Plus Picks Archives - newswatchplus.ph

Palace declares special non-working holidays in five localities for fiestas, anniversaries

NewsWatch Plus Staff — Fri, 15 May 2026 07:49:06 +0000

Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang has declared special non-working holidays in five localities across the country to allow residents to take part in local fiestas, cultural celebrations, and founding anniversary events. Under separate proclamations issued by the Palace, special non-working days were declared in Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay; Lazi, Siquijor; Jimenez, Misamis Occidental; Patnanungan, Quezon; and

The post Palace declares special non-working holidays in five localities for fiestas, anniversaries appeared first on newswatchplus.ph.

Japan considers missile exports to the Philippines, NHK reports

Reuters — Fri, 15 May 2026 02:55:27 +0000

Tokyo, Japan – Japan’s defense ministry is considering exports of surface-to-ship missiles to the Philippines, Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported on Friday, as Tokyo adopts a more assertive regional security role amid concern about China. Japan last month unveiled its biggest overhaul of defense export rules in decades, scrapping restrictions on overseas arms sales and opening

The post Japan considers missile exports to the Philippines, NHK reports appeared first on newswatchplus.ph.

‘We are thirsty for justice’: Philippine families demand senator face drug war charges

Reuters — Thu, 14 May 2026 11:24:59 +0000

Metro Manila, Philippines – As tension and gunfire erupted inside the Philippine Senate, where Senator Ronald dela Rosa had taken refuge to evade arrest and later escaped, Llore Pasco, the mother of two sons killed in an anti-drugs campaign, said the scene felt painfully familiar. For her, it reinforced the same injustice that pushed many

The post ‘We are thirsty for justice’: Philippine families demand senator face drug war charges appeared first on newswatchplus.ph.

Impartial trial biggest challenge in Duterte impeachment – Defensor

Lance Mejico — Wed, 13 May 2026 11:42:52 +0000

Metro Manila, Philippines – Making sure of an impartial Impeachment Court will be the biggest challenge in the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, a lawmaker-prosecutor said Wednesday, May 13. In an interview with reporters, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Lorenz Defensor said it will be challenging to present their case in front of the same

The post Impartial trial biggest challenge in Duterte impeachment – Defensor appeared first on newswatchplus.ph.

PH, Paraguay sign visa waiver, trade deals during historic visit

Tristan Nodalo — Mon, 11 May 2026 09:27:10 +0000

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Philippines and Paraguay signed several agreements on Monday, including a visa waiver arrangement and trade-related partnerships, during the official visit of Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios to Malacañang. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he and Peña held “productive and forward-looking discussions” aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, agriculture, renewable

The post PH, Paraguay sign visa waiver, trade deals during historic visit appeared first on newswatchplus.ph.

Balancing evidence and politics in Duterte impeachment vote

Eimor Santos — Thu, 07 May 2026 10:07:32 +0000

Metro Manila, Philippines – Some lawmakers are weighing the strength of evidence against Vice President Sara Duterte and the possible political fallout from voting to impeach the popular leader from Davao City, a House leader said on Thursday, May 7. Senior Deputy Majority Leader Lorenz Defensor, a member of the National Unity Party (NUP) —

The post Balancing evidence and politics in Duterte impeachment vote appeared first on newswatchplus.ph.

Pangilinan eyed as ‘impeachment manager’ in possible Duterte trial

Eimor Santos — Wed, 06 May 2026 09:57:44 +0000

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Senate leadership is planning to appoint Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, a lawyer, as “impeachment manager” in the event of a trial against Vice President Sara Duterte. Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson disclosed the plan during the Kapihan sa Senado media forum on Wednesday, May 6. He said the

The post Pangilinan eyed as ‘impeachment manager’ in possible Duterte trial appeared first on newswatchplus.ph.

Leviste accuses Gardiola of pitching partnership with Recto for DPWH deals

Lance Mejico — Tue, 05 May 2026 15:16:25 +0000

Metro Manila, Philippines – Neophyte lawmaker Leandro Leviste has accused a colleague of offering a partnership with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and do business with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for projects. “Inalok ako ni Cong. Gardiola na mag-partner sa kanya at kay Secretary Recto sa pagne-negosyo sa DPWH sa aking distrito,

The post Leviste accuses Gardiola of pitching partnership with Recto for DPWH deals appeared first on newswatchplus.ph.

LTO tops list of most complained government agencies in Q1 2026

NewsWatch Plus Staff — Tue, 05 May 2026 11:25:37 +0000

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) received the most number of complaints among agencies in the first quarter, overtaking the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA). “As of March 31, ang number one most complained na po iyong LTO,” ARTA Secretary Ernesto Perez said. [Translation: As

The post LTO tops list of most complained government agencies in Q1 2026 appeared first on newswatchplus.ph.

NUP to discuss possible stand on Duterte impeachment on May 5 – member

Lance Mejico — Fri, 01 May 2026 09:51:43 +0000

Metro Manila, Philippines – The National Unity Party (NUP) will meet on May 5 to discuss a number of issues including a possible party stand on the impeachment suits against Vice President Sara Duterte, a member said on Friday, May 1. “Sa May 5, mag-meeting kami, isa sa ita-tackle namin iyon, isa sa agenda namin

The post NUP to discuss possible stand on Duterte impeachment on May 5 – member appeared first on newswatchplus.ph.