Fact check: Viral fire trikes falsely tagged at P10 million each
Viral posts falsely tagged fire trikes at P10 million each, linking them to a separate planned fire truck deal.
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Philstar
Tuesday, 6 October · 118 stories
Top stories
Over 100 areas under state of calamity due to El Niño
A total of 106 cities and municipalities across the country have been officially declared under a state of calamity as the effects of the ongoing El Niño phenomenon continue to intensify, the National Disaster Risk…
NBI confirms Velasco couple owns 2 alleged ‘cash houses’ in Pasig
The NBI said Velasco spouses own 2 alleged “cash houses” in Pasig and are linked to 2 Marinduque resorts under investigation.
Sara Duterte denies Gracioso cash delivery allegations
Vice President Sara Duterte rejected allegations by dismissed policeman Rodulfo Mondigo Gracioso Jr. that he delivered suitcases of cash to her and members of her family.
WATCH: Sara Duterte says Marcos behind allegations against her
Duterte has denied Gracioso’s allegations and said she does not know him.
Remulla flags Customs' alleged 'lack of data sharing' in smuggling cases
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has raised concerns about the Bureau of Customs' supposed lack of cooperation and data sharing, warning that missing or delayed documentation is hindering efforts to prosecute smuggling…
Sara Duterte trial recap, Oct. 5: Longest trial day as AMLC bares records
The Senate impeachment court held its longest hearing yet on Monday, October 5, where the Anti-Money Laundering Council's chief testified to P4.4 billion in reported transactions involving Vice President Sara Duterte…
Youth groups ask SC to block law postponing barangay, SK polls to 2028
This is the second petition that was filed assailing the said law, which postponed the BSKE elections that were supposed to be scheduled on November 2.
China accuses PH aircraft of ‘illegal’ intrusion over Bajo de Masinloc
China warned Manila against “provocative acts” in the disputed West Philippine Sea after accusing a Philippine military aircraft of illegally entering the airspace over Bajo de Masinloc on October 3.
LIVE Coverage: Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, Oct. 6
Follow the trial, in context and in real time.
LIVE: Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, Oct. 6
The Senate resumes Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial on Tuesday, October 6, with Anti-Money Laundering Council Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura set to return to the witness stand.
Senator-judges call out defense over ‘threats’ on AMLA records disclosure
Senator-judges of the impeachment court called out the defense panel for what they called veiled threats of criminal liability directed at the witness, the media and potentially the court itself over the disclosure of…
Dynasties stronger in poverty-stricken areas – CEAP
Strong dynastic presence is linked to some areas with poverty, inequality, weaker human development outcomes and political violence, according to the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines.
Marcos orders government to prepare for widespread drought
President Marcos has ordered government agencies to prepare for the worst-case scenario as nearly all provinces in the country are expected to experience drought or very dry conditions due to the looming “super El Niño.”
IBC-13 launches Senate TV
The Intercontinental Broadcasting Corp.welcomed the launch of Senate TV, a high-definition channel dedicated to the work of the Senate, now available on IBC Digital TV Channel 13.3.
49 minors rounded up for cyber threats – PNP
Forty-nine minors have been rounded up in the past months for instigating cyber threats that disrupted school classes.
Velasco couple a no-show at NBI probe
Former House speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his wife Rowena did not appear before the National Bureau of Investigation yesterday, sending their lawyers instead to respond to allegations made by dismissed police officer…
PCG: China disrupts law enforcement vs dynamite fishing
Chinese coast guard ships disrupted a Philippine law enforcement operation against suspected dynamite fishing near Pag-asa Island on Sunday, the Philippine Coast Guard reported.
Marcos vows better benefits, career growth for teachers
President Marcos vowed yesterday to further improve the benefits and career opportunities of Filipino teachers.
Marcos accepts resignation of Marina chief
President Marcos accepted yesterday the resignation of Maritime Industry Authority administrator Sonia Malaluan, who served the agency for almost 37 years.
Chinese embassy on funneled funds: False narrative
Allegations that China funneled funds to a political faction in the Philippines are a “false narrative” and “malicious,” the Chinese embassy in Manila insisted yesterday.
Chiz calls for civility in impeach proceedings
Senate impeachment court presiding officer Francis Escudero urged the public and concerned parties to let “civility” prevail over hotheads as Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial entered its 33rd day…
Nation
2 villagers dead in Basilan 'clan war' ambush
Two ethnic Yakans, from a clan locked in a deep-seated animosity with another, were killed in a daring ambush, in the presence of villagers, in Barangay Marang in Sumisip, Basilan.
Militiaman killed, 2 villagers hurt in South Cotabato ambush
A government militiaman, popular for his active involvement in police law-enforcement activities and military anti-terror intelligence missions, was killed in an ambush on Monday, October 5, in Polomolok town in South…
DND, local execs expand Basilan inter-agency security efforts
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., Basilan Gov. Mujiv Hataman and ranking state security officials met in Basilan on Tuesday morning, October 6, and discussed the intricacies and ramifications of the ambush on…
Suspect in murder of retired teacher couple nabbed
The police and local executives are now in joint custody of the suspect in the murder of an elderly couple, both retired teachers, in Banisilan town in Cotabato before dawn Sunday, October 4.
PNP probe on online counterfeit sellers, scammers sought
A consumer advocacy group has urged the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG) to investigate the prevalent sale of counterfeit goods on e-commerce sites and related online scams, citing the risks…
Vlogger Francis Leo Marcos arrested for cyberlibel
Vlogger Norman Magusin, popularly known as “Francis Leo Marcos,” was arrested for cyberlibel.
NCRPO: 13 TBS members arrested since 2024
Thirteen members of the True Brown Style group, which Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla identified as an alleged recruiter of children being groomed into criminal activities, have been arrested since 2024 for various…
P496 million shabu seized at NAIA
Over P496 million worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride hidden in industrial machinery has been seized at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Philippines crimes drop by nearly 30%
The crime volume in the country decreased by nearly 30 percent in the past three months, the Philippine National Police reported yesterday.
50 ferry fire victims identified
The remains of 50 people who died in the fire that struck M/V June Aster off Coron, Palawan on Sept. 9 have been identified, an official of the Philippine National Police reported yesterday.
3 minors, grandma die in Isabela grenade blast
An 85-year-old grandmother and three children were killed when a rifle grenade exploded in Roxas, Isabela on Sunday.
NBI-Tarlac personnel axed over Extortion
The National Bureau of Investigation has relieved all personnel of the NBI-Tarlac district office and placed them on floating status amid an investigation into an alleged extortion activity.
Government readies privatization of Mindanao coal plant
After privatizing two hydroelectric facilities in Luzon, the Marcos administration is now moving to assess the value of Mindanao’s first coal-fired power plant ahead of its sale.
11 soldiers wounded in Basilan ambush
A senior Army officer and 10 troopers were wounded when armed men ambushed their seven-vehicle convoy yesterday in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan.
DPWH starts work on P47 million drainage project in Manila
To alleviate persistent flooding along major thoroughfares in Manila, the Department of Public Works and Highways has commenced works on a P47-million underground drainage expansion project along Roxas Boulevard that…
PNP requires vault photo for gun owners
Following a spate of school shootings caused by irresponsible gun owners, the Philippine National Police is requiring people applying for or renewing firearm licenses to submit a photograph of a safety vault.
Regions
Apple reseller opens in Consolacion as demand grows beyond Cebu City
Power Mac Center is expanding its Cebu footprint with a new outlet in Consolacion, targeting growing demand for premium technology beyond the province’s established urban centers.
Micor is new VISCOM commander
Philippine Air Force Maj. Gen. Moises Micor formally took over as commander of the Visayas Command (VISCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during a change of command ceremony yesterday at Camp Lapulapu in…
COA calls out Bogo over bonus
The Commission on Audit has questioned Bogo City’s ?1,149,500 payment for the charter day bonus in 2025. The city granted ?1,000 each to its regular and job order personnel under City Ordinance No. 012-2023.
Cops: Crime in CV dropped by 16% last month
Total crime incidents in Central Visayas dropped by 16.51% in September 2026, with 2,448 cases recorded compared to 2,932 cases in August, according to the Police Regional Office-7 (PRO-
COA flags Carcar’s idle projects, facilities
The Commission on Audit has flagged the Carcar City Government for having ?93.55 million worth of priority projects under the 20% Development Fund (DF) that remained unimplemented as of December 31, 2025.
Explain, not inflame
I was listening intently to the homily of Archbishop Albert Uy before the awarding ceremony of the 2nd Cebu Metropolitan-Catholic Mass Media Awards.
Wait until 2031?
The FREEMAN reported yesterday on Lapu-Lapu City Rep. Junard “Ahong” Chan’s appeal for urgent action on the frequent power interruptions and high electricity costs in the Visayas.
Sara bilyonarya?
Atubangan sa pagsupak sa kampo ni Bise Presidente Sara Duterte, pagduda sa kaligdong ni Senate Impeachment Court Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero ug human sa pila ka adlaw nga kalangay, naka-testify na g’yud si Atty…
Another BBM faux pas: Postponing the BSK election
One of the most serious mistakes of the BBM administration is the unreasonable postponement of the BSKE elections.
EDITORIAL - Fake news strikes again
The Depart of Educationissued a blanket suspension of classes nationwide yesterday and today to allow for activities to observe World Teachers Day.
Business
Mynt offers real-time IPO allocation starting at 100 shares for GStocks PH users via GCash
The IPO shares will be available directly in the GCash app through GStocks PH
Pinoy creator Vee Camallere showcases CapCut Director Mode for AI filmmaking in Singapore
At CapCut World Singapore, CapCut presented how CapCut Video Studio brings these stages into one connected workspace.
Philippine inflation jumps to 7.2% in September 2026
The Philippine Statistics Agency reported on Tuesday, October 6 that the country’s headline inflation rate had risen sharply compared to August’s 6.1% record.
PNP awards Unilab for expanding access to Police Health Care
The award acknowledged the company’s steadfast support for the PNP’s health initiatives.
Price Tracker: Oil, fuel monitor for October 6-12
Diesel prices down; kerosene, gasoline up this week.
Meralco energy sales accelerate in 8 months
Power utility giant Manila Electric Co. saw electricity sales notch higher in the first eight months as sustained energization continued to expand its customer base.
AboitizPower sells power barges to Razon firm
Aboitiz Power Corp. has sold its two mothballed barge-mounted power plants currently docked in Navotas to Razon-led MORE Electric and Power Corp.
Feasibility study readied for Manila cruise port
The government’s plan to build a P5-billion cruise port in Manila is starting to take shape, with the project now moving to the feasibility study stage.
Infrastructure spending eases to P89.6 billion in July
The government’s infrastructure expenditures remained sluggish in July as lower disbursements by the Department of Public Works and Highways continued to weigh on spending, although the contraction tapered off.
Philippines secures ADB assistance to combat financial crimes
The Philippines has secured a technical assistance package from the Asian Development Bank to strengthen the country’s defenses against financial crimes, according to the Department of Finance.
GCash is going public. But it already belongs to the public
GCash is going public. In one important sense, however, it went public years ago; not because Filipinos owned its shares, but because Filipinos began depending on it.
‘BSP should avoid rate hikes to defend peso’
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas should avoid using interest rate hikes primarily to defend the peso and instead keep monetary policy focused on inflation, according to Manulife Investments Philippines, as elevated US…
Asian Eye offers discounts to mark 25 years of eye care excellence, innovation
Asian Eye Institute, a pioneer in multi-specialty eye care in the Philippines, is opening its doors wider to the community as it celebrates its 25th anniversary with initiatives aimed at making quality eye care more…
Casino Plus taps Peter & Sons for gaming content
Casino Plus has entered into a strategic content partnership with acclaimed international game studio Peter & Sons, expanding its mobile-driven gaming ecosystem with distinctive global content.
Ignite Power open to Socoteco 2 deal safeguards
Ignite Power is open to an anti-dilution provision in its proposed deal with South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative to protect the utility’s board representation and voting rights.
Ayala Malls expands solar installations
Ayala Malls is rolling out rooftop solar installations across more shopping centers to accelerate its shift to renewable energy.
USDA sees slower sales for Philippines food, beverages
The Philippines’ food and beverage retail sales are expected to grow at a slower pace this year due to rising costs and slower consumer spending, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
Converge’s subsea cables spare Filipinos from internet outage
Broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. found an immediate return on investment in its new subsea cable to Singapore when it spared subscribers from internet disruption over the weekend.
FILRT appoints Joseph Yap as president
Filinvest REIT Corp., the real estate investment trust arm of the Gotianun family’s Filinvest Land Inc., will undergo a leadership transition as its president and CEO, Maricel Brion-Lirio, retires.
Singlife Philippines names Allen Reyes as CEO
Singlife Philippines Inc. has appointed Allen Reyes as its new CEO, the digital life insurer announced yesterday.
SM Prime records over 1 million visitors across live venues
SM Prime Holdings Inc. has sustained robust demand across its major live entertainment venues, with over one million visitors welcomed from January to August.
The waiting room: Grassroots innovation vs systemic waste
Many times, I’ve encountered situations that are naturally funny, but in truth are downright stupendous, like a stranger’s clumsy fall due to a wet floor courtesy of a diaper-less pet dog inside a shopping mall.
Bargain hunting helps market snap losing streak
The local stock market snapped its five-day slump ahead of the country’s September inflation announcement, with investors capitalizing on bargain stocks.
BSP flags crypto anonymity risks, backs strict oversight
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is pushing for tight oversight of cryptocurrency transactions, warning that transfers outside regulated channels can make it difficult for authorities to identify the people behind them.
‘Property developers cut capex as housing glut weighs on sales’
Philippine property developers are scaling back spending and shifting more capital toward income-generating assets as elevated housing inventories, higher interest rates and weaker purchasing power continue to weigh on…
Sports
Quezon City fencing program aims to produce more standouts, scholars
Joseph Juico’s fencing program already produced a number of national team fencers the last two decades, including 2024 Paris Olympics veteran Samantha Catantan.
Gardini, Luna lead winners in Fossil tennis tilt
Gianluca Gardini and Genevive Luna topped the Friends of the Brand category of the recent Fossil tennis event that served as the launch of the brand’s Fall 2026 Collection.
Alapag joins 'Hoop Collective' podcast as Disney+ Philippines drums up new NBA season
The much-awaited 2026-2026 NBA Season is almost here, and Filipino fans got the feel of it with no less than Gilas Pilipinas legend and NLEX head coach Jimmy Alapag leading the way.
NAASCU expands with six additional teams
The National Athletics Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) welcomes six new members when it kicks off its 24th season on October 21 at the Makati Coliseum.
Philippine athletics chief cites bets' increased confidence on world stage
The Philippine athletics team is no longer hesitant to compete at the highest level of international competition.
Robinson, Alas gain share of spotlight as Archers, Blue Eagles rekindle rivalry
Topex Robinson faces his old coaching guru in Louie Alas as reigning champion La Salle and Ateneo turn another page in their fabled rivalry midway through the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.
Filipino Asiad standouts shift focus to 2028 Olympics
From accomplishing its mission in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, the Philippine team has now shifted its sight to another one — the more gargantuan task of qualifying to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Alex Eala makes Paris fashion week debut for Chanel with mom Rizza
Alex Eala is fully embracing the fashion world, landing in Paris Fashion Week with her mom Rizza in tow.
Pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters Manila-bound as face of wellness firm's new campaign
The pickleball boom in Philippines is intensifying by the day that is has attracted one of the sport’s top stars.
Pacific champ Global Esports bows out; invy advances in Valorant Champions
Pacific champion Global Esports saw its Valorant Champions Shanghai campaign cut short in the group stage, leaving Paper Rex’s Adrian “invy” Reyes as the lone Filipino player moving on to the playoffs.
Caloocan draws first blood vs Ilagan Isabela in MPBL North playoffs
The Caloocan Batang Kankaloo stormed ahead in the third quarter and bested the Ilagan Isabela Cowboys, 81-76, in Game 1 of their North Division quarterfinal playoffs.
Cuban a Chinese boxing icon
Filipino boxing fans will remember Cuban Raul Fernandez Liranza as the man who guided Onyok Velasco to a silver medal in the 48kg lightflyweight division at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Pinoy cuemasters settle for second
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 yesterday…
Blazers respond to wakeup call
An atrocious start forced St. Benilde coach Paolo Layug to sound the alarm.
Home are the Asiad heroes
Home are the heroes and heroines from the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
Gregorio cites silver medalists
PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio made special mention of the country’s nine Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games silver medalists in recognizing the achievements of the Philippine delegation because “they did their best and it hurt…
Entertainment
'Godzilla' film fest hits select Philippine cinemas
A number of "Godzilla" movies will banner the first-ever "Godzilla Film Festival" in the Philippines.
Engenes hype Enhypen's weekend 'fun meet'
The event marked Enhypen’s first group fan meet in the Philippines following Heeseung’s departure from the group earlier this year.
KaladKaren praises 'Drag Race' co-host Paolo Ballesteros
KaladKaren showered praise on Paolo Ballesteros for the latter's generosity.
Jao Mapa admits ‘TOTGA’ remark on Rosanna Roces led to marital issue
The actor backtracked on his controversial statement regarding his brief romance with the former sexy star.
SB19 sings official ASEAN 2026 theme song
The P-pop group is bringing Filipino music to the regional stage.
Zanjoe Marudo confirms Ria Atayde’s 2nd pregnancy
Actor Zanjoe Marudo is set to become a father for the second time as his wife, actress Ria Atayde-Marudo, is pregnant with their second child.
Jasmine Curtis-Smith, 'Sinners' star Yao headline Asian-led rom-com
Jasmine Curtis-Smith will head an upcoming indie rom-com to be filled by mostly Asian actors.
Michael Sager joins ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ hosting team
Sparkle artist Michael Sager is joining the hosting team of the upcoming season of ABS-CBN’s reality show “Pinoy Big Brother,” dubbed “Pinoy Big Brother Collab 3.0.”
'Avengers: Endgame' reclaims box office title from 'Avatar'
"Avengers: Endgame" is the highest-grossing movie of all time once more.
Mom-daughter passion project ‘Musikwela’ aims to preserve Pinoy values, traditions
“It just came naturally.”
Dennis Trillo says he will protect wife Jennylyn, family at all costs
Dennis Trillo stood by his public reactions to the controversy involving wife Jennylyn Mercado and her former boyfriend Patrick Garcia.
Masculados hopes to connect with a new generation through comeback single
The “Macho” group Masculados is hoping to mount a concert following the release of their comeback single, Saging, under Universal Records Philippines.
Why Zion Cruz of ‘Apol of My Ai’ is the actor to watch
If age and categories were set aside, 11-year-old Zion Cruz could have very well held his own in the Best Actor race itself for his performance in Thop Nazareno’s coming-of-age film “Apol of My Ai.”
Lifestyle
Fossil serves up sport and style at its fall 2026 Athletics Club
Fossil brought its Fall 2026 collection to the court with the Fossil Athletics Club Event, held on September 15 at the Tennis Hall of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.
Filipino food is bold. What does that mean for the cola we drink with it?
Filipino dining has also always been about the people who come together to enjoy them.
Filipino bartender to bring new tricks at Florida world championship
Roniel Lopez is bannering the Philippines at this year's World Bartending Championship.
The return of buffet dining: Prime Grill Nights at Admiral Club Manila Bay
Where premium grills, fresh catches, and meaningful gatherings come together.
Grocery chain's ‘Barangayan' to hit 16 locations nationwide
One of the country’s major supermarket chains is bringing its 28th anniversary celebration to communities across the country.
Visa unveils Infinite Card suite with exclusive culinary experience at Metiz
Metiz served as the vibrant setting for an exclusive evening hosted by Visa.
LIST: Mutya ng Pilipinas 2026 delegates
These are the 37 candidates.
Why pick just one? Chowking’s Chicken Lauriat has all your favorites on one plate
Together, they make up the perfect cast of Chowking’s “Pinagsamang All-Star Sarap.”
Celebrating 185 years of care: Watsons continues to champion women’s health and wellness
Today’s modern woman rarely fits into just one role. She moves between different priorities, responsibilities and routines, often balancing several at once.
Okada Manila wins Asia’s leading Entertainment Resort 2026 at World Travel Awards
Recognition reinforces Okada Manila’s position as a complete luxury integrated resort and gives travelers more reasons to stay and experience more in one destination.
Opinion
Sara’s dirty money
Amid seeming boredom among the populace and among the hard-working judges of the 20-senator Senate impeachment court, the trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte has entered its most crucial chapter.
Who should be the next president of the Philippines?
On Aug. 20, 2025, the President of the Philippines stood on a riverbank in Barangay Piel, Baliwag, Bulacan.
No Filipino without them
Based on United Nations estimates, there are almost 500 million Indigenous Peoples across the globe, spread out across almost a hundred nations.
Super El Niño, super trouble
The thermometer reads 30 degrees Celsius as I write this but it feels way hotter than any measuring tool can calculate – scorching, dry and furnace-like.
Allegations
We are in a strange season.
EDITORIAL - No absolute bank secrecy
The spirited effort to stop the testimony yesterday of the executive director of the Anti-Money Laundering Council during the impeachment trial highlights the need to ease bank secrecy laws.
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