Windows26: Rubio affirms 'ironclad' US commitment to Philippines

January 23, 2025

Hello, reader! Today, we're covering Sen. Hontiveros' revised sex education bill, the release of 17 Filipino seafarers in Yemen, and U.S. Secretary of State Rubio's reaffirmation of defense commitments to the Philippines.

Rubio affirms 'ironclad' US commitment to Philippines

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday the United States under President Donald Trump remained committed to the Philippines' defense, as tensions simmer with Beijing in the South China Sea.

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DFA confirms release of 17 Filipino seafarers held hostage in Yemen

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Thursday the release of 17 Filipino seafarers held in captivity in Yemen. It added that the agency is now working on their immediate repatriation to Manila.

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Risa Hontiveros moves to save 'sex ed' bill, blames disinformation

Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday filed a revised sex education bill after seven of her colleagues withdrew their support for the controversial measure aimed at stemming the rise of teenage pregnancies in the country.

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Duterte ally: Will raise budget 'blanks' issue before SC

A lawmaker aligned with the camp of former President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday said he would challenge the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) at the Supreme Court on how the alleged blanks in the bicameral conference committee report were filled in before it became the national budget law.

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Rules on sale of 'small' state assets out soon

The Department of Finance (DOF) will soon release privatization guidelines that will allow retail buyers like overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to conveniently shop for idle government assets that are "too small."

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EDITORIAL: Facts, not histrionics

The word war that has erupted over the pending bill must give way to a sober and facts-based discussion on how the bill can address the concerns expressed so far, without diluting its laudable objectives.

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