Here are the latest news and events that happened today, Wednesday, March 01, 2023.

Trans woman among Miss Germany finalists

About 15,000 women nationwide applied to become the next Miss Germany, according to the competition's organizers. The 10 finalists were revealed on Tuesday, and one of them is making headlines: 19-year-old Saskia von Bargen, a trans woman who lives with her parents and three younger sisters in the village of Friedrichsfehn, Lower Saxony. Von Bargen knew from the age of See more...

China manufacturing activity surges in February

BEIJING - China's manufacturing activity surged to its highest reading in more than a decade in February, official figures showed Wednesday, as factories began to return to normal following years of Covid-19 disruption. The world's second-largest economy is stirring back to life after Beijing's decision in December to abruptly drop its strict health measures, which mandated strict lockdowns, travel restrictions See more...

Ayaw sa toxic: Study says jobseekers want work-life balance

MANILA - Majority of Filipino jobseekers are looking not just for stable jobs but also for work-life balance, according to a new study released on Wednesday. A study by Jobstreet titled "What Job Seekers Wish Employers Knew: Unlocking the Future of Recruitment" said at least 73 percent of Filipino jobseekers surveyed want a stable job with work-life balance. This was See more...

Spanish man jailed for hitting wife live on TikTok

MADRID, Spain - A Spanish man who slapped his wife during a TikTok livestream was sentenced on Monday to a year in jail although the victim declined to file a police complaint. A court in the northern city of Soria found the man guilty of violence against women, banned him from coming within 300 meters (1,000 feet) of his wife See more...

Marcos eyes urban farming to address high food prices

MANILA — The Philippine government is pushing for urban farming as part of efforts to address rising food prices and supply shortages, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. said Wednesday. The “Hapag Kay PBBM," launched by the Interior and Agriculture departments at Rizal Park, encourages urban barangays and households to dedicate small patches of land to plant fruits and vegetables. See more...

Security screening officer sa NAIA 'naaktuhan' sa pagnanakaw umano sa banyaga

Isa na namang security screening officer ang naaresto matapos umanong maaktuhang nagnanakaw sa isang banyaga sa Ninoy Aquino Intenational Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 nitong madaling araw ng Miyerkoles. Ayon sa Office for Transportation Security (OTS), inilagay ng Chinese tourist ang relo niya at ibang gamit sa tray pero hindi nito napansin na pinatungan ng screening officer ng isa pang tray See more...

Japan inn 2 beses kada taon lang magpalit ng tubig ng hotspring bath

TOKYO, Japan - Nagpaumanhin ang presidente ng isang tanyag na bahay-panuluyan sa Japan matapos mapag-alamang dalawang beses kada taon lang magpalit ng tubig sa kanilang hotspring bath. Dapat pinapalitan kada linggo ang tubig ng hotspring bath kung saan naliligo nang nakahubad ang mga bisita. Hiwalay ang hotspring bath para sa lalake at babae. Dahil hindi pinapalitan ang tubig, tumaas See more...

141 passengers, crew rescued after ship ran aground in Bohol — PCG

A total of 141 people - 86 passengers and 55 crew - were rescued after their ship ran aground off Talibon, Bohol, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Wednesday. In an incident report, the PCG said the MV Starlite Saturn was traveling Surigao Port en route to Pier 5, Cebu City when it ran aground at 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday. See more...

Malaysia PM Anwar arrives in Philippines for official visit

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrived in the Philippines on Wednesday for a two-day official visit. Several officials of the government welcomed Anwar at the Villamor Airbase, according to Mao dela Cruz’s Super Radyo dzBB report on Wednesday afternoon. He was accompanied by Malaysia's Foreign Affairs minister, Home Affairs minister, and the Entrepreneur and See more...

Rocky leaves ASTRO group

A post shared by ?? (@p_rocky) Sad news for ASTRO fans! Rocky will be leaving the group. Fantagio made the announcement, as Rocky's contract expires with the agency. "We thank Rocky for doing his utmost for a long time as a member of ASTRO, and we will be sincerely rooting for Rocky in the future," read a portion of Fantagio's See more...

House bill seeks additional benefits for former PH presidents

A bill seeking to grant additional benefits, including personal security personnel, to former presidents of the country has been filed in the House of Representatives. Zamboanga del Sur Representatives Divina Yu and Jeyzel Yu made the proposal under House Bill 7231 or Former Presidents Benefits Act, which grants a former president staff members, and an office space provided by the See more...

Marcos highlights role of barangays in sustainable agriculture, addressing hunger

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. underscored the role of barangays in addressing hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture even at the small-scale level. On Wednesday, Marcos graced the launch of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior and Local Government's "Hapag Kay PBBM" or the "Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas At Gulay sa Barangay ProjectKadiwa Ay YamanPlants for Bountiful See more...

DA clears 3 'handpicked' importers to release imported sugar

MANILA—The Department of Agriculture (DA) has directed the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to clear the release of imported sugar by three of its 'handpicked' importers. In an internal memorandum obtained by the media, DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban instructed SRA Administrator David Alba to issue clearances to the warehouses of the three importers. This includes All Asian Countertrade Inc, Edison See more...

NLEX connector España section to open on March 27

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday said the España section of the North-Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Connector would open on March 27. Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the first five-kilometer of the P23.3 billion-worth NLEX Connector España section is now 98% complete. DOTr expects it "to ease the traffic congestion in the metropolis and improve efficiency on the road" with See more...

Cebu Pacific offers P199 seat sale to mark 27th anniv

MANILA - Cebu Pacific said on Wednesday said it is offering a P199 one-way base fare for domestic destinations for the month of March as it celebrates its 27th anniversary. From 10 a.m. on March 1 until March 31, passengers can book flights across the Cebu Pacific domestic network for as low as P199, exclusive of surcharges and fees, See more...

House bill protecting human rights workers hurdles committee level

The House Committee on Human Rights has approved a bill providing safeguards to human rights workers. House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas, one of the authors of the measure, said the House Bill 77 or the proposed Human Rights Defenders Act is in line with the Philippines' position as a signatory of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Philippine See more...

Herlene Budol, nagkuwento tungkol sa mga muntikan niyang makarelasyon

Ngayon na isa nang aktres at beauty queen, inihayag ni Herlene Budol na bonus na lamang para sa kaniya ang love life. Gayunman, ibinahagi din niya ang kaunting detalye tungkol sa mga kamuntik na niyang makarelasyon. "Para sa akin bonus na lang po 'yan [love life] eh. Pipiliin ko po 'yung taong palagi akong pinipili," sagot ni Herlene nang tanungin See more...

DOST, TESDA offer courses for data analysts as demand seen to increase

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) will offer free online training courses for data analysts amid the increase in demand for such professionals. According to JP Soriano’s report on “24 Oras,” many jobs are available to fill by unemployed Filipinos, especially in the data science and analytics sector, but the skills See more...

Week-long transport strike to push through, says group

The week-long transport holiday being organized by transportation groups will push through despite the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board's (LTFRB) decision to extend the deadline for jeepney operators to join or form cooperatives to December 31, 2023. “Isa lang ang sasabihin ko, tuloy po ang tigil-pasada,” Mar Valbuena, chairperson of the transport group Manibela, said in an interview over See more...

CHR condemns killing of Lipa City barangay chairperson

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Wednesday condemned the killing of a barangay chairperson in Lipa City, Batangas, over the weekend. In a statement, CHR Commissioner Faydah Dumarpa expressed alarm over the violent attack against Vivencio Palacio, saying his case is a "recent addition to the already distressing series of violence against government officials this 2023." "As an See more...

Society of Filipino Film Critics picks '12 Weeks' as 2022 best film

MANILA -- The Cinemalaya film "12 Weeks" was named by the Society of Filipino Film Critics (SFFR) as the best Filipino film of 2022 in its 3rd Pinoy Rebyu Awards. The film by Anna Isabelle Matutina about a woman facing personal and professional crises surrounding her sudden pregnancy also won best screenplay. Max Eigenmann and Claudia Enriquez also took home See more...

4th-generation Geric Chua leads Eng Bee Tin's expansion

MANILA -- Eng Bee Tin has undoubtedly become a byword in the food industry. However, not many know its actual meaning, even after more than a century in the market. “Forever, beautiful, precious” is how the Chinese Eng Bee Tin is translated in English. Fourth-generation businessman Geric Chua started working for the family business early on. When he was See more...

Security Bank nets P10.6B in 2022

Security Bank Corp. reported a 53% increase in its bottom line for the previous year, which it attributed to the growth in its core businesses and lower credit provisions. In an emailed statement, Security Bank said its net income rose to P10.6 billion, as total revenues recorded an annual growth of 8% to P39.6 billion. The net interest margin fell See more...

Airline websites swamped as Hong Kong ticket giveaway takes off

HONG KONG - People hoping to take advantage of a Hong Kong scheme to give away half a million free airline tickets faced hours-long online queues on Wednesday, as the Asian financial hub bids to woo tourists back. The city last month launched a campaign to reboot its reputation as "Asia's world city", after years of strict pandemic-related travel restrictions See more...

Aso, tila nagtatampo at nagsusumbong kapag hindi nabigyan ng pagkain

Kinagiliwan ng netizens ang isang aso na tila nagtatampo at marunong magsumbong sa kaniyang amo kapag hindi ito nabibigyan ng pagkain. Sa ulat ng Unang Balita nitong Miyerkoles, mapapanood sa video ang asong si RC na naghihintay na mabigyan ng pagkain ng boardmate ng kaniyang amo. Pero abala sa paglalaro ang lalaki kaya hindi nito mabigyan ng pagkain si RC. See more...

Bill on VAT refund for tourists approved on 2nd reading

MANILA -- The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading House Bill 7292, creating a VAT refund mechanism for non-resident tourists. According to its Congressional fact sheet submitted by the Committee on Ways and Means, the bill allows foreign tourists to claim a VAT refund on purchased goods worth at least P3,000 per transaction from accredited retailers. It See more...

Zubiri favors new EDCA sites amid 'bullying' in WPS

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Wednesday said he is in favor of the establishment of new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites amid "bullying" in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). "I have no problem with EDCA sites. This issue came about because of our problem in the West Philippine Sea," Zubiri said in an interview with reporters. "Siguro kung See more...

PNP receives $3M worth of counter-terror gear from US

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday received counter-terrorism equipment from the United States (US), including bomb suits and trucks. In a statement, the PNP said the gear came from the Office of Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) Program of the Diplomatic Security Services (DSS) of the US Embassy. These sets of equipment include 31 bomb suits, 37 digital SCANX, 40 X-ray See more...

LTFRB extends franchise of traditional jeeps to December 31, 2023

On the same day that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that the planned modernization of jeepneys is not "urgent" and amid the planned week-long holiday being planned by transportation groups, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Wednesday announced that it will again extend the June 30 deadline for jeepney operators to form cooperatives to December 31, 2023. See more...

Labi ng 3 sakay ng bumagsak na Cessna plane sa Albay, maibababa na

Anumang oras Miyorkeles ng gabi ay maibaba na ang mga labi ng tatlong sakay ng bumagsak na eroplano sa Albay, ayon kay Camalig Mayor Carlos Baldo Jr. Sa isinagawang press conference ngayong gabi, sinabi ni Baldo Jr. na matagumpay ang kanilang ginagawang retrieval operations. Ang natitira namang isang labi ay maaring Huwebes ng umaga na maibaba. Dagdag ng alkalde, hindi See more...

House OKs bill creating evacuation centers in every city, municipality

MANILA — The House of Representatives approved on second reading House Bill 7354, establishing evacuation centers in every city and municipality. According to its congressional fact sheet, the bill establishes an evacuation center in every city and municipality in the country that shall provide immediate and temporary accommodation for people who have been displaced or evacuated from their homes due See more...

House OKs bill seeking to expand ODA portfolio

MANILA - The House of Representatives has approved Wednesday on second reading House Bill 7311, setting standards for the contracting of loans and grants with bilateral and multilateral partners. According to its congressional fact sheet, the bill will expand the country's Official Development Assistance (ODA) portfolio which it said is critical to fiscal stability and funding of long-term priorities. The See more...

Philippines eyes resumption of free trade deal talks with EU

STO. TOMAS, Batangas — The Philippines is eyeing to return to the negotiating table for the possible free trade agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU), Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said Wednesday. Last week, members of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Human Rights (EP DROI) went on a three-day visit to the Philippines, during which they made a courtesy call See more...

Shopping shorts: New clothes, jewelry, and more

MANILA -- Check out some of the latest news in the local retail scene. These are not endorsed by ABS-CBN News. ADIDAS BASKETBALL'S 2023 COLLECTION: CHAPTER 02 Adidas Basketball recently unveiled The 2023 Collection: Chapter 02, the category’s second installment of premium offerings. The collection includes shoes, hoodies, tops, shorts, and bottoms in a new palette. The color refresh features See more...

AyalaLand, Makati Business Club, Make it Safer Makati agree to retain protected bikes lanes

MANILA -- Cyclists once again gathered along Paseo de Roxas in Makati city Wednesday afternoon as a celebration of sorts after AyalaLand agreed to retain the protected bike lanes along Ayala Avenue. In a joint statement last February 23, the AyalaLand, Makati Business Club and the Make It Safer Makati movement agreed to maintain the protected bike lanes and See more...

Abalos on efforts vs. big drug groups: Record will speak for itself

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos cites the recent number of illegal drugs confiscated by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in its efforts to go after syndicates and not just small suspects. “I think the record will speak for itself for the PNP. We have about close to P11.3 billion as of now in terms of achievement,” he told See more...

Bibe sa Rizal, nakakain nga ba ng antigong ginto na piloncitos?

Dahil sa biglang pagkamatay ng alagang bibe, naisipan ng isang lalaki sa Rodriguez, Rizal na katayin ang hayop at kainin para hindi masayang. At laking gulat niya nang makita sa loob ng bibe ang dalawang piraso ng maliit na bagay na bilog at kulay ginto. Kuwento ni John Airick Santos, may-ari ng bibe, sa "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," nagsagawa See more...

Jason Dy drops first single under Star Music on showbiz anniversary

MANILA – Just in time for his eighth anniversary in showbiz, Jason Dy released his new song “Ulit-ulit,” his first project as the newest member of ABS-CBN’s Star Music family. The singer-songwriter launched the single on March 1, or exactly eight years after he began his showbiz career. The R&B dance track is about one’s frustration over repeated arguments in See more...

DOTr: 25 drivers complete 'Tsuper Iskolar' program in Caraga

A total of 25 scholars have graduated from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Driving NCII under the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) Tsuper Iskolar Program. According to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Caraga Region, the program was held at Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, last February 22, 2023. Twenty-four scholars were from Caraga Butuan Transport Service See more...

Father in Cebu faces raps for punching daughter's date

A 16-year-old in Carcar City, Cebu was punched several times and hit with a hard object by the father of his date, according to the report of Fem Dumaboc for GMA Regional TV "Balitang Bisdak" on "Saksi" on Tuesday. The incident occurred in a coffee shop and was caught on video. The young man was seen badly injured. Carcar City See more...

Philippines logs 121 new COVID-19 cases; active tally at 9,230

The Philippines reported 121 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, bringing the active tally to 9,230. Data from the Department of Health shows that the new infections pushed the nationwide case count to 4,076,418 while the number of active cases climbed from 9,225 on Tuesday. The National Capital Region had the highest number of new infections in the past two weeks See more...

Richard Yap, Jodi Sta. Maria bond in Europe

Who else is so happy to see Richard Yap and Jodi Sta. Maria together again? Richard and Jodi are one blooming pair as they explore Europe in between filming “Unbreak My Heart.” On Instagram, Richard shared a photo of Jodi joining him and his wife Melody, their daughter Ashley Sandrine, Kapamilya actor Jeremiah Lisbo and Kate Valenzuela of KreativDen See more...

Amihan to continue bringing rains in Luzon

Parts of Luzon may continue to experience rains due to the effect of the northeast monsoon (Amihan), state weather bureau PAGASA reported on Wednesday. According to its 4 p.m. bulletin, cloudy skies with rains is forecast over Cagayan Valley, Aurora, Quezon, Marinduque, Romblon, and Oriental Mindoro while partly cloudy to cloudy skies with light rains may prevail in Metro Manila See more...

Dela Rosa: ICC probe, PRRD's exit weaken gov't anti-drug drive

Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa said Wednesday the government's anti-illegal drugs campaign has become less vigorous due to the International Criminal Court's investigation, and the exit of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD). Dela Rosa made the statement at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, devoted to discussing recent seizures of illegal drugs. "It takes the whole PNP to really See more...

Abalos orders probe into the death of Adamson student found in Imus

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Wednesday ordered an investigation into the death of a student who was found in a shallow grave in Imus. “Papaimbestigahan kaagad natin 'to at aalamin kung ano ang mga circumstances dito. Any forms of violence na ganto ang nangyayari, namamatay, dapat paimbestigahan natid kaagad ito,” he told reporters in an ambush interview. See more...

Defense officials asked to justify 4 new EDCA sites, 'non-consultation' with locals

MANILA -- Some senators and local government executives on Wednesday sought explanation from Defense officials regarding its plan to construct 4 more military bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States. During the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing led by Sen. Imee Marcos, officials from the Department of National Defense (DND), Armed See more...

PSBank nets P3.86B in 2022, up 139%

Metrobank Groups’ thrift banking arm Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) saw its bottom line grow more than two folds in 2022. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday, PSBank reported a record-high net income of P3.68 billion, up 139% from P1.54 billion in 2021. The thrift bank attributed its strong financial performance last year to higher loan demand, See more...

Maaksyong habulan ng 2 kotse, nahuli-cam sa Sampaloc, Maynila

Sapul sa CCTV ang maaksyong habulan ng dalawang kotse sa Sampaloc, Maynila. Sa ulat ng Unang Balita nitong Miyerkoles, sinabing bago ang habulan nagkabanggaan na pala ang dalawang kotse. Tumakas umano ang isa kaya nagkahabulan. Sa ulat ni Nico Waje, makikita sa video na hinahabol ng grey na koste ang isang pulang kotse. Sa isa pang anggulo ng CCTV, See more...

Amihan to bring rain over parts of Luzon, Visayas

The northeast monsoon or amihan will bring cloudy skies and rain over parts of Luzon and Visayas on Wednesday, PAGASA reported. Eastern Visayas, Sorsogon, and Masbate will have cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms brought about by the northeast monsoon. Flash floods or landslides may result due to moderate to at times heavy rains. Cagayan Valley, the rest See more...

Comelec en banc affirms junking of DQ case vs. Raffy Tulfo

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc has affirmed the junking of the disqualification case against Senator Raffy Tulfo. This, after the Comelec en banc dismissed the motion for reconsideration filed by Julieta Licup Pearson last February 28. Pearson is the same person who filed a petition seeking to cancel Tulfo's certificate of candidacy for the 2022 senatorial race. "In See more...

Japan: As of now, no talks on joint patrols with Australia, PH, US

There are still no talks as regards joint patrols in the South China Sea by Japan, Australia, the United States and the Philippines, the Japanese embassy in Manila has said. The Japanese embassy made the statement after Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said, "meetings have already been set and probably may have the Japanese and the See more...

‘Zsazsa Zaturnnah’ shows fight for LGBT rights is far from over, Adrian Lindayag says

MANILA -- Ateneo Blue Repertory's new staging of the musical "Zsazsa Zaturnnah" serves as a reminder that the fight for LGBT rights is far from over, actor Adrian Lindayag said Tuesday. In a press conference, Lindayag said that the musical would look back on how the LGBT fought for their lives in a backward society. "Siguro para sa henerasyon See more...

Mananaya, nanalo ng mahigit P50-M jackpot sa Lotto 6/42

Nasolo ng isang mananaya ang mahigit P50 milyon jackpot prize sa Lotto 642 draw nitong Martes, Pebrero 28. Sa Facebook page ng Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), sinabing nagwagi ang mananaya ng P50,796,013.00 matapos tumumpak sa mga lumabas na numerong 26-14-11-08-07-22. Wagi naman ang 125 mananaya ng second prize na P24,000, habang 4,219 mananaya ang wagi ng P800 para sa See more...

Lexi Gonzales says she entered showbiz to help her single mom, brother with autism

Lexi Gonzales said she persevered to enter show business to help her single mom and her younger brother, who has autism. In Wednesday's episode of "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," the "Underage" star said she couldn't bear to see her mother struggle raising her and her brother. "I understand how hard it was for her kaya I really did my See more...

Braso na may tattoo, nakita sa loob ng pating sa Argentina

Laking gulat ng dalawang mangingisda nang makita nila ang bahagi ng katawan ng tao--kasama ang braso na may tattoo-- sa loob ng pating na kanilang nahuli sa Argentina. Sa ulat ng Agence France-Presse, sinabing dahil sa pagkakahuli sa pating, nasagot din ang misteryo tungkol sa isang lalaki na 10 araw nang nawawala. Ayon sa awtoridad, huling nakitang buhay noong Pebrero See more...

'Dirty Linen': Paano pinapakalma ng karakter ni Dolly de Leon si Alexa

MAYNILA -- Naging susi ang karakter ni Dolly de Leon sa pagpapakalma kay Alexa (Janine Gutierrez) sa latest episode ng "Dirty Linen" nitong Martes. Hindi mapakali sa kanyang pagkakakulong, inalala ni Alexa ang mga panahon na kasama pa ang ina noon. Sa isang flashback, kasama ng batang Alexa si Olivia (de Leon) at pinapatahan siya sa gitna ng malakas na See more...

JaneNella represents 'new generation', Darna stars say on 'unexpected' love team

MANILA, Philippines -- Darna co-stars Jane de Leon and Janella Salvador know they subverted expectations by developing not just a close friendship, but an "unexpected" love team during the course of the Filipino superhero series. The pair appears in the cover of MEGA Entertainment's March 2023 issue, where they noted that they were being compared against each other even before See more...

Megawide, Singapore's EDC to build PH data center

MANILA - Megawide Construction Corp said on Wednesday it signed a shareholders' agreement with Singapore-based Evolution Data Centers to design, build and operate a carrier-neutral data center in the Philippines. The project involves the long-term development of a 69MW data center in Cavite, with Phase 1 covering a 23MW, spread over 5 years inside a 4-hectare property with an See more...

PCG monitoring, ready for possible oil spill from sunken tanker off Mindoro —spox

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is monitoring for possible oil spill from the motor tanker carrying 800,000 liters of industrial fuel oil that sank off Naujan, Oriental Mindoro on Tuesday, an official said Wednesday. Interviewed on Dobol B TV, PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said they have deployed one of their vessels, BRP Melchora Aquino, to the area to See more...

House OKs Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers on second reading

The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved the Magna Carta for Filipino Seafarers on second reading. House Bill 7325 provides for the standard employment contract of the seafarer, which contains the terms and conditions of employment duly approved by the Department of Migrant Workers, as well as requiring shipowners to provide decent accommodations and recreational facilities onboard ships in accordance See more...

Marcos, Malaysia PM Anwar meet in Malacañang for bilateral talks

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrived at Malacañang Palace on Wednesday afternoon for a bilateral meeting with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. Marcos and Anwar are expected to discuss how to further strengthen political, economic and security ties between their two countries, as well as pressing regional and global issues. According to Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Marcos and Anwar See more...

Joshua Garcia, Andrea Brillantes team up for project

MANILA -- Kapamilya stars Joshua Garcia and Andrea Brillantes will be teaming up for a special project, the actress revealed Wednesday. In an Instagram post, Brillantes expressed her excitement to work with Garcia. "Secret’s out! I can finally share that I've been working with @garciajoshuae for a special project!" Brillantes said in the caption. "He’s an amazing actor, super See more...

Medical helicopter on way to Palawan with 5 on board reported missing - CAAP

MANILA (UPDATED) — A medical evacuation flight with 5 persons aboard was reported missing Wednesday morning, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said. The helicopter took off at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday to pick up a female patient, who complained of abdominal pain, in Mangsee Island in Balabac town in Palawan. After fetching the patient, the aircraft left See more...

Marcos says use of biofertilizers to ease concerns on fertilizer supply, high price

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has expressed belief that the use of biofertilizers will ease the concern of the agriculture sector when it comes to the supply of fertilizers. In a meeting with Agriculture officials on Tuesday, Marcos said the use of biofertilizers would lessen dependence on the more expensive and imported petroleum-based fertilizers. "We are totally dependent on petroleum-based See more...

Travel shorts: Miles giveaway, free flights, and more

MANILA -- Here are some of the latest travel-related announcements and promos. These are not endorsed by ABS-CBN News. 1 MILLION KRISFLYER MILES GIVEAWAY PROMO EastWest and Singapore Airlines have announced the first batch of winners of the 1 Million KrisFlyer miles giveaway promotion among EastWest Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Mastercard cardholders. The 10 winners of 25,000 KrisFlyer miles each See more...

DA launches loan program for onion farmers

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday launched a special loan program for farmers through its Agricultural Credit Policy Council. According to the DA, the beneficiaries are under the Optimization and Resiliency In the Onion Industry Network (ORION). During the launch, the DA handed a P10-million check to the Occidental Mindoro Cooperative Bank and a P3-million check to Rueda Onion See more...

Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association awards 18 members with UNO Award

Manila, Philippines — The Upsilon Sigma Phi Alumni Association (USPAA) recently held its 19th Congress at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman's Bahay ng Alumni on February 18, 2023, and bestowed one of its highest honors, the Upsilonian Noble and Outstanding (UNO) Award, to eighteen fellows. The UNO Award is given to members who have exemplified the fraternity's imperatives See more...

BOC intercepts P10B worth of counterfeit bags, shoes in Binondo

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has intercepted P10 billion worth of counterfeit bags, shoes, and other items in a storage facility in Binondo, Manila. Personnel of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service-Manila International Container Port (CIIS-MICP), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Task Force Aduana of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) raided See more...

Sea ice in Antarctic at record low — US data center

WASHINGTON - Antarctic sea ice likely shrunk to a record low last week, US researchers said Monday, its lowest extent in the 45 years of satellite record-keeping. The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) at the University of Colorado Boulder said that Antarctica's sea ice fell to 1.79 million square kilometers (691,000 million square miles) on February 21. That See more...

House adopts resolution to establish eCongress

The House of Representatives on Tuesday adopted House Concurrent Resolution No. 10 to establish “eCongress” which maintains an integrated and secure digital legislative management system for Congress to improve services to the public. The measure stated that a bicameral Congress “requires close and constant collaboration, coordination, communication, and sharing of knowledge resources and information by and between both chambers.” “The See more...

DA rolls out direct market linkage strategy for onion farmers

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday said it has rolled out a direct market linkage strategy in a bid to stabilize the prices of onion in retail markets and help farmers increase income. In a statement, the DA said that through its Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS), onion growers will be directly linked with market vendors and institutional See more...

Kim Molina grateful for theater comeback with 'Zsazsa Zaturnnah' musical

MANILA -- Actress and singer Kim Molina expressed her gratitude for her theater comeback with Ateneo Blue Repertory's new staging of the musical "Zsazsa Zaturnnah." In a press conference on Tuesday, Molina shared how the musical helped her regain her energy despite the challenges brought up by the COVID-19 pandemic. "It's my comeback and malaki 'to sa 'kin eh. See more...

Marcos hopes transport strike won't push through

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed hope that the week-long transport strike would not push through. Marcos said the government would talk with transport groups to discuss the PUV modernization program. He is hoping that groups will not push through with their plans, as this will adversely affect commuters. "I'm hoping na dito sa mga initiatives na iniisip See more...

Amazing Women: Filipina health professionals bring care to Turkey quake victims

MANILA - Providing health care attuned to the cultural needs of a disaster-hit area was among the achievements of the Philippine humanitarian response team to Turkey this month, according to one of the women physicians who joined the mission. The inclusion of women in the 82-member Philippine inter-agency humanitarian contingent (PIACH) to quake-struck Turkey allowed the group to cater to See more...

D&L’s Batangas facility to start operations in mid-2023

Listed specialty food ingredients and chemicals manufacturer D&L Industries Inc. said Wednesday its new production plant in Tanauan, Batangas, is set to begin operations in the middle of 2023. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, D&L said that with the upcoming opening of its new plant, it is preparing to launch a full range of shelf-ready products for See more...

2 katao, patay sa sunog sa Caloocan City

Dalawa ang patay sa sunog sa isang residential building sa Caloocan City sa bisperas ng fire prevention month. Iniulat in Bam Alegre sa Unang Balita nitong Miyerkoles na dalawang babae ang namatay sa sunog, ang isa 40-anyos, at ang isa sa ay siyam na taong gulang. Ayon ulat, natagpuan ang katawan ng isang biktima sa unang palapag, at ang ikalawa, See more...

Smart submits requested tax documents to Makati LGU

Smart Communications Inc. said it has already submitted the documents requested by the Makati City local government unit (LGU), following the closure order served earlier this week over alleged tax and permit violations. In a statement released Wednesday, Smart said its officials submitted the documents pertaining to outstanding local taxation issues to the Makati City Office of the City Treasurer. See more...

Marcos hits ‘violence’ in school orgs after student dies due to hazing

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday hit student organizations that involved violence in their activities after a student was found dead allegedly due to his fraternity’s initiation rites. John Matthew Salilig’s body was found dead in Laguna yesterday. “John was a child, a brother, a friend, a classmate, and a son of this nation, with a See more...

Lexi Gonzales, pumasok sa showbiz para matulungan ang ina niyang single parent

Emosyonal na ibinahagi ni Lexi Gonzales ang hirap na pinagdaanan ng kaniyang ina na isang solo parent, lalo pa't may autism spectrum disorder ang kaniyang kapatid. Sa "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda" nitong Miyerkoles, sinabi ni Lexi dahil sa kanilang sitwasyon, ginawa niya ang kaniyang makakaya para makapasok sa showbiz at matulungan ang kaniyang ina. "My mom really did her See more...

Medevac helicopter with 5 on board reported missing in Palawan

A medical evacuation helicopter has been reported missing on Wednesday morning, the Civil Aeronautics Authority of the Philippines has said. The CAAP Philippine Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Center said the medevac flight came from Mangsee island in the far southwest portion of Balabac, Palawan. The helicopter was on its way to the Southern Palawan Provincial Hospital in Brooke’s Point when it See more...

Mega Global names new CEO, aims for IPO

STO. TOMAS, Batangas — Food canning giant Mega Global Corp. on Wednesday named its new chief executive officer (CEO) as the firm prepares for a public listing. During the inauguration of its third manufacturing facility here, Mega Global founder and presidentCEO William Tiu Lim announced, "I’m stepping down as CEO of Mega and taking the position of chairman." Tiu Lim See more...

Senators: Adamson student’s death shows weak implementation of Anti-Hazing Law

Several senators on Wednesday called for the full implementation of the Anti-Hazing Law after the death, allegedly due to hazing, of Adamson University student John Matthew Salilig. The lawmakers lamented that while there are enough measures against hazing, this form of violence continues to happen. Salilig's body was found in a shallow grave in Imus, Cavite on Tuesday. Police said See more...

SB19’s Josh releases debut solo single ‘Wild Tonight’

Make way for Josh Cullen! The singer, dancer, and SB19 member released his debut solo single “Wild Tonight” with an intriguing music video, that's totally different from his work with the group. Inspired by vampires, the video is set in a mansion and a nightclub, and has Josh singing about how all eyes are on him, yet he remains unstoppable. See more...

Treasury: Gov’t fiscal deficit down to 7.3% of GDP in 2022

The government’s fiscal deficit relative to the size of the economy declined last year amid higher state collections, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) reported Wednesday. Data released by the BTr showed the national government’s fiscal balance stood at a deficit of P1.6 trillion, down 3.35% from the P1.7-trillion shortfall last year. This is equivalent to 7.33% of gross domestic See more...

Vergeire: Pinoy medical team in Turkey to boost PH's chance in WHO initiative

The deployment of the Philippine medical team to Turkey to provide assistance to earthquake victims would help the Philippines get verified under the World Health Organization's Emergency Medical Teams (WHO-EMT) initiative, Health officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said Wednesday. Vergeire made the remark during the welcoming of the return of the 30-man Philippine Emergency Medical Assistance Team (PEMAT), which was part See more...

Megaworld hopeful to exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2023

Philippine real estate developer Megaworld Corp. said it is optimistic to exceed pre-pandemic numbers this year, following the 7% climb in its bottom line and the double-digit growth in its top line in 2022. In an emailed statement, Megaworld said its net income rose to P15.4 billion from P14.4 billion in the previous year, as consolidated revenues recorded annual growth See more...

Isabela corn farmer enjoys bountiful harvest with LANDBANK’s aid

ILAGAN CITY, Isabela – Born to a family of farmers in the remote barangay of Sindun Bayabo, corn farmer Levy Mateo learned about the value of hard work at a young age. Levy started helping out in their corn fields as a young student and eventually became a full-time farmer. She relied on the three-hectare corn field she inherited from See more...

Brisk daily walk could prevent one in 10 early deaths: study

PARIS, France - One in 10 early deaths could be prevented if everyone engaged in a small amount of daily exercise such as a brisk 11-minute walk, a large study said on Wednesday. Physical activity is known to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer and other leading causes of death, but exactly how much is needed to have an See more...

Hailey Mendes admits she has a crush on 'What We Could Be' co-star Yasser Marta

Hailey Mendes admitted that she has a crush on her fellow Sparkle artist Yasser Marta. On Wednesday's episode of "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda," Hailey and her "Underage" co-stars Lexi Gonzales and Elijah Alejo were asked to reveal each other's crushes. Elijah spilled that Hailey is crushing on Yasser, and Hailey later confirmed it when Tito Boy asked her if See more...

'Dirty Linen': Alexa nagtangkang tumakas sa sabungan

MAYNILA -- Nagtangkang tumakas si Alexa (Janine Gutierrez) sa sabungan ng mga Fiero sa latest episode ng "Dirty Linen" nitong Martes. Dinakip ng mga Fiero si Alexa matapos mabunyag na may kinalaman siya sa porn business ni Ador. Pinaghinalaan din siya na may kaugnayan sa pagsasapubliko ng scandal ng suspek. Habang pinapagalitan ng isa sa mga tauhan ng pamilya, See more...

Ed Sheeran to release '-' album on May 5

English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is set to release his latest album "-" (pronounced as subtract) on May 5. In a lengthy post, Sheeran revealed that he has been working on the album for 10 years. "I had been working on Subtract for a decade, trying to sculpt the perfect acoustic album, writing and recording hundreds of songs with a See more...

House bill granting VAT refund to tourists approved on second reading

The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading a bill granting Value Added Tax (VAT) refund for outbound tourists. The measure, numbered House Bill 7292, provides that a tourist is eligible for a VAT refund on goods purchased from accredited retailers in the Philippines, provided that such goods are taken out of the country within 60 days See more...

Malaysia PM Anwar calls for multilateral approach to South China Sea dispute

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Wednesday that the South China Sea dispute should be resolved amicably at a multilateral level. The dispute in the resource-rich region was among the topics discussed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Anwar during their bilateral meeting at Malacañang Palace. "We did discuss the South China Sea issue, and I shared President Marcos See more...

Marcos: No need for special powers to address inflation

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Wednesday that he does not see the need for special powers to address the rising inflation. "I do not think that it is necessary to ask for special powers. If we declare, for example, if we declare... I already have the power to declare an emergency and to control the prices of commodities. So See more...

Abolish MMDA? JV Ejercito says it's hard to coordinate '17 kingdoms'

Senate local government committee chairman JV Ejercito on Wednesday opposed the proposed abolition of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). "It might be very difficult because Metro Manila is composed of 16 cities and 1 municipality. Lahat ito may kanya kanyang kaharian," the lawmaker said in an interview. (All of them have their own "kingdom") "At this time, it would See more...

Deadline sa pagsali ng PUV sa kooperatiba pinalawig

Sa ikalimang pagkakataon, pinalawig ng Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) ang palugit sa industry consolidation ng Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program. Ibig sabihin nito'y binibigyan ang mga operator at tsuper ng mas mahabang panahon para sumali sa mga kooperatiba at korporasyon, mula sa dating deadline na Hunyo 30. Ito'y kasunod ng pulong ng LTFRB sa ilang transport See more...

Over 600 top cops face evaluation to purge PNP of drug ties

More than 600 senior police officers are set to be evaluated in the coming weeks following the resumption of the formal meeting of the five-man advisory group, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday. The advisory group was formed to review the courtesy resignations of the PNP senior officials aimed to rid their ranks of those involved in the See more...

3 Chinese nationals arrested, 3 Pinays rescued from KTV Bar in Parañaque

Three Chinese nationals were arrested while three Filipinas were rescued by the Southern Police District-Special Operation Unit (SPD-DSOU) from a high-end KTV Bar in Parañaque, according to a report of John Consulta on "Saksi." During the raid, foreigners were caught in the act of abusing the Filipinas. "May concerned citizen po na nag report sa atin dito sa Southern Police See more...

Adamson student na nasawi umano sa hazing ililibing na sa Biyernes

Sa Biyernes na ililibing ang estudyante ng Adamson University na natagpuang patay sa Cavite bunsod ng hinihinalang hazing, sabi ngayong Miyerkoles ng kaniyang ama. Ayon kay Jeoffrey Salilig, pagkauwi ng labi ng nasawi niyang anak na si John Matthew sa Huwebes, mananatili ito sa punerarya ng isang araw bago ilibing sa Biyernes kasabay ng lolo nito. Natagpuan noong Martes sa See more...

NBI ordered to probe alleged hazing death of Adamson student — DOJ spox

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has directed the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into the death of a chemical engineering student whose body showed signs of hazing. “The secretary has already asked the NBI to conduct a parallel probe into the alleged hazing death,” Justice Department spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano said in a message to reporters on Wednesday. See more...

First Gen, DOST to fund projects for poor agri workers

MANILA - The Department of Science and Technology and First Gen Corp have inked a deal to help small farmers and fisherfolk. First Gen said it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the DOST’s Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD). The deal lets the two parties jointly explore and support agribusiness technologies See more...

Depression among elite athletes: When sport itself becomes a problem

Trigger warning: This article mentions suicide. There are days I'll never forget. November 10 is one of those days, the day Robert Enke, goalkeeper of the German national team, committed suicide aged 32. It was my birthday and I was in the middle of celebrating when the news came through. The celebration came to an abrupt end after that. Robert See more...

Senior citizen, binaril sa ulo habang may kausap sa cellphone sa gilid ng kalsada

Patay ang isang 79-anyos na lalaki matapos siyang barilin sa ulo ng salaring nakasakay sa motorsiklo habang may kausap sa cellphone sa gilid ng kalsada sa Mauban, Quezon. Sa ulat ni Paul Hernandez sa GMA Regional TV "Balitang Southern Tagalog" nitong Martes, kinilala ang biktima na si Fernando Ibonia, residente ng Barangay Baao. Sa imbestigasyon ng pulisya, malapitang binaril sa See more...

Cebu Pacific announces P199 promo fares

Budget carrier Cebu Pacific on Wednesday announced promotional one-way base fares for as low as P199, which it will offer this month in line with the celebration of its 27th anniversary. In an advisory, Cebu Pacific said the promotional fares are available from March 1 to 31, 2023, covering domestic flights in the same time period. The promo excludes surcharges See more...