NATIONAL NEWS

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero today called on the government to strengthen safeguards against rising consumer prices, as headline inflation climbed to 7.2 percent nationwide in April and reached 10.8 percent in Central Visayas and 9.9 percent in Zamboanga Peninsula, among the highest outside Metro Manila. Escudero said Central Visayas’ double-digit spike and Zamboanga’s near double-digit…

Grab Philippines has mobilized PHP 350 million through its Grab Bayanihan Fuel Crisis Support Program for its partners as rising fuel prices continue to impact the earnings of transport and delivery professionals. The program brings together multiple initiatives aimed at helping protect the viability and stability of driver- and delivery-partner livelihoods amid the fuel crisis….

Hundreds of volunteers gathered for a major blood donation drive organized by the World Mission Society Church of God, as part of its global humanitarian campaign, the “Worldwide Passover Love, Life Love Blood Drive Relay.” The event, marking the 1,885th leg of the worldwide initiative, was held on April 26, 2026 at the first floor…

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero today urged the government to tap the P30-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), created under Republic Act No. 11203, to finance interventions that go beyond short‑term cash aid to shield farmers from El Niño and rising global fuel costs. Escudero pointed to the P15 billion allocation for “Other Priority Programs, Activities…

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero hailed business tycoon Hans T. Sy for the SM Group’s planned expansion in Davao and other parts of Mindanao, saying the move will further accelerate growth in the region. At the same time, Escudero expressed hope that Sy’s confidence in Mindanao’s economy will inspire other major investors to follow suit and…

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has expressed support for Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib’s plan to procure diesel for the province, saying local initiatives to secure fuel supply are worth backing at a time of volatile prices and uncertain market conditions. Escudero, in a brief message, said: “Let’s support Gov. Jubahib’s initiative to buy their…

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero wants the government to tap the unexpected windfall from value-added tax (VAT) collections on petroleum products for direct financial assistance to sectors affected by the rising fuel costs since the Middle East war erupted last February. According to Escudero, the surge in VAT revenues should not be treated as additional income,…

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Monday expressed support for Davao City’s newly formed Inter‑Agency Task Force on Emergency Socioeconomic Crisis Response, which Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte established to manage rising fuel‑driven pressures on transport, goods, and livelihoods. At the same time, Escudero urged other local government units (LGUs) to consider adopting similar mechanisms to help…

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero is urging the national and local governments to immediately provide a “fuel differential subsidy” to drivers of public jeepneys, taxis, tricycles and transport operators this April, saying the temporary aid is needed to help them cope with oil price shocks that have already disrupted operations nationwide. Escudero issued the call as…

Held in 7,800 Regions Across 175 Countries, Including Korea On the 1st, World Mission Society Church of God (General Pastor Kim Joo-cheol, hereinafter “the Church of God”) held the “Passover Sacred Assembly” in approximately 7,800 regions across 175 countries—including the Philippines, the United States, Peru, Mexico, Korea, Spain, Australia, and South Africa—praying for the happiness…