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Posts published in “News & Current Events”

Opinion: Friendly reminder about your Facebook and other/all Social Media Account

April 2, 2026

There’s an “old” adage “if it’s free, you’re the product.” While social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok offer a great way to global connection at “no monetary cost”, the “free” price tag is an illusion that most social media users do not understand. In reality, the user (you) are the product, your attention/time and data which are harvested by the social media network for their “main/actual” customer are the advertisers.

Posting “legal notice”, in the hopes of making it viral circulates on social media feeds, with users/influencers posting statements like: “I HEREBY DECLARE THAT I DO NOT GIVE MY PERMISSION FOR META TO USE MY DATA.” While these posts provide a “false” sense of agency, they are legally meaningless. A status update cannot unilaterally rewrite a signed contract. Because you agreed to facebook’s Terms, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy. the moment you create your account, you already gave the platform your consent. These platforms operate on a “take it or leave it” basis; the only way to stop or legally “revoke” permission is to delete your account.

Here’s what Facebook says when you delete your account;

Deleting your account is permanent. When you delete your account, your main profile and everything else you’ve added will be permanently deleted. You won’t be able to retrieve anything you’ve added. All additional profiles, Messenger and all of your messages will also be deleted.

But even if you delete your account, there is no guarantee that all your data will be deleted from the system.

We have to remember that Facebook and other social media platforms pay engineers and designers tons of money, to keep you “the product” engaged for as long as possible and as often as possible. Which is why we have this thing called “Attention Economy”, where algorithms are built to trigger dopamine responses, leading to habits like “doomscrolling.” For the modern digital Filipino, it’s important to know that social media isn’t a free public service. It is a private marketplace where your time, privacy, and data are the real money being spent.

US Visa Applicants in the Philippines are required to set All Social Media Accounts to ‘Public’  

April 1, 2026

U.S. Embassy in the Philippines;

Effective March 30, in addition to Students and Exchanges (F, M, and J), and Specialty Occupations (H-1B and their H-4 dependents), the following visa applicants, regardless of age, must also now change their privacy settings and profiles to “public” on all social media platforms to complete the visa process.

  • Fiancé(e) Visa Applicants (K-1, K-2, and K-3 visas).
  • Certain Personal Employees or Domestic Workers (A-3, C-3, and G-5 visas)
  • Trainee or Special Education Exchange Visitors (H-3 and their H-4 dependents)
  • Cultural and Religious Visitors (Q, R-1, and R-2 visas)
  • Informant, Witness, and Victims of Crimes (S, T, and U visas)

The U.S. Embassy uses this information to determine applicants’ eligibility to receive a visa. Since 2019, the United States has required visa applicants to provide social media usernames on immigrant and nonimmigrant visa application forms.

Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames, handles, or identifiers for every platform they have used in the last 5 years on the visa application form. Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and submit. Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas.

Here’s the announcement from the official X/Twitter account of U.S. Embassy in the Philippines @USEmbassyPH.

Here’s the Official Trailer of Supergirl and New Movie Poster

April 1, 2026

“Supergirl,” DC Studios’ newest feature film to hit the big screen, will be in theaters worldwide this summer from Warner Bros. Pictures, starring Milly Alcock in the dual role of Supergirl/Kara Zor-El. Craig Gillespie directs the film from a screenplay by Ana Nogueira.

When an unexpected and ruthless adversary strikes too close to home, Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, reluctantly joins forces with an unlikely companion on an epic, interstellar journey of vengeance and justice.

Alcock stars alongside Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, and Jason Momoa.

Supergirl will be in theaters internationally beginning 24 June 2026 and across North America on June 26, 2026.

Warner Bros. also released a new poster for the film.

Supergirl Movie Poster

Riyadh Parking announces Operating Hours and, Free Parking on Holidays and National Occasions  

March 31, 2026

@The RIYADHizen by TPT;

Take note, RIYADHizens! RIYADH PARKING has announced new operating hours that took in effect last week. It is uodated to the following:
📆 Saturday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 MN
📆 Friday – FREE
📆 Holidays and National Occasions – FREE
The parking fee is SAR 3.45 per hour and you’ll know you’re parking on a paid slot when you see half of the parking block or wheel stop painted in blue. There will also be the Paid Parking sign. You can pay via the Riyadh Parking app.
When patking in these slots, just pay. Wag na po manghinayang sa SAR 3.45. Because the penalty is SAR 200. 😅

Here’s the official announcement of Riyadh Parking via their official X/Twitter account @Riyadh_Parking;

Saudi Government Warning: Strict Legal Penalties for Sharing Missile or Drone Impact Footage

March 28, 2026

The warning is self-explanatory and applies to all citizens and residents.

@MOISaudiArabia

@MODGovKSA

Price of Petrol Around the World  

March 26, 2026

A great website to give us an idea on the price of petrol in different country. It also include the price of electricity per kWh. Of course, I immediately checked the price listed for the Philippines, which is the following;

Fuels, price per liter Date PHP USD
Gasoline prices 23-Mar-2026 86.20 1.44
Diesel prices 23-Mar-2026 102.60 1.71
LPG prices 23-Mar-2026 40.74 0.68
Kerosene prices 23-Mar-2026 131.10 2.19

Marcos Signs Republic Act No. 12316, Authorizing the President to Suspend or Reduce Excise taxes on Petroleum Products

March 25, 2026

Betheena Unite, writing for Manila Bulletin;

President Marcos has signed the law giving him emergency powers to suspend or reduce excise tax on petroleum products.

Marcos signed Republic Act (RA) No. 12316 on Wednesday, March 25, fulfilling what he said earlier in the day that he would be signing the measure into law within the day.

Under the law, the President may suspend the imposition of or reduce the excise taxes on fuel when the average Dubai crude oil price based on Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) reaches or exceeds $80 per barrel for one month immediately preceding the issuance of the suspension or reduction order.

You can read the Full text of Republic Act No. 12316 here.

Rappler write a great explainer on “How will suspending fuel excise taxes cushion a big oil price hike?” which is worth reading.

Suspending/reducing excise taxes cushions price hikes by providing immediate relief at the pump. By removing fixed taxes—specifically ₱10/liter for gasoline and ₱6/liter for diesel—the retail price drops instantly. This also triggers a “tax-on-tax” reduction, as the 12% VAT is no longer applied to the excised portion.

Beyond the pump, it helps curb inflation. By lowering transport and logistics costs, it prevents a domino effect on food prices and public transport fares. While this saves consumers money, it results in massive revenue losses (est. ₱136B), potentially forcing the government to reduce infrastructure spending or increase debt.

DOTr announces fuel subsidy amounts for all PUVs  

March 25, 2026

Raymond Carl Dela Cruz, writing for PNA;

In a Facebook post, the DOTr said there are 137,218 traditional jeepneys registered in the country, and their operators will receive PHP5,000 per unit, while their drivers will each receive PHP1,500.

There are 9,183 modern jeepneys in the country whose operators will receive PHP10,000 per unit, while drivers will each receive PHP1,500.

For public utility buses (PUB) —including point-to-point (P2P) buses— operators will receive PHP10,000 for each unit while their drivers will each get PHP5,000.

On the other hand, minibus operators will receive PHP9,000 per unit, and their drivers will each get PHP5,000.

There is a total of 21,086 PUBs registered in the country, with the same number of drivers; 1,138 minibuses with the same number of drivers; and 824 P2P buses with the same number of drivers.

Meanwhile, there are 4,351 school transport drivers registered throughout the country who will each receive PHP5,000.

For the 46,202 taxis in the country, operators will each get PHP2,000, while the same number of drivers will receive PHP5,000.

For Filcab or Multicab transport, their operators will receive PHP5,000 for each of the 7,659 units registered in the country, while the same number of drivers will get PHP1,500.

For transport network vehicle service (TNVS), operators of each of the 54,745 units registered will receive PHP1,500.

Meanwhile, operators of the 1,348 modern UV Express units in the country will receive PHP10,000 per unit, while each driver will get PHP5,000.

For traditional UV Express, their operators will receive PHP5,000 for each of the 16,057 units in the country, while drivers will each get PHP5,000.

These subsidies will be distributed to operators through fuel subsidy cards, manager’s checks, bank transfers, or e-wallet transfers.

On the other hand, drivers will receive their subsidies through cash or e-wallet transfers.

While fuel subsidy distribution for tricycle drivers in the National Capital Region (NCR) began last week, a total of 723,000 tricycle operators and drivers will get their PHP5,000 subsidy after the Holy Week.

A total of 157,972 registered delivery drivers will also receive fuel subsidies after the Holy Week.

Ayuda for PUV drivers and operators!

Saudi Arabia shoots down 4 ballistic missiles targeting Riyadh  

March 19, 2026

Arab News;

A drone was intercepted and destroyed as it approached the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh, the ministry said at around midday.

Earlier, a ballistic missile launched toward Al-Kharj Governorate was shot down with debris from the interception falling near Prince Sultan Air Base “without causing any damage,” a spokesman said.

Another two ballistic missiles launched towards the Eastern Province were intercepted and destroyed in the evening.

Let’s all be careful out there!

Opinion: Fil-Ams told to “Think twice before renouncing citizenship”

December 8, 2025

For many Filipino-Americans raised entirely in the United States, the decision regarding Philippine citizenship is often a “no-brainer,” favoring practicality and stability over heritage.

This perspective stems from two core factors: a cultural disconnect and practical risk assessment.

First, while they claim Filipino heritage, having spent their whole lives in the U.S., they often know “little to nothing about the Philippines, its people and culture” beyond familial connections. Their primary cultural allegiance and lived reality are American.

Second, the decision is rooted in livelihood. With family, career, and financial stability firmly established in the United States, the rationale is clear: why risk losing a job and uprooting a whole family simply to maintain a citizenship used only for brief, infrequent visits?

The marginal benefit of retaining Philippine citizenship (convenience during a trip every few years) does not outweigh the substantial risk to one’s American life. It is a rational, utilitarian choice to prioritize the stability and security of their life in the U.S. over a largely symbolic connection to their ancestral land.

Netflix Buys Warner Bros. $82.7 Billion Deal

December 8, 2025

Netflix and Warner Bros. announced that the streaming giant will will acquire Warner Bros., including its film and television studios, HBO, and HBO Max. The cash and stock transaction is valued at a total enterprise value of approximately $82.7 billion (equity value of $72.0 billion).

The acquisition aims to unite Warner Bros.’ iconic franchises and storied libraries with Netflix’s leading entertainment service and global reach. This combination will integrate world-class assets like Game of Thrones, the DC Universe, The Sopranos, and classics such as Friends and Harry Potter, with Netflix’s existing portfolio.

The companies stated the deal will offer more choice and greater value for consumers, create more opportunities for the creative community, and strengthen the overall entertainment industry. Netflix plans to maintain Warner Bros.’ current operations, including theatrical releases.

The transaction is expected to close after the previously announced separation of WBD’s Global Networks division, Discovery Global, which is anticipated to be completed in Q3 2026. Netflix expects to achieve at least $2-3 billion in annual cost savings by the third year and for the deal to be accretive to GAAP earnings per share by the second year. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and WBD shareholder approval.

Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile passed away at 101 years old

November 13, 2025

ABS-CBN News;

MANILA — Veteran politician Juan Ponce Enrile, a top aide of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and of the incumbent president’s father, has passed away.

He was 101 years old.

Enrile, who was being treated for pneumonia, died “peacefully” around 4 p.m., surrounded by his family in their home, said his daughter Katrina Ponce Enrile.

Here’s what JPE’s daughter, Katrina Enrile posted on her Facebook page.

Juan Ponce Enrile has lived a long and eventful life. To put his life into perspective, Juan Ponce Enrile lived thru 16 Philippine President, two World War and he served both Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos Sr. and Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr. as both became the President of the Philippines.

DMW: Taiwan increases minimum wage of OFW to $967 or around ₱56K per month

October 2, 2025

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in a Facebook post announced that Taiwan has increase the minimum wage for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) to $967 (USD) or around ₱56K per month, and $6.45 (USD) for hourly rate that’s ₱375.04. DMW added that the new minimum wage will take effect on January 1, 2026.

In a report by Focustaiwan, “These wage hikes still require the approval from the Executive Yuan, which is expected to be given.”

Taiwan is known for it’s electronics factories, much like China, and I know a lot of colleague who are working in Taiwan and also planning to work in Taiwan, if approved, this will be another destination for OFW and fully maximized their technical skills.

Here’s the full text of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announcement from the embedded FB post below;

ICC charges Former President Rodrigo Duterte with 3 counts of murder with crimes against humanity

September 25, 2025

International Criminal Court (ICC) has charge Former President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte with 3 counts of murder with crimes against humanity, spanning from his time as the Mayor of Davao City until his time as the President of the Philippines.

BBC:

The first count laid against Mr Duterte concerns his alleged involvement in the killings of 19 people in Davao City between 2013 and 2016 while he was mayor there.

The other two charges relate to times when he was serving as president of the Philippines, between 2016 and 2022, and launched his so-called war on drugs.

The second count relates to the murders of 14 “high-value targets” across the country, while the third relates to the murder and attempted murder of 45 people in village clearance operations.

Now that the ICC has charged Duterte with murder, the ball is now in Duterte’s court, and the next course of action will be decided by his defense team.

You can read the full text of ICC’s charges here.

Trump with New Order that Imposes $100,000 Annual Fee on H-1B Visas

September 21, 2025

Trump administration is planning to impose a $100,000 per year for H-1B worker visas. In the official statement of the White House, the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program, intended to bring in high-skilled temporary workers, has been widely misused by companies, particularly in the IT sector, to replace American employees with lower-paid foreign labor. This abuse has artificially suppressed wages and negatively impacted the U.S. labor market, especially for recent college graduates in STEM fields who face high unemployment rates.

According to the provided text, the number of foreign STEM workers more than doubled from 2000 to 2019, largely due to this misuse. H-1B-reliant IT outsourcing firms save a significant amount by hiring foreign workers at a substantial discount, with some companies laying off thousands of American workers while simultaneously hiring thousands of H-1B visa holders. This practice not only harms American workers but also poses a national security threat.

To address these issues, a presidential order was issued on September 19, 2025. It imposes a 12-month restriction on H-1B visas for workers outside the U.S., requiring employers to pay a $100,000 fee for each visa. Exceptions can be made if the Secretary of Homeland Security determines that the hiring is in the national interest. The order also mandates that the Department of Labor revise prevailing wage levels to align with the new policy goals.

You can read the full text of the article “Restriction On Entry Of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers.“

Watch the Trailer of Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc

September 11, 2025

Everyone’s after his chainsaw heart.

For the first time, Chainsaw Man slashes his way onto the big screen in an epic, action-fueled adventure that continues the hugely popular anime series. Denji worked as a Devil Hunter for the yakuza, trying to pay off the debt he inherited from his parents, until the yakuza betrayed him and had him killed. As he was losing consciousness, Denji’s beloved chainsaw-powered devil-dog, Pochita, made a deal with Denji and saved his life. This fused the two together, creating the unstoppable Chainsaw Man. Now, in a brutal war between devils, hunters, and secret enemies, a mysterious girl named Reze has stepped into his world, and Denji faces his deadliest battle yet, fueled by love in a world where survival knows no rules.

Directed by: Tatsuya Yoshihara

Based on the original work “Chainsaw Man” by Tatsuki Fujimoto (Serialized in Shueisha’s “Shonen Jump+”)

Screenplay by: Hiroshi Seko

Production by: MAPPA

Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc will be in United States movie theatres this October 24th. For those reading the manga, Reze Arc, also known as the Bomb Girl Arc, is a section of the Chainsaw Man manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto covering chapters 39 to 52.

Movie Poster

Nepal lifts ban on Social Media Networks

September 9, 2025

Nepal has lift the ban for Social Media Networks a day after 19 people died in brutal protests triggered by the government’s a social media ban.

Reuters;

Oli’s government lifted the social media ban after protests turned violent, killing 19 and injuring more than a 100 after police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters trying to storm parliament on Monday.
…
“We have withdrawn the shutdown of the social media. They are working now,” cabinet spokesperson and Communications and Information Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung told Reuters.

Nepal bans Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp and 23 Social Media networks

September 8, 2025

Nepal has banned 26 major social media and communication platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter). The ban was enacted after the Social Media networks failed to register with the government within a seven-day period. This action follows a Supreme Court directive that required all online platforms, both domestic and foreign, to register with the authorities and monitor unwanted content.

Below are the social media networks that are banned within the boundaries of Nepal;

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Messenger
  • YouTube
  • X formerly known as Twitter
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
  • WhatsApp
  • Discord
  • Pinterest
  • Signal
  • Threads
  • WeChat
  • Quora
  • Tumblr
  • Clubhouse
  • Rumble
  • Line
  • Imo
  • Jalo
  • Sol
  • Hamro Patro
  • Mi Video
  • Mi Vike3

Indian times explained;

The Supreme Court ruling consisted to multiple petitions which were filed since 2020. The petitions filed seemed restrictions on unlicensed platforms broadcasting ads and content in Nepal. The government’s Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2080 requires platforms to — register with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, appoint a local contact person and compliance officer and also setup mechanisms to handle local complaints.

But not all Social media networks are blocked TikTok, Viber, Wetalk, Nimbuzz, Telegram and Global Diary are accessible within the country after completing the government requirements.

OWWA reminds Filipino Workers to Legalize Status via Saudi Arabia Grace period until Nobyembre 10, 2025

August 12, 2025

In a recent Facebook post by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to Filipino domestic workers in Saudi Arabia, that they take advantage of the six-month grace period for those with irregular status announced by Saudi Government. This window, spanning from May 11 to November 10, 2025, allows workers to legalize their employment without facing any fines or penalties.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and its Secretary, Hans Cacdac, are strongly encouraging all affected Filipino workers to immediately contact the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Riyadh, Jeddah, or Al Khobar. The MWO will provide guidance on how to navigate the process using the Musaned system, which is managed by the Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

This initiative provides a safe and legal pathway for workers to regularize their status with the full support of the Philippine government. For assistance and more details, workers are advised to get in touch with their nearest MWO.

Gilas Pilipinas Stunned by Chinese Taipei in FIBA Asia Cup Opener in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

August 7, 2025

In a stunning turn of events at the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup in Jeddah, Gilas Pilipinas suffered a disappointing 95-87 loss to Chinese Taipei in their opening game. The Philippine national team was on the back foot from the start, trailing by as much as 17 points in the first quarter and struggling to contain a hot-shooting Chinese Taipei squad.

Despite a valiant comeback effort, Gilas couldn’t overcome the early deficit. Justin Brownlee led the charge with 19 points before fouling out in the final minutes, a major blow to the team’s rally. Kevin Quiambao provided a spark off the bench with 17 points, while Scottie Thompson and Dwight Ramos added 12 points apiece, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Chinese Taipei’s Chen Ying-Chun was the star of the show, erupting for a game-high 34 points, including six triples, to seal the victory. The loss puts Gilas in a difficult position as they now face a must-win situation against New Zealand in their next match.

Full Game High Lights:

Rewatch the 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

July 30, 2025

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Monday (July 28) delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), tackling a wide range of issues including agriculture, education, transportation, peace, and corruption.

Sun Star published a great article summarizing everything that’s been tackled in the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

ICYMI: Apple launches Apple Store online and Apple Store app in Saudi Arabia

July 27, 2025

Apple has officially launched the Apple Store online and Apple Store app for the Saudi Arabian Market, and for the first time Apple is offering direct support in Arabic, making it easy for local customers to explore and shop their favorite Apple products.

Apple; “We are thrilled to bring the Apple Store online and the Apple Store app to Saudi Arabia, offering customers a new way to explore and shop Apple’s extraordinary lineup of products and services,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail and People. “Our customers in Saudi Arabia are passionate about the things they can do with technology, and our teams can’t wait to connect with customers and help them discover how Apple innovations can meaningfully enrich their daily lives.”

To differentiate their “Personalized Shopping Experience” Apple is making it incredibly convenient to own their products. You can get personalized support via chat or phone, receive help with setting up your new device, and even take advantage of the Tamara “Buy Now Pay Later” option, allowing you to pay for your purchases in four interest-free installments. Plus, the Apple Trade In program lets you get credit for your old devices or recycle them responsibly.

Together with the Apple Store online and Apple Store app, Apple will also open its first physical Apple Store locations in Saudi Arabia starting in 2026, with an iconic store already being planned for Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This move reinforces Apple’s commitment to the region, building on existing initiatives like the Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh.

If you have the Apple Store App installed on your devices, this will automatically update to the Saudi Arabian Market or you can https://www.apple.com/sa-en/store, on your desktop.

DMW to Shipowners: Reroute or Face Sanctions Amid Red Sea Dangers

July 10, 2025

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is urging shipowners and manning agencies to reroute vessels away from the high-risk Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to ensure the safety of Filipino seafarers. This directive comes from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and is a response to recent attacks in the region.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac stressed that simply taking safety precautions isn’t enough; avoiding these areas altogether is the best way to protect seafarers. He also mandated that shipowners and manning agencies report any scheduled passages through these high-risk zones and provide information on Filipino seafarers on board to the DMW’s welfare monitoring system. Failure to report will result in sanctions.

The DMW is actively monitoring the situation, coordinating with other agencies, and providing direct assistance and updates to the families of affected seafarers, emphasizing a “people-first approach” as directed by President Marcos.

You can read the full text of DMW statement below.

𝗗𝗠𝗪 𝗿𝗲𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 ‘𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵-𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸, 𝘄𝗮𝗿-𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲’ 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀
In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure the safety and security of Filipino seafarers, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reiterates its call for shipowners and licensed manning agencies (LMAs) to reroute their vessels away from high-risk areas, particularly traversing the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

In response to recent attacks in the Red Sea, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac reiterated key provisions of the Department Order No. 1, Series of 2024, ensuring protection of Filipino seafarers amid the increasing incidence of hijacking or armed violence against ships passing through the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and surrounding areas.

“We asked shipowners carrying Filipino seafarers to please divert your voyagers. It is not enough to just say, we are taking the necessary safety precautions, the best way to spare our seafarers is to avoid the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden,” Secretary Cacdac emphasized.

In addition, he urged shipowners and manning agencies to report the scheduled passage of ships and those Philippine seafarers on board in our welfare monitoring system including information on deployment or knowledge of any scheduled passage to the Red Sea or Gulf of Aden, emphasizing that “Failure to report such a significant event will result in the imposition of sanctions under the DMW rules and regulations upon the manning agent and the principal.”

“The Department will not hesitate to take firm and lawful action against those who compromise the safety of our seafarers. We owe them protection, not promises,” Cacdac stressed.

The DMW is closely monitoring developments in the region and working in tandem with concerned agencies to coordinate support for seafarers and their families. The DMW already reached out to affected families via phone calls and zoom meeting to ensure that necessary assistance and updates are delivered directly.

“President Marcos has directed us to take a people-first approach—to make sure every Filipino seafarer is accounted for and that their families are given the attention and care they deserve,” Secretary Cacdac ended. ###

Anti-Political Dynasty Act filed at the House of Representatives

July 3, 2025

ACT Teachers Party List Representative Antonio Tinio and Kabataan Party List Representative Renee Co filed on Monday House Bill 209 or the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act.

ABS-CBN:

The measure defines “political dynasty” as a “family or clan that concentrates, consolidates, or perpetuates their political power by holding public office simultaneously or successively.”

Under the bill, “no person shall hold or run for any elective national or local office simultaneously with another within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, whether legitimate or illegitimate, full or half blood.”

It also prohibits those within this degree of relationship to an incumbent elected official from immediately succeeding to the position.

If I’m not mistaken, similar bills have been filed before, and since the majority of political personalities are from ‘political dynasties/families,’ I doubt that this new bill will be more successful than the previously filed bills.

Philippine Embassy in Riyadh issue Advisory regarding

June 24, 2025

Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia published this on their official FB page @Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia

In light of recent developments in the region, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh encourages all Filipinos in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to closely monitor the news through reputable sources and check for advisories issued by Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah, and local Saudi authorities.

The Philippine Embassy in Riyadh and the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah stand ready to provide the necessary assistance to all Filipinos in the Kingdom.