Romualdez seeks bail, says P7.44-B plunder case rests on weak proof
No project, contract or instruction links Romualdez to the flood control scheme, his lawyers argue.
Edition
Philstar
Monday, 28 September · 105 stories
Top stories
Gracioso dismissal no reason to disregard statements, says NBI chief
Photos and documents submitted by the former policeman will be examined.
Marcos calls Sara Duterte a ‘liar’ for linking Gracioso claims to admin
Marcos chose to respond to Duterte this time as her accusations became repetitive, Claire Castro said.
Sara Duterte trial recap, Sept. 28: 51 firearms, GenCorp contracts
The unfurling of evidence in the trial of the vice president has appeared to slow down in the eyes of some senator-judges.
Fact check: Graphic distorts Hontiveros, Diokno positions on school shooting
Gun access or online grooming? Both lawmakers have raised both sides of school violence.
PNP witness: Sara Duterte has 3 firearms generally barred to civilians
Prosecutors allege the registered guns were not declared in Duterte's SALNs.
Cedric Lee, Deniece Cornejo release pending court clearances
BuCor is checking a separate sentence and awaiting court records before their release.
LIVE Coverage: Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, Sept. 28
Follow the trial, in context and in real time.
Stronger maritime security eyed
At the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Saturday, the Philippines demanded stronger maritime security for Filipinos, who make up 25 percent of the world’s seafarers.
Proposed Luzon-Visayas bridge gets P500 million ADB feasibility funding
Renewed proposals to build a 20-kilometer bridge connecting Luzon via Matnog in Sorsogon to Allen in northern Samar in the Visayas received a major boost, with the approval of a P500-million fund from the Asian…
Philippines, Cyprus sign higher education, research deal
The Philippines and Cyprus have signed a cooperation agreement in higher education and research.
DPWH blacklists 2 more Discaya firms
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has blacklisted two construction firms associated with controversial contractor Sarah Discaya, following contract defaults on projects totaling over P203 million.
Impeachment court hopes SC rules soon on vote threshold
To avert a looming constitutional crisis, the Senate impeachment court is counting on the Supreme Court (SC) to swiftly settle the petitions against its decision to count only the votes of present senators in the…
Chiz clears VP’s AMLC records for impeachment use
Financial documents from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) can now be used as evidence in the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, following clearance from presiding officer Francis Escudero.
No rebranding, hiding system loss charge, Tulfo vows
Consumers will not see the controversial system loss charge simply rebranded and hidden in other sections of their monthly electricity bills as soon as a proposed legislation banning it becomes law, Sen. Erwin Tulfo…
‘Government to lose P700 million monthly in excise tax suspension’
The government stands to lose at least P700 million a month in revenues after President Marcos suspended the excise tax on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene, Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said yesterday.
‘Abolish SK, one youth representative enough’
The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) should be abolished, election lawyer Romulo Macalintal said, asserting that a single member of the barangay council can represent the youth.
Cardinal backs people’s initiative on anti-dynasty law
Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David is backing the push for a genuine anti-dynasty law through a people’s initiative.
Nation
Pump prices to fall Sept. 29 after 3 straight weeks of hikes
Motorists will see lower pump prices starting September 29.
MV June Aster captain faces falsification charge over manifest entries
Coast Guard cites alleged discrepancies in the vessel's safety declaration and manifest.
Drivers, transport operators begin 3-day strike over fuel price hikes
MANIBELA began a three-day transport strike on Monday, September 28, to protest rising fuel prices.
Rains forecast over Visayas, parts of Mindanao as ITCZ prevails
The ITCZ is forecast to bring scattered rains and thunderstorms to the Visayas, Palawan and parts of Mindanao on Monday.
President Marcos declares holidays in 5 areas
Malacañang has declared special non-working days in several municipalities to allow residents to participate in local celebrations.
Man climbs Bacolod Cathedral altar, disrupts mass
A man carrying a bladed weapon disrupted a mass at the San Sebastian Cathedral here on Saturday as he climbed onto an architectural structure behind the altar, prompting a nearly five-hour rescue operation by the Bureau…
One of world’s largest bats found in Apayao forest
The golden-crowned flying fox, one of the world’s largest bat species, has been documented in the forests here, adding a new record to the province’s growing biodiversity database.
P42 wage hike approved for Central Visayas
At least 337,476 private sector workers in Central Visayas will receive an increase of P42 in their daily minimum wage after the National Wages and Productivity Commission affirmed the region’s latest wage order.
LTO summons Quezon town mayor, staff
A town mayor in Quezon province and several municipal government employees were ordered by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to explain why they were riding motorcycles without protective helmets.
Bong Go aids Caloocan families
Emphasizing the importance of reaching communities in need and helping them recover from emergencies, Sen. Bong Go extended assistance to families affected by a fire in Barangay 23, Caloocan City on Sept. 24.
PNP challenged: Reach 100 percent 911 efficiency
Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has challenged PNP personnel to increase to 100 percent the organization’s efficiency rate in responding to Unified 911 calls.
Students urged: Remember ‘ALICE’
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is urging students, teachers and school personnel to remember “ALICE” as a guide in responding to active shooter threats.
CHED open to ‘lived names’
Seeing no legal impediment in adopting various universities’ policy, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is open to issuing a measure recognizing students’ lived names during graduation rites.
Vhong’s attackers to be freed
Four people behind the 2014 assault on actor and television host Vhong Navarro will be released from prison after having their sentence reduced.
Regions
MCCI prexy: Chinese imports, high power costs hurting manufacturers
Philippine manufacturers are facing a growing competitive squeeze from Chinese imports and high electricity costs, threatening to discourage investment in local production and push businesses toward trading, rebranding…
Real-time air data helps Toledo firms, government respond to haze risks
Real-time air-quality data is giving businesses and local authorities in Toledo City, Cebu, a tool to assess operational and public-health risks as transboundary haze and volcanic activity periodically disrupt air…
DVMF collections hit P19.2-million
The Cebu City Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries has raised its collections to nearly P20 million as it intensified animal health, meat inspection, fisheries monitoring, and animal welfare enforcement in…
AMLC records cleared for trial presentation
Financial documents from the Anti-Money Laundering Council have been cleared for use as evidence in the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Lapu-Lapu eyes most business-friendly award
Lapu-Lapu City is vying for the 2026 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit award in the highly urbanized city category after presenting its programs and initiatives before a panel of judges in Manila.
Social pension program in Cebu, Bohol assessed
The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 7 conducted program implementation reviews in Cebu and Bohol this month to improve the delivery of social pension assistance to indigent senior citizens.
More flood monitoring stations underway
Mandaue City’s Canduman and Butuanon will get additional flood monitoring stations as the city government expands its flood early warning system in places vulnerable to rising water levels.
P42 wage hike OK’d
More than 300,000 minimum wage earners in Central Visayas, including workers in Negros Oriental and Siquijor, are set to benefit from a P42 daily wage increase starting October 14, 2026.
USC Warriors eye win no.5
The University of San Carlos Warriors gun for their fifth win as they face the Cebu Institute of Technology-University Wildcats in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. Season 26 basketball tournament today…
Simsri keeps IBF light fly crown with 2nd round TKO of Vicelles, trains sights on Suganob next
Thai power puncher Thanongsak Simsri (41-1, 36 KOs) needed just two rounds to destroy Japan-based Filipino challenger Mark “Rasta Mac” Vicelles (21-3-1, 11 KOs) and retain his International Boxing Federation light…
Business
Retirement doesn't start at 65. It starts with the choices you make today.
It is often viewed as something to think about only after a long career or once the children have become independent.
Lalamove sets wheels in motion across Mindanao, more parts of Visayas
Mobility and delivery services will soon be available in key cities across Mindanao and the islands of Panay and Negros.
LPG prices to fall P3 per kilo before possible P10 hike
he tax-driven cut may be followed by a P10-to-P15 increase in October.
Learn and grow: Bayan Family of Foundations and Global Dominion Partner
The partnership will strengthen and enhance the creation of valuable content on finance education for individuals and businesses through the program Ka-partner Academy. The partnership enables both organizations to…
Globe network posts strongest 2026 performance in August — DICT report
Globe posted its strongest network performance so far this year in August, recording its highest overall score and fastest average download speed in the latest Telco Report Card of the Department of Information and…
Globe posts strongest 2026 network performance in August — DICT report
Globe posted its strongest network performance so far this year in August, recording its highest overall score and fastest average download speed in the latest Telco Report Card of the Department of Information and…
SEC issues CDOs vs 3 firms for illegal investment solicitations
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued cease and desist orders (CDOs) against three entities found engaging in illegal solicitation of investments from the public.
Are we losing our edge?
It was unanimous.
Controlling social media
There were two rather disturbing pieces of news last week.
Size begets size
The stock market has always rewarded winners. But today, the winners are so large that they make up the bulk of the stock index.
NFA adopts purchase order system for palay
The National Food Authority (NFA) has adopted a purchase order (PO) system for procuring locally produced palay or unmilled rice, aimed at streamlining and improving monitoring of buffer stock volumes.
Nearly 18 GW power projects cleared for grid impact study
Power projects totaling over 17.8 gigawatts were endorsed to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) for system impact studies (SIS) in the first half, according to the Department of Energy.
IMF to Philippines: Broaden tax base, avoid tax amnesties
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is urging the Philippines to rely more on revenue-raising measures as it trims the budget deficit, warning that tax amnesties could weaken compliance and that fiscal consolidation…
Government borrowings down 72 percent in August
The national government slashed its gross borrowings by 72.2 percent in August from a year earlier, as the absence of a retail Treasury bond (RTB) sale pulled down domestic borrowings, the Bureau of the Treasury said.
DA pushes incremental pork tariff hike
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is proposing a gradual increase on imported pork duties as farmgate prices for local hogs continue to decline.
Bearish trades seen this week
The local stock market is expected to continue moving with a bearish bias this week amid concerns on inflation.
ACEN gets ERC nod for La Union power deal
ACEN Corp. has secured approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to supply La Union Electric Co. Inc. ‘s (Lueco) power requirements for 10 years.
MVP says VITRO REIT IPO may still happen this year
PLDT’s VITRO REIT is keeping its sights set on launching its planned initial public offering (IPO) before the year draws to a close amid concerns it may be pushed back to next year.
Aboitiz shines in Jakarta
With the Philippines’ power market liberalized, much of the responsibility for securing the energy future rests with the private sector.
Businesses turn more optimistic
Businesses turned more optimistic about the months ahead as firms anticipated stronger consumer demand and increased activity during the holiday season, while households were less pessimistic about their prospects.
World
PCG: Chinese ship faked location near Batanes cable corridor
The Chinese survey ship hid movements off Batanes, the Philippine Coast Guard says.
Sports
Sibol Honor of Kings squad's 'last dance' ends with Asiad bronze
One last run together ended with an Asian Games medal for the Philippines’ Honor of Kings (HOK) squad.
Paalam outpoints Chinese foe to enter Asiad semis
Olympic silver medalist Carlo Paalam is through to the semifinals of the men’s 55-kilogram boxing event at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games.
Eala makes light work of Thai foe, enters Asian Games quarterfinals
On to the next for Alex Eala in the 20th Asian Games.
Filipino chessers scoop up bronze in World Chess Olympiad
The Philippine men’s team delivered a Category B bronze medal after it ripped Panama, 3-1, in the 11th and final round of the 46th World Chess Olympiad.
Bahia, Simeon ready to banner Philippines in World Corporate Golf Challenge
Jake Bahia and Dan Simeon may be representing their company’s name in the World Corporate Golf Challenge (WCGC) in Beijing, China, but they will be carrying the Philippine flag there as well.
Philippine shooting body aims for 2028 Olympics amid recruitment woes
The Philippine National Shooting Association (PNSA) is working to build a deeper athlete pool and produce a Filipino shooter who can qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Carlos Yulo, Chloe San Jose engaged
Olympic medalist Carlos Yulo has proposed to his longtime girlfriend Chloe San Jose.
Melmac Sports' FIFA-standard football field unveiled in Cavite
Melmac Sports officially opened its FIFA-standard football field at Villar City in Dasmariñas, Cavite, marking a significant milestone for the sports organization and the local football community.
Wild finish beckons in talent-laden ICTSI Iloilo Challenge
With two of the last three Philippine Golf Tour legs decided by one stroke and the other by two, the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge is shaping up for another tense and unpredictable finish.
Saso finds spark in Arkansas, sets sights on late-season surge
Yuka Saso may have narrowly missed another Top-25 finish, but the two-time major champion left the NW Arkansas Championship with something potentially more valuable.
Sibol settles for Honor of Kings bronze in Asian Games
It’s another Asian Games bronze for the country’s national esports team Sibol, this time in Honor of Kings.
Manila gains 3x3 hoops spotlight with Red Bull Half Court World Finals
Manila is set to take center stage in the global 3-on-3 basketball scene as Red Bull Half Court brings its 2026 World Finals to the Philippines for the first time.
Benilde blazes to V-League semis
College of Saint Benilde marched into the semifinals of the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, turning back De La Salle yesterday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
Gialon seeks to rekindle winning magic in Iloilo
Working his way back to form over the last two years, Zanieboy Gialon returns to the very venue where he last tasted victory, hoping to put everything together again when the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge blasts off…
Chiefs take litmus test vs Knights
Arellano University has been a revelation recently, stringing together three straight victories en route to one of the best, if not its best, starts since it joined the NCAA 16 years ago.
Macrohon narrowly misses podium finish
North Korea’s Song Kuk Hyang won gold with 273 kilograms, setting world, Asian and Asian Games records. Chen Wen-huei of Chinese Taipei took silver with 232 kilograms.
Losing start for misfiring booters
Failure to cash in on its scoring opportunities bit the Philippines in the end as it dropped a close 0-1 loss to Vietnam at the start of the inaugural FIFA Asean Cup Saturday in Indonesia.
Ubas enters long jump final
It is his second straight Asian Games final and his third Asiad overall. After finishing seventh in Hangzhou in 2023 despite entering the final as the No. 3 qualifier, Ubas knows the window is closing.
Frayna-led Philippine beats Costa Rica
Woman Grandmaster Janelle Mae Frayna made quick work of Woman International Master Maria Elena Rodriguez Arrieta in 28 moves of their English duel on top board to power the Philippines to a 3-1 dismantling of Costa Rica…
Eala’s golden quest is on
The road to Asian Games glory begins today for tennis star Alex Eala.
Alas pays for shaky start; men’s beach volley booted out
A cold, cruel Sunday for Philippine volleyball.
Ubas enters long jump final
It was a mixed bag for Philippine athletics Sunday morning – one ticket punched, two hearts broken.
Entertainment
SB19 feted at Senate for historic Lollapalooza 2026 number
SB19 brings P-pop energy to Senate after historic Lollapalooza set.
Ex-UNIS member Gehlee Dangca begins new chapter as solo artist
Gehlee was one of the three Filipinas who formed the eight-member UNIS from the 2024 survival talent show “Universe Ticket.”
Kris Lawrence fans 'kilig' frenzy over 'Kami na' post with Katrina Halili
Their second chance love has fans waiting for a confirmation.
A ‘bongga’ trip to the colorful, sequined world of 70s Manila
Friday, Sept. 25, was gala night for “Bongga Ka ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical,” starring Atasha Muhlach — unica hija of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales — in her first lead role in a major musical production.
Luis Manzano finds his sweet spot in game-show hosting
Having acted in teleseryes, appeared in films and hosted reality and talent competitions, Luis Manzano said that if there’s one corner of showbiz where he feels most like himself, it’s game-show hosting.
Lifestyle
Ube-Macapuno Cake to go
Ube (purple yam) and macapuno (coconut sport) are a classic combination to beat in cakes, pastries, desserts, and other sweet delicacies.
Läderach opens second chocolaterie in Manila with chocolates fresh from Switzerland
Sourced from the finest cocoa beans and meticulously crafted under the eye of a literal World Chocolate Master, Läderach offers fresh chocolate unlike any other.
Regular preventive care keeps dogs safe from leptospirosis
Preventive care for dogs should not take a break when the rain comes or when drought dries up the land.
Homegrown stories draw crowds as several Puregold CinePanalo screenings sell out
The festival’s seven full-length films and 19 student short films continue to screen at participating cinemas, with several late-afternoon and evening screenings for the coming weekend already sold out.
Jollibee, DreamWorks team up for global ‘Forgotten Island’ campaign celebrating friendship and Filipino culture
The collaboration brings together DreamWorks, the studio behind globally recognized films including Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Wild Robot, and Jollibee, the beloved Filipino restaurant brand that makes…
Crispy Air-fried Chicken Cutlets: No-fuss recipe for busy working girl
A go-to dish for all time.
Is this Watsons' best-kept skincare secret? Discover why Target Pro has been trusted for 10 years
Target Pro by Watsons celebrates 10 years of delivering dermatology-targeted solutions
Lido marks 90 years with grand opening of Antipolo restaurant
Lido Cocina Tsina marked another milestone in its 90th anniversary year.
Culture and creativity take over in SM Malls Cagayan de Oro
Higalaay Festival 2026 came alive in full color, creativity and camaraderie.
Opinion
The bag of tricks
Every magic show rests on the audience who watch it.
The Edjop effect
I’ll get right to the point: my wife Beng and I, along with a younger couple, caught one of the last few screenings of the movie “Edjop”– and we all emerged so moved, albeit in different ways, that we had to spend…
From blueprints for prosperity to real outcomes
Practical, measurable and grounded in reality. What policymaker wouldn’t want those?
Delaying the inevitable
I recently learned that San Miguel Corp. CEO Ramon S. Ang called for a press briefing with members of the Bulacan media. There, he presented satellite images, video footage, maps and the like.
NOTA
Oh yes, Juan and Juana, you can do something to stop corruption.
EDITORIAL — Shady operations
The first-ever parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro region is over, and by most accounts, it has been a success.
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