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India.com
5 days ago
- Business
- India.com
THIS nation's army shows interest in India's Brahmos missiles..., plans to strengthen its army against...
THIS nation's army shows interest in India's Brahmos missiles..., it plans to strengthen its army against... Following the success of Brahmos in recent Operation Sindoor, many countries have now started to place order of the Indian supersonic cruise missile. Key nations interested include Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore in Southeast Asia. In a latest development, Philippines President Bongbong Marcos Jr., who is on a visit to India, has become a fan of the Indian supersonic cruise missile and have shown interest in buying it. His statement has come at a time when the Chinese army is constantly engaged in intimidating the Philippines. In an recent interview, the President of the Philippines said that his visit to India was very beneficial and that relations with India are now entering a new phase which is part of the efforts of strategic partnership. He said, 'We are responding to the challenges we are facing. It is my duty to protect my country.' When asked if the Philippines would also buy fighter jets and warships, Marcos said, 'We have to upgrade our weapons so that they can be used with partner countries. All options are open.' Why does Philippines need Brahmos? Marcos confirmed that the Philippines Army is in the process of buying more BrahMos missiles and praised the performance of the Indian Army in Operation Sindoor. The BrahMos missile had defeated the Chinese air defense system in Pakistan. He also clarified that his country is increasing military preparations because regional challenges have increased a lot. Especially the challenge of China in the South China Sea has increased a lot. The Philippines President said, 'We are not against anyone. We are here to defend our territory,' and added that any unilateral attempt to change the borders must definitely be opposed. What kind of investment is Philippines offering? Marcos also said that the government has taken several measures to attract more Indian investments by ensuring ease of doing business in the Philippines. He said, 'These reforms reflect our commitment to create a truly enabling environment for investors, including our valued partners in India. We are encouraged by the growing momentum in our bilateral trade, which is set to reach US$3.3 billion in 2024-2025.' He said that the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines will soon hold a joint working group meeting on trade and investment in collaboration with its Indian counterparts.
GMA Network
13-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
DA, DOLE launch P20/kg rice for minimum wage earners
The government's P20 per kilogram subsidized rice can now be availed by minimum wage earners as the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Friday launched the nationwide rollout of the initiative for the sector. Late in May, the DA and DOLE announced their partnership to include minimum wage earners in the ongoing pilot run of the cheaper rice program. The DOLE said nearly 120,000 minimum wage earners from more than 500 establishments nationwide will initially benefit from the DA-DOLE partnership, 'with numbers expected to grow as more companies join the program.' 'This isn't just about rice—it is about dignity. It is about proving that government can deliver for the Filipinos who need it most,' said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. 'We are fulfilling President Marcos' promise of affordable food—subsidized for now, but ideally self-sustaining in the future through agricultural modernization,' added Tiu Laurel. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, for his part, said that expanding the program to include minimum wage earners will significantly advance the administration's goal of supporting the country's most vulnerable sectors. 'Yun naman ang gusto ng ating Pangulong Bongbong Marcos Jr., na ang lahat ay makinabang… Napakalaking bagay kung ang isang minimum wage earner ay makakabili rin ng bigas na P20 per kilo. Kung sampung kilo ang pwedeng bilhin... Mayroon siyang P100 o P200 na pwede niya namang mai-ukol sa iba pang mga bilihin, at siguro gaganda ang purchasing power po ng ating minimum wage earner,' said Laguesma. (That is what our President Bongbong Marcos Jr. wants, that everyone benefit from this program… It would mean a lot for a minimum wage earner to have access to P20 per kilo rice. If he is allowed to purchase 10 kilos... he could save P100 or P200 that he could spend on other essentials. It would greatly improve his purchasing power.) Known as 'Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!,' the program was first launched in Cebu on May 1, Labor Day. The rice sold under the program is sourced from reserves purchased by the National Food Authority from local farmers. Currently in its pilot phase running through December, the initiative aims to reach up to 14 million Filipinos, particularly vulnerable sectors such as solo parents, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and indigents. President Marcos has ordered the DA to expand and sustain the program through the end of his term in 2028. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
SBS Australia
25-04-2025
- Politics
- SBS Australia
Philippines mourns the passing of Pope Francis; Filipinos join in remembering the late Pope
With the passing of Pope Francis, many Filipinos expressed their condolences and remembrance for the Pope. President Bongbong Marcos Jr. will attend the Pope's funeral. Learn the details of the passing of prominent personalities and other issues in politics, security, and culture. SBS Filipino 25/04/2025 08:21 📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino
