PMI eyes use of Phl tobacco in smoke-free products

Philip Morris International (PMI) plans to use locally produced tobacco leaves in its smoke-free products following the inauguration of the P8.8-billion expansion of its local affiliate's factory.

'GOCC suing Cavitex operator lacks authority'

The Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.(MPTC) has scored a state-owned firm for dragging one of its units to court without going through the proper authority in lodging a complaint.

Market plunges deeper amid Middle East conflict

The stock market plunged deeper in the red yesterday on concerns over the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Remittances plummet to 9-month low in Feb

Money sent home by overseas Filipino workers OFWs) went down to its lowest level in nine months in February amid global economic headwinds, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas BSP) showed.

Stage set for NBA post-elims battles

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are staying in New Orleans for a couple more days.

SCHEFFLER MASTERS CHAMP AGAIN

Scheffler, who also took the green jacket in 2022, won a record $3.6 million top prize after a drama-filled battle with fellow Americans Collin Morikawa and Max Homa and Sweden's Ludvig Aberg, who made an impressive major debut.

US tells Israel it won't join any Iran retaliation

US President Joe Biden has told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States would not participate in any Israeli counter-offensive against Iran, US officials said on Sunday.

P13.3-B shabu seized in Batangas

Shabu with an estimated street value of P13.3 billion was seized at a police checkpoint in Alitagtag, Batangas yesterday morning.

MMDA: Chavit's P200,000 incentive a 'donation'

After being accosted by traffic enforcers and offering them a cash reward of P100,000, former Ilocos Sur governor Luis \"Chavit\" Singson yesterday fulfilled his promise and even doubled the incentive, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

LTO: Release of plastic license cards starts today

The Land Transportation Office will start today the nationwide distribution of plastic driver’s license cards, LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II announced yesterday.

Marcos: No addt'l EDCA sites in Phl

The government has no plan of giving US forces access to more military bases in the country under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), President Marcos said yesterday, even as he expects expanded joint combat exercises with US and Japanese troops in the coming months.

Ex-ombudsman hits back at GSIS management, questions deals

Former ombudsman Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez lashed back at the management of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) after the state-run pension fund manager questioned her eligibility as a member of the board of trustees.

PNP mulls holding Alvarez liable for sedition

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is studying if Davao del Norte 1st District Rep. Pantaleon Alvarez can be held liable for inciting to sedition after the lawmaker urged the military to withdraw its support for President Marcos.

Gov't downplays PUJ strike; groups claim success

Striking transport groups claimed that they paralyzed 80 percent of Metro Manila's public transportation routes yesterday, but the government said the strike \"was hardly felt by the riding public.\"

Energy projects funded by USAID launched

The Philippine government yesterday launched energy projects funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), aimed at ensuring continued delivery of service and government operations during calamities.

'Phl should also be known for Pinoy love'

Aside from tourist destinations and attractions, President Marcos said the Philippines should be known for the \"love\" shared by Filipinos with travelers.

Bongbong-Rody word war rages

Marcos calls Duterte response to secret deal nothing but excuses’

It's complicated, BBM says of ties with VP, Dutertes

With continued attacks from his predecessor, President Marcos yesterday described his relationship with the Duterte family as \"complicated.\" Marcos, however, said his relations with Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte haven't changed.

PO.95 diesel price hike; P0.40 for gas

In separate advisories, oil companies increased pump prices again by P0.40 per liter for gasoline, P0.95 for diesel and P0.85 for kerosene, marking the second consecutive week of price hikes.

Israel wants Iran sanctioned as world warns vs escalation

World powers urged restraint on April 14 for fear that Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone strikes on Israel could spark a wider war in the Middle East, as the United Nations heard a call for new sanctions against Tehran.

SEC slaps Abra Mining with P560 M fines

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has slapped Abra Mining & Industrial Corp., its directors, officers, transfer agent,s and certain stockholders with fines of at least P560 million for the unauthorized trading of unissued and unlisted shares from 2015 to 2019.

Monde Nissin earmarks P7.2 B for capex to boost capacity

As the company expands, Teo said Monde Nissin is also taking the opportunity to diversify its supply base.

LGU loans more than tripled in H2

The proposed domestic borrowings of local government units (LGUs) more than tripled to P48.9 billion in the second half of 2023 from P15.8 billion in the same period in 2022, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported.

Tobacco output seen surpassing 42 M kg this year

The country’s tobacco production this year could expand to a three-year high of over 42 million kilograms on the back of higher demand and better prices, the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) said.

Over 20 local brands eye overseas expansion

Over 20 Filipino brands intend to expand and bring their products and services overseas, according to the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA).

'Vapedemic' killing tobacco industry'

The proliferation of illegal, disposable vapes is reportedly killing the local tobacco industry as it reduces demand for tobacco-based products, leaving farmers with a shrinking market base.

HOTSHOTS GO BACK TO BACK

MAGNOLIA DEFENSE DOWNS PHOENIX

Iran to US, Israel: Don't retaliate

Iran warned Israel yesterday of a larger attack on its territory should it retaliate against Tehran’s overnight drone and missile attack, adding that US bases would be targeted if Washington supports any Israeli military action against Iran.

Bangsamoro region has 8 new towns

COTABATO CITY A majority of 89,594 registered voters in 63 barangays in Cotabato province voted for the creation of eight new municipalities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao BARMM) during a plebiscite on Saturday.

Be vigilant, Filipinos in Israel told

The Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv has advised Filipinos in Israel to be on alert after Iran launched a retaliatory attack on Israel.