Latest from Filipino Times
Filipino Times
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Kiko Pangilinan Replaces Robin Padilla as Senate Constitutional Amendments Chair
Senator Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan has formally taken over from Senator Robin Padilla as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes. The change in leadership was approved during Tuesday's plenary session after Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito moved to elect Pangilinan, with Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada presiding. No senator raised an objection. A lawyer by profession, Pangilinan previously led the same panel, which oversees proposals to amend the Philippine Constitution and revise existing legal codes. 'I accept this responsibility with humility and a firm resolve to safeguard the democratic ideals enshrined in our Constitution,' he said, stressing that any changes to the charter must be rooted in the people's aspirations and undergo a principled, participatory process. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva earlier noted that Padilla's decision to relinquish the post considered the need for a lawyer to head the panel. Padilla, however, recently refiled a resolution calling for a constitutional convention to amend the 1987 Constitution.
Filipino Times
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Palace Urges Public Not to Overreact to Vice Ganda Jetski Joke
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro has called on the public not to be overly sensitive about comedian and host Vice Ganda's recent joke about riding a jet ski to the West Philippine Sea and the Hague. Castro clarified that the remark was part of a concert skit and drew parallels to a similar statement made by former president Rodrigo Duterte, which he later admitted was a joke. 'First of all, it was a concert—it was a show. There's no need to be thin-skinned about it,' Castro said on Tuesday, August 12. She noted that Duterte himself once joked about taking a jet ski to the disputed waters, later saying that those who believed him were 'stupid.' Castro added that Duterte's comment back then had also hurt many Filipinos. 'So if it was used as part of a concert, maybe people shouldn't take it too seriously,' she remarked. She further advised that those who don't want to be offended should simply choose not to watch.
Filipino Times
7 hours ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
PH, Liberia Boost Labor and Maritime Partnership
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Liberia's Ministry of Labour are working to strengthen cooperation in promoting safe and ethical migration, with a focus on protecting the rights and welfare of both land-based and sea-based overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac recently met with Liberian Labour Minister Hon. Cllr. Cooper W. Kruah, Sr., along with Liberian Maritime Authority Deputy Commissioner John F. Harvey, to explore a bilateral labor agreement between the two nations. Recognized as a strategic gateway to West Africa, Liberia offers potential in both labor opportunities and maritime importance. Many Filipino seafarers serve aboard Liberia-flagged ships passing through the Freeport of Monrovia—a vital safe anchorage and boarding point for international voyages. The strengthened partnership will enhance labor protection, ensure compliance with global maritime labor standards, and improve welfare support for OFWs. For land-based workers, the bilateral pact will promote fair recruitment, safeguard labor rights, and expand access to welfare services. Secretary Cacdac's visit marks the first by a high-ranking Philippine official to Liberia in pursuit of safe, orderly, and regular migration. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s goal of deepening labor relations with host countries while upholding ethical recruitment practices. The Philippine delegation included senior DMW officials and was supported by the Philippine Honorary Consul in Liberia.
Filipino Times
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Social media star Bea Borres Reveals She's Expecting First Child
Actress and content creator Bea Borres has announced that she is pregnant with her first child. In an eight-minute YouTube video, Bea shared clips from the moment she learned about her pregnancy, with Toni Fowler and Alex Gonzaga by her side during her first pregnancy test. She also included a private reflection before her baby's gender reveal party. 'To my baby, whether you're a girl or boy, I'll be the happiest as long as you're safe and healthy,' Bea said. She admitted the journey was not how she envisioned it, but expressed pride in herself despite not feeling fully prepared, promising to be the best mom she can be. Bea underwent non-invasive prenatal testing, which confirmed her baby's health. She also documented the moments she shared the news with friends, including Andrea Brillantes. 'I've been uploading on YouTube for six years, and I never thought I'd make this kind of video. But here we are—and I've never been happier,' she said.
Filipino Times
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Palace to VP Sara: Foreign Trips Won't Solve PH Problems
Malacañang has responded to Vice President Sara Duterte's remarks defending her foreign travels, in which she claimed that Filipino communities abroad were frustrated with the country's situation. Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said such frustration is understandable since President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains in the Philippines working to address national issues and fight corruption, while the Vice President is frequently on personal trips. Castro stressed that traveling is not the Vice President's duty under the Constitution and should not be used as a platform to criticize or undermine the President. 'Traveling will not solve the country's problems,' she said. The Vice President earlier explained that her trips abroad were partly to visit her detained father and to engage with frustrated Filipino communities overseas. Castro also addressed online claims regarding an alleged trip to Kuwait, saying some videos were edited, creating fake news. She accused the Vice President's camp of repeatedly becoming a source of misinformation due to such edited materials. Last week, Castro stated that the Palace had no information on the Vice President's whereabouts.
