WATCH: Flood control reports cited in flagged transactions linked to VP Sara
AMLC reports bring flood control controversy into Sara Duterte trial
Edition
Philstar
Monday, 5 October · 87 stories
Top stories
China rejects Trillanes claims on funds linked to Duterte groups
The embassy called allegations of funneling funds to a local faction a "false narrative."
13 alleged True Brown Style members arrested in Metro Manila since 2024
Police said the suspects were linked to 21 alleged violations and are stepping up efforts to prevent the recruitment and grooming of minors.
POGO as troll farm? NBI probes raided Zamboanga Sibugay sites
Nearly 4,000 phones found as NBI investigates possible troll farm operations.
Chiz junks defense bid to block AMLC chief's testimony at Sara trial
Senate court rejects Sara Duterte defense bid to block testimony on financial records.
PNP requires gun vault photo for new, renewed firearm licenses
After school shootings, PNP adds gun storage proof to license applications.
'Missed opportunity': Law prof faults prosecution's Sara property presentation
He says documents should support its explanation of the questioned Samal property.
LIVE Coverage: Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, Oct. 5
Follow the trial, in context and in real time.
ICC amends e-court protocol ahead of Duterte trial
Less than two months before the start of the crimes against humanity trial of former president Rodrigo Duterte, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has amended its protocol for digital evidence and other information…
PCG commandant’s term should not be extended – DOJ
The three-year term of Philippine Coast Guard commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan should no longer be extended even through reappointment or temporary designation by President Marcos, the Department of Justice has…
Dropping VP bribery charges may be shortchanging Filipinos – Palace
Malacañang yesterday questioned whether the House prosecution panel would be shortchanging the Filipino public if it decides to drop the bribery charges against Vice President Sara Duterte in her ongoing impeachment…
First Philippines ambassador to Bhutan presents credentials to king
The first Philippine ambassador to Bhutan presented his credentials to King Jigme Khesar Namgyel WangchuckWangchuck, officially embarking on his duties.
Warning aired on foreign-funded destabilization
Foreign-funded destabilization plots to undermine or overthrow a sitting administration are not far-fetched, according to a spokesperson for the prosecution panel in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
PAGASA sees 2 cyclones ahead
Up to two tropical cyclones are expected to enter or develop inside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
Ombudsman mulls more cases vs Yap brothers
Brothers Eric and Edvic Yap may face another lawsuit over anomalies in flood control projects, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced.
COA: 28 out of 119 MMDA flood pumps ‘unserviceable’
Contrary to reports that all its flood pumping stations were fully functional, 28 out of 119 pumps in pumping stations managed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) were “unserviceable,” the Commission…
DA to boost food stocks amid ‘super El Niño’
The Department of Agriculture is stocking up on food and farm inputs, expanding storage capacity, and deploying targeted interventions in areas expected to be hardest hit by the “super El Niño.”
DOE: Planning failure caused Visayas power shortfall
The Department of Energy has admitted that the Visayas lacks sufficient baseload generation to meet growing electricity demand, prompting recurring power alerts and exposing the region’s vulnerability to the loss of…
Nation
Cops hunt killers of retired teacher couple in Cotabato town
Police and local officials are working together to identify the perpetrators behind the brutal killing of an elderly couple, both retired school teachers, inside their home in Barangay Poblacion 2 in the upland town of…
2 drug den operators arrested in separate PDEA-BARMM operations
Anti-narcotics agents arrested seven alleged shabu dealers and closed down their drug dens in separate operations in two towns in Central Mindanao within two days.
10 soldiers, militiaman wounded in Basilan ambush
Ten personnel from the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion and a militiaman were wounded in an ambush in Barangay Badja in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan on Monday morning, October 5.
Truck operators to suspend trips Oct. 6, citing issues 'worse' than during pandemic
The group says shipping delays, truck bans and a driver shortage are also hurting operations.
'Training aircraft crashes in Arayat riceland; 2 hurt
A training aircraft crash-landed and flipped on a rice field in Arayat, Pampanga on Saturday, causing injuries to the instructor pilot and student.
P3.44 billion set for cash gifts to octogenarians, nonagenarians
The government has allocated P3.44 billion to fund the P10,000 cash gifts for octogenarians and nonagenarians and the P100,000 cash gifts for centenarians in 2027, House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan said yesterday.
Young eagle rescued in Baguio village
A young eagle was rescued by a family in Barangay Loakan Proper here on Friday, the Baguio City Police Office said.
Hog raisers seek higher tariffs to address losses
Local hog raisers are urging President Marcos to issue an executive order raising the pork tariffs between 30 and 40 percent, as farmgate prices continue to decline amid what they describe as “unlimited importation.”
Emergency powers pushed
House Deputy Speaker Alfredo Benitez is pushing to grant President Marcos emergency powers to fast-track measures addressing the recurring power shortages, generation shortfalls as well as the red and yellow alerts in…
PHLPost to host Asean meet
A three-day meeting with postal leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and partner countries will be hosted by the Philippine Postal Corp.
Police disperse teachers’ protest
Police dispersed yesterday protesters pushing education reforms ahead of World Teachers’ Day.
2 transport firms’ papers revoked
Two transport network companies have had their authorities to operate and applications for renewal revoked for regulation violations.
Water allocation for Metro Manila reduced
Water allocated from Angat Dam to Metro Manila has been reduced amid a “super strong” El Niño, according to the National Water Resources Board.
Valenzuela postpones NCAP amid road works
The Valenzuela government has deferred the implementation of the no-contact apprehension policy due to road constructions and changing traffic conditions across the city.
Regions
Cebu business groups split over 25% port tariff hike
Cebu business groups are divided over a proposed 25 percent increase in domestic port and cargo-handling tariffs, with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry backing a phased adjustment and the Mandaue Chamber of…
Philippines, Timor-Leste renew higher educ pact
The Philippines and Timor-Leste have renewed their cooperation in higher education through a bilateral agreement that seeks to expand student and faculty mobility, research collaboration, and human resource development…
Mandaue youth to represent Visayas in national choir tilt
The Huni Mandawe of the Mandaue City School for the Arts will compete in the finals of the 53rd National Music Competition for Young Artists Padayaw after winning the regional round in the youth choir category.
Barangays to continue 5-day work week
The Liga ng mga Barangay Cebu City Office reaffirmed its commitment to uninterrupted public service by announcing that it will continue to operate on a regular five day workweek schedule, from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m…
Halt in rental hike sought
The Cebu City Council appeals to landlords and property owners to suspend rental increases in a move to ease the mounting financial strain on households, workers, and small businesses.
Archival okays P6 million EV purchase
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has approved the procurement of two electric vehicles worth P6 million for the Cebu City Transportation Office, in line with his administration’s push for sustainable transport.
CH faces P13 billion ‘cash shortfall’
Cebu City Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña has raised serious concern over the city’s fiscal position, citing a Commission on Audit report showing that appropriations and liabilities far exceed available cash and cash…
Cebu tourist arrivals top 1 million
Cebu Province recorded more than 1.08 million tourist arrivals from January to August 2026, a 12.78 percent increase from the same period last year, according to the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office.
Council seeks X-ray baggage scanners for public schools
The Cebu City Council has asked the Department of Transportation’s Office of Transportation Security to donate or transfer single-view X-ray baggage inspection machines to public schools.
Ahong pushes quick power fixes
Lapu-Lapu Lone District Representative Junard “Ahong” Chan called for immediate measures to address recurring brownouts and high electricity bills in the Visayas, saying consumers cannot afford to wait until 2031 for a…
Abra Weavers thrill home fans in rousing EASL debut
The Abra Weavers of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League made a memorable debut in the East Asia Super League, winning 79-72 over the veteran Hong Kong Eastern squad at the start of the EASL 2026-27 season on…
Springdale Titans stun Jaguar Cubs for breakthrough CESAFI win
The PAREF Springdale Titans nailed their first-ever win in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. basketball tournament in style, stunning the previously undefeated University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguar…
UC Webmasters get back on track
The University of Cebu Webmasters snapped their two-game losing skid after ending the hot streak of the University of the Philippines Cebu Fighting Maroons,
Business
Beyond the classroom: Student leaders take on real-world business challenges
Global Dominion partners with JCFAP to support the professional development and career readiness of future finance leaders
ICT: Durban Gateway Terminal transition delays
Durban's transition problems weigh on ICTSI sentiment, but diversified operations limit earnings risk and leave the long-term thesis intact.
Banks’ bad loan ratio steady at 3.35% in August
The share of bad loans held by Philippine banks remained broadly stable in August and improved from a year ago as overall lending continued to grow faster than soured accounts.
Affordability
In the 2026 US midterm elections, “affordability” has evolved into a central political issue.
Fruitas ripe for next growth phase with P750 million PNB credit facility
Fruitas Holdings Inc., led by businessman Lester Yu, is ripe for its next growth chapter with a P750-million credit facility secured from Lucio Tan-led Philippine National Bank (PNB) that will support its continued…
Market volatile ahead of inflation report
The local stock market is expected to remain volatile this week, with higher inflation expectations seen weighing on equities.
Market’s narrowing breadth
Market breadth has deteriorated sharply the past month.
PNB open to selling stake in PNB Holdings
MANILA, Philippines — Lucio Tan-led Philippine National Bank has expressed willingness to sell its stake in listed real estate holding company PNB Holdings Corp. “Yes, we’re open,” PNB president and CEO Edwin Bautista…
UA&P: Ube sector must improve planting materials, productivity
The Philippines must improve the availability of planting materials and farm productivity to strengthen the local ube industry, according to the latest policy brief by the University of Asia and the Pacific-Center for…
Mitsubishi deal boosts Ayala FDI haul close to P100 billion
Mitsubishi Corp.’s P44.5-billion investment in Ayala Corp. has brought the recent wave of foreign direct investments (FDI) secured by the group to nearly P100 billion, underscoring the conglomerate’s ability to attract…
Poll: September inflation likely rose to 6.7%
Inflation likely picked up in September as higher fuel and food prices, weather-related supply disruptions and the peso’s weakness reversed four straight months of easing, economists said. A poll of 13 economists…
Sports
Biado, Manas fall short of world doubles 10-ball crown
The Philippines’ Carlo Biado and AJ Manas wilted under tremendous pressure late, while Spain’s Francisco Sanchez Ruiz and David Alcaide showed incredible poise in pulling off a 4-1, 0-4, 3-4, 4-1, 4-2 victory to rule…
Blazers buck flat start to turn back Stags
An atrocious start forced St. Benilde coach Paolo Layug to sound the alarm. The Blazers responded by dominating the second half and snatching a come-from-behind 73-66 victory over the luckless San Sebastian Stags.
A tale of two athlete moms: Angelica Yulo meets Rovelyn Baterbonia
Two of Philippine sporting world moms cross paths.
NCRAA, Quezon City fencing up for discussion in PSA Forum
After a three-week break, the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum resumes its weekly session on Tuesday, October 6, with the new season of the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities…
FEU's Mangcopa, NU's Pagdulagan stand out in UAAP basketball week
Kirby Mongcopa and Cielo Pagdulagan are only in their second UAAP campaigns, but both are already making every possession count.
Thitikul keeps her nerve, survives wild finish to win; Saso, Ardina falter
Jeeno Thitikul saw a two-stroke lead disappear in the space of one disastrous hole, watched her closest pursuer suddenly seize the momentum, then calmly took it back one hole later.
Cuemasters a win away from world crown
The Philippines’ Carlo Biado and AJ Manas survived a feisty Irsal Nasution and Albert Januarta of Indonesia, 3-4, 4-3, 3-4, 4-2, 3-1, yesterday to move on the cusp of claiming the WPA Men’s Doubles 10-Ball World…
Blazers aim to firm up Group A lead
The St. Benilde Blazers seek to firm up its hold of the Group A lead of NCAA Season 102 as they battle the sinking San Sebastian Stags today at the Filoil Center.
From Nagoya to LA
POC president Abraham “Bambol’ Tolentino had the 2028 LA Olympics in mind during the recently-concluded Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and said yesterday the run-up got off to a strong start with 10 of the Philippines’ 16…
Archers vent ire on Warriors
La Salle poured its wrath on hapless University of the East, 112-87, to get its title-retention drive back on track in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball yesterday at the PhilSports Arena.
Nagoya-Aichi Asian games
What a fortnight.
Nagoya-Aichi Asian Games: Festival of firsts for Philippines
What a fortnight.
Entertainment
‘Not P25M’: Rene Baterbonia’s jersey donated to Boss Toyo museum
Rene Baterbonia's No. 2 Ateneo de Davao jersey will be displayed at Boss Toyo's Pinoy Pawn Stars museum in Quezon City.
Dennis Trillo open to reconciliation with Patrick Garcia amid controversy
Dennis Trillo is open to making peace with Patrick Garcia amid the controversy surrounding the actor, his wife Jennylyn Mercado and their family.
'Inayos niya ito nang tahimik': Candy Pangilinan weighs in on Patrick-Jennylyn issue
Candy Pangilinan believes that the issue of exes Patrick Garcia and Jennylyn Mercado should have been discussed privately.
Heart Evangelista ranks ahead of Paris Hilton, Jung Hae-in at NYFW
The Filipina actress beat a Korean star and and American socialite.
Bea Binene, Wilbert Ross on ‘Pee Mak’ pressure, love team expectations
Onscreen partners Bea Binene and Wilbert Ross feel the pressure to make their big-screen team-up a hit at the local box office, especially since their movie is a remake of a 2013 Thai mega-hit.
Mark Lapid sheds light on where travel tax goes
Last Tuesday, Sept. 30, actor-turned-public servant Mark Lapid, chief operating officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), hosted an intimate lunch for some of his media friends. I had…
Lifestyle
SM Seaside Cebu Arena creates new reasons to visit, stay and experience Cebu
Cebu is becoming a destination where there is always another reason to stay a little longer.
A slice of 'Sharmaine': The Orange Butter Cake
Simple, not so sweet, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth Bundt cake.
What a pediatric emergency care unit means for Filipino children – and their parents
“Children are not small adults. They have different physiology.”
Ube-Matcha Meetup brings food craze to SMDC Fame Mall and SMDC Light Mall
The Ube-Matcha Meetup serves as the perfect answer for anyone experiencing a serious ube or matcha craving.
Taiwan Excellence connects innovation with Philippine business opportunities at Taiwan Expo 2026
The three-day pavilion showcased Taiwan Excellence-awarded companies and their technologies.
Bored of your usual order? Taste exciting flavors from around the world at SM this month
This month, we’ve spotted Japanese-fusion tacos, Korean-inspired pairings, French puff pastries, and more.
Opinion
Ibangon natin ang Pilipinas!
The impeachment trial of a vice president is a first in our country’s history.
Jail electoral saboteurs, ‘Inshallah’
‘Within a year, there is already a determination of who will be charged (for electoral sabotage),’ Garcia vowed.
A dead man’s voice
Today I’m going to turn over this column to the voice of a long-dead man, and all because – when last week I picked up a book he had published in 1957 – I thought he might as well have been writing in the present, so…
A dead man’s voice
Today I’m going to turn over this column to the voice of a long-dead man, and all because – when last week I picked up a book he had published in 1957 – I thought he might as well have been writing in the present, so…
Keeping the conversation going
I’ve been traveling a lot lately, with my most recent engagement being in Adelaide to join this year’s Australia-ASEAN Business Forum.
From cat to lion king From Sebastian to Simba.
The ongoing impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte has started to look like the Disney movie “The Lion King” where the first King Mufasa is removed from the picture by a scheming, envious Scar who usurps the throne.
River restoration
With the monsoon rains and flooding taking a break the other weekend, I went to my old haunts in Manila.
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