Philippines News Today March 23, 2023

Here are the latest news and events that happened today, Thursday, March 23, 2023.

QC traffic enforcer, nakapagsagip ng siklista bago masagasaan at mamatay

Binawian ng buhay ang isang traffic enforcer na nakapagsagip pa ng isang siklista matapos siyang masagasaan ng truck sa A. Bonifacio Avenue, Quezon City. Sa ulat ni Jonathan Andal sa Unang Balita nitong Huwebes, makikita sa CCTV na pinatigil ng traffic enforcer na si Jeffrey Antolin, 35-anyos, ang mga sasakyan para makatawid ang mga pedestrian. Gayunman, isang truck ang nagdire-diretso See more...

Palace updates exceptions to right to information

Malacañang has updated the inventory of exceptions to the right to information, which now includes documents on the surveillance of suspects under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. Signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Memorandum Circular No. 15 states that among the latest exceptions to the right to information were the records of surveillance of suspects and interception and recording of See more...

NPA activities in Masbate rising to 'alarming rate' —DepEd

Activities of communist rebels in Masbate have surged to "alarming rate," causing learning disruption in the province, the Department of Education said Thursday. In a statement, the DepEd said, “These acts of terrorism perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA) have caused trauma to learners and school personnel, who witnessed the senseless violence.” However, there will be “no See more...

BSP scales down on policy tightening with 25 bps hike

The Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Thursday continued with its policy tightening, as it hiked key policy rates by 25 basis points in line with market expectations. According to BSP Governor Felipe Medalla, the key rates will be hiked to 5.75% for the overnight deposit facility, 6.25% for the overnight borrowing facility, and 6.75% for See more...

Juan Eu Konek: Juan Home series offers season finale

LONDON- The new series independently-produced by Juan Konek Ltd. dubbed as Juan Home, which premiered on 12th November 2022, on The Filipino Channel (TFC) and iWantTFC, has showcased its last remaining six episodes, with the season-ender airing on 18th March 2023. Conceptualised and presented by 2021 Presidential “Banaag” awardee and award-winning veteran ABS-CBN broadcast journalist See more...

Senate committee report kontra POGO kulang pa ng pirma: Gatchalian

MAYNILA — Pitong senador pa lang ang pumirma sa report ng Committee on Ways and Means kaugnay sa isinagawa nitong imbestigasyon sa epekto ng operasyon ng POGO sa bansa. Sabi ng pinuno ng komite na si Sen. Win Gatchalian, tuloy-tuloy ang pagpapaikot nila ng committee report sa mga miyembrong senador. "Right now, merong 7 [signatures] and then we will update See more...

How Marlene dela Peña launched her music career in Japan

If at the age of 15 and someone approaches you with the offer to relocate and start a singing career in a foreign land, chances are, you wouldn’t think they are serious and it is a load of bunk. That is what Marlene dela Peña thought when she was approached by some Japanese music scouts who caught her after a See more...

LOOK: Liza Soberano stuns in fashion shoot

MANILA – Actress Liza Soberano turned heads on social media, but this time because of her high fashion styling. Soberano teased some photos of her recent photo shoot with celebrity lensman BJ Pascual. The pictorial appeared to be part of a campaign for luxury brand Gucci. “Deleted scene: She’s inlove with Sundays and @gucci,” she said in See more...

SWS: 93% of Filipino adults felt climate change effects in past 3 years

Ninety-three percent of Filipino adults have personally experienced the effects of climate change in the past three years, a Social Weather Stations survey has shown. Results of the SWS social weather survey conducted in December 2022 showed that 17% of the respondents felt a “severe” impact of climate change; 52% a “moderate impact; and 24% a “little impact.” Six percent, See more...

New ‘glass-like’ orchid species discovered in Japan

TOKYO — A new species of orchid with delicate, glass-like blooms has been discovered by Japanese scientists, who found the pink and white plant hiding in plain sight. Despite its presence in Japan's parks and gardens, it took researchers at Kobe University a decade to confirm that the plant—dubbed the "Spiranthes hachijoensis"—was a previously unknown species. "It was a surprise See more...

6 more suspects in Degamo slay undergo inquest

The six remaining suspects in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo on Thursday underwent inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice (DOJ). “‘Yung isa last surrender ‘yun. ‘Yung lima hawak na namin since the other day pero ito last surrenderee na ito,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in an ambush interview. According to Remulla, the 10 suspects See more...

TikTok chief faces US Congress as lawmakers mull ban

WASHINGTON — TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew will fight for the survival of the hugely popular video-sharing app in the United States on Thursday, as he faces skeptical Washington lawmakers over the company's alleged ties to the Chinese government. The 40-year-old Singaporean will address the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee at 10:00 am (1400 GMT) and endure hours of See more...

After Fed, European central banks hike their rates

LONDON - Switzerland and Norway hiked interest rates Thursday to tackle inflation despite banking-sector turmoil, with the UK's central bank next in line after the US Federal Reserve also lifted borrowing costs. The Swiss National Bank, which helped oversee the recent UBS buyout of troubled Credit Suisse, lifted its key rate as expected by a hefty 50 basis points See more...

PLDT says probe into capex overrun shows no fraud

MANILA (UPDATE) - PLDT on Thursday said that it found no evidence of fraud after ‘substantially’ completing its investigation on its capital expenditure overrun. Last year, the telco giant disclosed that an internal probe revealed an estimated P48-billion budget overrun from 2019 to 2022. The overrun represented 12.7 percent of PLDT’s total capex for the period, it said in its See more...

Megaworld to raise P2B from Italian-themed project in Mactan township

Listed property developer Megaworld Corp. on Thursday said it is set to raise P2 billion in sales from its Italian-themed residential project in its Mactan Newtown property. Dubbed as the Positano Mactan, the 17-story condominium project is scheduled for completion in 2028, with 301 smart home units set to be available in varying types. The project will have studio units See more...

US prisoners use toothbrush to dig hole, go for pancakes

WASHINGTON, United States - It was almost a clean getaway: two American inmates dug their way out of prison with the help of a toothbrush -- only to be arrested hours later at a pancake restaurant. The two men, identified as John Garza, 37, and Arley Nemo, 43, were reported missing from the Newport News Jail Annex Monday evening in See more...

Honoraria ng mga magsisilbi sa barangay, SK elections 2023 dadagdagan ng Comelec

MAYNILA — Dadagdagan ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) ang honoraria ng mga guro at support staff na magsisilbi sa darating na Barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) sa Oktubre 2023. Ayon kay Comelec Chairman George Garcia, gagawin itong P8,000, P9,000 at P10,000 mula sa dating P4,000, P5,000 at P6,000. "Ipapares natin sa tinatanggap ng mga guro sa automated elections... Siyempre See more...

Oath-taking of 2022 Bar passers set on May 2, 2023 —SC

The Supreme Court on Thursday announced that 2022 Bar Passers will take their oath-taking on May 2, 2023 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC). In a notice, the high court said the oath-taking will take place at 10 a.m. at the PICC in Pasay City, followed by the roll signing. According to the SC, bar inductees must pay P5,000 See more...

Bangko Sentral hikes benchmark by 25 bps to 6.25 percent

MANILA (UPDATE) - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has raised its benchmark rate by 25 basis points, bringing it to 6.25 percent. The BSP said the Monetary Board decided to further tighten monetary policy to anchor inflation expectations. “With core inflation rising in February despite a modest decline in headline inflation, further monetary policy action was deemed necessary to See more...

Hontiveros wants Ombudsman probe on Pharmally mess to include 'masterminds'

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Thursday welcomed the suspension order issued by the Office of the Ombudsman on government officials allegedly involved in the anomalous procurement of pandemic supplies from Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. in 2020 and 2021. In a statement, Hontiveros however said she is hoping that the Ombudsman investigation will also include the "masterminds behind this modus." "My hope is See more...

US Federal Reserve lifts key interest rate amid banking sector fears

WASHINGTON - The US Federal Reserve raised its benchmark lending rate on Wednesday, as it sought to strike a balance between curbing high inflation and averting further upheaval in the commercial banking sector. The quarter-point increase, which was in line with expectations, lifts the target range to 4.75-5.00 percent at the end of a two-day policy meeting. In a statement, See more...

Sunshine Dizon mourns passing of her dad Isagani Dizon Jr.

Sunshine Dizon is mourning the death of her father, Isagani Bengson Dizon Jr., who passed away in his sleep on Monday. On Instagram, the "Mga Lihim ni Urduja" star shared a photo of her hugging her dad, who is based in the United States. "I love you Papa I never knew this kind of pain and longing. I will always See more...

Police, military 'impunity' still 'significant problem' in PH –US report

The Philippines remain hounded by “significant human rights issues” and concerns about state forces’ “impunity” are still unaddressed, the US State Department said in its 2022 Country Report on Human Rights Practices. “The government investigated some reported human rights abuses, including abuses by its forces and paramilitary forces. Concerns about police impunity remained given reports of continued extrajudicial killings by See more...

LOOK: Janella Salvador sizzles in pre-birthday shoot

MANILA – Kapamilya actress Janella Salvador painted social media red as she welcomed the Aries season. Salvador, whose March 30 birthday falls on the astrological sign of Aries, wowed netizens with her sultry photo shoot while donning a red wig. Netizens and other celebrities filled the comment section with fire emojis to complement Salvador’s fiery post. “You heard it See more...

Ilang Pinoy sa Cambodia biktima ng online recruitment scams

CAMBODIA - Patuloy na naghihigpit ang Embahada ng Pilipinas at gobyerno ng Cambodia para mapigilan ang illegal recruitment. Mga Pinoy rin umano ang kadalasang nambibiktima ng mga kapwa Pinoy sa online recruitment scamming. Natalakay sa Senado nitong Enero ang isyu ng illegal recruitment sa Cambodia pero patuloy pa ring may nabibiktima. Nitong buwan ng Marso, See more...

DOH posts 137 new COVID-19 infections, active cases at 8,414

The Philippines on Thursday registered 137 new COVID-19 infections, while the tally of active cases rose by four from the day before to 8,414. Based on the DOH’s latest figures, the country’s caseload is currently at 4,079,501. Recoveries rose by 110 cases to 4,004,783, while the death toll was adjusted to 66,304. In the recent two weeks, the National Capital See more...

'Sound of Music' star Lauren Kidwell amazed by Manila audience

Lauren Kidwell is happy to have the opportunity to perform in Manila as one of the stars of the beloved musical "The Sound of Music." Kidwell, who plays the role of Mother Abbess, said she is amazed by the energy of the Manila crowd, as well as their love for music. "The Manila audiences have been so amazing... Everybody in See more...

El Niño may persist until 2024 - PAGASA

MANILA — El Niño, a weather phenomenon characterized by below-normal rainfall that can lead to dry spells and drought, may persist until 2024, the state weather bureau said Thursday. Climate projections by PAGASA show that El Niño will begin by the third quarter of 2023 or between July and September, and will last until next year. The forecast prompted See more...

Annabelle McDonnell claims sabotage during Miss Charm 2023 prelims

Annabelle McDonnell is back in the Philippines after her stint in Miss Charm 2023. The beauty queen recently had a homecoming event in Iligan City, where she claimed that her gown was sabotaged during the pageant's preliminary competition. A video from her speech, which has been uploaded by local pageant pages, showed McDonnell sharing her side of the story. "It See more...

‘Hindi parusa ng Diyos’: DOH exec wants stigma vs HIV eradicated

MANILA — A health official on Thursday urged the public to stop stigmatizing those infected with human immunodeficiency virus, underscoring that the disease is "not a punishment from God." "There is still a lot of stigma around HIV. Kasama na din dito 'yung hindi paggamit ng prevention, mga maling akala pagdating sa transmission ng HIV," said Dr. Edsel Salvaña, an See more...

Marcos creates help desk for requests for financial, medical assistance

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. directed the creation of a Presidential Help Desk, which aims to address the financial and medical requests for assistance being submitted to the Office of the President (OP). Executive Order No. 20 states that the Presidential Help Desk will "complement the existing health services and projects of the government by providing accessible and direct financial See more...

Across globe, women battle 'gendered disinformation'

WASHINGTON — Fake photos showing Ukraine's first lady sunbathing topless, incorrect video subtitles defaming Pakistani feminists for "blasphemy", slow-motion clips falsely depicting "drunk" female politicians -- a barrage of disinformation targets women in the public eye. Researchers say "gendered disinformation" –- when sexism and misogyny intersect with online falsehoods -- has relentlessly targeted women around the world, tarnishing their reputations, See more...

‘PH job market, business still challenging for LGBTQ’

MANILA - The Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce said that while the country is ahead of its regional neighbors in terms of accommodating queer individuals, it still has a lot of room to improve. LGBT individuals are still discriminated against in the hiring process, said Ronn Astillas, Chairperson of the Philippine LGBT Chamber of Commerce. "The job market is See more...

Paul Salas on ex-girlfriend: 'Ngayon lang nawala 'yung pagiging bitter ko sa kanya'

Paul Salas opened up on his relationship with one of his ex-girlfriends on Thursday's episode of "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda." The ex-girlfriend remained unnamed during the interview, but Paul previously dated Barbie Imperial. According to a report on PEP.ph, Paul was accused of physically hurting Barbie based on the actress's cryptic posts on social media. "Actually aaminin ko po See more...

20 kabahayan sa Barangay Kalawaan sa Pasig, nasunog

Nasa 20 kabahayan ang natupok ng apoy matapos magkasunog sa Barangay Kalawaan, Pasig City nitong Huwebes ng umaga. Sa ulat ni Bam Alegre sa Unang Balita, sinabing sumiklab ang sunog sa Sikap Compound pasado 4 a.m., na ikinagulat ng mga residente dahil mahimbing ang kanilang tulog at bigla na lamang nagkaroon ng mga pagputok. Mabilis din ang naging paggapang ng See more...

First 3D-printed rocket lifts off but fails to reach orbit

The world's first 3D-printed rocket launched successfully on Wednesday, marking a step forward for the California company behind the innovative spacecraft, though it failed to reach orbit. Billed as less costly to produce and fly, the unmanned Terran 1 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida at 11:25 p.m. (0325 GMT Thursday) but suffered an "anomaly" during second-stage separation as See more...

Ombudsman suspends 33 gov't officials over Pharmally mess

The Office of the Ombudsman has suspended for six months 33 government officials in connection with the allegedly anomalous procurement of pandemic supplies in 2020 and 2021, Unang Balita reported on Thursday, quoting Ombudsman Samuel Martires. Among those suspended was Overall Deputy Ombudsman Warren Rex Liong, formerly the procurement group director of the Department of Budget and Management - Procurement See more...

Easterlies to bring isolated rain over NCR, rest of the country

The ridge of High Pressure Area (HPA) is extending over Northern and Central Luzon on Thursday, PAGASA reported. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies and localized thunderstorms with possible flash floods or landslides during severe thunderstorms. The wind speed forecast for See more...

Richard Gomez says Speaker Romualdez supports Senate’s con-ass

Leyte 4th District Representative Richard Gomez on Thursday said House Speaker Martin Romualdez has agreed to go with the Senate’s move to change the 1987 Constitution through a constituent assembly (con-ass). “When I reported to our Speaker, he said yes,” Gomez said at a press briefing of PDP-Laban when asked if they were already sure that the House, which pushed See more...

PH monitoring 90 Chinese investment leads: Marcos

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday said the Philippines was monitoring 90 active investment leads from Chinese companies following his state visit to China last January. Citing data from the Board of Investments (BOI), Marcos said the investment leads were from firms engaged in manufacturing, information technology, business process management, and renewable energy. “May you all take hold See more...

Eco-friendly goods defy downward trade trend: UN

GENEVA - Environmentally friendly products like electric cars and wind turbines have bucked the current downward trend in overall global trade, continuing to show strong growth, the United Nations said Thursday. Global trade surged to a record $32 trillion in 2022 before reversing course in the second half of the year amid deteriorating economic conditions and swelling uncertainties. And global See more...

Pia Wurtzbach proud of sister's progress in mental health journey

Pia Wurtzbach is proud of her younger sister Sarah as she continues to make progress in her mental health journey. On Instagram Stories, the former Miss Universe shared a video posted by Sarah, which gave a glimpse of living with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). "So proud of my sister for her progress on her mental health. If See more...

FilAm chef brings vegan Filipino dishes to San Francisco International Airport

Travelers at the San Francisco International Airport will now have a chance to satisfy their healthy appetite with the opening of a new Filipino eatery. Filipino-American chef Reina Montenegro has partnered with Mama Go's Filipino Cuisine to bring vegan Filipino dishes to passengers arriving from or waiting for their flights. Mama Go's can be found in the Harvey Milk Domestic Terminal 1 See more...

COMELEC finalizes ruling on Duterte wing as official PDP-Laban Party

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday has issued a certificate of finality on its January decision declaring the faction of Partido ng Demokratikong Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) chaired by former President Rodrigo Duterte as the true and official PDP-Laban party. The poll body was referring to the Comelec en banc resolution favoring the Duterte faction in connection with their See more...

Marcos admits there’s water crisis in Philippines

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. admitted Thursday that the Philippines is experiencing water crisis. In his attendance to the 6th Edition of the Water Philippines Conference and Exposition, Marcos mentioned "stratagems" for water treatment and flood control projects, among others, which are needed to address the problem with water. Marcos specifically cited the need to build dikes and dams as See more...

Philippines ranked 69th in latest World Air Quality report

The Philippines placed 69th out of 131 countries in the World Air Quality Report for 2022 from Swiss research firm IQair. The report showed that based on its average PM2.5 concentration, air quality in the country has slightly improved to 14.9 µgm³ from 15.6 µgm³ in 2021. However, IQAir stressed that this number was still three times higher than See more...

New 'glass-like' orchid species discovered in Japan

TOKYO, Japan - A new species of orchid with delicate, glass-like blooms has been discovered by Japanese scientists, who found the pink and white plant hiding in plain sight. Despite its presence in Japan's parks and gardens, it took researchers at Kobe University a decade to confirm that the plant -- dubbed the "Spiranthes hachijoensis" -- was a previously unknown See more...

Marcos expects enhanced ties with Qatar, Chile as he greets envoys

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Thursday expressed hope that the Philippines' relations with Qatar and Chile would be enhanced as he received the credentials of the two countries' ambassadors to the Philippines. At a ceremony at Malacañang Palace, Marcos receive the credentials of Ambassador Ahmed Saad Nasser Abdullah Al-Hamidi of Qatar and Ambassador Alvaro Domingo Jara Bucarey of Chile. See more...

Is the ocean a viable solution for water scarcity?

While around 70% of Earth's surface is covered with water, less than 1% percent is actually drinkable. These finite freshwater resources are very unevenly distributed. In hot, dry regions with growing populations and increasing living standards, there is not enough water to go around — a situation exacerbated by climate change. As solutions such as cloud seeding or even iceberg See more...

At least 23 holes found on sunken MT Princess Empress

Authorities found at least 23 holes where oil is leaking in the sunken MT Princess Empress through the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) contracted from Japan. According to Cedric Castillo's report on "State of the Nation" on Wednesday, an initial assessment from the ROV showed the front of the submerged ship off Najuan, Oriental Mindoro was heavily damaged. "Ang assumption, safe See more...

Amazing Women: Filipino teacher champions training for fellow mentors in provinces

MANILA — Teaching has always been regarded as a noble profession that requires great commitment, especially in the Philippines where the labor conditions for educators are far from ideal. And Christine Joy Aguila is one who remains dedicated to the job, which she has been doing for 15 years now. But aside from her students, the 36-year-old Filipino teacher See more...

Marawi board hopes to start compensating 17,800 families by May

The Marawi Compensation Board (MCB) is targeting May as the start of its distribution of monetary compensation to an estimated 17,800 households affected by the destructive months-long siege of the Islamic City in 2017. “Ito po yung pinakahihintay po ng mga most affected areas, residents sa Marawi. Nanghintay po sila for almost six years, so nandito na po kami, at See more...

PH, China start two-day bilateral talks amid maritime tensions

Officials from the Philippines and China met on Thursday for the 23rd Philippine-China Foreign Ministry Consultation (FMC) and 7th Bilateral Consultative Mechanism (BCM) on the South China Sea. The meeting, held in Manila, sought to highlight the goodwill between the Philippines and China amid tensions caused by overlapping claims in the South China Sea. Among those present were Philippine See more...

Rep. Arnie Teves, sinuspinde ng Kamara ng 60 araw

Walang kongresista na tumutol nang pagbotohan sa plenaryo ng Kamara de Representantes ang rekomendasyon ng House ethics and privileges committee na suspendihin ng 60 araw si Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves, Jr., dahil sa hindi pagsipot sa kapulungan kahit napaso na ang kaniyang travel authority sa abroad. Sa ginawang botohan, 292 kongresista ang pumabor sa rekomendasyon, at walang tumutol. See more...

DOH vouches for integrity of suspended officials linked in Pharmally mess

The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday vouched for the integrity of nine of its officials who were ordered a six-month suspension by the Office of the Ombudsman after being involved in the allegedly anomalous procurement of COVID-19 supplies in 2020 and 2021. While it respects the decision of the Ombudsman, DOH maintained that the officials “played significant roles” in See more...

Enrile, co-accused in graft case question COA's evidence on PDAF use

Former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, his ex-chief of staff Jessica “Gigi” Reyes, and other co-accused in 15 counts of graft cases over the use of Priority Development Assistance Fund questioned the authenticity of Commission on Audit (COA) documents presented by state lawyers on Thursday's hearing at the Sandiganbayan. Defense lawyers repeatedly asked prosecution witness and then COA special administrative officer See more...

K-pop fans raise funds for programs supporting women, combating child exploitation

Filipino fans of K-pop girl groups are making a positive impact this National Women's Month by raising funds for programs supporting women and combating child exploitation. In a statement, Globe Telecom said Kmmunity PH was working with fans of several K-pop girl bands to raise funds for humanitarian organization World Vision's projects "that aim to support women entrepreneurs, combat the See more...

House serves Rep. Arnie Teves with suspension order

The House of Representatives on Thursday served Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves, Jr. with the 60-day suspension order against him over his continued absence in congressional proceedings despite an expired travel authority. House of Representatives Secretary General Reginald Velasco released the copy of Teves’ suspension order dated March 22, the day the House plenary unanimously voted to slap a See more...

How to cope with or take advantage of higher interest rates

MANILA - Loans have become even more expensive with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas hiking the country’s benchmark rate by another 25 basis points in a bid to tame inflation. What can consumers and business owners do as borrowing costs continue to go up? Alex Ilagan, Executive Director of the Credit Card Association of the Philippines said there is See more...

Degamo widow seeks Teves' expulsion from Congress

MANILA — The House of Representatives is considering the call of slain Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo's widow to expel Rep. Arnolfo Teves, Jr. from his congressional seat, an official said Thursday. The chamber has endorsed to its legal department a letter from the governor's wife, Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, who is "calling for the expulsion" of Teves, said See more...

Paul Salas, sinabing wala nang sama ng loob kay Barbie Imperial

Inilahad ni Paul Salas na wala na siyang sama ng loob sa dati niyang kasintahan na si Barbie Imperial, ngunit pinabulaanan ang mga impormasyong sumagad umano siya sa kaniyang mga limitasyon. “How far did you go in that past relationship? Inakusahan ka ng maraming bagay,” tanong ni Tito Boy kay Paul sa “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda” nitong Huwebes. “Actually See more...

MARINA issues cease and desist order vs. company of MT Empress Princess

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) on Thursday said it has issued cease and desist orders against RDC Reield Marine Services, the company that owns the sunken MT Princess Empress. MARINA Administrator Hernani Fabia said that the agency issued two cease and desist orders for the company’s Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) and its remaining three vessels, of which two are See more...

Ethics complaint eyed vs Teves over alleged links to numbers game

MANILA — The camp of slain Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo is considering filing an ethics complaint against Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. over the latter's alleged links to numbers games. According to Levito Baligod, lawyer of the Degamo family, this is a violation of Section 14 of Article 6 in the 1987 Constitution, which he added See more...

PLDT budget overrun reduced to P33B after agreements with vendors

PLDT Inc. on Thursday announced a reduction in its earlier announced budget overrun, as the company entered into settlements with major vendors. In a filing to the local bourse, PLDT said its estimated capital expenditure budget overrun of P48 billion was cut down to P33 billion, net of advances paid to the firm’s vendors. The capital expenditure overrun or unexpected See more...

Disney+ review: 'Boston Strangler' story gets a feminist focus

Loretta McLaughlin (Keira Knightley) was a writer for the Boston Record American newspaper. She longed to write about serious news about the police beat, but these were only assigned to men, while women like her were limited to writing about light features only. When she heard from her mother about a series of murders with old women who lived alone See more...

Comelec to raise BEI honoraria to P8,000 to P10,000 in BSKE elections

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will increase the honoraria of teachers who will serve in the electoral boards in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections, Comelec chairman George Garcia said on Thursday. At a news conference, Garcia said the members of the board of election inspectors are supposed to receive P6,000, P5,000, and P4,000 for the BSKE elections. This will See more...

‘Papa’s girl’ Sunshine Dizon mourns father’s death

MANILA – Actress Sunshine Dizon is mourning the death of her father, who passed away on March 20. Dizon took to Instagram to announce the sad news, saying she will always be a daddy’s girl. “I love you Papa. I never knew this kind of pain and longing. I will always be a Papa's girl,” she said in one See more...

Ellen Adarna, Derek Ramsay in New Zealand for vacation with Elias

Ellen Adarna has gone to another trip abroad with her son Elias, and husband Derek Ramsay. On Instagram, Adarna shared their family photo in New Zealand, while apologizing in advance to people who she wouldn’t be able to respond to in the next few days. "Sorry if I don’t respond DND (do not disturb) mode. BRB (be right back) in See more...

Jeremy Glinoga coy about inspiration of new song 'Bini'

MANILA – Jeremy Glinoga, who started his career in the music industry after joining “The Voice Teens” in 2017, has launched his latest single “Bini.” In a press conference on Thursday, Glinoga explained that the song is basically about being too shy to talk to a girl, so instead he puts everything he wants to tell her in a song. See more...

Comelec moves COC filing period for barangay, SK elections

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Thursday it moved the period for the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC) for the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections. The new dates for the COC filing is now from August 28 to September 2 from the earlier schedule of July 3 to 7, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said in See more...

Direk Mark Reyes teases update on upcoming 'Encantadia' project 'Sang'gre'

Avisala, "Encantadia" fans! "Encantadia" director Mark Reyes finally shared an update on the upcoming Kapuso series "Sang'gre." On Instagram, Wednesday, Direk Mark posted a selfie with the standees of 2016 Sang'gres Glaiza De Castro, Kylie Padilla, Gabbi Garcia, and Sanya Lopez. "So we just had our first creative meeting on the pilot script of [Sang'gre]. See you soon," he said, See more...

Marcos appoints ex-Court of Appeals justice as CHR commissioner

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed former Court of Appeals (CA) Associate Justice Monina Arevalo-Zenarosa as a commissioner of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR). Zenarosa took her oath before Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, based on photos posted on the Presidential Communications Office’s social media pages. “Sa kanyang malawak na karanasan sa larangan ng batas at pangangalaga sa See more...

Two arrested for estafa over investments in hauling, selling scrap

Two persons who allegedly sought investments for the hauling of scrap materials from a geothermal plant in Tiwi, Albay have been arrested by police. According to Emil Sumangil's report on "24 Oras", John Eric Dela Cruz and Jesse Arguelles were arrested on warrants of arrest for estafa. The complainants alleged that the two ran away with their money after they See more...

Trina Legaspi dotes over baby daughter as she she recalls pregnancy journey

MANILA - One week after giving birth to her baby, actress Trina Legaspi looked back on her pregnancy journey with so much fondness. In an Instagram post on Thursday, Legaspi created a reel showing her baby bump from when she learned that she was pregnant until such time that she was about to pop. While it wasn’t easy, Legaspi admitted See more...

Marcos says Ramadan is time for humility, discipline

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday said the holy Islamic month of Ramadan is a period to practice the values of discipline and humility. In his message, Marcos said he joins the Muslim community in the Philippines and around the world as they welcome and observe the Holy Month of Ramadan. “This season of fasting, prayer, and almsgiving is See more...

DNA analysis of Beethoven's hair provides clues to his death

WASHINGTON - Ludwig van Beethoven died in Vienna nearly 200 years ago after a lifetime of composing some of the most influential works in classical music. Ever since biographers have sought to explain the causes of the German composer's death at the age of 56, his progressive hearing loss and his well-documented struggles with chronic illness. A team of researchers See more...

DepEd plans to hire 9,650 new teachers in 2023

Around 9,650 new teachers are expected to be hired by the Department of Education (DepEd) this year, according to its spokesperson on Thursday. "Ayon sa ating pag-uusap with our HR, ang target talaga natin, kasi meron tayong teacher items... we are targeting to hire around 9,650 ‘yung target natin for this year. Of course, subject to the normal application See more...

Scientists offer 'non-alien explanation' for interstellar visitor

PARIS - When the first object ever known to have visited the Earth's Solar System from outer space zoomed past in 2017, it was so strange that at least one leading astronomer was convinced it was an alien vessel. But researchers said Wednesday that they had come up with a simple and "compelling non-alien explanation" for the interstellar interloper's bizarre See more...

Public urged anew to get COVID-19 jabs as wastage nears 50 million

Infectious disease expert Dr. Edsel Salvaña on Thursday urged the public to get COVID-19 jabs as the number of COVID-19 vaccine wastage in the country will reach 50 million by the end of March. Salvaña pointed out the clear and present danger amid the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that the vulnerable sectors should be protected. “I think the problem talaga with See more...

Shopping shorts: Ultraboost Light, sakura flip-flops, and more

MANILA -- Check out some of the latest news in the local retail scene. These are not endorsed by ABS-CBN News. ADIDAS' NEW ULTRABOOST LIGHT Adidas recently unveiled the new and improved Ultraboost Light, which promises better cushioning, comfort, and responsiveness. Some of its features include a redesigned linear energy point on the sole, a lightweight upper, Continental natural See more...

Elementary students, intense maglaro ng Pinoy Henyo!

Naghatid ng good vibes sa dabarkads ang mga elementary students na sumabak sa Pinoy Henyo game ng "Eat Bulaga" nitong Miyerkules. Pinaka-intense ang mag-partner na grade 5 students at magkaklase na sina Khaizatch at Jonina, na mula sa Manggahan Elementary School. Si Khaizatch ang natokang manghuhula ng Pinoy Henyo word na "Albay," habang si Jonina ang magbibigay ng clue. Mataas See more...

L.A. community joins calls for justice for Percy Lapid

The family of Percy Lapid has met with his supporters in the U.S., six months since the killing of the veteran radio broadcaster in the Philippines. Lapid's wife and their children joined the Asian American Press Club of the U.S. and community members in Los Angeles in calling for justice. "Waiting for justice, it looks impossible," said Lapid's son Mark Mabasa. See more...

LOOK: Ria Atayde celebrates birthday with Zanjoe, fam, friends

MANILA – Actress Ria Atayde was surrounded by the people close to her hearts, including her boyfriend Zanjoe Marudo, as she marked her birthday. Atayde’s mother, veteran actress Sylvia Sanchez, shared photos of her daughter’s intimate birthday celebration. Based on the post of Sanchez, present at the gathering were the Atayde family, as well as celebrities such as See more...

Women still constrained by gender roles in PH: World Bank study

MANILA - A World Bank study said that while Filipino women have been successful getting positions in upper management, more women are still trapped in low skill, low wage work. This has forced more Filipino women, skilled and unskilled, to seek opportunities abroad, according to the just launched World Bank study titled Philippine Jobs Report: Shaping a Better Future See more...

UP-MSI: Good weather, accumulated oil a boon to oil spill clean-up

There is now a "window of opportunity" for an easier clean-up of the oil spill in waters off Mindoro with good weather resulting in calmer seas and allowing the formation of larger slicks, experts from the UP Marine Science Institute have said. In a statement on Wednesday night, the UP-MSI cited satellite data from the US National Oceanographic and Atmospheric See more...