovino Jr., president of PAPTELCO. In the Coffee and Connections event of the Philippine Information & Communications Technology Organization held last April 7, the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO) called out certain provisions in the Konektadong Pinoy bill that will be detrimental to both the Philippine’s national security and Filipino consumers, specifically the removal of the requirement for a Congressional franchise for new telecommunications players entering the Philippines, the watering down of the regulatory duties of the National Telecommunications Commission to an administrative one, the lack of vetting of new telecommunications players, and the lack of a requirement for new telecommunications players to be cybersecure prior to operating in the Philippines. Atty. Baldovino believes these shortcomings should be addressed in the bill and not just in the implementing rules and regulations. “We can’t sacrifice the country’s national security. While the Konektadong Pinoy bill has good intentions, it may have adverse effects down the road similar to when the government legalized Philippine Offshore Gaming Corporations (POGO). We have to correct the bill itself to ensure there is nothing lost when it comes to the implementing rules and regulations,” he said. Under the bill, foreign-controlled companies are allowed to control critical information infrastructure (CII) essential for national security, without any financial, technical or legal checking. New players are also allowed a grace period of one to three years after start of operations to have cyber security in place. This despite the high incidence of hacking in the Philippines. The Konektadong Pinoy bill is a priority measure by the current administration that aims to expand internet access in the country by easing the entry of new players in the data transmission industry. The Konektadong Pinoy Act was passed by the Senate on third and final reading last February 7, 2025, right before Congress went into recess and is slated for the bicameral conference committee once Congress resumes sessions in June.

As households brace for another uptick in electricity bills this April, senatorial aspirant and former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos has reiterated his call to abolish the value-added tax (VAT) on electricity and taxes on fuel exclusively used for power generation. In a recent radio interview, Abalos criticized what he described as “layered and excessive taxation” that has long made Philippine electricity among the most expensive in Southeast Asia. “Due to this increase, it gets harder for ordinary families to keep the lights on,” Abalos said. “Twenty years ago, when I was a congressman, electricity had no VAT. I opposed it then, and I’m standing by that position now.” The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) recently announced a rate increase of P0.72 per kilowatt-hour for April, translating to an estimated P145 jump in monthly bills for households consuming 200 kWh. Abalos said there are VAT at each stage of power delivery. “You have 12% VAT on generation, 12% on distribution, 12% on transmission—and then there’s system loss passed on to consumers. How can any country thrive like this?” he asked. He warned that such high operating costs are driving investors away and crippling local industries. “Maraming negosyo na umalis sa atin, pumunta sa ibang lugar dahil mas mura ang kuryente. Eh ang gagaling ng mga Pilipino, ng mga labor natin dito—very skilled,” he said. “We have world-class Filipino talent, but we’re losing jobs because it’s too expensive to operate here.” To address the problem, Abalos is proposing the remove the VAT on electricity. “Ito na lang isipin natin, bakit tayo nagtatax? Para magkaroon ng pera ang gobyerno. Let’s look at it na pwede nating bawasan ito, tanggalin ito. Siguradong dadami ang negosyo,” he added. He also said the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001 was supposed to liberalize and reduce costs in the power sector but it did not address the issue that the power sector is overtaxed, one of the main factors in the country’s high electricity cost – the second highest in Southeast Asia. Abalos vowed to prioritize energy reform if elected to the Senate, including the removal of VAT on electricity and the reduction of taxes on fuel used solely for power generation. “This will be one of my first bills. Lowering energy costs will spur more businesses, more jobs, and better lives for Filipinos,” he said. Abalos also called for more support for renewable energy, citing the country’s abundant yet underutilized natural resources. “Right now, we’re only using 18 to 21 percent renewables. In Nordic countries, it’s over 50 percent—and it’s cheaper. We should invest more in renewable energy,” he said. Abalos also called for more support for renewable energy, citing the country’s abundant yet underutilized natural resources. “Right now, we’re only using 18 to 21 percent renewables. In Nordic countries, it’s over 50 percent—and it’s cheaper. We should invest more in renewable energy,” he said. He noted that the Philippines, as an archipelago, is well-positioned to harness wind, wave, solar, and hydro power, but continues to rely on imported fossil fuels. “Halos buong taon tayong may sikat ng araw. May mga baybayin at kabundukan tayo na perpekto para sa wind at hydro power. Meron nang teknolohiya para sa wave energy na ginagamit na sa ibang bansa. Pero hanggang ngayon, umaasa pa rin tayo sa fossil fuel at langis,” Abalos said. For Abalos, the shift to renewables is not just an environmental necessity but a long-term economic solution. “Investing in renewable energy means reducing our exposure to global fuel price shocks, making electricity more affordable, and creating green jobs in our rural and coastal areas,” he said.

The nation is draped in black with the passing of its brightest star. The entire country mourns as the final curtain falls on a National Artist — a towering icon in the history of Philippine film and television. Nora Aunor was never just a phenomenal actress. She was the voice of the voiceless, the face of the everyday Filipino, and the soul of a nation in search of truth, justice, and identity. Her artistry didn’t merely grace the screen — it challenged it, elevated it, and transformed it. Through decades of unforgettable performances, she pierced through generations, inspired cultural awakening, and forever changed the landscape of Philippine cinema. I had the profound honor of working with Nora during one of the most defining moments in both our lives — the creation of Himala under the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines. As Director-General, I witnessed the depth of her commitment and the brilliance of her craft. Her portrayal in Himala remains, to this day, not just one of the most powerful in Asian cinematic history, but a spiritual and cultural mirror held up to the Filipino soul. Nora was never merely an artista — she was a force of nature. A woman of quiet strength, fearless choices, and authenticity. In an industry that often favored glamour over grit, she stood firm, choosing roles that told the stories of the poor, the marginalized, the forgotten — and in doing so, rendered them unforgettable. She could turn silence into poetry, stillness into tension, and pain into grace that lingered long after the screen faded to black. As we bid farewell to a legend, we remember not just the superstar, but the storyteller. The truth-teller. The miracle-worker. Maraming salamat, Guy. Paalam. Hindi totoo na walang Himala — sapagkat ikaw mismo ang himala. Sa bawat pelikula, sa bawat entablado, sa bawat pusong iyong inantig — tunay kang milagro ng sining at ng sambayanang Pilipino. Senator Imee R. Marcos

MANILA — The United States government, through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) International Counterproliferation Program (ICP), hosted a maritime security training to enhance Philippine government’s efforts to counter the maritime trafficking of hazardous chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials last Manila, March 24 to 28,2025. During the Targeting and Risk Management Workshop held in Manila, DTRA experts and Filipino facilitators from the Philippine Office for Transportation Security (OTS) trained 35 representatives from various Philippine government agencies in identifying, targeting, and interdicting illicit vessels and cargoes that traffic hazardous components of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in different maritime domains.  It also included “train-the-trainer” activities to sustain the agencies’ efforts in identifying maritime security operational and doctrinal gaps. Participants included representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Strategic Trade Management Office, Department of Transportation’s OTS, Bureau of Customs, Philippine Ports Authority, Maritime Industry Authority, Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, and Philippine National Police Maritime Group. In his remarks, Director Jose S. Embang, Jr. of the CBRN office of the Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Council Program Management Center (ATC-PMC) thanked DTRA for its support in helping the Philippines refine its tracking methods and response procedures for potentially hazardous unauthorized materials discovered at seaports.  He added that these efforts contribute to national and global security. “We value our longstanding partnership with ATC-PMC and their unwavering efforts to strengthen Philippine CBRN policy and legislation. We anticipate continued engagement with ATC-PMC, the National Maritime Center, and the Philippine interagency in support of initiatives that reinforce the ironclad commitment between our two countries,” said Nicholas DeDominici, Chief of DTRA at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. The workshop is part of DTRA’s efforts to help strengthen interagency cooperation within Philippine government agencies; improve their capabilities to counter WMD proliferation and respond timely and effectively to maritime security incidents.; and strengthen U.S.-Philippine cooperation in support of a secure, prosperous, free, and open Indo-Pacific.      

Converge ICT Solutions Inc., the Philippines’ leading fiber broadband and technology solutions provider, has further strengthened its presence in Iloilo by collaborating with Central Philippine University (CPU) to elevate the educational experience through world-class connectivity and technological innovation. Founded in 1905, Central Philippine University (CPU) is one of the premier academic institutions in the Visayas region, renowned for its distinguished programs in engineering, business, health sciences, and education. The university seamlessly combines academic excellence with Christian principles, fostering the intellectual, moral, and spiritual development of its students. With a steadfast commitment to strengthening faith and advancing scholarship, research, and community service, CPU continues to cultivate future leaders equipped to make a meaningful impact in their fields and in society. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the Iloilo expansion of Converge, as it provides Central Philippine University students and faculty with world-class digital infrastructure. By providing high-speed fiber broadband, Converge is empowering the CPU community in an increasingly digital landscape, supporting both academic and personal development. “At Converge, we are committed to empowering educational institutions like Central Philippine University with the digital tools they need to thrive. As a key province in our digital development strategy, Iloilo plays a crucial role in our mission to provide reliable, high-speed fiber connectivity and innovative technology solutions. By equipping universities with the necessary digital infrastructure, we ensure they remain leaders in shaping the future of education in a rapidly advancing landscape,” said Converge Assistant Vice President & Head of Enterprise VisMin, Maria Asuncion Canen. By harnessing Converge’s leadership in fiber broadband and world-class technology, CPU is strategically positioned to incorporate cutting-edge innovations such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), thereby advancing both the academic experience and future opportunities. Dr. Ernest Howard Dagohoy, President of Central Philippine University, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are thrilled to work with Converge, a company that shares our vision for innovation and our commitment to the future of education. This initiative will support our ongoing efforts to provide our students with an education that integrates the best of technology and Christian values, empowering them to become leaders and innovators.” The alliance strengthens CPU’s ongoing pursuit of academic excellence and innovation, ensuring the university can effectively meet the evolving needs of its students and faculty. With the robust digital infrastructure of Converge, CPU enhances its operational efficiency and creates a more dynamic learning environment. Together, Converge and CPU are shaping the future of education, equipping students and faculty with the digital tools to succeed in a technology-driven world.