Context Dispatch
Japan backs capacity building for Manila’s civil servants via scholarship program
In a continued show of support for the Philippines’ development goals, Japan has committed a grant worth JPY 389 million (approximately P150 million) to fund graduate studies for young Filipino government employees.
Tobacco firms laud P83.7-M smuggling bust
Major players in the tobacco industry have expressed relief and gratitude following the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) successful seizure of P83.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in a warehouse raid in Barangay Batia, Bocaue, Bulacan.
BOC seizes P83.7M worth of smuggled cigarettes in Bulacan warehouse
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has seized approximately P83.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes from a warehouse in Bocaue, Bulacan, highlighting the agency’s commitment to combating illegal trade.
New Meralco franchise to start June 2028
Manila Electric Co., the country’s largest power distributor, said its new 25-year franchise will commence upon the expiration of its current license on June 28, 2028.
Better known as Meralco, the company said Republic Act 12146 that grants it a new franchise will take effect 15 days from its publication of at least two newspapers of general circulation. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the law on April 11.
Hajji Alejandro passes away at 70
Hajji Alejandro, a major pop star in the 1970s and 1980s and more popularly known as “Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala,” is no more. He died at age 70.
