News Archives - newswatchplus.ph

Bill seeks insurance for harassed fisherfolk

NewsWatch Plus Staff — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 11:28:52 +0000

Metro Manila, Philippines – Fisherfolk who suffer damage to their boats, engines, fishing gear, or catch from foreign harassment in Philippine waters may stand to receive special insurance protection under a bill filed at the House of Representatives. House Bill 11752, filed by Pinoy Workers Rep. Karl Legazpi on Wednesday, Oct. 21, seeks to direct

The post Bill seeks insurance for harassed fisherfolk appeared first on newswatchplus.ph.

Makabayan urges House to recall 2027 budget bill

Sophia Sioco, NewsWatch Plus — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 11:06:42 +0000

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Makabayan bloc on Thursday, Oct. 22, urged the House to recall its version of the proposed 2027 budget in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling on certain provisions of past laws. The bloc warned House Bill 10858 retains budget mechanisms the Supreme Court recently declared unconstitutional. House Deputy Minority

The post Makabayan urges House to recall 2027 budget bill appeared first on newswatchplus.ph.

DOST rolls out tool to assess impact of El Niño

NewsWatch Plus Staff — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 08:43:36 +0000

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) will showcase a new tool in monitoring the impact of Super El Niño at the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (NSTW). The NSTW is the grand annual gathering of the scientific community to promote awareness on the

The post DOST rolls out tool to assess impact of El Niño appeared first on newswatchplus.ph.

Pope Leo XIV won’t need further treatment — doctors

Nash Villena — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 08:40:07 +0000

Metro Manila, Philippines – Pope Leo XIV will not go through extended treatment after his lung surgery last week, the pontiff’s doctors Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora said on Wednesday, Oct. 21. According to a statement released by the Holy See Press Office, the final medical reports confirmed that the tumor was a common

The post Pope Leo XIV won’t need further treatment — doctors appeared first on newswatchplus.ph.

MMDA to conduct random drug tests on bus drivers for Undas travel

Nash Villena — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 05:28:08 +0000

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it will conduct unannounced inspections and drug tests among bus drivers ahead of Undas (All Saints’ and All Souls’ days) to ensure safety with the expected volume of passengers taking advantage of the holidays. MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the team will be composed

The post MMDA to conduct random drug tests on bus drivers for Undas travel appeared first on newswatchplus.ph.

MMDA to suspend road works for close to 2 months

Nash Villena — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 05:24:26 +0000

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said road works will be suspended for close to two months beginning Nov. 1 over a number of events. After an inter-agency meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 21, the MMDA said the temporary suspension is part of early preparations for the Undas (All Saints’ Day and

The post MMDA to suspend road works for close to 2 months appeared first on newswatchplus.ph.

Looming Super El Niño to impact rice output; DSWD warns of aid shortfall

Sophia Sioco, NewsWatch Plus — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 03:47:05 +0000

Metro Manila, Philippines – The looming Super El Niño could cut rice production by at least 700,000 metric tons next year, the Department of Agriculture (DA) warned, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) cautioned that funding constraints could hamper aid to families. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told a Senate budget

The post Looming Super El Niño to impact rice output; DSWD warns of aid shortfall appeared first on newswatchplus.ph.

Ombudsman orders Almirol 6-month suspension over alleged conflict of interest in P1.55-B DICT contracts

Sophia Sioco, NewsWatch Plus — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:03:55 +0000

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the six-month preventive suspension of Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Undersecretary David Almirol over alleged conflicts of interest involving ₱1.55 billion in government contracts. In a seven-page order, the ombudsman cited administrative complaints of grave misconduct, conduct prejudicial to the best interest

The post Ombudsman orders Almirol 6-month suspension over alleged conflict of interest in P1.55-B DICT contracts appeared first on newswatchplus.ph.

Party-list group eyeing ‘Machong Chismisan’ as landmark PWD case

Jia Erikah Fajardo — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 09:03:15 +0000

Metro Manila, Philippines – A party-list group is looking at a controversial podcast episode as a landmark case in protecting the rights of persons with disability, in filing a complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). The “Machong Chismisan” podcast drew flack for a remark against Josh Aquino, son of actress Kris Aquino and

The post Party-list group eyeing ‘Machong Chismisan’ as landmark PWD case appeared first on newswatchplus.ph.

NAIA Terminal 2 adds dining, retail options as airport upgrades continue

NewsWatch Plus Staff — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 08:41:56 +0000

Metro Manila, Philippines – Passengers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s (NAIA) Terminal 2 now have more reasons to explore the departure area before boarding, with new restaurants, cafés and shops offering more places to dine, relax and pick up last-minute purchases. Five dining and retail establishments were formally launched at the terminal’s North Wing departure

The post NAIA Terminal 2 adds dining, retail options as airport upgrades continue appeared first on newswatchplus.ph.