Marcos signs P6.79T 2026 budget, slashes P92.5B unprogrammed funds
Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law the 6.79 trillion-peso national budget for 2026, approving a spending plan that places education, health care, and social protection at the center of economic growth, while sharply tightening controls on discretionary spending. The General Appropriations Act (GAA) for fiscal year 2026 was signed on Monday, Jan. 5, and was witnessed by Senate President Tito Sotto, House Speaker Bodjie Dy, and members of the Cabinet. Education received the largest allocation at 1.345 trillion pesos, equivalent to 4.36% of gross domestic product and compliant with the UNESCO benchmark for education spending. The allocation covers the hiring of nearly 33,000 teachers and more than 32,000 non-teaching personnel, as well as the construction of close to 25,000 classrooms nationwide. Health spending reached a record 448.1 billion pesos to support universal health care, zero-balance billing, disease surveillance, and the hiring of additional doctors and…
PH after US attack on Venezuela: Resolve disputes peacefully
The Philippines is urging peaceful resolution and restraint after the United States attacked Venezuela and captured its long-serving President Nicolas Maduro.
US captures Venezuela’s Maduro, Trump says US will run the country
The United States attacked Venezuela and captured its long-serving President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday, Jan. 3, with US President Donald Trump promising to put the country under American control for now, even as Venezuelan officials vowed defiance.
Firecracker injuries top 600 – DOH
Firework-related injuries topped 600 days before the government ends its monitoring of the new year revelry, the Department of Health (DOH) said.
Miss Universe reaffirms ownership after Singson acquisition claims
The Miss Universe Organization reaffirmed that it “remains under its current ownership and leadership” after Filipino businessman and former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson talked about possible acquisition talks.
