Senate bill eyes to lower age for SK voting, candidacy to 15-21 years old
From 18 to 24 years old, the proposed measure seeks to lower the age requirement to 15 to 21 years old.
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Philstar
Friday, 2 October · 111 stories
Top stories
Polish president to make first-ever visit to PH
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will host Polish President Karol Nawrocki for a state visit from October 5 to 8, the first visit to the Philippines by a Polish head of state, as Manila moves to deepen its ties with…
DFA rejects China's claim over Batanes waters
The Department of Foreign Affairs on Friday, October 2, "firmly and strongly" rejected China's claim that it has sovereign rights and jurisdiction in waters off Batanes, affirming that Manila never allowed a Chinese…
UP scientist on Super El Niño: Prepare for heavy rains, too
Heavy rains and storms remain possible even during generally dry El Niño conditions.
Trillanes: Firm of VP Sara's husband got P319M from China
Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said Friday, October 2, that a food company partly owned by Vice President Sara Duterte's husband took in more than P319 million from China while reporting no rank-and-file employees.
Ex-Sara aide skips NBI appearance, denies Gracioso cash claims
Jefry Tupas says overseas trips contradict parts of Gracioso's sworn account.
Kapunan: Senate should remain ‘safe space’ after Tulfo’s ‘pa-cute’ remark
House prosecutors responded after Raffy Tulfo criticized a lawyer’s conduct during the Sara Duterte trial.
Prosecution drops Trillanes as witness
The prosecution camp of the House of Representatives has decided to forgo its plan to let former senator Antonio Trillanes IV take the witness stand in the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
SC settles quorum question on Senate shakeup
The Supreme Court dismissed two petitions challenging the Senate’s decision to convene on June 3 with just a quorum of 12 members – a session that ousted Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate president and installing Sen…
Defense: Properties mentioned were in Sara’s SALN
The properties mentioned by the prosecution witnesses before the Senate impeachment court yesterday were included in the statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) of Vice President Sara Duterte, according to…
DOJ ‘almost ready to file’ extradition petition on Quiboloy
The Department of Justice is “almost ready to file the petition” on the request of the United States government to send embattled pastor Apollo Quiboloy who is facing multiple charges of trafficking and cash smuggling.
Palace: P46 billlion aid ready for ‘Super El Niño’ ,
The government has allocated more than P46 billion this year to respond to the impact of “Super El Niño,” Malacañang said yesterday, as it urged the public not to panic because efforts are underway to help sectors hit…
PCG drives away Chinese research vessel off Batanes
A Chinese research vessel retreated from the waters of Itbayat, Batanes yesterday after “sustained pressure” from the Philippine Coast Guard.
AMLC freezes assets linked to flood mess
The Anti-Money Laundering Council has secured another court order freezing more than 100 financial accounts and other assets linked to a lawmaker and several individuals and entities allegedly involved in corruption…
Government ready to answer petitions vs BSKE postponement
The Marcos administration is prepared to justify President Marcos’ decision to sign into law the measure postponing the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) originally slated for next month, to 2028…
Eala makes TIME Risin Stars list
The world has taken notice of tennis ace Alex Eala, who has made inroads in the sport and captured the imagination of the Philippine diaspora.
Ex-VP aide needs more time after NBI subpoena
he National Bureau of Investigation has summoned Jeffrey Tupas, who reportedly served as information officer of Davao City when Vice President Sara Duterte was mayor, as part of its investigation into alleged plunder…
Nation
P5.1 million worth of shabu seized in BARMM
Anti-narcotics agents seized P5.1 million worth of shabu from two peddlers entrapped in separate operations in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi and in Cotabato City within just two days.
PRC opens BARMM office in Cotabato City
Local executives and stakeholders, among them health and social welfare workers, policemen and engineers, were elated to have in the city now a satellite office for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao of…
Chinese, Filipino operators of illegal online gambling hubs busted
State operatives clamped down on around 200 individuals, among them Chinese nationals, in a crackdown against illegal online gambling hubs in the neighboring Alicia and Siay towns in Zamboanga Sibugay province before…
LGUs take center stage in push for universal health care
Making universal health care work in barangays, cities, and provinces still requires reliable funding, sound health data, and effective systems that can keep services running at the local level even if the national…
NTC underscores due process in its mobile broadband speed validation
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has acknowledged the concerns raised by the Philippine Chamber of Telecommunication Operators (PCTO) regarding the former's recent proceedings on mobile broadband service…
De La Salle-Benilde suspends classes amid threat
As a precautionary measure, the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in Manila suspended classes and work yesterday due to a security threat.
Tulfo flags patronage in state housing
State housing is being awarded to municipal employees and people close to mayors or village captains, according to several complaints sent to Sen. Raffy Tulfo.
Security at Isulan school intensified
Police have intensified security measures at the Isulan National High School in Sultan Kudarat following a shooting scare on Wednesday.
College student found dead in Cavite
A college student was found dead inside a car in Dasmariñas, Cavite on Wednesday night.
Tanker catches fire; 2 injured
Two crewmembers were injured when a fire broke out on a motor tanker in Calaca, Batangas on Wednesday night, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.
Marcos Jr. enhances tax administration, property valuation reforms
President Marcos has reconstituted an inter-agency body overseeing the Local Governance Reform Project to enhance tax administration, and property valuation and assessment reforms.
DOH logs 99,037 ILI cases
Up to 99,037 cases of influenza-like illnesses have been recorded from January to September this year, according to the Department of Health.
Pampanga mayor charged with graft conflict of interest
Multiple complaints have been filed against the mayor of this town and 10 other officials in connection with the operation of a steel company.
Negros resumes hog shipments to Iloilo
The provincial government of Negros Occidental has resumed shipping hogs to Iloilo after no new cases of African swine fever (ASF) were detected within at least 50 days.
DILG to identify TBS members soon
While it is open to a dialogue, the government is not backing down from pursuing members of the True Brown Style group, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla who said authorities have identified some TBS…
BOC destroys P1.4 billion smuggled vape products
The Bureau of Customs destroyed yesterday 3,174 boxes of smuggled vape products from China valued at P1.4 billion.
Ex-DSWD official convicted for misuse of P5 milion pork’
The Sandiganbayan has found former Department of Social Welfare and Development official Honorita Bayudan guilty of malversation and graft over the misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund allocation of former…
Regions
Let’s all build a Sustainable Future
Business and government must understand how sustainability requirements filter down throughout companies and government operations.
Visayas Mindanao eyed as next hospitality investment frontier
Cebu and other destinations across the Visayas and Mindanao are emerging as a wider investment frontier for Philippine hospitality, with developers being urged to look beyond hotel rooms and towards destination…
Disasters drag Cebu growth
The string of disasters that hit Cebu in 2025 left a mark on the province’s economy, slowing its growth to 2.7 percent from 7.4 percent in 2024, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported.
Baricuatro warns vs hog smuggling
Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has warned against the illegal movement of hogs as authorities investigate how African Swine Fever reached Ginatilan, where the virus has been confirmed in two barangays.
For CBRT-affected residents: Hold payments - CLO
The Cebu City Legal Office has advised the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Project Management Office to hold off on payments to residents affected by the project pending the Department of Transportation’s official position on…
Mandaue City Council calls for action amid power outages
The Mandaue City Council is seeking immediate financial relief, subsidies, and technical intervention from national energy agencies amid frequent and prolonged power interruptions affecting businesses and residents in…
Barangays to lead water source evaluations for El Niño response
As part of the preparations for the anticipated Super El Niño, the Cebu City government has directed barangay-based emergency responders to conduct localized assessments to identify and document alternative water…
Eala falters in bid for historic Asiad gold
Filipina tennis trailblazer Alex Eala faltered in her bid for a historic gold at the 20th Asian Games
Lightsout crowned Camaraderie Cup champions
Team Lightsout dominated the Brotherhood squad, 89-74, to emerge as champions of D’Generals Basketball League Season 4:Camaraderie Cup at the Aulga Citi Sports in Barangay Lawaan II, Talisay City.
UP Cebu gets breakthrough win in CESAFI Season 26 cage wars
The University of the Philippines Cebu Fighting Maroons turned back the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue Webmasters, 66-59, to barge into the win column of the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. Season 26…
Business
GCash brings stock market education within reach through GStocks PH ‘Part-Owner Era’ hubs
GCash opens interactive learning spaces in One Ayala in Makati and Bonifacio High Street in Taguig to demystify stock market investing.
Diesel prices may drop by P1/L next week, gasoline and kerosene seen up
A mixed price adjustment on local oil and fuel products is expected next week, the Department of Energy said.
Filipinos get shot at digital economy ownership with GCash IPO, says solon
The P6.60 final pricing of the initial public offering (IPO) of Mynt Inc. could bring ownership of one of the Philippines’ largest digital platforms within reach of a broader base of Filipino investors, according to a…
Whoscall launches 'Di Lahat Dinededma' campaign to empower Filipinos to avoid scams without missing important calls
Whoscall encourages Filipinos to download the app and make caller identification part of their everyday digital-safety routine.
Looming worker strike to cut Philex’s Padcal mine output
Philex Mining Corp. expects reduced operations from its Padcal mine in Benguet, as a looming workers’ strike threatens to disrupt activities amid stalled collective bargaining talks.
Shakey’s Pizza ushers in business transformation
Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures Inc., one of the leading restaurant and kiosk chain groups in the Philippines, is making leadership changes as part of its ongoing business transformation to support its growth agenda.
Megawide boosts 4PH with Cavite project
Engineering and infrastructure company Megawide Construction Corp. has advanced its commitment to support the government’s expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino program, with its Cavite project reaching the…
ERC, NGCP end disputes over permit, regulatory fees
The Energy Regulatory Commission and the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines have reached a compromise deal to resolve their longstanding disputes over permit and regulatory fees.
Philippines Resorts closes Donatela Resort in Bohol
PH Resorts Group Holdings Inc. of Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy has permanently closed its Donatela Resort and Sanctuary in Bohol after losing the property to Land Bank of the Philippines.
Government eyes retail dollar bond offer by year-end
The Bureau of the Treasury is considering a retail dollar bond offering before year-end as the government looks to tap domestic investors for its financing needs.
World University Rankings 2027
In my previous column, I asked the question “Are we losing our edge?”
Tubig Pilipinas eyes P1.8 billion from follow-on share offer
Listed water infrastructure and utility company Tubig Pilipinas Holdings Inc. is planning a fundraising initiative next year to finance its projects.
Digital sovereignty
It is hardly surprising that the DICT is struggling to get foreign-based social media platforms to comply with local regulations. Perhaps, this should be a prime topic in the ASEAN summit this month to produce a…
Meat importers oppose pork tariff hike
Meat importers have warned that pork prices could rise if the government imposes higher tariff on pork meat.
GSIS solar loans now available to pensioners
The Government Service Insurance System opens its solar energy loan to qualified pensioners, allowing them to borrow up to P500,000 for the purchase and installation of solar energy systems.
Philippines carbon emissions keep rising – CCC
Even as Filipino businesses become more operationally efficient, the country’s carbon emissions continue to rise, according to the Climate Change Commission.
Pryce exits pharma, focuses on gas business
Pryce Corp. is exiting the pharmaceutical business to sharpen its focus on core operations, including the importation and distribution of liquefied petroleum gas.
PAL to resume Saipan flights
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines is betting against rising airfares, as it is set to restore direct flights to Saipan, pinning its hopes that holiday travel would remain strong.
Factory activity contracts in September
Manufacturing activity in September slipped to negative territory for the first time in five months due to weak demand and increased competition from foreign rivals, according to S&P Global.
Market falters anew, extends losing streak
The local stock market continued its struggles, declining for a fourth straight session with no positive catalyst to help buck the downtrend.
GCash IPO price set at P6.6/share
E-wallet giant GCash has priced its initial public offering at P6.6 per share, settling for a rate lower than initial expectations but would still set up the country’s largest market debut.
Bank lending growth reaches 3-month high
Bank lending growth accelerated to a three-month high in August as businesses continued to tap credit, offsetting a further slowdown in household borrowing.
Sports
Barbosa, Mangin scoop up taekwondo silvers in Asian Games
Filipino taekwondo jins Kurt Barbosa and Tachiana Mangin settled for silver medals in their in their respective divisions in the Asian Games.
Medal tally: 20th Asian Games
The 20th Asian Games are under way, running from September 19 to October 4.
'No regrets': Eala set for Japan return after falling short in Asiad golden mission
Alex Eala will return to Japan for a vengeance of sorts later this month after a heartbreaking semifinal loss in the 20th Asian Games.
Assured of silver, Mangin, Barbosa go for Asiad taekwondo gold
A gold medal is within reach for Tachiana Mangin and Kurt Barbosa.
Late meltdowns push Philippines out of Asiad medal contention
The Philippines’ golf contingent all but bowed out of medal contention in the Asian Games following a disastrous third-round performance at the Kasugai Country Club.
'Pokemon Truck' slated for Manila mall stops
As part of its 30th anniversary celebration, Pokemon has launched the Pokemon Truck, which began its tour Friday.
Ababa rules ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge in thrilling finish
Refusing to buckle under pressure, Jhonnel Ababa staged a dramatic late-round comeback, birdieing the final two holes to edge Jeffren Lumbo by one and capture the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge title with a scintillating…
Napolis nabs Asiad jiu-jitsu bronze
Kaila Napolis finished with a bronze medal in the women’s -52 kilogram jiu-jitsu competition after edging Mongolia’s Tsagaanbileg Altangerel.
Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour gains key backing for maiden season
The nation’s fastest growing sport, continues to gain ground in terms of necessary industry backing as the Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour (MPPT) seals a partnership with Skechers for its highly anticipated…
Paalam finishes with Asiad silver after split-decision loss to home bet
Carlo Paalam had to settle for the silver medal in the Asian Games, falling against Japan’s Rui Yamaguchi in the men’s 55 kilogram final Friday at the Nishio Gymnasium.
Saso signals long-awaited return to form, fires 69 to trail by 4
Yuka Saso finally showed the kind of spark she had been searching for, opening the Lotte Championship with a three-under 69 and a share of 22nd place after a strong first-round showing.
Virtual taekwondo’s Yape delivers fourth Asiad gold for Philippines
Fourth gold medal for the Philippines.
Filipino judokas go home empty-handed in Asian Games
End of the road for Filipino judokas in the Asian Games.
Guce, Ardina stay in early hunt in Epson Tour championship
Clariss Guce used a scorching backnine start to fire a three-under 68, while Dottie Ardina opened with a 69 as both Filipina campaigners positioned themselves for a strong finish in the Epson Tour Championship.
Ramos closes with flourish, ties for 12th in ADT Egypt Series
Sean Ramos checked off another solid finish in his bid to reclaim his Asian Tour card, closing with back-to-back birdies for a two-under 68 and a share of 12th in the Asian Development Tour’s Egypt Golf Series 14.
Give Lao a chance
Philippine volleyball appears to be taking the same pathway from disaster to salvation as basketball.
Eala settles for Asiad bronze – again
On a scorching Thursday afternoon in Japan, a shot at a shining double glory turned into a mere repeat bronze for the nation’s tennis pride.
Amaya hits silver that feels like gold
Amaya Paz Cojuangco wanted gold. She got silver. For Philippine archery, it weighed like gold.
Two giants fall
A Thursday that sparkled ended with a sting.
Lumbo steals show in ICTSI Iloilo
After a chaotic battle for control – and a fierce test of will and character under ever-changing weather conditions – an emerging star from Sarangani stood tall. Yet a band of proven winners remains in hot pursuit as…
Cardinals take down Chiefs
Answered prayer.
Speed, experience for Pinoy boxer
ABAP president Marcus Manalo is confident that Carlo Paalam’s speed and experience will unlock the door leading to the 55kg boxing gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Paalam faces Japan’s Rui Yamaguchi in the…
Paalam goes For Gold
From the six-gold sweep of Manila in 1954 to Rey Saludar’s last stand in Guangzhou in 2010 – Philippine boxing has owned this stage before. It just hasn’t in 16 years.
The STAR Cover (Octiber 2, 2026)
The STAR Cover (Octiber 2, 2026)
Entertainment
SB19 helps Bam Aquino file bill for Filipino creative assistance
Senator Bam Aquino collaborated with SB19 to create the PACE Act in order to give better support for Filipino creatives, open more doors to global opportunities, and widen the market access of local goods and services.
'Forgotten Island' score finds roots in Indigenous instruments, rhythms
Filipino culture forms the deep foundations of "Forgotten Island," right down to its score.
Korean stars T.O.P., Nana are dating, labels confirm
T.O.P. and Nana have been in a relationship for several months now.
Ahtisa Manalo admits ‘Red Crown’ role was a challenge
Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo admitted that portraying her character in the upcoming film “Red Crown” has been a challenge, particularly because of the role’s emotional depth.
Dennis Trillo takes a dig at Patrick Garcia, reiterates end to bashing
Dennis Trillo repeated his call for civility among supporters, but not before dishing out one final dig at Patrick Garcia.
'Tito' Ruru Madrid meets sister Rere, Kai Sotto's newborn Atlas
Atlas, meet your Tito Ruru!
Vic del Rosario gives update on Sarah Geronimo amid pregnancy buzz
Viva Films producer Vic del Rosario Jr. addressed the long-running pregnancy speculation surrounding singer-actress Sarah Geronimo and her husband Matteo Guidicelli.
Weekend list: Ben&Ben, Pokémon truck, 'Moana' concert and more
One of OPM's biggest acts plus a pop truck of Pokemon are among the exciting events this weekend.
Epy Quizon, Ethel Booba lead cast of 'Last One Laughing Philippines 2'
New season, new batch of contestants.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is Santa Claus in comeback Christmas movie
He's back, and he has gifts.
Be:First brings concert, EP to Pinoy audiences
Japanese boy group Be:First hopes that fans and new listeners will discover more of J-pop through its newly released EP, “Watch Me,” and upcoming concert.
Direk Joey Reyes denies resigning from FDCP
Film Development Council of the Philippines chairman and CEO Jose Javier Reyes has dismissed reports that he resigned from the government film agency following an aborted official trip to Spain over a business-class…
Lifestyle
SM Sports and Leisure invests P1 billion to multi-sports facilities nationwide
SM Supermalls now has 108 pickleball courts, 176 bowling lanes and three ice skating rinks.
Smart opens pre-orders for new iPhone 18 Series, Apple Watches
Smart has announced its pre-order offers for the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max as well as the latest Apple watches for subscribers.
Lea Salonga to play Bernarda Alba in Filipino stage adaptation
Lea Salonga is already set for her next theater performance.
Opinion
Wishing for ‘gold standard’
If the SK and the BARMM can implement it, why is there no national law up to now to ban political dynasties?
Sara calls trial ‘sarswela’ as hard evidence pile up
VP Sara Duterte called her impeachment trial a “sarswela” where proof of her hidden wealth mounted.
The polished weapon: A mother’s take on civility
If you’ve raised children, you know the exhausting, repetitive labor of teaching decorum. Say please. Wait your turn. Don’t interrupt. We spend years drilling basic civility into our kids, hoping that by the time we…
Making pag-pag
There are a number of Tsinoys and Pinoys who practice the act of making “pag-pag.”
Plan B
No one dares predict how the Supreme Court, with its changing membership, might vote on any issue.
EDITORIAL— Liberal gun laws
One detail stood out in a previous hearing of the Senate impeachment court: private gun ownership in this country is exceptionally liberal.
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