Here are the latest news and events that happened today, Monday, February 06, 2023.

'Surreal moment': Jona grateful for 'ASAP Natin 'To' comeback

MANILA -- OPM singer Jona was grateful for her return to the "ASAP Natin 'To" stage with a grand welcome with felow singing contest icons. In the latest episode aired Sunday, Jona sang her first single "Close To Where You Are" with "Tawag ng Tanghalan" season 3 winner Elaine Duran, "Star In A Million" season 2 winner Frenchie Dy, and See more...

LTFRB heeds drivers' call, extends franchises of 25K traditional jeepneys

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Monday decided to extend the franchises of some 25,000 traditional jeepneys in Metro Manila, according to GMA Integrated News' Joseph Morong. It was the fourth time the franchises, which were supposed to expire on April 30 this year, were extended, Morong said on Twitter. According to LTFRB chairman Atty. Teofilo Guadiz See more...

This UK mega-lab generates weather to test future homes

SALFORD, United Kingdom - The thermometer sinks below zero as a blizzard of fine snow descends on two houses freshly built inside a massive laboratory in northern England. Despite the icy conditions, the two energy-efficient homes remain cosy and warm due to their use of cutting-edge heating and insulation technology. Welcome to Energy House 2.0 -- a science experiment designed See more...

Jasmine Curtis-Smith, boyfriend Jeff Ortega grace cover of Lifestyle Asia

Jasmine Curtis-Smith and her non-showbiz boyfriend Jeff Ortega have graced the cover of Lifestyle Asia magazine. On Instagram, Monday, the Kapuso actress shared photos of their cover shots for the magazine's February issue. "We are quite private when it comes to our relationship, so it was a bit nervewracking when this offer came about," Jasmine said. "But this is a See more...

Marlo Mortel leads new Knowledge Channel series on nutrition

MANILA -- Marlo Mortel will be leading the latest educational series of Knowledge Channel that is set to premiere next week. Mortel joins Majoy Apostol in "ILY 1000: Batang #Laking1000," which is about taking care of their kids on their first 1,000 days even during their pregnancy. The series is presented together with the National Nutrition Council (NNC). See more...

Sangley Point International Airport consortium inks joint venture with Cavite LGU

MANILA - The Yuchengco-led House of Investments on Monday said it and other members of the Sangley Point airport consortium have signed a joint venture deal with the Provincial Government of Cavite. The agreement was signed on Feb. 6, the company said in a disclosure to the stock exchange. "In compliance with the disclosure requirements of the Commission, our Company See more...

Most Asian markets drop as US jobs fan rate worries

HONG KONG - Asian markets mostly fell Monday and the dollar extended gains after a forecast-busting US jobs report fanned expectations of more Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. Adding to the downbeat mood were geopolitical concerns after the United States shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon that had floated across the country for days. The rally enjoyed through January See more...

Anakpawis: Cha-cha unnecessary as 1987 Constitution, laws generous to foreigners

There was no need to amend the 1987 Constitution to allow the entry of more foreign capital because existing laws and constitutional provisions were already generous to foreigners, progressive group Anakpawis said Monday. Anakpawis Chairperson Rafael Mariano, responding to pending measures seeking to amend the 1987 Constitution by allowing as much as 100% foreign ownership of various industries and land See more...

Win Gatchalian seeks Senate inquiry into state of basic education in BARMM

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a resolution seeking a Senate Basic Education Committee inquiry into the low enrollment and poor learners performance in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). “Several decades of armed conflict and civil unrest have greatly affected the quality of basic education as evident in the performance of BARMM in several education indicators,” Gatchalian said See more...

Metro Manila cops tagged in missing sabungeros case 'cooperating' with probe

MANILA — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Monday said several of its officers allegedly involved in the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts or "sabungeros" were "cooperating" with investigators. In a press conference, NCRPO Deputy Regional Director for Operations PBGen. Jack Wanky said the suspects were restricted and confined in “an area” inside Camp Bagong Diwa. “Actually See more...

DENR urged to revoke Sibuyan Island mining firm MPSA

An environmental activist group has called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to revoke the mineral production sharing agreement (MPSA) awarded to Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC) amid its alleged violations during its mining operations in Romblon’s Sibuyan Island. According to Maki Pulido’s report on “24 Oras” on Monday, the Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (PNE) See more...

Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty should be scrapped —Makabayan solons

The Makabayan bloc lawmakers on Monday sought the termination of the 1952 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the Philippines and the United States, saying that the country must pursue an independent foreign policy. House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro of ACT Teachers party-list, Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas of Gabriela party-list and Kabataan party-list Representative Raoul Manuel of Kabataan party-list See more...

De Lima camp: No 'thread of evidence' of Colanggo's drug link claims

The camp of former Senator Leila de Lima on Monday said that convicted drug dealer Herbert Colanggo failed to present evidence to prove that she was involved in drug transactions during her stint as Justice secretary. Filibon "Boni" Tacardon, De Lima's legal counsel, said this during the resumption of the hearing for the cross examination of Colanggo at the Muntinlupa See more...

Philippines logs 1,102 new COVID-19 cases from Jan. 30 to Feb.5 2023

The Philippines logged 1,102 new COVID-19 cases from January 30 to February 5, 2023, the latest Department of Health bulletin has indicated. Last week's weekly tally was 16% fewer than the 1,206 new cases recorded from January 23 to 29. The daily average of COVID-19 cases in the past week went down to 145 from the 172 daily case average See more...

LOOK: Ryza Cenon grateful to be part of 'FPJ's Batang Quiapo'

MANILA -- Actress Ryza Cenon is joining the cast of the upcoming ABS-CBN series "FPJ's Batang Quiapo," with Coco Martin as the lead actor. In her social media post on Monday, Cenon uploaded photos of her with Martin. In the caption, Cenon expressed her gratitude for being cast in the teleserye. "1 week nalang mapapanood nyo na ang See more...

Finally! Seventeen BSS makes long-awaited return with 'Second Wind'

BSS, a sub-group of the K-pop boy group Seventeen, made its highly anticipated return to the music scene on Monday with the single album "Second Wind." The 3-track package marks the first comeback of the trio comprised of Seungkwan, DK and Hoshi, nearly 5 years since debuting with the song "Just Do It." In a YouTube live-stream held an hour See more...

Indonesian economic growth rises to nine-year high

JAKARTA - Indonesia's economic growth accelerated to a nine-year high in 2022 despite global uncertainty and a final-quarter slowdown, official data showed Monday, owing to soaring commodity prices and easing Covid-19 curbs. Indonesia was badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic, with its exports and tourism-reliant economy taking a massive hit in 2020 as GDP shrunk by 2.07 percent -- its See more...

Philippines tallies 1,012 new COVID cases, 85 deaths in past week

MANILA (UPDATE) — The Philippines recorded 1,012 new COVID-19 cases in the past week, the Department of Health said Monday. From Jan. 30 to Feb. 5, an average of 145 daily infections were recorded in the country, which is 16 percent lower compared to the previous week. This is the lowest number of weekly cases in 34 weeks or See more...

BI 'doing everything' to deport Japan robbery suspects, says spox

Video courtesy of PTV MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday said it was “doing everything” to fast-track the deportation of 4 Japanese nationals connected to a string of robberies in their home country. BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said that they view as a “priority” the deportation of alleged Japanese robbery ring leader Yuki Watanabe aka “Luffy” and See more...

Clarita Carlos wants to scrap term limits, lift ban on dynasties

MANILA — Former National Security Adviser (NSA) Clarita Carlos on Monday said she wants both term limits and the ban on political dynasties scrapped from a new Constitution. "Term limits and political dynasties let us not put that in the Constitution anymore because we are following liberal democracy it is so antithetical to our democracy," Carlos said during the 3rd See more...

Pasay court to rule on withdrawal of pending case vs Japanese fugitives soon

MANILA — A Pasay City court will rule anytime soon on the motion to withdraw pending cases against 2 Japanese fugitives linked to a series of robberies in Japan. Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 109 Judge Christian Castañeda will decide the fate of Japanese Yuki Watanabe and Tomonobu Saito, who are both facing violence against women and their children See more...

DTI official says Marcos has approved limiting onion traders to bring down prices

MANILA - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved several initiatives proposed by Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual to help regulate the soaring prices of onions in the country, an official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) disclosed Monday. This is as the DTI vowed to assist the Department of Agriculture in addressing the issue with Filipinos still struggling with See more...

Wala nga bang nakukulong sa Pilipinas dahil sa utang?

Isang netizen ang humingi ng payong legal sa Kapuso sa Batas ng GMA News "Unang Hirit" tungkol sa usapin ng utang. Totoo nga bang walang tao sa Pilipinas na nakukulong nang dahil sa utang? Ayon kay Atty. Gaby Concepcion, totoo na walang tao na nakukulong nang dahil sa utang batay na rin sa nakasaad sa Saligang Batas na, "no person See more...

Jennica Garcia: 'Hindi na kami mag-asawa ni Alwyn'

MAYNILA — "Hindi na kami mag-asawa ni Alwyn." Ito ang direktang naging pahayag ni Jennica Garcia sa tunay na estado ng relasyon nila ng aktor na si Alwyn Uytingco. Sa ekslusibong panayam ng "HotSpot" kay Garcia, sinabi nito na dalawang taon na silang hiwalay ni Uytingco, na ama ng kanyang dalawang anak. “Hindi naman sa kung ano, wala rin naman See more...

Marcos says Philippines ready to help Turkey, Syria following massive quake

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said the Philippines is ready to help the countries of Turkey and Syria "in whatever way it can" following the massive earthquake there that has killed hundreds. "Our thoughts and prayers go to the peoples and governments of Türkiye and Syria following the strong earthquake that has claimed many lives and caused See more...

DOJ: 2 Japanese fugitives to be deported Tuesday

Two of the four Japanese fugitives who are wanted in Japan are set to be deported on Tuesday, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Monday. In an ambush interview, Remulla said the Japanese are expected to leave at 9 a.m. at the NAIA Terminal 1. “The flight is at 9:00 a.m. via Japan Airlines. It will be at terminal 1 See more...

Roselle Nava hopes to do a duet of 'Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita' with Gigi de Lana

MANILA – Roselle Nava hopes to perform a duet of "Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita" with Gigi de Lana in the future. “I am hoping that there will be a chance [for us] to meet each other and to be able to sing that song,” she told Push in an interview at the sidelines of the press conference for See more...

Bato dela Rosa concerned over Philippine sovereignty after expansion of EDCA sites

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Monday said he was concerned over the country’s sovereignty after the Philippines and the United States agreed to designate four more Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites. In an interview, dela Rosa explained that while EDCA was beneficial in terms of responding to neighbors’ bullying, some Americans were not respecting the laws in the See more...

Bodega sa Parañaque, nasunog; tinatayang P20 milyon halaga ng pinsala

Tinatayang aabot sa P20 milyon ang halaga ng pinsala sa sunog na sumiklab sa isang bodega sa Parañaque noong gabi ng Linggo, ayon sa Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Pasado alas-11 ng gabi nang sumiklab ang sunog sa warehouse ng kahoy sa Barangay San Antonio, na nagsimula sa barracks ng mga tauhan ng bodega, ayon sa BFP. Karamihan sa mga See more...

Bill expanding benefits to ex-Philippine presidents filed in Senate

A measure seeking to expand the benefits for former Philippine presidents has been filed in the Senate. Senate Bill 1784 was filed by Senators Bong Go, Mark Villar, Ronald dela Rosa, and Francis Tolentino to "maintain the dignity of the Office of the President and honor former Presidents of the Republic." In their explanatory note, the four lawmakers pointed See more...

Sheryn Regis, sumali rin pala noon sa singing contest ng 'Eat Bulaga'

Napatunayan ng biriterang Cebuana na si Sheryn Regis na hindi katapusan ng mga sumasali sa contest kung hindi man siya ang manalo. Si Sheryn, napag-alaman na orihinal na umawit ng "Gusto Ko Nang Bumitaw," at sumali rin pala sa "Eat Bulaga." Sa "Bawal Judgmental" segment kamakailan ng Eat Bulaga," kabilang si Sheryn sa guest choices ng mga celebrity na dating See more...

Bantag at iba pa, inireklamo ng plunder, graft ng BuCor

Sinampahan ng Bureau of Corrections ng mga reklamo--kabilang ang pandarambong at pagwawaldas ng pondo ng bayan-- si suspended BuCor chief Gerald Bantag, at iba pa. Isinampa ni BuCor acting chief Gregorio Catapang ang mga reklamo sa National Prosecution Service ng Department of Justice (DOJ) nitong Lunes. Bukod sa plunder at malversation of public funds through falsification of official documents, inireklamo See more...

Official findings on Jan. 1 airspace shutdown expected on Feb. 15 —DOTr

An inter-agency investigating team is expected to release its report on the New Year’s Day airspace shutdown on February 15, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said Monday. “We have organized an investigating team composed of people from the DICT and from NBI, NICA and DOTr and we have given ourselves a deadline of February 15 to come up with the official See more...

House suspends mother tongue-based learning for kinder to Grade 3

The House of Representatives on Monday has cleared a bill suspending the use of mother tongue as the medium of instruction from kindergarten to Grade 3 on third and final reading. House Bill 6717, which suspended the use of mother tongue as medium of instruction for children to address lack of learning materials on mother tongue language in schools, gathered See more...

Several non-essential grocery items to hike prices: supermarket operators

MANILA - Several non-essential grocery items will increase prices this month, a group of supermarket operators said on Monday. The Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association said the price hike covers select imported sugared ready-to-drink beverages, wine, select beauty products, power detergent, cleansers, ice cream, halo-halo mix, powdered milk, canned pork as well as canned meat. Group president Steven Cua See more...

WATCH: The story behind Dolly de Leon and Cate Blanchett's 'CR break' photo

MANILA – Dolly de Leon started 2023 with a bang after making appearances in several Hollywood events for her movie “Triangle of Sadness.” But one of her most memorable encounters over the course of the past month was definitely meeting Cate Blanchett at the most unexpected place during the sidelines of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association (LAFCA) Awards. See more...

Galvez believes ROTC can cure mental problems

Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. believes the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program can help in curing mental health problems. The Defense chief made the remark at a Senate hearing as he expressed support for the bills which seek to make the ROTC program mandatory. Galvez, who said he is a teacher by vocation, explained that the ROTC program can train See more...

Philippines 'draws red line' vs China with tighter US military ties, says analyst

MANILA — The Philippines is drawing the red line against China's military aggression by expanding the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with the United States, an analyst said Monday. EDCA allows US troops to rotate through 5 Philippine bases, including those near disputed waters. It also allows the US military to store defense equipment and supplies on those bases. Manila and See more...

GSIS records P6.8-B non-life insurance premiums in 2022

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has recorded a P6.8 billion gross premiums written (GPW) in its non-life insurance business for 2022. According to the GSIS on Monday, this was the highest recorded by the agency. It was 15% higher from the P5.9 billion in 2021. “I commend the men and women of GSIS who made this achievement possible. See more...

House OKs bill mandating fisherfolk resettlement areas

MANILA - Voting 242-3-0, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill 6716 that mandates the establishment of fisherfolk resettlement areas with adequate access to fishing grounds. A press release from the Speaker's office explained that the bill seeks to enhance the well-being of fisherfolks and fishing communities in the country. The bill will amend Section See more...

House OKs suspension of mother tongue use for kinder to Grade 3

Voting 240-3-2, the House of Representatives approved on 3rd and final reading House Bill 6717 that will suspend the implementation of the use of mother tongue as the medium of instruction for students in kindergarten to Grade 3. A press release from the Speaker's office said that this is meant to address the lack of learning materials on mother tongue See more...

Mindanao power spot market to boost investments in the region, says Marcos

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. expects the launching of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in Mindanao to boost investments in the region. At the ceremonial launching of the WESM in Malacañang Monday, Marcos underscored that the presence of WESM would "not only ensure a level playing field in the competitive energy market but will also provide assurance to investors." See more...

Test your wine knowledge at Grand Hyatt's The Cellar

MANILA -- Do you think you know your wine? If you do, then put your money where your palate (and nose) is when the Grand Hyatt Manila transforms its wine bar, The Cellar, into Le Grand Casino Du Vin for two nights a month starting this February. The hotel’s normally quiet wine bar literally gets the Monte Carlo treatment complete See more...

Gasoline prices down by P2.10/liter, diesel by P3/liter Tuesday

Motorists will enjoy lower pump prices of petroleum products this week, as oil firms on Monday announced a rollback. In separate advisories, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Caltex Philippines, Petron Corp., and Seaoil said they will cut down prices per liter of gasoline by P2.10, diesel by P3, and kerosene by P2.30. Petro Gazz, PTT Philippines, Phoenix Petroleum Philippines and Cleanfuel, See more...

Suspended BuCor chief Bantag faces plunder raps anew over misused prison funds

MANILA (UPDATE) — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed additional charges of plunder, graft, malversation of public funds, grave misconduct, and dishonesty against suspended Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag over allegedly misused funds for prison facilities. Aside from Bantag, DOJ also filed the same raps against 5 other BuCor officials,, namely CInsp. Ric Rocabura, CO1 Solomon See more...

Data privacy: looking back, moving forward

Change is one of life’s many constants. And in the field of data privacy, 2022 turned out to be one of those years where it was not in short supply. News of relevant laws being enacted came out with as much frequency as those regarding massive data breaches and record fines being imposed by data protection authorities all over the See more...

Vancouver high school to offer class on Filipino language, culture

After decades of lobbying by Filipino groups, Vancouver will finally have a school that will teach Filipino language and culture to its students. The pilot program was approved by the Vancouver School Board and will be offered to students from grades 10 to 12 at the Charles Tupper Secondary School starting next school year. UBC professor Leonora Angeles sees this See more...

Fire hits commercial property in Sucat, Parañaque

A fire broke out at a commercial property in Sucat, Parañaque City on Sunday night. The said fire in Barangay San Antonio was reported at first alarm before 11 p.m., according to a report by Bam Alegre on Unang Balita on Monday. However, it quickly grew, prompting the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to raise the fifth alarm within See more...

Over 50 million national IDs issued so far —PSA

More than 50 million national IDs have been issued so far, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said. The PSA said it has printed a total of 50,262,059 IDs, broken down into 30,558,332 PhilIDs and 19,703,727 ePhilIDs. As of January 31, a total of 23,256,884 PhilIDs have been delivered, it added. Meanwhile, a total of 440,784 ePhilIDs have been downloaded as See more...

Eksperto, kinuwestiyon ang panukalang dagdag benepisyo para sa mga dating pangulo

MAYNILA – Matabang ang pagtanggap ng isang political analyst sa panukalang mabigyan ng karagdagang benepisyo ang mga dating pangulo ng bansa. Sa ilalim ng Senate Bill 1784 o Former President’s Benefit Act of 2023 na inihain nina Senador Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Mark Villar, Francis Tolentino, at Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, nakasaad na kahit tapos na ang termino ay See more...

Big-time rollback sa presyo ng petrolyo ipatutupad sa Pebrero 7

(UPDATE) Matapos ang 3 sunod na dagdag-presyo, may big-time rollback sa presyo ng mga produktong petrolyo sa Martes, Enero 7. Base sa abiso ng mga kompanya ng langis, narito ang halaga ng ipatutupad nilang bawas-presyo: Caltex (Alas-12:01 ng hatinggabi) GASOLINA -P2.10L DIESEL -P3L KEROSENE -P2.30L Cleanfuel (Alas-12:01 ng hatinggabi) GASOLINA -P2.10L DIESEL -P3L Seaoil, Shell (Alas-6 ng umaga) GASOLINA -P2.10L DIESEL -P3L KEROSENE -P2.30L Petro Gazz, PTT Philippines, See more...

Time to unGRAB your wallet and reduce your expenses

Through the pandemic, I leaned heavily on one APP for most of my household needs. Grab brought us groceries, sent off documents that could not wait, and satisfied our food cravings. On treat days, we would even order from different restaurants and serve the dishes up buffet style for our own “safe circle” party. Now that the world has opened See more...

Grammys red carpet: bold colors, basic black, bling

LOS ANGELES, United States - Music's brightest stars on Sunday brought their fashion A-game to the Grammys red carpet, strutting their stuff in bold colors, slinky styles, major bling and barely-there gowns. While the Oscars are known for embracing a certain brand of Hollywood glamour, the Grammys are in your face: some of the most iconic fashion looks have emerged See more...

SF Bay Area park named after Fil-Am organization

The Bohol Circle Immigrant Park has officially opened in Alameda, California. This is said to be the first park in the US to be named after a Filipino American community organization, Bohol Circle. A submission of over 700 names for the waterfront park was considered. "The name that the Recreation Parks Commission selected and the city council unanimously approved was See more...

LOOK: Demi-Leigh, Tim Tebow in Manila for Tebow Foundation

MANILA – Less than a year since her last visit to the Philippines, Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters is back in Manila – this time with her husband, former NFL star Tim Tebow. As seen in the Facebook post of the official Araneta City account, the couple went to a mall in Quezon City to visit a branch of the See more...

Sandiganbayan denies Andal Ampatuan Jr.’s motion for speedy dismissal of cases

MANILA — The Sandiganbayan 6th Division denied Andal Ampatuan Jr.'s motion regarding his involvement as a private individual who owned a gasoline station which was used by the provincial government formerly led by his late father. In the decision of the court promulgated on Jan. 11, 2023, Andal Jr.’s motion for leave to file "demurrer to evidence" was denied for See more...

Not the first: Chinese vessels rammed artificial reefs in Masinloc 4 times

MANILA - Not once but four times. This is how a local fisherman described how Chinese vessels have destroyed artificial reefs in Masinloc, Zambales meant to help local fishermen earn a living. Leonardo Cuaresma, New Masinloc Fisherman Association president, said the January 17, 2023 incident where a Chinese coal hauler ship HC Glory Hong Kong dragged and broke the See more...

House approves 'Eddie Garcia bill'

MANILA — The House of Representatives on Monday approved on 3rd and final reading the so-called "Eddie Garcia Bill" that seeks to protect entertainment industry workers. All 240 lawmakers present voted in favor of House Bill 1270 or the proposed "Eddie Garcia Act". The measure consolidates 6 related measures, one of which was authored by Garcia’s congressman-stepson, 1PACMAN See more...

DA sets SRP of imported red onions at P125 per kilo

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has set the suggested retail price (SRP) of imported red onions at P125 per kilo which will take effect on Wednesday, February 8, DA Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista said Monday. Evangelista said the P125 per kilo SRP was reached after a stakeholders meeting attended by importers, traders, and retailers. “Doon po napagkasunduan na i-re-rekomenda ang See more...

Marcos vows continuous support for National Kidney and Transplant Institute

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday assured the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) that the government would continue to support the hospital to reduce the number of deaths from renal and kidney diseases. Marcos gave the remark during the 40th founding anniversary of NKTI where he was invited as the keynote speaker. “We are committed to supporting See more...

DTI yet to finalize SRP bulletin

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has yet to finalize the latest suggested retail price (SRP) bulletin for basic necessities and price commodities, an official said Monday. DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo explained that they are still negotiating the adjustment of prices after several manufacturers petitioned to increase prices in January due to higher production costs. “We have seen justifications See more...

House okays bill speeding up right-of-way acquisition for gov't projects

The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill expediting right-of-way (ROW) acquisition and implementation on infrastructure projects. House Bill 6571 gathered 239 yes votes, three no votes, and one abstention during Monday’s plenary session. In a statement, Speaker Ferdinand Romualdez said House Bill 6571 will address delays in the implementation of public works projects See more...

Hotel sa Cebu, may alok na 'breakup leave' para sa mga empleyadong brokenhearted

Kinagigiliwan ngayon ng mga netizen ang isang hotel sa Cebu na nag-aalok ng "breakup leave" para sa mga empleyado nitong broken-hearted. Sa isang post, ipinagmalaki ng hotel ang nasabing leave, kung saan puwedeng hindi muna pumasok sa trabaho ng 5 araw ang mga empleyado nitong hiniwalayan ng kanilang nobyo o nobya nang hindi nababawasan ang kanilang sahod. Ayon pa sa See more...

Military base access deal an 'inflection point' in US-PH alliance - analyst

MANILA — Allowing US troops access to another 4 bases in the Philippines is an "inflection point" in the alliance of both countries amid Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region, an analyst said Monday. According to Greg Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Washington-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies, the deal is not See more...

BuCor files plunder, graft raps vs. Bantag, others

The Bureau of Corrections has filed multiple complaints, including plunder and malversation of public funds, against suspended BuCor chief Gerald Bantag. Complainant BuCor acting chief Gregorio Catapang lodged the multiple complaints before the National Prosecution Service of the Department of Justice on Monday. Aside from plunder and malversation of public funds through falsification of official documents, Bantag was also slapped See more...

Rachel Peters reveals gender of second baby

MANILA -- Rachel Peters turned to social media anew to reveal the gender of her baby two weeks since she announced that she and Migz Villafuerte are expecting their second child together. On Instagram, Peters shared a clip of Villafuerte getting ready to a big balloon to see if it contains blue or pink confetti. “I love Mondays and knowing See more...

Will David Licauco court Barbie Forteza if she were single?

David Licauco and Barbie Forteza are the hottest love team in Philippine television today with the success of Team FiLay in "Maria Clara at Ibarra." Some fans can't help but ship them in real life, even though Barbie is in a relationship with Jak Roberto. In their guesting with "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda" on Monday, Tito Boy asked David See more...

'Nakailang rewind ako!' This text message in 'Dirty Linen' is going viral

"Dirty Linen," which has drawn wide acclaim for its quality production, storytelling, and the performances of its cast, has gone viral on social media yet again, this time for a humorous moment during an otherwise tension-filled chase scene. In the February 3 episode of the ABS-CBN series, Stella (Rans Rifol) attempted to extort a large sum from Ador (Epy Quizon), See more...

#MIAAdoBetter: Philippines probes K-pop group Enhypen's airport frisking

MANILA — Philippine transport authorities said Monday they were looking into a viral video showing airport personnel supposedly exhibiting "unprofessional behavior" while the members of K-pop boy group Enhypen were undergoing security screening. On Monday, the hashtag #MIAAdoBetter topped Twitter's list of trending topics in the Philippines, as fans expressed outrage towards the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) over the See more...

Dangwa flower sellers see higher prices, but also bigger sales

Vendors at the Dangwa flower market in Sampaloc, Manila are expecting to hike prices as Valentine's Day nears—but also see an increase in sales due to the day of love falling on a school day. According to a report by Ralph Obina on Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday, flower store owner Agapita Pamulaklakin said that two dozen roses from Baguio See more...

Marcos to AFP: Be more agile not only militarily but also in diplomacy

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to be "more agile" not just militarily but also in terms of "geopolitical negotiations." Marcos made the remarks during the oath-taking of generals and flag officers in Malacañang, adding that the global situation had become "more and more complicated." "We, therefore, have to See more...

Amihan, localized thunderstorms to bring rains over parts of the country

The Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) affecting Northern and Central Luzon and localized thunderstorms will bring rains over several areas on Monday, PAGASA said in its weather forecast. Mimaropa, Bicol Region, Visayas, and Mindanao will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to localized thunderstorms. Flash floods or landslides may possibly result during severe thunderstorms. Metro See more...

Globe, Skytowers sign tower lease deal

MANILA - Globe said on Monday it partnered with Skytowers Infra Inc, the Philippine subsidiary of Thai firm Sky Tower Plc, for a lease agreement covering several towers in Southern Luzon. The deal signed on Feb. 6 is a testament to the strong relationship between Philippines and Thailand, Globe said in a statement. "This partnership represents an important step in See more...

'Knock at the Cabin' star Dave Bautista on how he got into wrestling, acting

Filipino American actor Dave Bautista stars as Leonard, a man tasked to lead a group of people taking on a life-altering responsibility, in M. Night Shyamalan's new mystery-thriller 'Knock at the Cabin'. Bautista shared his initial reaction to his role. "My first impression was 'this was a lot of dialogue,' he quipped. "But then my overall impression was it was See more...

Localized thunderstorms to bring rains over the Philippines — PAGASA

Isolated rain showers may prevail over the Philippines on Monday as the localized thunderstorms continue to affect the country. State weather bureau PAGASA said the weather system will bring partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms in Metro Manila and the rest of the country, with flash floods and landslides possible during severe thunderstorms. Easterlies are See more...

House approves bill to protect PH freelancers, gig economy workers

MANILA - Voting 250-0, the House of Representatives approved Monday on third and final reading the House Bill 6718 or the proposed "Freelance Workers Protection Act." A press release from the Speaker's office explained that the said measure would provide protection and relief to over 1.5 million Filipino freelance workers. “As the digital economy expands, the number of Filipino freelance See more...

FACT CHECK: Hindi naglabas ang Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas ng bagong pera

Walang inilabas na bagong pera ang Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), taliwas sa mga kumakalat na post sa social media. Makikita sa mga social media post na ito ang pinagsama-samang banknote ng P1,000, P500, P150, at P5,000, at ang P100 coin. Sa mga perang ito, tanging ang P1,000 polymer banknote lamang ang nasa sirkulasyon ng BSP, ngunit ang bagong See more...

House OKs on final reading bill providing protection for freelance workers

The House of Representatives on Monday unanimously approved on third and final reading the bill providing safeguards to freelancers or those on a gig-basis job on third and final reading. This developed after House Bill 6718 or the Freelance Workers Protection Act, which provides for night differential and hazard pay for freelance workers whenever they are applicable, among other benefits, See more...

Cagayan governor opposes possible hosting of EDCA sites

Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba on Monday said he is not keen on having an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) site be established in his province. This came after the Department of National Defense’s (DND) announcement of a deal that gave US troops access to four more bases in strategic areas of the country, with the aim of accelerating the full See more...

BI facility under heightened alert; fugitives, immigration violators separated

The Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa was on heightened alert, with foreign fugitives now separated from other immigration violators, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said Monday. Interviewed at a public briefing, Sandoval said Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco tasked the new chief of its warden facility to make the necessary adjustments after the former BI facility head See more...

'Antman' screening set to support PSHS mental wellness projects

Philippine Science High School-Main Campus Batch '98 is holding a special block screening of "Antman and the Wasp: Quantumania" as part of a project to support the mental wellness of students from the country's premiere secondary science institution. The screening is part of TibayPisay, the PSHS '98 silver jubilee project that includes the planning and construction of a mental health wellness See more...

Marcos says Filipinos 'reaping fruits' of father's admin building of NKTI

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday said that Filipinos are now "reaping the fruits" of the building of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute during the administration of his late father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Since it began operations in 1983, Marcos said NKTI "has since grown into a world-class specialized institution that is at the forefront of our battle See more...

David Licauco to Barbie Forteza: 'Andito lang ako para sa 'yo'

Just like how Fidel always got Klay's back in "Maria Clara at Ibarra," David Licauco is always ready to support his co-star Barbie Forteza. On Monday's episode of "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda," Tito Boy asked David and Barbie for their messages to each other. "Keep chasing your dreams, tsaka maging grounded ka lang, I mean, alam ko namang grounded See more...

Marcos condoles with victims of quake in Turkey, Syria

The Philippine government expressed readiness to help in the aftermath of a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck central Turkey and northwest Syria where about 300 people were killed with hundreds more injured. "Our thoughts and prayers go to the peoples and governments of Türkiye and Syria following the strong earthquake that has claimed many lives and caused massive destruction See more...