Here are the latest news and events that happened today, Monday, February 20, 2023.

Senate employees to receive P50,000 inflation assistance

Senate employees will receive a one-time P50,000 inflation allowance for 2023, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri announced Monday. During the Senate's flag-raising ceremony, Zubiri said the inflation assistance for their employees will increase from P12,200 to P50,000. "One time po 'yun, ibibigay, I think, this August so para makatulong po tayo sa mga empleyado ng Senado sa mga pagtaas ng See more...

Globe to rollout over 500 SIM registration assistance desks nationwide

MANILA- Globe Telecom said on Monday it is rolling out over 500 assistance desks across the country for faster and easier SIM registration as it launched the National SIM Registration Week. The assistance desks will be available from Feb. 20 onwards, the telco said in a statement. Globe said this is part of its initiative to reach out to consumers, See more...

Lalaki, ginawang negosyo at pumatok ang paboritong pares na nasa food cart

Nang bumagsak ang negosyong photo-video services dahil sa pandemic, nag-isip ng ibang mapagkakakitaan si Tony Perez. Ang naisip niya, ang hilig niya sa pagkain--ang paresahan. Sa programang "Pera Peraan," sinabi ni Tony ng "Perez Pares" sa Valenzuela City na nasa lima hanggang 10 kilong karne lang bawat araw ang naibebenta nila sa unang buwan nang itayo niya ang negosyo. Ngayon, See more...

Vehicle possibly used in ambush vs. Aparri vice mayor, others found — PNP

The vehicle possibly used by the perpetrators in the ambush of Aparri, Cagayan Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda and five others was found burned in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday. “Kaninag madaling araw ay may nai-report po na nakitang sunog na white Mitsubishi diyan sa Barangay Uddiawan sa Solano, Nueva Vizcaya at tinitignan na maaaring ito See more...

Ex-'Voice Kids' contestant Tyson Venegas gets platinum ticket in 'American Idol'

Filipino singer Tyson Venegas got the first platinum ticket in the 21st season of "American Idol," which started this weekend. Venegas impressed the three judges with his rendition of "New York State of Mind" by Billy Joel. Asked by Lionel Richie how Venegas got the maturity of his voice, his mom said: "He was inspired by you and that's See more...

Nora Aunor reveals three 'himala' in her life: 'Namatay na ako ng three minutes'

Nora Aunor is best known for her award-winning performance in the 1983 critically acclaimed film "Himala." In Monday's episode of "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," the veteran actress shared three life-changing miracles or "himala" in her life. The first was a car accident she survived while filming "Himala." Her colleagues thought she died, but she miraculously escaped with her life. See more...

Higher gasoline, diesel pump prices set Tuesday

Oil firms on Monday announced another round of hikes in pump prices of gasoline and diesel, while rolling back that of kerosene. In separate advisories, Chevron Philippines Inc. (Caltex), Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., and Seaoil Philippines Corp. said they will hike prices per liter of gasoline by P0.90, and diesel by P1.05, while rolling back kerosene by P0.25. Cleanfuel will See more...

DFA chief Manalo meets key Chinese diplomat on Ayungin laser incident

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on Monday said he met with Fu Ying, Vice Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee of China's National People's Congress, at the sidelines of a security conference in Munich where they discussed the recent Chinese coast guard's aggressive actions against a Philippine government crew off Ayungin Shoal. Manalo said he had a "broad and candid exchange" See more...

House panel okays VAT refund for tourists

The House ways and means panel on Monday approved a bill granting Value Added Tax (VAT) refund for outbound tourists. House ways and means panel chairperson Joey Salceda said the measure will generate P10 billion to P40 billion worth of increased sales for local supplies. “That [amount] has the same nature, consequence, and character as exports. And we don’t even See more...

Indigenous peoples advocates hold march to protest Kaliwa dam project

MANILA — In observance of the “World Day of Social Justice,” indigenous peoples (IP) groups and rights advocates on Monday marched towards the office of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in Quezon City. The marchers said they are protesting the Kaliwa dam Project of the government as it may submerge the ancestral land of the Dumagat Remontado tribes. See more...

5 fishermen rescued off Oriental Mindoro –Coast Guard

Rescuers on Sunday came to the aid of five fishermen whose boat foundered in the strong winds and heavy seas off Oriental Mindoro, according to the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG's) K9 Force. In a Monday statement, the PCG identified the victims as boat captain Edmon Manato, 52; Jayvee Manato, 22; Rocky Madera, 23; Allen dela Cruz, 23; and Ernie Merida, See more...

Pilipinas nakilahok sa 28th Thai International Travel Fair

BANGKOK, THAILAND - Nakilahok ang Pilipinas sa ika-28 Thai International Travel Fair o TITF na ginanap sa Queen Sirikit National Convention Center sa Bangkok, Thailand noong February 16 hanggang 19, 2023. Pinangunahan ni Philippine Department of Tourism’s ASEAN Market Development Division Head Ms. Gwendolyn S. Batoon ang PH delegation sa four-day international travel fair habang opisyal na binuksan See more...

Bretman Rock to launch book in Manila

MANILA -- Bretman Rock is set to visit Manila next month to launch his book. The vlogger and influencer, who was born in the Philippines and moved to Hawaii when he was 8 years old, will hold a book signing event for "You're That Bitch" on March 4 at Mega Fashion Hall in Mandaluyong, and on March 5 at See more...

Philippine BOP surplus hits two-year high in January

The Philippines recorded a two-year high balance of payments (BOP) surplus in January due mainly to the inflows of the net foreign currency deposits with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), data released Monday showed. The central bank said the BOP surplus stood at $3.081 billion in January, the highest in over two years since December 2020. It compares with See more...

Work begins for PH's Annabelle McDonnell as Miss Charm 2023 first runner-up

Annabelle McDonnell has started fulfilling her role as first runner-up in Miss Charm 2023. The Filipina beauty queen has been taking part in different activities with new titleholder Luma Russo of Brazil and second runner-up Olivia Tan of Indonesia, as seen in the pageant's social media posts. Among these are visiting a Vietnamese jeweler, sampling local cuisine, and wearing See more...

Boy George and Culture Club's US concert to stream on SKYcable

MANILA -- Audiences all over the world can watch the popular '80s English band Boy George and Culture Club with the livestream of their US concert via SKY Pay-Per-View on Saturday, February 25. The concert will be available at 11 a.m. with same day replay at 8 p.m. for only P499. The Grammy and Brit award-winning group is known their See more...

Search, rescue ops for missing Cessna to focus on Mayon Volcano area —mayor

The search and rescue operations for the missing Cessna plane will focus on the Mayon Volcano area, according to Camalig, Albay Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo Jr. on Monday. "Tuloy po ang search and rescue po natin habang hindi natin nakikita 'yung mga body ng sakay ng eroplano... Alam po natin 'yung wreckage ng eroplano malapit na po ito sa See more...

MVP salad? Metro Pacific building PH's largest vegetable greenhouse in Bulacan

MANILA - Metro Pacific Investments Corp on Monday said its subsidiary Metro Pacific Agro Ventreus Inc (MPAV) will build a facility that will house the country's biggest vegetable greenhouse as it ramps up its investments in agriculture. During the launching ceremony, Metro Pacific Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan said the company is investing close to P1 billion for the project. MPAV See more...

PDP-Laban faction questions Comelec ruling before SC

MANILA — The PDP-Laban faction led by Sen. Koko Pimentel and former Sen. Manny Pacquiao on Monday questioned before the Supreme Court (SC) the Commission on Election's (Comelec) ruling backing the wing of former President Rodrigo Duterte. The appeal was filed by the party's legal counsel Jeric Salenga, Executive Director Ron Munsayac, and Education Chairperson and founding member Pines Arcega. See more...

The Dawn releases new single 'Earth'

MANILA -- Veteran rock band The Dawn has released its new single "Earth" on all streaming platforms. Known for its anthem songs like "Salamat" and "Iisang Bangka," "Earth" asks the existential question especially in the midst of all the political, social, and even personal uncertainties. "We, as human beings, when we’re faced with troubles that seem insurmountable, we tend See more...

PH records 895 COVID-19 cases from Feb. 13 to 19; lowest in 36 weeks

MANILA — The Philippines recorded 895 COVID-19 cases from the week of Feb. 13 to 19, the lowest number of weekly cases in 36 weeks, based on the analysis of the ABS-CBN Investigative and Research Group (IRG). This is the lowest number of weekly cases in 36 weeks or since the week of June 6 to 12, 2022, when the See more...

'Take Me to Banaue' released in Houston

The newest Filipino rom-com is here and audiences are loving it. 'Take Me to Banaue,' a film by US-based Filipino filmmaker Danny Aguilar, began its schedule of showings earlier this year, stopping in Houston before moving on to other parts of the country. The movie is a romantic comedy feature film that tells the story of an awkward American engineer See more...

CAAP says no reason to ground Cessna planes in PH

Despite two recent aircraft incidents involving Cessna planes, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said there is no reason to suspend their operations in the country. The country has seen three separate aircraft incidents barely two months into the year, two of them involving Cessna planes with passengers on board. The first incident happened in Isabela on See more...

Poe rules out cyberattack in CAAP air traffic fiasco

MANILA — The technical glitches that happened at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on New Year and Chinese New Year celebrations have no signs of “cyberattack,” but those incidents can still happen again, according to Sen. Grace Poe. Poe’s Senate committee on public services investigated the NAIA technical glitch and personally inspected the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines See more...

'We said yes': 'Pitch Perfect' star Rebel Wilson is now engaged to Ramona Agruma

Australian actress Rebel Wilson has announced that she is now engaged to her girlfriend Ramona Agruma. In an Instagram post, Wilson shared moments with her partner in Disneyland. "We said YES! Thank you @tiffanyandco for the stunning ring ... and to Bob Iger and the incredible team at Disneyland @disneyweddings for pulling off this magical surprise!" she said in the See more...

Marcos reminds sworn in execs that gov't efforts in vain if people don't benefit

Government efforts would be for nothing if the public would not benefit from it, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Monday. “Palagi kong sinasabi na marami tayong pinaplano na maganda para sa ekonomiya ng Pilipinas. Ngunit kung hindi – sabihin na natin gumanda nang husto ang ekonomiya ng Pilipinas, hindi naman bumababa at hindi naman nararamdaman ng taong-bayan eh sayang See more...

Vietnam shoe maker for Nike, Adidas to cut 6,000 jobs

HANOI - One of Vietnam's largest shoe manufacturers for major brands such as Nike and Adidas will cut thousands of workers at the end of the month due to a slump in orders, according to local authorities. PouYuen Vietnam, a unit of Taiwan-based Pou Chen Group, will lay off 3,000 factory workers and will not renew the contracts of 3,000 See more...

Rescue team for missing Cessna allowed to go to Mayon — CAAP

The search and rescue team for the missing Cessna plane has received permission from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to enter the vicinity of Mayon Volcano despite the Alert Level 2 raised in the area. At a televised public briefing on Monday, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) spokesperson Eric Apolonio said the search and rescue See more...

Blue Ribbon investigation on NAIA ‘human smuggling’ scheduled on Tuesday

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has scheduled on Tuesday the start of its investigation on the alleged human smuggling at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Senator Grace Poe has said. The office of committee chairman Senator Francis Tolentino confirmed the scheduled hearing. Poe said there were "major security risks" that were uncovered in the incidents even if the allegations of See more...

‘Bida Next’ winner Carren Eistrup, naiyak sa unang araw niya bilang ‘EB’ Dabarkads

Inihayag ni “Bida Next” winner na si Carren Eistrup na hindi niya napigilang umiyak sa unang araw niya bilang bagong host ng “Eat Bulaga” dahil iniisip niyang hindi niya naabot ang inaasahan sa kaniya ng mga manonood. “Noong first day ko po, kinakabahan po ako kasi it’s a new environment at nag-a-adjust pa po ako. Kaya po tinulungan ako, like See more...

Persons of interest in Lanao del Sur Gov. Adiong ambush identified —PNP

Some persons of interest have been identified in the ambush on the convoy of Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. on Friday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday. “May mga tinututukan na na mga persons of interest 'yung Police Regional Office [Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao] diyan,” PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo told GMA News’ See more...

PH allows visit of European Parliament human rights subcommittee

Members of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights are expected to visit the country later this week as part of Philippines and the EU’s “open and regular engagement on human rights.” According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Philippines has accepted the request of the subcommittee to visit the country from February 22 to 24. Six members of See more...

Remulla says DOJ won't object to De Lima habeas corpus petition

MANILA — Detained former Senator Leila de Lima on Monday received an unsolicited advice from an unlikely source — file a habeas corpus petition and the Department of Justice won’t oppose it. That suggestion coming from Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla. “Probably they should petition for habeas corpus and explain the case to the courts. We will not object,” See more...

PAL appoints renowned Chef Vallerie Castillo-Archer as new catering head

MANILA - Philippine Airlines said it has appointed Chef Vallerie Castillo-Archer as its new head of Catering Operations who is seen to usher innovation and positive change. Castillo-Archer was the first female and first Filipino-American executive chef of iconic Hollywood restaurant Yamashiro, located in Los Angeles, California, the flag carrier said in a statement. PAL said her areas of See more...

Mayon Volcano had one volcanic quake, still under Alert Level 2 —PHIVOLCS

The Mayon Volcano in Albay had one volcanic earthquake and two rockfall events in the past 24 hours, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) on Monday. PHIVOLCS revised its earlier bulletin which previously showed 21 volcanic earthquakes. Alert Level 2 (Increased Unrest) is still in effect in Mayon Volcano. PHIVOLCS said a faint crater glow See more...

Stephen Speaks, humingi ng paumanhin sa traffic 'bribe' incident

Humingi ng paumanhin ang American band na Stephen Speaks kaugnay sa kanilang social media post sa nangyaring traffic incident na kinasangkutan ng kanilang Grab car driver na nahuli umano sa paglabag sa batas-trapiko. "Our Grab (like Uber) driver just got pulled in Manila over for running a red light, and my tour crew bribed him with a selfie with me See more...

DepEd confirms reports of laptops being sold in Cebu

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday confirmed that some laptops procured for teachers amid the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic were being sold in a surplus store in Cebu. According to DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa, the laptops were not purchased by the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) but were part of the DepEd Computerization See more...

'Mga Lihim ni Urduja' set to premiere on February 27

"Mga Lihim ni Urduja" will finally make its premiere on GMA Telebabad on February 27! According to Cata Tibayan's report on "24 Oras," Monday, the series is based on the legend of warrior queen Urduja from Pangasinan from the 1300s. The protagonists are on a quest to find Urduja's missing jewels as enemy bounty hunters try to stop them. Gabbi See more...

David Licauco admits feeling sepanx as 'Maria Clara at Ibarra' nears end

"Maria Clara at Ibarra" is now on its final week, and David Licauco is feeling the separation anxiety just like the fans of the show. In Lhar Santiago's report on "24 Oras," Monday, the Pambansang Ginoo looked back on how the series changed his life and the many people he met along the way. "Nakaka-emotional din na mawawala na siya See more...

Influential Japanese manga artist Leiji Matsumoto dies

TOKYO -- Manga master Leiji Matsumoto, whose epic sci-fi stories were highly influential in Japan's comic-book and anime worlds, has died aged 85, production company Toei said Monday. Matsumoto's cult works such as "Space Battleship Yamato," "Captain Harlock" and "Galaxy Express 999" were adapted into animated TV series and films that enjoyed global popularity in the 1970s and '80s. He See more...

Meta to test monthly subscription service priced at $11.99

Meta Platforms on Sunday announced that it is testing a monthly subscription service, called Meta Verified, which will let users verify their accounts using a government ID and get a blue badge, as it looks to help content creators grow and build communities. The subscription bundle for Instagram and Facebook, to be launched later this week, also includes extra protection See more...

LPA to trigger rains across Philippines — PAGASA

A low pressure area (LPA) off Cagayan will bring rain in a large swath of the country, according to state weather bureau PAGASA on Monday. In its latest bulletin, PAGASA said the LPA was seen 230 kilometers east-northeast of Casiguran, Aurora or 240 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan as of 3 p.m. Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated See more...

MMDA still looking for traffic enforcer involved in Stephen Speaks incident

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is still looking for the Grab driver and the traffic enforcer mentioned by the band Stephen Speaks on Twitter after they allegedly got "off the hook" for a traffic violation in exchange for a "selfie". "Pinaimbestigahan natin yung mga Facebook pages nila ng mga enforcer sa lugar kung may nag-post na ng selfie See more...

'The Whale' coming to PH theaters on Feb. 22

MANILA -- Brendan Fraser’s highly anticipated and much talked-about comeback movie, “The Whale,” is coming to the Philippines this February 22. Fraser, who’s known for his leading man roles in films like “Bedazzled,” “George of the Jungle,” and the mega blockbuster franchise “The Mummy,” was in a decade-long hiatus when Academy Award-winning director, Darren Aronofsky offered him the role of See more...

Philippine USAR team to head home after 2 weeks of search and rescue in Turkey

After two weeks in Turkey's Adiyaman City helping save earthquake victims, the Philippine Urban Search and Rescue or USAR Team is preparing to head back home. According to the USAR Team's Doctor, Dr. Ted Esguerra, it was time for them to leave. "Wala nang makukuhang buhay nasa ilalim na ng rubble," said Esguerra. "I mean, ang locals dito they brought See more...

SM Prime posts P30.1 billion net income in 2022; up 38 percent

MANILA - SM Prime Holdings Inc said on Monday it posted a P30.1 billion consolidated net income in 2022, higher by 38 percent compared to the P21.8 billion in 2021 fuelled by the continued economic recovery. Consolidated revenues rose 29 percent to P105.8 billion, the Sy-led group said in a disclosure to the stock exchange. “We are pleased to report See more...

DepEd probes employee allegedly involved in 'position for sale' scam

The Department of Education (DepEd) is investigating one of its employees allegedly involved in a scam offering government positions in exchange for a fee. This comes days after the arrest of Edward Vincent Diokno Eje alias “Vaughn Monton Vincent” who was involved in a similar scam. Eje was nabbed in Taguig last week for pointing a gun at a See more...

Remulla: House reso defending Duterte ‘natural’

For Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, the move of some lawmakers to defend former President Rodrigo Duterte from the investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is natural. “Well, it’s natural, it’s natural,” Remulla said in an ambush interview following a culminating activity at the New Bilibid Prison. He issued the remark after former President and Senior Deputy Speaker Gloria See more...

Remulla says no objection to bail plea as De Lima nears 6 years in detention

As former Senator Leila De Lima nears six years in detention, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday said he does not personally object to a possible bail plea from her camp. In an ambush interview following a culmination activity at the New Bilibid Prison, Remulla advised De Lima’s camp to file a petition for habeas corpus when asked about See more...

Robberies across Japan expose social media's role in enabling crime

Since late January, Japan has been gripped by a spate of robberies and the subsequent revelations that social media appears to have made it possible for a disparate group of individuals organized from overseas to carry them out. From the first signs that the same actors could be pulling the strings behind the robberies across the country to the news See more...

Remulla says BuCor HQ at Masungi Georeserve not final yet

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday said plans to build the new headquarters of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on a land in Tanay, Rizal is not yet final. “Actually, wala namang final decision doon eh. It is something that will be suggested to us by BuCor, but we are not micro-managing BuCor. We are allowing them to explore See more...

Philippines books $3.1 billion BOP surplus in January, gross reserves hit $100.7 billion

MANILA - The Philippines booked a $3.1 billion balance of payments (BOP) surplus in January 2023, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said on Monday. The BSP said this was a reversal of the $102 million BOP deficit recorded in the same month last year. "The BOP surplus in January 2023 reflected inflows arising mainly from the National Government’s See more...

Comelec's pilot testing of automated brgy polls in 3 areas questioned in Senate

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) was urged to set a different date for the pilot testing of the automated election system for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE). Senate electoral reforms and people's participation Chairperson Imee Marcos on Monday expressed her reservations on Comelec's plans after Comelec Chairman George Garcia informed the senators that the pilot test will be See more...

Basti Artadi releases audio graphic novel 'Darkness Fell'

MANILA -- Former Wolfgang and Brain Salad front man Basti Artadi is set to unveil his initial graphic novel titled "Darkness Fell" with a special and interactive performance on Wednesday, February 22, at 19 East in Sucat, Parañaque. The 36-page self-published black-and-white graphic novel was inspired by the Wolfgang song of the same name from the band’s debut album See more...

Padilla files resolution defending Duterte from ICC

It’s Senator Robin Padilla’s turn to file a resolution that aims to defend former president Rodrigo Duterte “against the investigation or prosecution by the International Criminal Court.” Padilla filed Resolution 488 on Monday, days after Duterte’s political ally, former president Gloria Arroyo, and 18 other congressmen filed House Resolution 780 carrying the same intent. Just like the Arroyo-led resolution, See more...

'Aspins' being trained as service dogs in QC

Several stray dogs in Quezon City (QC) are being trained to become emotional support dogs and community patrol dogs. According to Saleema Refran’s report on “24 Oras”, the QC Animal Care and Adoption Center provided the neglected and impounded animals with basic obedience training and agility drills. The city government is also eyeing the creation of an Aspin Search and See more...

DepEd: P155-k DSLR camera given by LGU to Imus schools division office

The Department of Education had no hand in the acquisition of a DSLR camera said to overpriced with a cost of P155,929 in Imus City, the DepEd said in a statement on Monday. The DepEd said the Canon 1500D of the Schools Division Office of the city was given by the local government to the SDO. "DepEd did not have See more...

Makabayan bloc pushes for permanent budget oversight panel

The Makabayan bloc lawmakers on Monday sought for the creation of a permanent congressional oversight committee on the national budget to ensure transparency and accountability in the spending of public funds. House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro of ACT party-list, House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas of Gabriela party-list and Kabataan party-list Representative Raoul Manuel made the proposal under House See more...

Bangko Sentral seen to implement more rate hikes due to elevated inflation: Fitch

MANILA - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is seen to continue hiking the country's key policy rate in the first half of 2023 due to the elevated inflation, Fitch Solutions said on Monday. In a statement, Fitch Solutions said it expects the central bank to implement a 50 basis points hike in its next meeting in May, following a 50 See more...

LPA, shear line, Amihan to bring rains over several areas

A low pressure area (LPA), shear line and the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) will bring rains over several areas on Monday, PAGASA said in its weather forecast. The Bicol Region, mainland Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Quezon, and Northern Samar will have cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to the LPA and shear line. Moderate to heavy with at times See more...

House panel OKs bill expanding foreign aid fund sources

The House ways and means committee on Monday approved a substitute bill allowing foreign privately-owned firms to lend money to the Philippines through the Official Development Assistance (ODA). Currently, ODA funding sources are limited to governments and government-run institutions. The measure amends the 1996 ODA law by stating that donor governments, bilateral or multilateral agency, or international or multilateral See more...

15-day maintenance shutdown of Malampaya facility completed

The Department of Energy (DOE) on Monday announced the completion of the first maintenance shutdown of the Malampaya Deepwater Gas-to-Power under an all-Filipino owned consortium. In a statement, the DOE said the 15-day maintenance works from February 4 to 18, 2023 were completed with no incidents recorded, covering the platform, pipelines, and the entire system. Prime Energy was said to See more...

Padilla files reso urging Senate to defend ex-President Duterte from ICC prosecution

Senator Robin Padilla on Monday filed a resolution urging the Senate to declare its "unequivocal defense" of former President Rodrigo Duterte in any investigation or prosecution by the International Criminal Court (ICC). In filing proposed Resolution 488, Padilla argued that the Philippines has a functioning and independent judicial system. He also quoted Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla's remarks that the See more...

Stephen Speaks apologizes for post on traffic incident: 'We will learn from this'

Stephen Speaks has apologized for their social media post about a traffic incident involving their Grab car driver. "Our Grab (like Uber) driver just got pulled in Manila over for running a red light, and my tour crew bribed him with a selfie with me to let us go," the American band wrote on Facebook. Some netizens did not like See more...

DICT to boost SIM registration efforts amid reported slowdown

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Monday said it plans to boost its efforts in encouraging more users to register their SIM cards, following the slowdown observed halfway into the implementation of the prescribed registration period. “We are almost halfway into the implementation of the SIM registration, and we have observed a slowdown in the number of See more...

Poe questions MIAA's 'lax security' amid possible human trafficking case

MANILA — The Senate Blue Ribbon committee will kick off Tuesday its investigation into the February 13 incident Sen. Grace Poe said could be a "human smuggling activity." Poe on Monday said the incident involved the transport of 9 foreign passengers. However, only 7 travelers boarding the contracted Globan chartered plane appeared in documents. The flight was reportedly cleared by See more...

'Showtime': 4-year-old boy correctly names all 17 PH presidents in debut of 'Isip Bata' segment

A four-year-old boy accurately named all 17 presidents of the Philippines, in an adorable moment in the noontime debut of "Isip Bata," the new kiddie game segment of "It's Showtime." Argus, one of four children who shared their thoughts on a range of topics, was asked on the spot to enumerate the Philippine presidents, correctly listing the first, Emilio Aguinaldo, See more...

Zubiri ups inflation, medical assistance of Senate employees

The Philippine Senate’s around 3,000 employees received their biggest treat for this year so far from Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri during Monday’s flag-raising ceremony. The Senate leadership will increase their P12,200 inflationary adjustment assistance and P30,000 medical assistance. Addressing the Senate employees Monday, Zubiri took note of the financial difficulties that many Filipinos face today as a result of See more...

Dolly De Leon: BAFTA nomination ‘a huge honor for me’

She may not have won the best supporting actress award she was up for, but for Dolly De Leon, being nominated by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) for her star-making turn in "Triangle of Sadness" is "a huge honor." At the BAFTA Film Awards in London on Sunday (early Monday morning, Philippines time), De Leon lost See more...

All-Filipino consortium completes Malampaya maintenance work: DOE

MANILA - Maintenance works on the Malampaya gas project scheduled on Feb. 4 to 18 has been completed by an all Filipino-owned consortium for the first time, the Department of Energy said Monday. In a statement, the DOE said major regular maintenance works have been done for decades but this was the first time it was completed with a Filipino See more...

PhilHealth seeks more funding for mental health services for children

The state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) called for additional funding for mental health services for children amid the increase in violent incidents and the emergence of mental health problems among school kids. Dr. Albert Domingo of PhilHealth made the pitch during the briefing by concerned government agencies on the situation and welfare of children as regards the implementation of See more...

Solon seeks Guanzon's return as P3WD party-list representative

Kabataan party-list representative Raoul Manuel on Monday called on the House of Representatives’ leadership to recognize former elections commissioner Rowena Guazon as a member of 19th Congress. Manuel said both Guanzon and P3WD, the party-list she represents have both been proclaimed winners in the 2022 polls by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). The lawmaker said that the June 29, See more...

Boyet o Pip: Sino kaya ang pipiliin ni Ate Guy Nora Aunor?

Sa segment na "Fast Talk" ng programang "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," tinanong ang Superstar star na si Nora "Ate Guy" Aunor kung Boyet (Christopher de Leon) o Pip (Tirso Cruz III)? Nahihiyang pinili ni Ate Guy si Pip. Si Pip o Tirso ang madalas na leading man o ka-love team noon ni Nora sa mga pelikula. Naging asawa naman See more...

PH logs 113 new COVID-19 cases

The Department of Health (DOH) reported 113 new coronavirus cases on Monday as the daily case average likewise plunged to 128 from the 157 recorded a week before. Based on DOH's latest bulletin there have been a total of 895 fresh COVID-19 infections from February 13 to February 19, 2023. That number is lower by 19% compared to the See more...

Mga vendor, buwis-buhay sa paglangoy para makapagtinda sa barko

Itinuturing silang mga illegal vendor kaya kailangan nilang lumangoy ng isang kilometro sa dagat para makarating at makasampa sa barko sa isang pantalan sa Zamboanga City upang maibenta ang kanilang mga produkto. Sa nakaraang episode ng “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” makikita kung papaano tila nakikipagtaguan ang mga vendor sa mga tauhan ng Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) na nagtataboy sa kanila See more...

Comelec to hold automated BSKE in 3 barangays

MANILA — Voters in two villages in Dasmariñas, Cavite, and another barangay in Quezon City will cast their ballots for the October 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) via automated voting, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Monday. The “pilot testing” of of two barangays in Dasmarinas, Cavite and another in Barangay Pasong Tamo, Quezon City will be observed, See more...

What's next for Cristine Reyes? Movies with Empoy Marquez, Baron Geisler

MANILA -- Now that Cristine Reyes has been in showbiz for two decades, she does not expect that she would last this long as an actress. Fifteen years of that, Reyes has spent as a contract artist of Viva Entertainment. She was only 15 when she started in showbiz. “Nagsimula ako batang-bata pa talaga ako at wala pa akong masyadong See more...

DFA: PH committed to 'diplomacy, dialogue' on West PH Sea

MANILA — Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique Manalo on Monday said the Philippines remains "committed to diplomacy and dialogue" in resolving maritime disputes amid the recent tension between Manila and Beijing. Manalo made the remark in a joint press conference following a bilateral meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. See more...

Suspects in Aparri vice mayor ambush reportedly wore police uniforms —PNP

The suspects in the ambush that killed Aparri, Cagayan Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda and five others in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya were reportedly wearing police uniforms, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday. “Base po sa report na ating natanggap, yung mga suspek po ay naka-pixelized uniform (Based on the report that we received, the suspects were in pixelized uniform),” PNP See more...

House panel okays con-con as way to amend Constitution

The House constitutional amendments panel on Monday approved the unnumbered Resolution of Both Houses calling for a constitutional convention (con-con) for amending the 1987 Constitution. This developed after the unnumbered Resolution of Both Houses garnered 16 yes votes, three no votes and one abstention. Under the 1987 Constitution, one of the measures to amend the Charter is via con-con, See more...

ALAMIN: Taas-presyo sa diesel, gasolina sa Pebrero 21

(UPDATE) Nakatakdang tumaas ang presyo ng gasolina at diesel habang bababa naman ang presyo ng kerosene sa Martes, Pebrero 21. Base sa abiso ng mga kompanya ng langis, narito ang halaga ng ipatutupad nilang price adjustment: Caltex (Alas-12:01 ng hatinggabi) GASOLINA +P0.90L DIESEL +P1.05L KEROSENE -P0.25L (rollback) Shell, Seaoil, Flying V, Petron (Alas-6 ng umaga) GASOLINA +P0.90L DIESEL +P1.05L KEROSENE -P0.25L (rollback) PTT Philippines, Jetti Petroleum, See more...

This robot made from an insect can detect cancer cells and bombs at the airport

Did you know that locusts can smell cancer cells? They do so with their antenna. Neta Shvil, Ph.D. student at Tel Aviv University in Israel, has built a robot to try to apply the insect's capability for real-world applications, like diagnosing illnesses and sniffing out contraband at security checks. "The possibilities are infinite. For example, to identify explosives, to identify See more...

Viber users can now create art, ask questions using new chatbot

MANILA - Rakuten Viber on Monday said it launched its new chatbot AI Chat & Create which allows users to ask questions and design images directly through the Viber app. AI Chat & Create provides easy access to AI text and image generators such as DALL-E and Davinci, Rakuten Viber said. Consumers just need to search for "AI Chat & See more...

NCR COVID-19 positivity rate rose slightly to 1.7% —OCTA

The seven-day COVID-19 positivity rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) went up slightly from 1.6% as of Feb. 11 to 1.7% as of Feb. 18, OCTA Research said on Monday. The positivity rate refers to the percentage of people who were found positive for COVID-19 among the total number of individuals tested. Such rate also increased in these See more...