Cardinal Tagle is new dean of the College of Cardinals
Pope Leo XIV has approved the election of Luis Cardinal Antonio Tagle as Dean of the College of Cardinals, making him the first Asian to preside over the body that elects popes.
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Philstar
Friday, 9 October · 108 stories
Top stories
Palace hopes Duterte stays healthy to ‘admit’ drug war killings at ICC
Malacañang welcomed the ruling saying it is also their hope that Duterte will remain healthy amid the proceedings.
Sara Duterte trial recap, Oct. 8: BIR details Duterte's income, confirms tax audit
A Bureau of Internal Revenue official told the impeachment court on Thursday, October 8, that Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband earned a combined P85.34 million in income net of tax from 2007 to 2025, and…
QC court postpones Sara Duterte’s grave threats arraignment anew
The arraignment of Vice President Sara Duterte on three counts of grave threats was postponed for the second time on Friday, October 9.
ICC rules Rodrigo Duterte fit to stand trial
The International Criminal Court has ruled that former president Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial for crimes against humanity of murder, saying that he can understand the proceedings and effectively exercise his…
Sara Duterte appears in QC court for grave threats arraignment
Vice President Sara Duterte appeared before a Quezon City court on Friday, October 9, for her arraignment on three counts of grave threats.
LIVE Coverage: Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, Oct. 9
Follow the trial, in context and in real time.
Ombudsman vows to protect IP rights after suspending Puerto Princesa exec
In a statement on October 7, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla cited the agency's decision finding Carlo Benitez Gomez, Department Head II of the Puerto Princesa City Environment and Natural Resources Office…
Over 60 Pinoy fishermen detained in Sabah over alleged illegal fishing
The crew members allegedly failed to present valid identification documents and work permits, and were accused of violating immigration laws and Malaysia’s Fisheries Act of 1985.
DOJ: Leviste not yet a fugitive from justice
Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste has not been tagged as a fugitive from justice, Department of Justice (DOJ) acting Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Herbert Calvin Abugan clarified yesterday.
Stronger protection vs inflation sought
Sen. Bong Go has called for stronger measures to protect Filipinos from rising living costs after the country’s headline inflation accelerated to 7.2 percent in September.
DepEd to evaluate aging classrooms
Classrooms existing for 50 years will be assessed by the Department of Education.
Marcos optimistic on binding SCS code of conduct
While admitting that talks on a code of conduct for the South China Sea can be “frustrating,” President Marcos remains upbeat that a set of binding rules would be completed to ease tensions and ensure free navigation in…
Marcos: Philippines ‘terribly excited’ about Pax Silica
As the debate over the Pax Silica initiative rages on, President Marcos said the Philippines is “terribly excited” about the US-led artificial intelligence (AI) and supply chain security effort.
VP no-show at NBI
Vice President Sara Duterte did not appear at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) headquarters yesterday to personally answer the allegations hurled against her by dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.
UN: El Niño will intensify, then peak in December
El Niño will intensify even more before peaking in December, the United Nations said on Thursday, warning it could be among the strongest witnessed since at least 1950.
Marcos quizzed on corruption by global investors
Before a forum attended by global business leaders, President Marcos found himself quizzed on the corruption issues plaguing the Philippines, a problem that he said requires a change not just of systems but of a culture…
School caravans for mental health start next week
To help raise mental health awareness among Filipinos, the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) will conduct school caravans starting next week, followed by psychosocial wellness activities in workplaces.
Senate ratifies SOVFA with France
Senators passed a resolution yesterday ratifying the country’s Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with France, which was signed in Paris last March.
Nation
Drug den operator, 3 others arrested in Kidapawan
Anti-Narcotics agents arrested four men, among them a drug den operator, in an operation in Barangay Poblacion in Kidapawan City in Cotabato province on Tuesday, October 6.
Soldier killed, child among 8 wounded in Basilan ambush
A soldier was killed while eight others, including an innocent 10-year-old boy and his father, were wounded in another ambush in Basilan on Thursday night, October 8, the second in the province within just 3 days.
Batangas town residents evacuate after minor Taal Volcano eruption
Authorities reminded the residents of certain areas to stay cautious of ashfall.
187 loose firearms surrendered in Central Luzon
Up to 187 firearms with expired registration were turned over for safekeeping to the Central Luzon police yesterday.
Smuggled cigarettes seized in Cavite
Illegal cigarettes valued at P53.98 million were seized in an anti-smuggling operation in Ternate, Cavite on Wednesday.
Food supply sufficient until after holidays
The country has sufficient supply of rice and meat products until after the Yuletide season, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Jonvic reimburses vice mayor for drug test expenses
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has reimbursed Vice Mayor Jeryll Harold Respicio of Reina Mercedes, Isabela for the cost of the drug test conducted on the municipal official.
June Aster owner probed for labor law violations
The Department of Labor and Employment is investigating the owner and operator of the ferry M/V June Aster for possible violations of labor and occupational safety regulations.
53 school shooting plots in South Cotabato thwarted
Following a fatal shooting incident at the Banga National High School (BNHS) last month, 53 other plans to launch similar attacks in South Cotabato have been thwarted by police, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla…
TNVS drivers question fare, commission claims
Transport Network Vehicle Service drivers questioned claims on fare implementation and raised concerns over commissions charged by transport network companies or TNC.
Man jumps over NAIA fence to meet returning OFW wife
A 35-year-old man was arrested after he jumped over a Ninoy Aquino International Airport fence on Wednesday to meet his wife, an overseas Filipino worker returning from Austria.
Manila retains trillion-peso city economy
Manila’s gross domestic product hit P1.06 trillion in 2025, placing the capital city third among the cities in the country with a trillion-peso economy.
Manila North, South cemeteries gear up for Undas
The Manila North and South cemeteries have announced its schedules and visitor guidelines ahead of Undas, or the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in November.
Regions
Training: Learning path to higher productivity
Especially at these trying times, it is obvious that we need good employees to keep things going, to comply with rules and regulations, and get ready to take advantage of opportunities rather than seeing problems only.
Manila Water unit readies Cebu supply as strong El Niño looms
Manila Water Philippine Ventures is stepping up preparations to protect water supply in Metro Cebu as a potentially severe El Niño threatens to bring prolonged dry conditions to the province through the first quarter of…
Cebu developer expands solar push with First Gen
Cebu-based property developer Oakridge Realty Development Corp. is expanding its renewable-energy partnership with First Gen Corp. as it moves to install rooftop solar facilities at two of its Mandaue City properties.
Capitol starts water mapping
The Cebu Provincial Inter-LGU Waterworks Systems Office has started consolidating data on water sources across the province as part of preparations for the possible effects of El Niño, including water shortages and…
P5.6 million gratuity pay questioned
The Commission on Audit has questioned the City of Naga’s grant of P5.613 million in gratuity pay to 814 Job Order and Contract of Service personnel in 2025, citing insufficient documentation to establish their actual…
In Talisay City: P40 million market losses flagged
The Commission on Audit has flagged the continued operation of the Talisay City Public Market, which incurred nearly P40 million in accumulated losses over the past five years.
PH at the 20th Asian Games
Like the squeeze play they had been doing on territorial seas not their own, China bullied the opposition in the recently concluded Japan Asiad.
CECABA All-Stars on brink of historic crown, Monday Hoopers claim third-place trophy
The Cebu Eastern College Alumni Basketball Association All-Stars hammered the Toyota Mandaue North, 112-77, to move a win away from the historic championship of the 1st Edgar Cokaliong Memorial Cup Basketball Tournament…
Liloan outlasts Carmen in OT
Liloan prevailed over Carmen, 84-82, in the first overtime game of the Governor’s Cup Under-18 Basketball Tournament 2026.
Dennison the hero as Cebu draws first blood vs Batangas
Ron Dennison sank a booming three-pointer in the final 12.4 seconds as the Cebu Greats downed the Batangas City Tanduay Athletics by the slenderest of threads, 78-77, in the opener of their best-of-three South Division…
Business
DOE targets P27bn microgrid rollout
DOE expects its microgrid auction to attract up to P27 billion and electrify 101,500 households across 369 remote areas.
Agri output likely contracted in 3Q
The DA expects agricultural output to have contracted in 3Q26 after expanding in 2Q26, with weakness potentially extending through 1Q27 as El Niño intensifies.
ICT: Hapag-Lloyd suspends Philippine bookings amid port congestion
Hapag-Lloyd has reportedly suspended new bookings to Manila, Batangas and Subic until December 31, citing port congestion and constraints on empty-container returns.
7.2% high inflation rate weakens Philippine peso — economist
Leyco explained that even the 5% interest rate hike by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in August is being outweighed by the surge in inflation.
Supporting Baguio’s next chapter: How Converge ICT powers data, mobility and resilience in urban governance
As the city continues to grow as a tourism, business and economic hub, it faces the complex realities that come with urban expansion.
Megawide secures P13 billion new 4PH contracts in September
Engineering and infrastructure company Megawide Construction Corp. has beefed up its housing portfolio under the government’s expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program with P12.8 billion in new…
Bloomberry expands digital gaming portfolio
Bloomberry Resorts Corp. of tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. is expanding its digital gaming offering with a new platform that combines online gaming with live shows.
PGMG, MTVi ink agreement for ‘Filipinos in California’ book
Los Angeles-based Philippine Global Media Group and Philippine-based Media Touchstone Ventures Inc. have entered into an agreement to come up with a landmark coffee-table book on “Filipinos In California.”
Registered business names down 7% in September
Business names registered with the Department of Trade and Industry fell by seven percent in September from a year ago amid weather disruptions and slower economic growth stemming from the from the ongoing Middle East…
Microgrid auction to unlock P27 billion energy investments
The Department of Energy expects its microgrid auction to draw up to P27 billion in investments and bring electricity to more than 100,000 households in remote areas.
‘Gokongwei-Gotianun airport PPP lacks documents’
The country’s maiden bundled airport project has been deemed as incomplete by the government, but its proponents are expected to complete the documents needed for the P21.64-billion plan to proceed.
Cignal, SatLite bring pay TV to Anadeco members
Members of Anabu Development Cooperative now enjoy premium home entertainment through a new partnership with Cignal TV and SatLite, making pay-TV subscriptions more accessible through flexible installment options.
The plastic conundrum
According to the Science History Institute, the first synthetic polymer was invented in 1869 by John Wesley Hyatt, who was inspired by a New York firm’s offer of $10,000 for anyone who could provide a substitute for…
BofA sees below 3% growth for Philippines
The Philippine economy could grow by less than three percent this year as weak household spending and sluggish investment continue to drag domestic demand, while renewed inflation pressures raise the possibility of…
SRA allocates all sugar output for domestic us
The Sugar Regulatory Administration mandated that all sugar production for the 2026 to 2027 crop year will be for domestic use only due to the anticipated shortfall in sugarcane harvests.
Farm output likely contracted in Q3, decline to persist until Q1 2027
Agricultural output is expected to have contracted in the third quarter, with the decline likely to persist until the first quarter next year amid the El Niño, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Regulatory failure
The power crisis in the Visayas is the consequence of regulatory failure on the part of the Department of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission.
Malaysia seeks bigger share in Philippines palm oil market
Malaysia’s palm oil industry is looking to diversify its product offerings in the Philippines as it seeks to expand beyond traditional palm oil use by tapping opportunities in other sectors.
PLDT, Smart partner with Capillary for loyalty platform
PLDT Inc. and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications Inc. (Smart) have partnered with Capillary Technologies to transform and unify their loyalty ecosystem across mobile, broadband and partner engagement platforms.
SSC appoints nominee to FPH board
The Social Security Commission has named commissioner Victor Limlingan as its nominee for election to the board of the Lopez Group’s First Philippine Holdings Corp. (FPH).
Figaro heads for PSE exit via delisting
Figaro heads for PSE exit via delisting Food and beverage company Figaro Culinary Group Inc., formerly Figaro Coffee Group Inc., is heading toward the exit as it seeks to voluntarily delist from the Philippine Stock…
Chinabank names Dee chairman emeritus, revamps leadership
China Banking Corp. has named longtime director Gilbert Dee as chairman emeritus following his resignation as vice chairman and executive director, while also implementing changes to its board committees and wealth…
Stocks plunge amid weak peso, rate hike expectations
The local stock market plunged to a fresh low in nearly 11 months amid concerns over monetary tightening and the weak peso.
Tycoons join race for 1st gas auction
Tycoons Manuel V. Pangilinan, Enrique Razon Jr., Sabin Aboitiz and Ramon Ang are throwing their energy firms into the race for the country’s first mid-merit natural gas auction.
Peso plumbs new depths, closes at 62.90:$1
The peso sank to a new record low against the dollar yesterday as elevated US interest rates supported the greenback and oil prices above $100 per barrel raised concerns over the Philippines’ import bill.
Sports
New import Murphy impresses as Gin Kings rout Painters
Welcome to the PBA, Jordan Murphy.
Hotshots quell Bossing rally for fourth straight win
The Magnolia Hotshots thwarted the furious comeback rally of the Blackwater Bossing, holding on, 107-101, to roll to their fourth consecutive victory in the PBA Governors’ Cup Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in…
On-fire Tamaraws aim to keep momentum going vs Blue Eagles
Already with its best start in over a decade, host and surprise league-leader Far Eastern University takes on the vastly improved Ateneo in a bid to run away from the pack in the UAAP Season 89 men's basketball Saturday…
Eala hits the ground running in Wuhan Open bid; PHILTA says no WTA fine
Alex Eala has kickstarted her plot for redemption from back-to-back stumbles, wasting no time in fine-tuning her shots just hours after landing in China for the WTA1000 Wuhan Open beginning on Monday, October 12.
Mental health at forefront in latest partnership between UAAP, MWell
Mental health is a concern that extends beyond the playing court, affecting students, student-athletes and alumni across the UAAP community.
Ateneo's Louie Alas suspended one game
Ateneo head coach Louie Alas has been suspended for one game following three infractions, the UAAP announced Friday.
'We are so back!': Obiena returns to top 10 of world pole vault rankings
Following a tough, up-and-down year, EJ Obiena is back in the top 10 of the men’s pole vault ranking.
UCAL volleyball: University of Batangas, Immaculate Concepcion remain unscathed
Reigning champions University of Batangas and Immaculada Concepcion College kept their unblemished records intact after downing their respective rivals in the PGFlex Linoleum-UCAL Season 9 Volleyball Championships.
Blu Boys bat for World Cup berth at home
The Philippine Blu Boys will have home court advantage when they eye a World Cup slot in the U18 Men’s Softball Asia Cup slated December 1-7 at The Villages in Clark field, Pampanga.
Proud of his Filipino roots, pro rugby player Marcus Smith urges Pinoys to get into the sport
Marcus Smith’s rugby dream started in heartbreak.
MPL Philippines looks beyond the screen to deepen community experience
After spending much of its early years building an audience around a mobile game, the Mobile Legends Professional League (MPL) Philippines is facing a different question: what can it do with all that attention?
New import to fuel Phoenix
Phoenix’ replacement import Cellus Earlington is described as a younger version of PBA veteran Allen Durham and Super LPG Fuel Masters coach Charles Tiu has high hopes that the 6-4 3/4 power forward will lead the team…
Thunderbelles grace Mighty Sports event
Two weeks after the inauguration of its basketball courts, Mighty Sports Center will officially open its volleyball courts at AcroCity in Guiguinto, Bulacan tomorrow in what promises to be a festive affair.
Huskers, Greats on brink of semis
The Quezon Huskers and the Cebu Greats took different victory routes in the SportsPlus MPBL 2026 Season South Division quarterfinal round on Wednesday at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
Bisera eyes third victory
After missing an overseas campaign, ace Davaoeña Yvon Bisera is setting her sights on a third victory of the season at home.
ABAP in rebuild mode
The constantly changing weight divisions in Olympic-style boxing competitions are a challenge for ABAP to adapt to conditions where fighters move up or down the scales to find their comfort levels.
Eala climbs to No.13 seed in Wuhan Open
Alex Eala is projected to climb in the seedings of the Wuhan Open next week following the withdrawal of several top players led by World No. 1 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan.
Health woes ground JB
Health concerns – not an injury – kept Justin Brownlee out of Gilas Pilipinas’ failed title defense at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.
Entertainment
Julia Barretto meets F1 star Charles Leclerc in Singapore
Actress Julia Barretto caught the attention of netizens after sharing a photo with Formula One driver Charles Leclerc on social media.
Gehlee Dangca calls Elisia Parmisano her ‘piece of home’
Former UNIS member Gehlee Dangca described fellow Filipino member Elisia Parmisano as her best friend, saying their shared experiences as Filipinos brought them closer during their time in the K-pop girl group.
'Crazy Rich Asians' to continue as series; 4 film stars returning
"Crazy Rich Asians" will carry on in a series bearing the same name.
Weekend list: Byeon Woo-seok, Likhang Habi, Oktoberfest
The weekend promises to be a fun day out for foodies and culturatis with events that serve endless beers to the latest iteration of a classic Filipino epic.
Sophia Laforteza to resume Katseye duties next year
Sophia is coming back to Katseye!
Gawad Urian 2026: Full list of winners
“Bloom Where You Are Planted” emerged as one of the major winners at the 2026 Gawad Urian, taking home Best Picture and several other awards, including Best Direction for Noni Abao.
Apl.de.Ap recalls failed attempt to date Nicole Scherzinger
Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.Ap revealed that he once considered pursuing a romantic relationship with Nicole Scherzinger but changed his mind after the singer called him “kuya.”
J-pop boy group Be:First showcases dance prowess musical range in Manila
J-pop boy group Be:First impressed fans with their dancing prowess and musical influences during their “Watch Me” world showcase at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City on Saturday.
‘Family Feud’ an unexpected blessing for Michael V.
People usually associate Michael V. or Bitoy with the iconic and longest-running GMA shows, “BBL Gang” and “Pepito Manaloto.” That’s why it’s refreshing to see the actor-comedian-and-director as the guest host of…
Luis Manzano on mom Vilma Santos’ non-inclusion in National Artist list
Whether or not his mother, Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto is eventually named National Artist, Luis Manzano believes his mother has built a body of work in entertainment and public service that already speaks for…
New entertainment journalists’ guild LENTE focuses on welfare, dev’t
A new guild backed by the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) and composed of veteran entertainment journalists has been established to help “elevate the profession by supporting and representing entertainment…
New entertainment journalists’ guild LENTE focuses on welfare,dev’t
A new guild backed by the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) and composed of veteran entertainment journalists has been established to help “elevate the profession by supporting and representing entertainment…
Lifestyle
Glenda dela Cruz completes Harvard Business School program
Beauty entrepreneur Glenda Dela Cruz has completed a six-day program at Harvard Business School, describing the experience as a personal milestone and an opportunity to learn more about business leadership.
Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Singlife Philippines partner to expand access to high-value healthcare
A first-of-its-kind collaboration for Singlife that could change how Filipinos experience insurance and healthcare.
Childhood dreams come true at Pokemon Run 30 in the Philippines
The race allowed runners to relive their childhood and embark on a Pokemon adventure.
Teatro Panalo names 26 shortlisted one-act plays
Puregold Teatro Panalo has shortlisted 26 one-act plays from 373 original entries for its inaugural theater festival, which will stage its selected productions from February to March 2027.
Vietnam to host Miss Universe 2027 amid pushback
The Miss Universe pageant looks to be heading back to Southeast Asia next year, although there are conflicting reports about who will be hosting in 2027.
Opinion
A Fix the fix
‘This tax increase could not come at a worse time,’ Tañada rued.
Sign up to abolish political dynasties
Be part of history.
Policy over politika for 2028
In the blood sport of Philippine politics, the standard playbook for unseating a frontrunner is predictable: deploy preemptive character assassination, trigger institutional law-fare and wear down public standing long…
‘Send in the clowns’
Now that I have your attention by way of the song title, please be advised that today’s topic has nothing to do with tragic love or sad romance angles but the bitter truth that many of us have let clowns into our daily…
Presumption of irregularity
According to former public works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, he received a total of P120 million from Zaldy Co from 2023 to 2025.
EDITORIAL — Less for PhilHealth, more for MAIFIP
For 2027, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. proposed a budget of P244 billion. Congress is slashing this to just P74 billion, according to healthcare professionals and budget watchdogs.
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