Top stories
Lacson to Sara Duterte spox: Correct misleading claim on VP impeach trial costs
Lacson disputed Panelo’s claims, saying Panelo could have made an “honest mistake” on his remarks as it “clearly refers to the legislative functions of the Senate” and not to the impeachment trial.
Inflation tops Filipinos’ concerns — poll
With inflation topping the list, other leading concerns included government accountability, workers’ wages, criminality, poverty, and employment.
DepEd welcomes first group of counselors hired after string of campus shootings
The Department of Education swore in some 300 newly hired school counselor associates and guidance counselors in Metro Manila on Thursday, October 15.
NBI: Findings on Duterte couple’s SALNs based on signed documents, not gossip
NBI Director Melvin Matibag emphasized that the bureau's findings were not gossip but were based on documents signed by the couple.
Politician from Mindanao financed flight for drug shipment from Laos — PDEA
The agency has not revealed the identity of the politician, but said that it provided the P3.5 billion payment for the chartered private jet.
Marcos joins world leaders' prayers, support for Pope Leo after surgery
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has joined other world leaders in expressing support for Pope Leo XIV following a surgery that removed a cancerous lung nodule from the pontiff.
Supreme Court: Senior citizen discount can't be combined with promos
In a statement on Wednesday, October 14, the High Court reversed lower-court rulings that found Orville Ong guilty of violating Republic Act (R.A.) No. 7432, as amended by Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior…
VP Sara Duterte keeps majority trust ratings amid impeachment trial
So far, the surveys show that public trust in and approval of Duterte have defied expectations of a reputation-bruising trial, where allegations of Duterte's unexplained wealth and wanton use of confidential fund have…
Ombudsman grants over 1,600 SALN requests in a year
In a statement on Wednesday, October 14, the Office of the Ombudsman said that it has granted 1655 SALN requests.
Duterte defense wants fewer witnesses, evidence
The defense team of former president Rodrigo Duterte is not satisfied with the prosecution’s efforts to shorten its list of evidence and witnesses in his upcoming trial for crimes against humanitbefore the International…
Pinoys trust journalists over vloggers – survey
Despite an expanded information environment, a survey on Tuesday found that journalists remain Filipinos’ main source of news.
Legarda extends leave anew
Sen. Loren Legarda has asked for another extension of her medical leave abroad, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. confirmed yesterday.
VP to House prosecutors: Where’s the evidence?
Vice President Sara Duterte believes that the House prosecutors had to withdraw three of the four cases in the ongoing Senate impeachment trial against her after failing to present strong evidence.
Hunger rises to 22.6% in Q3 – SWS
More Filipinos experienced involuntary hunger in the third quarter of the year, according to a Social Weather Stations survey.
COA flags Sandiganbayan justices’ foreign trips
The Sandiganbayan was called out for failing to justify with proper documentation its expenses related to overseas trips of its justices and personnel, as well as organizing events in four-star and five-star venues…
NBI tags 10 persons of interest in Laos drug haul
The National Bureau of Investigation has identified 10 persons and entities of interest in the seizure of 512 kilograms of suspected shabu in Laos, which authorities believe was intended for shipment to the Philippines.
VP Sara told: Stop playing victim
As her legal team prepares to take its turn in presenting her side in the impeachment trial, Vice President Sara Duterte should focus on building up her defense instead of portraying herself as a victim, private…
Government rolls out water filters amid ‘super’ El Niño
The government will start distributing free portable water filtration kits to communities next week to ensure adequate supply of potable water amid a looming super El Niño, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian…
‘House realigned P206 billion in 2027 national budget’
Senate finance committee chairman JV Ejercito has raised concerns over the House of Representatives’ realignments in the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027.
Nation
64 more minors now beneficiaries of BARMM's anti-child labor program
Another big group of child laborers, struggling to earn something for their schooling and to help provide for the needs of their families, benefited from the Bangsamoro Child Labor Sagip Program (BCLSP) of the labor…
Villagers surrender 34 more firearms to Army unit
Residents in three neighboring towns in Maguindanao del Sur surrendered to the 90th Infantry Battalion 34 more assorted combat weapons, including grenade and rocket launchers, on Wednesday, October 14.
Zambales fishers assert rights to beach access blocked by resorts
Small-scale fishermen in Zambales urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Tuesday, October 13, to act against the proliferation of beach resorts that block their access to the sea, their only…
Sea turtle eggs found as nesting season starts
Marine conservationists have secured a nest with 114 eggs of an olive ridley sea turtle found along the shore of this town at dawn on Tuesday.
NBI submits more evidence for Davao flood project probe
The National Bureau of Investigation has submitted supplemental documents to the Department of Justice in connection with alleged irregularities in four flood control projects worth P364.2 million in the legislative…
Laguna governor charged with graft over cancer facility operation
A graft complaint has been filed against Laguna Gov. Sol Aragones and four other people in connection with the alleged illegal operation of a cancer treatment facility.
Cop dismissed over Tacloban school shooting
The National Police Commission has dismissed a policewoman whose service firearm was used by her 14-year-old nephew in a school shooting in Tacloban, Leyte.
Pax Silica won’t displace Tarlac IP groups – Marcos
Indigenous communities as well as an Aeta ancestral burial ground will not be displaced by the proposed 1,600-hectare Pax Silica project in Capas, Tarlac, President Marcos said on Tuesday.
Quezon City police clearance chief axed
The Quezon City Police District has relieved its clearance section chief pending an investigation into a viral complaint alleging that QCPD personnel were singing instead of attending to applicants at the city hall.
Kamuning Bakery marks World Pan de sal Day
In observance of World Pan de sal Day tomorrow, Kamuning Bakery Café will distribute 100,000 free pan de sal, celebrating Filipino heritage and promoting food security.
Pasay judge slams bribery, solicitation raps
A Pasay judge has criticized the Office of the Ombudsman for pursuing cases against him and a former court employee despite the Department of Justice ( dismissal of their cases.
Bonoan set to testify in Jinggoy’s plunder rap
Former public works secretary Manuel Bonoan is set to testify in detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s plunder case before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division.
111,582 cops ready for Undas
Up to 111,582 police personnel and force multipliers will be deployed to 5,628 cemeteries and columbaria on All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.
Regions
ERC suspends reserve market trading to curb high power costs
The Philippines’ energy regulator has suspended trading in the electricity reserve market to curb elevated power costs, offering potential relief to consumers in the Visayas, where reserve prices have significantly…
Cebu eyes small-scale manufacturing, AI projects to turn interest into jobs
Cebu is pursuing smaller, staged manufacturing investments and technology ventures as it seeks to convert growing investor interest into new businesses and jobs, with a proposed electric motorcycle battery assembly…
Capitol highlights value of food banks amid El Niño threat
Food banking will play an important role in addressing hunger and food insecurity as Cebu prepares for the effects of El Niño. Governor Pamela Baricuatro and Capitol Health Consultant Dr. Nicole Elisse Catalan stressed…
Woman nabbed over unauthorized purchase using lawyer’s credit card
A 43-year-old woman was arrested after allegedly using a lawyer’s credit card to buy P21,000 worth of medicines at Watsons Pharmacy inside a Cebu City mall at around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13.
Grand slump
More than ever, Alex Eala now feels the full weight of the whole country’s expectation. A string of losses to lower ranked players, as low as a Chinese ranked 217, has disappointed a nation anticipating an easy win from…
Cokaliong turns back the clock, leads CECABA All-Stars to historic crown
At 65, Chester Cokaliong continues to defy age. He still has the same sharp shooting touch and scoring prowess that have made
How to stand against a bully!
One day, years ago, the message contained in the lyrics of a Bee Gees’ song pinned me to an embarrassing corner. “I started a joke which started the whole world crying. But I didn't see that the joke was on me”
Implications of dropping 3 Articles of Impeachment
Neither the defense nor the impeachment Court can prevent the prosecution from exercising its inherent prerogative to withdraw three out of the four articles of impeachment. It takes only one article to obtain a…
Diskurso ni Sara
Ang diskurso ni Bise Presidente Sara Duterte sa Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry 52nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo sa Manila Hotel niadtong Martes maoy unang pormal niyang mensahe ngadto sa dagkong…
EDITORIAL - Willing accomplices, willing victims
There is a disturbing development in the case of the two scam hubs raided by the National Bureau of Investigation in Zamboanga Sibugay last week; some Filipinos were serving as armed guards of the Chinese operators of…
Business
Globe ramps up mobile, network connectivity
Globe Telecom said it is expanding its network infrastructure and exploring satellite direct-to-cell technology to improve mobile connectivity.
El Niño damage to agriculture hits P6.8 billion
Agricultural damage has reached P6.8 billion this year as several areas struggle with dry spells linked to the very strong El Niño phenomenon in recent months.
Peso breaches 63-level vs dollar, hits record low
The Philippine peso breached the P63:$1 level for the first time on Thursday, hitting a fresh record low against the US dollar amid renewed tensions in the Middle East.
Philippines pitched as Asia’s subsea cable corridor
The Philippines, with its strategic location, has the potential to become a convergence point for submarine cables, but this would require investing in high-value assets, according to telco giant PLDT Inc.
DA mobilizes LGUs to boost ube output
To boost local ube production, the Department of Agriculture is teaming up with local government units to create better export opportunities for growers and meet rising global demand.
Harm reduction and taxation can go together
Last weekend, I attended the 1st ASHRA Congress: Harm Reduction in the Asia-Pacific Rim, at the Sapporo Convention Center in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. It was organized by the Asia-Pacific Society of Harm Reduction and…
BSP revamps capital rules for banks’ fraud, cyber risks
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has adopted a new framework for determining how much capital banks must maintain against losses from fraud, cyberattacks and operational failures, with full implementation set for…
Converge clinches triple win at HR Asia Awards
Leading fiber broadband and technology provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is strengthening its reputation as an employer of choice in the Philippines, earning three major recognitions at the 2026 HR Asia Best…
Tubig Pilipinas resumes stock trading
The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. has lifted the trading suspension on shares of Tubig Pilipinas Holdings Inc., formerly Coal Asia Holdings Inc., after nearly 10 months.
Pag-IBIG extends home financing program to Rockwell Land units
Rockwell Land Corp. has partnered with Pag-IBIG Fund to offer homes across different price segments, including premium residences under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (Expanded 4PH) program.
Readiness for Super El Niño
It is the middle of October, well into the “ber” months, when mornings are supposed to turn cool and Christmas songs play in the background. But this year, the weather has not kept to the calendar. The heat and dry air…
PAGCOR profit to drop below P5 B this year
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. expects its net income to fall below P5 billion this year from P17.47 billion in 2025, weighed down by higher mandatory remittances to the government’s sports agency and weaker…
Stocks plunge anew as IMF flags growth risk
The local stock market suffered a steep decline, losing for a second straight session amid lingering economic concerns raised by the International Monetary Fund.
Business group pushes reforms in 10 priority areas
The country’s largest business organization is pushing for reforms in 10 priority areas to attract investments and create domestic value and benefits that reach communities beyond major corridors.
DA cancels P700 million rice shipment from Vietnam
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the Department of Agriculture (DA) had ordered the cancellation of the import permit for a P700-million rice shipment from Vietnam, days before the vessel arrived in…
Philippines fiber linkage among lowest in Asia-Pacific
The Philippines has one of the lowest penetration rates for fiber-to-the-home services in Asia-Pacific, as Filipinos prefer mobile data due to its cheaper pricing.
El Nino effect: Double-digit decline in palay output seen
The country’s palay or unmilled rice harvest is projected to decline by 17 percent in the third quarter, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Sports
Manila to host Valorant Champions Tour Pacific Cup next year
Manila will once again take center stage in the global Valorant scene after Riot Games announced that the Philippine capital will host the inaugural VCT Pacific Cup from April 29 to May 23.
A decade of growth: How esports viewership evolved beyond the big stage
Esports viewership has come a long way from being centered on a handful of major tournaments.
Belen explodes for career-high 38 points as Solar Spikers nip Chargers
Where Bella Belen goes, the Capital1 Solar Spikers follow.
Filipinos open Asian Para Games campaigns in wheelchair hoops, table tennis, badminton
It’s the Philippine para team’s turn to take a shot at sporting glory as action in the 5th Asian Para Games officially unfurls Friday in wheelchair basketball, table tennis and badminton in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters already slated for Manila return
Pickleball star Anna Leigh Waters just wrapped up her three-day Manila visit but already announced she is coming back to the Philippines soon.
Philippine tennis body rallies behind Eala amid skid
Alex Eala can count on the unwavering support of the Filipinos led by the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) amid her rare slump and ahead of a chance for redemption in the Ningbo Open next week.
Zaragosa emerges on top after thrilling ICTSI Pueblo de Oro tilt
Rupert Zaragosa summoned precision to overcome his lack of length, delivered clutch birdies when the pressure peaked, then endured an anxious final-hole bogey before discovering he had done enough to win.
UST’s Llemit plays inspired ball with idol Dwyane Wade at sidelines
Seeing a childhood hero watch you play basketball will surely give you a timely boost.
Adamson coach calls for review of supposed end-game whistle in close loss vs UP
"Never gave us a chance in the end.”
Tigers find spark plug in rookie Andrew Chio
With University of Santo Tomas needing a much-needed shot in the arm following a flat start against Far Eastern University Wednesday, the squad turned to Andrew Chio to save the day.
MPBL: Cebu enters semis; Zamboanga forces do-or-die
Cebu leaned on Limuel Tampus' fourth-quarter rampage to stun Batangas City, 70-67, on Wednesday and barge into the South Division semifinal round.
Onward, Christian soldiers
World Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB) superwelterweight champion Rolando Gabriel Dy walked from his dressing room to the music of “Onward, Christian Soldiers” and made his way to the trigon for his title defense against Hall…
Knights, Batang Kankaloo arrange semis clash
San Juan and Caloocan trounced their opponents on Tuesday to forge a semifinal collision in the SportsPlus MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) 2026 Season North Division at the Caloocan Sports Complex.
Nine Filipino athletes compete in Dakar Youth Olympic Games
It’s on to the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar for nine young athletes aged no older than 17 seeing action in the games’ fourth edition set Oct. 31 to Nov. 13.
Mondilla strikes with late eagle, seizes Pueblo lead
Clyde Mondilla delivered when it mattered most, capping a late-round surge with a spectacular eagle on the par-5 No. 17 to card a four-under 68 yesterday and seize the solo lead in the ICTSI Pueblo de Oro Championship…
Lee ends two-year title drought
Tiffany Lee had waited two long years to win again, and when her chance finally came, she had to fight for every inch of it.
Van Sickle solid, dependable as ever
It wasn’t as grand as everyone expected it to be.
Bambol boosts sports tourism
POC president Bambol Tolentino is pushing for the Philippines to host more international sports events in a bid to establish the country as a major tourism destination during what two-time Asian Games pole vault gold…
LeBron preaches patience
Big Threes have long been part of the NBA.
Tigers check slump, snap Tams’ streak
In front of NBA legend Dwyane Wade, Santo Tomas clawed back from 15 points down to snap Far Eastern’s four-game spree, 81-69, and get back on track in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball yesterday at the Smart Araneta…
Beermen run over Dyip
It’s essentially a no-bearing PBA Governors’ Cup elims game but playoffs-bound San Miguel Beer had a strong motivation to go hard against also-ran Terrafirma.
Entertainment
Charlie Puth throws it back in Manila return after a decade
Charlie Puth reassured Filipino fans he'd visit the Philippines more frequently having experienced "changes" in his life and musical approach.
'Whalefall' review: Austin Abrams deals with daddy issues in the belly of a beast
This survival thriller finds more depth (pun intended) in Austin Abrams' Jay attempting to find the closure he never got with his father.
Kim Soo Hyun's agency vows legal action vs 'false info' after Kim Sae Ron case update
Soo-hyun has been in the headlines for well over a year now in relation to the death of fellow actor Kim Sae-ron.
Dingdong Dantes welcomes 'any opportunity' to work with Marian Rivera
Dingdong Dantes isn't going to turn down the chance to work with his wife Marian Rivera
Michael Leyva, Autism Society Philippines slam mocking of Josh Aquino
More individuals came to the defense of Josh Aquino after he was ridiculed in a podcast episode that has since been taken down.
M2M sets Philippine return in April 2027
M2M will return to the Araneta Coliseum next year for its "Two" tour.
Paul McCartney pokes at actors' heights in planned Beatles films
Paul McCartney has a bone to pick with Sam Mendes.
Hilary Swank pregnant with 3rd child at 52
Hilary Swank is expecting her third child with husband, entrepreneur Philip Schneider.
John Lapus' play among 12 finalists of 1st Teatro Panalo
The lineup includes works by established and emerging theater artists, with selections made by a panel of theater practitioners and writers.
Ben&Ben submits reimagined track for Grammys 2027
Ben&Ben is throwing its hat in the ring for the upcoming Grammys.
‘Machong Chismisan’ contract terminated over remarks on Kris Aquino’s son
The Pod Network (TPN) has terminated its contract with the controversial podcast “Machong Chismisan” following public backlash over remarks made about Kris Aquino’s eldest son, Josh.
Boy Abunda urges Kris Aquino to sue over ‘walang kwenta’ remark on Josh
Television host Boy Abunda called out the hosts of the podcast “Machong Chismisan” over their remarks about Kris Aquino’s eldest son, Josh, who was compared to his younger brother, Bimby, and described as “walang…
Michael V says Tito, Vic, Joey helped shape his hosting skills
Comedian and television host Michael V credited Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon, collectively known as TVJ, for helping hone his hosting skills during his years on “Eat Bulaga.”
Elha Nympha to display ‘triple-threat’ talent in stage debut
The TV-concert-event stage is Elha Nympha’s comfort zone. But “The Voice Kids Philippines Season Two” grand winner steps out of it by venturing into musical theater through “Inday, the Musical,” presented by Studio A…
MMFF rounds out 2026 lineup with historical, docu and family films
The Metro Manila Film Festival has unveiled the final four entries, completing the “Magic 8” film lineup for its 52nd edition that officially opens on Christmas Day, Dec. 25.
Vilma, Bobot game for a movie reunion
The “old soul” in me immensely enjoyed the “Goin Standard” repeat concert of Tito Bobot Mortiz at Proscenium Theater. Listening to him croon à la Frank Sinatra was a welcome break from all the AI-generated music these…
Piolo knows how to make every calculated move
Piolo Pascual will not be busy with a Metro Manila Film Festival entry this year. Unlike the past three Christmases when Piolo headlined MMFF entries one after another — Derrick Cabrid
Lifestyle
REVIEW: As RAM costs rise, the HUAWEI MatePad Air makes a case for value
Despite rising component costs driven by the global memory supply crunch, the HUAWEI MatePad Air’s price increase remains relatively modest. At P59,999, it retains 12GB of physical RAM, 8GB of virtual RAM and 256GB of…
Anne Curtis hopes to have another child
Anne Curtis shared her wish to have another child with husband Erwan Heussaff, saying she hopes to welcome another baby into their family.
Stop Rabies expands to Siargao, strengthening community partnerships for rabies prevention
Stop Rabies has expanded its community-based education efforts across Luzon and the Visayas.
Peaboo Baby welcomes new chapter with newest baby and kiddie essentials
It was a huge hello for Peaboo Baby as the brand unveiled its newest products during a special grand launch event held on October 5, 2026, at the TikTok Philippines Office in BGC, Taguig.
Lacoste Watches launches Fall 2026 Collection, takes to pickleball court
The active on-courte launch was rooted in Lacoste’s longstanding connection to sport.
Not just a sandwich filling: A different way to enjoy Kesong Puti
Must you always reduce this specialty fresh white cheese into a sandwich filling?
Pokemon Truck brings 'Pokopia' gaming stations to malls across Metro Manila starting this October
Fans in the Philippines can now look forward to enjoying the experience at a participating mall near them.
Back-to-back Visayas queens: Northern Samar bet wins Mutya ng Pilipinas 2026
Another Visayas beauty snags the pageant's top crown.
Fuse CEO Tony Isidro highlights how fintech can help small businesses unlock better financing at Asean MSME Summit
By improving access to capital, fintech can help drive the growth of MSMEs.
Novo and Avignon Clinic bring real-life weight-management stories to live lighter
In the Philippines, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adults has continued to rise.
Doctor advises parents to 'connect and correct' children with violent behavior
Violence among youth stems from a combination of factors, rather than a singular cause.
The red charity gala : A night of fashion and philanthropy
The much-anticipated Red Charity Gala once again brought together Manila’s socialites, philanthropists, fashion enthusiasts and supporters of worthy causes for an evening of glamour, style and giving.
Opinion
All about money
In the end, it was all about money.
The EU and the Philippines: Investing in the next generation
Since arriving in the Philippines two years ago, I have had the opportunity to lecture at universities in different parts of the country and meet many Filipino students.
Democracy in crisis
After the People Power Revolution of 1986, democracy was restored to the Philippines. At that time, we all thought this would be a permanent fixture in our society. For most of us, we began to take democracy for granted…
Prosecution’s new game likely to backfire
One can understand why Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team is crying foul over what it calls a last-minute move by the prosecution to withdraw three of the four Articles of Impeachment.
Resolve
Among the factors contributing to the malaise afflicting our energy sector has been the lack of regulatory decisiveness on the part of the Energy Regulatory Commission.
EDITORIAL - Budget fast break
he dust hasn’t settled yet over the massive corruption scandal linked to creative budgeting by both Congress and Malacañang.
Headlines and excerpts come from Philstar's public news feeds. Full stories are on Philstar's own site.