Smuggling is the illegal transport of goods by stealth, with the intention of avoiding government tax or regulations. An economy, especially one that is growing, must not tolerate any form of smuggling as it doesn’t only lead to loss of government revenue, but also creates economic instability,...
In a media briefing last week, Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara said that the Luzon grid could be distressed with 12 incidents of yellow alerts for eight months this year, a condition in the power system entailing insufficiency of power reserves. This forecast is...
The Libreng Sakay (free bus ride) program that started in late 2020 is an initiative that shows government is listening to the people. Recently, when news reports announced that the program would not be extended after it ended on Dec. 31, 2022, people – especially those who needed the free rides...
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) is the central personnel agency of the Philippine government responsible for the policies, plans and programs concerning all government employees, whether working in national or local governments. Its mission is to promote morale, efficiency, integrity,...
The year 2023 has been acknowledged by the International Monetary Fund as a year of global economic recession that would hit one-third of the world’s economy. The economic difficulties have been brought about by Russia’s war in Ukraine, causing oil prices to rise to historic levels, disrupting...
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s state visit to China has yielded productive results that strengthen what he describes as “the positive trajectory” of the two countries’ relationships. Since 2018, the Philippines-China relations had been elevated to the Comprehensive Strategic...
The Communication, Navigation and Surveillance for Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) system at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) was disabled by a power outage at around 9:50 a.m. on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, triggering the cancellation of some 300 flights affecting around 56,000...
Today, the start of a new year, we are unified by hope and willing to work toward the same goal – a better economy and a better life for all. Despite the significant increases in the prices of fuel, food, and services, 92 percent of Filipinos said they will face the new year with hope, according...
In a government agency or a local government unit (LGU), there are workers who are under a contract of service (COS) or a job order (JO) scheme. Though they are not classified as “regular” workers, their services are vital and needed to ensure that the government’s programs, projects, and...
Two days from now, the entire Christendom will commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Year in and year out, this is the time of year when people plan festive gatherings for their families, friends, and colleagues to celebrate the season. It’s also the time for people to prepare gifts for those...
Watch parties stayed until the wee hours to witness what is probably the biggest sports spectacle – the FIFA World Cup. The final contest turned out to be a classic duel between two of the best players, Lionel Messi of Argentina and Kylian Mbappe of France. The contest lasted for 120 minutes, as...
The parol, or Christmas lantern, shines brighter today as a symbol of faith and hope. After two Christmases of restricted movement due to the pandemic, people are carefully feeling their way back to normal socialization, businesses are open, and the commercial centers are alive with the spirit of...
