Senator Advocates for Universal P1,500 Social Pension for Senior Citizens

Senator Risa Hontiveros has introduced Senate Bill No. 215, known as the Lingap Para Kay Lolo at Lola Act, which aims to amend the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 by instituting a universal social pension of P1,500 per month for all Filipino seniors. Currently, indigent senior citizens receive only P1,000 monthly, a figure that has remained unchanged for years and does not cover the increasing cost of living, especially healthcare needs. "The social pension has long been fixed at P1,000, and not all seniors are even benefiting from it. Yet, all our grandparents deserve assistance with their expenses, especially as the prices of medicines and basic goods continue to rise," Hontiveros said in a statement. The senator emphasized the growing challenges elderly Filipinos face in managing their healthcare due to limited funds. Many are compelled to prioritize essentials like food, water, and electricity over medication, adversely affecting their health. "As our seniors age, their needs increase, particularly regarding their health. Unfortunately, many can no longer afford their medicines, leading some to choose between buying food or paying for utilities rather than purchasing drugs," she explained. Hontiveros appealed for collective support to pass the bill, expressing hope that the universal pension would help fulfill the common wish of good health and longevity for the elderly. "Every birthday wish for our grandparents is for good health and a long life. Let us work together to ensure the passing of the universal social pension to help make this wish a reality," she concluded.

DA Issues Precautionary Measures as Tropical Depression Isang Hits Luzon

The Department of Agriculture's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DA-DRRM) Operations Center has urged farmers and fishers to exercise caution amid the approach of Tropical Depression Isang. After the storm made landfall in Casiguran, Aurora, parts of Luzon were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 by the weather authorities. In a recent advisory, the DA-DRRM recommended that farmers harvest mature crops ahead of time, secure seeds and planting materials in protected areas, move machinery and equipment to elevated locations, and clear irrigation and drainage systems to mitigate flooding risks. "We encourage farmers to stay updated with the latest local weather forecasts and to harvest mature crops promptly," the department emphasized. Livestock owners are also advised to identify relocation sites and ensure adequate supplies of feed and water. For the fishing community, the DA-DRRM suggested revising or postponing sea voyages in accordance with local advisories due to potential hazards along coastal areas. Fish cages, ponds, and stocks should be secured, with early harvests performed if necessary, alongside the preparation of post-harvest tools and equipment. Furthermore, fishing vessels are advised to be transferred to safer, higher grounds to avoid damage. These measures aim to safeguard agricultural and fishing livelihoods from the anticipated impacts of Tropical Depression Isang.

Philippine Lawmaker Proposes Strategic Bitcoin Reserve to Enhance Financial Stability

Camarines Sur Representative Migz Villafuerte, chairperson of the House Committee on Information and Communications Technology (ICT), has urged the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to create a strategic reserve for Bitcoin amid the cryptocurrency's growing global prominence and soaring value. Villafuerte emphasized the importance of diversifying the country’s monetary holdings to strengthen financial security. "It is imperative for the 20th Congress to enact legislation that diversifies our assets and ensures financial stability by establishing a Bitcoin reserve," Villafuerte stated, introducing House Bill 421, known as the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Act. "Stockpiling strategic assets like Bitcoin will serve crucial national interests, including enhancing economic resilience." Under this proposed measure, the BSP would acquire 2,000 Bitcoins annually over a five-year period and hold the assets in trust for 20 years. Villafuerte highlighted Bitcoin’s remarkable rise in value, noting its recent peak at $108,319, and referenced U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell’s characterization of Bitcoin as "digital gold." The lawmaker pointed out that Bitcoin’s growth rate—approximately 40% compound annual growth over the past five years—has outpaced other asset classes, underscoring the timeliness of establishing a strategic reserve. Villafuerte also cited international trends, mentioning the support for Bitcoin reserves by global leaders including U.S. lawmakers advocating similar measures, Switzerland’s ongoing consideration of Bitcoin alongside gold for its reserves, and Poland’s contemplation of a Bitcoin reserve strategy. He noted Hong Kong's calls for integrating Bitcoin into financial reserves by local legislators, as well as China’s significant Bitcoin holdings and Malaysia's recent cryptocurrency regulatory initiatives. The proposal aims to position the Philippines at the forefront of cryptocurrency adoption, leveraging Bitcoin's potential to contribute to national financial stability and asset diversification.

Department of Agriculture Allocates P27.8M in Machinery and Support to Boost Isabela City's Agriculture

On August 22, 2025, the Department of Agriculture (DA) formally handed over agricultural machinery and support valued at P27.8 million to the City Government of Isabela in Basilan province, various farmers’ cooperatives, and educational institutions. The initiative aims to fortify the local agricultural sector and improve farmers’ earnings. Key allocations include P2.7 million dedicated to the Cattle Multiplier Farm Project managed by the United Workers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (UWARBMPC) and an additional P2.5 million granted to the Magic Agriculture Cooperative. The city government received a P2.97 million Solar-Powered Greenhouse equipped with a Hydroponics System, alongside a P1.59 million four-wheel-drive tractor funded under the High-Value Crops Development Program. Notably, P15 million was earmarked for the expansion of cold storage facilities. Supporting education, five local schools—Latuan Elementary School, Calvario Peak Elementary, Malamawi National High School, Maligue Elementary School, and Ismael Integrated School—were supplied with gardening tools, vermicast, and calamansi seedlings to encourage agricultural skills among students. DA-Zamboanga Peninsula allocated P417,540 for hybrid rice seeds and fertilizers to benefit local farmers. Additional resources, including corn seeds, cassava strippers, dryers, assorted garden tools, vegetable seeds, and other equipment, were distributed to farmer groups such as the Baluno Farmers Association, Samahang Makakalikasan (Samaka), and the IDCAF Farm School located in Baluno village. Basilan Representative Yusop Alano, who attended the turnover event, highlighted the critical role of modern farming techniques in boosting production and increasing farmers’ income. The distribution was conducted in collaboration with the City Government of Isabela under Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman’s leadership.

Leptospirosis Cases Rise in Cebu Amid Continuous Heavy Rains

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) has confirmed an increase in leptospirosis cases across Cebu Province following weeks of heavy, continuous rainfall. According to the latest data from the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (Pesu), a total of 37 leptospirosis cases were documented from January through August, including eight recorded in August alone. Nurse Analyn Empic of Pesu revealed that while no deaths have been reported, most cases involve male patients. The youngest patient was under one year old, and the oldest was 55 years. A recent case involved a 23-year-old man. The current figure is nearing the 38 cases recorded throughout all of 2024, signaling a concerning upward trend. Empic attributed the rise primarily to the frequent flooding experienced in the province. "Our data shows an increase, likely due to the recurrent floods we have had this year," she explained. Leptospirosis is a bacterial blood infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria, which thrives in water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, particularly rodents. The infection can enter the body via open wounds or mucous membranes in the nose, mouth, eyes, or skin. Symptoms often resemble the flu but can become severe and even fatal if left untreated. In response, PHO urges residents to avoid contact with floodwaters whenever possible. If exposure occurs, it is advised to wash feet and other affected areas thoroughly with clean water and soap immediately after contact. Empic advised, "Be cautious especially if you have cuts or wounds on your feet and come into contact with dirty floodwater, which often contains urine from drainage areas." Residents experiencing symptoms consistent with leptospirosis are encouraged to promptly seek medical evaluation at the nearest clinic or hospital.

Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement Highlights Poultry Production Challenges Amid Input Shortages and Imported Chicken Surplus

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) has raised concerns over the scarcity of fundamental supplies for poultry farming, including feed, yellow corn, and hatching eggs, which are driving up production costs and undermining the domestic poultry industry’s competitiveness. In a statement released on Friday, PRRM emphasized that this deficit is challenging the sector’s capacity to sustain efficient and profitable operations. The group urged government intervention to boost local production by enhancing agricultural infrastructure, reducing tariffs on corn, and ensuring equitable access to vital inputs like feeds and hatching eggs. "Tackling the shortage of these essential resources will empower farmers to maintain efficient and sustainable production practices. This will help secure a steady supply of locally produced chicken and minimize reliance on imported processed chicken," the statement read. Furthermore, the PRRM highlighted the impact of a significant oversupply of imported dressed chicken, which has contributed to a decline in farmgate prices, placing additional pressure on Filipino poultry producers. Data provided by the movement indicated that frozen imported chicken stocks reached nearly 36,000 metric tons, marking a 17 percent increase compared to the previous year. This volume represents roughly one month’s worth of excess supply beyond the local market’s ongoing production capacity. The PRRM’s call for comprehensive measures aims to strengthen the local poultry industry, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and support self-sufficiency amid evolving market challenges.

Cavite Lawmaker Proposes Ban on Gambling for Government Aid Recipients

Cavite's 4th District Representative, Francis "Kiko" Barzaga, has put forward a straightforward yet impactful suggestion aimed at tackling the widespread gambling problem in the Philippines. In a statement made on social media, Barzaga proposed legislation that would prohibit those who are beneficiaries of government financial aid from participating in gambling activities. "Gambling is a big problem in our country, I propose a law that prohibits individuals that regularly receive government financial assistance from participating in gambling activities," Barzaga said in his Facebook post dated August 22. The legislator, known by his moniker "congressmeow," expressed concern over the growing gambling-related issues and conveyed his intent to help diminish this social vice. While the proposal is still at a conceptual stage, it remains to be seen whether Barzaga will formally introduce a bill outlining concrete measures to enforce such a restriction. Currently, many underprivileged Filipinos benefit from various government aid programs, with the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) being one of the most prominent forms of ayuda. Barzaga’s initiative seeks to ensure that these funds are utilized responsibly and do not inadvertently support gambling habits among recipients.

Court Upholds Conviction of Security Agency Owner for SSS Violation

The Regional Trial Court (RTC) has dismissed the appeal filed by Arne Aballe Sarsalejo, owner of Sarsalejo Security Agency, thereby affirming the initial conviction rendered by the Municipal Trial Court (MTC) for violating the Social Security System (SSS) Law. The case stems from an earlier ruling by MTC Branch 1 in Mandaue City on January 9, 2025, which found Sarsalejo guilty of failing to remit SSS contributions for one of his security guards. In a decision dated August 12, 2025, Judge Fruto Teodorico III of RTC Branch 86 in Mandaue City dismissed Sarsalejo's appeal, reinforcing the lower court’s verdict. Sarsalejo had sought to overturn the MTC ruling after a complainant withdrew their private complaint; however, the RTC clarified that withdrawal of a private complaint does not absolve a defendant of criminal liability in cases involving violations of public laws such as those governing the SSS. Legal observers note that Sarsalejo Security Agency faces multiple related cases concerning similar alleged violations of SSS regulations, with further proceedings anticipated in the coming months.

China’s CO2 Emissions Decline 1% in H1 2025 Amid Renewable Energy Expansion

China experienced a 1% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year, according to a recent report from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) based in Helsinki. The decline largely stems from a significant rise in renewable energy generation, particularly from solar power. Emissions within China’s power sector, the country’s largest contributor to greenhouse gases, dropped by 3% over the six-month span. CREA’s lead analyst, Lauri Myllyvirta, attributed this improvement to the rapid expansion of the nation’s solar power capacity, which is anticipated to reach another record level of additions by the end of 2025. This trend positions China on track for an overall emissions decline throughout the year. Despite these gains, coal consumption in the power sector decreased by 3%, offset by a 6% increase in gas usage for electricity production. Emissions also decreased in sectors including building materials, metals, cement, and steel, largely due to a slowdown in China’s property market. However, the chemical industry remains an outlier, showing rising carbon emissions. The sector’s use of coal as a feedstock for producing synthetic fuels and petrochemicals surged by 20% in the first half of the year. This shift has contributed an additional 3% to China’s total carbon emissions since 2020, with projections suggesting a further 2% increase by 2029. China, recognized as the world’s largest emitter of CO2, last reported a yearly emissions decrease in 2022 amid the pandemic-related economic slowdown. The country has set ambitious climate goals, including peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. Requests for comment from China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment were not answered outside of normal business hours.

Veteran Journalist Carla P. Gomez to Receive Outstanding Sillimanian Award for Community Journalism

DUMAGUETE CITY — Carla Camille P. Gomez, a senior correspondent with nearly 40 years of experience reporting for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and other media outlets, is set to receive the Outstanding Sillimanian Award in Community Journalism. The honor will be bestowed during the 124th founding anniversary of Silliman University on August 28. Gomez, a Silliman University alumna and veteran journalist, has dedicated more than 40 years to community journalism, reporting extensively from her base in Bacolod City and covering issues across the Negros Island Region. She currently serves as editor of the online publication Digicast Negros. The award recognizes Gomez alongside seven other exemplary Sillimanians excelling in diverse fields, including cultural history, international development economics, medical education, neonatal-perinatal medicine, nursing professional development, education and the arts, and global business ethics. Gomez joined the Philippine Daily Inquirer in 1986 as one of its pioneering correspondents and has reported on a range of critical stories — from exposing government corruption and human rights abuses to highlighting the declining sugar industry and advocating for marginalized communities. She has also covered high-profile trials such as that of missionary priests falsely accused of murder during the 1980s. An alumnus of Silliman University with a Bachelor of Mass Communication (1982), Gomez furthered her studies in journalism in the United States at the University of Arizona. There, she also worked as a reporter for the Tombstone Epitaph before returning to the Philippines, choosing to prioritize service to her country over more lucrative overseas opportunities. Over the years, Gomez has contributed to various international news agencies including United Press International and Japan’s Jiji Press. She was a longtime journalist and editor at the Visayan Daily Star for 38 years, where she notably accepted pay cuts to help sustain the publication until its closure during the pandemic. Reflecting on her career during her years at Silliman University, Gomez said, \"We were taught not just to chase headlines but to craft stories that positively impact our communities. Integrity in journalism was instilled in us by our mentors.\" The SU Alumni Association praised Gomez for her unwavering commitment to truth and social responsibility, highlighting her focus on stories that advance community welfare. Her accolades include the Jaime V. Ongpin Journalism Fellowship awarded by the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility in 2013 and the Golden Jubilee Award from Silliman University’s College of Mass Communication in 2016. Social activist Millie Locsin Kilayko, CEO of the Negrense Volunteers for Change Foundation, commended Gomez for maintaining journalistic integrity even under political pressure. Kilayko noted that Gomez chose ethical principles and resigned from a leadership position at a politically influenced newspaper rather than compromise her standards. Gomez continues to exemplify dedication to truthful, impactful journalism, embodying the values upheld by Silliman University and the communities she serves.