Philippines News Today April 19, 2023

Here are the latest news and events that happened today, Wednesday, April 19, 2023.

Water supply expected to ‘normalize’ this week —MWSS

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) on Wednesday said it expects water supply to “normalize” this week. The MWSS made the remark after the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) again raised the allocation of the MWSS from the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa water system for the rest of April. “We expect it to normalize within the week. In fact, it should See more...

Chris Evans, higit pa sa 'ghosting' ang naranasan sa pag-ibig

Ang itinanghal na 2022 Sexiest Man Alive ng People magazine na si Chris Evans, naging sawi rin pala sa pag-ibig. Nang tanungin ang Hollywood actor na kilala rin bilang si "Captain America" kung naranasan na niyang ma-"ghost," sinabi ni Chris na, "I feel I've experienced something much worse." "I've had the slow decline in text responses, and you just know See more...

Marcos rules out rice crisis in coming months, says gov't open to importation

MANILA - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Wednesday he does not expect a rice crisis to happen in the country in the coming lean months, contrary to the warning of a farmers group of a repeat of the problem five years ago. “No. I don’t. There is a chance na ninipis talaga ‘yung supply because nga nung magkasabay-sabay ‘yan. So See more...

Public warned of 'juice jacking' at public charging stations

Using USB ports and charging stations in public places could put your identity at risk as experts warn about "juice jacking." “Ang juice jacking, galing siya sa salitang juice. Ibig sabihin 'yung power at jacking ibig sabihin hijack, so juice jacking, hina hi-jack 'yung device mo sa pamamagitan ng pagko-konek sa power,” said Art Samaniego, a Tech Expert in Oscar See more...

NBI officer bares threats from Arnie Teves after raiding e-sabong ops in Cebu

National Bureau of Investigation Region VII Director Rennan Augustus Oliva on Wednesday bared that he was threatened by suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. after he led a raid in an online cockfighting livestreaming hub in Cebu. Oliva faced the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs to affirm the statements of Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo linking See more...

DENR: 26 sa 35 sampling stations sa Puerto Galera, bagsak ang kalidad ng tubig

Pinag-iingat ang mga pupunta sa Puerto Galera upang mag-swimming dahil 26 sa 35 sampling stations ang bumagsak sa water quality testing. Sa Ulat ng Unang Balita nitong Miyerkoles, sinabing isinagawa ang testing nito lamang April 14, 2023. Ayon sa Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), bagama't nagpapakita ang resulta ng testing na posibleng kontaminado ang tubig sa lugar, pag-aaralan See more...

BDO eyes up to 10% loan growth in 2023

Sy-led BDO Unibank Inc. on Wednesday said it set to grow its loans by as much as 10% this year, albeit with cautious optimism, following the growth recorded in the first three months of the year. According to BDO president and chief executive officer Nestor Tan, loan growth for the year is projected at 8% to 10%, after gross customer See more...

Senate cites cop in contempt for failure to answer questions

The Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on Wednesday cited in contempt a police officer who is being linked to an assassination attempt in Dumaguete for his apparent failure to answer their questions. Senator Jinggoy Estrada moved to cite Police Staff Sergeant Noel Alabata in contempt. Claiming that he did not remember such details, Alabata did not answer See more...

TVJ to stay in 'Eat Bulaga,' TAPE Inc.'s Bullet Jalosjos assures

Television and Production Exponent Inc.'s (TAPE) chief financial officer and Dapitan Mayor Bullet Jalosjos assure the public that Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey De Leon, and other "Eat Bulaga" mainstay hosts will remain in the noontime show despite the current development and changes in production. In Wednesday's episode of "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," Bullet said that Tito, Vic, and See more...

Marcos Jr. admin assures continuous supply of products sold in Kadiwa outlets

MANILA - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday assured the public of the continuous supply of products being sold at the Kadiwa ng Pangulo outlets nationwide, as part of efforts to help the people deal with the rising prices of goods and help local producers recover from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Philippine leader made the statement See more...

DITO CME eyes fund-raising, cost-cutting in 2023

MANILA — Dennis Uy's DITO CME Holdings, parent of DITO Telecommunity, said it is looking at fund-raising activities, capital infusions as well as various cost-cutting measures this year as its losses piled up to P11.4 billion in 2022. In its audited financial statement, DITO outlined its capital deficiency, which hit P27.9 billion at the end of last year. "The Group See more...

3 magkakapatid na nakapatay sa gumulpi sa kanilang tatay noong 2016, huli

Magkakasunod na dinakip ang tatlong magkakapatid na nakapatay sa isa sa mga gumulpi sa kanilang ama at sumugod sa kanilang bahay noong 2016. Giit ng isa sa mga suspek, self-defense ang nangyari. Sa ulat ni Emil Sumangil sa Unang Balita nitong Miyerkoles, inaresto sina Mark Anthony Gubat sa pinapasukan nito sa Malabon; Lloyd sa Rodriguez, Rizal; at Morrish Ann sa See more...

DICT says no extension of SIM registration 'at this point'

MANILA — The Department of Information and Communications Technology said that as of Wednesday, there is no extension of the April 26 SIM registration deadline. In a statement, the DICT said it has received the requests of telcos to extend the SIM registration period as provided in the SIM Registration Act. "However, at this point, there is no extension of See more...

DA Senior Usec. Panganiban takes over as SRA OIC

Department of Agriculture (DA) Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban has taken over the reins of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) as officer-in-charge (OIC), nearly a month after the post was vacated by David Alba, SRA Board Member Pablo Luis Azcona said on Wednesday. “In the meantime, Usec. Panganiban is the OIC,” Azcona told reporters in a Zoom interview. “As per SRA See more...

PCG rescues crew members from submerged vessel in Surigao del Norte

Four crew members of a submerged vessel were rescued in the waters off Surigao del Norte on Tuesday, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). In a statement on Wednesday, the PCG said MTUG Surigao Strait sank in the waters off Berth 1, Surigao Base Port, Surigao del Norte. The PCG Station Surigao Del Norte received a phone call that See more...

SC issues writ of kalikasan vs. golden rice, eggplant product

The Supreme Court said Wednesday it has issued a writ of kalikasan against several government agencies and organizations to stop the release of genetically modified rice and eggplant products. During its En Banc session on Tuesday, the High Court required the respondent secretaries of the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Health, the See more...

Sandiganbayan junks ex-PAGCOR chief's appeal on graft and malversation cases

MANILA - The Sandiganbayan 3rd Division on Wednesday denied the appeal of former Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) chairperson Efraim Genuino for the reversal of the court’s refusal to acquit him of his graft and malversation cases. In a resolution, the court said the motion for reconsideration of Genuino is denied for lack of merit. The ex-PAGCOR chief is See more...

Ex-foreman makes hole in P700-K rob try at gas station

Police nabbed a former construction foreman in Novaliches, Quezon City after attempting to rob a gas station he was previously contracted to renovate. According to a report by John Consulta on “State of the Nation” on Tuesday, employees caught suspect Fredie Dinopol while trying to enter the shop. “May narinig silang ingay na nanggagaling sa likod at nang kanyang tingnan See more...

DOJ moves to reopen trial, present witness vs De Lima

MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed Wednesday a petition to reopen one of the two remaining drug cases against former Sen. Leila de Lima, saying it intends to present a "rebuttal witness" against the senator. The state prosecution, in its motion seeking to reopen Criminal Case No. 17-165, said it would present lawyer Demiteer Huerta from the Public See more...

Stigma lingers on breast cancer —group

A breast care advocate and support organization on Wednesday underscored the importance of raising the public’s awareness on the early detection of breast cancer before it gets worse. During a Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Philippine Foundation for Breast Care, Inc. (Kasuso Foundation) volunteer Aileen Antolin said that the stigma about breast cancer should be removed in communities as it See more...

SPMC gets 2 Starlink kits for kids with cancer

DAVAO CITY — The Southern Philippines Medical Center's (SPMC) House of Hope Foundation for Kids with Cancer on Tuesday received a donation of two Starlink kits, giving its beneficiaries satellite internet access from Elon Musk's SpaceX. The kits were given by members of the commercial space program "Polalris" and non-government organization St. Jude Global, both based in the United States. See more...

LTO reviewing policies to streamline procedures

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Tuesday is reviewing its existing policies including those on issuing driver’s licenses to further streamline its systems and processes, LTO chief Assitant Secretary Jay Art Tugade has said. “Nire-review po namin ngayon ang mga polisiya regarding medical exam, driving exam, [at] insurance. Marami pa po kaming pinag-aaralan, pinag-uusapan, ine-evaluate, [at] ina-analyze,” said LTO chief See more...

Netflix says subscriber numbers hit record high at 232.5 million

SAN FRANCISCO - Netflix on Tuesday said that its number of subscribers hit a record high 232.5 million in the first quarter of the year and that its nascent ad-supported tier was faring well. The streaming television giant reported a quarterly profit of $1.3 billion, in line with expectations, but said it had delayed a broad crackdown on sharing of See more...

WHO warns Covid pandemic still volatile

GENEVA - The World Health Organization on Tuesday warned the Covid pandemic was still volatile, saying there could be further trouble before the virus settles into a predictable pattern. In the last 28 days, more than 23,000 deaths and three million new cases have been reported to the WHO, in the context of much-reduced testing. While the numbers are decreasing, See more...

BDO expects loan growth despite high interest rates

MANILA - BDO Unibank expects 8 to 10 percent growth in its consumer loan business this year despite rising interest rates, the company said on Wednesday. BDO President Nestor Tan said as mobility improves following 3 years of pandemic lockdowns, more Filipinos are expected to get loans for their business or other needs. "The good news is that it's See more...

ABS-CBN News' 'KBYN' bags bronze medal from New York Festivals TV & Film Awards

MANILA — ABS-CBN News' "KBYN: Kaagapay ng Bayan" has won a bronze medal under the Best Public Affairs Program category of the 2023 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards. The announcement was made during the festival's Storytellers Gala held virtually on Wednesday. The winning episode featured three inspiring stories that exemplified the indomitable Filipino spirit. These included the See more...

PNP: Mayo detained at Metro Manila District Jail since December 2022

Dismissed Police Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo Jr., arrested over the P6.7-billion drug haul, has been transferred to the Metro Manila District Jail as early as December 9, 2022, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday. According to PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo, the custody of Mayo was transferred from the PNP to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology See more...

Sandiganbayan affirms junking of ex-Pagcor chief’s plea for graft raps dismissal

The Sandiganbayan has dismissed the motion of former Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) chairperson Efraim Genuino asking the court to reconsider its resolution junking his plea for acquittal in graft and malversation cases. In a six-page resolution promulgated on April 19, the Third Division denied Genuino’s motion for reconsideration assailing the January resolution of the anti-graft court for See more...

US stocks flat after mixed bank earnings

NEW YORK - Wall Street stocks finished little changed Tuesday following a flattish day of mixed bank earnings and good Chinese economic data. Bank of America climbed 0.6 percent after reporting higher profits thanks to a boost from higher interest rates, while Goldman Sachs dropped 1.7 percent following results that were hit by a slowdown in corporate mergers. "We are See more...

Peso sinks further to four-month low

The Philippine peso depreciated against its US counterpart for the third straight trading day on Wednesday, marking its weakest showing in over four months. The local currency shed seven centavos to close at P56.21:$1 from Tuesday’s finish of P56.14:$1. This is the worst performance since the peso closed at P56.22:$1 on December 1, 2022. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) chief See more...

Marcos admin identifying more areas for specialty hospitals

SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan —President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Wednesday that the government is identifying areas where specialty hospitals would be established. In an ambush interview, Marcos said specialty hospitals should not just be located in Metro Manila but also in provinces. "So sabi ko, dapat mayroon hindi lang sa Maynila. Ang napagkasunduan namin, ay imbes na magtayo See more...

Presyo ng bigas tumaas nang P2 sa ilang pamilihan, Kadiwa

Tumaas nang P2 ang presyo ng bigas sa ilang pamilihan pati sa Kadiwa Stores ng Department of Agriculture (DA), base sa pag-iikot ng ABS-CBN News ngayong Miyerkoles. Sa Kadiwa Stores, P40 na ngayon ang kada kilo ng bigas mula P30. "Medyo nagtaas po nang kaunti ang ating mga bigas sa Kadiwa Store pero 'yong iba ganun din po same price," See more...

Dawlah Islamiyah possibly behind Sultan Kudarat bus explosion — military

The perpetrators behind the explosion that hit a passenger bus in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on Monday could be members of Dawlah Islamiyah, the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division said Wednesday. Colonel Dennis Almorato, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, said the bomb attack was a “signature of the Dawlah Islamiyah.” According to the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12, the bus See more...

Maja Salvador, magkakaroon ng sitcom kasama sina Vic Sotto at Jose Manalo

Makakasama nina Vic Sotto at Jose Manalo si Maja Salvador para sa upcoming sitcom na "Open 247" sa Kapuso network. Sa Chika Minute report ni Cata Tibayan sa GMA News "24 Oras" nitong Martes, sinabing sumabak na sa pictorial ang tatlo para sa bago nilang proyekto. "Hindi lang siya puro patawa kumbaga dapat may laman na galing sa puso yung See more...

Which firms made it to LinkedIn's Top 15 workplaces in PH?

MANILA - LinkedIn said an IT BPO consulting company and the country’s 2 largest fintech firms topped its list of best workplaces in the Philippines this year. The career-focused social networking platform said it ranked the companies based on 8 factors for career progression, namely the ability to advance, skills growth, company stability, external opportunity, company affinity, gender diversity, See more...

Marcos Jr. admin eyeing more areas for the construction of specialty hospitals

MANILA -- President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday said his government is eyeing more areas where specialty hospitals can be erected to address the healthcare needs of underserved Filipinos. “Ang napagkasunduan namin, ay imbes na magtayo ng bago pang ospital ay mag-extension na lang ‘yung mga ibang ospital para mayroong specialty na ilang kama, para talaga as a specialty hospital,” See more...

Filipino student receives offers from Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Stanford, Notre Dame

MANILA — Filipino high school student Carl Audric Guia had hoped to get a scholarship from at least one university in the US to ensure he could pursue his interest in astronomy. But the results exceeded his ambition. During the so-called "Ivy Day" on March 31, 2023 (Philippine time), Guia received e-mails saying he has been accepted to Harvard, See more...

PNR repairs rails round the clock but derailed train has yet to be removed

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) has been fixing its rails round the clock since a locomotive train got derailed in Makati City on Tuesday. While waiting for heavy equipment to arrive, engineers and other personnel manually started slewing the tracks to adjust their alignment, according to a report by Bam Alegre on Unang Balita on Wednesday. "Ang update natin dito, See more...

Gobyerno hinimok na mamuhunan sa kalusugan

MANILA — Isinusulong ng Healthy Philippines Alliance na mamuhunan sa kalusugan ang gobyerno at tignan ito bilang investment at hindi bilang cost. Ayon kay Paul Mendoza, Presidente ng Psoriasis Philippines, dapat mamuhunan sa healthcare ang pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng paglaan ng dagdag na budget para sa mga programa laban sa non-communicable diseases (NCD) o hindi nakahahawang sakit.. Punto ni Mendoza, See more...

Senate panel questions EDCA sites' locations, suggests other areas

The Senate committee on foreign relations on Wednesday questioned the locations of EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) sites as well as the supposed disregard on some concerned areas in the country. During the hearing, Senator Imee Marcos, committee chairperson, said the selected locations seem to be “random” and “no longer purposeful” for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the See more...

Ruben Ostlund on Cannes jury duty and next 'history-making' film

Swedish director Ruben Ostlund vowed to keep his ego in check as jury head in Cannes, and also told AFP why his next film may cause the biggest walkout in the festival's history. Ostlund spoke to AFP in the garden of his townhouse on the Spanish island of Majorca about his excitement over leading the jury at the world's most See more...

6 EDCA projects with US to be completed in 2023 —Manalo

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) chief Enrique Manalo on Wednesday said six of the 16 projects in the five initial Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) locations would be completed this year. “There has been significant progress in eight of the remaining 16 projects in the five originally agreed locations. Six of those projects are estimated to be completed in 2023,” See more...

Miguel Tanfelix on ‘Voltes V: Legacy:’ ‘Ang sarap maging Steve Armstrong'

There's no one better for the role of Steve Armstrong than Miguel Tanfelix. At the press conference of “Voltes V: Legacy: The Cinematic Experience,” the Kapuso actor expressed his pride in playing Steve in the legacy series. Ahead of Tuesday's cinematic experience premiere at SM North EDSA The Block, Miguel told the press, “Hindi ko po ine-expect na ako yung See more...

PANOORIN: Vivoree, ibinahagi ang naging panunukso sa kanya noon

MAYNILA -- Binalikan ni Vivoree Esclito ang naging panunukso sa kanya noon dahil sa kanyang pagiging balbon. Sa "Magandang Buhay" nitong Miyerkoles, tinanong ang aktres kung paano siya naging matapang at nagawang malampasan ang mga hindi magagandang naririnig noon. "It's a process talaga for me. Matagal ko pong tinanggap at minahal ang sarili ko ng buo," pag-amin ni Esclito. See more...

Suspension of barangay, SK polls in Negros Oriental sought amid 'political climate'

MANILA – Sen. Francis Tolentino on Wednesday proposed the exclusion of Negros Oriental in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections slated on Oct. 30, citing the "peace and order situation" in the province. “Kung sasang-ayunan niyo po ako—of course, this is with the concurrence of other colleagues and the Commission on Elections—i-postpone po natin ang Barangay (and SK) See more...

De Lima’s camp opposes move to reopen case

The camp of detained former senator Leila de Lima on Wednesday opposed the motion filed by the prosecution before a Muntinlupa court to reopen one of her drug cases, calling it “underhanded maneuvering.” In a five-page opposition filed before the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 204, De Lima’s camp stressed that the prosecution and the defense agreed in open See more...

Isa sa mga sikat na kanta ni Rachelle Ann Go, si Chuckie Dreyfus pala ang sumulat

Nasorpresa ang "Eat Bulaga" dabarkads nang sabihin ng "Abot Kamay Na Pangarap" actor na si Chuckie Dreyfus na siya ang sumulat ng isa sa mga sikat na awitin ni Rachelle Ann Go. Ginawa ni Chuckie ang rebelasyon sa isang episode ng “Bawal Judgmental” segment ng Eat Bulaga, kung saan isa sa guest choices ang aktor tungkol sa mga artistang nagbalik-showbiz See more...

Smart, Globe again urge extension of SIM card registration

MANILA - Philippine telecommunications companies again urged the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Wednesday to extend the deadline for SIM registration. This was after the DICT said that there was no extension of the deadline yet. According to Cathy Yang, First Vice President and Corporate Communications Group Head of PLDT and Smart, they are asking for a See more...

DICT: SIM registration deadline, hanggang April 26 pa rin 'sa ngayon'

Sinabi ng Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) nitong Miyerkules na nananatili pa rin "sa ngayon" ang deadline ng SIM registration sa April 26, 2023. Inihayag ito ng DICT kasunod ng mga apela mula sa public telecommunications entities (PTEs) Globe Telecom Inc., Smart Communications, at DITO Telecommunity Corp., na palawigin ang SIM registration habang papalapit na ang deadline nito. See more...

Marcos sees no looming rice crisis

SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Wednesday he does not see a looming rice crisis. In an interview with reporters, Marcos was asked if he is seeing another round of rice crisis following the statement of the Federation of Free Farmers that there could be a deficiency on rice during lean months similar to See more...

DOH logs 382 new COVID-19 cases; active tally drops to 8,252

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday logged 382 new COVID-19 cases, while the number of active cases dropped to 8,252. The nationwide COVID-19 tally is currently at 4,086,981, while the active tally went down from 10,263 on Tuesday, the latest figures showed. According to the DOH, the country’s recovery tally is currently at 4,012,286, while the death tally stood See more...

OCTA: Marcos has 84% trust rating; Sara Duterte, 87%

More than 80% of Filipinos trust President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, based on OCTA Research Group's latest Tugon ng Masa survey. Results of OCTA’s independent and nonpartisan poll conducted in March showed that most of the country’s adult population trusts Marcos and Duterte, who received 83% and 87% trust scores respectively. Marcos’ highest satisfaction rating See more...

DOJ: 20 cases filed over Negros killings

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed cases over 20 political killings in Negros Oriental from 2019 to 2023, an official said Wednesday. During the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs hearing, Justice Undersecretary Jessie Andres said 20 cases were filed in court, two cases were dismissed, and one case was archived. “All of them have already been See more...

Marcos says 1.2-M housing sites started since he assumed office

SAN JOSE DEL MONTE, Bulacan — At least 1.2 million housing units have been started by the administration under its flagship Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing Program (4PH), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Wednesday. This as Marcos led the “mega groundbreaking” of six housing projects in the province, which could generate up to 30,000 shelter units. A total See more...

'Maria Clara at Ibarra,' wagi ng bronze medal sa 2023 New York Festivals

Nakamit ng Kapuso series na "Maria Clara at Ibarra" ang bronze medal sa 2023 New York Festivals (NYF) for Entertainment Program: Drama. Ang serye ay tungkol kay Klay Infantes (ginampanan ni Barbie Forteza), isang nursing student na misteryosong napunta sa mundo ng nobela ni Dr. Jose Rizal na "Noli Me Tangere" at "El Filibusterismo." Tinalakay sa serye ang pagmamahal sa See more...

HIV, naipapasa ng ina sa anak?

Maliban sa sex o pakikipagtalik, may iba pang paraan para maisalin ang sakit na Human Immunodeficiency Virus o HIV sa tao. At kabilang dito ang "mother to child transmission." Isa nga ba ito sa mga dahilan kaya tumataas ang bilang ng mga menor de edad na nagpopositibo sa naturang sakit? Sa “HIV Kids” special report ni Maki Pulido sa “Reporter’s See more...

NTC on petition vs. SIM registration: We're just implementing the law

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Wednesday said it is only implementing the law after a petition was filed asking the Supreme Court (SC) to declare the law on mandatory SIM registration unconstitutional. "Kami naman sa NTC, we are just implementing the task assigned to us by the law. So ini-implement lang namin kung ano ang nasa batas," NTC Deputy See more...

France's music hotspots, boosted by Brad Pitt

They are little corners of French paradise that draw British and American rock stars to record their masterpieces -- with a little help from Brad Pitt. France has long had its share of famous music studios that have attracted not just local talent, but foreign bands hoping some of the country's artistic heritage will rub off on them. Some have See more...

Degamo's widow wants change to PNP protocol vs. presenting suspects

Pamplona Mayor Janice Degamo, widow of slain Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, on Wednesday said it is time to amend the long-standing policy of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on the non-presentation of suspects before the public. During the continuation of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs hearing on the killing of Gov. Degamo, Mayor Degamo said See more...

PUMA to expand presence in Philippines

German sports apparel and accessories retailer and manufacturer PUMA is expanding its footprint in the Philippines as it plans to open more stores in the country. In an interview with GMA News Online, PUMA Sports Southeast Asia general manager Sanjay Roy said the company, through its wholly owned subsidiary PUMA Sports Philippines Inc., will be opening “20 to 25 [more] See more...

Senate bill eyes jail time for nuisance candidates

A bill seeking to impose stiffer penalties, including imprisonment, against nuisance candidates has been filed in the Senate. Senate Bill 1061, filed by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, seeks to “curb the emerging unethical electoral practice of some individuals profiting from the elections by using their names or resources with the end goal of abusing them.” “Such practice must stop, and identifying See more...

Landbank earmarks P1.5B for ‘anti-bill shock’ lending program

State-owned Land Bank of the Philippines on Wednesday said it launched a new lending program that aims to cushion electricity consumers from paying higher bills arising from increments in power distributors’ operating costs amid the dry season. In a statement, Landbank said it allocated P1.5 billion for the "ANTI BILL SHOCK" lending Program. The “ANTI BILL SHOCK” stands for “Assistance See more...

Ken Chan stars in his first solo film, 'Papa Mascot'

Ken Chan's first solo film, "Papa Mascot," just made its premiere! According to Lhar Santiago's report on "24 Oras," Wednesday, the film will also have screenings abroad. Directed by Louie Ignacio, the film also stars Gabby Eigenmann, Miles Ocampo, Liza Diño, and Erin Rose Espiritu. "Ang tema ng pelikula is about a father and a daughter. Sa pelikula na 'to, See more...

Negros Oriental imposes total pork ban from ASF-hit areas

DUMAGUETE CITY — The provincial government of Negros Oriental has imposed a total ban on the entry of live hogs and pork products from areas plagued by the African Swine Fever (ASF), particularly Cebu. In an executive order dated Apr. 18 and released to the public Tuesday, Gov. Carlo Jorge Joan "Guido" Reyes said the total ban would be in See more...

Wooseok of K-pop group Pentagon joins Maymay in new single

Rapper Wooseok of the K-pop boy band Pentagon is joining Filipino pop singer Maymay Entrata on her upcoming single "Autodeadma." Label Star Pop revealed Wednesday that the "Amakabogera" singer would collaborate with the K-pop star through a teaser video on its social media pages. The 15-second clip showed Maymay and Wooseok greeting each other. The single will be released See more...

Rep. Teves threatened NBI over e-sabong crackdown: official

MANILA -- The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Central Visayas on Wednesday accused embattled lawmaker Arnolfo Teves, Jr. of protecting e-sabong operators in the region, backing earlier claims that the clan was allegedly involved in illegal activities. During the Senate committee on Public Order's hearing, NBI Central Visayas Director Renan Oliva said that the suspended Negros Oriental representative See more...

Payments position hits $1.267-B surplus in March

The Philippines’ balance of payments (BOP) went back to a surplus in March to reflect the inflows from the national government’s foreign currency loans, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported Wednesday. Data released by the central bank showed that the BOP level was a $1.267-billion surplus in March, following the $895-million deficit in February and the $754-million surplus the See more...

T. rex skeleton fetches more than $6 million at auction

The composite skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex on Tuesday managed to haul in 5.5 million Swiss francs ($6.1 million; €5.6 million) at an auction in Zurich. The skeleton called "Trinity" is estimated to be between 65 to 67 million years old and is made up of 293 bones, from three different T. rex specimens. 'Trinity' bought by private European collector See more...

Summer MMFF review: KaladKaren deserved to win for 'Here Comes the Groom'

En route to San Rafael town where his beach wedding with his excited fiancee Yumi (Miles Ocampo) would be held, the groom Junior (Enchong Dee) rode together with his mother Salve (Gladys Reyes) and sister Blesilda (Maris Racal) in a car driven by his father Rodrigo (Keempee de Leon). They were a devout Roman Catholic family, very conservative in mindset. See more...

BayaniPay launches real estate payment service for OFWs

Financial technology startup BayaniPay on Wednesday launched a new feature that will allow overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to pay directly to real estate developers for their property investments. At a press briefing on Wednesday in Makati City, BayaniPay CEO Winstion Damarillo said the company wants to tap into the Philippines’ P1-trillion real estate industry. Damarillo said 40% of the P1 See more...

SC denies petition assailing proposed amendments to IBP by-laws

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition assailing the proposed amendments to the by-laws of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) and provisions of the IBP’s 2023 election guidelines. In a statement, the SC said it denied the petition for lack of merit during En Banc deliberations. According to the Court, Atty. Peter Paul Maglalang and others filed See more...

PH books $1.3 billion BOP surplus in March

MANILA — The Philippines booked a balance of payments (BOP) surplus of $1.3 billion in March 2023, higher compared to the $754 million in the same period last year, central bank data released on Wednesday showed. March's total brought the current January to March BOP level to $3.5 billion surplus, higher by $495 million than the same comparable period, See more...

Anak nina Rodjun Cruz, Dianne Medina gumaling na

MAYNILA – Gumaling na ang anak ng celebrity couple na sina Dianne Medina at Rodjun Cruz kamakailan. Sa post ng mag-asawa nitong Linggo, nagpasalamat sila sa mga tumulong sa kanila sa pagpapagaling ni Joaquin mula sa dengue. "Yehey! Thank you Lord! We're going HOME! Thank you Dra. Beth Tangco for patiently answering all my praning questions and also to See more...

Sparkle Teens: These are the 19 newest faces of the Kapuso network

"Show the world how you Sparkle!" Sparkle Artist Center just introduced its newest addition to its burgeoning roster of talents. Sparkle Teens is composed of 19 young and energetic talents, who have been attending workshops since October 2022 in preparation for the Kapuso projects they will soon be a part of. On Tuesday's media conference held in Novotel Manila Araneta See more...

BDO cites birthing pains in digital shift

Sy-led BDO Unibank Inc. on Wednesday admitted to birthing pains as it shifts more into digital operations, but noted that it will continue to expand its branch network to penetrate more of the country’s unbanked population. According to BDO president and chief executive officer Nestor Tan, the lender’s thrust in digital is threefold — cybersecurity, infrastructure and operations, and its See more...

DOJ wants to present new witness vs. De Lima

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a motion to reopen one of the drug cases of former Senator Leila de Lima as the agency wants to present a new witness against her. In the six-page motion, the prosecution requested the Court to reopen the trial to set the case for the presentation of their rebuttal evidence. “The Prosecution moves See more...

After nearly 3 decades, Piolo returns to theater with 'Ibarra'

MANILA -- The public has seen Piolo Pascual in many memorable films in the past, widely-followed TV series, shows, even concerts. But he has never done a stage musical in his professional life. Pascual can finally tick this off his bucket list come June 8, when he debuts on the professional stage in “Ibarra,” as the idealist-turned-revolutionary Crisostomo Ibarra. Acting See more...

5 exciting things to expect from 'Voltes V: Legacy: The Cinematic Experience'

"Voltes V: Legacy" is set to premiere on GMA Network on May 8, but before that, a portion of the legacy series will be screened in movie theaters from April 19 to 25. The film features a two-hour material from the first three weeks of the ground-breaking action-packed live adaptation. For those watching in theaters soon, here are five exciting See more...

Water level at Angat Dam remains 'normal' —NWRB exec

While the water level in Angat Dam remains "normal," the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) on Wednesday urged the public to conserve water due to the threat of El Niño. In a public briefing, NWRB executive director Sevillo David said the Angat Dam reservoir water level (RWL) is 197.29 meters — lower than its normal water level of 212 See more...

Live cockroach pulled out of student's ear in Bohol

A live cockroach was found and removed from an ear of a student in Bohol. According to Katrina Son’s report on "State of the Nation", Janine Kaye Uy complained of pain in her ear. When her friends checked, they saw an insect and tried to remove it. They tried putting baby oil and used tweezers to remove it until they See more...

Buhay na ipis, nakuha mula sa loob ng tainga ng isang babae

Idinadaing ng isang babae sa Bohol ang pananakit ng kaniyang tainga. At nang suriin ng kaniyang mga kasamahan, nakita at nakuha ang isang buhay na ipis sa loob nito. Sa ulat ni Katrina Son sa GTV State of the Nation nitong Martes, makikita na tinutulungan ng mga kaibigan ang estudyanteng si Janine Kaye Uy na kunin ang insekto mula sa See more...

'Eat Bulaga' will stay in GMA-7 and not move to another network

Dapitan Mayor Bullet Jalosjos, chief finance officer of Television and Production Exponent (TAPE) Inc., which produces "Eat Bulaga," clarified several rumors surrounding the long-standing noontime show. On "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda" Wednesday, Jalosjos debunked rumors and said "Eat Bulaga" will stay in GMA. According to Bullet, TAPE's contract with GMA-7 ends in two years' time, in 2025. So See more...

Bishop calls for prayers for Pinoys in Sudan

A bishop has raised concerns over the well-being of Filipinos living in Sudan, which has been besieged with armed clashes between security forces and paramilitary troops. "They are in a very difficult and dangerous situation," said Bishop Ruperto Santos, vice chairman of the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI), according to the post on See more...

PANOORIN: Frenchie Dy, hindi apektado ng bashers

MAYNILA -- Ibinahagi ni Frenchie Dy na malaki ang parte ng kanyang pamilya pagdating sa pagtanggap at pagmamahal sa kanyang sarili. Sa "Magandang Buhay" nitong Miyerkoles, nagbalik-tanaw din si Dy sa mga natatanggap na pintas noon dahil sa kanyang laki. "Una, mahal na mahal ako ng asawa ko kahit ganito ang size ko. Para sa kanya ako pa rin See more...

P136K halaga ng umano'y shabu, nasabat sa buy-bust operation sa QC

Nasabat ng mga awtoridad ang aabot sa P136,000 halaga ng hinihinalang shabu mula sa isang tulak umano ng droga sa Quezon City. Iniulat ni James Agustin sa Unang Balita nitong Miyerkoles na mismong sa labas ng kanyang bahay hinuli ang suspek na si Niño Nhazer Ablaza matapos siyang mabilhan ng P1,000 halaga ng droga. Isinagawa ang buy-bust operation sa Barangay See more...

Chinese Ambassador Huang avoids question on recent remarks on EDCA, OFWs in Taiwan

MANILA — Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian remained mum on the backlash at his recent pronouncements blasting the United States' expanded access to Philippine military bases and its possible effect on overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in Taiwan. Huang on Wednesday attended the International Chinese Language Day celebration at the Jose Abad Santos High School in Binondo, Manila, but See more...

DICT: No extension of April 26 SIM registration deadline ‘at this point’

With only a week before the SIM registration period expires, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) announced that the April 26, 2023 deadline remains. The DICT made the announcement on Wednesday after it received pleas from public telecommunications entities (PTEs) Globe Telecom Inc., Smart Communications, and DITO Telecommunity Corp. to extend the SIM registration deadline. As of April See more...

DBP insists merger with LANDBANK needs legislation

MANILA - The Development Bank of the Philippines on Wednesday insisted that its proposed merger with Land Bank of the Philippines needs to be legislated. DBP rejected the statement by the GCG or Governance Commission on Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) that the merger of the two state-owned banks does not require legislative intervention. “DBP stands firm See more...

Easterlies to affect eastern Visayas, Mindanao

The easterlies and the localized thunderstorms will continue to bring rains across parts of the country, state weather bureau PAGASA said Wednesday. Based on its 24-hour public forecast, partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms are expected over Metro Manila and the rest of the country. Flash floods or landslides may occur in these areas during severe See more...

Construction of 1.2-M housing units underway, says Marcos Jr.

SAN RAFAEL, Bulacan — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday said his administration is currently building 1.2 million housing units, which are part of the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) program. The 4PH program aims to build 1 million housing units each year to address the country's housing backlog. "Tintukso ko si Secretary Jerry [Acuzar]. Sabi ko See more...

BOI approved almost P500-B investments in Q1: DTI

MANILA - The Board of Investments has already approved close to P500 billion worth of investments in the first quarter of 2023, meaning the agency is on track to hit its target for the year, said Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual. Pascual said the Q1 figure was 155 percent higher compared to the same period in 2022. "BOI foreign investment approvals See more...

'Eat Bulaga' is undergoing a 'rebonding,' not rebranding - Bullet Jalosjos

"Eat Bulaga" is not undergoing a rebranding but a rebonding process under the management of the Jalosjos family. This is according to Bullet Jalosjos, the Chief Finance Officer of TAPE Inc., which produces the long-running noontime show. Jalosjos, who is also the mayor of Dapitan City, guested on "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda" on Wednesday to clear the air on See more...