Second Senate resolution seeking China ambassador's expulsion filed
Sen. Risa Hontiveros has formally urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata, or else ask Beijing to recall him.
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NBI findings on Duterte properties came too late for trial
The NBI says it found major discrepancies involving properties allegedly linked to Sara Duterte, including land it says has a mansion, pools and a helipad.
Signal No. 1 up in 5 Luzon areas as Super Typhoon Rosal enters PAR
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was raised over five areas in Luzon after Super Typhoon Champi entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and was given the local name Rosal, the state weather bureau PAGASA said Tuesday.
Filipinos split on Marcos admin’s handling of China dispute — survey
Filipinos are split on the Marcos administration’s handling of the West Philippine Sea dispute with China, but nearly three in four want the government to prioritize diplomacy.
Senate panel clears OVP budget in under 20 minutes as Duterte skips hearing
The Senate finance committee endorsed on Tuesday, October 20, the proposed P785.2-million budget of the Office of the Vice President for 2027 after a hearing that ran less than 20 minutes, with Vice President Sara Duterte absent.
DILG chief Remulla says he regrets not arresting Bato dela Rosa
Remulla said he regretted a past decision to honor a "gentleman's agreement" between him and Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano that prevented Dela Rosa's arrest on Senate premises, admitting that trusting the arrangement was a mistake.
Super Typhoon Champi maintains strength near Philippines
In its weather forecast on Tuesday, October 20, PAGASA said Champi is estimated to be 1,605 kilometers east of Central Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts up to 240 kph.
7 Filipinos hurt in attacks on Saudi Arabia; 3 in critical condition
Seven Filipino workers have been wounded in a string of attacks on Saudi Arabia, three of them critically, the Department of Foreign Affair said on Monday, October 19. Manila called on “all parties to cease hostilities.”
Sandigan suspends Marcoleta for 90 days
Sen. Rodante Marcoleta will be barred from carrying out the functions of his office for three months, the Sandiganbayan declared yesterday.
Top developers take center stage at biggest National Housing Expo
The country’s leading property developers brought more than 50,000 ready-for-occupancy homes, including condominiums, closer to Filipino workers and their families as the biggest-ever National Housing Expo opened Oct. 19 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City.
Senate urged to scrap House GAA infrastructure insertions
A budget watchdog has urged the Senate to remove infrastructure projects inserted by the House of Representatives into the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget, citing lack of proper documentation and underfunding of foreign-assisted projects.
CIDG summons 21 over Laos drug shipment probe
The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has summoned at least 21 people in connection with the foiled shipment of 521 kilos of suspected shabu worth P3.5 billion from Laos to the Philippines.
Jonvic: Atong Ang has left Philippines
Fugitive gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang has already left the country and was last seen in Cambodia, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
Up to 60 suitcases seen at Zaldy’s units by ex-aides
Despite maintaining they had “no personal knowledge” of the contents, two police officers who previously worked as security staff of fugitive former Ako Bicol party-list congressman Zaldy Co claimed they saw up to 60 suitcases delivered to his two units at a high-end residential building in Taguig City.
Marcos: Ensure safety of Filipinos in Paris, Italy
President Marcos has ordered concerned agencies to ensure the safety of all Filipinos living in France and Italy amid massive protests, riots and looting in the two neighboring countries.
Vico, Baste among preferred Senate bets in 2028
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte are among the most preferred personalities to run for the Senate in 2028, according to the latest survey by OCTA Research group.
Champi reintensifies as super typhoon
The super typhoon outside the Philippine area of responsibility, with the international name Champi, reintensified into a super typhoon yesterday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
Senators grill DENR on El Niño response
During the Department of Environment and Natural Resources budget hearing yesterday, senators grilled agency officials about the country’s El Niño response, including the deployment of water impounding facilities and the closure of non-essential water services like resorts and fountains
Marcoleta suspended for 90 days over plunder charges
The Sandiganbayan Third Division has ordered the preventive suspension of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta from his post as a senator due to plunder charges.
Need a document notarized? Supreme Court launches online service
The public can now notarize their documents online through three accredited platforms.
No Pinoys arrested or hurt in France unrest — embassy
The Philippine Embassy in France said that no Filipinos had been arrested and no casualties involving Filipino nationals had been reported amid the unrest in the country.
Marcos does not want Chinese ambassador expelled, says Palace
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not signaled any intent to declare China’s ambassador persona non grata, the Palace said on Monday, October 19, though the Chinese diplomat today has been officially summoned by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
3 in 5 schools still without security guards despite campus shootings
The Department of Education is asking the Senate for an additional P8.18 billion in its 2027 budget to hire security guards and install metal detectors and perimeter fences in public schools, following three deadly school shootings since June.
Teachers’ group says looser uniform rules won’t fix classroom heat during strong El Niño
A teachers’ group has urged the Department of Education to shorten class hours when necessary, adopt hybrid learning arrangements and invest in classroom cooling amid the looming El Niño.
'Champi' maintains strength, may regain super typhoon strength before entering PAR
Typhoon Champi may regain super typhoon strength as it approaches the country's monitoring area, with tropical cyclone wind signals potentially reaching No. 3 or 4 over parts of Luzon.
Defense reporters to China embassy: Words have consequences
The DPC turned a familiar warning by the Chinese government back on the embassy: “Words have consequences. Every statement issued and every interview given carries consequences, whether intended or not."
Raffy Tulfo, Padilla, Cayetano, Vico Sotto statistically tied in hypothetical 2028 Senate race
Sens. Raffy Tulfo, Robin Padilla, Alan Peter Cayetano and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto are statistically tied at the top of a hypothetical 2028 senatorial race, while Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and former senator Grace Poe share the next spot, according to the latest Tugon ng Masa survey by OCTA Research.
‘Champi’ may re-intensify into super typhoon, to enter PAR Tuesday
Typhoon Champi has weakened as it moved west-northwestward over the sea west of Guam, but may re-intensify into a super typhoon.
Oil stockpiling deal eyed between Philippines, United States
The United States, a key actor in the Middle East war that has rattled global fuel supply chains, is now keen to help the Philippines establish its planned strategic petroleum reserves.
Hernando, Inting out of contention for chief justice
Two senior justices of the Supreme Court (SC) were not included in the list of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) as nominees to become the next chief justice despite invitations for them to apply.
Go seeks review of PSC charter
Sen. Bong Go called for a review of the 36-year-old charter of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to strengthen its capacity to serve Filipino athletes, expand its reach beyond Metro Manila and respond more effectively to their welfare concerns.
Navy launches 3rd offshore patrol vessel
The Philippine Navy launched its third offshore patrol vessel, the future BRP Rajah Humabon, in Ulsan, South Korea, as part of its modernization program, the Navy said yesterday.
Chinese embassy: Persona non grata threat an old trick
The Chinese embassy in Manila warned that anyone who tries to provoke China will be “pushed back,” as it challenged politicians moving to declare its top diplomat in the country persona non grata to “do it quickly and immediately.”
MBC hopes impeachment trial over by year-end
Business group Makati Business Club (MBC) has expressed support for concluding the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte within the year to allow the Senate to thoroughly review the budget that will support economic growth next year.
Evidence on dropped impeachment raps going to ombudsman
Documentary and testimonial evidence against Vice President Sara Duterte on the three impeachment charges House prosecutors have dropped will be turned over to the ombudsman for possible prosecution of criminal offenses.
‘Stop pitting President Marcos vs VP Sara’
President Marcos has his hands full and is simply beyond comparison with Vice President Sara Duterte, who is just waiting for the former to be incapacitated, for her to take over the reins of government, a former congressman said over the weekend.
DENR expands watershed repairs, forest protection vs El Niño
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has stepped up its mitigation efforts on watershed restoration and forest protection to address water supply concerns amid El Niño.
China taking advantage of VP impeachment raps?
The Chinese ambassador’s provocative remarks against the Philippine government and its officials may actually be a ploy of Beijing to create more internal political havoc on the highly divisive impeachment issue of Vice President Sara Duterte, according to a former lawmaker.
Labor coalition seeks faster action on P85 NCR wage hike dispute
A new P60 Metro Manila wage hike is already in effect, but labor groups say an older wage dispute is far from settled.
Angat Dam water level inches up amid strong El Niño
Angat Dam's water level rose by four centimeters to 209.51 meters on Sunday, just below its 210-meter normal high water level.
34 OFWs from Riyadh to arrive in Manila amid flight disruptions
The first batch of 34 OFWs being repatriated from Riyadh is set to arrive in Manila on Monday, October 19.
Kanlaon records 4 volcanic quakes, including 48-minute tremor
Entry into Kanlaon's 4-kilometer permanent danger zone remains prohibited as Phivolcs monitors increased unrest.
'Champi' seen entering PAR at super typhoon strength
The super typhoon may enter PAR at peak strength and will be locally named Rosal.
Sara denies owning fastfood franchise
Vice President Sara Duterte denied owning a popular fastfood restaurant following the testimony of a prosecution witness that a company listed in her statement of assets, liabilities and net worth owns at least five franchises in Davao City.
DILG wants tighter airport cargo checks
Security measures in the country’s airports have been tightened, and intelligence-driven operations against drug syndicates have intensified in the wake of a foiled shipment of 521 kilos of suspected shabu, valued at P3.5 billion, from Laos into the country.
First female PMA Commandant of Cadets named
The Philippine Military Academy named Col. Leah Lorenzo Santiago its first woman Commandant of Cadets, breaking another barrier for women in the military.
ICC prosecutor wants 5 more testimonies admitted
An International Criminal Court deputy prosecutor has requested five more prior recorded testimonies of witnesses to be admitted in the crimes against humanity case against former president Rodrigo Duterte.
2nd-hand aircon demand heats up ahead of El Niño
As the country braces for a super El Niño, more than 115,000 people belong to a Facebook group where users buy second-hand air conditioners at significantly lower prices than new units, despite concerns over higher electricity costs, maintenance expenses and potential safety risks.
Survey: Dissatisfaction with government deepens
Filipinos dissatisfied with the way the government handles different issues have increased over the past year, a survey conducted by Pulse Asia showed.
Infrastructure funds eyed for additional education budget
The Senate is looking to strip funding from controversial infrastructure projects to finance the Department of Education request for an additional P149.67 billion, including P15.6 billion for a remedial learning program that remains without a dedicated budget.
‘VP could still be convicted outside impeachment’
The evidence uncovered on Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential funds could still lead to her criminal conviction, according to House prosecution panel spokesman Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong.
Lacson hits minority senators for unfair vote in Tulfo case
Sen. Panfilo Lacson described as unfair the move of three minority senators who opposed the Senate Electoral Tribunal’s ruling that dismissed the quo warranto petition against Lacson’s fellow majority member Sen. Erwin Tulfo.
DOH readies hospitals for El Niño patient surge
In anticipation of an influx of patients due to an intensified El Niño, the Department of Health is preparing to temporarily assign hospital personnel from other departments to provide medical attention to patients suffering from heat-related illnesses.
Lawmaker seeks Chinese envoy’s expulsion over embassy’s ‘stop bluffing’ taunt
A lawmaker called for the expulsion of Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan after the Chinese Embassy in Manila dared Philippine officials pushing to declare him persona non grata to “STOP BLUFFING.”
Chemical spill may have triggered MV June Aster fire — BFP
The Bureau of Fire Protection is investigating how calcium hypochlorite and asphalt allegedly spilled and mixed aboard passenger and cargo vessel MV June Aster, possibly triggering a fire that killed 77 people off Coron, Palawan.
JBC to interview 5 candidates for chief justice post
The Judicial and Bar Council will interview five candidates for the position of chief justice on October 22 and 26 ahead of Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo's compulsory retirement.
ICC prosecutors seek to present 5 witnesses' prior testimonies in Duterte case
Prosecutors at the International Criminal Court have asked judges to admit the recorded testimonies of five witnesses in the crimes against humanity of murder case against former president Rodrigo Duterte, saying their accounts could help establish an alleged policy of killing suspected criminals.
DepEd: Wearing of school uniforms optional amid El Niño threat
Students are no longer required to wear school uniforms as part of the measures to address the adverse effects of the super El Niño expected to persist until next year, Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced yesterday.
Gas prices tipped for P4.20/liter rollback
After two consecutive rounds of hikes, gasoline prices may finally drop by at least P4 per liter next week amid easing supply concerns in Asia.
Philippines beaches, Palawan on Conde Nast spotlight
Coron and El Nido in Palawan and Boracay in Aklan have once again put the Philippines on the global beach map as they landed among the world’s top beaches in Condé Nast Traveler’s lat-est list.
Self-rated poverty highest so far this year – SWS
More than half of Filipino families considered themselves poor in the third quarter of the year, the highest so far in 2026, based on a survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS).
60 percent think some senators won’t be fair in impeachment trial
While there will be some senators who will be impartial, a majority of Filipinos believed that there will be some who would not be fair in their decision in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, a survey conducted by Pulse Asia showed.
VP: Tackle SALN issues in court, before ombudsman
Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday said the Senate impeachment court and the Office of the Ombudsman are the proper forums to answer allegations that she failed to declare properties linked to her family.
Ombudsman: Plunder cases vs Legarda, Leviste filed soon
A plunder case against Sen. Loren Legarda and her son, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, will be filed before the Sandiganbayan soon as the complaint undergoes preliminary investigation, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said.
Zaldy Co’s bagmen, Baligod arrested for unjust vexation
Fourteen alleged bagmen of ex-lawmaker Zaldy Co and their lawyer Levi Baligod have been ordered arrested yet again, this time by a Zambales court for unjust vexation.
Philippine removes 250,000 fake overseas job posts
The Philippines has worked with social media platforms Meta and TikTok to remove about 250,000 online posts advertising fraudulent overseas jobs, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.
Super typhoon may enter PAR next week
A potential super typhoon is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) next week, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said yesterday.
WATCH: Super El Niño is coming: How should Filipinos prepare?
In this episode of Long Story Short, Philstar.com explains how a possible Super El Niño could affect water supply, agriculture and food security in the Philippines, and how Filipinos can prepare.
DepEd program for struggling students left with 2% of needed funds in House budget
A tutoring program that the Department of Education credits with cutting the number of struggling readers by two-thirds stands to lose nearly all its funding next year — one of several items Education Secretary Sonny Angara asked senators on Friday, October 16, to fill.
NBI subpoenas ‘Machong Chismisan’ hosts over ‘walang kwenta’ jab at Josh Aquino
The National Bureau of Investigation has subpoenaed the five hosts of the podcast “Machong Chismisan” over an episode in which one of them called Kris Aquino’s eldest son, Josh, who is on the autism spectrum, “walang kwenta (useless).”
Sara Duterte was told prosecutors might drop 3 impeachment charges
Vice President Sara Duterte and her defense team had an inkling that House prosecutors would reduce the impeachment case against her to a single charge, as rumors of the move had already been abound, two of her defense lawyers said.
Marcos: Chinese ambassador's force remark ‘sounds very much like a threat’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday, October 16, that Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan’s remark about China’s ability to use force “sounds very much like a threat and not a diplomatic statement to be made.”
Lawyer urges Supreme Court to clarify ruling on senior discounts, promos
In a statement on Thursday, October 15, senior citizen advocate lawyer Romulo Macalintal warned that the decision could be exploited by business establishments to evade granting
P3.5 billion Laos drugs linked to Davao-based group?
The National Bureau of Investigation is pursuing leads, but has yet to establish evidence that a Davao-based drug syndicate is allegedly behind the attempt to smuggle 512 kilos of suspected shabu into the country, according to NBI Director Melvin Matibag.
Lacson vows scrutiny of House realignments in 2027 budget
Sen. Panfilo Lacson has vowed to scrutinize billions in realignments in the House of Representatives’ version of the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, including funding for Foreign-Assisted Projects (FAPs) and flood control projects which are prone to corruption.
NBI chief dares VP: File case over properties probe
National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag is challenging Vice President Sara Duterte to file a case if she believes that the NBI is biased in its investigation on properties linked to her family.
Refuting dropped raps vs Sara a waste of time– prosecutors
The decision to withdraw three of the four Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte was meant to expedite the proceedings, the prosecution panel of the House of Representatives said yesterday.
Amendments to ‘archaic’ anti-espionage law sought
To strengthen the country’s defense against modern security threats, Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente Sotto III has pushed for the amendment of the country’s outdated anti-espionage law.
Ex-Co aide: P1 billion brought to Romualdez’s house
A former bodyguard of Zaldy Co told the Sandiganbayan that 100 suitcases containing P1 billion in cash were delivered from 2023 to 2024 to the home of former House speaker Martin Romualdez.
Pulse: VP Sara ratings still higher than Marcos Jr’s
Even with the ongoing impeachment trial against her, Vice President Sara Duterte continues to enjoy much higher trust and approval ratings than President Marcos, a survey for the third quarter conducted by Pulse Asia showed.
China envoy urges dialogue on West Philippine Sea tensions
Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan has urged the Philippines to exercise caution in discussing its maritime dispute with his country, calling for face-to-face dialogues to manage tensions as officials and analysts pushed for stronger regional cooperation during a forum in Quezon City.
PCC slaps P1.76 billion fine on 2022 onion cartel
The Philippine Competition Commission has imposed a record fine of P1.76 billion on six firms whose activities as an onion cartel sent retail prices soaring to as high as P800 a kilo in 2022.
Poll: Inflation, corruption top concerns of Pinoys
More than four years into the Marcos administration, reducing the basic cost of goods remains the most urgent concern of most Filipinos, based on a recent survey conducted by Pulse Asia.
Lacson to Sara Duterte spox: Correct misleading claim on VP impeach trial costs
Lacson disputed Panelo’s claims, saying Panelo could have made an “honest mistake” on his remarks as it “clearly refers to the legislative functions of the Senate” and not to the impeachment trial.
Inflation tops Filipinos’ concerns — poll
With inflation topping the list, other leading concerns included government accountability, workers’ wages, criminality, poverty, and employment.
DepEd welcomes first group of counselors hired after string of campus shootings
The Department of Education swore in some 300 newly hired school counselor associates and guidance counselors in Metro Manila on Thursday, October 15.
NBI: Findings on Duterte couple’s SALNs based on signed documents, not gossip
NBI Director Melvin Matibag emphasized that the bureau's findings were not gossip but were based on documents signed by the couple.
Politician from Mindanao financed flight for drug shipment from Laos — PDEA
The agency has not revealed the identity of the politician, but said that it provided the P3.5 billion payment for the chartered private jet.
Marcos joins world leaders' prayers, support for Pope Leo after surgery
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has joined other world leaders in expressing support for Pope Leo XIV following a surgery that removed a cancerous lung nodule from the pontiff.
Supreme Court: Senior citizen discount can't be combined with promos
In a statement on Wednesday, October 14, the High Court reversed lower-court rulings that found Orville Ong guilty of violating Republic Act (R.A.) No. 7432, as amended by Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.
VP Sara Duterte keeps majority trust ratings amid impeachment trial
So far, the surveys show that public trust in and approval of Duterte have defied expectations of a reputation-bruising trial, where allegations of Duterte's unexplained wealth and wanton use of confidential fund have been heard.
El Niño damage to agriculture hits P6.8 billion
Agricultural damage has reached P6.8 billion this year as several areas struggle with dry spells linked to the very strong El Niño phenomenon in recent months.
Peso breaches 63-level vs dollar, hits record low
The Philippine peso breached the P63:$1 level for the first time on Thursday, hitting a fresh record low against the US dollar amid renewed tensions in the Middle East.
Ombudsman grants over 1,600 SALN requests in a year
In a statement on Wednesday, October 14, the Office of the Ombudsman said that it has granted 1655 SALN requests.
VP to House prosecutors: Where’s the evidence?
Vice President Sara Duterte believes that the House prosecutors had to withdraw three of the four cases in the ongoing Senate impeachment trial against her after failing to present strong evidence.
Legarda extends leave anew
Sen. Loren Legarda has asked for another extension of her medical leave abroad, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. confirmed yesterday.
Pinoys trust journalists over vloggers – survey
Despite an expanded information environment, a survey on Tuesday found that journalists remain Filipinos’ main source of news.
Duterte defense wants fewer witnesses, evidence
The defense team of former president Rodrigo Duterte is not satisfied with the prosecution’s efforts to shorten its list of evidence and witnesses in his upcoming trial for crimes against humanitbefore the International Criminal Court.
‘House realigned P206 billion in 2027 national budget’
Senate finance committee chairman JV Ejercito has raised concerns over the House of Representatives’ realignments in the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027.
Government rolls out water filters amid ‘super’ El Niño
The government will start distributing free portable water filtration kits to communities next week to ensure adequate supply of potable water amid a looming super El Niño, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced yesterday.