Philippines News Today February 09, 2023

Here are the latest news and events that happened today, Thursday, February 09, 2023.

SC junks petition of Dengvaxia-vaccinated kids

The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition for continuing mandamus seeking to provide free medical services to children inoculated with the Dengvaxia vaccine. In a 26-page decision promulgated in September 2022, the Supreme Court En Banc dismissed the petition, saying it cannot encroach upon the jurisdiction of the Executive department. “This Court refrains from intervening in the discretionary functions and See more...

Why Toni Fowler, social media stars included in 'Batang Quiapo'

MANILA -- Including social media stars will make the new teleserye "FPJ's Batang Quiapo" more relatable to the public, actor and director Coco Martin explained. "Nabubuhay tayo ngayon sa social media tapos may mga vloggers. Ako kasi 'pag walang magawa, 'pag nagpapaantok ako, basta search lang ako nang search sa YouTube kasi wala na akong ibang social media kung See more...

Pinoy quake victim in Turkey rescued, 4 others missing —community leader

A Filipino in earthquake-hit Turkey who was earlier reported dead has been rescued and is now safe, according to Filipino community leader in Ankara on Thursday. However, around four other Filipinos who lived in the same building as the rescued Filipino are still missing, Cherilyn Santos told Super Radyo dzBB in an interview. "Kahapon may na-recover na isang kababayan natin See more...

66 countries send help for Turkey quake victims — envoy

A total of 66 countries have so far provided assistance to Turkey as search and rescue operations continue after the magnitude 7.9 earthquake, Turkish Ambassador to the Philippines Niyazi Akyol said Thursday. “Right now, 66 countries actually extended their assistance to us with over 3,000 aid personnel from those countries. Search and rescue, and medical aid personnel, including the Philippines, See more...

'Huwag makalimot': Cherry Pie Picache has a reminder to young actors

MANILA -- Actress Cherry Pie Picache has a reminder to young actors who are currently enjoying success in the entertainment industry. In a press conference for the series "FPJ's Batang Quiapo," Picache said she hopes the young stars would remember to help others, especially senior actors. "Sana kapag tumanda ako katulad ni Pen (Medina), sana sa mga batang artista See more...

'Taray, love team!' Even Vice Ganda is 'kilig' over JaneNella tandem

MANILA — "Magkaaway sila sa palabas, pero ang daming nag-si-ship sa kanilang dalawa!" This was Vice Ganda's observation as "It's Showtime" welcomed "Darna" stars Jane de Leon and Janella Salvador, who arrived hand-in-hand in the opening segment of the noontime program's live episode on Wednesday. De Leon and Salvador made a guest appearance on the show to promote the February See more...

Was Lovi Poe required to star in 'Batang Quiapo' series?

MANILA -- Actress Lovi Poe revealed that it was not required for her to star in the series adaptation of his father Fernado Poe Jr.'s movie "Batang Quiapo" but it was her dream to work with lead actor Coco Martin. "It wasn't po a conversation na gagawa po ng (Fernando Poe Jr.) series or project. But isa po talaga See more...

Philippine manufacturing growth slowed in December 2022

Philippine manufacturing continued to decelerate in December 2022 with the full-year growth rate halved compared with the previous year, government data released Thursday showed. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported the volume of production index (VoPI) growth at 4.8% last December, slower than the 5.9% in November and 19.2% in December 2021. The PSA attributed the deceleration to the slower See more...

Barbie Forteza says this scene in 'Maria Clara at Ibarra' is one of her favorites

“Maria Clara at Ibarra” is putting everyone on the edge of their seats, and this latest episode is no exception. In fact, Barbie Forteza said that this empowering part is “one of my favorite scenes.” In the scene, Klay is the only binibini, and is meeting with Simoun, Fidel, Basilio, Elias, and Padre Florentino. She reveals that they are all See more...

Sandiganbayan clears Ruffy Biazon of direct bribery raps in pork barrel scam

The Sandiganbayan has cleared former congressman and current Muntinlupa City Mayor Ruffy Biazon of direct bribery charges in connection with the P10-billion pork barrel scam due to lack of evidence. This developed after the anti-graft court granted Biazon’s plea to dismiss the case due to weak prosecution evidence, and the defense not contesting the same because the prosecution failed See more...

Jodi Sta. Maria, Joshua Garcia fly to Switzerland to film 'Unbreak My Heart'

Jodi Sta. Maria and Joshua Garcia flew to Switzerland to start filming scenes for the upcoming series "Unbreak My Heart." According to Cata Tibayan's report on "24 Oras," Thursday, Joshua already shared some scenes with co-star Gabbi Garcia, and he looks forward to working with her more. "Unbreak My Heart" previously filmed some scenes in Clark, Pampanga. "Excited akong makita See more...

5 alleged NPA members killed in Masbate encounter

Troops killed five suspected communist rebels in an encounter in Masbate, the Philippine Army said Thursday. Soldiers deployed in the municipality of Cawayan conducted a security patrol after receiving reports of armed men in the area, according to 9th Infantry Division spokesman Major Frank Roldan. “Nagkaroon ng encounter ng more or less 20 minutes ang tinagal tapos ‘yun nagsipulasan na. See more...

NLEX Connector bubuksan na sa Marso

Maaaring magamit na ng publiko sa unang bahagi ng 2023 ang North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Connector na inaasahang maiibsan ang matinding trapiko sa Metro Manila. Tinatayang sa Marso bubuksan ang unang ilang kilometro ng naturang daanan o mula C-3 Caloocan hanggang Dimasalang, Maynila. Ang NLEX connector ang magdudugtong sa Caloocan hanggang sa Sta. Mesa, Maynila na kokonekta rin paakyat ng See more...

OCD: Gov’t evaluating quake-hit Syria’s appeal for help

The Syrian government has made an appeal to the Philippine government for assistance following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the country, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said. The OCD said the request of the Syrian government is being evaluated already. "Nakatanggap ang ating Department of Foreign Affairs, similar flash appeal from the Syrian government... appeal for international assistance, See more...

Neri Naig opens family house in Baguio to renters

MANILA – Neri Naig has opened their family house in Baguio for those who want to rent it. Sharing a carousel of photos of their house, Naig said the property can accommodate up to 11 people, and features a huge outdoor space. “Good for 11 pax pero pwede naman lumagpas. Saka meron din 1 room for your driver and or See more...

47,000 Pinoy apektado ng regulasyon sa first-time OFWs pa-Kuwait

Tinatayang nasa 47,000 na Pinoy ang apektado ng pagsuspinde ng gobyerno sa pagpapadala sa Kuwait ng domestic workers na unang beses lang magtatrabaho roon. Kasunod ito ng pagpaslang kay Jullebee Ranara, na ginahasa, sinunog, at iniwan sa disyerto. Ayon sa Department of Migrant Workers, hindi muna aaksiyunan ang mga nasabing aplikasyon at kontrata habang pinalalakas ang monitoring, See more...

SEC says 33 unregistered online lending apps removed from Google play store

MANILA - The Securities and Exchange Commission said on Thursday it has removed 33 unregistered online lending platforms (OLPs) from Google Play Store. The apps violated the SEC's disclosure requirements, the SEC said. Financing and lending companies are required to register their apps as business names and disclose their corporate names, SEC registration numbers and certificate of authority numbers in See more...

'Me time,' mahalaga sa relasyon, ayon kina Drew Arellano at Iya Villania

Inihayag nina Iya Villania at Drew Arellano ang kahalagahan ng pagkakaroon ng oras para sa sarili kahit mag-asawa na. Sa bahagi ng clip ng kanilang podcast na "Life with the Arellanos" na naka-post sa Instagram, ipinaliwanag ni Iya na, "Because if you can give yourself 'me time,' obviously, that's you giving value to yourself." "If you give importance also to See more...

Engineer at pamangkin niyang driver, patay sa pamamaril sa Batangas

Binaril at napatay sa labas ng kanilang bahay sa Lemery, Batangas ang isang inhinyero at ang kaniyang pamangkin na nagmamaneho sa kaniya. Sa ulat ni Paul Hernandez sa GMA Regional TV "Balitang Southern Tagalog" nitong Miyerkules, kinilala ang biktima na si Frederick Casalme, 46-anyos, at ang pamangkin niyang si Kingjay. Sakay ng SUV ang dalawa na minamaneho ni Kingjay at See more...

House panel OKs proposed magna carta of Filipino seafarers

MANILA - The House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs has approved the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers. Members of the committee made last minute changes to the consolidated substitute bill prior to approval of the bill as well as the committee report. These are the inclusion of the role of women seafarers in the declaration of policy, five- See more...

Over 80 Japanese employers eye hiring Pinoy skilled workers —Ople

More than 80 Japanese employers are keen on hiring Filipino skilled workers, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said on Thursday. “The general sentiment among Japanese employers was that Filipino workers brightened up their workplaces and were highly reliable and trainable,” said DMW Secretary Susan Ople in a news release, adding that the employers prefer having more Filipino workers in See more...

3 senators buck Padilla's Cha-cha push

A day after filing the measure, Senator Robin Padilla's push to amend the 1987 Constitution's economic provisions already received opposition from two senior senators. Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III on Thursday said, amending the Constitution should not be a priority considering the problems that the country is facing right now such as inflation, unemployment, and corruption. "Our people See more...

'Chinese military unit involved in balloon operation'

The Chinese military unit in charge of outer space and cyber warfare was involved in the operation of a balloon that flew over the continental United States before being shot down by US forces, several Chinese sources said Thursday. Beijing has so far maintained the airship was being used for civilian weather research purposes. The Chinese military failed to notify See more...

Zubiri hopes Marcos will start VFA talks with Japan PM

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri is hoping that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will start the initial discussion on a possible Visiting Forces Agreement with Japan during the latter's meeting with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio. The Senate chief made the statement as he joined Marcos in his five-day official visit to Japan. In a statement, Zubiri said the upcoming meeting between Marcos See more...

P252M halaga ng 'Tsaa-Bu', nadiskubre sa ParaƱaque City

Nadiskubre ng mga awtoridad ang aabot sa P252 milyong halaga ng umano'y shabu sa loob ng abandonang sasakyan sa ParaƱaque City. Nakabalot ang hinihinalang droga sa mga lalagyan ng tsaa. Ayon sa ulat ni Bam Alegre sa Unang Balita nitong Huwebes, nakunan ng CCTV ng Barangay Tambo ang isang pulang SUV na biglang ipinarada sa isang pedestrian crossing sa kahabaan See more...

DOH reports 162 new COVID-19 cases

The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday logged 162 new COVID-19 cases, while the active tally reached 9,298. The nationwide tally is currently at 4,074,299 while active cases climbed to 9,298 from 9,282 on Wednesday. The National Capital Region (NCR) logged the highest infections with 575 cases in the last two weeks, followed by Calabarzon with 245, Davao Region with See more...

Japanese shipowners assure Marcos of continuous hiring of Pinoy seafarers

TOKYO — Japanese shipping companies have assured the Philippine government of continuous hiring of Filipino seafarers to man their vessels. “The Filipino seafarers play a big role. So having all said, Filipino seafarers are essential to Japanese shipping industry. And so we sincerely and strongly hope that there will continue to be a steady supply of professional and well-trained Filipino See more...

Mga pasalubong na 'piyaya,' ninakaw sa tindahan sa Bacolod City

Nahuli-cam sa isang tindahan ng mga pasalubong sa Bacolod City ang ginawang pagnanakaw ng isang lalaki sa tinapay na tinatawag na "piyaya." Sa ulat ng GMA Regional TV News nitong Huwebes, makikita sa video ang kawatan na kunwaring pumipili ng bibilhing pasalubong na nasa estante. Maya-maya lang, inilagay na niya sa kaniyang bag ang ilang pakete ng piyaya. Isinumbong na See more...

Marcos’ economic managers to woo Japanese investors

The Marcos administration’s economic managers are set to lure Japanese investors with the Philippines’s robust economic performance last year. In a statement on Thursday, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said the government’s economic team is set to conduct the Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) in Tokyo, Japan as part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s official visit from February 8 See more...

Taxi driver, hinoldap ng nagpanggap na pasahero; suspek, arestado

Hinoldap ng nagpapanggap na pasahero ang isang taxi driver at mabuti na lamang umano agad na nakahingi ng tulong ang biktima, kaya na-corner ng mga rumespondeng pulis at mga civilian sa lugar ang suspek. Sa ulat ng Unang Balita nitong Huwebes, sinabi ni James Agustin na takot at trauma ang naranasan ng driver sanhi ng insidente habang namamasada sa Quezon See more...

Japan, Philippines to boost economic, security ties amid China rise

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. agreed Thursday that the two countries will further bolster economic and security cooperation, warning against China's growing presence in the Indo-Pacific region. During their talks in Tokyo, Kishida pledged to provide a support package worth 600 billion yen ($4.6 billion) to the Philippines over the two years through March See more...

Turkey quake: Weak buildings, shallow shock caused deaths

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck near the Turkey-Syria border Monday and its aftershocks have caused immense damage across the area, killing more than 11,000 people and wiping out many multi-story buildings. Other earthquakes of similar magnitudes have seen much lower death counts — fatalities in the 2014 and 2015 earthquakes in Chile with respective magnitudes of 8.2 and 8.3, for See more...

Taas-presyo ng bilihin, dinepensahan ng DTI

MAYNILA - Idinepensa ng gobyerno ang panibagong pagtaas ng presyo ng sangkaterbang pangunahing bilihin dahil kailangan umano ito para hindi magsara ang mga negosyong matagal nang humihirit ng dagdag-presyo. Aabot sa 76 basic items ang pinayagang magtaas-presyo ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) kabilang na ang ilang brands ng sardinas, karneng de lata, instant noodles, kape, gatas at See more...

SWS: 9.6 million Filipinos jobless as of Dec 2022

About 9.6 million of the adult labor force in the Philippines were jobless as of December 2022, according to the latest poll of the Social Weather Survey (SWS). The SWS reported that adult joblessness is at 21.3% from 18.6% in October and 20.8% in June. “The estimated numbers of jobless are 9.6 million in December 2022 and 8.8 million in See more...

Star Hunt's Beaver Magtalas bags role in digital series ‘Roommate’

MANILA -- Beaver Magtalas signed a three-year contract with Star Hunt in 2021 and attended multiple workshops to improve his acting ability. With the determination to be known as good actor, he auditioned for a role in “Roommate.” After he sent his audition video to director Gabby Ramos, he got the role. In the digital mini-series which also stars See more...

Sunog sumiklab sa lumang Araneta bus terminal sa QC

MAYNILA (2nd UPDATE) — Isa ang sugatan sa sumiklab na sunog sa lumang Araneta City Bus Terminal sa Cubao, Quezon City ngayong Huwebes, ayon sa Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Dito dati ang estasyon ng mga bus papuntang probinsiya. Ilang commercial establishment sa loob nito ang nasusunog. Patuloy na inaapula ng mga bombero ang sunog na nagsimula pasado alas-4 See more...

Astronomers astonished by ring around frigid distant world Quaoar

WASHINGTON - The small distant world called Quaoar, named after a god of creation in Native American mythology, is producing some surprises for astronomers as it orbits beyond Pluto in the frigid outer reaches of our solar system. Researchers said on Wednesday they have detected a ring encircling Quaoar akin to the one around the planet Saturn. But the one See more...

Pusa nakasinglaki ng 9-anyos na bata, napagkakamalang aso sa Amerika

Kinagigiliwan ngayon ng netizens ang isang pusa sa Amerika na madalas napagkakamalang aso dahil kasinglaki niya ang isang siyam na taong gulang na bata. Sa ulat ng GMA News Feed, sinabing anim na taong gulang na ang pusang si Finn, na tila isang tipikal na pusa lamang kung titingnan sa kaniyang mga video. Pero ayon sa amo ni Finn na See more...

Mars rover finds rippled rocks caused by waves: NASA

WASHINGTON, United States - NASA's Curiosity rover has found wave-rippled rocks -- evidence of an ancient lake -- in an area of the planet expected to be drier, the US space agency said Wednesday. "This is the best evidence of water and waves that we've seen in the entire mission," said Ashwin Vasavada, Curiosity's project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion See more...

Why 'Ang Probinsyano' is memorable to Marlo Martel

MANILA -- Actor Marlo Mortel shared why his short stint in "FPJ's Ang Probinsyano" was memorable for him and his late mother. In a press conference, Mortel revealed that the teleserye was the last series his mother saw. "Mag-thank you lang ako kay Direk Coco (Martin) dahil 'yung short stint ko nun sa 'Ang Probinsyano' sobrang memorable nun kasi ayun See more...

Will robots replace dogs in earthquake rescue operations?

It is entirely unclear how many people are still trapped under the rubble left behind by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. Rescue workers search for survivors virtually around the clock, even though the chances of finding survivors are fading with each passing day. There are several ways to find people still alive under the rubble. Sometimes, direct communication is See more...

Pope Francis appoints 3rd Filipino bishop in US

Pope Francis has appointed Monsignor Anthony Celino as auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of El Paso, making him the third Filipino-American bishop in the Catholic Church in the United States. The Vatican made the announcement of Celino’s appointment on Wednesday, according to the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). The bishop-elect will be the first auxiliary bishop in El See more...

Amihan to bring cloudy skies, rain over parts of Luzon

The northeast monsoon or amihan will continue to bring cloudy skies and rain over various parts of Luzon on Thursday, PAGASA reported. Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, Aurora, and Quezon will have cloudy skies with rains brought about by the northeast monsoon with possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate with at times heavy rains. Metro Manila, See more...

Investment pledges from Japan trip to yield over 10,000 jobs says Palace

MANILA - More than 10,000 jobs are expected to be generated by "billions of pesos worth of investment pledges" from different Japanese companies in the semi-conductor and wiring harness sector, MalacaƱang said on Thursday. President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. will announce the investment pledges on Friday when he signs the letters of intent of Japanese firms, the Presidential Communications Office See more...

Mag-ina, patay sa sunog sa Barangay Krus Na Ligas, QC

Patay ang isang mag-ina matapos ma-trap sa nasusunog nilang kwarto sa Quezon City. Sa ulat ni James Agustin sa Unang Balita nitong Huwebes, sinabing nangyari ang sunog sa Barangay Krus Na Ligas ng lungsod. Tumagal lamang ng 30 minuto ang sunog na umabot sa unang alarma, at naapula bago mag-alas tres ng madaling araw. Pero tumambad sa mga responder ang See more...

Norway's sovereign wealth fund pulls out of Adani

OSLO - Norway's $1.2 trillion sovereign wealth fund, the world's largest, said Thursday it has completely divested its assets in the troubled Indian conglomerate Adani. The fund, which is set up to put the country's oil and gas revenues to work, held some $200 million worth of shares in the group at the end of 2022. It had a stake See more...

Charo Santos thankful for 'MMK', ready for 'Batang Quiapo'

MANILA -- "Maalaala Mo Kaya" (MMK) host Charo Santos-Concio is grateful for the 31-year run of the Philippine-drama anthology and is looking forward to her new series. In a press conference, Santos-Concio said "MMK" has been a blessing. "I think in the 31 years of 'Maalaala Mo Kaya' the program has touched the lives of millions of Filipinos and See more...

GMA Network is planning a 'Daimos' adaptation!

Those who grew up with "Voltes V" will also be familiar with "Daimos," another robot anime popular in the Philippines. And now that "Voltes V" has been adapted into a live action series with "Voltes V: Legacy," it doesn't take a lot to image that "Daimos" can certainly follow. Speaking to Paolo Contis in his online show "#JustIn," GMA Network See more...

Twitter service stumbles as paying users get more room

Thousands of Twitter users on Wednesday (Thursday in PH) reported problems using the platform as the Elon Musk-owned social network began letting paying users post tweets as long as 4,000 characters. "Twitter may not be working as expected for some of you," the company said in a tweet. "Sorry for the trouble. We're aware and working to get this fixed." See more...

Marcos thanks Japan's aid for Mindanao peace process as it reaches 51-B yen

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has thanked the Japanese government for its efforts in the peace process in Mindanao, noting that its official development assistance (ODA) already reached 51 billion yen. Marcos said the Japanese donations, recorded between 2019 and 2022, described it as a "critical part of our peace process." He also expressed gratitude for the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives See more...

Breakup leave, kasama sa benepisyo ng mga empleyado ng isang hotel sa Cebu

Makakapagbakasyon na rin ang mga sawi sa pag-ibig dahil ang isang hotel sa Cebu, ginawang benepisyo ang breakup leave para sa kanilang mga empleyado. Sa ulat ng Unang Balita nitong Huwebes, sinabing may limang araw na breakup leave ang hotel para sa mga kawaning may dinaramdam na heartbreak. Bukod dito, may kasama pang beauty makeover ang benefit para masigla na See more...

DTI says RCEP will protect PH agri amid worries local farmers can't compete with imports

MANILA — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Thursday assured farmers that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement will protect them, amid fears the trade deal will hurt their industry. Trade Assistant Secretary Allan Gepty said the possibility of harming the agriculture sector is "remote" with the RCEP as the tariff reduction from the countries of See more...

Sen. Gatchalian raises possible statutory rape cases among teen moms

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday raised the possibility of statutory rape cases among teen mothers. In an interview on Unang Balita, Gatchalian said he observed a "trend" on the data provided by the Philippine Statistics Authority which showed that almost 10 percent of teen mom's partners are 10 years older than them. "Makikita natin na teenager ang babae pero 'yung See more...

Sandiganbayan orders Gigi Reyes to pay P450-K bail for PDAF cases

The Sandiganbayan 3rd Division on Thursday ordered lawyer Gigi Reyes, the former aide of former senator and now Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, to post bail for her graft cases in connection with the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam. Court records state that for each of the 15 graft cases, the recommended amount of bail is P30,000, totaling See more...

10 deadliest quakes of the 21st century

PARIS — With the death toll rising by the hour, the massive earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6 is already among the ten deadliest of the 21st century. 2004: 230,000 dead, Southeast Asia On December 26, a massive earthquake measuring 9.1 on the Richter scale strikes off the coast of Sumatra, triggering a tsunami that kills more See more...

Philippines a 'middle power’ in Asia —Lowy Institute index

The Philippines was ranked as a “middle power” in Asia after placing 16th out of 26 countries for comprehensive power, according to the 2023 Lowy Institute Asia Power Index. The research said the Philippines had an overall score of 12.8 out of 100. However, its overall score declined by 0.4 points compared to 2021. The Asia Power Index said the See more...

Pinoys in quake-hit Turkey start receiving aid; 2 confirmed hurt —embassy

Philippine embassy personnel in Turkey have started visiting areas affected by the recent powerful earthquake to distribute aid and check on the condition of affected Filipinos there. As of Thursday, two Filipinos were confirmed injured but are now recovered, the Philippine Embassy in Ankara said in a statement. "Mindful of current regulations implemented by the Turkish government, the Embassy has See more...

Valentine's Day 2023: Fun ways to celebrate

MANILA -- Looking for fun ways to celebrate the Valentine season? We've got you covered. GET A PAIR OF LITERARY-THEMED GIFTS Who said only the ladies can get gifts for Valentine's Day? Book-loving couples will surely love these literary-themed items by Arts & Letters, such as frosted mugs inspired by "The Little Prince" and "Alice in Wonderland." See more...

Globe targets mid-single digit service revenue growth in 2023

Ayala-led Globe Telecom Inc. targets mid-single digit growth in its service revenues in 2023, as it plans to spread out the turnover and sale of its towers throughout the year. In briefing materials disclosed to the local bourse, Globe said considerations for its service revenue guidance include the tower turnover and sale proceeds, after raising P29.8 billion from the sale See more...

PH mulls sending team, aid to quake-hit Syria

The Philippine government is considering sending either a response team or aid to help Syria, which was also struck by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that affected Turkey. In an interview with reporters at Camp Aguinaldo, Office of Civil Defense spokesperson Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said the Syrian government formally sent a “flash appeal” to the Philippine government on Wednesday night. “That See more...

PH Post Office launches 'Pada-LOVE' for Valentine's Day

MANILA - The Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office) launched its “Pada-LOVE! Magpadala, Kiligin, Ma-inlove" service package ahead of Valentine's Day. The Post Office said it is offering its “Singing Kartero package” worth P2,500 which includes a bouquet of flowers, a greeting card, and two songs from a singing mailman. The “Express Pada-LOVE” is not just to cater to Filipino lovers See more...

Global wetland loss lower than previous estimates — study

PARIS, France - The world has lost about 20 percent of its natural wetlands since 1700, a new study found Wednesday, showing that previous loss estimates may have been largely overblown. Despite the seemingly good news that more of the precious ecosystems may be intact than previously believed, the authors said it was imperative to halt and reverse further destruction. See more...

Sandiganbayan orders Gigi Reyes to post P450,000 bail

The Sandiganbayan has set bail for lawyer Jessica “Gigi” Reyes at P450,000 in connection with the graft charges she is facing over the alleged misuse of her former boss Juan Ponce Enrile's pork barrel fund. Sandiganbayan Third Division Associate Justice Bernelito Fernandez said Reyes should pay the amount since the January 2023 Supreme Court decision ordering her release only covered See more...

Raffy Tima, Connie Sison renew contracts with GMA Integrated News

Raffy Tima and Connie Sison renewed their contracts with GMA Integrated News on Thursday. During the signing at GMA Network Center, Raffy and Connie said they will continue giving viewers the daily dose of news that they need in "Balitanghali." "Lalo pa namin pagbubutihin 'yung pagbibigay sa inyo ng isang balanse at makabuluhan na features din na maaaring matutunan ng See more...

Earthquake victims in Syria: Politics first, aid second?

It was not long before dawn when the first tremor woke Khawla and her two brothers up — the family live in Idlib, in northwestern Syria, near the epicenter of the devastating earthquake that struck the area early Monday morning. "We were so scared. At first we had no idea what was happening," Khawla, 47, told DW over the phone. See more...

Two other Japanese fugitives in 'Luffy' case deported

The Philippine government on Wednesday evening deported the remaining two Japanese fugitives who are wanted for alleged theft in their country. Tomonobu Saito and Yuki Watanabe, pointed to as the mastermind “Luffy” by the Japanese police, were sent back to Japan at 12:05 a.m. “The two deportees stayed at the warden facility the entire day. They prepared for this day See more...

Fire hits bus terminal in Cubao

A fire broke out at a bus terminal in Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City, on Thursday, according to Glen Juego's report on Super Radyo dzBB. Based on the initial investigation of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire, which started around 4:46 p.m., reached Task Force Bravo. The affected area is also a food and amusement park. The See more...

New Covid treatment cuts hospitalization rate by half: study

WASHINGTON, United States - A single-injection antiviral treatment for newly-infected Covid-19 patients reduced the risk of hospitalization by half in a large-scale clinical trial, according to a study published on Wednesday. Stanford University professor Jeffrey Glenn, coauthor of the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), said the new drug "showed profound benefits for vaccinated and unvaccinated See more...

House reso seeks lifting of terrorist tag on CPP-NPA-NDF, resumption of peace talks

The Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives has filed a resolution calling for the revocation of government resolutions designating the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army, and the National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as terrorists. Through House Resolution 756, members of the group are also calling for the resumption of peace talks between the government and the See more...

Marcos promotes 'educational tourism' between PH, Japan during official visit

MANILA - President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has sought to promote educational tourism between Manila and Tokyo, focusing on the exchange of professionals and students, Malacanang said on Thursday. Marcos wants Japanese students to study English in the country, the Presidential Communications Office said in a press release. The tourism industry, he said, has become "more than just a See more...

Miguel Tanfelix tungkol kay Ysabel Ortega: ‘Mahal na mahal ko siya’

Inihayag ni Miguel Tanfelix sa “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” nitong Huwebes ang pagmamahal niya kay Ysabel Ortega. Pero paglilinaw ng aktor, nililigawan pa lang niya ang co-star niya sa upcoming Kapuso live-action series na "Voltes V: Legacy." Bukod kay Ysabel, sinabi ni Miguel kay Tito Boy na "nililigawan" din niya ang ina ng aktres na si Michelle, na dating See more...

Heart Evangelista to celebrate her birthday in the Philippines, shares birthday wishes

Heart Evangelista will be turning 38 next week, and she will be celebrating her birthday in the Philippines. In an exclusive interview with GMA Integrated News on Thursday, the Kapuso star said that she didn't plan anything for her birthday, but her family and friends did. "My friends and family, they all planned everything. I just planned my outfit," Heart See more...

Fisherfolk group blames Marcos admin for 'economic crisis'

A fisherfolk group on Thursday blamed the Marcos administration for the "continued economic crisis" in the country, citing the latest inflation numbers. "The continued economic crisis, particularly in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, is a manifestation of the Marcos administration’s incompetence and negligence," the group PAMALAKAYA said in a statement. "Marcos has been President for more than half a year See more...

Philippines, Japan should start 'exploratory talks' on possible VFA: Zubiri

MANILA — Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Thursday urged the Philippine government to "begin exploratory discussions" on a possible Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with Japan following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s official visit to the country. "Speaking with Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko last year, I had brought up the idea of pursuing a VFA with Japan," said Zubiri at a media See more...

'Daimos,' plano ring gawin ng GMA Network!

Habang inaabangan na ang live action series na "Voltes V," isa pang sikat na robot anime ang pinaplanong gawin ng GMA Network. Sa panayam ni Paolo Contis sa kaniyang online show na "#JustIn," sinabi ni GMA Network Senior Vice President Annette Gozon-Valdes, na kasama sa mga malalaking proyekto na planong gawin ng network ang "Daimos." "We're planning on 'Daimos' sana," See more...

DENR orders filing of complaint vs. mining firm for violations

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) ordered the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) to file a complaint against Altai Philippines Mining Corporation (APMC) due to several alleged violations in the company’s operations in Romblon’s Sibuyan Island. This was after the reported cutting of trees without permit based on the joint order released by the department, according See more...

Japan to give ¥600 billion for Philippines' drive for upper-middle income-status

TOKYO— Japan will give the Philippines 600 billion yen in government aid and private sector investments to support the country’s drive to become an upper-middle income economy in 2024, Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said. At the documents exchange ceremony with Philippine and Japanese officials at the Prime Minister's Office on Thursday, Kishida said the Philippines' economic development opens See more...

Buko juice vendor na kinakikiligan sa Iloilo City, papasa kayang modelo?

Kinakiligan ng netizens at mga parokyano ang isang buko juice vendor dahil sa taglay niyang kakisigan habang naglalako ng kaniyang mga paninda sa Parola sa Iloilo City. Ano nga ba ang kuwento ng buhay ng binata, na pangarap ding maging modelo o artista. Sa programang “i-Juander,” ipinakilala si Frenchant Camino, 24-anyos at pangalawa sa tatlong magkakapatid. Ayon kay Camino, hindi See more...

Gov't urged to explore ways to ensure food security, address inflation

The government has many options to boost productivity and ensure food security in the country, International Investment Banker Stephen Cuunjieng told ANC on Thursday. In Japan there are subsidies for farmers, while in Thailand and Vietnam the cooperative system drives small farmers to increase productivity, he said, adding that these could be done in the Philippines. “If you want See more...

Amihan, localized thunderstorms to continue to bring rains across Philippines

Rains will continue to prevail over the country due to the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) and localized thunderstorms, PAGASA said on Thursday. According to the state weather bureau's 4 p.m. bulletin, Amihan continues to affect Luzon and will bring cloudy skies with rains over the Bicol Region, Aurora, and Quezon. Flash floods and landslides are possible in these areas due to See more...

Group urges gov’t to address rising student suicide cases, attempts

After the Department of Education (DepEd) reported a rise in suicide cases and attempts among students at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a children’s organization called on several government agencies to address the alarming mental health crisis. Save the Children Philippines stressed that the country’s problem on mental health is “a public health concern that requires an urgent whole-community See more...

House panel approves bill protecting labor unions from interference

The House labor and employment committee has approved a bill seeking to protect workers' organizations from interference by their employers or government authorities, Kabataan party-list Representative Raoul Manuel said Thursday. House Bill 407, authored by Representatives Arlene Brosas (Gabriela), France Castro (ACT Teachers), and Manuel, listed the following acts of interference, intervention, or intrusion: Any member, personnel or officer of See more...

Marcos to Japan investors: Philippines accelerated infra program

TOKYO—President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday pushed before Japanese investors the Philippine government's “Build, Better, More” infrastructure program, which he said has already been fast-tracked. During his roundtable meeting with top executives of Japanese electronics and semiconductors firms, Marcos described his predecessor’s infrastructure development in the Philippines as a “very robust and aggressive program.” "But we have... accelerated it further See more...

Why Demi-Leigh, Tim Tebow are in PH

MANILA -- Celebrity couple Demi-Leigh and Tim Tebow finally shared on social media why they are currently in the Philippines. In a post on Instagram on Wednesday, Demi said one of the reasons they are here is for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Compassionate Hope Tebow Village. Demi said she and Tim are “grateful for the chance to pray with See more...

Gov't must ensure programs for agri sector if RCEP will be ratified — Poe, Binay

The government must ensure that the agriculture sector will get adequate funding support if the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will be ratified, Senators Grace Poe and Nancy Binay said Thursday. In an interview, Senator Grace Poe mentioned the concerns of the local farmers on the trade accord but she noted that RCEP will allow the Philippines to import and export See more...

Solante says Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 may not cause spike in COVID cases

Infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante expressed belief Thursday that the recently detected Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 may not cause a significant increase in COVID-19 cases in the Philippines. Solante, who serves as vice president of the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP), explained that the Filipinos’ population immunity may still be high from getting vaccinated or infected with COVID-19 in the See more...

Fathers can seek remedies vs. abusive mothers under VAWC, SC rules

Fathers can now seek remedies on behalf of children being abused by their mothers under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children (VAWC) Act, the Supreme Court ruled. In an 8-page decision dated July 2022, the Supreme Court En Banc issued a permanent protection order in favor of a father and his child as it dismissed the orders of the See more...

39 soldiers briefly held by MILF members in Lanao del Sur

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members in Lanao del Sur on Tuesday night briefly held 39 government soldiers and confiscated their firearms in what the government said was a case of miscommunication. Interviewed on Dobol B TV, Army spokesperson Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said the MILF members subjected the soldiers, who were from the 1st Special Forces Battalion, to a "verification See more...

Globe investing $4 million to bring Gogoro electric scooters, battery swapping tech to PH

MANILA - Globe Telecom said on Thursday it will invest $4 million (P218.8 million, 54.69 to $1) to introduce Taiwan's Gogoro electric scooters into the Philippines. Globe said its 917Ventures is entering the electric vehicle sector with a partnership with Gogoro, a battery-swapping technology leader for two-wheel vehicles in Taiwan. The "smartscooters" are expected to arrive in the Philippines See more...

Shaira Diaz, nagustuhan ang pagho-hosting nang makasama sa 'Unang Hirit'

Aminado si Shaira Diaz na hindi niya inasahan na mapapasama siya bilang host ng Kapuso morning program na "Unang Hirit" dahil kakailanganin niyang gumising ng maaga. "Hindi ko inakala. Before, nag-promo ako roon ng isang serye and then sabi ko, 'Never na talaga akong magpo-promote doon sa Unang Hirit kasi sobrang aga, hindi ko kayang gumising,'" kuwento ni Shaira sa See more...

Ginawang compound: MMDA pinabuksan ang kinandadong kalsada sa QC

Pinabuksan ng Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) ang nakakandadong kalsada sa Barangay Fairview Park, Quezon City nitong Huwebes ng umaga. Habang nagsasagawa ng clearing operations ang mga tauhan ng MMDA, napansin nila ang isang kalsada na sarado ang gate at tila ginawang private compound ng homeowners. Sa kahabaan ito ng Pearl Street na isang public road, mula sa corner ng See more...