Here are the latest news and events that happened today, Tuesday, April 04, 2023.
Over 100K outbound passengers at the onset of Holy Week —PCGThe Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday monitored more than 100,000 outbound passengers at all seaports in the country at the onset of the Holy Week. In Cedric Castillo’s report on “24 Oras,” PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo reminded passengers to remain vigilant and to listen to instructions issued by the vessel’s captain and crew, especially after the recent See more...
Did you know? Solenn Heussaff started her career as Mond Gutierrez's makeup artistBefore Solenn Heussaff became one of the most multifaceted artists of her generation, she was first a makeup artist of her dear friend, Mond Gutierrez. On Vicki Belo's vlog dubbed "Solenn Heussaff & Mond Gutierrez spill the tea," Mond recalled how Solenn found her way into the show business industry. According to Mond, when Solenn moved to the Philippines, she See more...
Olympic figure skater Michael Martinez, inaming ‘big crush’ niya si Ashley OrtegaInamin ng two-time Winter Olympian na si Michael Martinez na “big crush” niya si Ashley Ortega, na siya ring figure skater. Sa panayam sa Kapuso Showbiz News, ikinuwento ni Michael na nakilala niya si Ashley noong magsimula siya sa kaniyang skating season. Nagkasama na rin sila sa mga skating competition at shows. “We did this one skating show which brought See more...
No parties, loud music allowed in Boracay on Good Friday —LGUThe local government unit in Malay, Aklan reminded the public that partying and playing loud music on Good Friday in Boracay is prohibited. "No parties and activities with loud music must be permitted from 6:00AM of Good Friday (April 7, 2023) until 6:00AM of Black Saturday (April 8, 2023)," Malay Vice Mayor Niño Carlos Cawaling wrote in a memorandum See more...
DOH records 118 heat exhaustion cases amid warm seasonOver a hundred cases of heat exhaustion have been reported this warm and dry season, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Tuesday. At a press conference, DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said that of the 118 incident reports on heat exhaustion, 85 were cases of students from Gulod National High School-Mamatid Extension in Cabuyao, Laguna logged on March 23. See more...
AirAsia says return to 100 percent capacity likely by Q3 or Q4AirAsia Philippines is seen to return to its 100 percent capacity for both domestic and international operations by the third or fourth quarter this year, its CEO Ricky Isla said. Although the surge of passengers during the Holy Week is at "good record high" numbers, more than double that of last year's, the capacity is not yet back to See more...
Dogecoin icon temporarily replaces Twitter's bird logoMANILA — Twitter's iconic blue bird logo was replaced by the dogecoin icon on Tuesday morning, Manila Time, months after billionaire Elon Musk acquired the platform for $44 billion. Dogecoin is a cryptocurrency that features a Shiba Inu on its face. Musk, an eccentric businessman, previously expressed his liking toward cryptocurrencies, including dogecoin. In 2021, Musk, who also See more...
5 reasons why you shouldn't save your payment info on websitesWhen you check out often on certain websites, it’s tempting to store your credit card information. This way you can complete transactions faster, and no need to go get your bag and wallet and pull out your plastic. I confess I have said yes a few times, and then later had to go back and delete all these payment See more...
DOTr orders faster immigration screening for outbound international travelersThe Department of Transportation (DoTr) ordered faster immigration screening for outbound international travelers amid the expected influx of passengers for the Holy Week. According to Sandra Aguinaldo’s report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco conducted an inspection at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) which is expected to cater to around 2 See more...
New DOJ circular requires prosecutors to take 'active role' in case build-upMANILA — The justice department has issued a new circular that requires prosecutors to take an "active role" in the investigation of certain crimes, a departure from the traditional role of prosecutors handling criminal probes. The agency's Circular No. 20, signed by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on March 31, mandated prosecutors to ensure close coordination and cooperation with law See more...
Infertility affects one in six: WHOGENEVA — Around one in every six adults experiences infertility, the World Health Organization estimated Tuesday as it called for an urgent increase in access to fertility care. The WHO determined that around 17.5 percent of adults worldwide are affected by infertility at some point, and found little variation between regions and wealthy and poorer countries. "Globally, an estimated one See more...
NASA reveals crew for 2024 flight around MoonHOUSTON, Texas - NASA revealed the names on Monday of the astronauts -- three Americans and a Canadian -- who will fly around the Moon next year, a prelude to returning humans to the lunar surface for the first time in a half century. The three NASA astronauts -- Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch -- named to the See more...
‘Running Man Philippines’ cast attended the Running Man fanmeetFilipino Runners supported the OG Runners! Several castmembers of "Running Man Philippines" — Mikael Daez, Glaiza de Castro, Buboy Villar, Angel Guardian, and Lexi Gonzales — were spotted at the Running Man in Manila 2023: A Decade of Laughter fan meeting at the SM Mall of Asia Arena over the weekend. Even Mikael’s wife Megan Young, were with them. The See more...
Why RK Bagatsing was hesitant to accept Rey Valera biopicMANILA -- Kapamilya actor RK Bagatsing said he really enjoyed shooting the film “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko,” which tells the life story of singer-composer Rey Valera and his journey to becoming an OPM legend. Star Magic's Inside News uploaded an exclusive video taken from the story conference of the musical biopic, which is an entry in the inaugural See more...
'Camiguin Isle Be There': Province launches new tourism sloganMANILA -- Camiguin is ready to welcome back visitors after pandemic-induced travel restrictions. The province, known as the "Island Born of Fire" and for its Lanzones Festival, recently launched a new tourism slogan: "Camiguin Isle Be There." From the looks of it, the campaign seems to be a play on the words "Come again, I'll be there." See more...
Veterans office bats for increase in disability pensionMANILA — The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) on Tuesday said it was pushing for an increase in disability pension, despite President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.'s recent backing for proposals to reform the pension scheme of military and uniformed personnel. PVAO administrator Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu said his office wanted to raise the total administrative disability pension (TAD) to P4,500 for See more...
DOH asking DOJ for help to transfer NCMH patients facing criminal rapsThe Department of Health (DOH) has sought the help of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to decongest a pavilion at the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) for patients facing criminal charges, officer in charge Ma. Rosario Vergeire said on Tuesday. Vergeire said some patients, who have been treated and already well to face charges in court, have yet to See more...
Repent, Remulla tells 'masterminds' in Degamo killingJustice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Tuesday advised the suspected masterminds in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo to "repent" this Holy Week. “Repentance. Ano, eh, time for us to look at our sins and repent,” Remulla said in an ambush interview. Last week, Remulla announced that Marvin Miranda, one of the alleged masterminds in the assassination, was See more...
Rise in new COVID-19 cases still 'insignificant' —VergeireThe increasing number of new COVID-19 cases in the country is still insignificant as hospital utilization remains manageable, according to Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire on Tuesday. Vergeire said that as of April 3, the daily case average is at 268 — a 29% increase from last week. “Itong pagtaas ng kaso nakikita natin sa iba’t ibang See more...
Janine Gutierrez stuns in dreamy shoot for MetroMANILA – Kapamilya actress Janine Gutierrez certainly knows how to serve high fashion looks as she graced the cover of Metro Magazine for its April issue. The “Dirty Linen” star exuded a sultry image as she took over the April pages of the lifestyle magazine, wearing top international and local designer creations. This was Gutierrez’s third time to See more...
Rufa Mae Quinto stars in a 'Kill Boksoon' parody featuring her iconic linesGo, go, go! Rufa Mae Quinto just starred in the latest Netflix ad, where she did a parody of the movie "Kill Boksoon." In the video, the Kapuso actress was dressed in a red velvet suit and pair of pants, just like the lead star in the movie Gil Boksoon (Jeon Do Yeon). Rufa went violent when she realized that See more...
Maui Taylor, 'single' na ngayon pero kasama pa rin sa bahay ang ex-partnerInihayag ni Maui Taylor na patuloy silang nagsasama ng kaniyang dating partner sa iisang tahanan kahit hiwalay na sila para sa kapakanan ng dalawa nilang anak. "We are in the same house. It's co-parenting. I know puwedeng mag-co-parent in separate houses. Pero kasi 'yung panganay kasi is very close to me. 'Yung bunso naman sa kaniya," sabi ni Maui sa See more...
2 nabbed for selling registered SIM cardsAuthorities arrested two individuals for selling SIM cards registered under a fictitious identity in Makati City. The arrested suspects were identified as Chinese national and businessman Zhao Jinxing and Filipino Cristobal Cacayurin, according to John Consulta’s “24 Oras” report on Tuesday The Southern Police District (SPD) said arrested suspects were selling registered SIM cards to Filipino and Chinese nationals. “Meron See more...
Taguig LGU opens ‘Life of Christ’ park for Holy WeekThe local government of Taguig City opened "Life of Christ" - a park that gives Taguigueños a place to reflect and pray during the Lenten season. The Taguig LGU said residents could reflect on Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection on different corners of the park that features The Stations of the Cross, Prayer Corner and Prayer Boxes, and art installations. See more...
Philippines should open more sectors to foreigners amid Cha-cha talks —DioknoAmid the ongoing talks of Charter change (Cha-cha) in both chambers of Congress, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno on Tuesday said amendment in the Constitution should pave the way to opening more sectors to foreign investors. “I think times have changed and I think we should be open to more improvement so personally I am for opening up some sectors of See more...
Stricter monitoring of commercial fishing activities urgedMANILA — Environmental group Oceana Philippines and some artisanal fisherfolk are calling for stricter monitoring of commercial fishing activities. This comes after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s order to suspend the implementation of Fisheries Administrative Order (FAO) No. 266. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has confirmed the suspension of FAO No. 266, which orders vessel monitoring measures and See more...
Pasig eats: 6 Bistro Group restaurants opening at Estancia MallMANILA -- The Bistro Group is opening six restaurants at Estancia Mall this April. The restaurant group recently announced the launch of Italianni's, TGIFridays, Denny's, Randy's Donuts, Texas Roadhouse, and Modern Shang at the mall, which is located in Pasig City. Another brand under The Bistro Group, Buffalo Wild Wings, has been in Estancia since 2015. Italianni's, known for See more...
What is up with Twitter's new icon?Everybody was in a state of shock, confusion, and laughs when they opened Twitter today, days after April Fools, as the dubbed bird app surprisingly got a new icon, the Doge meme. Replacing the blue bird at the top left-hand side of the screen is a Shiba Inu icon, also the logo of Dogecoin, the blockchain and cryptocurrency. When the See more...
MARINA says it found probable cause vs. MT Princess Empress ownerThe Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) on Tuesday said it has found probable cause to file charges against the owner of the sunken motor tanker Princess Empress, which has caused an oil spill in Oriental Mindoro. “In fact, MARINA has completed its initial investigation on the shipping properties, on the show cause order, issued before and a resolution has been issued See more...
Rufa Mae Quinto, 'go! go! go! sa paggaya sa 'Kill Boksoon' filmGo! go! go! si Rufa Mae Quinto sa pinakabagong Netflix ad na parody ng action-drama movie na "Kill Boksoon." Sa video, suot ng Kapuso actress ang red velvet suit at pants na katulad ng costume ng karakter ni Gil Boksoon (Jeon Do Yeon), na bida sa pelikula. Ang eksena, nasa grocery store si Rufa na biglang nainis nang malaman niyang See more...
Palawan gov’t welcomes selection of Balabac Island as EDCA siteThe Palawan provincial government on Tuesday expressed support for the inclusion of Balabac Island among the four new proposed locations to be used for the implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the US. In a press statement, Palawan Provincial Information Center Officer Christian Jamco said the provincial government believes the new EDCA sites will See more...
Nicole Laurel-Asensio to play Sisa in musical 'Ibarra'MANILA -- A woman of the arts -- this is the lasting impression that Nicole Laurel Asensio exudes when you meet her. She was the frontwoman of all-female rock band General Luna from 2010 to 2013, and later performed on lead vocals for Razorback. Her vocal prowess extends beyond musical genres though, because she also regularly performs See more...
Isda sa karagatan ng Japan na nasa 8,300 metro ang lalim, kakaiba ang hitsuraIsang isda ang bumasag sa world record ng “deepest fish ever filmed on camera” matapos itong makunan sa lalim na 8,336 metro sa Izu-Ogasawara Trench sa Japan. Ang isda, kamangha-mangha ang hitsura. Sa ulat ng GMA News Feed, sinabing may nahuling specimens ang mga siyentipiko sa lalim na 8,022 meters, at binasag din ang world record ng “deepest fish ever See more...
Korea’s first Catholic priest and patron saint found refuge in Philippine barrioBOCAUE, Bulacan — Many people call it a “Korean temple” — an unmistakable ripple in a country swept by the waves of Korean pop music and television drama. Tucked in a small barrio at the end of narrow alleys, across a patch of pond and sprawling greeneries, the towering pagoda-style structures are reminiscent of East Asian temples. But See more...
PC retailer Upson Corp lists on Philippine Stock ExchangeMANILA - Upson International Corp said it listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange on April 3, following an initial public offering (IPO) that raised P1.65 billion. The country's largest retailer of personal computers and other IT products offered 625 million primary common shares, with an over-allotment option of up to 62.5 million shares for P2.40 per share, it said See more...
COA flags PCMC over P200 million unclaimed refunds for COVID testsMANILA — The Commission on Audit (COA) has expressed concern for the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) after it failed to claim P200.277 million worth of reimbursements from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) over COVID-19 tests for migrant workers. The unclaimed reimbursments were for RT-PCR tests given to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) between 2021 and 2022. In its See more...
Remulla says Miranda had been convicted, on probation during Degamo slayMANILA — Marvin Miranda, one of the alleged masterminds in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, had been convicted and was on probation when Degamo was killed. “He was caught illegally possessing firearms and I think he was convicted [for] it. I think he pleaded guilty to a lesser offense, he was able to go on probation,” Remulla See more...
NTF-ELCAC: No need for loyalty check on teachers over possible communist linksThe government’s anti-insurgency task force on Tuesday said that teachers and school personnel do not have to undergo a loyalty check to determine if they are influenced by communist rebels. “I don't think there's a need to have a loyalty check on our teachers because majority of them are really committed to educate our children,” National Task Force to End See more...
All Pasay jail escapees rearrested –SPDWith the rearrest of Richard dela Cruz, who had been detained for allegedly violating Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, the 10 detainees who broke out of the Malibay Detention Facility in Pasay City were back in custody, the Southern Police District (SPD) said on Tuesday. According to Sam Nielsen’s report on Super Radyo DZBB, See more...
Gov't rightsizing 'not aimed at terminating employees': PalaceMANILA — Rightsizing in the executive branch is meant to "upskill and reskill" government workers and "is not aimed at terminating employees", Malacañang said on Tuesday. President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. earlier in the day met with the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to discuss the matter. During the meeting, Marcos ordered the See more...
Zubiri echoes need for VFA-like deal in meeting with Japanese lawmakersSenate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has reiterated the need for a military pact with Japan that is similar to the Philippine-United States' Visiting Forces Agreement during a meeting with Japanese lawmakers at the National Diet on Tuesday. Zubiri and nine other senators met with their counterparts headed by Japan-Philippine parliamentarians Friendship League chairman Moriyama Hiroshi. “Japan’s support has been a See more...
SC affirms Taguig jurisdiction over BGCThe Supreme Court has affirmed with finality a December 2021 decision that ruled that the disputed Bonifacio Global City belongs to Taguig City. In a two-page notice dated September 2022, the SC Special Third Division denied the Makati City government's motion for reconsideration assailing the SC's December 1, 2021 decision that ruled in favor of Taguig. "[T]he Court resolves to See more...
WATCH: HORI7ON teases 'Salamat' music videoMANILA — Newly-formed boy group HORI7ON is set release another music video prior to their launch in South Korea. In a teaser, Winston Pineda, Kim Ng, Reyster Yton, Vinci Malizon, Kyler Chua, Marcus Cabais, and Jeromy Batac revealed that they will release a new version of the song "Salamat," which was introduced during the finale of survival show "Dream Maker" See more...
Popular cookbook 'My Angkong’s Noodles' gets 3rd reprintingMANILA -- In the olden times, when recipes were still unheard of, cooking was done with no exact measurements of ingredients. Mere approximation or calculation was done to achieve the desired consistency for the mixture. Today, recipes are important in every dish cooked and presented, with specific measures of ingredients and how the food will be prepared. It is for See more...
GSIS to release members’ pensions ahead of Holy Week breakThe Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will release the benefits of its 562,000 pensioners three days ahead of the regular schedule due to Holy Week. “Our pensioners will receive their pension on April 5 instead of the usual e-crediting on the eighth of every month. We know that our retirees need their pension early as most commercial establishments will be See more...
Bank schedules for Holy Week 2023Most branches of local banks will be closed for the Holy Week this year, with an extended weekend as Malacañang also announced the move of the observance of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) to next Monday. Malacañang said earlier that April 6 (Maundy Thursday) and April 7 (Good Friday) were regular holidays. It also announced the move See more...
Australia bans TikTok on government devicesSYDNEY — Australia said Tuesday it will ban TikTok on government devices, joining a growing list of Western nations cracking down on the Chinese-owned app due to national security fears. Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the decision followed advice from the country's intelligence agencies and would begin "as soon as practicable". Australia is the last member of the secretive Five Eyes See more...
9 out of 10 Pasay jailbreakers now rearrested —policeNine of the 10 detainees who broke out of Malibay Detention Facility in Pasay City on Monday have been rearrested, the Southern Police District (SPD) said Tuesday. In an update, the SPD said another detainee, Norman Deyta, was rearrested by the Pasay City Police in Barangay 152 at around 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Recovered from him was the service firearm, See more...
Disney announces 'Moana' live adaptation in the worksEntertainment giant Disney has revealed that a live adaptation of its animated hit "Moana" is in the works. "Moana" was released in 2016 with the story of the titular character, voiced by Auliʻi Cravalho, in search of Maui and their quest to return the heart of Te Fiti to restore the healthy living in their town. "As you know, Hawaii See more...
BSP tells banks: Ensure InstaPay, PESONet services during Holy Week breakMANILA — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said on Tuesday its supervised financial institutions or banks must provide continued PESONet and InstaPay services to consumers even during the Holy Week holidays. InstaPay is a realtime online fund transfer for transactions below P50,000 while PESONet, an alternative to checks, is for funds above P50,000 which usually takes 1 banking day to See more...
Gatchalian to DOE: Brace for possible oil price hikes after OPEC+ cutsSenate energy committee vice chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday urged the government to prepare for a possible increase in domestic oil prices after Saudi Arabia and other OPEC+ oil producers announced that they will cut their production to around 1.16 million barrels per day. “This event is unfortunate, and the government should immediately take actions that would cushion the impact See more...
Kodaline to return to PH on September 14Irish rock band Kodaline is set to return to the Philippines for a third time for a concert later this year. In an announcement on Wednesday, Karpos said Kodaline will perform at The Filinvest Tent in Alabang on September 14. "The Dublin-based modern rock group’s emotional, heartfelt, and powerful anthems make them no stranger to the Filipino audience," Karpos said. See more...
FACT CHECK TIPS: Paano makakaiwas sa fake websites at online scams?Ngayong tag-init, tiyak na maraming tao ang magbabakasyon at magpaplano ng kanilang biyahe. Sa katunayan, inaasahan ng Department of Tourism (DOT) na ganap na babalik ang sigla ng turismo ng bansa ngayong taon matapos ang naranasang COVID-19 pandemic. Ngunit karaniwang tinatarget ng mga online scammer ang mga ganitong panahon kung saan libo-libo ang bumabyahe, nagbu-book ng bakasyon, at naghahanap ng See more...
ADB says developing Asia's growth to accelerate after China reopeningMANILA - The Asian Development Bank raised its 2023 growth forecast for developing Asia on Tuesday, after China's abrupt loosening of Covid-19 restrictions and reopening of its borders brightened the region's prospects. The Philippines-based lender expects economic growth of 4.8 percent this year, up from its 4.6 percent projection in December. That compares with growth of 4.2 percent last year. See more...
Mga pelikulang kasali sa unang Summer MMFF, ipalalabas na sa Abril 8Malapit nang magpaiyak, magpatawa, at maghatid ng iba’t ibang feels ang walong pelikulang kasali sa kauna-unahang Summer Metro Manila Film Festival na ipalalabas sa mga sinehan simula sa Sabado, Abril 8. Nitong Linggo, masayang ginanap ang Parade of Stars para sa pelikulang kalahok, ayon sa Chika Minute report ni Lhar Santiago sa GMA News 24 Oras nitong Lunes. Kaniya-kaniya na ng See more...
ADB sees Philippine economy to grow 6% in 2023The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has maintained its economic growth projection for the Philippines this year on the back of rising domestic demand and a recovery in the services sector, particularly tourism. In the April 2023 edition of its flagship publication Asian Development Outlook (ADO), the ADB forecasted the Philippine economy to grow by 6.0% in 2023. This is the See more...
Pulse Asia: More Pinoys are against Cha-cha, know little about ConstitutionThe number of Filipinos against changing the Constitution reached 45% which is more than those in favor of it at 41%, a Pulse Asia poll showed. The Pulse Asia survey, which was conducted last March 15 to 19, showed that the 45% of those opposed to charter change (Cha-cha) was down from 56% in September last year. The number of See more...
Century Pacific Food profits hit P5-B in 2022, up 6 pctMANILA - Century Pacific Food Inc said on Tuesday its net income reached P5 billion in 2022, which is 6 percent higher compared to the previous year. Sales rose by 14 percent due to the continued economic recovery and resilient domestic demand, the Century Tuna-maker said in a disclosure to the stock exchange. In 2022, consolidated revenues hit P62.2 See more...
DOH posts 217 new COVID-19 cases as active infections climb to 9,680The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday registered 217 new COVID-19 cases, while the active tally climbed to 9,680. Based on the DOH’s latest figures, the new infections pushed the nationwide caseload to 4,082,418. The active infections also rose to 9,680 from 9,463 on Monday, according to the DOH. The highest cases in the recent 14 days were reported in See more...
PCG monitors 56K outbound passengers on April 4The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) monitored over 56,000 outbound passengers in all ports nationwide as of Tuesday noon. In an advisory, the PCG said 56,043 outbound passengers and 42,825 inbound passengers were recorded from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. At least 2,570 frontline personnel in 15 PCG districts inspected 655 vessels and 790 motorbancas, it added. Meanwhile, all Coast Guard See more...
LPA trough, localized thunderstorms to bring rain over parts of the countryThe trough of a Low Pressure Area (LPA) and localized thunderstorms will bring cloudy skies, with rain showers and thunderstorms over parts of the country on Tuesday, PAGASA reported. Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, and BARMM will have cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to the trough of the LPA with possible flash floods or landslides due to moderate See more...
ADB earmarks $4-B lending program for Philippines in 2023Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) has allocated about $4 billion worth loan financing this year to support the Philippines’ growth initiatives. During a media briefing in Mandaluyong City on Tuesday, ADB country director for the Philippines Kelly Bird said the $4-billion 2023 lending will focus on eight projects and programs, four of which are investments on infrastructure development. “We are See more...
SSS: Record P5.95 billion in pension loans released in 2022The Social Security System (SSS) on Tuesday said it released P5.95 billion in pension loans in 2022, the highest annual disbursement for the Pension Loan Program (PLP) since it started in 2018. In a statement, SSS president and CEO Rolando Macasaet said that pension loans released last year nearly doubled the P3.08 billion released in 2021. “From January to December See more...
'We want to to portray girl power': BINI names dream K-pop collaborationsP-pop girl group BINI hopes to collaborate with fellow female acts from South Korea who share their advocacy of empowering women. The eight-member act, dubbed the "nation's girl group," shared this during a guest appearance on South Korean music show "Simply K-pop Con-Tour," streamed late Monday on Arirang K-pop's YouTube channel. "We'd love to collaborate with numerous K-pop groups like See more...
China warns PH-US EDCA base deal ‘endangering regional peace’BEIJING — China warned on Tuesday that Washington was "endangering regional peace and stability" with a new deal expanding American troops' access to bases in the Philippines. "Out of self-interest, the US maintains a zero-sum mentality and continues to strengthen its military deployment in the region," foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said. "The result will inevitably be increased military tension See more...
L'Oreal buys Australian brand Aesop from Natura in $2.5 bn dealL'Oreal announced Tuesday the signing of an agreement with Brazil's Natura & Co to acquire its Australian luxury cosmetics brand Aesop in a deal valued at $2.53 billion. The Aesop brand posted sales of $537 million in 2022, according to a statement. "Aesop taps into all of today's ascending currents and L'Oreal will contribute to unleash its massive growth potential, See more...
Estudyanteng nagdala ng granada sa paaralan sa Talisay City, arestadoInaresto ng Talisay City police ang isang 21 anyos na Grade 10 na estudyante Martes ng umaga, matapos mahuli na may dalang granada sa loob ng isang paaralan sa Talisay City, Negros Occidental. Isang pedicab driver ang nagsumbong sa barangay na tinangka umano ng estudyante na itapon sa kaniya ang isang granada dahil hindi niya ito pinasakay. Nagsumbong ang barangay See more...
Airbnb sees 400% growth in searches for Philippine stays during summerOnline rental platform Airbnb reported an almost 400% growth in searches for stays in the Philippines during the summer season, with the country fully easing restrictions for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Airbnb, searches in the past year for check-ins between March 1, 2023 to April 30, 2023 surged from the same period last year amid See more...
What Sexbomb Jopay really thinks of Mayonnaise's songMANILA – Sexbomb OG member Jopay Paguia could not help but gush over Mayonnaise’s song “Jopay” that was obviously inspired by her. The song which was released in 2004 had a resurgence recently after a viral clip changed the tune of the song. During an interview with Boy Abunda, Paguia said she feels “kilig” to have a song See more...
Fewer passengers depart Manila North Harbour Port on Holy TuesdayMANILA — Fewer passengers boarded the ships that departed from the Manila North Harbour Port on Holy Tuesday. Only two ships had been scheduled with less than a thousand passengers, based on port records. The first trip bound for Palawan left at 9 a.m., carrying only 285 people, leaving big room for its 944 passenger-capacity. Only the second trip that See more...
House bill seeks regulation of ‘paluwagan’ systemVilma Ocsales makes a living as a chicken retailer in a wet market in Quezon City. In 2020, she and other market retailers formed a paluwagan—a system in which members contribute a fixed amount to a fund manager, who pools the funds and gives the total the member scheduled to receive it, then the process begins again. Ocsales was appointed See more...
Sandiganbayan clears three PHILSCA officers of graft over Cessna purchaseThe Sandiganbayan has cleared three bidding officers of the Philippine State College of Aeronautics (PHILSCA) of graft charges in connection with the 2008 purchase of five Cessna planes without public bidding due to lack of evidence. In a 21-page decision dated March 31, the Sandiganbayan reversed the earlier graft conviction of Reynaldo Roca, Louie Timajo and Erwin Abon rendered by See more...
Balikatan 2023 seen to boost PH, US forces' coordination, refine tacticsBalikatan 2023, the largest ever between Filipino and US troops with over 17,600 participants, will include exercises meant to strengthen the allies' ability to plan and coordinate against a range of scenarios and challenges, the US Embassy in Manila said on Tuesday. According to an embassy news release, the training will also enable the Armed Forces of the Philippines and See more...
Customs overshoots Q1 collection target by P16.6B, 8.43%The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Tuesday reported that it surpassed its collection target for the first quarter of 2023 while setting a new record monthly collection in March. In a statement, the BOC said it collected P213.619 billion during the January to March period. The first three months of 2023 collection exceeded the Customs’ target of P197.020 billion for See more...
Finance chief says not worried over OPEC cutsMANILA - Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said it was too early to tell how the surprise OPEC production cuts will impact local inflation. But he also said he isn’t bothered by the 1 million barrels per day cut in oil production. “Kung 1 million lang, hindi masyado. Kasi ang threshold nga namin $90 per barrel. Eh nasa $70s See more...
EDSA Ortigas flyover-southbound to close for repairs from April 6 to 10 — DPWHThe three lanes of the EDSA Ortigas flyover southbound in Mandaluyong City will be closed from April 6 to 10 due to rehabilitation works, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said. The DPWH said this was part of the yearly preventive maintenance on the national bridges and roads in Metro Manila to prevent untoward accidents. “Maximizing the advantage See more...
Remulla orders prosecutors to take active role in case build-up in certain crimesJustice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has ordered prosecutors of the National Prosecution Service to take an active role in the investigation of certain crimes, particularly during the case build-up. In a 5-page department circular, the DOJ said prosecutors must ensure the existence of a prima facie case and a reasonable certainty of conviction based on available documents, witnesses, and evidence. See more...
DOH: Over 2,700 Filipinos diagnosed with skin cancer from 2011-2021MANILA — Some 2,700 Filipinos were diagnosed with skin cancer from 2011 to 2021, the Department of Health said Tuesday. The DOH disclosed this as the agency warned that long-term UV radiation exposure could cause skin cancer. State weather bureau PAGASA declared the start of dry season in March. "Constant exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer. That is See more...
PH-China oil, gas exploration talks to resume in May —DFADiscussions between the Philippines and China on a possible joint oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea will resume next month, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Tuesday. In a statement, the agency said representatives from both countries are set to meet for preparatory talks in Beijing “sometime in May.” This meeting will cover parameters and See more...
Pinoy resto at Pinay chef pinarangalan sa 2023 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants sa SingaporeSINGAPORE - Napabilang ang dalawang Pinoy restaurant sa Pilipinas sa prestihiyosong 2023 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants habang isang Singapore-based Pinay chef naman ang nakasungkit sa pinnacle award bilang Best Female Chef 2023 sa nasabing award giving body. Lumahok sa awarding ceremony noong March 28, 2023 sa Resorts World Sentosa si Ambassador of the Philippines in Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig. See more...
Gov. Mamba, tutol pa rin na isama ang Cagayan sa mga bagong EDCA siteTutol pa rin si Cagayan governor Manuel Mamba na isama ang kaniyang lalawigan sa mga lugar na bahagi ng Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), ang kasunduan ng Pilipinas at Amerika na may kaugnayan sa kooperasyong militar. “As I previously said it is the President's call but I disagree and continuously oppose EDCA sites in Cagayan because they are magnets of See more...
NTC orders regional offices to aid NDRRMC, LGUs during Holy WeekThe National Telecommunications Commission has ordered its regional units to be on full alert to ensure uninterrupted telecommunications services amid the expected volume of travelers during the Holy Week break. In a memorandum issued March 28, the NTC told its regional directors to extend assistance to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and local government units (LGUs) See more...
New EDCA site could be 'magnet' of attacks by US foes — Cagayan govGovernor Manuel Mamba on Tuesday reiterated his stance against establishing a new EDCA site in Cagayan as he expressed fear that the base could become a "magnet" for attacks by US adversaries. “As I previously said it is the President's call but I disagree and continuously oppose EDCA sites in Cagayan because they are magnets of attack by US See more...
MTRCB: Only G, PG-rated shows, movies allowed in PUVsThe Movie Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) on Tuesday reminded drivers and operators that only television shows and movies with “G” and “PG” ratings should be played in public utility vehicles (PUVs). In an advisory, the agency said the limitation was mandated in MTRCB Memorandum Circular No. 09-2011 which states the rules governing public exhibition of films in common See more...
8 of 10 Pasay jail escapees rearrested —policeEight of the 10 detainees who broke out of Malibay Detention Facility in Pasay City on Monday have been rearrested, Pasay City Police chief Police Colonel Froilan Uy said Tuesday. Interviewed on Unang Balita, Uy said Romeo Estopa was captured in Pasay while Carlo Magno was rearrested in Imus, Cavite. “Meron na lang tayong dalawang pinaghahanap. Hopefully makuha na atin See more...
LPA trough to continue to affect Mindanao —PAGASAThe trough of the low-pressure area (LPA) continues to affect Mindanao and will spur rains across a large swath of the country on Tuesday, state weather bureau PAGASA said. Based on its 24-hour public forecast, PAGASA said the trough of the LPA will bring cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms in Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, and BARMM. Metro Manila and See more...
DOH relying on passage of CDC bill for release of donated bivalent jabsThe Department of Health (DOH) is now depending on the enactment of the bill establishing the country’s own Center for Disease Control (CDC) so that the donations of COVID-19 bivalent vaccines to the Philippines would push through, officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Tuesday. The Health official made the remark after admitting that there are no legal remedies seen yet See more...
DOH discourages flagellation, crucifixion on Holy WeekThe Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday cautioned devotees against self-flagellation and crucifixion as part of their penance this Holy Week. At a press conference, DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire pointed out that the leading health risk that people could get from such activities is tetanus or infection due to bacteria called Clostridium tetani. “‘Yung flagellation, ‘yung pagpapako sa krus See more...