Here are the latest news and events that happened today, Wednesday, March 15, 2023.

Wall Street ends green as inflation cools, bank jitters ebb

NEW YORK - US stocks bounced back on Tuesday as largely on-target inflation data and easing jitters over contagion in the banking sector cooled expectations regarding the size of the rate hike at the Federal Reserve's policy meeting next week. All three major US stock indexes closed sharply higher, with the S&P 500 and the Dow gaining more than 1% See more...

SDGs ResiliArt exhibit opens at National Library

MANILA -- Pinoy pop girl group 4th Impact and Zimbabwean artist-musician Xander Pratt performed at the SDGs ResiliArt exhibit opening on Wednesday morning at the National Library. Pratt is a visiting Earthsavers UNESCO Artist for Peace, while 4th Impact has been a long-time member of the Philippine-based Earthsavers Dreams Ensemble, which has been consistently awarded with the prestigious UNESCO title. See more...

Nathalie Hart ready to settle down with Australian BF

MANILA -- Actress Nathalie Hart is now engaged to her Australian boyfriend. But details of her altar date are kept from the public and she prefers to keep it that way. “Before, I was a lot open with my relationship,” Hart told ABS-CBN News. “Then, we were about to tie the knot. A week before my wedding date, we canceled. See more...

Comelec wants to regulate ad agencies during elections

PASAY — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Wednesday it wants to monitor advertising agencies every election period. The poll body said this is to ensure candidates' campaign spending is within the limits prescribed by the law. At the Senate hearing led by the Committee on Electoral Reforms and People's Participation on the proposed New Omnibus Election Code, Comelec said, See more...

Single-ticketing system para sa batas-trapiko target ipatupad sa Abril

Heads up, Kapamilya! Target na ipatupad ang single ticketing system sa katapusan ng Abril ayon kay Metro Manila Council President at San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora. Sa isang forum, sinabi ni Zamora na pinaghahandaan na nila ang full implementation ng single ticketing system at magkakaroon ng dry run nito sa una o ikalawang linggo ng Abril. Naniniwala si Zamora See more...

PNP, ex-opisyal ng PDEA itinangging binibigay sa asset ang 30% ng mga narekober na droga

MAYNILA -- Nasermonan ng mga senador ang hepe ng Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) sa imbestigasyon ng Senado kaugnay sa umano'y 30-porsiyento ng nare-rekober na iligal na droga na ibinibigay sa mga asset at informant. Sa pagdinig, ikinuwento ni PDEA Director General Moro Virgilio Lazo kung paano niya nalaman ang 30-porsiyentong cut na hinihingi ng informant. Aniya, personal niyang nalaman See more...

61 tourist sites apektado ng oil spill sa Mindoro

MAYNILA - Nababahala ang tourism department sa epekto ng oil spill sa Mindoro dahil nasa 61 tourism sites ang apektado. Kabilang sa mga naapektuhan ang mga beach resort, ayon kay Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco. "At this point, as I am aware, there are 61 sites that are affected in Oriental Mindoro and several beach resorts that have also See more...

Senate honors PH team who helped in rescue ops in quake-hit Turkey, Syria

The Senate on Wednesday honored the 82-man Philippine team who helped in the rescue and recovery operations conducted following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Turkey and Syria. This after the chamber adopted Senate Resolution 535 which was sponsored by Senator JV Ejercito. The measure was principally authored by Senator Lito Lapid. All senators were made co-authors after its adoption. The See more...

Two cops in missing drugs probe cited for contempt, detained at Senate

Two officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have been cited in contempt by the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs for allegedly lying under oath about their involvement in a drug case. Police Senior Master Sergeant Jerrywin Rebosora and Police Master Sergeant Lorenzo Catarata have been ordered detained at the Senate premises after Senator Raffy Tulfo and See more...

Saab Magalona seeks to inspire by being authentic

MANILA -- Sharing her everyday life in her podcast "Wake Up With Jim & Saab," Saab Magalona strives to uplift and spark inspiration through her stories and unfiltered self. As she shares the ups and downs of her life with husband Jim Baccaro, and children Pancho and Vito, Magalona acknowledges the imperfections of her relationships with her family, and believes See more...

Zubiri nails down Cha-cha in the Senate: 'It's moot and academic'

MANILA -- The House of Representatives may have speedily approved Resolution of Both Houses No. 6, which seeks to amend the 1987 Constitution via “hybrid” Constitutional Convention, but Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said such pace should not be expected in the chamber. Zubiri pointed out that entertaining Charter change debates could even result to the entire See more...

Around 120 people have health issues due to oil spill: OCD

MANILA — The oil spill off the waters of Oriental Mindoro has affected the health of around 120 individuals so far, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said on Wednesday. OCD information officer Diego Agustin Mariano said these people were given medical attention by the health department's regional offices or their localities' health units. "Regarding dito sa oil See more...

BTA passes Bangsamoro Electoral Code —DND

The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament passed the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 35 or the Bangsamoro Electoral Code on March 8, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Wednesday. According to the DND, the region’s electoral code was unanimously approved with 64 affirmative votes. The Bangsamoro Electoral Code will allow democratic participation in the local and regional elections, the DND See more...

Coast Guard checking validity of sunken motor tanker's CPC

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday said it is checking the validity of the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) of MT Princess Empress following questions that it sailed without such permit. “We relied on the CPC para payagan ‘yung barko na maglayag,” said PCG spokesperson Commodore Armando Balilo in a press conference. He said the Coast Guard relied on See more...

Mag-ama sa Laguna, naghati sa higit P11-M jackpot prize sa MegaLotto 6/45

Dalawang tiket pero magkaparehong numero ang tinayaan. Ganito umano ang ginawa ng isang ama sa Laguna na tumama ng mahigit P11 milyong jackpot prize sa MegaLotto 645 draw noong February 27, 2023. Sa pahayag na inilabas ng Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office nitong Martes, sinabing kinumbra na ng mag-ama na mula sa San Pablo, Laguna ang pinaghatian nilang premyo na P11,631,365.60. See more...

Christian Bautista goes on a TikTok binge, shares cute animal and dancing vids

It looks like singer Christian Bautista is having fun on TikTok, posting at least three new videos within the span of 24 hours. He also synced and shared some of the video posts to his Instagram account on his feed and IG Stories. In one video, he does a quick groove to K-pop band NewJeans' song, "OMG." See more...

Japan parliament expels YouTuber MP who never came to work

TOKYO — A celebrity gossip YouTuber-turned-lawmaker became the first MP expelled by Japan's parliament in over 70 years Wednesday, having not shown up to work once. Yoshikazu Higashitani, known by his online moniker GaaSyy, had been ordered to apologize for his months-long absence earlier in March. But the lawmaker, one of two elected members of the fringe party Seijika Joshi See more...

Supreme Court allows Maria Ressa to travel overseas

MANILA — The Supreme Court has allowed journalist Maria Ressa to travel overseas over a 20-day period, its public information office said Wednesday. The high court gave Ressa 20 days to travel abroad, or from March 13 to April 1, 2023, to attend several speaking engagements. The Rappler CEO and Nobel Peace Prize winner will travel to Canada, France, South See more...

LPA off Davao continues to spur rains over Mindanao, Visayas, Bicol

A low pressure area (LPA) off Davao continues to trigger rains across parts of Mindanao, the Visayas and the Bicol Region. According to PAGASA on Wednesday, the LPA was last spotted 400 kilometers east northeast of Davao City or 285 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur as of 3 p.m. It is expected to bring cloudy skies with scattered See more...

Franchising group eyes 12-15 pct PH industry growth

MANILA - The Philippine Franchise Association announced that it will host the World Franchise Council and Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation meetings this year. The industry group said this aims to attract industry leaders from over 40 economies to take a long hard look at the Philippines as a new destination for their businesses. Joseph Tanbuntiong, treasurer of Jollibee Foods See more...

Revenue from oil taxes should fund Mindoro oil spill cleanup —Recto

Government revenues from taxes imposed on petroleum products should be used to aid residents affected by the Mindoro oil spill and finance subsequent cleanup, House Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto said Wednesday. Recto said a mere one day’s worth of oil tax collections is already worth P1 billion, an amount that would be enough to jumpstart “abatement and alleviation” measures in See more...

2 pulis, ipina-detain ng Senado

MAYNILA - Na-cite in contempt ang dalawang pulis na dumadalo sa pagdinig ng Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs. Ayon kay Senator Raffy Tulfo, ilang beses na hindi umano nagsabi ng totoo ang dalawa kaya nagmosyon siya para ma-cite in contempt sina Police Senior Master Sergeant Jerrywin Rebosora at Police Master Sergeant Lorenzo Catarata at makulong sa detention See more...

Murder raps filed vs. Bantag, Zulueta over Percy Lapid slay — DOJ

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday confirmed that murder charges have been filed against suspended Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag and former deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta over the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid and alleged middleman Jun Villamor. In a message to reporters, Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano said the charge for the killing of Lapid was See more...

The Bevvy is now a full-service resto-wine bar

MANILA -- Wine and spirits distributor Don Revy has upgraded The Bevvy, its boozy little corner of Chino Roces Avenue, into a full-service restaurant and wine bar. For many patrons, the Don Revy showroom has been a nice, quiet hidden gem of a bar where one can get bottles at retail price, open it, and have a casual no-fuss drink. See more...

Flight fuel surcharge level downgraded for April

Travelers should expect lower airfares in time for the Holy Week break next month as the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) downgraded the fuel surcharge level for April. In an advisory on Wednesday, the CAB announced that the passenger and cargo fuel surcharge for domestic and international flights was adjusted to Level 6 for April 1 to 30, 2023. The fuel See more...

CIDG files raps vs. Arnie Teves, sons for illegal possession of firearms

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has filed complaints for illegal possession of firearms against Negros Oriental representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. and his sons. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla thus said on Wednesday, days police authorities retrieved firearms, ammunition, and grenades from one of Teves' homes in a raid last week. “Well, cases have been filed for illegal See more...

Police identify one of gunmen in Degamo slay

One of the gunmen in the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo has been identified. According to a tweet of GMA News’ Chino Gaston on Wednesday, the gunman, who was killed while resisting arrest, was identified as Arnil Labradilla. Labradilla was allegedly a former member of the New People’s Army (NPA). Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Police Colonel Jean See more...

BTS absence hurting global K-pop growth: HYBE chairman

SEOUL – Making megastars BTS do their South Korean military service is slowing the global growth of K-pop, the chairman of the septet's agency HYBE said Wednesday. The boy band is widely considered South Korea's biggest-ever cultural phenomenon, selling out stadiums around the world and dominating the charts while raking in billions for the country's economy and building a global See more...

Hedgehogs na may balahibo sa halip na tinik, nadiskubre sa Davao

Dalawang bagong uri ng hedgehog na may balahibo sa halip na tinik ang nadiskubre sa Mindanao. Sa segment ni Kuya Kim Atienza sa GMA News “24 Oras” nitong Martes, sinabing na ang nadiskubreng podogymnura intermedia ay tanging matatagpuan lang sa Mt. Hamiguitan sa Davao Oriental at Mt. Kampalili sa Davao de Oro. Samantala, ang podogymnura minima, naman ay nadiskubre sa See more...

Why adobo is the first Google Doodle Filipino dish

MANILA – A staple in Filipino cuisine, the adobo was unveiled as the first Filipino dish to be featured in the Google search bar on Wednesday. "Adobo is an important part of the story of Filipinos. It is an evolving, well-loved comfort food or way of cooking that crosses all economic boundaries. For adobo to be featured as a Google See more...

Seized narcotics as reward for tipsters not PDEA practice: chief

MANILA -- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on Wednesday clarified that the supposed scheme of informants seeking portion of seized drugs as "reward" was not a practice within the organization. PDEA director general Moro Virgilio Lazo faced the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, which sought an investigation into his revelation during a House hearing last See more...

Microsoft-backed OpenAI starts release of powerful AI known as GPT-4

The startup OpenAI on Tuesday said it is beginning to release a powerful artificial intelligence model known as GPT-4, setting the stage for human-like technology to proliferate and more competition between its backer Microsoft Corp and Alphabet Inc's Google. OpenAI, which created the chatbot sensation ChatGPT, said in a blog post that its latest technology is "multimodal," meaning images as See more...

Senate to launch probe over 'alarming' HIV infection among youth

MANILA -- Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday expressed alarm after the Department of Health (DOH) reported that 86 cases of HIV infection among children and adolescents, or those aged 19 and below, were recorded for the month of January. "Ang nakababahalang balitang ito ay kinakailangan ng mas maigting na pakikipag-ugnayan ng DOH sa iba't ibang ahensya ng gobyerno at See more...

Harry Styles goes retro in 'Love On Tour' concert in PH

MANILA — British pop star Harry Styles brought his retro-inspired tracks in his "Love On Tour" concert at the Philippine Arena on Wednesday. Styles set the mood at the cavernous venue with "Music for a Sushi Restaurant," the intro track of his latest album "Harry's House." He followed this up with "Golden" and "Adore You," which he also performed See more...

PAL eyes reactivation of entire fleet by year end

MANILA - Philippine Airlines said on Wednesday it aims to reactivate all 75 aircraft In its fleet by the end of the year as it ramps up its network and capacity. Airlines in the country, including PAL, grounded several planes during the COVID-19 pandemic due to limited travel activities. Seven out of the total 75-strong fleet still need to See more...

MMC head Zamora defends MMDA amid calls for abolition

Metro Manila Council president and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora on Wednesday defended the existence of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) after a lawmaker pushed for its abolition. "I have seen the value of MMDA. I have been mayor for three years," he said at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum. Zamora said that the local government of See more...

Ogie Diaz airs side after Liza Soberano's interviews on 'Fast Talk with Boy Abunda'

Liza Soberano's former manager, Ogie Diaz, took to his vlog to clarify the statements Liza made in her two-part interview on "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda." On Ogie reportedly saying he didn't receive commission for two years According to Ogie, he never said he didn't receive commissions in the last two years. "Wala akong sinasabi na hindi ako tumatanggap ng See more...

Probe launched over 'permit' shown by MT Princess Empress

MANILA -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday said it has launched an investigation to find out whether MT Princess Empress presented authentic documents to be allowed to set sail before it sank last Feb. 28 and contaminated the waters of Oriental Mindoro with industrial fuel oil. PCG spokesperson Armand Balilo said on Feb. 27, MT Princess Empress See more...

'Wicked' film to be released on Nov. 27, 2024

The upcoming film adaptation of the Broadway musical "Wicked" is set to be released next year, director Jon M. Chu announced Wednesday. Chu said the film is expected to be on theaters on November 27, 2024. "We are deep into production on 'WICKED' and everyday we get more and more excited to share with u the mischief we’ve been See more...

House ethics panel to discuss Teves' absence, assures him of due process

The House Committee on Ethics and Privileges conducted an executive session on Wednesday morning for its motu proprio investigation into the absence without official leave of Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. Committee Chair Felimon Espares, in an interview with media before the start of the executive session, said they will determine if Teves violated any rule of the House See more...

DOH posts 107 new COVID-19 infections; active cases down to 9,068

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday registered 107 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the country’s caseload to 4,078,231. The tally of active cases, meanwhile, went down to 9,068 from 9,084 on Wednesday, based on the DOH’s latest figures. The National Capital Region (NCR) reported the highest cases with 470 in the recent two weeks, followed by Davao Region with 256, See more...

Subway 'surfing' leaves a grisly, lethal toll in New York City

NEW YORK — One-time subway "surfer" Isa Islam has a straightforward message for thrill-seeking youngsters sparking a surge in riders traveling on the roofs of New York City trains: don't do it. Islam was left partially blind when his head smacked into a metal beam at an underground station in Brooklyn as he rode atop a subway car aged 17 See more...

Dingdong Dantes now preparing for ‘Firefly’ movie, to also star in a series

We’ll be able to see Dingdong Dantes on the big screen again! According to Lhar Santiago’s "24 Oras" report on Wednesday, Dingdong is now already preparing for the upcoming GMA Public Affairs film titled "Firefly." "Napakagandang kwento po nito. In fact, before pandemic pa lang narinig ko na ang kuwentong ‘to and mapalad ako na na-share sa akin ‘tong project See more...

Philippine economy spared from Silicon Valley Bank collapse — Diokno

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno on Wednesday said the Philippine economy is spared from the potential impact of the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) in the United States. “[The] Philippine economy [is] unaffected by SVB collapse,” Diokno said in a Viber group message to reporters. The Finance chief echoed Bangko Sentral ng Pilipines (BSP) Governor Felipe Medalla’s remark that the See more...

Baha, landslide, nanalasa sa ilang bayan sa Davao De Oro

Binaha at nagka-landslide sa ilang lugar sa Davao De Oro dahil sa pag-uulang dulot ng isang Low Pressure Area (LPA). Sa video ng GMA Regional TV One Mindanao, na inilabas din ng Unang Balita nitong Miyerkoles, makikitang umaapaw ang isang sapa sa bayan ng Compostela, na naging sanhi ng pagbaha sa mga kalapit na kalsada. Inilikas naman ang 26 na See more...

Presyo ng bigas tumaas nang hanggang P4 sa Metro Manila

Tumaas ang presyo ng bigas sa mga pamilihan sa Metro Manila. Simula Marso 1 o sa loob ng kalahating buwan, umakyat nang P1 hanggang P4 ang presyo ng bigas, depende sa klase. Dahil dito, binabantayan na umano ng Department of Agriculture (DA) ang presyo ng bigas. Dama naman ng mga magbibigas sa Quezon City ang taas-presyo. "Linggo-linggo tumataas eh kaya See more...

Ex-PDEA chiefs refute claim that rewarding informant with seized drugs a norm

Three former director-generals of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have refuted the claim that some of their agents were rewarding their informants with 30% of the seized illegal drugs from successful operations. At a Senate public order and dangerous drugs committee hearing Wednesday, incumbent PDEA Director-General Moro Virgilio Lazo narrated how he got this information which he first divulged See more...

KILALANIN: Fil-Am na trending sa pagiging 'caregiver' ng kaniyang lola

MAYNILA - Gaya ng maraming millennial, matagal nang pinangarap ng 29-anyos Fil-Am musician na si Chris Punsalan na maging isang sikat na YouTuber. Pero hindi niya inakalang ang content na magba-viral ay nasa loob lang pala ng kaniyang pamilya. Taong 2015 nang napilitan ang pamilya ni Punsalan na mula Pampanga na gumawa ng isang mabigat na desisyon -- See more...

Remittances slip in January

Remittance inflows from overseas Filipinos declined in January following the record-high seen in the previous month, data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Wednesday showed. Cash remittances — money transfers coursed through banks or formal channels — for the month stood at $2.762 billion, lower than the historic $3.199. billion in December 2022 but higher than the See more...

Amihan to affect Luzon; LPA to bring rain over Bicol, Visayas, Mindanao

The Northeast Monsoon or Amihan will continue to affect Luzon while the Low Pressure Area (LPA) that was located at 265 kilometers east northeast of Davao City will bring cloudy skies and scattered rains over Bicol, Visayas, and Mindanao Wednesday, PAGASA reported. Mindanao and Eastern Visayas will have cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms brought about by the See more...

New research claims Leonardo da Vinci was son of a slave

FLORENCE - Leonardo da Vinci, the painter of the "Mona Lisa" and a symbol of the Renaissance, was only half-Italian, his mother a slave from the Caucasus, new research revealed on Tuesday. Da Vinci's mother had long been thought a Tuscan peasant, but University of Naples professor Carlo Vecce, a specialist in the Old Master, believes the truth is more See more...

'I can now die in peace': Zack Tabudlo thrilled after BTS' Jungkook plays his song

Filipino singer-songwriter Zack Tabudlo was over the moon after learning that Jungkook of the K-pop sensation BTS played his song during a recent livestream. On Twitter, Tabudlo shared late Tuesday a 39-second clip showing Jungkook listening to his song "Give Me Your Forever" during his livestream on fan community app WeVerse. "So I [just woke up] and apparently I was See more...

Maynilad sets P178-B spending plan until 2046

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. on Wednesday announced it is earmarking P178 billion for a 23-year sewerage and wastewater improvement program. In a statement, Maynilad said the P178-billion spending plan will be spread from 2023 until 2046 for its wastewater management program, which aims to expand sewer coverage and manage pollution loading into bodies of water. The company See more...

Cheaper airfares seen in April as fuel surcharges reduced

MANILA - Travelers can expect cheaper airfares next month as the Civil Aeronautics Board announced on Wednesday it is lowering the fuel surcharges that airlines can collect. CAB said the fuel surcharge level for passengers and cargo will be lowered to level 6 from level 7. The new level will be in effect from April 1 to 30, CAB said. See more...

DOJ indicts 7 Tau Gamma Phi members over Salilig hazing

The Department of Justice (DOJ) panel of prosecutors has indicted seven members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity over the alleged hazing death of Adamson University student John Matthew Salilig. In a press briefer, the DOJ said the prosecutors found probable cause to indict Earl Romero (Slaughter), grand triskelion Tung Cheng Teng Jr. (Nike), Jerome Ochoco Balot (Allie), Sandro Victorino See more...

Amazing Women: Chef Johanne Siy cooks up a storm in Singapore's food scene

MANILA - Women have taken formidable strides in the world of culinary arts in recent years. Gone was the time when professional kitchens were male-dominated spaces, with female chefs struggling to advance their careers. At present, there are many talented women chefs who are leading the charge and pushing the boundaries of what people have been accustomed to when See more...

Cheloy Garafil gets CA nod as PCO chief

The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday confirmed the ad interim appointment of lawyer Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil as secretary of the Presidential Communications Office. In sponsoring Garafil's appointment during the plenary session, Negros Oriental 2nd district Representative Manuel Sagarbarria described the PCO head as an "eloquent and well-seasoned lawyer" as well as a "committed public servant." Senator Loren Legarda, who co-sponsored See more...

Romualdez defends House's 'rush' for Cha-cha

Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday defended the House of Representatives' "rush" in approving measures seeking to amend the 1987 Constitution, saying it will benefit the country. Romualdez was responding to the comments made by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri questioning the House’s rush in approving measures seeking to amend the 1987 Constitution. “Kung nagta-trabaho man kami ng mabilis, ito See more...

Zubiri on Cha-cha push in House: I don’t understand the rush

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Wednesday said it confuses him why legislators from the House of Representatives are rushing the Senate to act on proposals to amend the 1987 Constitution. Zubiri made the remark in response to the statement of Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez that the Senate “cannot and should not ignore” the House’s initiative for Charter See more...

SC allows Ressa to travel abroad for ‘speaking engagements'

The Supreme Court announced on Wednesday that it has allowed Rappler CEO Maria Ressa to travel abroad from March 13 to April 1, 2023. According to the Court's First Division, Ressa will travel to Canada, France, South Korea, and the United States for some "speaking engagements." Ressa’s overseas travel was granted subject to certain conditions. The SC said Ressa must See more...

PH foreign tourist arrivals hit over 1 million —DOT

More than 1 million international travelers have arrived in the Philippines in the first three months of 2023, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Wednesday. Speaking before stakeholders, DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said she “fully foresees” the total recovery of the tourism sector as 1,152,590 international tourists visited the country as of March 15, 2023. “In less than three months, See more...

Nearly 31,500 families affected by Oriental Mindoro oil spill — OCD

A total of 31,497 families in MIMAROPA and Western Visayas were affected by the oil spill from a sunken motor tanker in Oriental Mindoro, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said on Wednesday. “The oil spill has already affected 31,497 families in MIMAROPA and Western Visayas. Livelihood of 13,654 farmers and fishermen was also affected by the oil leakage,” the See more...

Isabela Cessna plane crash victims’ remains brought to their families

The remains of the six passengers onboard the Cessna plane that crashed in Isabela in January are now with their respective families. Once the cadavers were brought by the Philippine Air Force to Cauayan City from the wreckage site in Sierra Madre, they were sent to a funeral home to be turned over to their families, based on an Unang See more...

Udenna eyes growing Wendy's, Conti's store network

MANILA - Udenna Group's food arm Eight8Ate eyes expanding its brands Wendy's and Conti's store network to 200 this year, an official said on Wednesday. Eight8Ate could hit 200 combined stores this year, after aggressively growing to over 160 branches during the COVID-19 pandemic, company President Joey Garcia said on the sidelines of the media launch for Franchise Asia, a See more...

House leader: ECOP should not use MSMEs to oppose wage hike

House Assistant Minority Leader Arlene Brosas warned the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) against using the micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) to justify its opposition to Makabayan bloc’s proposed P750 nationwide daily wage hike for private sector workers. “ECOP cannot speak for the micro and small enterprises in opposing the P750 wage hike demand because ECOP represents large corporations, See more...

PAL to fly nonstop to Perth, Australia starting Mar. 27

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is launching regular nonstop flights between Manila and Perth, Australia later this month. At a media luncheon for PAL’s 82nd anniversary celebration in Manila on Wednesday, PAL president and COO Captain Stanley Ng announced starting March 27, 2023, the flag carrier will fly nonstop directly to Perth. The direct flight is seen to save travelers See more...

New ticket prices for 'K-Verse' announced

Local promoter MakeItLive announced Wednesday new ticket prices for "K-Verse," an upcoming K-pop concert to be held at the Araneta Coliseum. According to MakeItLive, the price for the SVIP section has been trimmed to P12,800 from P13,500 while the VIP section now costs P11,500 from P12,500. Ticket prices for the Lower Box section stood at P9,500. The Upper Box section See more...

Israel backs Philippine military modernization

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday welcomed Israel's continued support of its modernization program, following a visit to the country by an official of the Israeli military. BGen. Efraim Defrin, Head of the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) International Cooperation Division, paid a visit to the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. During his visit, See more...

Comelec says online registration for new voters not likely next year

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday said the online registration for new voters for the May 2025 elections is not likely to be implemented next year. “If we are going to resume by February next year in preparation for the 2025 election, we would like to be candid that automated and online system of registration may not be possible,” See more...

House ethics panel gives Teves 5 days to explain absence

The ethics and privileges committee on Wednesday directed Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. to explain in five days his absence at the House of Representatives in the light of his expired travel authority. Coop-NATCCO party-list Representative Felimon Espares, head of the panel, made the announcement as Teves continued to be no-show at the chamber for his official duties. Teves See more...

NBI seizes fake-branded wheat flour in Manila, QC

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has confiscated over a thousand sacks of counterfeit Philippine Foremost Milling Corporation (PFMC) wheat flour during a raid of several warehouses in Manila and Quezon City early this week. In a statement on Wednesday, PFMC said agents of the NBI raided warehouses in Sampaloc, Manila and Novaliches, Quezon City on Monday, acting on a See more...

COVID-19: No evidence of mental health 'tsunami'

The COVID-19 pandemic may not have been as damaging to people's mental health as once thought, a new study has indicated. Overall, the pandemic caused minimal changes in depression, anxiety and mental health symptoms among the general population compared to times before the pandemic. The study published in the British Medical Journal was led by researchers at McGill University in See more...

Asteroid 2023 DW: Can we deflect if it threatens Earth?

"We've been tracking a new asteroid named 2023 DW that has a very small chance of impacting Earth in 2046," said NASA Asteroid Watch on its Twitter. There's a "1 in 560 odds" chance of an impact, said NASA. Or, to put it another — more positive — way, there's 99.8% chance that 2023 DW will safely fly by our See more...

Envoy to WTO Teehankee, 2 DFA execs get CA confirmation

The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Manuel Antonio Teehankee as Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. This after the CA Committee on Foreign Affairs finally endorsed his nomination to the plenary for the bicameral body's approval. Teehankee's appointment was taken up by the CA panel in December. However, See more...

Agencies told to use infra funds ahead of election spending ban

House appropriations panel chairperson Zaldy Co of the Ako-Bicol party-list called on government agencies on Wednesday to disburse their infrastructure funds ahead of the spending ban due to the barangay and youth council polls in October. "I remind the departments and other agencies with infrastructure funds to obligate and spend those funds this year, and any infrastructure funds obligated last See more...

PAL to start direct Manila-Perth flights on March 27

MANILA - Philippine Airlines on Wednesday said it would start operating direct flights between Manila and Perth in March as it expands it network to serve growing passenger demand. Perth flights, which will link the Philippines to Perth and the Western Australia region, will begin on March 27, PAL President and COO Capt. Stanley Ng said during the kick-off of See more...

Pag-IBIG posts 'record-high' P80-B members' savings in 2022

MANILA (UPDATE)— Pag-IBIG Fund on Wednesday said its members' savings reached a "record-high" P80 billion last year, as the economy continues to grow despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Jack Jacinto, Jr., Pag-IBIG Fund's public affairs manager, said they also posted record-high housing loans at P117.85 billion in 2022. Some P53 billion for short-term cash loans were also released last year, See more...

Jex de Castro thankful for 'It's Showtime' support

MANILA – Former “Tawag ng Tanghalan” finalist Jex de Castro thanked the "It's Showtime" family for their support after his victory at the Stars of the Albion Grand Prix 2023. "Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam kasi ... sa wakas ... this is my dream, to win a competition at napakasarap sa pakiramdam na I'm not representing myself but I'm representing my See more...

Ed Sheeran drops new single 'Eyes Closed' on March 24

English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran will be releasing his comeback single next week. In an announcement, Sheeran said his new song "Eyes Closed" will be released on March 24. "This song is about losing someone, feeling like every time you go out I expect to just bump into them, and every thing just reminds me of them and things you did See more...

Google Doodle features Filipino dish adobo

MANILA – Google has featured the “tender, juicy, and soulful” adobo, a popular Filipino dish, as an animated doodle this Wednesday. According to its website, the doodle was created by artist Anthony Irwin, the son of a US immigrant. “I can claim Filipino food as a part of my culture and celebrate the connection it creates between my See more...

Mga 'junior' doctor sa mga ospital sa UK, nagwelga

Sinimulan nitong Lunes ng "junior doctors" sa mga ospital sa United Kingdom ang kanilang three-day strike para humingi ng dagdag na sahod. May katulad na protesta rin umano na gagawin ang mga guro, train staff at iba pang mga kawani sa linggong ito. Sa ulat ng Agence France-Presse, irereklamo umano ng mga doktor na umabot na 26 percent ang kanilang See more...

SMC's Bank of Commerce posts record net income of P1.8-B

MANILA - Bank of Commerce on Wednesday said it posted a record net income of P1.8 billion in 2022, up 49 percent from 2021, and the highest since its acquisition by San Miguel Corp. In a disclosure to the stock exchange, the bank said its "stellar performance" is a culmination of its IPO that raised P3.37 billion, its listing See more...

PUV fare discount to take effect in Metro Manila in April

The proposed fare discount for public utility vehicles (PUVs) has been approved and is set to take effect in Metro Manila next month, Joseph Morong reported on “24 Oras” on Wednesday. Upon its implementation, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said fares in traditional jeepneys will revert to P9 — the same as the fare before the pandemic See more...

Philippine government seeks suspension of ICC drug war probe

The Philippine government has sought the reversal of the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to reopen an inquiry into the brutal anti-drugs campaign by former President Rodrigo Duterte. The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), in an appeals brief filed March 13, reiterated that the Hague-based tribunal has no jurisdiction as the Philippine government has pulled out of See more...

Argentina inflation tops 100% for first time since 1991

SAN FERNANDO, Argentina - Argentina's annual inflation rate tore past 100% in February, the country's statistics agency said on Tuesday, the first time it has hit triple figures since a period of hyperinflation in 1991, over three decades ago. Inflation over 12 months clocked in at 102.5% in the second month of the year, government data showed, with a higher-than-expected See more...

March 16 declared a special holiday in Negros Oriental for Degamo burial

MANILA — Malacañang on Wednesday declared Thursday, Mar. 16, a special non-working day in Negros Oriental for the burial of its slain governor Roel Degamo. In its Proclamation No. 185, the Palace said that it declared the holiday "to allow the community to grieve and honor the memory of Governor Degamo and other victims." The declaration was made due to See more...

Asian markets rally as bank worries ebb, Fed rates back in view

HONG KONG - Asian markets bounced Wednesday as concerns about contagion from the collapse of two US regional lenders eased while investors turned their attention back to next week's Federal Reserve interest rate decision. Banks rallied in early exchanges after taking a battering the previous two days in reaction to the demise of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank at See more...

Labi ng 4 nasawi sa Cessna plane crash sa Isabela, naiuwi na sa Cavite

CAVITE — Sinimulan na nitong Miyerkoles ang burol para sa 4 sa 6 na nasawi sa bumagsak na Cessna 206 plane sa Isabela noong Enero 24. Bandang alas-6 ng umaga nang ihatid ang mga labi sa pamilya sa Silang, Cavite. Ito ang labi ng magkapatid na sina Mark Eiron Siguerra, 20, at Xam Siguerra, 10; ang pinsan nilang si Rom See more...

PAL to reactivate ‘parked’ aircraft

As it expects continued strong recovery of air travel this year, Philippine Airlines (PAL) is reactivating some aircraft it parked during the pandemic lockdowns in response to increasing passenger demand. “We are expecting a continuing strong market recovery so there are plans in place to enhance and upgrade our fleet,” PAL director Lucio Tan III said during the media luncheon See more...

Nadine Lustre bares craziest rumor about her

MANILA – Nadine Lustre didn't hold back in sharing her thoughts when asked about the most outrageous rumor she had heard about herself. Taking part in Cosmo Confessions, the video of which is uploaded in the magazine’s YouTube channel, Lustre revealed that the most persistent rumor about her is being pregnant. “This happens every year. I don’t know why. I See more...

Solaire celebrates 10th year with major culinary event

MANILA -- Solaire Resort Entertainment City is flying in Michelin-star chefs and wine and spirits experts as it marks its 10th year with a major culinary and beverage event from March 16 to 19. “To mark Solaire’s 10 years, we wanted to do something bigger and more ambitious than what we have done in the past. As we close the See more...