Three-Year Pension Increase to Benefit All Types of Pensioners   MANILA, Philippines — The Social Security System (SSS) will implement a landmark Pension Reform Program starting September 2025, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and following the discussion of Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto with the President on the matter.  Supported by comprehensive actuarial studies, the program features a structured, three-year increase in pensions for all SSS pensioners – the first multi-year adjustment of its kind in the institution’s 68-year history. The SSS Pension Reform Program was approved by the Social Security Commission (SSC) under Resolution No. 340-s.2025 dated 11 July 2025.  Corresponding SSS Circular on the Program shall be published accordingly in a newspaper of general circulation. Anchored on Republic Act No. 11199 (Social Security Act of 2018), particularly Section 4 empowering the SSC to adjust pension benefits, this reform answers the long-standing call for higher pensions while ensuring the fund’s long-term stability. “We’ve heard the clamor for higher pensions loud and clear,” said SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph M. De Claro. “With the guidance of Finance Secretary and SSC Chairperson Ralph G. Recto, and after careful actuarial review, we are rolling out a rational and sustainable pension increase that uplifts all pensioners without compromising the fund’s actuarial soundness.” Pension Increases from 2025 to 2027 The increases will be implemented in three annual tranches every September: September 2025 (for pensioners as of 31 August 2025): 10% increase – Retirement and Disability Pensioners 5% increase – Death or Survivor Pensioners September 2026 (for pensioners as of 31 August 2026): Additional 10% increase – Retirement and Disability Pensioners Additional 5% increase – Death or Survivor Pensioners September 2027 (for pensioners as of 31 August 2027): Additional 10% increase – Retirement and Disability Pensioners Additional 5% increase – Death or Survivor Pensioners After three years, pensions will have increased by approximately 33% for retirement/disability pensioners and 16% for death/survivor pensioners. Sample Pension Increases (2025-2027) The table below illustrates the estimated pension increases for sample cases over the three-year implementation period (2025–2027). Reform Principles The program is guided by three principles: Uplifting all pensioners through inclusive benefit adjustments. Recovering from inflation to protect purchasing power. Promoting the value of working, saving, investing, and prospering, as mandated by RA 11199. Impact and Financial Sustainability According to the SSS Chief Actuary, the reform will result in only a manageable reduction of fund life from 2053 to 2049, offset by stronger cash flows from previous contribution reforms and enhanced collection efforts. “Our actuarial team confirms that the fund remains financially sound,” De Claro stressed. “We are committed to restoring fund life back to 2053 through coverage expansion and improved collection efficiency.” The reform will benefit over 3.8 million pensioners, including 2.6 million retirement/disability pensioners and 1.2 million survivor pensioners, and is projected to inject ₱92.8 billion into the economy from 2025 to 2027. No Contribution Increase This Pension Reform Program (PRP) will not necessitate any contribution increase unlike the ₱1,000 additional benefit allowance given to all pensioners starting 2017 that immediately required contribution increases to restore financial stability to the SSS fund. The SSS Pension Reform Program of 2025 marks a historic step toward a more inclusive and responsive social security system—one that protects the dignity and well-being of Filipino retirees and their families.          

(Updates as of 11:00 AM, July 28, 2025) Globe continues to step up its recovery and relief operations in the wake of Typhoon “Emong,” with sustained network restoration and critical aid efforts now in motion across the hardest-hit areas of Northern Luzon. As of July 28, 127 municipalities out of 135 affected by the typhoon have been fully restored and 100% operational. Restoration efforts are ongoing in the remaining areas specifically in Benguet, La Union, Mountain Province, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Pangasinan. For the past few days, strategically located Libreng Tawag, Libreng Charging (LTLC) stations have helped residents reconnect with loved ones and stay informed as recovery efforts continue. These LTLC services were deployed across several hard-hit areas, including Antipolo; Taytay; multiple barangays in Quezon City (Bagong Silangan, Tatalon, Holy Spirit, and Fairview); Valenzuela; Tanza; Imus City; and Gerona. Relief for Over 1,000 Families Globe, through Rise Against Hunger (RAH), Brigadang Ayala and Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI), has so far supported 1742 families with essential aid. This coordinated relief deployment underscores the company’s commitment to holistic disaster response that extends beyond connectivity to meet basic human needs during times of crisis. “We continue to extend help on all fronts, from reconnecting communities to providing much-needed relief,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. “In every effort, big or small, we remain committed to showing up for Filipinos with urgency, empathy, and care.” Globe’s efforts are part of its larger, unified disaster resilience framework, built on proactive restoration, immediate relief distribution, and collaboration with national and local partners.  

Gustong ibasura ni Senador Alan Peter Cayetano ang travel tax para gawing mas abot-kaya ang pagbiyahe ng mga Pilipino sa ibang bansa, pagaanin ang kanilang gastos, palakasin ang turismo, at patatagin ang ugnayan ng Pilipinas sa mga bansa sa ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). “All Filipinos, especially senior citizens and persons with disabilities, must be able to travel freely, without any form of hindrance. This is a right guaranteed by the Constitution,” pahayag ni Cayetano sa explanatory note ng Senate Bill No. 424 nitong July 10, 2025. Unang ipinataw ang travel tax sa bisa ng Presidential Decree No. 1183, na nilagdaan halos 50 taon na ang nakakaraan. Giit ni Cayetano, masyado na itong luma at hindi na akma sa kasalukuyang realidad ng ekonomiya at rehiyon. Sa ilalim ng panukala, hindi na rin sisilingin ng travel tax ang mga kapitbahay nating kasapi sa ASEAN, bilang suporta sa mas matibay na pagtutulungan ng mga naturang bansa. Ayon kay Cayetano, ito ay bilang pagtupad sa nilagdaang ASEAN Tourism Agreement noong 2002, na layong unti-unting alisin ang mga travel tax sa pagitan ng mga kasaping bansa. Binanggit ng senador ang pag-aaral ng isang lokal na airline, kung saan tinatayang maaaring mawalan ang gobyerno ng halos P4 bilyon na kita mula sa travel tax. Gayunman, ang kapalit naman aniya nito ay P299 bilyon na posibleng kitain ng buong ekonomiya ng bansa dahil sa pagdami ng turista at spending. “By abolishing the travel tax, we inch closer towards realizing the freedom of movement that our fundamental law envisions for every citizen,” pahayag ni Cayetano. Giit pa niya, nagawa na rin ito noon sa pamamagitan ng Memorandum Order No. 29 (2023). Epektibo hanggang June 30, 2028, ginawa nitong libre ang travel tax ng mga biyaherong mula sa international airports ng Mindanao at Palawan patungong Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). Dagdag ng senador, layunin ng panukala na bawasan ang travel expenses ng karaniwang Pilipino, isang adhikaing isinulong na rin aniya ni dating Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III noong 19th Congress. “It is high time to give travelers a break and allow for tourism to flourish by removing one of the barriers to travel,” pahayag ni Cayetano.

MANILA, Philippines — Following U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Washington, D.C., on July 21, the U.S. Department of State announced at least Php3 billion ($60 million) in foreign assistance funding to support energy, maritime, and economic growth programs in the Philippines. This is the U.S. government’s first announcement of new foreign assistance for any country since the Trump Administration began its review and realignment of foreign assistance in January. As part of this at least Php3-billion initiative, Secretary Rubio also announced that the U.S. Department of State intends to work with the U.S. Congress to allocate Php825 million ($15 million) to catalyze private sector development in the Luzon Economic Corridor.  If approved, this funding will support investments in the areas of transport, logistics, energy, and semiconductors that will help create jobs and drive economic growth in the country. President Marcos’s meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in Washington, D.C., this week reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to the U.S.-Philippines Alliance and advanced closer economic ties between the two nations.    

MANILA — The U.S. Peace Corps in the Philippines welcomed the arrival in Manila of 48 American Volunteers and seven short-term Response Volunteers who will serve alongside Filipino partners to support education, youth development, and natural resource management programs in communities across Luzon and the Visayas. The arrival of this latest batch brings the total number of Peace Corps Volunteers currently in the country to 140—the largest cohort serving together in the Philippines since 2020. The 48 new Peace Corps Volunteers will serve host communities for two years, co-teaching English in public elementary and secondary schools, facilitating youth development programs in Department of Social Welfare and Development-accredited organizations and residential shelters, and supporting local governments in establishing marine protected areas and strengthening coastal resource management. Meanwhile, Response Volunteers will carry out specialized, short-term assignments with government agencies and NGOs, typically lasting 7 to 12 months.  These professionals bring their expertise to support high-impact projects in disaster risk reduction, solid waste management, and education. The Volunteers will be assigned in the following provinces: Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, Camarines Sur, Aklan, Antique, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Cebu, and Leyte.  They will undertake 11 weeks of language, technical, and cultural training prior to deployment. “I am pleased to welcome our newest Volunteers to the Philippines.  Their joint arrival symbolizes our renewed momentum since the pandemic and reflects our deepening collaboration with local partner institutions and Filipino communities,” said Peace Corps Philippines Country Director Marguerite Roy.  “I look forward to seeing how each Volunteer will build meaningful relationships and contribute to community-led initiatives throughout their service.” For his part, Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency Executive Director Donald James Gawe expressed confidence that the new American Volunteers will “continue to serve as builders of hope and catalysts of change.”  “Thank you for choosing the Philippines for your Volunteer work.  I wish you success and trust that your batch will have a meaningful volunteering experience and reach a 100% completion rate,” he said Aged between 22 and 67, the newly arrived American Volunteers represent the 282nd batch of Peace Corps Volunteers and 55th batch of Response Volunteers to be deployed upon the invitation of the Philippine government. Together, they bring diverse experiences, technical skills, and a shared commitment to learn about the Philippines, contribute to locally-led development efforts, and create a positive impact in the lives of Filipinos. The Philippines is the second oldest U.S. Peace Corps program in the world.  Since 1961, more than 9,500 Americans have served alongside Filipino community members in support of government and community development priorities.          

For the fifteenth consecutive year, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has received an “unqualified or unmodified opinion,” the highest audit rating from the Commission on Audit (COA), for its 2024 financial statement. This serves as a testament to the organization’s commitment to sound, transparent and prudent utilization of public resources for the benefit of Filipinos. In accordance with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards, state auditors issue an “unqualified or unmodified opinion” when they conclude that financial statements are “free from material misstatements,” which could arise from either fraud or error. “Getting the most favorable audit opinion for 15 consecutive years now is a testament that BCDA is serious in ensuring utmost transparency and accountability in our operations, especially in the management of public resources,” said BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang. BCDA has been consistently receiving an unqualified  opinion from COA since 2010 as its financial statements were deemed to “present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position” of the state-run firm, and its financial performance and cash flows “in accordance with state accounting principles generally accepted in the Philippines.” “These recognitions will not be possible without the hard work of the men and women of BCDA in ensuring that the public funds and resources are properly utilized. May we continue to serve our countrymen with unyielding and untainted dedication,” said Engr. Bingcang. Under Republic Act No. 7227, the BCDA is mandated to transform former military camps into centers of growth. Revenues are generated through land disposition, lease, joint ventures, and concession fees. A portion of these funds is remitted to the Bureau of the Treasury as dividends and contributions to the Armed Forces of the Philippines for its Modernization Program and other beneficiary agencies. In 2024, the BCDA generated Php22.1 billion in gross revenues, triple the Php7.3 billion posted in 2023. Its strong financial position has allowed it to remit a record-high amount of Php5.3 billion as of July 2025, consisting of Php2.2 billion in dividends, and Php3.1 billion in contributions to beneficiary agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines.              

Globe is reinforcing its commitment to digital inclusion by expanding access to its fiber broadband services, strategically utilizing previously built network capacity. Through targeted investments and customer insighting, Globe is enabling more Filipino households and small businesses to participate meaningfully in the country’s digital future. “Fixed broadband continues to be a growth engine for the business.  We see user data consumption now surging past 30 GB/month per user.  We are fine tuning our fiber strategy to more than connectivity, it’s about empowering households, enabling SMEs, and growing the digital economy,” said Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz. According to the Digital 2025 Report, Filipinos spend almost nine hours online daily.   This shows digital services are now integral to everyday life, making high-quality broadband more crucial than ever. Despite this, fixed broadband access is still inconsistent, with only 33% of households connected as of 2024, based on the latest figures from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). Globe’s expanding GFiber portfolio anchored on postpaid plans and the contract-free, reloadable GFiber Prepaid are responding to the increased demand. As of the first quarter of 2025, Globe has 1.83 million broadband subscribers, with GFiber Prepaid alone growing 53% quarter-on-quarter to serve 400,000 Filipino homes. “We’re building more than infrastructure, we’re enabling opportunity,” Cruz emphasized. “By expanding access to reliable broadband, we’re opening doors for millions of Filipinos to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.” Focused Expansion Globe’s network strategy is aligned with national digital goals, including the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) National Broadband Plan and programs for Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). By focusing on high-need and high-impact areas, Globe is helping advance digital equity while supporting inclusive economic participation. Through ongoing migration from legacy fixed wireless and wired to fiber in targeted regions, as well as participation in shared infrastructure initiatives, Globe is addressing coverage gaps while ensuring network scalability and operational efficiency. Globe has successfully migrated over 600 towns in at least 70 provinces nationwide to full fiber connectivity, increasingly eliminating copper from its network. This transition provides faster, more reliable internet for residents and supports Globe’s sustainability agenda of reducing environmental impact and discouraging illegal salvaging. “Modernization is one of Globe’s key success factors. When we made the leap from 2G to 4G, it unlocked massive gains. Now, we’re continuing that momentum not just for speed, but for service equity and sustainability,” Cruz said. Investing in Long-Term Growth Globe has invested ₱228 billion in capital expenditure and ₱236 billion in operational expenses over the last three years to modernize its network. These investments are not just about infrastructure, they are about economic empowerment, digital resilience, and long-term national competitiveness. “We are not just building faster networks, we’re building a more connected society,” Cruz said. “Fiber broadband is the backbone of digital life. And as the digital economy continues to grow, Globe is committed to expanding our reach strategically, sustainably, and always with the customer at the heart of it.”        

Manila, Philippines — U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson joined James Beard Award-winning food content producer Erwan Heussaff and renowned chefs Angelo Comsti and Don Baldosano at a media event on July 8 to showcase the premium quality and versatility of California raisins for Filipino cooking. California raisins are naturally sun-dried, free of additives, and rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals.  They are a versatile ingredient that enhances savory dishes and adds sweetness to desserts, making them a perfect complement to Filipino cuisine. “Our shared love for food brings Filipinos and Americans closer together.  It’s an honor to be among such talented and passionate culinary champions to celebrate the richness and diversity of Philippine cuisine,” said Ambassador Carlson during the event held at Offbeat Bistro, a newly opened modern-retro Filipino restaurant in Makati City. Ambassador Carlson joined Mr. Heussaff in preparing “Steak Frites and Potato Pave with California Raisins and Roasted Eggplant Sauce,” pairing the richness of seared steak with a sauce made from talong, or eggplant—a staple in Pinoy households—and elevated by the natural sweetness of California raisins.  Mr. Heussaff also presented an appetizer featuring malasugi, the local term for swordfish, complemented by coconut cream and a California raisins tapenade. “The Filipino flavor profile blends itself very well to California raisins in a sense that we love the mixture of sweet and savory.  It’s the perfect match for any type of Filipino dish,” said Mr. Heussaff. Chef Comsti’s recipe featured a pan-fried bacoco, a local term for sea bream, paired with a kusido-style California raisins sauce inspired by the traditional Filipino stew known for its rich, slow-cooked flavors.  For dessert, Chef Baldosano reimagined sorbetes, the iconic Filipino-style ice cream traditionally sold from street carts, using milk and California raisins, accompanied by a crisp milk tuile and bold burnt raisin oil. In 2024, the Philippines ranked as the fifth-largest global market for California raisin exports, totaling Php522.5 million ($9.5 million).  The United States was also the leading exporter of raisins to the Philippines, with an 80 percent market share. The event was supported by the Raisin Administrative Committee, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service in Manila, and the U.S. Embassy in Manila. White Fish and Coconut Crudo with California Raisin Tapenade By Erwan Heussaff Ingredients: Malasugi fish, sliced thin Sauce (Leche de Tigre):; 1 cup coconut vinegar; 1 ½ cup fresh coconut cream; Raisin “Tapenade”: 1 cup California raisins; ½ cup sundried tomatoes; 3 tbsp mustard seeds, rehydrated with coconut vinegar; 1 lime zest Garnish: Shaved egg yolk; Annato oil; Kinchay/chive oil; White baby radish scalesl Mustard seeds Procedure: Finely mince sundried tomatoes and California raisins, then mix with lime zest and mustard seeds.  Shape the mixture into quenelles and set aside.  Slice baby radish into medallions and arrange them into a scale pattern of four rows with three medallions each.  Set aside. To plate: Lay five slices of fish flat in the center of a wide-bottom bowl and pour the leche de tigre around it.  Place the pre-made scale pattern on top, followed by the quenelle of the tapenade and shaved egg yolk.  Drizzle oil on the sides of the leche de tigre before serving. Steak “Frites” and Potato Pave with California Raisins and Roasted Eggplant Sauce By Erwan Heussaff Ingredients: Sauce: ½ cup California raisins; 7 large eggplants, charred with the skin on; 1 cup beef broth, heavily reduced; 1 tsp toasted peppercorns, crushed; 2 tbsp fried capers;4 tbsp softened butter Salt, to taste Pave: 2 kg potatoes; 2 cups heavy cream; ⅓ cup butter; 4 cloves garlic, smashed; 5 sprigs thyme Steak: Salt and pepper, to taste; Fried capers; Pickled jicama sheets Procedure: Sauce: Burn the eggplants on an open flame until the skin is heavily charred. While reducing beef stock add California raisins and peppercorns to rehydrate. Add the eggplants to the reduced stock and blend until smooth. Add the butter and blend again, seasoning to taste with salt. Pave: Slice the potatoes 1mm–2mm thin using a mandolin and soak them in water. Combine the cream, California raisins, butter, garlic, and thyme, then bring the mixture to a simmer.  Let it sit for 20 minutes before straining out the solids and setting aside the infused cream. Layer the potatoes in a high-walled pan, pour the infused cream over them, and bake in the oven with another pan placed on top to weigh them down. Steak: Season the steak and sear it to the desired doneness.   Pan-fried Bacoco (SeaBream) with California Raisins Kusido Sauce and Bulgur Salad By Chef Angelo Comsti Ingredients: ½ cup California raisins; 1 whole sea bream, filleted (about six pieces); 1½ cups bulgur, cooked; 1 large cucumber, diced; ½ cup parsley, chopped; 1 small red onion, minced; ⅓ cup kesong puti, crumbled; Salt and pepper, to taste Dressing: ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 lemon, juice and zest; 1 clove garlic, grated; Salt and pepper, to taste Sauce: 3 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated; 2 shallots, chopped; 2 medium tomatoes, chopped; ½ cup California raisins, puréed with a little water 2 tbsp bagoong; 3 cups fish broth, made with sea bream head and bones; 2 tbsp calamansi juice; Cornstarch slurry Procedure: To make the sauce, sauté the garlic, ginger, and shallots in a pan.  Add the tomatoes and cook until the oil is released.  Stir in the California raisins and bagoong.  Pour in the fish broth and reduce by half.  Add calamansi juice and season to taste. Use a slurry to thicken the sauce, then strain and set aside. To make the salad, toss all the ingredients in a bowl.  Prepare the dressing, pour it over the salad, and set aside. Pan-fry the fish.  On a plate, arrange the salad in the center, top it with the fish, and pour the sauce around.  Serve. California Raisins Milk Ice Cream with Milk Tuile and Burnt California Raisin Paste Oil by Chef Don Baldosano Ingredients:; 300 grams California raisins; 330 grams milk; 100 grams cream; 7 grams agar-agar; 110 grams sugar; 60

Inihain ni Sen. Idol Raffy Tulfo ang second batch ng kanyang priority bills para sa Senate 20th Congress ngayong araw, July 10, 2025. Kabilang dito ang pagtaas ng combat duty pay ng mga miyembro ng Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police at Philippine Coast Guard na itinataya ang kanilang buhay para makapagsilbi sa bayan. Isinusulong din ni Sen. Idol ang mga batas na magpapabuti sa kapakanan ng mga mag-aaral at mga senior citizens, at magsisiguro sa porteksyon at maayos na serbisyo para sa mga commuters.