DA and DoLE Launch Emergency Rehabilitation for Bicol’s Abaca Farmers Affected by Typhoons

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has joined forces with the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) to implement an emergency rehabilitation initiative aimed at aiding Bicol’s abaca sector, which sustains approximately 23,000 farmers affected by recent typhoons. Under this program, farmers will engage in clearing debris, pruning damaged crops, and replanting abaca fibers. This rehabilitation effort operates through DoLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, which offers temporary employment and monetary compensation. The initiative targets the restoration of impaired farms, with full replanting support from the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) for those suffering severe damage. Farmers involved in the program will receive financial incentives scaled according to the extent of damage: ₱3,000 per hectare for lightly affected areas, ₱5,000 for moderate damage, and ₱10,000 for heavily impacted zones. Additionally, participants will be provided with protective equipment and a one-year personal accident insurance plan courtesy of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation. PhilFIDA technicians are tasked with verifying loss assessments and ensuring the availability of planting materials before the commencement of work. Subsequently, an inspection team will monitor the survival rate of newly replanted abaca crops to gauge recovery progress. The DA has set a goal to rehabilitate over 4,500 hectares of abaca farmland within the next three months. Bicol remains a vital region for abaca production, accounting for nearly one-third of the nation’s total yield. Super Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong), which hit Luzon in early November, caused extensive damage to more than 55,000 hectares of abaca farms, destroying an estimated 7,492 metric tons of fiber valued at over ₱38 million.

DSWD Kicks Off 2025 Local Chief Executives Forum Highlighting Community Development and Resilience

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) officially inaugurated the 2025 Local Chief Executives (LCE) Forum on Wednesday, November 19, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City. The event was led by the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) program. In his keynote message, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized the crucial contribution of local chief executives in executing over 92,000 developmental sub-projects under the KALAHI-CIDSS initiative, which has benefited more than 24 million households nationwide. Approximately 500 delegates representing local government units (LGUs) from across the country gathered to participate in discussions centered on Community-Driven Development (CDD) and strategies to strengthen community resilience. The forum also marked the launch of a new community resilience initiative, "Panahon ng Pagkilos: The Philippine Community Resilience Project (PCRP)", introduced by the DSWD. Additionally, the event featured the Tatak KALAHI-CIDSS LGU awarding ceremony, recognizing exemplary LGUs for their dedication to implementing sustainable and empowering programs. The 2025 LCE Forum serves as a platform to reinforce collaborative efforts between the national government and local leaders to accelerate inclusive development and enhance disaster preparedness at the grassroots level.

DOJ Recovers 57 Bones in Ongoing Taal Lake Search for Missing Cockfighting Enthusiasts

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Thursday the recovery of 57 bone fragments from Taal Lake amid renewed search efforts related to the disappearance of several cockfighting enthusiasts. Justice spokesperson Polo Martinez detailed that the skeletal remains were recovered on three different occasions this month, following the resumption of investigative and diving operations previously halted due to adverse weather conditions caused by a typhoon and volcanic activity in the area. "On November 6, 17, and 18, the CIDG–Regional Field Unit of Region IV-A conducted separate search missions at Taal Lake," Martinez stated. "These efforts resumed after being suspended because of the typhoon and current condition of Taal Volcano." During the November 6 operation, authorities retrieved 25 pieces of what are believed to be human skeletal remains. On November 17, search teams uncovered six bone fragments along with personal items including black pants with a belt, a white brief, and a piece of cut wheat flour cloth. The following day, an additional 26 bones were recovered. Last month, the DOJ reassured the public that diving operations would persist despite challenges such as very low underwater visibility, prompting the Philippine Coast Guard to remain on alert. Martinez also noted that between July and October, 60 separate operations were carried out, resulting in 981 pieces of bones being submitted for forensic examination. The DOJ has yet to reach a verdict concerning the complaint lodged against gaming magnate Atong Ang and his associates, who stand accused in connection with the disappearance case of the cockfighting enthusiasts.

MORE Power Announces November Electricity Rate Increase in Iloilo City

ILOILO CITY – Electricity consumers in Iloilo City will experience an increase in their rates starting this November, as confirmed by More Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Residential customers will see their rates rise by approximately PHP0.77 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), bringing the new rate to PHP11.8558 per kWh from October’s PHP11.08 per kWh. Commercial rates will also increase, reaching PHP11.17 per kWh from PHP10.40 last month. According to a statement from MORE Power, the rate adjustment is driven by factors beyond the control of electricity distribution utilities. Notably, the wholesale electricity spot market (WESM) rate surged due to power plant outages in Cebu and Mindanao in September. The effective WESM price in the MORE franchise area climbed to PHP5.78 per kWh in October, an increase of PHP1.83 compared to the previous month. The utility reported a peak demand of 135.4 megawatts in October. Additionally, outages at Palm Concepcion Power Corp. (PCPC) near the end of October tightened supply conditions and contributed to higher market prices. The increase also reflects a rise in the Feed-in-Tariff Allowance (FIT-All), which supports renewable energy projects. The FIT-All fee this month is PHP0.2073 per kWh, up from PHP0.1189 per kWh in October. Furthermore, the universal environmental charge of PHP0.0025 per kWh has been reinstated following its suspension since May 2020. Despite the rate increase, MORE Power emphasized that charges related to distribution, supply, and metering services remain unchanged. Raphael Dorilag, MORE Power’s Manager of Energy Sourcing, stated, "One key approach to enhance stability is to firm up our long-term and locally sourced supply—especially within the Visayas region." The utility company is actively working to mitigate the impact of market price fluctuations to provide more stable electricity rates moving forward.

PNP and Chinese General Hospital Renew Medical Support Pact for Injured Officers

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center (CGHMC) have renewed their commitment to support police personnel through a newly signed memorandum of agreement (MOA). The pact ensures continued medical assistance for officers wounded while performing their duties. The agreement was signed on Wednesday at the CGHMC facility in Sta. Cruz, Manila. Maj. Gen. Constancio Chinayog Jr., Director for Personnel Records and Management, emphasized that this partnership aligns with the PNP’s vision of "Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman," which aims to enhance public service delivery. "Every day, our men and women in uniform face risk and uncertainty in protecting our communities. They deserve timely, quality, and compassionate medical care that acknowledges their sacrifice and strengthens their capacity to serve," Chinayog stated. PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño expressed gratitude to the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association, Inc., the owner of CGHMC, for its sustained dedication to the welfare of the police force. He noted that the collaboration boosts the morale, resilience, and readiness of officers who put their lives on the line to uphold peace and public safety. "When our police officers are assured that their health and recovery needs are well taken care of, they can serve the public with greater confidence and dedication," Tuaño added. Under the terms of the agreement, police personnel stationed in Metro Manila who suffer injuries during official duties will receive immediate medical care and treatment at the CGHMC. This includes access to surgeries, major operations, and the use of hospital facilities free of charge, contingent upon verification of their "line of duty" status. The hospital will cover medical expenses up to PHP1 million. Any costs exceeding this amount will be the responsibility of the injured officer. This renewed partnership exemplifies a shared commitment to protect and support law enforcement frontliners in their vital role.

Malaysian National Sentenced to Life for Possession of 1.48 Tons of Methamphetamine in the Philippines

The Olongapo City Regional Trial Court (RTC) has found Malaysian national Kong Ket Koon guilty beyond reasonable doubt for illegal possession of 1.48 tons of methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Friday, November 21. Koon was convicted under Section 11, Article II of Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of ₱10 million. The conviction was handed down on November 19, less than six months after Koon’s arrest, highlighting the effectiveness of prosecutorial efforts. "Barely half a year from the time the accused was apprehended, the team of prosecutors were able to secure the conviction of accused Koon," the DOJ stated. The DOJ praised the prosecutorial team led by Assistant State Prosecutor Mary Grace V. Pulido-Sadian, along with Prosecution Attorneys Klarissa U. Arcillas and Ryan E. Leocario for their role in securing the verdict. Koon was arrested on June 19 during a maritime interdiction operation off the coast of Zambales. The operation was conducted jointly by the Northern Luzon Naval Command (NLNC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). Authorities discovered the methamphetamine concealed in 50 sacks aboard a Philippine-registered fishing vessel carrying five individuals, including Koon. The PDEA has valued the seized shabu at approximately ₱10.2 billion.

Following the Money: Tax Enforcement as Key to Combating Corruption in the Philippines

Corruption continues to siphon off between ₱700 billion and ₱1.3 trillion every year in the Philippines, a staggering amount equivalent to roughly 20% of the national budget, according to reports by institutions including the World Bank, IMF, and ADB. Misappropriation ranges from ghost projects and inflated contracts to exploitation of confidential funds, enriching political dynasties and their allied contractors at the expense of ordinary citizens. Globally, the strategy of targeting corrupt figures through tax enforcement has proven effective. The infamous case of Al Capone, imprisoned in 1931 for tax evasion rather than his more notorious crimes, set a precedent that has been replicated worldwide. Italy dismantled mafia networks through rigorous tax audits, Brazil’s "Operation Car Wash" uncovered over $5 billion in corrupt dealings, and South Korea held former presidents accountable for tax-related corruption tied to family-controlled conglomerates. In contrast, the Philippines ranks 114th out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index, trailing behind neighboring ASEAN nations like Malaysia and Vietnam. This weak enforcement damages the country’s global standing and erodes domestic democracy. Raymond “Mon” Abrea, a Harvard-educated tax expert and author of "Reimagining the World Without Corruption," emphasizes that corruption represents a fundamental failure in governance. It not only violates laws but also depletes public trust, deters foreign investment, and exacerbates social inequality. "Corruption acts like a hidden tax on investments, weakening economic growth and reducing government revenue," Abrea stated. Abrea calls for decisive action from agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Commission on Elections, and the Office of the Ombudsman. Proposed measures include: 1. Comprehensive audits of confidential and discretionary funds. 2. Investigations into joint ventures and contractors associated with political dynasties. 3. Scrutiny of campaign donors benefiting from government contracts. 4. Relentless prosecution of both politicians and contractors involved in corrupt activities. 5. Enforcement of perpetual disqualification for convicted officials to dismantle dynastic abuses. "The goal must be to ensure public funds build schools and hospitals rather than fund luxury lifestyles," Abrea urged. He stressed that holding the powerful accountable is essential not only for justice but for fostering an environment conducive to investment and democratic strength. As the Philippines seeks to rebuild governance trust and safeguard economic development, the principle remains clear: follow the money, enforce the law without exception, and prioritize the collective welfare over personal enrichment.

Perpetual Succour Hospital Launches Lung Health Forum Amid Rising Smoking and Vaping Risks

In line with Lung Cancer Awareness Month, Perpetual Succour Hospital's Cebu Cancer Institute, together with its Section of Pulmonology, organized a public forum titled "Breathe Right, Live Bright: A Lung Health Awareness Lay Forum" on November 21, 2025. The event took place at the lobby of the Our Mother of Perpetual Succour Specialty Center. The forum aimed to educate attendees on lung cancer prevention and the health hazards associated with smoking and vaping. Key topics included the risks posed by tobacco and vaping products, methods for quitting smoking, and factors contributing to lung cancer susceptibility. Pulmonologists and oncology specialists shared insights on how smoking and vaping contribute to the growing incidence of lung diseases. They emphasized the benefits of early prevention, regular screening, and lifestyle modifications to reduce health risks. To further support public health, the hospital offered free pulmonary function tests (spirometry) for the first 50 participants who met any of the following criteria: individuals experiencing persistent cough, current or former smokers with a history of at least one pack per day for 10 years, and adults aged 40 and above. Medical experts urged the community to cease smoking and exercise caution with vaping products, citing emerging evidence of serious health consequences linked to both habits. Dr. Ellie May Belarmino Villegas, a medical oncologist, encouraged non-smokers to refrain from starting the habit and advised current smokers to quit, highlighting the clear health benefits of cessation. Dr. Villegas further stressed the critical role of healthy lifestyle choices in disease prevention. Pulmonologist Dr. Merci Angelie Uy raised concerns about new lung-related illnesses associated with vaping. She noted that some patients who have never smoked traditional tobacco but have a history of vaping are now being diagnosed with sinus and lung cancers. Meanwhile, Dr. Junjie Zuasula recommended participation in Tobacco Cessation Programs as an effective strategy to combat nicotine dependence. This initiative reflects Perpetual Succour Hospital's commitment to raising awareness about lung health and promoting preventative measures against respiratory diseases.

Japan Unveils $135 Billion Economic Stimulus to Counter Inflation and Boost Technology

On November 21, 2025, the Japanese government sanctioned a comprehensive economic stimulus package valued at 21.3 trillion yen, equivalent to approximately US$135 billion, aimed at supporting the nation’s economy amid ongoing inflationary pressures and challenges posed by US tariffs. The initiative earmarks 11.7 trillion yen for measures intended to alleviate inflation, including tax incentives, while designating 7.2 trillion yen for strategic investments in key industries such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and shipbuilding. To fund these initiatives, the government will prepare a supplementary budget totaling 17.7 trillion yen from its general fund, surpassing the fiscal 2024 supplementary budget of around 13.9 trillion yen, and setting a new record for post-pandemic economic support. The exchange rate at the time stood at roughly 157.3 yen to one US dollar. This stimulus package reflects Japan's commitment to fostering economic resilience through targeted fiscal measures and innovation-driven growth amid global economic uncertainties.

Philippine Immigration Detains Chinese Fugitive Wanted for Major Fraud in South Korea

The Bureau of Immigration has successfully detained a Chinese national sought by South Korean authorities for orchestrating a large-scale telecommunications fraud. The individual, identified as 50-year-old Zheng Nanzhe, who resides in the Philippines and is married to a Filipina, was intercepted while attempting to board a flight to Cambodia. Zheng was stopped on November 15 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 as he prepared to depart on Philippine Airlines flight PR 2621 bound for Kti Krong Ta Khmau, Cambodia. During routine departure screening, immigration officers discovered an active Interpol red notice issued in 2024 against him. South Korean officials have charged Zheng with masterminding a telecommunications-based financial scam involving impersonation of government investigators. Victims were deceived into surrendering their debit cards and liquidating assets under false pretenses, including canceling savings accounts and obtaining loans secured by their homes. The fraudulent activities resulted in the diversion of approximately 1.46 billion Korean won into a VIP junket account. Zheng faces prosecution under South Korea’s Special Act on the Prevention of Loss Caused by Telecommunications-Based Financial Fraud and Refund for Loss, which carries penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment. Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized the significance of this interception, stating, \"This interception speaks clearly to our commitment to the President’s mandate: criminals will find no refuge and no escape route through our borders.\" He further highlighted the agency’s reliance on advanced border control technologies and the vigilance of its personnel to prevent fugitives from fleeing the country, affirming continued efforts to maintain border security and uphold law enforcement integrity. Currently, Zheng remains detained at the Bureau of Immigration’s facility within Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig as deportation proceedings are underway.