Filipino student PISA scores rise in math, science, reading
Metro Manila, Philippines – Filipino students posted higher scores in mathematics, science and reading in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), showing improvement from the previous cycle even as the country remained well below international averages. The Philippines scored 371 in mathematics, 373 in science and 367 in reading, according to the latest results released Tuesday, Sept. 8, by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Compared with the 2022 assessment, the country’s score increased by 16 points in mathematics, 17 points in science and 20 points in reading. The improvement in reading was the strongest among participating education systems, according to the OECD. The gains stand out against a broader decline in student performance internationally. Across OECD countries, average scores in reading and mathematics fell to their lowest levels recorded by PISA, while science performance was largely stable. But the Philippines still faces a wide learning…
DILG to seek Romualdez transfer to PNP hospital
Metro Manila, Philippines – Authorities plan to seek court approval to transfer Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez from Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan City to the Philippine National Police General Hospital at Camp Crame in Quezon City. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the request may be filed within the week so that the former House speaker would be in a government facility while allowing him to continue receiving medical care and remain under police custody. “Yun po ang gagawin namin para under the formal custody, bibigyan na lang namin ng visitation at practicing rights ang kanyang mga doktor,” Remulla said, adding that he is confident that the PNP hospital has the capability to look after the lawmaker. [Translation: That is what we will do so that he will be under formal custody. We will simply allow his doctors visitation and practicing rights.] Romualdez was arrested Monday, Sept. 7, after…
Marcos taps Pacquiao as anti-poverty chief
Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has tapped boxing icon Manny Pacquiao as the new head of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) with a Cabinet rank. The former senator took his oath Tuesday, Sept. 8, as secretary and lead convenor of the NAPC, succeeding Lope Santos III. Malacañang said Marcos expressed confidence in Pacquiao’s leadership as the government seeks to strengthen its fight against poverty, advance social reforms, and bring programs and services closer to communities nationwide. Pacquiao said his own experience growing up in poverty would guide him in his new role. “Sa kahirapan doon ako galing. Naranasan ko matulog sa karton sa kalsada, uminom lang ng tubig, walang makain at mag-ipon ng barya para lang makatulong sa pamilya. Kaya ang puso ko, naroroon talaga sa mga kababayan nating naghihirap,” Pacquiao said in a statement. [Translation: I came from poverty. I experienced sleeping on cardboard on the…
Big-time fuel price hike takes effect Sept. 8
Metro Manila, Philippines – Motorists faced another big-time increase in pump prices on Tuesday, Sept. 8, with gasoline costing as much as ₱4.70 per liter and diesel by as much as ₱.20 per liter. The adjustments announced by oil companies are as follows: Petron Gasoline: ₱4.70/liter Diesel: ₱5.20/liter Kerosene: ₱0.60/liter Shell Gasoline: ₱4.70/liter Diesel: ₱P5.20/liter Kerosene: ₱5.60/liter Seaoil Gasoline: ₱4.69/liter Diesel:₱5.18/liter Kerosene: ₱5.58/liter Cleanfuel Gasoline: ₱4.10/liter Diesel: ₱4.60/liter Jetti Gasoline: ₱4.60/liter Diesel: ₱5.10/liter Unioil Gasoline: ₱4.70/liter Diesel: ₱5.20/liter PetroGazz Gasoline: ₱4.69/liter Diesel: ₱5.18/liter Other oil companies have yet to announce price adjustments.
Tulfo raises vote threshold in Impeachment Court
Metro Manila, Philippines – Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo has formally asked the Impeachment Court to settle the number of votes to convict or acquit Vice President Sara Duterte with the continuing absence of some colleagues, prompting the court to schedule discussions on the matter. “My question now is very basic: When we refer to all members, who exactly are we counting,? Tulfo asked on Day 23 of the impeachment trial on Tuesday, Sept. 8. He later clarified that he was effectively seeking an appeal or reconsideration of Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s July 6 ruling that the vote of at least 16 senators, or two-thirds of all 24 members of the Senate, is required to convict Duterte. Only 20 senators have been physically present during the past weeks of the trial. Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Rodante Marcoleta are detained on separate plunder charges. Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa is in hiding…
