Philippines News Today May 10, 2023

Here are the latest news and events that happened today, Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

Remulla says GCash has no liability if ‘glitches’ rectified

But DOJ Cybercrime ready to probe if there is hacking — Remulla MANILA — Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said Wednesday mobile wallet service GCash may not be legally liable if it is able to immediately rectify the “glitch” in its system which saw some users losing a portion of their funds. “I think they’re correcting it already…I don’t See more...

DOTr working on guidelines for PUV shift to electric, says Bautista

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is working on guidelines that will indicate the government’s targets on public transportation regarding the shift to electric vehicles, both in terms of timeframe and percentage of the total units in the sector. According to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, the DOTr is now crafting guidelines, with public utility vehicles (PUVs) still allowed to have non-electric See more...

Kirk Bondad confirms breakup with Kathleen Paton

MANILA -- Model Kirk Bondad on Wednesday broke his silence on his breakup with Miss Eco International 2022 Kathleen Paton. In an Instagram post, the Mister World Philippines 2022 titleholder revealed that they decided to end their relationship two months ago. "I'm happy to say that it was a mutual and mature decision," he said. "While it's never easy to See more...

Comelec issues certificate of finality disqualifying Legazpi Mayor Rosal

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday issued a certificate of finality and entry of judgment on the disqualification of Carmen Geraldine Rosal as mayoral candidate of Legazpi City in the 2022 national and local elections. In the certificate of finality, the Comelec stated that Rosal was found “to have given money to influence, induce, or corrupt the voters, as See more...

US Army chief highlights 'peace through strength' in visit to PH Army HQ

TAGUIG CITY — The United States Army’s top general highlighted the importance of "peace through strength" in the Indo-Pacific region. US Army chief of staff General James McConville paid a courtesy visit Wednesday to Philippine Army commanding general Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. at the Army general headquarters in Fort Bonifacio. “We believe in the philosophy of peace through strength. See more...

PAL to buy 9 Airbus A350-1000s for long haul flights

MANILA — Philippine Airlines said on Wednesday it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with plane maker Airbus for the purchase of 9 A350-1000s for its long haul flights. In a statement, PAL said the A350-100 is the latest and largest version of the A350 family. It is capable of flying 8,700 nautical miles or 16,100 km non-stop. The aircraft See more...

Ellen Adarna won't stop Derek Ramsay from doing love scenes

MANILA – Ellen Adarna is not the type of wife who would forbid Derek Ramsay from doing intimate scenes in his projects. In an interview with Push, Adarna said her husband “can do what he wants.” “That’s part of the job,” she said. Meanwhile, Adarna said she still doesn’t see herself returning to showbiz, especially since she and Ramsay See more...

Camille Prats, hindi niligawan ng mga taga-showbiz dahil sa kapatid na si John?

Ibinahagi ni Camille Prats ang pagiging very protective sa kaniya ng kapatid na si John noong kabataan nila at magkasama pa sila sa mga TV project. Ito kaya ang dahilan kaya hindi niligawan ng mga taga-showbiz ang aktres? “Yes. Kasi I remember growing up… Well even naman until now, growing up we were really the best of friends, kasi See more...

British Prime Minister's wife broke protocol for selfie —Marcos

LABUAN BAJO—The wife of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak broke protocol at a reception in London to have a selfie with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. According to Marcos, the official's wife said one of their helpers—a Filipino—told her to take picture with the Philippine Chief Executive. "So ang protocol doon sa reception, bawal mag-selfie. Eh, asawa naman siya ng Prime See more...

Hollywood actor Robert De Niro, naging ama muli sa edad na 79

Muling nagkaanak ang Hollywood actor na si Robert De Niro sa edad na 79. Sinabi ng aktor, bibida sa upcoming movie na "About My Father," sa nakaraang panayam ng ET Canada, na pito na ang kaniyang anak. "I just had a baby," saad niya. Kinumpirma ng kinatawan ni De Niro sa ABC News ang pagkakaroon muli ng anak ng aktor See more...

US woman who wrote book on grief charged with killing husband

LOS ANGELES — A US woman who wrote a book on dealing with grief after the death of her husband has been charged with his murder. Kouri Richins penned "Are You With Me?" in the months after Eric Richins was found dead in their bedroom in Utah in March 2022. Richins told police she had mixed her husband a drink See more...

'There's much potential': Marcos says PH, Laos to work closely on education, health

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Wednesday said the Philippines and Laos would work closely on education, health, and people-to-people exchanges, noting potential benefits for the two countries. During his bilateral meeting with Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Marcos said he was proud of the contributions Filipinos made in the education sector of Lao People's Democratic Republic. See more...

ASEAN should start talks on ageing population, says Marcos

LABUAN BAJO - The Association of Southeast Asian nations (ASEAN) should start discussions on the concerns of the ageing population, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Wednesday. During the opening of the ASEAN 2023 plenary session, Marcos pointed out that decades of sustained economic growth and prosperity have resulted in longer life spans in the region. "According to the Asian See more...

Mga kandidata ng Miss Universe PH, sumabak na sa preliminary competition

Bago pa magsimula ang Miss Universe Philippines 2023 preliminary competition, palakasan na ng hiyawan ang fans para sa kani-kanilang pambato. Uminit agad ang stage sa pagrampa ng 38 kandidata suot ang two-piece floral swimsuit. Kabilang sa mga standout ang kandidata mula Baguio, Bohol, Cebu province, Davao Oriental, Lapu-lapu, Makati, Marinduque, Parañaque, Pasig, Sorsogon at Zambales. Mabilis lang ang kanilang transformation See more...

Bill on automatic income classification of LGUs reaches Senate plenary

The proposed Automatic Income Classification of Local Government Units (LGUS) Act—one of the priority measures of the Marcos administration—has reached the Senate plenary on Wednesday. This after Senator JV Ejercito, chairman of the committee on local government, sponsored Senate Bill 2165 under Committee Report No. 64. According to Ejercito, this bill aims to institutionalize the automatic classification of the LGUs See more...

Marcos-Siphandone: PH, Laos to work together to boost education

LABUAN BAJO—President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Lao People's Democratic Republic Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone on Wednesday vowed to work together to improve the two countries education sectors. Marcos and Siphandone had a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 42nd ASEAN Summit held in Indonesia. They both agreed to work with other ASEAN leaders toward the collective benefit of See more...

Interpol notice issued vs. Arnie Teves, says Remulla

An Interpol notice has already been issued against suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr., Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Wednesday. “He cannot keep his whereabouts secret anymore since there’s already an Interpol notice about his movements,” he said in an ambush interview when asked if the lawmaker will return to the country soon. Teves, who Remulla has See more...

ASEAN Navy chiefs nagkasundo sa susunding maritime protocol sa rehiyon

MAYNILA — Niratipikahan na ng mga ASEAN Navy chiefs ang panuntunan na susundin nila para sa maritime interactions sa mga karagatang kinabibilangan ng mga bansang miyembro ng samahan. Sabi ni Philippine Navy Flag officer-in-command Toribio Adaci, Jr., ito na ang magsisilbing protocol sa karagatan ng mga bansa sa ASEAN para sa kaligtasan, direktang komunikasyon, at pagbibigay tulong sa mga masisiraang See more...

Senate panel lifts contempt order vs. cop linked to slay attempt in Negros Oriental

The Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs on Wednesday ordered the lifting of the contempt order against a police officer who was linked to an assassination attempt in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental. At the resumption of the Senate probe into the spate of political killings in Negros Oriental, Senator Jinggoy Estrada made a motion to lift the contempt order See more...

Remulla on GCash woes: Glitches expected but correction more so

The Department of Justice is monitoring unauthorized cash deductions which reportedly affected some GCash accounts, Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Wednesday. Remulla said GCash is already correcting the situation. "We are monitoring that… It can be subject to a cybercrime [investigation] if it is not rectified immediately," Remulla said. Asked if GCash would no longer be liable if the See more...

Pag-IBIG finances 2,968 homes for low-wage, income earners in Q1

The Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund on Wednesday said it has financed 2,968 socialized homes for minimum-wage and low- income members in the first three months of 2023. In a statement, Pag-IBIG said socialized home loans make up 14% of the 21,870 units financed by the agency from January to March. The amount of socialized home loans represents See more...

Ex-cop in hiding for 2 years nabbed for extortion

Police have arrested a dismissed police staff sergeant for extortion after he allegedly went into hiding for two years. According to Emil Sumangil’s report on “24 Oras”, former Police Staff Sergeant Michael Rikk Carpena was arrested by the personnel of the Criminal Investigation Division of the Philippine National Police Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (PNP-IMEG) in Muntinlupa. “Na-dismiss po siya See more...

Nasa 2.5K trabaho, alok ng Manila job fair ngayong araw

Aabot sa 2,500 na job vacancies ang naghihintay sa jobseekers na pupunta sa job fair na idinadaos ng lungsod ng Maynila ngayong araw ng Miyerkoles. Sa ulat ni Darlene Cay sa Unang Balita, sinabing ang job fair ay nasa P. Guevarra St. corner Malabon St. ng Barangay 341 sa Sta. Cruz, Manila. Nakatakdang magsimula ang job fair dakong alas-otso ng See more...

DOE says Ilijan plant to stabilize Luzon power supply

MANILA — The Department of Energy is pushing for the reopening of the 1,200 MW Ilijan power plant, which can help stabilize the power supply in Luzon. The agency earlier blamed inadequacies of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines for Monday's power outages in various parts of the region. "For as long as we have this Ilijan power plant, See more...

SM Investments posts P17.3-B net income in Q1

Sy-led conglomerate SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) booked double-digit earnings growth in the first quarter of 2023 amid strong contributions across its businesses. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday, SMIC reported a net income of P17.3 billion during the period, up 33% from P13 billion last year. Consolidated revenues stood at P138.2 billion, up 21% from P113.8 See more...

Camille Prats, inspirasyon si Ice Seguerra kung bakit naging artista

Inihayag ni Camille Prats na si Ice Seguerra ang kaniyang inspirasyon kung bakit siya sumali sa Little Miss Philippines sa Eat Bulaga, at tumuloy kalaunan sa pag-aartista. Katunayan, proud siya na naging back-up dancer ng singer-songwriter. “Noong nakita ko si Aiza (Ice) Seguerra sa Eat Bulaga, at nakita ko na puwede ‘yung bata sa TV, sinabi ko sa sarili ko See more...

Isa pang lotto game na higit P111-M na ang premyo, hindi rin tinamaan

Umabot na sa mahigit P111 milyon ang jackpot prize sa Ultra Lotto 658 na hindi rin tinamaan nitong Martes ng gabi, Mayo 9, 2023. Nitong Lunes, walang pinalad na manalo ng mahigit P196 milyon sa draw ng Megalotto 645. Sa website ng Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, nakasaad na ang mga lumabas na mga numero sa Ultra Lotto 658 draw nitong See more...

Mammograms should start at 40, finds US health body

WASHINGTON—All women should get mammogram screening for breast cancer starting from age 40, rather than 50, an influential US health body announced Tuesday, a move it said could save thousands of lives. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death for women in the United States, killing around 42,000 women and See more...

MISSING PERSON: Mark Anthony P. Bohol

Pangalan: Mark Anthony P. Bohol Edad: 19 yrs old Tirahan: 096 Rosal Street Payatas A, Quezon City Detalye: Umalis ng bahay noong March 31, 2023 bandang 4:30 ng hapon. Nagsabi lang na aatend siya ng acquaintance party sa eskwelahan pero hindi na umuwi hanggang ngayon. Pagkakakilanlan: 5’8 taas, nakasuot ng itim na pantalon, puting t-shirt at gray na See more...

Anne Curtis relieved as daughter Dahlia quickly recovers

MANILA – Anne Curtis thanked her social media followers who helped pray for the quick recovery of her daughter Dahlia. This, after she posted via Instagram Story on Tuesday that her three-year-old daughter was having intermittent fever. Giving an update on Wednesday, Curtis heaved a sigh of relief saying Dahlia is now feeling better. Curtis also shared four new different See more...

95 more Pinoys back from Sudan, total repatriates now nearly 500 —DFA official

Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Paul Cortes on Wednesday said 95 Filipinos from conflict-hit Sudan arrived in the Philippines on Tuesday evening. “So nakatala na po tayo ng over 400 plus 95 po na dumating po kagabi, so that's over 400 na po, halos 500 na po,” Cortes said at a televised public briefing. (So we recorded over See more...

Musk says Twitter to soon allow calls, encrypted messaging

Twitter Inc Chief Executive Elon Musk on Tuesday revealed details about new features including adding calls and encrypted messaging coming to the platform. Last year, Musk flagged plans for "Twitter 2.0 The Everything App," which he said would have features such as encrypted direct messages (DMs), longform tweets and payments. "Coming soon will be voice and video chat from your See more...

Degamos linked to shooting at home of ex-governor's staff

A former staff of slain Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo has pointed to the family of the late official as behind the attack at their home in Dumaguete City on April 21. “Pinagbabaril yung bahay namin (They fired shots at my house),” Rhilrose Antoinette Torres said on Tuesday's hearing of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs. The See more...

Panguil Bay Bridge now 69% complete — DPWH

The construction of the Panguil Bay Bridge in Northern Mindanao has achieved a significant milestone as its completion rate exceeded over 50%, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Wednesday. In a statement, the DPWH said the 3.17-kilometer bridge project now has an overall accomplishment rate of 69%. The P7.37-billion Panguil Bay Bridge project will connect Tangub City, See more...

Reigning Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel arrives in Manila

MANILA -- Reigning Miss Universe R'Bonney Gabriel has finally arrived in Manila. The Filipino-American beauty queen, who received a warm welcome at the airport on Wednesday, said she is excited to attend this year's Miss Universe Philippines pageant. The coronation night will be held on May 13 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. "I've watched it See more...

Comelec 100% ready for 2023 barangay, SK elections — spox

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is now 100% ready for the 2023 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) on October 30, poll body spokesperson Atty. John Rex Laudiangco said Wednesday. Laudiangco said almost 92 million ballots to be used for the elections were already printed. “Ang natitira na lamang pong gagawin ng Comelec ay dalawa, una po 'yung pagimprinta ng See more...

Sanggol, nakita malapit sa basurahan; hinala ng ina, may tumangay sa anak niya

Nailigtas ang isang sanggol na lalaki na 11-buwang-gulang na nakitang gumagapang malapit sa basurahan na nasa gilid ng kalsada sa Urdaneta City, Pangasinan. Sa ulat ni Russel Simorio sa GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon nitong Martes, makikita sa video na hawak na ng isang lalaki ang sanggol sa bahagi ng Barangay Nancayasan dakong 2:00 am. Kuwento ni Anne See more...

JFC to halt PHO24 operations in Philippines

MANILA — Jollibee Foods Corp said on Wednesday it would discontinue its PHO24 operations to focus on growing its new businesses. SuperFoods Group, which owns Highlands Coffee and PHO24 signed deals to transfer assets of PHO24 to East-Est Restaurant Concepts, JFC said in a disclosure to the stock exchange. PHO24 operates 14 stores in Vietnam. JFC said it previously See more...

Philippine, US air force personnel hold drills in Pampanga

The Philippine and United States air forces conducted flight exercise operations in Pampanga on Tuesday as part of the newly-revived joint military exercise Cope Thunder. Around 160 US Air Force (USAF) members trained 400 Philippine Air Force (PAF) personnel on strategies on offensive and defensive air operations in Clark Air Base, Unang Balita reported Wednesday. The flight exercise used FA-50 See more...

Shell Pilipinas sets P5-6B capex for 2023

Shell Pilipinas Corp., the local unit of Dutch petroleum giant Royal Dutch Shell, is earmarking P5 billion to P6 billion in capital expenditures (capex) this year. In a disclosure on Wednesday, Shell Pilipinas said the capital spending budget will be for the expansion of its mobility stations and its supply chain. The company is eyeing to open 40 to 60 See more...

Joshua Garcia, Jodi Sta. Maria, bumisita sa GMA Network para sa ‘Unbreak My Heart’

Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, bumisita sa GMA Network building sina Joshua Garcia at Jodi Sta. Maria para sa promotion ng "Unbreak My Heart.” Ang “Unbreak My Heart” ay collaboration series ng GMA Network at ABS-CBN, na tampok din ang mga Kapuso star na sina Richard Yap at Gabbi Garcia. A post shared by gmanetwork (@gmanetwork) Nauna nang See more...

Marcos: ASEAN should show commitment to free trade

LABUAN BAJO, Indonesia - President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. called on ASEAN member states on Wednesday to show their commitment to the principle of free trade. During the plenary session of the 42nd ASEAN Summit, Marcos mentioned the Philippine government's efforts to implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement. "ASEAN should demonstrate its commitment to the principle of free See more...

Remulla: DOJ to seek cancellation of Teves' passport once charged in court

Remulla backs denial of Teves’ asylum application: No persecution, only prosecution MANILA — The Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) will seek the cancellation of the passports of suspended Rep. Arnolfo Teves, Jr. once a criminal case is filed against him in court. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla made this clarification on Wednesday, after initially saying in a TV See more...

Zambales mango festival returns after 3 years

The Dinamulag Mango Festival of Zambales has returned after a three-year absence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A highlight of the festival is a parade featuring street dancers in mango-inspired costumes. The Ibaile Street Dancers of the capital town of Iba bested other competing municipal contingents during the event, dubbed the Zambayle Street Dancing Parade and Showdown. The See more...

New Marine chief Rojas assumes post

Major General Arturo Rojas has assumed his post as the new commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), the naval infantry force said Wednesday. The change-of-command ceremony was held at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on Monday. Rojas replaced Lieutenant General Charlton Sean Gaerlan, who was recently appointed as the new deputy chief of staff of the Armed Forces of See more...

Remulla: DOJ planning to ask DFA to cancel Arnie Teves’ passport

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is eyeing to have the passport of suspended Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. be canceled, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Wednesday. In an ambush interview, Remulla said they will file for the cancellation at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) once the cases against Teves have been filed before the courts. “But See more...

BSP investigating reported unauthorized GCash transactions

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is now looking at the recent reports of unauthorized fund transfers affecting GCash accounts, with funds said to have been forwarded to other local lenders. According to BSP Deputy Governor for the Payments and Currency Management Sector Mamerto Tangonan, the recent set of incidents have already been reported by G-Xchange Inc. (GXI), which operates See more...

Marcos: ASEAN must double efforts in upholding international law

LABUAN BAJO - President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Wednesday the ASEAN should "double its efforts" when it comes to upholding international law in the region. "In order to harness the potential of our region, I believe that ASEAN must double its efforts especially in these following priority areas: first, ASEAN should uphold international law and the international rules based See more...

Higher electricity bills likely as spot market prices rise: Meralco

MANILA - Consumers should brace for higher electricity bills due to an expected uptick in power prices from the wholesale electricity spot market and other suppliers, Meralco said on Wednesday. Meralco Spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga said new costs have been added to power rates, which will be reflected in the May billing. He pointed remaining tranche of P0.20 per kilowatt-hour from See more...

Acorda: PNP now vetting all police drug enforcement units

The Philippine National Police is now examining all its drug enforcement units following the alleged involvement of some cops in the 990-kilo shabu drug haul in 2022, its chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said Wednesday. “What we are doing now is really conducting vetting on these all drug enforcement units, hindi lang po sa PDEG but to all DEUs, See more...

ASEAN leaders pledge crackdown on human trafficking online scams

LABUAN BAJO, Indonesia — Southeast Asian leaders pledged on Wednesday to crack down on online scams operated by human traffickers to prey on vulnerable job seekers, particularly in the poorest countries of the region. Meeting in Indonesia for a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the leaders called for a regional approach to combat human trafficking. Issuing the See more...

Marcos asks ASEAN to help nano trade of vendors, vulcanizers, etc.

LABUAN BAJO - President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has asked member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the region’s leaders in commerce to support the nano businesses of dispatch riders, repairers, market men and women, and others in a similar trade. At his intervention at the ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with Representatives of the Association of Southeast Asian See more...

Ayala Corp posts P10.2-B net income in Q1, up 31 pct

MANILA — Ayala Corp said on Wednesday its net income grew 31 percent to P10.2 billion in the first three months of the year. Core net income in the first quarter of 2023 jumped 61 percent to P9.4 billion due to the strong performances of its key businesses, Ayala Corp said in a disclosure to the stock exchange. "One See more...

ASEAN Meeting: Marcos Jr. says to raise need to finalize COC on S. China Sea

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. aims to bring up the finalization of the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea during his attendance at the 42nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Indonesia. In a chance interview with reporters on Tuesday night, Marcos said the document is among the "solution of all of these problems." It See more...

Romualdez warns Teves: Come home or risk more sanctions

MANILA — House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday warned embattled Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves, Jr. of more sanctions if he fails to come back to work at the House of Representatives once his 60-day suspension lapses. "Should Cong. Arnie continue to defy the return to work order after the lapse of the 60-day period of his suspension, the House See more...

CAAP: Minimal flight disruptions expected on May 17 air traffic maintenance

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Wednesday said it expects a minimal number of flights to be affected due to the two-hour airspace shutdown on May 17 to give way to corrective maintenance of the Air Traffic Management Center (ATMC). In a statement, the CAAP said the maintenance activity will be done from 2 a.m. to 4 See more...

Ayala Corp. books P9.4B core net income in Q1, up 61%

Conglomerate Ayala Corp. on Wednesday reported a 61% core net income growth during the first quarter of 2023 to P9.4 billion, on the back of strong earnings across its key businesses. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Ayala Corp. said Bank of the Philippine Island’s net earnings grew to P12.1 billion, up 52% year-on-year on asset base expansion, See more...

VP Duterte designated co-vice chair of NTF-ELCAC

Vice President Sara Duterte has been named the co-vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), according to NTF-ELCAC Vice Chairperson and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Wednesday. “The NTF-ELCAC Execom has approved the designation of Vice President Sara Duterte as co-vice chairperson of the Task Force. Her unstinting commitment in the cause See more...

Marcos says reorganization in Cabinet looms after appointment ban

LABUAN BAJO —President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Tuesday that a reorganization could happen in his Cabinet as the appointment ban on losing candidates who ran in last year's elections ends on May 9, 2023. Marcos said he is keen on appointing to certain positions some individuals who are now no longer covered by the prohibition. "Marami. Talagang gagamitin mo See more...

WATCH: Preliminary interview of Miss Universe PH 2023 candidates

MANILA -- Pageant fans got to know this year's Miss Universe Philippines candidates during their preliminary interview on Wednesday. In the event, which was streamed live on the YouTube page of Empire Philippines, aspirants from different parts of the country were given a set of questions by a panel of judges. Aside from telling something interesting about themselves, they See more...

Mother's Day 2023: Delicious treats for Mom

MANILA -- Looking for a gift for Mother's Day this weekend? Here are some food offerings that will are guaranteed to bring a smile on your mom's face. BIZU'S MOTHER'S DAY CAKE COLLECTION Bizu is offering a cake collection in celebration of Mother's Day. One of these is Charlotte, which has layers of Biscuit Cuillère, blackberry mousse, and raspberry See more...

Snooky Serna says Albert Martinez was her first love

Snooky Serna just spilled the beans on her love history with Albert Martinez. On Wednesday’s episode of “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” the veteran actress said she remembers Albert, her ex and former on-screen partner, as her first love. Snooky said that her fondest memory of Albert was when she agreed to be his girlfriend at 14 years old. “First See more...

Makati starts partial ops of P9.77-B PPP hospital

The city government of Makati has opened the outpatient department of its P9.77-billion healthcare facility which was being undertaken through public-private partnership (PPP) scheme. In a statement Wednesday, Makati Mayor Abby Binay said the P9.77-billion Makati Life Medical Center’s outpatient department would be operational 247, providing Makati residents and private patients access to healthcare, consultations, diagnostic, and pharmacy services. Meanwhile, See more...

Onion prices will be stable until November —Bureau of Plant Industry

The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) expects onion prices to remain steady until November and said they do not see them reaching last year's steep prices, which ranged from P500 to P700 because of the scarcity of supply. Assistant Director for Regulatory Services Ruel Gesmundo of the BPI on Wednesday, said this is because the country has enough supply See more...

Miss Universe owner reveals she apologized to Catriona Gray when they first met

MANILA -- It was in an event in Thailand in 2022 when Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray met the pageant's new owner, Anne Jakrajutatip, for the first time. The encounter became the subject of memes, with many Filipino netizens speculating what they were talking about on stage. Jakrajutatip was with Gray and other titleholders during the event dubbed "Miss See more...

Employers group pushes benefits as calls wage hike mount

MANILA – The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) on Wednesday said employers' benefits could cushion the minimum wage in the private sector, as calls for a wage hike continue. ECOP President Sergio Ortiz Luis said Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri's P150 across-the-board minimum wage hike for private sector workers must be consulted with various stakeholders. Luis reiterated that See more...

Snooky Serna reveals unfiltered memories of Gabby Concepcion, Richard Gomez

Snooky Serna just revealed what she remembers most about actors Gabby Concepcion and Richard Gomez. On "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," the veteran actress said she was "at this point and time of my life na parang 'di ako nahihiya na sasabihin 'yung aking totoong damdamin." "Pasensya na ho kayo," Snooky said before admitting she had a crush on Gabby See more...

Joshua Garcia, Jodi Sta. Maria visit GMA Network for ‘Unbreak My Heart’

“Unbreak My Heart” is indeed the most historic collaboration between GMA Network and ABS-CBN! For the promotional shoot of the collaborative series, “Unbreak My Heart” stars Joshua Garcia and Jodi Sta. Maria visited GMA Network for the first time. The first trailer of “Unbreak My Heart” was released in March. In the show, Joshua and Gabbi Garcia will be paired See more...

Camille Prats opens up about dating in showbiz: 'Kina-trauma ko 'yun'

Camille Prats opened up about dating in showbiz and said it may have traumatized her. "Kasi kina-trauma ko 'yun. After that, like, almost kind of relationship with someone in showbiz, ano, parang made me realize na hindi pala pang showbiz 'yung gusto ko. Na to be in a relationship with someone in showbiz, like I think it was, after that See more...

Boksingero, comatose matapos maipanalo ang kaniyang laban sa Cavite

Comatose ang isang boksingero sa Sarangani province matapos ang kanyang laban noong Sabado sa Imus, Cavite. Sa ulat ng GMA Regional TV One Mindanao, na inilabas din ng Unang Balita nitong Miyerkoles, sinabing biglang nawalan ng malay si Kenneth Egano, 22, matapos ang laban niya kontra Jason Facularin, 23. Nanalo si Egano via unanimous decision at nang tawagin na sana See more...

Marcos Jr. eyes 'proper trip' to UK

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Tuesday he discussed with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak about him going on a “proper trip” to the United Kingdom. In a press briefing after his arrival to Indonesia for the ASEAN Summit, Marcos was asked about the details of his meeting with the British Prime Minister in London when he attended the royal coronation See more...

Marian Rivera shares 3 important lessons from her mother

MANILA -- Having grown up admiring her mother and grandmother, actress Marian Rivera credits them for shaping her into the mother she is today and for instilling in her the importance of family and motherhood. “'Yung love talaga nila (mother Amalia and Lola Iska) is hindi matatawaran. Kapag full support and love ang binigay sa ’yo ng parents mo, walang See more...

Megaworld nets P4.6B in Q1, up 30%

Tycoon Andrew Tan’s property developer Megaworld Corp. saw a double-digit increase in its bottom line during the first quarter of 2023. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday, Megaworld reported a net income of P4.6 billion in January to March, up 30% from P3.5 billion earnings during the same period last year. Consolidated revenues also grew to See more...

How the Nazis burned first books, then people

On a rainy night in May, German writer Erich Kästner stands among Nazi SA officers and onlookers before a burning pyre that illuminates Berlin's Opernplatz, now called Bebelplatz. Men in black SA uniforms throw piles of books on to the fire. Kästner listens as his name is shouted into a microphone: "Against decadence and moral decay! For discipline and See more...

PNP mulls abolition of special anti-drug units

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it was studying whether to retain or abolish special operations units attached to its anti-illegal drug efforts, including those under its own drug enforcement group. PNP Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda said he was studying the move carefully, noting that he wanted intelligence-driven campaigns instead. The move comes after drug-related See more...

Gordon: PhilHealth still owes Red Cross P380M for COVID-19 testing

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said Wednesday the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) still owes the humanitarian organization some P380 million for the COVID-19 tests it conducted at the height of the pandemic. Gordon disclosed this during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum where he was discussing the PRC’s pandemic response and the ways moving forward See more...

Marcos says he and British PM Sunak talked of ‘proper trip to UK’

LABUAN BAJO —President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said he and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak talked about him going on a "proper trip to the UK." Marcos made the remark after he was asked if he met Sunak in London, where he attended the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla over the weekend. He said Sunak wanted to See more...

K-pop star Lucas Wong announces departure from NCT, WayV

K-pop star Lucas Wong is leaving boy groups NCT and WayV, SM Entertainment announced Wednesday. SM Entertainment said Lucas will be leaving both groups “to pursue his individual endeavors.” The 24-yearold Thai-Chinese K-pop idol also posted his handwritten letter in Instagram, translating his statement in Chinese, Korean and English. “After much deliberation and reflection, I have made the See more...

Zeinab Harake takes part in Ana Feleo's acting workshop

It looks like there are lots to look forward to with Zeinab Harake! On her Facebook page, the YouTuber and social media influencer shared that she joined Ana Feleo's acting workshop. She also thanked the Kapuso actress and acting coach. "First acting workshop done," Zeinab said in her caption. "[Thank] you so much Ms Ana Feleo. [Excited] po sa next See more...

COVID-19 cases ‘plateauing’ nationally, says DOH exec

While the rise in COVID-19 cases was observed in some areas, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Wednesday that the infections are “plateauing” on the national level. DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau director Dr. Razel Nikka Hao said this during a roundtable discussion, citing a COVID-19 situationer dated May 8, Monday. “Now, we still see cases increase in See more...

DMCI Holdings’ Q1 net income down 32%

Consunji-led diversified engineering and infrastructure conglomerate DMCI Holdings Inc. saw a 32% drop in its net income during the first quarter of 2023 due to the high base effect of all-time high financial results. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday, DMCI Holdings reported a lower net income of P11.3 billion. This, as revenues fell by 25% See more...

DOE awards 6 floating solar energy deals for 610MW on Laguna Lake

The Department of Energy (DOE) on Wednesday awarded six solar energy operating contracts (SEOCs) to SunAsia Energy Inc. and its Singapore-headquartered partner Blueleaf Energy for the development of large-scale floating solar facilities on the surface of Laguna Lake. At a ceremony in Taguig City, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla awarded the six SEOCs to SunAsia president and CEO Tetchi Capellan and See more...

Snooky, nakaranas daw na tapakan kahit nasa lowest point ng kaniyang buhay

Ibinahagi ni Snooky Serna na muntik na siyang mawalan nang pag-asa nang dumating siya noon sa lowest point ng kaniyang buhay. Bagaman may mga taong tinapak-tapakan pa siya kahit bagsak na, mayroon din namang mabubuting tao na tumulong sa kaniya para makabangon tulad ni Boy Abunda. Sa “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” nitong Miyerkoles, tinanong ng King of Talk si See more...

Snooky Serna, sinabing muntik na silang magtanan noon ni Albert Martinez

Walang pagkukunwaring inilahad ni Snooky Serna na si Albert Martinez ang “first love” ng kaniyang buhay, at muntik na raw silang magtanan noon. “Pagpasensiyahan niyo na po, baka po kayo ma-ano, pero talagang nagpapakatotoo na tayo ngayon. Si Albert Martinez is the first love of my life,” sabi ni Snooky sa Fast Talk with Boy Abunda nitong Miyerkoles. Ikinuwento ni See more...

DOH posts 1,476 COVID-19 cases; active infections increase to 12,706

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday registered 1,476 new COVID-19 cases for the seventh straight day of more than 1,000 new infections being confirmed. The new cases brought the nationwide caseload to 4,106,974, while active infections rose to 12,706 from 12,125 on Tuesday. According to GMA Integrated News Research, this is the highest tally of active cases in 126 See more...

Daniel Padilla also wants to venture into theater

MANILA -- After the recently staged successful “Contra Mundum (Ang Larawan: The Concert),” where the likes of Jericho Rosales, Bea Alonzo and Paulo Avelino made their theatrical debut, actor and singer Daniel Padilla admitted he is open to doing theater plays or musicals in the future. “I am very interested,” Padilla told ABS-CBN News. “Sa ‘2 Good 2 Be True,’ See more...

Comelec refutes ‘spurious’ document on party-list representatives proclamation

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) refuted Wednesday a “spurious” document circulating on social media that ordered certain individuals named as party-list representatives to appear before the House of Representatives for their supposed proclamation and oath of office. Comelec spokesperson Atty. John Rex Laudiangco said the poll body has no authority or jurisdiction to make such an order, contrary to the See more...

FDI net inflows hit 15-month high in February

Foreign direct investments (FDI) into the Philippines yielded higher net inflows in February on the back of increased fund infusions in debt instruments during the month, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported Wednesday. Data released by the BSP showed that FDI net inflows amounted to $1.047 billion in the second month of the year, up 13% from $926 million See more...

Petron net income dips slightly to P3.4 billon in Q1

MANILA — Petron Corp said on Wednesday it posted a P3.4 billion net income in the first quarter, slightly lower than the P3.6 billion in the same period last year partly due to higher financing costs. Consolidated revenues reached P188.8 billion for the quarter, up 10 percent, Petron said in a disclosure to the stock exchange. Operating income See more...

Man dies of suspected rabies in Iloilo

A man has died due to suspected rabies infection in Iloilo after he was bitten by a dog, according to a report by Zen Quilantang of GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas on "Saksi." The man, it was also reported, had eaten dog meat before the incident. A man from New Lucena in Iloilo was feverish and fell ill last See more...

Remulla says Bantag sent another surrender feeler

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday confirmed that he received a new "surrender feeler" from former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag. Bantag is one of the alleged masterminds behind the killing of broadcaster Percy Lapid and alleged middleman Jun Villamor. Remulla, however, said he is not convinced that Bantag will finally surrender because this is already the See more...

Screen icons headed for blockbuster Cannes festival

PARIS -- Heroes and villains! Screen legends and scandal! Indiana Jones, Martin Scorsese and Johnny Depp! The script for the 76th Cannes Film Festival, which opens next Tuesday, suggests it will be a blockbuster. Hollywood is descending en masse on the French Riviera for the world's leading film shindig, which runs from May 16 to 27. But it is striking See more...

Gov't agencies back bills seeking civil partnership for same-sex couples

Several government agencies and advocacy groups on Wednesday expressed support for the two House bills that seek to recognize civil partnerships, including those of LGBTQI couples. During a hearing of the House Committee on Population and Family Relations, the authors of the bills — Davao del Norte Representative Pantaleon Alvarez and Bagong Henerasyon party-list Representative Bernadette Herrera — clarified that See more...

Jamie Rivera, nais makatrabaho si Regine Velasquez

MAYNILA -- Isa si Regine Velasquez sa mga mang-aawit na nais makatrabaho ni Jamie Rivera at maging bahagi ng Inspire Music, ang bagong music label ng ABS-CBN Music kung saan si Rivera ang head at creative consultant. "Actually marami na kaming naka-lineup. 'Yung mga bagets sa 'ASAP,' sina Angela Ken, ang BINI, gusto kong makatrabaho 'yung mga 'yon. Pero may See more...

Comelec naghahanda na sa pagtanggal sa puwesto kay Legazpi Mayor Rosal

MAYNILA — Matapos bigong makakuha ng temporary restraining order (TRO) mula sa Korte Suprema, naglabas na ng order of execution ang Commission on Elections (Comelec) upang opisyal nang matanggal sa puwesto bilang alkalde ng Legazpi City si Mayor Geraldine Rosal. Ayon sa Comelec, lumipas na kasi ang 5 araw na palugit upang makakuha ng TRO ang kampo ni Rosal mula See more...

Comelec backs early voting bill: official

MANILA - The Commission on Elections on Wednesday said it supports the measure for the early voting of qualified senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), lawyers and human resources for health in national and local elections. Comelec Spokesperson Rex Laudiangco said they would be prepared to implement early voting hours for the upcoming Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and barangay elections in See more...

Witness turns up, says ‘Mayor Fritz’ recruited him in Degamo killing

A man who was allegedly recruited to kill Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo on Wednesday said it was a certain ‘Mayor Fritz’ who attempted to hire him. According to Glen Juego’s report on Super Radyo dzBB, Marlon Quibod went directly to the Information Division of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to submit his sworn statement. In his See more...

Coco Martin hopes to work with KathNiel' in 'Batang Quiapo'

MANILA -- Kapamilya star Coco Martin hopes to work with popular love team Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo and other stars in his primetime series "FPJ's Batang Quiapo." "Siyempre pangarap ko na makatrabaho yung mga 'yon. Kung saka-sakali magkaroon ng pagkakataon na available sila at pwede, napakalaking karangalan nun siyempre ng 'Batang Quiapo' na makatrabaho ang isang Daniel Padilla," See more...

Lalaking binaril ang hindi nagbayad na katransaksiyon sa droga, huli

Timbog ang isang lalaki na kabilang sa mga most wanted ng Quezon City Police District matapos barilin ang katransaksyon sa droga na hindi nagbayad. Sa ulat ni James Agustin sa Unang Balita nitong Miyerkoles, kinilala ang suspek na si Jojo Absalon na naaresto sa isang hotel sa Angeles City, Pampanga. Subject ng warrant of arrest sa kasong attempted homicide si See more...

Twitter, magkakaroon na rin ng kakayahang mag-audio at video calls

Magkakaroon na rin ng kakayahang makapag-video at audio call ang Twitter, ayon sa pahayag ni Elon Musk, ang bagong nagmamay-ari ng platform. Batay sa ulat ng Reuters nitong Miyerkoles, sinabi nang Twitter boss sa isang tweet na, "Coming soon will be voice and video chat from your handle to anyone on this platform." "So you can talk to people anywhere See more...

Senate panel approves P150 across-the-board wage hike bill ‘in principle’

The Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources on Wednesday approved “in principle” a bill which seeks to increase the minimum wage by P150 for the entire country, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said. “In principle, the Senate Committee on Labor has already approved our Across-the-Board Wage Increase Act, and a Technical Working Group (TWG) is set to discuss See more...

Charles III said he, mom Imelda had ‘so much fun together’ —Marcos

LABUAN BAJO - President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said King Charles III asked about his mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, during the coronation over the weekend. Marcos told reporters in Indonesia that the monarch and his mother Imelda know each other because of their meetings decades ago when his father, Ferdinand, Sr., was still president. "Kasi kilalang-kilala niya talaga See more...

4-year-old prefers vegetables over fried chicken

The common struggle of mothers is trying to convince their children to eat vegetables. But the situation is different for a four-year-old who prefers vegetables over fried chicken. In the report of Oscar Oida on "State of the Nation," a TikTok video shows Anderson Layog frowning upon and being irritated over a tray containing fried chicken and rice. He See more...

'Flexi-shopping, eatertainment' trends seen as inflation rises

MANILA — Filipino consumers have become smarter and more flexible shoppers as economic challenges such as inflation affect their spending capacity, according to a report by processing and packaging solutions firm Tetra Pak. Consumers in the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia have exhibited new trends such as "flexi-shopping" and "eatertainment," according to Trendipedia 2023 which Tetra Pak has done See more...