Our high minimum wage. The Philippine minimum wage is far higher than those of Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. When they adjusted their minimum wages, they were clear on what minimum meant: mainly to protect the young first-time workers and also the most unskilled from abusive wage levels. And yet, their minimum wage rate today is lower than the current minimum wage rate in effect in our urban areas! If minimum wages have to be adjusted, carry out the changes through the current system of regional wage board reviews and Tripartite consultations.

‘Philippines made significant strides in women’s rights’Female activists hold a protest along Morayta Street in Manila to oppose Charter change and other issues as they commemorate International Women’s Day on March 8, 2024. NEW YORK – The Philippines has made significant strides in advancing women’s rights in different sectors, a budget official said at the 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68). In 2022, we spent an estimated $18.9 billion on gender programs,” said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman. “We continue to strengthen our institutions and social protection programs to address women’s poverty. This year’s CSW is chaired by the Philippines through Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo.

Second Officer Mark Anthony Dagohoy, one of 13 Filipino seafarers who survived the missile attack by Houthi rebels on the bulk carrier True Confidence, recalls his experience and how they lost two of their colleagues at a press conference at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on Tuesday, March 12, 2024. Dagohoy and 10 other seafarers arrived in the country with the help of the Philippine government. Video by Claire MondaresGet the latest newsdelivered to your inbox Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Army does not condone or tolerate violence against women. This view is being expressed after one of its officials’ wife showed up at the Commission on Appointments (CA) to thwart her husband’s appointment due to abuses he allegedly committed. Sevilla’s wife alleged that the Army official committed adultery, and that she and her children suffered physical and mental abuses from the military official. “The Philippine Army under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido does not condone or tolerate such acts,” Army spokesperson Louie Dema-Ala told INQUIRER.net in a text message on Wednesday. READ: CA defers AFP official’s promotion after wife testimony

The reasoning behind Pascual's objection is deeply flawed and indicates a preference for the approach that is least likely to accomplish the broader goals. Without charging stations being seen as a feasible business here, we will not attract the investment needed to create a charging network, and ultimately, the domestic EV industry will not develop. That increased demand, in turn, will be the incentive for EV and EV component manufacturers to set up shop in the country. Fast charging stations require expensive electrical equipment and connections to distribution grids, which give them very high up-front costs and then have proven to be an operational nightmare due to heavy maintenance requirements. In a recent study, an estimated 1 in 5 charging stations in the US was inoperative due to maintenance failures; in California, it was 1 in 4.

Oscars ratings climb to nearly 20 million as 'Oppenheimer' reignsComposite image of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling at the 2024 OscarsLOS ANGELES, United States — Wins for "Oppenheimer," live musical performances from "Barbie" and an (almost) naked John Cena helped lift Oscars ratings for a third consecutive year, early viewing figures showed, as 19.5 million tuned in to watch Hollywood's big night. Broadcaster ABC's figure for the well-reviewed gala was nearly double the pandemic-era ratings nadir of 10.4 million, though still historically low for a telecast that regularly topped 40 million just a decade ago. This year's Oscars benefited from having two giant-grossing smash hits — "Oppenheimer" and "Barbie," the so-called "Barbenheimer" phenomenon — in the mix for multiple awards. Related: LIST: Oscars 2024 winnersAmong the millions who tuned in to Sunday night's telecast was Donald Trump. But on a largely smooth night, Variety singled out Gosling's musical performance as a "maximalist, infectiously goofy singalong."

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday enjoined Filipino Muslims to pray for peace asas the holy month of Ramadan begins. ADVERTISEMENT“Isa itong pagkakataon para mas mapalalim pa natin ang ating ugnayan sa Kaniya at sa ating kapwa,” Duterte said. The holy month of Ramadan began on March 12, after the moonsighting conducted by the Bangsamoro Darul Ifta Sunday evening failed to sight the moon, a key celestial marker for the start of the holy month for Muslims. READ: Bangsamoro Mufti declares start of Ramadan on TuesdayThe ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, is one of the most sacred times for Muslims. READ: Marcos urges forgiveness, harmony in Ramadan messageYour subscription could not be saved.

Vice President Sara Duterte says on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, that controversial Pastor Apollo Quiboloy has been given a 'guilty verdict' by the public and calls for a more fair hearing in the proper courts. She also said that Sonshine Media Network Inc.'s (SMNI's) suspension was an issue of "media freedom." Video by OVP Communications

Many Chinese maritime proposals against national interests — DFAThis photo taken on March 5, 2024 shows journalists filming as a China Coast Guard vessel (R) sails in front of the BRP Sindangan during a supply mission to Second Thomas Shoal in the disputed South China Sea. “While a few proposals were deemed somewhat workable, many of the remaining Chinese proposals were determined, after a careful study, scrutiny and deliberation within the Philippine government, to be contrary to our national interests,” the department said in a statement. The agency said the Philippines submitted counter proposals, but China did not consider them. Instead, Beijing presented its own counter proposals, which like the previous ones, did not reflect Manila’s interests, particularly on issues such as the South China Sea. Improved communication, ‘calm approach’The DFA said the proposals of the two countries were further discussed during a bilateral consultation meeting on South China Sea matters last January in Shanghai.

Mike Hutchings/AFP/Getty ImagesIndia on Tuesday rejected Chinese objections to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's weekend visit to Arunachal Pradesh, saying the northeastern border state has always been "an integral and inalienable part of India". New Delhi rejects the claim, saying Arunachal Pradesh has always been a part of India. "Indian leaders visit Arunachal Pradesh from time to time, as they visit other states of India. Objecting to such visits or India's developmental projects does not stand to reason," said Randhir Jaiswal, India's foreign ministry spokesperson. Last year, China ratcheted up tensions with India by giving Chinese names to 11 locations in Arunachal Pradesh.

Over 8,000 square feet of the Center are dedicated to the animal adoption department, while the additional 14,000 square feet are allocated for animal birth control and welfare work. The center also features the largest animal hospital in the New Territories, with the operating room and ward area occupying 16,500 square feet, expected to be rolled out in the second half of the year. The adoption center is already in full service and the dog foster care service is set to commence in late March. The education hub will feature four classrooms and include the first-ever immersive animal welfare classroom in Hong Kong. The location of the new center also helps the SPCA shorten its response time for animal rescue calls in the New Territories, where rescue demand is the greatest.

Love songHe will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. She sits gazing into his eyes while he, without a hint of self-consciousness, sings to her a love song in his own tongue, carried on the breeze for us all to hear. Out of that dark day will emerge a people who wholeheartedly love God (vv. To these people God will be like a bridegroom who delights in His beloved: “In his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” (v. 17). But how many of us see God as a Singer with a love song for us on His lips?

MANILA, Philippines—The ban on e-bikes on major roads in Metro Manila will take effect starting on April 15, 2024, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes said on Monday. Artes said the prohibition will be enforced on the following national roads in Metro Manila:Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (Edsa)C.M. Recto Avenue, ManilaPresident Quirino Avenue, ManilaAraneta Avenue, QCKatipunan/C.P. Artes also cited an increase in fatal accidents among e-bike users as a reason for the measure. ADVERTISEMENTBut for e-bike stakeholders, banning it on major thoroughfares is not the solution.

Some staff members are questioning the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Medical Centre's handling of several sexual harassment cases involving a male Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse, as he was only deployed away from his existing duty by the hospital after the allegations. However, some were disappointed with the hospital's response as the male nurse involved was only removed from ICU duties and reassigned to other departments. Sources said the male nurse has not been demoted, and the hospital also urged the staff members to keep the incident confidential, raising concerns about the arrangement of the incident. CUHK Medical Centre confirmed on Monday that they have received the complaints and launched an internal investigation. Based on the outcome of the internal investigation, the hospital believed there was insufficient evidence that the complaints involved criminal offenses.

American companies are set to announce investments amounting to more than $1 billion in the Philippines, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said during an official visit to Manila on Monday. Raimondo is heading a two-day trade and investment mission, the first of its kind for the Philippines. She also reaffirmed the United States' alliance with the Philippines, calling it "ironclad". The Philippines has a 73-year-old mutual defence treaty with the U.S., making it Washington's oldest treaty ally in the Asia-Pacific region. After her Manila visit, Raimondo will travel to Thailand for two days of meetings.