Here are the latest news and events that happened today, Wednesday, February 22, 2023.

Fish dishes back in spotlight as Lent begins

MANILA -- Restaurants in the country have once again started offering menus that revolve around fish and seafood as the Lenten season begins. Kenny Rogers Roasters, for instance, launched its Fish Collection Menu on Wednesday, featuring Grilled Salmon. The dish, made with a marinade with hints of lemon and garlic, is served with garlic rice, corn muffin, and a See more...

Queenee Mercado gives advice to fellow content creators

MANILA -- Social media personality Queenee Mercado gave a piece of advice to her fellow content creators on posing their latest contents on social media. This following the controversies surrounding her fellow content creators with their vlogs. “Ako po kasi bago ako mag-upload ng content paulit-ulit ko siya pinapanood. Iniisip ko kung may matatapakan ba ako dito, may See more...

Liza Soberano drops first post after alleged ‘IG hacking’

MANILA – Actress Liza Soberano came back on Instagram in style just a day after all her posts in the platforms were wiped out all of a sudden. On Wednesday, Soberano released a series of screengrabs from what appeared to be a music video of her song, adding several lyric lines in the caption. She also teased on IG See more...

Brian Yamsuan takes oath as Bicol Saro party-list rep

The House of Representatives on Wednesday welcomed a new member in Brian Yamsuan of Bicol Saro party-list. Yamsuan took his oath before Speaker Martin Romualdez a day after the Commission on Elections announced that it had issued a certificate of proclamation to Yamsuan, who was named Bicol Saro's first nominee. The certification came after a letter from the House See more...

Toyota eyes EV production in US possibly in 2025: source

NAGOYA - Toyota Motor Corp. plans to start producing electric vehicles in the United States possibly in 2025, a source close to the matter said Wednesday, with an eye on the growing market for eco-friendly cars amid tougher environmental regulations. The move by the Japanese automaker comes as a U.S. law enacted last year to incentivize the use of green See more...

Senate probe into 'excessive' port fees due to PPA orders sought

Senator Risa Hontiveros is seeking a Senate investigation into the Philippine Ports Authority's administrative orders that she said have led to an "excessive" rise in port fees. "Increased shipping and logistics costs, insofar as they are passed on to the general public could affect the prices of goods going through these ports," Hontiveros said in proposed Senate Resolution 484. In See more...

Rescuers continue Mayon trek to Cessna crash site

A search and rescue team is now traveling to the wreckage site of the Cessna aircraft that was reported missing in Bicol over the weekend, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said Wednesday. The team — composed of 11 Philippine Army members and six Bureau of Fire Protection personnel — was estimated to be 300 meters from the See more...

Sandiganbayan junks 1987 ill-gotten wealth case vs Marcos Sr., cohorts

MANILA — The Sandiganbayan 5th Division lifted the sequestration order on Lianga Bay Logging Co. and Yulo King Ranch, properties supposedly owned by former President Ferdinand Marcos and his close associates. In a resolution promulgated on Feb. 21, the anti-graft court dismissed the case against defendants Marcos, Rafael Sison, Peter Sabido, Luis Yulo, Nicolas Dehesa, and Don Ferry, as the See more...

Ariana Grande teases 'Die For You' collaboration with The Weeknd

American pop star Ariana Grande teased Wednesday a new collaboration with Canadian singer The Weeknd. In a TikTok video, Grande posted a video of her producing new music and fans were quick to notice the same tone to "Die For You." "Wrote and recorded a verse for my friend after a 14-hour day on set ... this certain exception See more...

'Acted with haste': Panganiban responds to allegations of sugar importation anomalies

MANILA — Agriculture Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban on Wednesday said he was acting "with haste" when he ordered the importation of over 200 containers of sugar ahead of the publication of Sugar Order No. 6. In a press conference Wednesday, Panganiban responded to claims made by Sen. Risa Hontiveros of an alleged "state-sanctioned smuggling" of sugar. The DA earlier today said See more...

DOH logs 86 new COVID-19 cases; active tally hits 9,203

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday logged 86 new COVID-19 cases, while the active tally decreased to 9,203. This was the second straight day for new COVID-19 numbers to hit less than a hundred as active cases also went down from 9,211 on Tuesday. The DOH’s latest figures showed that the country’s COVID-19 tally climbed to 4,075,757. In the See more...

Marcos prays for nation's 'quiet reflection' as Filipinos observe Ash Wednesday

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is hoping for a "quiet reflection" for Filipinos as he tweets about the start of the Lenten season with the observance of Ash Wednesday. "We pray for our nation’s quiet reflection... As we prepare for the season of Lent, may the love of Christ inspire us to endure and faithfully continue our service to See more...

Daan-daang sea lions sa Peru, namatay dahil sa bird flu

Umabot na sa daan-daang sea lions sa protected areas ang namatay matapos tamaan ng bird flu sa Peru. Ang sakit, pinangangambahang kumalat na rin sa mga tao. Sa ulat ng GMA News Feed, makikitang nanghihina at halos hindi na makagalaw ang mga baby sea lion na kabilang sa 716 na namatay na sea lions sa Peru magmula pa noong See more...

Ken Chan, inilahad na panglima sila na pamilya ng kaniyang ama

Inihayag ni Ken Chan na panglima na sila sa pamilya ng kaniyang ama. Pero sa kabila nito, wala umano siyang sama ng loob o galit sa kaniyang ama nang malaman niya ito. “Sobrang pinabago ako ng sitwasyon na ‘yon Tito Boy. I think I became a better person after that. Ako ‘yung tumayo na tatay o padre de pamilya ng See more...

How is the Philippines balancing ties with China and the US?

The Philippines' foreign policy under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appears to be moving away from its previous pro-China stance under the Duterte administration and toward tightening its ties with the United States. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. — the son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. — propelled the Marcos family's return to power after winning a landslide victory in See more...

Ken Chan, umaming na-inlove sila sa isa’t isa ni Rita Daniela

Inamin ni Ken Chan na nahulog sila sa isa’t isa ni Rita Daniela, na kaniyang ka-loveteam sa maraming proyekto kabilang ang hit series na “My Special Tatay.” Sa “Back to Back Talk” edition ng “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” nitong Miyerkoles, tinanong ni Tito Boy kung nagkaroon ng pag-aaway sina Ken at Rita. “Hindi kami nag-away pero meron kaming hindi See more...

After laser incident, PH Coast Guard confirms presence of Chinese vessels in country's EEZ

MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday confirmed the presence of Chinese vessels within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ), more than a week since the laser incident that has triggered new tensions between the two countries. The PCG came by the visual confirmation during its conduct of a Maritime Domain Awareness flight over Ayungin Shoal and Sabina See more...

House OKs Filipino citizenship for Canadian vlogger Kulas on 2nd reading

MANILA -- The House of Representatives on Wednesday has approved on second reading a bill granting Filipino citizenship to popular Canadian vlogger Kyle Jennermann who has been promoting the Philippines to the world. House Bill 1764 granting Filipino citizenship to Jennermann was filed by Biñan City Rep. Marlyn Alonte. “Naniniwala tayong ang panukalang batas na ito ay hindi lamang para See more...

'How I Met Your Mother' cast Josh Radnor, Alyson Hannigan reunite

"How I Met Your Mother" actor Josh Radnor shared Wednesday that he was reunited with co-star Alyson Hannigan. In an Instagram post, Radnor was glad that they were able to catch up after more than 9 years. "Well look who I had lunch with today!! None other than @alysonhannigan herself! It was delightful. So sweet to reconnect and drop in See more...

Suspect in Gov. Adiong ambush killed in police ops —PNP

One of the suspects in the February 17 ambush on the convoy of Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. was killed in a shootout with the police, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP). In a statement Tuesday, the PNP said Police Regional Office - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region chief Police Brigadier General John Guyguyon reported that the suspect, See more...

Global stocks mostly fall amid resurgent rate hike worries

NEW YORK - Wall Street stocks fell Tuesday on resurgent worries over Federal Reserve policy and gloomy forecasts from retailers, while European equities also retreated despite some encouraging economic data. US indices were in the red the entire day, tumbling as the yield on the 10-year US Treasury climbed closer to four percent. This is the latest sign that markets See more...

Agri dept says validating alleged irregularities in sugar importation order

MANILA - The Department of Agriculture on Wednesday said it is validating claims of irregularities in the recently approved sugar importation order after Sen. Risa Hontiveros' exposé on an alleged "state-sanctioned smuggling." On Tuesday, Hontiveros said there was an alleged arrival of 260 containers of imported sugar prior to the approval of Sugar Order Number 6. She claimed that there See more...

PNP investigating 'car history' of getaway vehicle used in Aparri vice mayor ambush

Authorities are now tracking the previous owners of the getaway vehicle used in the ambush of Aparri, Cagayan Vice Mayor Rommel Alameda and five others in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday. “Patuloy po yung pag-iimbestiga ng HPG (Highway Patrol Group) para matunton po natin yung iba pang may-ari ng sasakyang ito na kung tawagin natin See more...

PH rescue team in Turkey battles extreme cold with the kindness of locals

The extreme cold weather in Turkey poses a challenge to members of the Philippine rescue team deployed in that country to assist the victims of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake. But with the kindness of locals — themselves victims of the massive quake — the team members are able to cope. "Kung tutuusin po, bale ito po ang pinaka-challenging sa amin, See more...

BI warns young professionals against scammers offering work abroad

The Bureau of Immigration on Wednesday warned young professionals against scammers offering call center or BPO work abroad with a high salary after some turned out to be recruitment for a crypto scam operation. “In some instances, they are ushered, they are transported from an Asian country to Myanmar so they can work there in a crypto scam,” said Immigration See more...

Dela Rosa vows to probe reported 'cut' given to PDEA informants

MANILA - Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa vowed to investigate the reported “cut” being given to informants of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA) for every successful entrapment operation. The senator made the declaration while expressing his disbelief on the reported admission of PDEA Director Virgilio Moro Lazo that there were “assets” who would offer to do “jobs” in exchange See more...

Pulisya may person of interest na sa pamamaril sa turista sa Makati

May person of interest na ang awtoridad kaugnay sa pamamaril kamakailan sa isang New Zealand national, sabi ngayong Miyerkoles ng hepe ng Makati police. "So far mayroon tayong binabantayan. Continuous pa rin [ang] investigation natin and then nakakita tayo mga witness. Tuloy-tuloy [ang] pag-iimbestiga natin at manhunt sa person of interest," sabi ni Col. Edward Cutiyog, hepe ng Makati See more...

Sandiganbayan junks ill-gotten wealth case on behest loans vs. Marcos Sr., others

The Sandiganbayan has junked an ill-gotten case filed against the late President Ferdinand Marcos and several others after the anti-graft court ruled that the government prosecutors failed to present sufficient evidence. In a 156-page decision dated February 21, the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division junked Civil Case 0024 which alleges the late Marcos, his wife Imelda, Luis Yulo, Roberto Benedicto, Nicolas Dehesa, See more...

Bangkay ng lalaki na may tama ng bala, nakita sa sasakyan sa Taal, Batangas

Isang inhinyero ang nakitang patay at may tama ng bala ng baril sa loob ng sasakyan sa Taal, Batangas. Sa ulat ni Paul Hernandez sa GMA Regional TV "Balitang Southern Tagalog" nitong Martes, kinilala ang biktima na si Ramuel del Rosario. Nakita ang biktima sa driver seat ng sasakyan na nakatigil sa hangganan ng Barangay Tulo at Barangay gahol nitong See more...

Risa votes no, Imee abstains in Senate RCEP vote

The plight of Filipino farmers and the common folk figured in Senator Risa Hontiveros' explanation of her "no" vote and Senator Imee Marcos' reason for her abstention when the Senate voted to concur with the ratification of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). At least 20 senators voted for Resolution No. 485 concurring with the ratification of the trade agreement. See more...

'Mega-trade deal': NEDA says RCEP to bolster Philippines' position as investment hub

MANILA - National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan on Wednesday said the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) would bolster the Philippines' position as an investment hub. In a statement, he said country would reap benefits from the mega-trade deal. Twenty senators on Tuesday voted in favor of free trade agreement among the 10 members of the See more...

Magkakapatid, pinanganak sa iisang petsa, pero magkaibang taon

Good vibes ang dala sa social media ng post ng isang Mommy at Bayan Patroller na si Pamn Faye Hazel V. Cabañero mula sa Pangil, Laguna matapos niyang ibahagi ang kwento ng pare-parehong araw at buwan ng kapanganakan ng tatlong anak. Sa mismong post makikita sa birth certificate ang parehong araw at buwan ng kapanganakan nina Maclean Herz (6 See more...

Marcos says gov't reviewing EO 138, devolution issues

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Wednesday that his administration is reviewing an executive order that aims to provide guidelines on the full devolution of certain functions of the executive branch to local government units. Marcos was referring to Executive Order No. 138 of his predecessor, President Rodrigo Duterte, which was released to implement the July 2018 Supreme Court ruling See more...

Philippines, Australia agree to more defense cooperation, joint patrols

The defense departments of the Philippines and Australia have agreed to have more areas of cooperation including joint patrols in the Indo-Pacific region, officials said on Wednesday. At a joint press conference, Philippines’ Defense chief Carlito Galvez Jr. and Australia’s Minister for Defense and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles shared their discussions after their meeting. “We also agreed to explore See more...

Jinggoy tinawag na mga 'puting unggoy' ang mga taga-ICC

MAYNILA — Hayagang tinawag ni Sen. Jinggoy Estrada na mga “puting unggoy” ang mga tauhan ng International Criminal Court (ICC) na nagpaplanong ipagpatuloy ang imbestigasyon ukol sa drug war noong panahon ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. Ito ay matapos na magpahayag ng suporta si Estrada sa naging privilege speech ni Sen. Robin Padilla na mariing tumututol sa planong imbestigasyon ng See more...

LOOK: Here's how Mimiyuuuh's new bedroom will look like

MANILA -- Mimiyuuuh is excited to move into his new bedroom. In his latest vlog, the social media star revealed that the unused area on top of his current bedroom will serve as his new space. He gave his fans a glimpse of how it will look like, showing designs provided by his architect and bringing them into the area, See more...

Flight fuel surcharge level increased for March

Travelers should expect higher airfares next month after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) increased the fuel surcharge level for March. In an advisory on Wednesday, the CAB announced that the passenger and cargo fuel surcharge for domestic and international flights was adjusted to Level 7 for March 1 to 31, 2023. CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla said that during the See more...

Globe, Rotary Club of Makati Business District seal partnership for Hapag Movement

MANILA -- Telecommunications company Globe has signed a four-year partnership with the Rotary Club of Makati Business District (RCMBD) on Tuesday to raise funds for its hunger alleviation program Hapag Movement. In ceremonies at The Globe Tower in Taguig, Globe group chief sustainability and corporate communications officer Yoly Crisanto, Rotary Club of Makati Business District (RCMBD) charter president Mache Torres See more...

Gracenote celebrates 15th anniversary with new single 'Tigil'

MANILA -- OPM band Gracenote celebrated its 15th anniversary with a new single "Tigil." The new song is the follow-up to "Content Ako Sa'yo," the band's third collaboration song with Chito Miranda of Parokya Ni Edgar. Written by Eunice Jorge, "Tigil" tackles about how to stop and get out of a toxic relationship. Through the song, she wants See more...

PCG rescues 8 stranded tourists in Badoc Island

Eight tourists who were stranded on Badoc Island in Ilocos Norte were rescued by members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). In a statement released Wednesday, the coast guard personnel said they recovered the distressed tourists early Tuesday after they got stuck on the island over the weekend. An initial investigation showed the victims rented two motorbancas to reach Badoc See more...

SpaceX says Starlink now available in the Philippines

American tech billionaire Elon Musk’s SpaceX on Wednesday announced that its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet service Starlink is now available in the Philippines. “Available na ngayon ang Starlink sa Pilipinas,” SpaceX said in a Twitter post. Based on the “Order Starlink” page on Starlink’s website, the Philippines is highlighted among the countries around the world where the LEO See more...

Four-day working week 'more productive' — UK study

LONDON, United Kingdom - A four-day working week is more productive for most staff and companies than the traditional five days, one of the biggest trials of its kind conducted in the UK reported on Tuesday. Over 60 firms in Britain took part in the six-month experiment allowing almost 3,000 employees to work one day less per week while retaining See more...

Ejercito suggests command center, scanning system for PNP checkpoints

Senator JV Ejercito on Wednesday suggested that a command center and a scanning system for Philippine National Police (PNP) checkpoints be set up, saying this could more easily apprehend violators and avoid discrimination against motorcycle riders. During the Senate committee hearing on justice and human rights, Ejercito said creating a command center to be used by the PNP and the See more...

Red tide toxin detected in parts of Masbate, Capiz, and other areas —BFAR

Toxic red tide beyond the regulatory limit has been detected in parts of Masbate, Capiz, and other areas, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said. The BFAR said in its February 21 bulletin that the toxic red tide or paralytic shellfish poison has been detected in shellfish collected and tested from the following areas: "All See more...

Severe form of mpox identified in advanced HIV cases: study

PARIS, France - Researchers said Tuesday they have identified a particularly severe form of mpox in people with advanced HIV which had a death rate of 15 percent among patients with AIDS. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has long been endemic in several African countries but started spreading across the world last May, overwhelmingly affecting men who have sex with See more...

CA OKs appointments of PH envoy to New Zealand, 14 DFA execs

The Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed on Wednesday the nomination of the Philippine ambassador to New Zealand and the ad interim appointments of 14 Department of Foreign Affairs officials. The approval came after the CA committee on foreign affairs endorsed the following appointments to the plenary: Deferred The CA panel also tackled the nomination of Bienvenido Villamor Tejano as Ambassador See more...

LOOK: Andrea Brillantes rocks viral 'big red boots'

MANILA -- Andrea Brillantes shows us how to rock the "big red boots" that have been all over social media. The popular red footwear, literally called the Big Red Boot, is created by an American company called MSCHF. It supposedly takes inspiration from the Japanese superhero character Astro Boy. On Instagram, Brillantes shared how she styled the bold and See more...

Darren Espanto honored to be 'Tawag ng Tanghalan' judge

MANILA -- Kapamilya singer Darren Espanto on Tuesday expressed his gratitude to be a judge of "Tawag ng Tanghalan" of ABS-CBN's noontime program "It's Showtime." "I AM NOW A TNT HURADO! Thank you po for welcoming me, Showtime Fam! It’s both an honor and a pleasure," he said in an Instagram post. On Tuesday, Espanto was introduced as the See more...

Ginang na mamamalengke, patay matapos pagbabarilin sa Laguna

Patay sa tama ng mga bala sa katawan ang isang ginang matapos pagbabarilin habang papunta sa palengke sa Cabuyao City, Laguna. Sa ulat ni Paul Hernandez sa GMA Regional TV "Balitang Southern Tagalog" nitong Martes, kinilala ang biktima na si Maricel Reston, 38-anyos. Ayon sa pulisya, kasama ni Reston ang kaniyang mister nitong hatinggabi ng Lunes nang lapitan sila ng See more...

6th HERO Golf Cup set for March 3, 2023

Tee off and be a hero to our heroes' children in the 6th HERO Golf Cup. The HERO Golf Cup is an annual charity golf tournament organized by the HERO (Help Educate and Rear Orphans) Foundation, Inc. Now on its 6th year, all proceeds of the tournament will go to help fund the educational needs of orphaned children and dependent See more...

Palace to review additional functions given to LGUs under Mandanas ruling

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said his administration is looking to rationalize the functions and responsibilities of local government units to ensure that cities and municipalities would have enough funds to carry out pet projects. The administration is reviewing Executive Order 138 which “defines the different functions of government and local government” before the Mandanas ruling fully See more...

PH, US defense chiefs discuss China laser incident in West Philippine Sea

Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Wednesday spoke with his US counterpart, Lloyd Austin III, to discuss "concerning developments" in the South China Sea. In a statement, Pentagon Press Secretary Brigadier General Pat Ryder said among the topics tackled was the Feb. 6 incident in Ayungin Shoal where the Chinese coast guard pointed a military grade laser at a Philippine See more...

Canada to cut work experience requirement for caregivers by half

ith a backlog of more than 360,000 applications for permanent residence, of which many are from caregivers, the Canadian government will start implementing a faster pathway for caregivers to get landed status. Filipino Canadian Member of Parliament Rechie Valdez announced that effective April 30 this year, the qualification period for caregivers to become permanent residents will be reduced from 24 See more...

DTI's Pascual says businesses ready for RCEP

Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual believes local businesses are ready for the trading arrangements that will come with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, markedly after Senate's concurrence with the country's participation in the mega free trade deal. In a virtual briefing, Pascual said he believes that businesses have already been anticipating the country’s participation in the RCEP, See more...

Marcos orders revision of scientific career system's rules: Palace

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has issued an executive order revising the implementing rules and regulations of the Scientific Career System, Malacañang said on Wednesday. In signing Executive Order No. 17, Marcos said updating the system was important so it could respond “to the evolving needs of the country’s science and technology human resources in government service.” The See more...

Marcos abolishes DOF's one-stop-shop tax center due to 'rightsizing, scams': Palace

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has signed an administrative order abolishing the Department of Finance's "one-stop shop" tax center as part of his administration's "rightsizing." Administrative Order No. 4 transferred the processing and issuing of tax clearance certificates to the Bureau of Internal Revenue, while duty drawbacks were transferred to the Bureau of Customs. The One-Stop Inter-Agency See more...

Marcos orders abolition of DOF's One-Stop Shop Center

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has ordered the abolition of the Department of Finance's One-Stop-Shop Inter-Agency Tax Credit and Duty Drawback Center (OSS Center) as part of his administration's rightsizing policy. Through Administrative Order No. 4, Marcos said it is the policy of the national government to rationalize the functional structures of agencies with complementary mandates and promote coordination efficiency See more...

6 sugatan sa aksidente sa QC

Sugatan ang anim katao, kabilang ang limang pasahero at driver, nang bumangga ang sinasakyang jeep sa isang construction supplies store sa Kamuning, Quezon City. Sa ulat ni Darlene Cay sa Unang Balita nitong Miyerkoles, ikinuwento ng driver na si Joel Guevarra na tinatahak niya ang Kamuning Road galing EDSA bandang 4 a.m. nang may bigla umanong nag-cut sa kaniya na See more...

Game on: Sony re-enters VR headset fray

PARIS - Consumer tech giant Sony is launching a virtual reality (VR) headset for its PlayStation on Wednesday, six and a half years after its last attempt to crack a market that is still struggling to gain a wide public following. The devices have periodically generated huge excitement in the geekier fringes of the tech and business spheres, with Facebook's See more...

Food vlogger, arestado nang mahulihan ng higit P40K halaga ng marijuana sa QC

Dinakip ang isang food vlogger at kasama niyang tulak matapos silang mahulihan ng marijuana umano na nagkakahalaga ng P44,400 sa Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City. Sa ulat ni James Agustin sa Unang Balita nitong Miyerkoles, sinabing inaresto ang tulak umano na si Gian Kalvert Paz at ang kabarkada niyang food vlogger na si Cassius Labatete. Nakuha sa kanila ang 370 See more...

Lucas Garcia releases heartbreaking song 'Kapatawaran'

MANILA -- Former "Idol Philippines" contestant Lucas Garcia has released a new single, the self-penned "Kapatawaran," which is now available on digital platforms. “This song is about letting go of someone not because he or she did you wrong, but because you are simply not ready. It’s like having the right love at the wrong time. It is filled with See more...

Crew stuck on ISS to return to Earth in September — Russia

MOSCOW - Russia's space agency on Tuesday said that the crew stuck on the International Space Station because of a damaged capsule were now expected to return to Earth in September, a year after they first launched into orbit. Russian cosmonauts Dmitry Petelin and Sergei Prokopyev and NASA astronaut Frank Rubio flew to the ISS in September 2022 aboard a See more...

Sara Duterte to town mayors: Don’t meddle in appointment of teachers

Vice President Sara Duterte urged local chief executives to steer clear of the appointment process of public schools teachers in their respective municipalities and respect the ranking system of educators. Duterte, who concurrently sits as Department of Education Secretary, issued the appeal as she recognized the role of the town mayors in shaping an “inclusive and resilient growth” during the See more...

Erwin Tulfo eyed as nominee after ACT-CIS solon quits —House sources

One of the three representatives of the ACT-CIS party-list to the House of Representatives has resigned, House Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe announced at Wednesday’s plenary session. Dalipe said he made a motion to accept Jeffrey Soriano’s resignation and drop him from the roll of House members after the latter informed Speaker Martin Romualdez of his decision. Dalipe's motion was carried See more...

Amihan to bring rain over parts of Luzon on Ash Wednesday

The northeast monsoon or amihan will bring cloudy skies and rains over various areas in Luzon on Wednesday, PAGASA reported. Cagayan Valley, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Ifugao 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. Palawan, Visayas, and Mindanao will have See more...

What New Zealand gov’t advises its citizens traveling to Manila

MANILA - New Zealanders traveling to parts of the Philippines, including Metro Manila, have been advised to “exercise increased caution” due to various reasons such as “violent crime,” according to the prevailing advisory of their government. The advisory, checked by ABS-CBN News on the official website of New Zealand’s foreign ministry two days after a tourist from the Pacific country See more...

JC Regino dedicates self-composed song 'Idolo' to the supporters of the April Boys

Singer-songwriter JC Regino, the only son of hitmaker "Idol" April Boy Regino, collaborates with April Boy’s two brothers Vingo and Jimmy in releasing the latest single under GMA Music titled ‘Idolo.’ JC wrote the song six months after April Boy passed away, but he wasn’t able to finish it. Then after JC’s birthday last year, he was missing his dad See more...

26 suspected Chinese militia, coast guard vessels spotted near Ayungin Shoal — PCG

At least 26 suspected Chinese maritime militia and coast guard vessels have been spotted near Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). According to the PCG, photos from its Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight confirmed the continued presence of 26 suspected Chinese maritime militia and Chinese Coast Guard within the country’s maritime domain. See more...

Narwhals' climate-vulnerable winter feeding crucial for survival: study

PARIS, France - Narwhals are likely more dependent on fat reserves and abundant prey in climate-threatened winter habitats than previously thought, researchers said Wednesday, warning of severe risks posed by global warming. Scientists studying the long-horned marine mammals in the fjords off the eastern coast of Greenland during the summer found narwhals were largely unsuccessful in capturing prey. See more...

Dionne Monsanto returns to acting in 'Unbreak My Heart'

Two years after announcing her showbiz retirement, Dionne Monsanto is making a return to acting as she joins the cast of “Unbreak My Heart.” Monsanto was included in the list of stars who will be part of the historic series bannered by Kapamilya stars Jodi Sta. Maria and Joshua Garcia and Kapuso talents Richard Yap and Gabbi Garcia. On See more...

Heads up! Starlink now available in Philippines, says Elon Musk's SpaceX

MANILA - SpaceX on Wednesday said its low-earth satellite broadband internet service called Starlink is now live in the Philippines. Elon Musk's space exploration firm's Starlink uses a network of low-earth orbit satellites to provide connectivity especially to remote areas that cannot be reached by traditional connectivity such as fiber. Starlink collaborated with regulators and the government during the previous See more...

Scientists unlock secrets of Earth's wickedly hot innermost realm

WASHINGTON - In Jules Verne's classic 1864 novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth," adventurers descend through an Icelandic volcano into a vast underground world populated by prehistoric creatures as they explore our planet's interior. The actual center of the Earth is nothing like this fanciful depiction - and in some ways is even more dramatic. Researchers on Tuesday See more...

After years in pandemic, traditional Ash Wednesday rituals finally return

MANILA — As Filipino Catholics mark the beginning of Lent with the observance of Ash Wednesday, more traditional practices have returned after years of tweaked rituals to arrest the spread of COVID-19. At the Manila Cathedral, Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula led the Holy Mass with the imposition of ashes. In his homily, the cardinal reminded the faithful that See more...

Senate OK of RCEP draws high hopes from economic leaders

Positive expectations ran high among economic managers on Wednesday after Philippine Senate's concurrence with the Marcos administration's participation in Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a mega free trade deal. Late on Tuesday, senators voted for Resolution No. 485 concurring with the ratification of the trade agreement, with only one "no" vote, and one abstention. Senator Risa Hontiveros voted See more...

Charter change resolution reaches House plenary

The Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 calling for a constitutional convention (con-con) to amend the 1987 Constitution has reached the plenary of the House of Representatives just two days after it was approved at the committee level. Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez, chairperson of the constitutional amendments panel, sponsored the measure on Wednesday. Rodriguez said now is the See more...

Pagpapahid ng abo sa noo sa Ash Wednesday, balik na ulit

Ibinalik na ang nakaugaliang pagpapahid ng abo sa noo ngayong Ash Wednesday, matapos itong matigil noong mga nakaraang taon dahil sa banta ng COVID-19. Hindi tulad noong kasagsagan ng pandemya na ibinubudbod lang sa ulo ang abo, ibinalik na ang tradisyonal na pagpapahid ng abo sa noo sa paggunita ng Ash Wednesday, na hudyat ng pagsisimula ng 40 araw na See more...

Agri problems not due to imports; RCEP has 'immediate' benefits: economist

MANILA - The Philippines' agricultural problems are not due to imports, Foundation for Economic Freedom President Calixto Chikiamco said on Wednesday, as he allayed fears that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) would hurt farmers. The country has very low agricultural productivity which can be addressed by a series of reforms, Chikiamco told Teleradyo. Among the areas of focus include See more...

EU lawmakers meet with Philippine senators on Duterte drug war

MANILA — Representatives from the European Parliament (EP) met with Philippine senators on Wednesday, with both parties maintaining their opposing positions on the Duterte adminstration's bloody drug war. EP vice chairperson of the subcommittee on human rights Hannah Neumann told reporters that they had an "open and critical discussion" on the matter with their Philippine counterparts: Senators Francis Tolentino, Ronald See more...

Cha-cha not dependent on president's endorsement —Padilla

Amending the 1987 Constitution is not dependent on the endorsement of the sitting president, Senator Robin Padilla, one of the proponents of Charter change in the Senate, said Wednesday. During the Kapihan sa Manila Bay, Padilla, who chairs the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, pointed out that Charter change did not pass during the previous Congress See more...

Higher airfares loom as Civil Aeronautics Board raises fuel surcharge level

MANILA - Airfares may become more expensive in the coming months after the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) on Wednesday adjusted the fuel surcharge imposed on airlines. From March 1 to 31, the fuel surcharge will be at level 7, CAB said in an advisory. For domestic flights, passengers will only be charged a fuel surcharge of ₱219 to ₱739, depending See more...

Senate names members of RCEP oversight panel

The Senate on Wednesday named the members of an oversight panel authorized to closely monitor the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) following the senators' concurrence to its ratification on Tuesday evening. During session, Senator Sonny Angara announced Senate President Pro-Tempore Loren Legarda will serve as chairperson of the Senate Special Oversight Committee on RCEP. Other members of the panel for See more...

Marcos orders revision of scientific career system IRR

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has directed the revision of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the scientific career system. Through Executive Order No. 17, the President said there is a need to update the existing implementing rules and regulations of the scientific order system to respond “to the evolving needs of the country’s science and technology human resources See more...

PNP cracking down vs unauthorized selling of police uniform after Aparri vice mayor ambush

MANILA — Police chief Rodolfo Azurin, Jr. has ordered their cybercrime personnel to ramp up efforts against unauthorized stores or individuals selling their uniforms. The vice mayor of Aparri, Cagayan and five of his companions were killed in an ambush in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya earlier this week, suspects of which were seen what seemed to be police uniforms. See more...

Billy Crawford, Dolly de Leon lead NCCA's Ani ng Dangal 2023 awardees

MANILA — Actress Dolly de Leon and dancer-host Billy Crawford led this year’s Ani ng Dangal recipients of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). More than 33 artists in the fields of architecture and allied arts, literary arts, music, visual arts, and cinema were chosen to be honored in the event for National Arts Month. See more...

Philippines to follow up on renewal of GSP+ with EU Parliament officials

The Philippines will follow up on the renewal of the Generalized System of Preference Plus (GSP+) trade agreement with the European Union this week as the ongoing arrangement is set to lapse by the end of the year. The GSP+ will be one of the subjects discussed with members of the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights (EP DROI) during See more...

Severe form of mpox identified in advanced HIV cases —study

PARIS — Researchers said Tuesday they have identified a particularly severe form of mpox in people with advanced HIV which had a death rate of 15 percent among patients with AIDS. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has long been endemic in several African countries but started spreading across the world last May, overwhelmingly affecting men who have sex with men. See more...

DA exec Panganiban deemed ES memo a sugar order, told firms to import

Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban said he proceeded with an immediate importation of sugar as he considered a memorandum released by the Office of the Executive Secretary a sugar order. In a news briefing, Panganiban said he “acted with haste” in the importation of sugar given the high inflation rates being recorded in the country. “In response to the directive See more...

Gab Chee Kee ng Parokya ni Edgar, nakalabas na ng ICU

Inilabas na ng Intensive Care Unit ang gitarista ng Parokya ni Edgar na si Gab Chee Kee na naospital dahil sa pneumonia. Sa update ng OPM band sa Instagram nitong Miyerkules, makikita na may hawak na gitara si Gab habang nasa hospital bed pero hindi kita ang kaniyang mukha. Una rito, na-diagnosed si Gab na may lymphoma noong nakaraang taon See more...

Michelle Dee, sinabing hindi siya ‘privileged’ kid taliwas sa akala ng iba

Inihayag ni Michelle Dee na taliwas sa iniisip ng ibang tao, hindi siya “privileged” kid at hindi rin naging madali ang kaniyang kabataan. Katunayan, nakaranas umano siya ng racism at na-bully din noong nanirahan siya sa Amerika. Sa special edition na “Back to Back Talk” ng “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” nitong Miyerkoles, tinanong ni Tito Boy si Michelle tungkol See more...

David Licauco and Barbie Forteza to team up again in 'Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko'

"Maria Clara at Ibarra" is ending this week, but don't worry, Team FiLay! You can still watch David Licauco and Barbie Forteza in an upcoming episode of "Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko." GMA Network made the announcement through an Instagram post, with photos showing David and Barbie in a pool. In one photo, the pair held each other close in See more...

Amihan continues to bring rains over Luzon — PAGASA

Rains will continue to persist over massive parts of Luzon due to the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan), PAGASA reported in its 4 p.m. forecast bulletin Wednesday. According to the state weather bureau, the Amihan continues to affect the region and will trigger cloudy skies with rains in Cagayan Valley, Aurora, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Ifugao. Flash floods and landslides are See more...

Wetter storms, deforestation: Manila faces worsening floods

BARAS, Rizal — From her house in a Manila suburb, Rowena Jimenez can't see the bare mountains around the built-up city. But she feels the impact of deforestation every time her living room floods. Slash-and-burn farming, illegal logging, open-pit mining and development fueled by population growth have stripped the once-densely forested Philippines of much of its trees. In Manila, See more...