Philippines News Today March 04, 2023

Here are the latest news and events that happened today, Saturday, March 04, 2023.

Drugs from the deep: Scientists explore ocean frontiers

PARIS, France - Some send divers in speed boats, others dispatch submersible robots to search the seafloor, and one team deploys a "mud missile" -- all tools used by scientists to scour the world's oceans for the next potent cancer treatment or antibiotic. A medicinal molecule could be found in microbes scooped up in sediment, be produced by See more...

Governors slam killing of Degamo

The League of Governors of the Philippines has condemned the fatal shooting of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, who was killed in cold blood inside his private compound in Pamplona town Saturday morning. “Violence has no place in a civilized society governed by the rule of law. The impunity reared its ugly head yet again when several men in full See more...

2 katao, patay sa pamamaril sa Quezon province

Patay ang isang lalaki at isang babae matapos silang pagbabarilin sa Lucena City, Quezon. Ang tinitingnang motibo sa pamamaslang, ang kaugnayan ng babae sa ilegal na droga. Sa ulat ni Paul Hernandez ng GMA Regional TV Balitang Southern Tagalog, sinabing nangyari ang insidente sa Barangay 6 kung saan natagpuang nakahandusay sa kalsada sina John Carlo Leoparte at Charisse Daen na See more...

Mindoro oil spill has reached Antique, PCG says

The oil spill caused by the sinking of a motor tanker off Naujan, Oriental Mindoro has already reached the municipality of Caluya in Antique, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Saturday. In a statement, the PCG said the oil spill was monitored along the shores of the following barangays in Caluya town: “Sa mga oras na ito, isinasagawa See more...

Filipino ‘comfort women’ ring for peace and justice

Survivors of Japanese military sex slavery rang bells for peace and justice at Plaza Rajah Sulayman in Manila on Saturday morning. Members of Lila Pilipina, an organization for Filipino comfort women, held signages as they expressed alarm over recent reports on the formation of a US-Japan-Philippines security agreement in light of intensifying military tensions between the US and China See more...

Grassfire on Taal Volcano extinguished: Phivolcs

MANILA — The fire that broke out on Taal Volcano Friday afternoon was declared "fire out," according to Phivolcs. Phivolcs director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol said the fire eventually went out at around 2 a.m. "It just died down on its own," he said. In an interview on TeleRadyo, Bacolcol clarified that the fire occurred and was confined in the Binintiang See more...

Salilig's pa calls on other persons of interest in alleged hazing to surrender

The father of alleged hazing victim John Matthew Salilig on Saturday called on other persons of interest in the case to surrender to authorities. "Panawagan lang po na kung puwede sumuko na po tayo. At saka sa mga magulang, tulungan po natin kung wala po tayong kasalanan, tulungan natin na isuko ang ating mga anak sa ating mga awtoridad," John See more...

Fuel price hike seen next week

After the recent round of fuel pump price reductions, motorists need to brace for an upward adjustment in the prices of petroleum products in the coming week. In its fuel price forecast for the week of March 7 to 13, Unioil Petroleum Philippines said the price per liter of diesel may increase by P1.30 to P1.50. Gasoline prices, meanwhile, may See more...

Marcos condemns Negros Oriental Gov. Degamo assassination

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Saturday denounced the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. "I condemn in the strongest possible terms the assassination of a sitting Governor, Gov. Roel Degamo of Negros Oriental," Marcos said in a Facebook post which also showed his photos with the slain official. The President vowed to have justice served. "My government will See more...

Tito Boy Abunda, kasali sa Summer MMFF movie ni Bela Padilla

Inanunsiyo ni Boy Abunda na magiging bahagi siya ng pelikulang idinirek ni Bela Padila na “Yung Libro Sa Napanuod Ko,” na isa sa walong official entries sa kauna-unahang summer edition ng Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). “Mga Kapuso, nanay, tatay, nais ko po kayong imbitahan sa aking pelikula… Nakasama ko po si Bela Padilla, this is part of the first See more...

Some transport groups oppose upcoming week-long strike

Leaders of transport groups Pasang Masda and Liga ng Transportasyon at Operators sa Pilipinas (LTOP) on Saturday slammed the week-long transport strike planned by some of their colleagues. At the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, Pasang Masda president Obet Martin said that no transport strike lasted beyond two days. Martin went on to claim that transport strike leader and See more...

Philippines to seek Japan’s help to contain Mindoro oil spill

The Philippines will be seeking Japan’s help in containing the further spread of an oil spill in Oriental Mindoro, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said Saturday. “Siguro ay hihingi kami ng tulong sa Japanese government dahil nabanggit sa akin na malaki ang kakayahan ng Japanese government na matulungan tayo para hindi masyadong kumalat ang oil spill na ito sa ating islands See more...

'Dirty Linen': Is Leona having an extramarital affair?

MANILA – “Kung kayang gawin ng asawa ko, kaya ko rin.” It appears that Leona (Janice de Leon) has her way of getting even with her husband Carlos Fiero (John Arcilla). In Friday’s episode of “Dirty Linen,” Leona could be seen outsmarting the private investigator hired by Carlos. She successfully went to a private place where she was presented See more...

Still ‘overworked, underpaid:’ Teachers seek reforms anew as PH opens 2nd congressional education commission

MANILA — Some educators and non-academic personnel on Saturday lamented unimplemented reforms and labor problems hounding the country’s education sector, as the Philippines opens the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) this year. Dr. Karol Mark Yee, the national commission’s executive director, said they aim to prioritize “chronic malnourishment," lack of daycare centers, and the factors leading to See more...

Marcos: Gov’t reforms making PH ‘ideal’ export player

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday assured the local export industry that his administration is taking steps to improve the Philippines’ competitiveness in the global export market. Speaking to exporters, diplomats, and international trade partners at the first “Tanyag” trade networking event of the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) in Taguig City, the president prided See more...

Local, national officials condemn gunning of Negros Oriental governor

Local and national government officials urged police authorities to immediately investigate the death of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, who was gunned down in front of his home Saturday morning. In a statement, Vice President Sara Duterte described his death as a "tragedy" to the province, and urged authorities to immediately investigate the incident. "I condemn the killing See more...

Amihan to bring rain over parts of Luzon, Visayas

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

3 suspects in Gov. Degamo killing arrested

The Philippine National Police and Philippine Army arrested three suspects in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo during a hot pursuit operation in Bayawan City. According to Sam Nielsen's Saturday evening report on Super Radyo dzBB, the suspects were former military servicemen. Police identified the suspects as: The suspects were arrested in Barangay Cansumalig at 4:20 p.m. Gunmen See more...

PDL at kasintahan, nagpalitan ng ‘I Dos’ sa loob ng bilangguan sa Cavite

Hindi naging balakid ang rehas na bakal sa pagmamahalan ng isang person deprived of liberty (PDL) at kasintahan nito na ikinasal sa loob ng kulungan sa Rosario, Cavite. Sa ulat ni Paul Hernandez ng GMA Regional TV Balitang Southern Tagalog, makikita ang ilang larawan ng palitan ng “I dos” nina Rosemarie Astor at nobyo niyang si Erwin, na natuloy kahit See more...

Ilang customer na sakay ng kabayo, nag-drive thru sa isang fastfood resto sa Baguio

Dahil inabot ng gutom matapos sumali sa Panagbenga festival, nag-drive thru sakay ng mga kabayo at naka-costume ang ilang customer ng isang fastfood restaurant sa Baguio City. Sa ulat ng GMA News "24 Oras" nitong Biyernes, makikita na nakahilera ang mga customer na nakasakay sa kaniya-kaniyang kabayo nang umorder ng mga pagkain sa drive thru ng fastfood resto. Nakadagdag See more...

PAO, NBI-7 start full-blown probe into Cebu hazing death

The Public Attorney's Office and the National Bureau of Investigation Region 7 have jointly launched a full-blown investigation into the hazing death of University of Cebu student Ronnel Baguio in December 2022. PAO-NBI Region 7's move came a day after Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla ordered the NBI on Friday to look into the Cebu hazing case. GMA Regional TV See more...

Chinese navy ship, militia vessels spotted near Pag-asa Island - PCG

The Philippine Coast Guard said on Saturday it had spotted Chinese vessels, including a ship under China’s navy, near Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea. Filipino coast guards stationed on the island reported the presence of a People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy vessel, China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5203, and 42 suspected Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels. “These Chinese See more...

Manila declares asynchronous classes for weeklong transport strike

The city of Manila announced on Saturday that asynchronous classes will be implemented in all public schools and all levels in the city from March 6 to 11 due to the upcoming transport strike. In an advisory, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna also encouraged the private schools to switch to online classes during this period. Meanwhile, several Metro Manila schools earlier See more...

Karylle, Markki Stroem had to audition for 'Sound of Music'

MANILA -- Karylle and Markki Stroem may both be multi-hyphenate performers who have made their mark in the entertainment industry. However, when it comes to theater, which demands a different kind of discipline, Karylle and Stroem are consistently ready for more challenging roles. In fact, they do not mind auditioning for theater roles. "“Auditioning is part of the theater See more...

Another suspect in Adamson student hazing surrenders

One of nine suspects behind the hazing of slain Adamson University chemical engineering student John Matthew Salilig surrendered to authorities. According to Jamie Santos’ report on “Saksi”, suspect John Lester Sus went to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday evening with his mother and lawyer. Sus denied he was in hiding and said he was unaware his name See more...

Zachary Levi on Shazam's biggest battles and his strongest trait

In 'Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” the titular superhero faces even more super-villains. Zachary Levi returns as the superhero version of foster teen Billy Batson and he explained why, despite the peril Shazam faces, it is the prospect of losing Billy's family that scares his character the most. "The first movie you find Billy's 14. He's been kicking around the See more...

More than 40 Chinese ships spotted 'loitering' around Pag-asa Island

The Philippine Coast Guard reported the presence of Chinese vessels around Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea on Saturday. The PCG personnel stationed on Pag-asa Island spotted a People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA) Navy vessel, China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel 5201, and 42 suspected Chinese maritime militia (CMM) ships anchored near the island. The ships are estimated to be See more...

Have you tried the 'Google Grogu' challenge?

For the fans of "The Mandalorian," a cute little challenge awaits you in the official Twitter account of the hit Disney+ series. The Mandalorian follows the adventures of a lone gunfighter that makes his way through different galaxies is headlined by Pedro Pascal. The series also features the adorable Grogu, who closely resembles the Jedi Master from the original Star See more...

500,000 konsumer apektado ng Maynilad water interuption sa ilang parte ng NCR

Lagpas 500,000 konsumer ang apektado ng tatlong araw na water interruption ng Maynilad sa maraming bahagi ng Makati, Maynila, Paranaque at Pasay. Aarangkada ang water interruption mula Marso 5 hanggang 7. Ito ay dahil kailangan madaliin ang pagkukumupuni ng isang pipe leak sa Osmena Highway sa Makati, na nagsasayang umano ng 20 hanggang 30 milyong litro ng tubig See more...

Estudyanteng namatay sa alleged hazing inilibing na sa Zamboanga

Hinatid na sa huling hantungan ang estudyante ng Adamson University na biktima ng alleged hazing. Alas-9 ng umaga nang dumating sa Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception sa Zamboanga City ang magkasunod na funeral car lulan ang mag-lolong Romulo at John Matthew Salilig. Dagsa ang pamilya, kaanak, kaibigan at kasamahan sa fraternity sa simbahan. Sa kanyang eulogy, bumuhos ang luha See more...

'True Lies' star Ginger Gonzaga advocates for more Filipino characters in Hollywood

Apart from the opportunity to play her first lead role on primetime TV, Ginger Gonzaga shared why starring in a show like 'True Lies' matters to her. "The ripple effect that taking this on would have, just by my existence by my casting, I will inevitably get to hire five other Filipinos on a show," the actress said. "When I See more...

Oscars predictions: Who will win at the 95th Academy Awards

Another year, another of my utterly fearless Oscars predictions. As always, it is hard to predict the Academy Awards which are now celebrating its 95th year. Just when you think one has the momentum, out comes another nominee to steal the thunder. For example, the Best Supporting Actress category. We all felt that Angela Bassett would take home the See more...

Inter-agency team formed to prepare for weeklong transport strike: Palace

MANILA — An inter-agency team has been formed to make preparations for the weeklong transport strike next week, MalacaƱang said on Saturday. The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), interior and defense departments, and the national police will be part of the Inter-Agency Monitoring Team organized by the Office of the Executive Secretary, See more...

DILG orders manhunt for killers of Negros Oriental Gov. Degamo

The Department of the Interior and Local Government on Saturday ordered the Philippine National Police to conduct manhunt operations for the killers of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo. DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos said Saturday that personnel from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office were deployed in the area to capture the suspects. “Asahan ninyo na hindi kami titigil hanggang hindi See more...

Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, others hurt in shooting —police

Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and five others were injured after the official was shot while distributing aid at his residence in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, police said Saturday. Police Regional Office Region 7 spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare said Degamo was entertaining beneficiaries of the 4Ps program in Barangay San Isidro when a group of individuals wearing pixelized See more...

DSWD to send aid to families affected by oil spill in Oriental Mindoro

MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Saturday it will send aid to families affected by the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said over 7,000 affected families in 6 towns have started receiving family food packs. The DSWD has prepositioned more than P78.9 million worth of standby and stockpile funds, as the See more...

DSWD extends aid to oil spill-affected families in Oriental Mindoro

The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Saturday distributed assistance to families affected by the oil spill from the sunken motor tanker MT Princess Empress in Oriental Mindoro. In a statement, the DSWD said that Secretary Rex Gatchalian personally led the distribution of aid on March 4, under the department’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations, and cash-for-work programs. See more...

LTFRB drops COC requirement in securing vehicular franchise

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Saturday announced that it has dropped the certificate of conformity (COC) as a requirement in securing a vehicle franchise or certificate of public convenience (CPC). Citing its Board Resolution No. 05 Series of 2023, the LTFRB said the decision to remove the COC -- which is issued by a bank or See more...

Negros Oriental Gov. Degamo, 5 others killed in shooting

Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and five others were killed when armed men fired shots while the official was distributing aid at his residence in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, on Saturday. Degamo’s family confirmed that he passed away at 11:41 a.m., according to a report by Decemay Padilla of Super Radyo Cebu on Super Radyo dzBB. Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, wife See more...

Netflix star Song Kang arrives in PH

MANILA – South Korean actor Song Kang on Saturday arrived in the Philippines for his upcoming "fun" meeting. Song Kang will be holding a meet-and-greet with his Filipino fans at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City tomorrow. The actor was known for his roles in many Netflix series, including “Forecasting Love and Weather” in 2022, “Nevertheless” in 2021, and See more...

Philippines records 170 new COVID-19 cases

The Philippines posted 170 new COVID-19 cases on Saturday, even as the active tally dropped to 9,058. This was the fourth straight day that more than 100 COVID-19 infections were reported daily. The number of active cases also went down from 9,355 on Friday. Among the regions with the highest number of new infections were the National Capital Region with See more...

DOTr’s Bautista open to extending deadline on jeep operator consolidations

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista on Saturday said he was open to extending the December 31, 2023 deadline for jeepney operators to consolidate or form cooperatives in compliance with the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program. “Kami ay willing na makipagusap. Naglagay tayo ng deadline na December 31. Kung tuloy-tuloy ang pag-uusap natin at makita natin na hindi pa kaya [to See more...

WATCH: Neighbors of Gov. Degamo catch aftermath of shooting incident

Several neighbors of Negros Oriental Governor Degamo captured the aftermath of the shooting incident that transpired Saturday morning at Barangay San Isidro, Pamplona town. Netizen Team Tazkie’s video shows that the road leading to Degamo’s residence had empty shells on the floor. Bystanders were also heard saying that the gunshots were continuous. SWAT Personnel were also surrounding the area See more...

3 suspects in Negros Oriental Gov. Degamo slay arrested: PNP

CEBU — The Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7) on Saturday announced the arrest of 3 suspects in the slay of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo. PRO-7 spokesperson Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare said the suspects were pinned down in a hot pursuit operation at Sitio Punong, Barangay Cansumalig, Bayawan City, where 3 of their getaway vehicles were also See more...

Twitter's revenue, adjusted earnings drop about 40% in December —report

Twitter Inc reported a drop of about 40% year-over-year in both revenue and adjusted earnings for the month of December, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday citing people familiar with the matter. The report comes after several advertisers slashed their spending on the social-media platform after Elon Musk took charge of the company on Oct. 27, resulting in See more...

Earthquake caused direct damage of $5.1B in Syria — World Bank

WASHINGTON - A massive earthquake and aftershocks in February caused an estimated $5.1 billion in direct physical damage in Syria, said the World Bank on Friday. The earthquake that struck on February 6 hit Turkey and Syria, devastating scores of cities and killing more than 50,000 people in both countries. Millions have been left needing urgent help with accommodation and See more...

Sandiganbayan finds ex-PAGCOR chief Genuino, 2 others guilty of graft

The Sandiganbayan on Friday found former Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) chairman Efraim Genuino guilty of graft over the anomalous release of P37-million public funds in 2007 and 2009. Aside from Genuino, also found guilty by the anti-graft court were former PAGCOR chief operating officer Rafael Francisco and former Philippine Sports Commission chairperson William Ramirez. The three were sentenced to See more...

Marcos Jr.: PH, Malaysian foreign ministries to discuss Sabah

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. said the foreign ministries of Philippines and Malaysia will tackle the issue of Sabah following the official visit of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim here this week. Recalling Anwar's visit to Manila in his latest vlog, Marcos said the issue must be tackled "thoroughly." "Napag-usapan din namin yung isyu ng Sabah, alam niyo See more...

Sara Duterte asks investors to back heritage, medical tourism

Vice President Sara Duterte urged tourism stakeholders on Friday to increase investments in sector-specific tourism amenities to "diversify the country's opportunities and potentially increase industry revenue streams." "I enjoin our tourism stakeholders to work with other industry leaders to invest in medical tourism, heritage tourism, retirement havens, entertainment spots, open-space recreation, and more community-based travel destinations," Duterte said during the See more...

Alleged hazing victim John Matthew Salilig laid to rest in Zamboanga City

John Matthew Salilig, the 24-year-old chemical engineering student who died after allegedly undergoing a Tau Gamma Phi fraternity initiation rite in Laguna, was laid to rest on Saturday morning at his hometown in Zamboanga City. Citing information from GMA Regional TV One Mindanao, Super Radyo dzBB reported that Salilig’s funeral was held together with that of his grandfather Romulo Salilig See more...

Amihan to bring rains across eastern Luzon –PAGASA

The Northeast Monsoon or Amihan will affect the eastern section of Luzon, according to the weather bureau PAGASA on Saturday. Based on PAGASA’s 4 p.m. weather forecast, the Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Bicol Region, Aurora, and Quezon will experience cloudy skies with rains. The weather bureau warned against possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate to, at times, See more...

Transport regulators, groups blast weeklong strike, urge PUV drivers to modernize units

MANILA — Transport authorities and some groups on Saturday have criticized the looming weeklong strike of public transport operators and drivers opposing the government’s modernization program, saying this policy is meant to help the public in the long-run. Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista believed that the modernization program would make public transport affordable to both passengers as cooperatives would help See more...

Vice Ganda enters birth month with pink doll shoot

MANILA – “It’s Showtime!" host and comedian Vice Ganda has entered his birth month with a pink doll photo shoot. In an Instagram post on Friday, Vice Ganda stunned his fans in a pink cat suit with blonde braids. "Partida magpo-47 na yan dis month!" Vice Ganda said in the caption. Vice Ganda will be celebrating his birthday on See more...

Master initiator in Salilig alleged hazing undergoes inquest proceedings

The master initiator of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity initiation rites for neophyte John Matthew Salilig in Laguna has undergone inquest proceedings on Saturday at the Department of Justice in Manila, according to a report by Mao dela Cruz on Super Radyo dzBB. Charges have been filed against 23-year-old suspect Daniel Perry in violation of Republic Act 11053 or the See more...

Why PUV modernization can't get over the hump

Nearly six years since the program started, the public utility vehicle modernization remains hounded by challenges. Started in 2017, the program aims to replace the jeepneys with vehicles that have at least a Euro 4-compliant engine to lessen pollution. According to Joseph Morong's special report on "24 Oras," in the past six years, the deadline has been extended five times See more...