After years in detention, Mary Jane Veloso finally free after Marcos pardon
Mary Jane Veloso was formally released from the Correctional Institution for Women after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. granted her an absolute pardon.
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Philstar
Friday, 25 September · 107 stories
Top stories
Mary Jane Veloso’s counsel expects faster release after Marcos’ ‘unique’ absolute pardon
Veloso's lawyer explained that unlike their other clients who were released due to dismissal of cases or acquittal, Veloso’s case is the first time that the President itself had ordered the release.
SC asked to void lowered vote threshold in Sara Duterte impeachment
Two petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the lowered voting threshold approved by the Senate impeachment court to convict Vice President Sara Duterte.
Padilla appears at DOJ, yet to answer obstruction rap over Dela Rosa's escape
Padilla and his co-respondents have yet to submit their counter-affidavits.
Ban on Discord, Reddit lifted after safety compliance
The two platforms reportedly became inaccessible to some users earlier this week after Philippine authorities gave them a 24-hour ultimatum to establish their presence in the country.
Trillanes sought as witness on Duterte wealth allegations
They want him questioned over alleged P181.6-M transactions involving Sara Duterte and her family.
Marcos signs law postponing 2026 barangay, SK elections
The newly approved law moved the elections to the first Monday of November 2028, and extended the terms of village officers from four to five years.
Marcos grants absolute pardon to Mary Jane Veloso
This is after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed an executive clemency for Veloso, giving her a clean slate.
‘Queenie’ maintains strength, may become typhoon by Sunday
Tropical Storm Queenie maintained its strength as it moved northwestward over the Philippine Sea, PAGASA said Friday morning.
DICT chief backs bill requiring legislative franchises for social media platforms
Information and Communications Technology Chief Henry Aguda has expressed his support for a proposed bill in the House of Representatives that would require social media sites and online platforms to secure a…
House wraps up budget talks on more agencies
Budget deliberations for fiscal year 2027 of at least seven more agencies have been terminated by the House of Representatives, which is expected to finish such hearings this week before the General Appropriations Bill…
PSA: Bangsamoro polls random manual audit 99.9% accurate
The Random Manual Audit conducted for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao parliamentary election yielded an overall accuracy rate of 99.99561 percent, based on the results from all 21 BARMM sample…
Warships from ASEAN, other states sail in West Philippine Sea
Eleven warships from Association of Southeast Asian nations member states and other partner nations sailed the waters of the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday as part of this year’s ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus…
Monsod criticizes senators over stand on vote threshold
A framer of the 1987 Constitution called out Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Camille Villar, who objected to the proposal to lower the number of votes needed to convict Vice President Sara Duterte in her impeachment…
DepEd: Schools’ budget doubled in 5 years
The budget for public schools has doubled in five years, from P30 The budget for public schools has doubled in five years, from P30 billion in 2022 to P61.02 billion in the proposed 2027 budget, the Department of…
NBI: 1 contractor bagged P7 billion Davao flood projects
The National Bureau of Investigation is looking into a much larger pool of Davao infrastructure contracts than previously disclosed, with a preliminary Commission on Audit (COA) report putting the value at about P7…
Tropical storm Queenie enters PAR
Cyclone Queenie (international name Surigae) is now a tropical storm after entering the Philippine area of responsibility, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
Suspects linked to school shooting, online grooming nabbed
The National Bureau of Investigation has apprehended a person connected to the Sept. 18 school shooting incident in South Cotabato, the third such incident to hit the country’s schools in just three months.
Nation
2 merchants dead, companion hurt in Maguindanao del Sur ambush
Two Moro merchants were killed while another was wounded in an ambush in Barangay Pembalkan in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur on Thursday afternoon, September 24.
MNLF chairman's son hurt in gunfight with thieves
A barangay chairman in this city, son of the chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front, was wounded in a gunfight with thieves he and policemen were chasing on Thursday afternoon, September 24.
Culinary school, offices shut over alleged unlicensed Australia recruitment
Applicants without experience were allegedly charged P420,000, including about P270,000 for a 12-month culinary program.
Army soldier nabbed for grocery store heist
An Army soldier and three others tagged in a robbery incident in a grocery store in Cavite were arrested in Catanauan, Quezon yesterday.
Customs intel chief replaced
To strengthen intelligence and investigation against smuggling, the Bureau of Customs has implemented a reshuffle, replacing the chief of the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Services.oms has implemented a…
Ex-Camarines Sur mayor ordered arrested for malversation
The Sandiganbayan has ordered the arrest of a former city mayor in Camarines Sur in connection with a malversation case involving P30 million in public funds.
Gatchalian attends MOPC dialogue
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian will attend today’s dialogue with the Manila Overseas Press Club.
PNP reviewing safeguards vs espionage
Following renewed talks on strengthening the country’s defenses against espionage, the Philippine National Police is assessing its information security measures.
Mom who lost 4 sons to drug war testifies today
A 72-year-old mother who lost all four of her teenage sons in separate killings in Davao City will testify today during the third hearing of the independent civilian Truth Commission.
Condo manager survives Makati ambush
A condominium manager survived an ambush in Makati yesterday after two motorcycle-riding men opened fire at her sport utility vehicle.
P254.8 million drugs seized in NCR in 30 days
Authorities have confiscated over P254.8 million worth of illegal drugs in Metro Manila in a span of 30 days, according to the National Capital Region Police Office.
DepEd, 38 LGUs link to build schools
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has partnered with 38 local government units (LGUs) for the construction of three-story school buildings. Financial aid will come from the Philippine Amusement…
Mental health caravan in schools pushed
Amid the alarming incidents of school violence, the National Center for Mental Health is pushing for a school caravan to address mental health problems among the youth.
Regions
A trillion-dollar corruption story
Transparency International created a frightening corruption story, which I would like to share with you.
First Gen to raise Palinpinon geothermal capacity by 12%
Lopez-led First Gen Corp. is upgrading its Palinpinon-1 geothermal power plant in Negros Oriental, raising the facility’s installed capacity by 12 percent as the company seeks to extract more power from its existing…
Wednesday Club tames Monday Hoopers anew
The Wednesday Club reaffirmed its dominance over the Monday Hoopers, 108-99, in the 1st Edgar Cokaliong Memorial Cup Basketball Tournament sponsored by Shell Pilipinas Corporation last Tuesday, September 22, at the Don…
Wildcats outfox Panthers
Braebon Ali Thompson produced a solid double-double of 19 points and 16 rebounds with three assists and two blocks, while John Eimrod Rodulfa added 16 points, four rebounds, five assists, and five steals as the Wildcats…
The cross demands active love, not passive resignation
The Gospel of Friday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Times (cfr. Lk 9,18-22) delivers a turning point.
The SC reversals of the Marcoses' convictions
This column was told by my birdies from Ilocos that one of the missions of BBM in running for president is to redeem the Marcos name and reputation, which was seriously tainted by martial law records, by the EDSA…
Business
Philippines’ BFSI sector accelerates into the future as WFIS 2026 unites 1,000+ leaders
It was two days of intense discussions driven by some of the most influential leaders in the region’s banking, insurance and fintech ecosystem.
Philippine managers cut hours of reporting to minutes using everyday AI tools
The examples are participant-reported, the AI-assisted times include review and corrections and results vary by task.
Mynt IPO gains global spotlight amid CEO Sazon's UN Summit message
Mynt President and CEO Martha Sazon’s call for Filipinos to be allowed to “borrow with dignity” has placed financial empowerment at the center of the company’s global narrative at a pivotal moment.
DOE sees P8 diesel price rollback by end-September
The P8 per liter rollback on diesel, P6 on kerosene and P0.90 in gasoline, are expected next week.
Group urges sharing of underground fiber
MANILA, Philippines — A consumer advocacy group has backed moves to establish national rules for shared underground fiber conduits, saying the policy should ultimately be measured by whether it delivers more reliable…
Kaban Hotel and Casino opens new Boracay hub
Kaban Hotel and Casino Boracay has opened at Station 0, adding a new inland tourism and entertain Kaban Hotel and Casino Boracay has opened at Station 0, adding a new inland tourism and entertainment destination to the…
Budget deficit bloats to P161.3 billion in August
The national government’s budget deficit widened by 90.2 percent in August as public spending surged, driven by nearly P60 billion in support for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), while revenue…
Aboitiz earns top honors at 2026 Philippines Real Estate Awards
Aboitiz earned two top honors at the 2026 Philippines Real Estate Awards, with Aboitiz Economic Estates named Best Industrial Developer and Ajoya Cabanatuan recognized as Best Masterplanned Development.
At least P30 billion retail T-bonds up for grabs
The national government will offer at least P30 billion in retail treasury bonds starting next week, as investors seek safer and more stable investments amid market volatility.
Coca-Cola urged to prioritize local sugar amid import plans
Sugar industry groups have called on Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines to prioritize the use of locally produced sugar and domestic production amid concerns regarding the bottler’s decision to import some of its…
Philippines gets additional sugar export quota from US
The Philippines has received an additional 9,151 metric ton raw value (MTRV) quota for the export of raw cane sugar to the United States, according to the Office of the US Trade Representative.
Retail growth beyond Metro Manila
It’s Friday, and for most Filipinos nowadays, the weekend is for malling. More so now, because of the unwanted effect of the Middle East War that has caused crude oil prices to rise.
Buncio named deputy insurance commissioner
The Insurance Commission has appointed veteran banking executive Nikolai Buncio as deputy insurance commissioner, heading the regulator’s Financial Examination Group.
Senate OKs new franchise for Razon’s power utility
Tycoon Enrique Razon Jr.’s Bohol Light Co. Inc. is moving closer to securing a new franchise to operate in Tagbilaran City after hurdling the Senate.
ACEN seals stake sale in India solar venture
ACEN Corp. of the Zobel family has completed the sale of a portion of its stake in a large-scale solar project in India to Netherlands-based Diamond India Renewables One B.V.
Relapse
Unless things quiet down significantly in the Middle East by some miracle, the world will experience a relapse of the oil crisis and this time, it could be worse than the crisis early this year. Mas matindi pag nabinat!
‘Naysayers won’t take away GCash’s very exciting story’
Ayala president and CEO Cezar Consing has allayed concerns over Mynt Inc.’s upcoming blockbuster initial public offering (IPO), saying critics won’t be able to undermine GCash’s “very exciting story.”
PSEi sinks to 10-month low as growth worries persist
The stock market fell yesterday to a 10-month low as lower economic growth forecasts continued to weigh on investor sentiment.
No Carmen, no problem: Carmen’s Best continues to enjoy sweet success
The Carmen behind Carmen’s Best is now in the United States, and the brand’s founder is no longer part of its management team.
Institutional investors to inject P36.5 billion into GCash
E-wallet giant GCash is expected to book an immediate P36.5 billion in proceeds prior to listing, as large-scale funders take position, buying in as cornerstone investors. Based on its preliminary red herring…
Sports
Eldrew Yulo makes Asian Games breakthrough with horizontal bar bronze
Another Yulo can now call himself an Asian Games medalist.
Gilas women lone bright spot for Philippine hoops in Asian Games with 3x3 silver
Bridesmaid finish for Gilas Pilipinas women in the 3x3 basketball court of the Nagoya Asian Games.
Ramos surges into ADT joint lead in Egypt; Tabuena stays in the mix in Taiwan
Sean Ramos defied the odds in spectacular fashion, firing an eagle-fueled six-under 64 to storm from joint 17th into a share of the lead with England’s Sam Rook halfway through the Egypt Golf Series 13.
Ando misses Asiad weightlifting podium
Elreen Ando came up short of a podium finish in the Asian Games, finishing fifth in the women’s 61 kilogram weightlifting competition Friday afternoon at the Nagoya city Trade and Industry Center in Japan.
Gilas men fall to Iranian to end up fourth in Asiad 3x3 hoops
No podium finish for GIlas Pilipinas’ men’s 3x3 team.
Aimix goes full circle with Global Esports
For Derren “Aimix” dela Cruz, joining Global Esports (GE) was as much a reunion as it was the next step in a career spent working with different generations of Filipino FPS talent.
Carlos Yulo ends up fourth in Asiad parallel bars
No additional medal for Carlos Yulo this time.
Maroons try to stay unscathed vs Bulldogs
Revenge-seeking University of the Philippines tackles National University in a bid to run away from the pack as the UAAP Season 89 plunges back to action today at the Mall of Asia Arena.
TLPGA Open: Bisera makes way to Top 9 as Hou triumphs
Yvon Bisera made good on her vow to fight back, closing with a solid five-under 67 to storm into the Top 10, while local ace Yu Chiang Hou held her nerve through a dramatic three-way playoff to capture the title.
Huge turnout expected in 'Run For Your Life' race
Hi-Precision Diagnostics is putting health and fitness in the spotlight with the launch of Hi-Precision Diagnostics: Run For Your Life 2026, a wellness-focused running event expected to bring together around 10,000…
Gumbao, Otoc stand out in Palawan juniors tennis tilt
Justine Gumbao and Julius Otoc stamped their class in the Palawan Pawnshop's Kidapawan City Juniors Age-Group Tennis Championships, powering to a combined six titles.
Carlos Yulo rules vault for second Asian Games gold
So nice, he had to have it twice.
Eala vows to learn from Singapore stunner as Asiad stint beckons
As the Japanese proverb said, if you fall down seven times, you must stand up eight.
Gilas men relegated to Asiad 3x3 battle for bronze after beatdown by Korea
The Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 men’s team is headed to the bronze medal match in the Asian Games after getting blasted by Korea, 21-9, in their semifinal round matchup Friday at the Kinjo Futo Station Square Venue in Japan.
Gilas women to play for Asian Games 3x3 gold
The Gilas Pilipinas women are closing in on the 3x3 basketball gold in the Asian Games.
Second FIFA Arena in Philippines launched in Puerto Princesa
The Philippine Football Federation (PFF), together with FIFA and the Puerto Princesa Football Association (PPFA), officially launched another FIFA Arena in the Philippines on Thursday, September 24.
Jeepneys, everyday life inspire MLBB's 10th anniversary animation
From jeepneys and long commutes to students balancing school and work, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) looked to the everyday experiences of its Southeast Asian players in celebrating its 10th anniversary.
Paris falls short of Asian Games skateboarding podium
Filipina skateboarder Mazel Paris missed out on a podium finish in the Asian Games’ women’s park skateboarding, settling for fifth in the competition’s final Friday morning at the Aichi Sky Expo Hall B in Japan.
Ginebra, TNT change imports
It’s been over a month since the PBA put the Governors ’Cup on hold to give way to Gilas’ participation in the fourth FIBA World Cup Asia qualifying window and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Hostilities will resume on…
Lions roar back, Knights stay spotless
The NCAA’s sleeping giant has awoken.
Gilas 3x3 aces keep fire burning
The country’s 3x3 aces are keeping the fire burning for Gilas Pilipinas in the 20th Asian Games.
Thai ace pulls ahead with 63
Thai Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong unleashed a blistering nine-under 63 yesterday to seize a two-stroke lead, while Yvon Bisera faltered on the closing stretch and slipped seven shots off the pace after 36 holes of the…
Arbole finally breaks through
Fourteen years of waiting, one disastrous hole and a furious comeback later, Art Arbole finally had the moment he had chased for most of his professional career.
Athletes’ life on boat: Tight but cozy
From the outside, she looks like she strayed from a Mediterranean cruise. From the inside, she’s home to thousands of athletes at the 20th Asian Games.
Sebastian banners chessers
People frowned on the decision by Philippine women’s team coach, Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales, a month ago when he decided to put Mhage Sebastian, an untitled Olympiad debutant, on top board where she would face the best…
Eala booted out
Alex Eala absorbed a stunning upset at the hands of world No. 180 Tatiana Prozorova of Russia, 6-4, 5-7, 3-6, to bow out of the Singapore Open last night at the jampacked centercourt of the OCBC Arena.
Nesthy chases last missing medal
For Nesthy Petecio, there is almost nothing left to win
Yulo completes golden set
It’s only fitting – Olympic and world champion Carlos Yulo now owns the Asian Games throne.
Entertainment
BINI, SB19, 'Forgotten Island' score seen to open doors for Filipino music, films
'Forgotten Island' composer wants Filipino stories to keep coming. "Come have more," he says.
'Sunshine', 'I'mPerfect' lead PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2026 nominees
"I'mPerfect" and "Sunshine" lead all nominees at the the 42nd Star Awards for Movies.
'Most Sophia thing I could do': Sophia Laforteza reflects on 'Forgotten Island' cover song
Sophia Lafortza expressed gratitude for being involved in "Forgotten Island."
Bona, Jang Se Hyuk time travel, swap bodies in 'Dive Into You'
Body-swapping and time travel drive the drama in "Dive Into You" starring Bona, Jang Se-hyuk, and Park Seo-ham.
Kim Chiu says 'more to the story' after attending sister Lakam's arraignment
Kim Chiu broke her silence over new developments regarding the qualified theft case she filed against her sister Lakam.
Demythologizing a revolution
It’s not surprising that nationalist democrats are less than satisfied with the biopic on the martial law era revolutionary Edgard Jopson or “Edjop,” which was screened in theaters fittingly enough during the 54th…
Bea Alonzo, Vincent Co back to work after European honeymoon
Following their low-key civil wedding in July and honeymoon in Europe, Bea Alonzo’s husband, Puregold Price Club president Vincent Co, was recently spotted at the Hakot Relay event in Cavite
What happens when 700 performers take the stage in Tibet?
Visiting Tibet (Xizang), China, has always been on my bucket list. When I had the opportunity to be one of the 98 participants in the 2026 China International Press Communication Center (CIPCC) Program, I was really…
‘Chika Cart’ hosts give two cents on handling blind items
Entertainment news encompasses profiles about celebrities and creatives and the plight of the industry they all belong to.
Lifestyle
Marikina shoes take the spotlight in mall debut
More Marikina-made footwear will be more accessible to those outside the easternmost part of Metro Manila.
Taiwan Tourism Administration brings 'Taiwan Talks' to Manila on Oct. 3
The Taiwan Talks: Travel Taiwan, Film Your Way event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Ruby A & B, 4F of Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria. Pre-registration is required for attendees.
What a pediatric emergency care unit means for Filipino children – and their parents
“Children are not small adults. They have different physiology.”
Weekend list: World Pet Expo, Japan Fiesta, Matcha fest
It's everything Japan, pets and music this weekend.
47th Wedding Expo Philippines: A fresh take on the details that make a wedding
The 47th Wedding Expo Philippines by Themes and Motifs brings together verified and registered wedding businesses.
Breaking the debt cycle from predatory lenders: 3 Cebuana entrepreneurs rely on GLoan Negosyo to grow business
For many Filipino entrepreneurs, the biggest hurdle isn’t the idea, it’s the capital to make it happen.
Islands Philippines Kings kick off 2026-2027 pageant campaigns
The Mister World Philippines 2026 winner and his court shared updates about their coming international pageants.
Opinion
Systems loss, consumers gain
‘There are already writings on the walls, so to speak,’ Alabanza echoed the NGCP warning.
Veto sought vs election delay / No choice but to hike fares
Veto the postponement of barangay elections
When ego eclipses the Constitution
There is an old, quiet wisdom in classic philosophy and Scripture that warns against vanagloria – the pursuit of empty praise, superficial honor, and applause unearned by genuine substance.
Better a servant than a slave
From the time I co-hosted the TFC program “Kumusta Kabayan” with Cheryl Cosim, up to a season when my wife Karen and I helped a handful of individuals pursue their goals to work overseas, the various stories of…
Wanted: Counselors
While riveted by the events unfolding at the Senate, let’s not forget the threat faced by millions of young people in our schools.
EDITORIAL - After the deluge, the drought
Global experts worldwide have been warning about a looming severe El Niño phenomenon this year.
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