Here are the latest news and events that happened today, Thursday, April 20, 2023.
Gerald Anderson fondly looks back at 'PBB' experienceMANILA – Gerald Anderson fondly looked back at his experience as a housemate of “Pinoy Big Brother” (PBB) in 2006, saying it’s something he would never forget. In an interview with Korina Sanchez, Anderson acknowledged he had a relatively easy “entry point” because all he had to do at that time was to stay true to himself. “Sabi ko nga, See more...
Smart, Globe reiterate push to extend deadline for SIM registrationDominant telcos Smart Communications Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc. on Thursday renewed their call for the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to extend the SIM registration deadline. In a statement, Globe reiterated its appeal for the extension of the April 26, 2023 deadline for mobile subscribers to register their SIMs “so customers can obtain valid IDs— a key See more...
Over 200 sacks of alleged fake fertilizers seized in TarlacThe Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Region 3 confiscated more than 200 bags of alleged fake fertilizer inside a warehouse in Camiling, Tarlac. According to John Consulta's report on "24 Oras," the bags were even sealed under the name of a legitimate brand. “May halong burak, mga kung ano-anong molases na hindi dapat nandyan, so talagang fake itong ginagawa See more...
PNP chief Azurin to successor: Be strong, don't be afraid who gets caught, hurtPhilippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. on Thursday advised his successor to be strong and brave, saying “not to be afraid of who gets caught and who gets hurt.” “Siguro 'yung papalit sa akin maging matibay siya, maging matatag siya, dahil definitely sabi ko nga (My successor should be strong because definitely) if we are willing See more...
Teves says he'll come home 'when it is safe enough'Suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. on Thursday said he will return to the Philippines once it is safe enough. The congressman, who has been tagged as the alleged mastermind behind the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and eight others, have yet to return to the country due to concerns about his safety. “When— when it See more...
'The Voice Generations' opens applications for duos and groupsAre you part of a talented singing duo or group? Then, "The Voice Generations," wants you! Applications are now open for the singing competition, which is a spin-off of "The Voice." The show, which will be hosted by Dingdong Dantes, made the announcement on Instagram. A group may have three or more members. The duo or group should have members See more...
'Voltes V: Legacy:' So how much does each flight suit cost?High-quality costumes for a world-class production! On Tuesday's press conference, "Voltes V: Legacy" director Mark Reyes revealed each flight suit of Voltes V members cost P350,000. Her learned about it while shooting for a scene that required a lot of movement from the cast members donning flight suits. "We were shooting the Butterfly Return episode, and then, bagsak nang bagsak See more...
Piolo, Matteo to join Donny in Sun Life Cycle PHMANILA – After leading a bike camp earlier this week, Kapamilya star Donny Pangilinan will also be participating in the upcoming Sun Life Cycle PH in Cavite. Pangilinan will not be alone in bannering the cycling event as Piolo Pascual and Matteo Guidicelli are set to join him in the annual fun ride that will hit the road on April See more...
NEDA chief: Inflation seen to ease this 2023National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan on Thursday said the country's inflation rate is already on its "downward trajectory." At a Palace press briefing, Balisacan was asked if the Philippine government is seeing that the inflation rate would ease this year. "Yeah, we are seeing that... we're actively monitoring the situation and implementing the necessary measures to ensure See more...
US imposes $300-M penalty on Seagate over Huawei shipmentsWASHINGTON, United States - US authorities on Wednesday imposed a $300 million penalty on Seagate Technology, to resolve alleged violations of export controls related to selling hard disk drives to Huawei Technologies, the Commerce Department said. The manufacturer was involved in the shipment of hard disk drives valued over $1.1 billion to Huawei entities despite US controls. The violations, according See more...
Jodi Sta. Maria on kissing scene with Joshua Garcia: Na-surprise talaga silaMANILA – Kapamilya stars Jodi Sta. Maria and Joshua Garcia shocked fans and netizens last month after a steamy kissing scene in the teaser of their upcoming series “Unbreak My Heart.” On Thursday, Sta. Maria broke her silence about the viral scene. “Nagulat 'yung mga tao. Unexpected na gagawin nila pareho. Siyempre parang 20 years 'yung age gap namin See more...
CPP: Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, 8 others tortured, killed by AFPThe Communist Party of the Philippines has confirmed the deaths of its leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon in August 2022. In a statement, the CPP said the Tiamzons were arrested along with several other party members on August 21, 2022. Marco Valbuena, chief information officer of the CPP, said the couple was unarmed when arrested in Catbalogan City, were tortured, See more...
Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin, nagbigayan ng 'award' sa isa't isaMAYNILA -- Tinawag na "King of Making Me Happy" ni Francine Diaz ang kanyang love team partner na si Seth Fedelin, samantalang "Queen of Universe" naman ang turing ng aktor sa aktres. Nagbigay kilig ang dalawa sa mga bida ng "Dirty Linen" sa kanilang naging pagbisita sa "Magandang Buhay" nitong Huwebes, kasama ang iba pa nilang kasamahan sa serye na See more...
WATCH: Darren Espanto, Carmina Villarroel sing duetMANILA – It seems like Darren Espano is very much at ease around the family of Cassy Legaspi, including her mom Carmina Villarroel. As seen in his Instagram post four days ago, Espanto spent a couple of days in Nasugbu, Batangas with the Legaspis for a quick beach getaway. In addition to the photos he posted, Espanto also shared a See more...
Lalaki patay nang tumilapon sa motor, magulungan ng truck sa BulacanPatay ang isang lalaki matapos tumilapon sa minamanehong motorsiklo at magulungan ng truck sa Malolos, Bulacan noong Martes. Pasado alas-3 ng hapon nang mangyari ang aksidente sa bahagi ng McArthur Highway sa Malolos. Huminto ang isang kotse para mag-U-turn nang dumating ang motorsiklong mabilis ang takbo at bumangga sa kaliwang bumper ng sasakyan. Sa lakas ng impact, tumilapon ang rider See more...
Doc Willie Ong denies involvement in ‘fake ads’ on Kris Aquino’s ‘miracle food’MANILA – Doctor and social media influencer Willie Ong vehemently denied that he had a hand in a viral advertisement that showed him and Kris Aquino endorsing an alleged “miracle food.” Ong broke his silence on social media as he called the ad fake and the pages promoting it as a scam. His statement came after Aquino threatened to See more...
Trade chief Pascual backs extension of SIM card registrationTrade Secretary Alfredo Pascual on Thursday backed the extension of SIM card registration as he explained its significance on digital transactions. At a Palace press briefing, Pascual was asked if there would be a negative impact on the economy if there would be a mass deactivation of SIM cards which will not be registered by the deadline on April 26, See more...
DOH posts 530 new COVID-19 cases; active infections dip to 7,340The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday registered 530 new COVID-19 cases, while the active tally went down to 7,340. The new cases brought the nationwide caseload to 4,087,486, while the number of active infections dipped to 7,340 from 8,252 on Wednesday. The National Capital Region topped the regions with the highest number of cases in the recent two weeks See more...
NEDA says Philippines still on track of GDP targetNational Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan on Thursday expressed confidence that the country is still on track on its target gross domestic product for 2023. Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno earlier said the GDP growth forecast for 2023 is at 6.5% due to the expected slowdown of the global economy. "We are aiming for 6 to 7. I think See more...
29 katao patay, 39 nasaktan sa ‘deadliest fire in 20 years’ sa BeijingPatay ang 29 katao, na halos lahat ay mga pasyente, at 39 ang nasaktan matapos sumiklab ang isang sunog sa ospital sa Beijing, China, na maituturing na “deadliest fire in 20 years” sa lugar. Sa ulat ng GMA News Feed, mapapanood sa isang video ang isang tao na gumamit ng mga nakataling bed sheet para makatakas mula sa malaking sunog See more...
Senate reso honors late ex-DFA chief Del Rosario, role in The Hague victorySenator Risa Hontiveros has filed a resolution seeking to honor the late former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and his role that led to the 2016 landmark victory against China in The Hague. In proposed Senate Resolution 572, Hontiveros appreciated Del Rosario’s contribution in defending the national interest, whether it be the interest of distressed overseas Filipino workers or See more...
67 million children missed out on vaccines because of COVID: UNICEFUNITED NATIONS, United States — Some 67 million children partially or fully missed routine vaccines globally between 2019 and 2021 because of lockdowns and healthcare disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the United Nations said Wednesday. "More than a decade of hard-earned gains in routine childhood immunization have been eroded," read a new report from the UN's children's agency, UNICEF, See more...
Libu-libong trabaho, bubuksan ng Austria; mga Pinoy, puwedeng mag-applyAabot sa hanggang 70,000 healthcare workers at higit 200,000 manggagawa sa iba pang industriya ang bubuksan umano ng bansang Austria. Sa ulat ni Dano Tingcungco sa GMA News "24 Oras" nitong Miyerkules, sinabing hanggang 70,000 ang job opening para sa mga healthcare workers ang bubuksan doon ng nasabing bansa. Bukod pa rito ang mahigit 200,000 manggagawa para sa iba pang See more...
DBM: P1.89B earmarked for electrification programsThe Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Thursday said it has allocated nearly P2 billion for electrification programs of the National Electrification Administration (NEA). In a statement, the DBM said P1.89 billion was appropriated under the NEA's 2023 budget. The amount was earmarked for lighting up more than a thousand communities nationwide. In particular, the DBM said the See more...
New, returning cast members make ‘AHEB’ more excitingRevitalized ‘Ang Huling El Bimbo’ to run for three months MANILA -- In 2018, Full House Theater Company surprised the local theater community when it staged the original musical “Ang Huling El Bimbo” (AHEB), a seemingly impossible production using the songs of the Eraserheads. At the time, the four members of the most influential rock band from the See more...
DUMAGUETE CITY — Negros Oriental Gov. Carlo Jorge Joan "Guido" Reyes on Thursday said he was open to the possible postponement of the province's Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections amid the heated political climate there following the assassination of his predecessor Roel Degamo. In a text message to ABS-CBN News, Reyes said the province would "stand by with whatever See more...
Marcos OK'd institutionalization of social protection programs, says NEDA chiefPresident Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has approved the recommendation for the Social Protection Floor (SPF), which aims to institutionalize the government’s current initiatives that cater to the needs of the most vulnerable Filipinos. This was announced by National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan during a press briefing on Thursday. "The Social Protection Floor (SPF) refers to nationally See more...
Celebrity chefs to grace Philippine Food ExpoMANILA -- The country's only all-Filipino food show returns after a three-year hiatus to showcase the latest culinary creations from celebrity chefs Myke "Tatung" Sarthou, Sheilla Lopez, and Boy Logro. The 15th Philippine Food Expo will take place from April 28 to 30 at the Mall of Asia SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, and is organized by the Philippine See more...
Snapchat seeks path to profit without losing its waySANTA MONICA, US -- Snapchat parent Snap on Wednesday unveiled new tactics including the increased use of artificial intelligence in its struggle to expand beyond the app's loyal user base and reach profitability. Snap chief Evan Spiegel, who cofounded the Southern California-based company in 2011, opened its annual conference with word that an average of 750 million people use the See more...
Canada public servants stage massive strikeOTTAWA, Canada - A third of Canada's public servants set up pickets at hundreds of sites across the country Wednesday demanding cost-of-living raises and telework flexibility in one of the largest strikes in the nation's history. After months of negotiating with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government, the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) said it had failed to reach a See more...
Authorities probe possible 'scam hub' condosThe Bureau of Immigration (BI) appealed to the owners of condominium buildings in the country to report any illegal activities of their foreign tenants, according to Emil Sumangil’s “24 Oras” report on Thursday. BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco made the appeal after Senator Risa Hontiveros revealed that large condominium buildings in the Philippines are being used as "living and working" facilities See more...
K-pop idol Moonbin, pumanaw na sa edad 25 – music labelPumanaw na ang K-pop star na si Moonbin, miyembro ng boy band na Astro, sa edad 25, ayon sa kaniyang music label na Fantiago nitong Huwebes. Sa ulat ng Agence France-Presse, sinabing binanggit ng lokal na media ang ulat ng pulisya na natagpuang hindi na tumutugon si Moonbin Miyerkoles ng gabi sa apartment nito sa Gangnam sa Seoul. "On April See more...
Teves again challenged by Remulla to come home and face accusationsMANILA (UPDATED) — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla once again challenged suspended congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. to return home and face the accusations against him. Remulla said that if a person is guilty of an accusation, they will avoid it. "Ang taong guilty iiwas talaga 'yan. Kahit ano pa sabihin niya kung wala siyang kasalanan humarap siya," he said See more...
Bacolod mayor questions DPWH roadworks in the cityBacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez on Wednesday questioned some of the road repair being conducted by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the city, saying the roads under construction were still in good condition. According to a report by GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas’ Adrian Prietos on “24 Oras,” Benitez said the drainage activities and repairs See more...
BPI Q1 net income up 52% to P12.1BThe Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) on Thursday announced a 52% jump in its first-quarter net income, as the lender reported higher margins and lower provisions during the period. In a regulatory filing, BPI said its net income climbed to P12.1 billion as revenues grew 25.1% to P31.7 billion. Net interest income rose 27.1% to P24.2 billion, while non-interest See more...
BuCor releases 580 inmates as part of efforts to decongest PH jailsThe Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) on Thursday released 580 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from various prisons and penal farms as government efforts continue to decongest the country's jails. According to BuCor, 168 PDLs were from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP). Of this, 123 were from the maximum security prison, and two were from the minimum security prison. BuCor data See more...
PH open to other infra investors, not just China: NEDAMANILA - The Philippines can open to other countries China’s promised investments and infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) that have yet to materialize, the head of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said Thursday. This comes after former Palace spokesperson Harry Roque said the issues surrounding the South China Sea and mounting tensions between See more...
Fil-Australian to play Kim in 'Miss Saigon' in SydneyA former child actress of Filipino descent has bagged the lead role in the new Australian production of the award-winning musical "Miss Saigon," which opens at the iconic Sydney Opera House in August. Eighteen-year-old Abigail Adriano stood out from hundreds of auditionees to land the lead of role of Kim, Opera Australia announced Thursday. Hailing from Sydney, Adriano has See more...
Jodi Sta. Maria cherishes chance to work with son Thirdy anew on TV adMANILA – Kapamilya actress Jodi Sta. Maria has been on a roll in her showbiz career as she inked a new endorsement on Thursday, but this time, with her son Thirdy. Sta. Maria is cherishing the opportunity to work with her only child again for a commercial of a local fast-food chain in the country. Mother and son have See more...
PNP asks for more time to validate alleged data breach — NPCThe Philippine National Police (PNP) has requested for more time to validate if its database was compromised, the National Privacy Commission (NPC) said Thursday. In a statement, Privacy Commissioner John Henry Naga said the NPC gathered concerned government agencies, namely the PNP, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Civil Service Commission (CSC), and Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to address the See more...
Hospital utilization rate manageable despite COVID rise: PHAPIMANILA — The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines (PHAPI) has yet to monitor a significant increase in COVID-19 admissions in private hospitals amid a reported uptick in active cases of the virus. PHAPI President Dr. Jose Rene de Grano said their hospital utilization rate is still manageable. “Tama po 'yon, 'yong hospital utilization po, hindi naman ganoon tumataas, especially See more...
ACT files ILO complaint over Sara’s ‘red-tagging’ remarksThe Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) said Thursday it has filed a complaint to the International Labor Organization (ILO) regarding the supposed red-tagging statements made by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte against them. ACT said ILO Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific Chihoko Asada-Miyakawa already received the complaint pertaining to Duterte's remarks against ACT over several issues. See more...
No Pinoys hurt in New York parking structure collapse —DFA execThe Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday said no Filipinos were hurt in the collapse of a garage structure in New York City's lower Manhattan on Tuesday. Interviewed on Unang Balita, DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs Eduardo Jose de Vega said this was according to the report submitted by Philippine Consul General in New York Senen Mangalile on See more...
RCEP to take effect on June 2 as Marcos signs orderMANILA - President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. will sign an executive order (EO) that will operationalize the tariff schemes under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said Thursday. The agreement, which will bring down tariffs for many imported goods, will go into effect for the Philippines by June 2, 2023, Pascual said. The draft EO See more...
Umano'y gunman sa pagpatay kay Percy Lapid, sinabing nagsisisi sa ginawaMAYNILA — Labis ang pagsisisi ngayon ni Joel Escorial, ang self-confessed gunman sa pagpaslang sa broadcaster na si Percival "Percy Lapid" Mabasa, na tinanggap niya ang trabaho mula sa kababatang si Jun Villamor. "Nagsisisi ako ang daming nawala sa akin, sa pamilya ko, 'yung negosya pa nawala na. Nalayo pa ako sa kanila," sabi ni Escorial sa eksklusibong panayam ng See more...
Over 80 Pinoys in Sudan have requested evacuation, repatriation —DFA execThe Philippine Embassy in Egypt has received 87 requests for evacuation and repatriation from Filipinos who are affected by the ongoing violence in Khartoum, Sudan. Interviewed on Unang Balita, DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Affairs Eduardo Jose de Vega said Philippine Ambassador to Egypt Ezzedin Tago is handling the matter as honorary consul for Sudan. “Naka-receive na siya ng at least See more...
Sabon, kaya raw magpasikip ng maselang bahagi ng katawan ng babae?Isang uri umano ng sabon na itinuturing 'virginity soap’ ang tinatangkilik ng ilang kababaihan lalo na sa Visayas. Bukod sa nakapagpapaputi at nagpapabango umano ang sabon, kaya raw nitong pasikipin ang maselang bahagi ng katawan ng babae. Paalala lang, maselan ang paksa pero may kinalaman ito sa kalusugan at katawan ng kababaihan. Sa isang episode ng "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," See more...
Las Piñas court OKs transfer of Lapid slay gunman to PNP Custodial CenterThe Las Piñas City Regional Trial Court has approved the transfer of Joel Escorial, the self-confessed gunman of broadcaster Percy Lapid, to the Philippine National Police Custodial Center. The order, dated April 18, was signed by Presiding Judge Harold Cesar Huligang of the Las Piñas RTC Branch 254. “I hereby commit to you the persons of Joel Escorial y Salve… See more...
Boobay, pinapangalagaan ang kalusugan matapos mag-‘hang’ dahil sa strokeHigit na pinangangalagaan ngayon ni Boobay ang kaniyang kalusugan matapos makaranas ng mga pag-“hang” sa katawan dulot ng naranasan niyang stroke noong 2016. Sa “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” nitong Huwebes, pansamantalang itinigil ni Tito Boy ang panayam kay Boobay matapos tila hindi naging maganda ang pakiramdam ng komedyante. Tinugunan ng medical personnel sa studio ang sitwasyon ni Boobay, at See more...
DICT’s cybersecurity arm probes PNP, NBI database breachThe Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is now investigating the alleged data breach involving the database of law enforcement agencies. In a statement on Thursday, the DICT said through the Philippine National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) of its Cybersecurity Bureau, it “has doubled down on its investigation on the matter.” The agency said the NCERT started its See more...
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is backing the Land Bank of the Philippines’ new lending program that aims to cushion the impact of higher electricity rates on consumers. “The ERC extends its deepest gratitude to the Land Bank of the Philippines for responding to the call for help in ensuring the availability of sustainable and affordable energy for electricity consumers,” See more...
Movie review: 'Pope's Exorcist' is familiar yet still disturbingAn American woman Julia (Alex Essoe) went to Spain with her two children, a rebellious teenage daughter Amy (Laurel Marsden) and younger son Henry (Peter DeSouza-Feighoney). Julia's husband had died in a car accident and bequeathed to his family an old abbey in Spain. Julia was trying to restore the abbey, but the work was suspended when a fiery accident See more...
Construction worker, arestado dahil sa 'pangmomolestiya' ng menor de edadArestado ang isang construction worker sa Quezon City matapos umanong molestiyahin ang 14-anyos na anak ng kanyang katrabaho sa Batangas. Iniulat ni James Agustin sa Unang Balita nitong Huwebes na isinilbi ng Quezon City Police District Station 6 (QCPD-6) ang arrest warrant para sa suspek na 29-anyos na construction worker sa kanyang bahay sa Barangay Commonwealth. Ayon sa ulat, See more...
Guevarra clarifies ICC situation with Marcos: Appeal still pendingSolicitor General Menardo Guevarra on Thursday said he has clarified to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that the government’s appeal before the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the drug war probe is still pending. In March, Marcos said the Philippines will disengage from any contact and communication with the ICC after he announced that the government’s appeal supposedly “failed.” “Yes, I See more...
DTI chief backs extension of SIM registration deadlineMANILA — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Thursday supported calls to extend SIM registration, noting its importance in digital transactions. Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said SIM registration will help in the country's shift to digital payments. The registration will only run until April 26. "Digital payments are what we need to happen to See more...
Food shorts: Singleton pop-up, Beer Fest and moreMANILA -- Check out some of the latest news in the local food scene. SINGLETON SOCIAL POP-UP BAR Diageo reintroduces Speyside single malt The Singleton to the whisky-loving public with The Singleton Social Bar, a five-week pop-up bar in BGC. For those who have never tried it, The Singleton of Dufftown 12-year-old is a relatively affordable scotch that’s a nice See more...
Nico Bolzico shares touching moment with daughtersMANILA – Nico Bolzico took to social media to share an emotional moment he had with his daughters Thylane and Maelys. In a heartwarming video he posted on Instagram, Thylane can be seen playing and bonding with her baby sister. The clip quickly went viral, with the followers of Bolzico gushing over the touching moment between the sisters and See more...
Hontiveros slams Panganiban’s appointment as SRA OICSenator Risa Hontiveros on Thursday slammed the appointment of Department of Agriculture (DA) Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban as officer-in-charge of the Sugar Regulatory Administration amid his supposed involvement in the alleged “state-sponsored” sugar smuggling. “Panganiban’s appointment is the epitome of impunity," said Hontiveros when asked to react to Panganiban’s appointment. "What sort of message do we hope to send here See more...
BI urges condo owners to report crimes by foreign tenantsMANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday urged condominium building owners to report foreign tenants who may be involved in illegal activities within their areas. BI commissioner Norman Tansingco said the plea came after a Senate panel revealed that condominium units in Metro Manila were being used to house crytocurrency scam operations. “Both local law enforcement agencies and See more...
Social protection to be institutionalized in gov't: NEDAMANILA - The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) on Thursday said it approved recommendations to institutionalize social protection programs in government. NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the social protection floor, which aims to alleviate poverty and vulnerability, will "provide protection to individuals and families in times of need." Asked about how it was different from the existing government See more...
NEDA: Inflation 'on downward trajectory,' GDP growth on trackMANILA — The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Thursday said inflation in the country is "on the downward trajectory already," citing their monitoring. In a Palace briefing, NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan was confident inflation may decelerate to around 4 percent by the end of the year. "We are seeing that (lowering of inflation)," said Balisacan. "We are See more...
Ex-COA official returns to Sandiganbayan, says PDAF scam NGO offices 'mere shanty'MANILA — Former Commission on Audit assistant commissioner Susan Garcia returned to the Sandiganbayan 3rd Division Thursday to testify in the graft cases of former senator and now Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile. Garcia is already retired from the commission where she served as the director of the Special Audit Office that was tasked to conduct special audits on See more...
Marcos issues EO creating framework for offshore windMANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has ordered the Department of Energy (DOE) to create an administrative framework for offshore wind development, a document released by Malacañang showed on Thursday. In signing Executive Order No. 21, dated April 19, Marcos said the country's offshore wind roadmap already identified a total of 178 gigawatts worth of technical potential capacity that See more...
Remulla says Bantag wants to surrenderMANILA — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday said embattled former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag has expressed intent to surrender, as authorities continued to track him down for his alleged involvement in the murder of broadcaster Percy Lapid. Remulla told reporters that Bantag had reached out to a Cabinet member, whose name the justice secretary did See more...
BI probes reported 'scam hub' condos for trafficked foreignersThe Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday said it is conducting an investigation on reports that some residential buildings in the country are being used as hubs for human trafficking victims. The BI issued the statement after Senator Risa Hontiveros revealed that large condominium buildings in the Philippines are being used as "living and working" facilities for trafficked foreigners recruited See more...
Marcos OKs proposed EO operationalizing PH's tariff commitments under RCEPPresident Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has approved a proposed Executive Order operationalizing the country's tariff commitments under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said Thursday. "During its fifth meeting today, the NEDA board, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., approved two landmark measures that will advance our efforts toward achieving deep See more...
Boobay opens up about friendship with TeklaBoobay and Tekla host "The Boobay and Tekla Show," but have they always been friends, and has their friendship always been fun and funny? On "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda" on Thursday, Boobay opened up about their friendship. When asked if they've ever felt ticked off by the other, especially with their punch lines, Boobay considered the beginning of their See more...
Remulla: Illegal possession raps vs. Teves enough to designate him terroristThe complaints for illegal possession of firearms and explosives filed against suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. is enough to designate him as a terrorist, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Thursday. In an ambush interview at the New Bilibid Prison, Remulla said the lack of a murder complaint against Teves will not cause conflict with the department’s See more...
Azurin after nearly 9 months as PNP chief: 'No regrets'MANILA — Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said on Thursday that he has no regrets after serving for almost 9 months as the country's top cop. "Siguro marami tayong nabangga na hindi dapat banggain but trabaho lang tayo eh. We set our targets, we were given objectives and I think generally I can See more...
Remulla says Bantag expressed wish to surrenderJustice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday said former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag, the alleged mastermind in the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid, has expressed his wish to surrender. In an ambush interview, Remulla said a colleague told him around five to six days ago that he received a call from Bantag. “He spoke to my colleague, See more...
'AI leads to a cultural upheaval'A new novel written like Ernest Hemingway? Fake photos of Donald Trump being arrested? Or a new Gerhard Richter painting? All are now possible with AI systems such as ChatGPT, Stable Diffusion or Aiva that write text, create desired images or compose music — all in a matter of minutes and startlingly perfect enough to leave the world astonished. And See more...
Teves says alleged Degamo 'mastermind' was his former bodyguardSuspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. on Thursday confirmed that Marvin Miranda, one of the alleged masterminds behind the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, used to be his bodyguard. Teves, however, emphasized that it's been a while since he last talked to Miranda. “Sa totoo lang, dati kong bodyguard ‘yan. Pero matagal na kaming hindi See more...
GrabFood to launch in more cities in PhilippinesGrab Philippines is eyeing to further expand its food delivery service to more key cities nationwide amid growing demand. At a press conference in Taguig City on Thursday, Grab Philippines director for deliveries Greg Camacho said that eight in 10 merchants say that delivery platforms are a “must-have” for their businesses to survive. Camacho added that users on GrabFood as See more...
CHED seeks 'return service' requirement among public colleges, universitiesMANILA -- The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is reviving the push for a legislation that would require “return service” from students of public universities and colleges. CHED Chairperson Prospero de Vera issued the recommendation during the alignment meeting of the Second Congressional Commission on Education with CHED. “Since public universities are now free, we would request that the See more...
NEDA: China not the only source of investments for PHChina is not the sole source of investments for the Philippines, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said Thursday. In an ambush interview, Balisacan was asked for comment on the remarks of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque that geopolitical challenges in the South China Sea and Strait of Taiwan could derail infrastructure projects under China's Belt and Road See more...