Enrique Valdivia, MD, a Gastroenterologist with Arizona Gastrointestinal Associates

MANILA, Philippines — Two bus drivers tested positive in initial drug screenings conducted at transport terminals in Parañaque and Cubao as authorities stepped up safety inspections ahead of the Undas long weekend, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Monday. At the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), one of the 32 drivers screened tested positive,

CLARK FREEPORT ZONE — The Medical City Clark (TMC Clark) has reaffirmed its commitment to comply with the Anti-Hospital Deposit Law, which prohibits hospitals from requiring deposits before providing basic emergency care to patients in emergency or serious condition. TMC Clark serves as the official medical facility and emergency trauma response hub for the Clark

BAGUIO CITY — Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong on Monday called on the Commission on Audit (COA) to audit government appropriations following the Supreme Court’s ruling declaring provisions of the 2024, 2025, and 2026 national budgets unconstitutional. Magalong also urged the Office of the Ombudsman to conduct an independent investigation to determine whether government officials

MANILA, Philippines — The National Police Commission (Napolcom) is pushing for reforms in criminology education and stricter screening of aspiring police officers amid concerns over the character of future law enforcers. Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan made the call on Monday during a press briefing following an incident involving a criminology intern who was photographed

MANILA, Philippines – Rep. Terry L. Ridon, a House prosecutor, challenged Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday to explain why more than P100 million in bank deposits, investments, and insurance holdings allegedly did not appear in her 2023 statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN). In a press briefing on Monday, Ridon said the

MANILA, Philippines — The House prosecution intends to question defense witnesses about mansions and other properties allegedly linked to Vice President Sara Z. Duterte and her family when her impeachment trial resumes Nov. 9. In a statement issued on Monday, House prosecutor Terry L. Ridon said the properties could become an issue during cross-examination as the

MANILA, Philippines — Two leaders of the House of Representatives have appeared lukewarm toward a push to recall the 2027 budget bill recently passed by the chamber, saying any issues can be addressed at the bicameral conference committee. At a press briefing on Monday, Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno and Bataan Rep. Albert Garcia said they

MANILA, Philippines – A parish in M’lang, Cotabato, has suspended all Masses and sacramental celebrations inside its main church after a break-in that resulted in the desecration of the Blessed Sacrament that is kept in the tabernacle. The Sta. Teresita del Niño Jesus Parish, in an announcement, expressed profound sorrow over the incident, saying the

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Monday described the 2027 budget consultation with civil society organization (CSO) representatives as “a big paradox.” “After hearing all the grievances and problems, you can’t help but ask, ‘Is there still hope for this country?” Lacson said. “On the other hand, after hearing their passion and their respective

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon — Classes were suspended Monday at the Bukidnon National High School-Senior High School (BNHS-SHS) campus here due to an alleged violent online threat. Police authorities and education officials placed the BNHS-SHS on high alert following the threat sent by an unidentified user sent to a group chat on Sunday, October 25, threatening

MANILA, Philippines – Endless “thank yous” reverberated at the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) office on Monday, Oct. 26, as outgoing Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez bid goodbye to the agency he has led since September last year. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Lopez as the new chief of the Department of Public Works and Highways

MANILA, Philippines — Veteran journalist Philip Lustre was deprived of due process when he was indicted and arrested without receiving a copy of the complaint or a chance to defend himself because the complainant provided the wrong address, the chief government prosecutor said Monday. “I would have to agree with them that they were not