We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
Comelec: 3 million overseas voters eyed in 2025 polls
With internet voting, the Commission on Elections is looking to have up to three million Filipinos abroad participate in the May 2025 midterm elections......»»
Saintfiet confident, hopes for ‘miracle’ as PH men’s football team hosts Iraq
Hoping to take advantage of playing at home, the Philippine men's football team targets a breakthrough win in the joint qualifiers of the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup as it battles favored Iraq.....»»
'PHVote Guides: How to register as an overseas voter in the 2025 elections
For the first time, overseas voters may experience online voting, on top of the usual personal and postal modes.....»»
SMC OK to add MPTC Indonesia in joint venture
Diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is open to including the Indonesian segment of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) in the planned merger of the toll road operators......»»
The dangers of voting by non-citizens
Only US citizens may vote in federal elections......»»
US Bolstering Philippines Amid Increasing Assertiveness by China
washington - The U.S. and Philippines will for the first time venture outside Manila's territorial waters when they begin joint annual combat drills in April, a Philippines government spokesman said Thursday.Colonel Michael Logico said elements of the Balikatan 2024 drills would be conducted about 22 kilometers (more than 12 nautical miles) off the west coast of Palawan, an island in the archipelago nation that.....»»
Late mishap drops Saso to joint 3rd with 66
Yuka Saso faltered at the finish, missing out on a share of the clubhouse lead and slipping to joint third with an eagle-boosted 66, trailing Canadian Maude-Aimee Leblanc by two at the start of the FIR Hills Seri Pak Championship.....»»
Zubiri to lead Senate delegation in Geneva IPU assembly
Five senators will go to the 148th Inter-Parliamentary Union assembly next week in Geneva, Switzerland......»»
Philippines, US air forces back together for Cope Thunder
The Philippine Air Force and the US Pacific Air Force are set to embark on joint exercises – involving their advanced fighter jets – from April 8 to 19 for this year’s iteration of Cope Thunder, an annual air defense and offense training event to be held in Luzon......»»
Jorick Bautista raring to lead FEU back to contention after L-Jay Gonzales exit
FEU sharpshooter Jorick Bautista is adamant the Tamaraws have what it takes to contend in the UAAP Season 87 playoff race, even after the graduation of leader L-Jay Gonzales.....»»
35 BSKE candidates slapped with DQ petition for premature campaigning
The Commission on Elections Task Force “Anti-Epal” on Friday filed disqualification petitions against 35 candidates in Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections due to premature campaigning. In a media interview, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the decision to disqualify erring candidates will be released before the election day on 30 October. Laudiangco stressed that Comelec is “serious in enforcing all measures” to secure orderly and fair elections nationwide. "Hindi po nagbibiro ang Comelec sa pagpapatupad ng election laws. This is the start,” Laudiangco warned. “Makakaasa po kayo na next week, marami pa pong masasampahan ng kaso,” he added. The Comelec previously said about 199 possible disqualification charges may be filed against misbehaving election candidates. The poll body also noted that the monitoring for other possible violations will continue during the campaign period from 19 to 28 October. Laudiangco noted that Comelec is adamant not only to disqualify candidates “but also put them in prison if found liable for criminal or election offense charges.” The Comelec vowed to a whole-of-government approach for the BSK elections. This came as the poll body signed an agreement with the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to intensify the campaign against vote buying, and vote selling, as well as expanding the poll monitoring efforts in all areas nationwide. It is also set to sign a memorandum of agreement with the Public Attorney’s Office on 2 October. The Comelec said it working closely with the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Department of Education, among others, for a safe, peaceful, and credible Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections this year. The post 35 BSKE candidates slapped with DQ petition for premature campaigning appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Makati cries foul over Taguig’s ‘rejection’
The local government of Makati City on Sunday lamented the local government of Taguig’s alleged “unreasonable” rejection of Makati proposals which impedes the smooth transfer of city-owned health facilities and services. Makati City Administrator Claro Certeza said that the Makati local government proposed memorandums of agreement pertain to eight barangay health centers and the health data of their patients, and Ospital ng Makati. However, it was allegedly rejected by the local government of Taguig. “We have initiated a series of correspondence and memorandum of agreement proposals to the City of Taguig aimed to facilitate the smooth transfer of Makati-owned health facilities to its jurisdiction. However, these have been rejected outright, without valid reason. Unfortunately, Taguig seems adamant about taking over our hospital and health centers without acknowledging our ownership rights,” Certeza said. In a letter to Mayor Lani Cayetano, a MoA was proposed by Mayor Abby Binay for Ospital ng Makati, which contains an offer extending a substantial credit line to Taguig. The credit line is intended to ensure that affected residents can continue to access the essential health care services at the city-owned and managed hospital. Certeza said that as stated in the draft MoA, the credit line will “function as a financial safety net, enabling Taguig City to provide essential health care services to its residents without immediate upfront payments, particularly in cases where beneficiaries may not have the means to cover their medical costs themselves.” “Makati is even willing to allocate millions in funding for this credit line to Taguig to avoid any disruption in health care services. Yet, Mayor Cayetano refused to even consider the proposal, opting to put off any discussions regarding OsMak, purportedly in deference to the wishes of the Health secretary,” Certeza said. To recall, the Taguig City mayor said in her letter that Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa himself would take the lead in any discussions regarding Ospital ng Makati, and that both cities must defer to his wishes. In another letter to Cayetano, Binay also offered Taguig the option to lease or to purchase the land and improvement of eight health centers, subject to the appraisal of the Commission on Audit. However, Cayetano has allegedly declined the offer, again citing a supposed directive from the Health Secretary to “exclude the issue of ownership in the transition process.” “Makati is willing to let Taguig use its properties without asking them for immediate payment. We are, in fact, deferring to CoA to determine the reasonable amount to be charged,” Certeza said. The post Makati cries foul over Taguig’s ‘rejection’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BBM, hoarders in test of wills over price cap
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left yesterday for Indonesia, but not before taking a potshot at smugglers and hoarders over the spiraling price of rice that necessitated his issuance of a price cap on the staple grain. Marcos in his departure speech said that even as he attends the 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit, controlling the rice price surge will be top of mind. Early in his presidency, Marcos said he would work to bring down the price of rice to P20 a kilo, half of the P41 to P45 per kilo price ceiling he imposed via Executive Order 39, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, last Thursday. The President was adamant that there is no valid reason rice should be selling for upwards of P50 per kilo, considering that data from the Department of Agriculture showed that with the coming rice harvest and imports, there’ll be enough rice buffer stocks to last the year. “Based on our studies, the only reason for this is that there are smugglers and hoarders,” he said in Filipino. The price cap — P41 per kilo for regular-milled rice and P45/kilo for the well-milled variety — will be implemented starting today, 5 September. Rice retailers across the nation were one in saying that they could not possibly sell at below their purchase price despite the government’s threat to penalize violators of EO 39. Monitoring teams from the DA and the trade, local government and justice departments, along with those from local government units, will go around wet markets and supermarkets to ensure compliance with the price cap. Temporary measure Earlier, Marcos tried to assure traders and the public that the price ceiling would be temporary while waiting for local farmers to harvest their palay. “I need to explain that this is only temporary. It won’t last long. We are harvesting rice, we are harvesting rice here in the Philippines, [until] the season is over,” he stressed. “And so when the time comes, we’ll also have imported rice. It will come in at the same time [as the local harvest]. We will take it to the market, we will let rice retailers cap their own prices,” he added. The President said he will work with ASEAN leaders during the summit to address the various challenges facing the region, including the territorial irritants in the South China Sea (see related story). As the “epicenter of growth” in Asia, ASEAN-member countries can play a big role in ensuring food security, calling for climate justice, protecting migrant workers, and fully tapping the potential of digital economies. “We will foster cooperation with these countries in areas such as trade and investment, climate action, food security, clean energy, and maritime cooperation,” Marcos said, before boarding his plane with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. Marcos said he will also take part in the ASEAN Plus 3 and East Asia summits where he will discuss developments in the South China Sea, the situation in Myanmar, and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Welcomed “ASEAN has always been closely intertwined with Philippine foreign policy,” the President said. “My administration will continue to ensure that our constructive engagements with ASEAN, our dialogue partners, and stakeholders will serve our national interest and the wellbeing of the Filipino people.” The ASEAN Summit is the second to be held in Indonesia this year after the one held in Labuan Bajo last May. House lawmakers welcomed the rice price ceiling set to be enforced today but expressed reservations, including making it more “flexible” based on prevailing regional market conditions. Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said, “The situation will vary per region, so a national rice price ceiling should be made more responsive to local supply-demand dynamics.” Salceda emphasized that increasing domestic supply and diversifying importation sources like Pakistan and the United States should be the long-term solution. “We’ve seen this crisis before. We know how to deal with it. It mostly involves signaling to our world partners that we will not over-import so that they don’t anticipate and drive prices up,” Salceda said. Independent opposition lawmaker Edcel Lagman said that Marcos should have imposed the rice price cap when the commodity was being sold at P50 to P60 per kilo. Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday declared that P2 billion sourced from this year’s budget will be earmarked to aid rice retailers who may be affected by the price cap. @tribunephl_Lade @tribunephl_eao The post BBM, hoarders in test of wills over price cap appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
James Harden: Relationship with 76ers beyond repair
James Harden is adamant that he does not want to play for the 76ers anymore and maintains his preference is to play elsewhere.....»»
AFP studying China’s offer to conduct joint military drills with Phl
The Armed Forces of the Philippines will be studying China’s offer to conduct a joint military exercise with the country, military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said. “They offered us that prospect, but we have to study it further,” Brawner said at the sidelines of the 96th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in Mandaluyong on Wednesday night. The AFP did not provide further details as to how and where the joint military exercise will be possibly conducted between China and the Philippines. “Informal lang (The talks are still informal). The ambassador said they submitted white papers, but we have to study,” he added. Meanwhile, Brawner said his presence during the China’s Army event is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s marching order to “become friends to all, enemy to none.” “We (AFP) we’re naturally told alike, that’s what we are going to do. We try to establish relations with the armies—with armed forces around the world and this is one way for us to actually prevent war,” he stressed. According to Brawner, the AFP’s relations with its counterpart in China remain limited to training. “We send our officers in training schools in China, particularly in National Defense University and as I mentioned awhile ago that during the Marawi Siege, they send us some weapons and ammunition,” he said. For his part, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian said mentioned the military-to-military ties between China and the Philippines. “There have been a high-level exchanges in the defense sector, deepening cooperation in education and training, and smooth implementation of military assistance by our side to the AFP,” Xilian said. Further, Brawner told the reporters that the Philippine government is keen to improve its “international and bilateral relations” with other countries. “We are opening up to any country that would like to help us—because right now one of the efforts that we are trying to do—is trying to develop our own defense industry,” he said. The Philippines is adamant to boost its self-reliance defense posture, he added. “So as much as possible, we get help from other countries because they're more modern and they have funds for research and development while we are fighting an insurgency war for the longest time,” the AFP chief said. Brawner also lamented that most of the defense fund goes to its efforts against local insurgency as well as maintaining peace and security in the country. Brawner said the Philippines has to extend its diplomatic ties with China. “So let’s do first what we can do in terms of diplomacy and our last resort will be military. That’s why we try to look into several avenues where we could really cooperate, for instance, preservation of our biodiversity and that’s one area that we could cooperate,” he said. The post AFP studying China’s offer to conduct joint military drills with Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AFP: WPS arbitral ruling a validation of Phl sovereignty
As the Philippines commemorates its 7th anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration win on the West Philippine Sea, the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Command has committed to continue protecting the country’s territory, including the maritime domain. AFP WesCom Commander, Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, said the Philippines is one with its neighboring countries and allies in enforcing the rules-based order to keep structural peace as well as freedom of navigation, trade, and commerce. “The 2016 PCA ruling gave credence and validation to Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and entitlements in the West Philippine Sea. As the frontline in enforcing this ruling, the AFP Western Command remains the dominant force in protecting every inch of the country’s territory and the riches in our exclusive economic zone,” Carlos told reporters on Wednesday. Carlos said WesCom is adamant to maintain its presence in the country’s sovereignty. “In our remotest outposts at sea, very few dare to go because of the unpredictability of the temperament of the forces of man and nature. There, the WesCom soldiers raise the Philippine Flag without fail and proudly fly, sail, and stand guard to defend what is definitively ours,” he stated. Carlos, meanwhile, said that they are “heartened by the solid fact that the decision is now part of international law, is recognized by the international community, and has become the basis for policies and actions in the WPS.” “The gifts of nature will continue to flourish to be enjoyed by all future generations,” he added. In a separate radio interview, AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar cited that the arbitral ruling on WPS provides the country the right to defend its maritime territory under its exclusive economic zone. “This is a peaceful means to resolve conflict among countries,” he said, to further the claim that the National Task Force on the WPS are the best people to be asked regarding concerns on the Philippine territorial claims over the portion of the so-called South China Sea. Aguilar reiterated the AFP’s shift to external security operations which include the strengthening of defense posture in the Philippine EEZ—with more aerial and surface maritime patrols to be conducted by the AFP’s naval, air, and ground assets. The post AFP: WPS arbitral ruling a validation of Phl sovereignty appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAF vows to exceed previous performances during anniversary rites
Celebrating its 76th founding anniversary on Monday, the Philippine Air Force vowed it will strive further to surpass its previous missions’ performances through diligence, efficiency, and top-level quality. PAF Commanding General, LtGen. Stephen Parreño said the country’s air force is adamant to become a stronger, more reliable, and dedicated organization to guard the air space and territorial claims of the Philippines. “This time, we aim to shine even brighter and to perform even better,” Parreño said in his speech during the PAF anniversary rites at the Clark Air Base in Mabalacat, Pampanga. “Today, we proclaim our commitment to work towards improving our capability, credibility and sustainability with an emphasis on the timeline and quality of work,” he added. Parreño said the PAF is determined to continue modernizing its fleet and training systems so it can better respond to the needs of Filipinos, particularly in times of conflict and disasters. Parreño said the PAF pushed great strides through the years, after investing in technology, infrastructure, and human resources to achieve its goal of being a capable force. This as seen in the country’s more robust air fleet, modern platforms, functional air bases, and well-trained personnel, he added. "Reflecting on our journey, we are filled with gratitude for the strides we have made toward achieving our goals. Through strategic and sustained investments in technology, infrastructure, and the development of human resources, our capability has grown," he stressed. The PAF was established on 1 July 1947. Demonstration of PAF's precision tactics During the anniversary event, the PAF demonstrated its live capabilities and precision tactics at the Crow Valley Gunnery Range area. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief-of-Staff Gen. Andres Centino, along with major service commanders as well as other high-ranking defense and security officials, witnessed the demonstration from the view deck of Col Ernesto Ravina Air Base in Capas, Tarlac. Among these demonstrated air assets include the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance capability of the C208 aircraft; Fast Rope Insertion and Extrication System Operation of the S70i Black Hawk helicopters; hoist rescue operation of a littered patient by a Huey 2 aircraft; as well as the air-to-ground live fire demonstration of the FA50 PH, A29B Super Tucano, and T129 Atak Helicopters. Also, several flight demonstration of FA50 PH aircraft were showcased at the Clark Air Base such as the high-speed opener pass to formally kick-off the formal program, and a formation flight of T-41 aircraft forming the number "76," which represent the glorious years of existence and service of the PAF. Several types of aircraft were also featured in a flyby demonstration. This aerial spectacle not only demonstrated the PAF pilots' remarkable aerial maneuver skills but also honored the PAF's historic legacy. At the ground, attendees were able to witness an up-close look at the static display of PAF air and ground assets such as FA50PH, T129, C295, C130, PZL W-3A Sokol, S70i, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and Ground Based Air Defense System (GBADS) platforms. The post PAF vows to exceed previous performances during anniversary rites appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Neglected elephant touches down in Thai homeland after flight
A Thai elephant gifted to Sri Lanka two decades ago arrived back in its birth country Sunday, following a diplomatic spat over the animal's alleged mistreatment. Thai authorities had gifted the 29-year-old Muthu Raja -- also known back in its birthplace as Sak Surin -- to Sri Lanka in 2001. But they demanded the elephant back last year after allegations that it was tortured and neglected while kept at a Buddhist temple. The 4,000-kilogram (8,800-pound) mammal arrived in Thailand just after 2 pm (0800 GMT), having been transported inside a specially constructed giant steel crate onboard an Ilyushin Il-76 cargo plane. "He arrived in Chiang Mai perfectly," Thai environment minister Varawut Silpa-Archa said at the airport. "He traveled five hours and nothing is wrong, his condition is normal." "If everything goes well, we will move him," he added, referring to plans to quarantine the elephant at a nearby nature reserve. Varawut helped give the elephant a drink after Muthu Raja's decorated crate was removed from the plane, with the thirsty animal eagerly reached his trunk through a hole to accept the water. The elephant could be seen when officials briefly opened the crate's rear doors and it was sprayed. Muthu Raja was moved from its temporary home at a zoo in Sri Lanka's capital Colombo before dawn, accompanied by four Thai handlers and a Sri Lankan keeper, with two CCTV cameras monitoring its health in transit. It left Colombo at 7:40 am (0210 GMT) on a commercial reparation flight that Thai officials said cost $700,000. Muthu Raja was in pain and covered in abscesses when it was rescued from the Buddhist temple last year, the zoo's chief veterinarian, Madusha Perera, told AFP. Animal welfare groups said the elephant had been forced to work with a logging crew and that its wounds, some allegedly inflicted by its handler, had been neglected. The elephant will undergo hydrotherapy in Thailand to treat a remaining injury on its front left leg, Perera said. Return opposed Elephants are considered sacred in Sri Lanka and are protected by law. The organization Rally for Animal Rights and Environment, which led a campaign to rescue Muthu Raja from the temple, expressed its unhappiness over the animal's departure. RARE organized a Buddhist blessing for the elephant on Friday ahead of its journey and has petitioned authorities to prosecute those it says are responsible for neglecting the animal. Sri Lanka's wildlife minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi said Thailand was "adamant" in its demands for the elephant's return. Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena told parliament in June he had personally conveyed Sri Lanka's regrets to the Thai king over the elephant's condition. Thailand has stopped sending elephants abroad, Thai environment minister Varawut said, adding that Bangkok's diplomatic missions are checking the conditions of elephants already sent overseas. The post Neglected elephant touches down in Thai homeland after flight appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos admin adamant to improve Phl transportation
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday said that his administration is adamant to improve the country’s public transportation systems. Speaking at the ceremonial loan agreement signing for the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project in Davao City, Marcos said his administration is committed to addressing the pressing issues hounding the country’s transportation sector saying that they “will remain relentless in providing solutions to the pressing challenges that hinder our path towards prosperity and progress.” “I assure my fellow Filipinos that your government is working hard to improve the country’s transportation systems, operations, and management for the benefit of present and future generations,” Marcos said in a speech delivered at Acacia Hotel in Agdao, Davao City. Marcos expressed confidence that the government’s vision to effectively functional transportation system is possible and achievable. “As long as we are guided by the core of the whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach, I am confident that our vision of a seamless, efficient, accessible, and highly connected transportation system will be well within reach,” he said. Marcos pressed the need to pursue the much-needed modernization of the country’s transport system “whether through better roads, highways, and even railways.” During the event, Marcos witnessed the Philippine government and the Asian Development Bank sign the loan agreement for the DPTMP, which aims to support the expanding economic activities of Davao City. Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno and ADB country director Pavit Ramachandran inked the US$1 billion loan granting the establishment of a city-wide public transport project—the first project in the country to deploy electric bus fleets. This project serves in support of the Philippines’ efforts to reduce greenhouse gases and promote climate action. “It’s not only good for the economy, but also, ultimately, for the health and general well-being of the public,” the President said. Marcos said the event marks another milestone “that heralds a very large leap towards realizing our goal to modernize our country’s public transportation system.” “As it (DPTMP) opens its doors to visitors and investors, the city will be rewarded with increased business opportunities. Increased commercial activities necessarily bring more people which means more vehicles on the streets, busier roads, and hence, heavier traffic,” he said. Marcos said the DPTMP, envisioned as early as 2010, will have an integrated network of 29 routes that will connect major commercial centers in Davao City. It is expected to attract various socio-economic opportunities for Davaoeños. He thanked the ADB officials for their unwavering support of various government projects and initiatives. “As we further our partnership, I am optimistic that we will come up and forge even more projects in the years ahead, especially those that aim to improve the lives and lessen the burden to the Filipino public,” Marcos told ADB officials. Complete within timeline Meanwhile, Marcos ordered the Department of Transportation to work hard for the completion of the DPTMP within the set timeline. He also directed DoTr to promptly address various concerns such as funding requirements, traffic management issues, and the affected households. Despite acknowledging the positive developments that the DPTMP will bring to Davao City, Marcos stressed the need to provide assistance to those who will be affected by the implementation of the project. “Lest we forget, coupled with this grand vision of building an efficient mode of transportation are the unavoidable issues that also need our immediate attention, such as the families who will be displaced by the implementation of the program,” he said. However, Marcos assured that the project will social development interventions, such as financial and non-financial assistance for those who are displaced. “It will also ensure that the families affected by the construction are properly compensated and if need be, relocated,” he added. The DPTMP—covering 672 kilometers with nine routes that connect key areas in Davao City to Panabo City, Davao Del Norte.— is one of the big infrastructure projects under the “Build, Better, More” infrastructure program of the Marcos administration. A total of 1,105 buses are expected to operate along the routes. DPTMP is projected to start initial operations by 2024 and can serve around 800,000 passengers daily. The post Marcos admin adamant to improve Phl transportation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Senators ponder new “Love the Philippines” slogan
Senator Nancy Binay on Wednesday expressed hope that campaigning for the country’s newest tourism slogan “Love the Philippines” will work out. In a statement, Binay lamented that rebranding initiatives, such as replacing the country’s tourism slogan, always have corresponding costs. Binay, who chairs the Senate Committee on Tourism, Cultural Communities, and Social Justice, said it would entail a considerable amount of money “to start and sustain a new campaign.” “Sa dami ng mga kailangang nating unahin at i-prioritize na pagkagastusan (with numerous priorities and other important matters we have to allocate our funds to), we don't have sufficient funds to finance a re-brand,” Binay said. According to Binay, accepting the new slogan is the only option left. “Kaso, nandyan na nga 'yan. 'Ika nga, 'pag love mo ang isang tao o bagay, tatanggapin mo anuman 'yung kanyang kakulangan, and willing ka pa rin bigyan ng chance—with the hope na mag-work out (The new slogan is already there. As they say, when you love someone or something, you accept their shortcomings and are still willing to give them a chance, with the hope that it will work out), ” she added. On Tuesday, the Department of Tourism officially replaced the "More Fun in the Philippines" slogan as it bared the country’s "enhanced" tourism slogan "Love the Philippines.” Senator Francis Escudero said the new slogan launched by the DoT is worth giving a chance as the Marcos administration strives to attract more international tourists in order for the country to recover economically from the effects of the recent Covid-19 pandemic. Escudero urged the Filipinos to support the new tourism campaign instead of throwing outright criticism. "The last thing I want is for our country and people to be seen bickering about our slogan in front of foreigners/tourists--our putative market. I refuse to be part of any such thing until we have given it a chance,” he said. Escudero cited how the previous campaign "It's More Fun in the Philippines,” launched in 2012, worked well for the country, generating more than 8.26 million tourist arrivals in 2019—just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the Philippines in early 2020. This doubled the 4.47 million tourist arrivals in 2013. "While I believe in the saying 'if it ain't broke, why fix it?' I am willing to give it a chance," he said. He added that a slogan's effectiveness depends on many factors, such as the destination's unique offerings, target audience, and marketing strategy. Escudero assumed that Philippine tourism officials and partner agencies have taken into account the qualities of a good tourism slogan which should be “catchy, memorable, and convey a positive message that captures the essence of the destination.” "My personal favorite is 'Incredible India. This slogan, for me, works well because it is simple, memorable, and accurately captures the essence of the destination it represents,” he said. At the launching, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said his administration is adamant about “propelling the tourism industry forward by embracing the warmth of our people, the beauty of our land, and the rich tapestry of our culture.” The post Senators ponder new “Love the Philippines” slogan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»