Chinese J-16 dangerously intercepts PH patrol aircraft over Bajo de Masinloc
A Chinese J-16 fighter jet repeatedly flew dangerously close to a Philippine C-208.
Edition
Philstar
Sunday, 4 October · 86 stories
Top stories
House prosecutors may drop bribery article vs Sara Duterte
Prosecutors said they believe the three other impeachment articles may already provide sufficient grounds to seek the vice president's conviction.
COA: P10.39-B in terminated solar contract obligations tied to Leviste-linked firms
Leviste-linked firms account for P10.39 billion of flagged solar obligations
244 'mostly Chinese' workers arrested in largest 2026 POGO bust
Authorities raided two Zamboanga Sibugay sites and seized around 3,000 phones.
Most Pinoys feel free to criticize government – SWS
Almost six in 10 Filipinos feel free to openly speak even against the government, a survey conducted by Social Weather Stations showed.
ICC allows written testimony vs Duterte
The International Criminal Court has allowed the prosecution to introduce as evidence a prior testimony of one of its witnesses against former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Sara wants copy of ex-cop’s affidavit
Vice President Sara Duterte wants to be provided first with a copy of the sworn affidavit of Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. before being required to face the National Bureau of Investigation to shed light on the allegations of…
Public urged to save water while supply remains steady
As the country faces what could be a super El Niño, consumers should save water while there is steady supply, National Water Resources Board executive director Sevillo David Jr. said yesterday.
Trial verdict on December 16? No timetable yet, senators say
Two senators yesterday denied impeachment court spokesman Reginald Tongol’s statement that they have set a Dec. 16 verdict date on Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial.
Gibo: Turn over ‘China money’ evidence to authorities
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro yesterday urged former senator Antonio Trillanes IV to turn over to authorities his evidence relating to his allegations that the Duterte family received about P319 million in funds…
Staggered LPG price hike set
Republic Gas Corp. has begun implementing a staggered P18-per-kilogram price increase for its liquefied petroleum gas products, rendering the excise tax suspension futile as global crude prices remain elevated.
BOC hits record P757.4 billion collection
The Bureau of Customs collected P757.406 billion for the first nine months of 2026.
VP on Trillanes claims: Same exhausted lies
Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV “has been peddling exhausted lies since 2016,” Vice President Sara Duterte asserted yesterday.
Nation
Over 20% of La Union, Ilocos Sur coasts show erosion – UP study
Scientists say rapidly changing coastal areas should be carefully considered before new development is allowed.
Young eagle rescued in Baguio village
A Baguio family sought help after finding a young eagle in their garden in Barangay Loakan Proper.
Dinagat fisherfolk receive boats, gear to rebuild livelihood
Fifty fisherfolk from the seven municipalities of Dinagat Islands received new boats, engines and fishing gear as the province marked its 20th founding anniversary with an Agri-Fishery Trade Fair.
'Choi-Wan' trough to affect Mindanao, parts of Visayas
Mindanao and parts of Visayas may see scattered rains and thunderstorms.
Bong Go votes for Revised Cooperative Code
Sen. Bong Go voted in favor of the passage of Senate Bill 1431, or the proposed Revised Cooperative Code of the Philippines, which was approved by the Senate on third and final reading on Sept. 28.
Basilan gets first state university
The Commission on Higher Education has converted the Basilan State College in Lamitan City into a state university, the first in the island province.
Public warned vs heat stroke amid El Niño
Health officials have advised the public to be wary of signs of heat stroke as the country is starting to feel the effects of a strong El Niño.
2 students electrocuted at Isabela school event
Two elementary school students were electrocuted while two others were injured during a school fun run in Cauayan City, Isabela yesterday morning.
Lithium batteries eyed in Coron ferry fire
The Maritime Industry Authority has blamed lithium batteries for a fire that struck the motor vessel June Aster in the waters off Coron, Palawan last month.
Man arrested for bomb joke
A passenger was arrested for allegedly making a bomb joke inside a commercial aircraft at the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Taclocan, Leyte on Thursday.
Minors from Baguio, Bulacan rescued from creek in Quezon City
A boy from Baguio City and a girl from San Jose del Monte in Bulacan were rescued from a creek in Quezon City on Friday.
UP Resilience Institute completes Quezon City waterway mapping
The University of the Philippines Resilience Institute said it has completed the Quezon City waterway mapping, plotting 446 kilometers more of the city’s waterways.
DICT test website defaced
A website of the Department of Information and Communications Technology was defaced on Friday, the DICT reported.
LTFRB expedites processing of Undas special permits
With just four weeks to go, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board is speeding up the processing of 356 special permit applications for trips timed for Undas, or the observance of All Saints’ Day and…
Regions
P18.4M in drugs seized last month
The Police Regional Office-7 (PRO-7) seized more than ?18.4 million worth of illegal drugs and arrested 725 drug suspects in 661 separate operations across Central Visayas in September 2026.
Media caravan highlights nutrition programs
Strengthening community-based nutrition programs and bringing health services closer to residents remain key strategies of the Lapu-Lapu City Government in addressing malnutrition, city officials said during the Media…
Te, Manayon lead winners of Adlaw sa Kublan-Argao Aquathlon
Christopher Te and Karen Manayon bannered the winners’ list of the Adlaw sa Kublan-Argao Aquathlon held recently in the municipality of Argao in southern Cebu.
Team Philippines ends Asiad campaign at 16th place
Team Philippines ended its campaign in the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 at 16th place overall with four gold, nine silver, and 16 bronze medals.
UP Cebu nails back-to-back wins with 15-point drubbing of USPF
The University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu Fighting Maroons outclassed the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers, 72-57, for their second consecutive win in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation…
The leaders we choose, the future we build
The recent controversy surrounding flood-control projects has sparked discussions across the country.
Phillipino Oxford
New words officially accepted by Oxford Dictionary!
Why lease a landfill?
After a rather long period of procrastination, I finally found a will to check some boxes that were soaked in floodwaters weeks ago.
Daogan ug pildero
Si Kongresista Jinky Luistro ang unang nipahibawo nga nakadawat og kuwarta gikan sa China ang usa sa mga kompaniya ni Bise Presidente Sara Duterte.
EDITORIAL — Reason to worry
A 15-year-old student of the Catarman National High School in Barangay Dalakit, Northern Samar, was found carrying a gun to school last Thursday.
Business
Sustained profitability of GCash IPO seen at lower starting price
The initial public offering (IPO) of GCash’s parent company is providing investors with a more attractive starting point following the company’s final pricing at P6.60 per share, while its sustained profitability…
Filipino shoppers ranked as Southeast Asia's 'savviest' online
Report says 36% qualify as savvy, with monthly spending 47% higher.
Toshiba’s Philippines expansion to create 3K jobs – Recto
Japanese firm Toshiba’s planned expansion of its hard disk drive manufacturing operations in the Philippines is projected to generate 3,000 additional jobs for Filipinos, further strengthening the country’s role in the…
‘All sugar output should be reserved for domestic use’
Local sugar producers have urged government to reserve all output for domestic use, citing a projected decline in supply and the need to safeguard the industry.
Red flags
There is no question that protecting our country’s borders is important.
Hanabishi eyes sales growth despite cautious outlook
Hanabishi Appliances has a cautiously optimistic outlook on sales growth this year as high fuel prices and foreign exchange volatility weigh on dealers’ expansion plans.
Arthaland ramps up expansion of sustainable project portfolio
Real estate developer Arthaland Corp. is ramping up expansion of its sustainable project portfolio after successfully raising over P2 billion from an oversubscribed preferred share offering.
DBP urges public to invest in RTBs
State-run Development Bank of the Philippines called on the public to invest in the latest tranche of the retail Treasury bond program, which provides shorter tenor and higher interest rate.
Philippines eyed as next wellness destination
If you have the means to live longer and better, chances are you would consider Singapore or Hong Kong for your medical checkups.
They are just like us
I’ve often wondered why the rich live so lavishly.
Philippines handlooms weave their way into the digital age
The Department of Science and Technology is preparing to roll out a digital passport for Philippine handloom textiles to help them comply with European Union requirements and curb counterfeit products.
The changing ad game for Pinoy brands
The fast-changing landscape of the internet and social media has reshaped people’s media consumption preferences and habits.
Japanese semicon firm to build facility in Batangas
A Japanese semiconductor firm is set to break ground on a manufacturing facility in Batangas as part of its expansion plan in the Philippines.
Philippines tourism makes stride as global ranking climbs
The Philippines was named the seventh-fastest improving economy in global tourism after climbing eight places to 57th out of 110 countries in the 2026 Travel and Tourism Development Index by the World Economic Forum.
SEC seeks higher capital requirement for brokers
The Securities and Exchange Commission is looking to raise the minimum capital requirement for stockbrokers to P120 million from P100 million as part of its next wave of capital market reforms.
Data security, privacy remain barriers to AI adoption
Philippine businesses are increasingly embracing AI to boost productivity, but concerns over data security and privacy continue to hamper further adoption.
Sports
Massive third quarter propels Tamaraws past Fighting Maroons
Far Eastern University charged in the third quarter and never looked back, blasting University of the Philippines, 90-79, in their UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball clash Sunday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
New Asian meet adds to Sibol’s busy 2027 calendar
An already packed 2027 is shaping up to be even busier for the country’s national esports team Sibol, with a new continental meet joining its list of potential international assignments.
Archers crush Red Warriors
Following an up-and-down start to the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament, La Salle completely decimated the University of the East Red Warriors, 112-87, Sunday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Hoey charges back into Bank of Utah hunt with 65
Rico Hoey shook off an early putting lapse with a scorching rebound, firing a six-under 65 Saturday (Sunday Manila time) to vault into a share of 13th and revive his bid for a strong finish in the Bank of Utah…
Medal tally: 20th Asian Games
The 20th Asian Games are under way, running from September 19 to October 4.
Hot finish propels Saso to Top 20; Ardina gains
Yuka Saso stayed on course for career and personal redemption, firing her best round in three days — a four-under 68 — to surge from joint 33rd to a share of 18th after three rounds of the Lotte Championship.
Hidilyn bares high hopes for rising star Ian delos Santos, Philippine weightlifting
From one trailblazer to the next.
All Out Games functional fitness tilt eyes bigger venue, trilogy
A bigger All Out Games (AOG) looms on the horizon.
Obiena’s weird feeling
Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games pole vault gold medalist EJ Obiena revealed he had a weird feeling after retaining his crown on a rain-soaked track at the Paloma Mizuho Stadium last Tuesday.
Pinoy booters stun Thais
Bjorn Kristensen fired a brace to power the Philippines to a 2-1 upset of Thailand and a rousing end to its FIFA Asean Cup campaign Friday at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung, Indonesia.
UAAP blowout: Falcons mangle Tigers
Adamson snapped Santo Tomas’ back-to-back run with an 85-57 drubbing to join a pack of leaders in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball yesterday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
Hopes high on beach volley future
Philippine beach volleyball has arrived.
Olympic dream fuels Aya
Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games silver medalist Aya Cojuangco has a chance to qualify in compound archery’s debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and earning a ticket will be a dream come true for the 40-year-old mother of…
Yape: Flag-bearer in closing rites
Flag-bearer honor for golden jin.
Best in 64 years
In the fading light of the Nagoya Games, jiu-jitsu bet Alex Enriquez pulled off a fighting silver, providing the final sparkle in Team Philippines’ most successful Asian Games run in over six decades.
Entertainment
All rise: Blue heads back to PH for 25th anniversary tour
Who's guilty loving Blue since 2001?
‘Nananahimik kami’: Dennis Trillo reacts to Gelli de Belen’s remark on Patrick-Jennylyn issue
Dennis has been consistently asking the public for a stop to bashing, but he does not shy away from coming to the defense of his wife.
A Kapamilya Day inside ABS-CBN News
For many Filipinos, keeping up with the news nowadays means changing screens and using different gadgets.
Boss Vic’s next act after 45 years: More films and musicals
After nearly 45 years in the film industry, Viva Entertainment big boss Vic del Rosario Jr. is far from slowing down.
Mariah Deborah takes over no. 1 spot
After the descent of Cup of Joe’s Multo from the top of the charts, it became an exciting guessing game wondering who would take over the slot.
How Team Kramer maintains strong family bond
Team Kramer is one of the most famous and most good-looking families on social media.
Lifestyle
Otak-otak, Mee Pok: Exploring Southeast Asia flavors at BGC
Foodies who want a taste of these neighboring countries’ food need not to fly an hour or two away from the capital.
vivo V80 Lite launched in Philippines with 10,000mAh battery priced at P24,999
Preorders run from Oct. 4 to 16, with discounts, earbuds and an extended battery warranty among the bundled offers.
Lazy Sundays: One-pot Chicken and Sun-dried Tomato Pasta
A healthy protein-and-fiber combination that you can easily whip up in a few minutes.
Why isn’t God a smart businessman?
Today's reflection is on the strange “business logic” of a God who chooses trust over control and relationship over profit.
Opinion
EDITORIAL - Standing with teachers
In 1966, the International Labor Organization and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization forged an agreement establishing global benchmarks for teachers’ rights, recruitment, employment and…
The October 2026 priority dates
Each month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month for the various family and employment-based categories.
Is it time to regulate social media?
For years, we treated social media as private space.
Trillanes’ (PR) coup: ‘China, drug lord money went to Dutertes’
Nothing like former senator Antonio Trillanes IV to bring back the excitement and reanimate public attention to the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, which more than a few have lately described as…
Basi, more than just a favored Ilocano beverage
“Poetry in a Bottle: The Story of Basi” (The University of the Philippines Press, 2024) by Arturo G. Pacho and Sigrid M. Salucop is much more than an introduction to the traditional sugarcane wine of the Ilocos Region.
Views from the top
Bosses, to borrow a line from Forrest Gump, are like a box of chocolates.
Our migrant workers deserve more than gratitude
We call our overseas Filipino workers modern-day heroes, and rightly so.
EDITORIAL - Slipping innovation
After four consecutive years of improving rankings, the Philippines slipped two spots in the latest Global Innovation Index, placing 52nd out of 139 economies in the 2026 GII.
Headlines and excerpts come from Philstar's public news feeds. Full stories are on Philstar's own site.