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WATCH: Super El Niño is coming: How should Filipinos prepare?
In this episode of Long Story Short, Philstar.com explains how a possible Super El Niño could affect water supply, agriculture and food security in the Philippines, and how Filipinos can prepare.
DepEd program for struggling students left with 2% of needed funds in House budget
A tutoring program that the Department of Education credits with cutting the number of struggling readers by two-thirds stands to lose nearly all its funding next year — one of several items Education Secretary Sonny…
NBI subpoenas ‘Machong Chismisan’ hosts over ‘walang kwenta’ jab at Josh Aquino
The National Bureau of Investigation has subpoenaed the five hosts of the podcast “Machong Chismisan” over an episode in which one of them called Kris Aquino’s eldest son, Josh, who is on the autism spectrum, “walang…
Sara Duterte was told prosecutors might drop 3 impeachment charges
Vice President Sara Duterte and her defense team had an inkling that House prosecutors would reduce the impeachment case against her to a single charge, as rumors of the move had already been abound, two of her defense…
Marcos: Chinese ambassador's force remark ‘sounds very much like a threat’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday, October 16, that Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan’s remark about China’s ability to use force “sounds very much like a threat and not a diplomatic statement to be made.”
Lawyer urges Supreme Court to clarify ruling on senior discounts, promos
In a statement on Thursday, October 15, senior citizen advocate lawyer Romulo Macalintal warned that the decision could be exploited by business establishments to evade granting
Amendments to ‘archaic’ anti-espionage law sought
To strengthen the country’s defense against modern security threats, Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente Sotto III has pushed for the amendment of the country’s outdated anti-espionage law.
Refuting dropped raps vs Sara a waste of time– prosecutors
The decision to withdraw three of the four Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte was meant to expedite the proceedings, the prosecution panel of the House of Representatives said yesterday.
NBI chief dares VP: File case over properties probe
National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag is challenging Vice President Sara Duterte to file a case if she believes that the NBI is biased in its investigation on properties linked to her family.
Lacson vows scrutiny of House realignments in 2027 budget
Sen. Panfilo Lacson has vowed to scrutinize billions in realignments in the House of Representatives’ version of the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, including funding for Foreign-Assisted Projects…
P3.5 billion Laos drugs linked to Davao-based group?
The National Bureau of Investigation is pursuing leads, but has yet to establish evidence that a Davao-based drug syndicate is allegedly behind the attempt to smuggle 512 kilos of suspected shabu into the country…
Poll: Inflation, corruption top concerns of Pinoys
More than four years into the Marcos administration, reducing the basic cost of goods remains the most urgent concern of most Filipinos, based on a recent survey conducted by Pulse Asia.
PCC slaps P1.76 billion fine on 2022 onion cartel
The Philippine Competition Commission has imposed a record fine of P1.76 billion on six firms whose activities as an onion cartel sent retail prices soaring to as high as P800 a kilo in 2022.
China envoy urges dialogue on West Philippine Sea tensions
Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan has urged the Philippines to exercise caution in discussing its maritime dispute with his country, calling for face-to-face dialogues to manage tensions as officials and analysts pushed for…
Pulse: VP Sara ratings still higher than Marcos Jr’s
Even with the ongoing impeachment trial against her, Vice President Sara Duterte continues to enjoy much higher trust and approval ratings than President Marcos, a survey for the third quarter conducted by Pulse Asia…
Ex-Co aide: P1 billion brought to Romualdez’s house
A former bodyguard of Zaldy Co told the Sandiganbayan that 100 suitcases containing P1 billion in cash were delivered from 2023 to 2024 to the home of former House speaker Martin Romualdez.
Nation
Sectors welcome Marcos' recognition of BARMM parliament bloc
An influential peace-advocacy group on Friday, October 16, thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his prompt recognition of the newly-formed ruling 46-member bloc of elected members in the 80-seat Bangsamoro…
BARMM chief's call to uphold Bangsamoro autonomy, respect Parliament mandate gain support
The Bangsamoro Initiative for Peace, Progress and Solidarity (BIPPS) has backed Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua’s call to uphold Bangsamoro autonomy, respect the mandate of duly elected Parliament members, and allow…
Bulacan cop dismissed for assault on partner
A member of the Bulacan police has been dismissed from the service for allegedly assaulting his live-in partner, according to the National Police Commission.
COC filing for Batanes special poll ends today
Filing of certificates of candidacy for a special election in the lone legislative district of Batanes will end today, according to the Commission on Elections.
16 online sex exploitation victims rescued in Rizal, GenSan
Fifteen minors and an adult allegedly sold by their parents for online sex exploitation were rescued in Cainta, Rizal and General Santos City on Tuesday, according to the police Women and Children Protection Center.
Village chief shot dead in Batangas
A barangay chairman was shot dead by two unidentified assailants who barged into his house in Sto. Tomas, Batangas yesterday morning.
Increased support sought for DA truck rebate program
Toll operators have been urged to support and participate in a rebate program of the Department of Agriculture (DA), which aims to help lessen the impact of rising fuel prices on vehicles transporting agricultural…
Cyberlibel case vs STAR reporter junked
The Office of the City Prosecutor has dismissed for lack of evidence a cyberlibel complaint filed by a board member of Northern Samar against The STAR correspondent Miriam Desacada.
Ilocos Sur workers seeking wage hike
Workers in Ilocos Sur are seeking an increase of P90 to P190 in their daily pay, citing the high cost of commodities.
Lotto 6/58 pot almost P400 million
The jackpot prize for the Ultra Lotto 6/58 is almost breaching the P400-million threshold, as the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office expects the pot in tonight’s draw to hit P399 million.
PITX: Asean long weekend may affect travel schedules
Fewer travelers are expected to flock to the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange for the Undas break, in light of the five-day long weekend in Metro Manila to make way for the 49th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in…
Valenzuela wins 2026 Most Business-Friendly LGU award
vValenzuela has been named the 2026 Most Business-Friendly local government unit in the highly urbanized cities category in the National Capital Region – a recognition of the city’s efforts to streamline business…
Regions
Power market opens to smaller businesses with lower threshold
More Philippine businesses can negotiate their electricity costs directly with suppliers after the government lowered the threshold for participation in the competitive power market, giving smaller commercial and…
Killer robots: Machines deciding who lives and who dies.
I hate to say that: This isn’t a future problem. It’s happening now. We and our children are the ‘collateral damage’ in AI-led wars
CV tourism accreditations rise 25% on fee waiver
The number of tourism establishments accredited by the Department of Tourism in Central Visayas rose 25 percent from a year earlier, as the government continues to waive processing fees to encourage more businesses to…
Cebu Greats sweep Batangas, barge into South Division semis
The fifth-seeded Cebu Greats completed a two-game sweep of the fourth-ranked Batangas City Tanduay Athletics with a thrilling 70-67 victory in their best-of-three South Division quarterfinal series in the Maharlika…
Ending the noise about “Mary Grace Piattos”
Who would have thought the very camp that made all the noise about Mary Grace Piattos would be the one to put an end to it in a shocking twist in the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte?
The Calderons should give way to Gungun Gicae
The younger generations, the students and the youth in general, the civil society, and the silent majority that control two thirds of the voting populace in Cebu’s 7th District, are sick and tired of traditional…
EDITORIAL — An epic pail
With the super El Niño threatening to cause a long and pronounced drought some people are now taking precautions to make sure they will not have problems accessing water later on.
Business
Growth opportunities loom for Philippine housing market despite headwinds
The Philippine residential property market continues to demonstrate underlying demand despite economic headwinds, with affordable condominiums, government housing initiatives, and emerging regional growth centers…
ASEAN forges agreement on postal cooperation
The Philippine Postal Corp. successfully concluded its hosting of the 32nd ASEAN Postal Business Meeting (APBM) and the 2026 ASEANPOST++ Meeting, bringing together postal leaders and representatives from ASEAN member…
Inside Leon Gallery’s September auction results
The Leon Gallery’s Magnificent September Auction 2026 concluded last Sept. 12, posting strong results across both modern fine art pieces and historical artifacts.
DigiPlus withdraws application for New Zealand gaming license
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. is not pursuing its application for an online gaming license in New Zealand.
JTI gives new shape to smoking
As more consumers warm up to heated tobacco products , leading global player Japan Tobacco International is taking it a step further by rolling out a fresh lineup of HTP-supported devices.
Phinma banks on condotels as emerging growth driver
Phinma Corp., the diversified conglomerate of the Del Rosario Group, wants to dip its toes into more condotel projects following a successful maiden venture.
UPS opens $80 million Clark hub
Logistics giant United Parcel Service opened its new Clark hub yesterday after investing more than $80 million (approximately P5.04 billion), marking its largest investment in the Philippines to date to expand its…
The eclectic revival of MCS
The Rufino-owned Makati Central Square is finally undertaking an eclectic revival to attract more of the Filipino millennials and Gen Z crowd that frequent Poblacion.
ERC lifts capacity limits on new power facilities
The Energy Regulatory Commission has lifted capacity limits on new power plants, allowing developers to build larger facilities to help meet the country’s growing electricity demand.
Telcos pass new round of NTC’s quality checks
The country’s biggest telcos registered better mobile speeds in the latest round of service quality checks conducted by the National Telecommunications Commission in four cities in Metro Manila.
Philex resolves labor strike
Philex Mining Corp. said yesterday it has resolved the labor dispute at its Padcal mine in Benguet, after union members and company officials reached a settlement agreement.
Balde-baldeng problema
BBM was perhaps just trying to be dramatic when he urged the people to secure water pails or balde to prepare for the long dry spell of a Super El Niño. But he unconsciously revealed the hopelessness of our situation…
Stocks recover as investors scoop up bargains
Share prices recovered after two days of decline as investors scooped up stocks at lower prices, with foreign fund inflows lending support to the market.
Remittances rise 2% to $3.37 billion in August
Personal remittances from overseas Filipinos rose by two percent to $3.37 billion in August from $3.31 billion in the same period last year, sustaining growth despite global uncertainties, according to the Bangko…
Peso crosses 63 to $1 level
The peso breached the 63-to-a-dollar level yesterday, closing at a fresh record low as US inflation heated up, reinforcing expectations of prolonged high interest rates and boosting the dollar against emerging-market…
Sports
Fuel Masters nip Bolts to boost quarters bid
Phoenix ran away in the final quarter to storm past Meralco, 105-101, in their PBA Governors’ Cup matchup Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Villegas nails game-winner as Pirates avoid upset axe vs Stags
Renz Villegas hit a mid-range jumper with 1.1 seconds remaining to save the Lyceum Pirates from an upset against the San Sebastian College Stags, 78-77, in their NCAA Season 102 clash Friday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre…
FiberXers send Giant Pandas packing in 54-point demolition
So long and farewell, Macau Giant Pandas.
Cuenco in command as Cardinals swoop past Altas for overtime win
Cyrus Cuenco took over in overtime to tow the Mapua Cardinals over the Perpetual Help Altas, 65-60, in their NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball clash Friday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Lady Knights fan playoff hopes, oust Lady Red Spikers
Letran breathed life into its playoffs hopes after eliminating San Beda University from contention, 25-22, 25-14, 25-21, in Pool A of the 2026 Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Unity Cup on Friday at the Rizal Memorial…
Yulos eye to shine together anew at artistic gymnastics worlds
Carlos Yulo aims to add another gold medal to his vast collection, while younger brother Eldrew eyes his first right on his debut in the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships unfolding Saturday in Rotterdam, the…
Tight finishes set stage for ICTSI South Pacific Classic
A string of one-shot victories and dramatic finishes has set the tone for the Philippine Golf Tour, and the ICTSI South Pacific Classic looms as another test of nerve and precision when the P2.5-million championship…
Maroons wary of win-starved Red Warriors
After getting back on its feet from a slight stumble, five-time finalist University of the Philippines wants no let-up and definitely a massive upset at the hands of the winless University of the East in a bid to seize…
Knicks tipped to top NBA East; Spurs emerge as title favorites
The New York Knicks are the defending NBA champions and the overwhelming favorites to win the Eastern Conference. But when it comes to picking the next champion, league executives are looking elsewhere.
Jordan Clarkson hoping for another Gilas stint before 'hanging it up'
Jordan Clarkson has already reached the NBA mountaintop, but the Filipino-American guard still has unfinished business with Gilas Pilipinas.
Stakeholders given more say in Philippine volleyball team formation
Stakeholders will now have a direct and stronger voice in the formation of the national volleyball teams heading into major international tournaments.
Knicks buck shaky start, escape Raptors in last preseason gig
The defending NBA champions New York Knicks got one final dress rehearsal before raising their championship banner, holding off the Toronto Raptors, 122-120, at a sold-out Madison Square Garden.
Dwyane Wade all praises for 'active Hall of Famer' Erik Spoelstra
“Not afraid of the work.”
What’s bothering Alex?
Critics are calling Alex Eala’s recent losses to lower-ranked players a slump, something that tennis players experience as a result of burn-out or distractions or internal team dissension or an inability to adjust to…
Alinsunurin back as Alas Men coach
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation has begun delivering its promised organizational reforms with a major overhaul aimed at boosting the national teams in future international competitions.
Generals fight back from 19 down
Emilio Aguinaldo College threw a defensive anvil on St. Benilde in the second half as it eked out a shock 86-78 victory yesterday to revive its floundering campaign in NCAA Season 102 at the Filoil Center.
Zaragosa rules Pueblo
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 the ICTSI…
Fuel Masters unleash Earlington
Can new import Marcellus Earlington finish what BJ Johnson started and further fuel Phoenix’ drive for the crucial stages of the PBA Governors’ Cup?
Super Bella on fire
Where Bella Belen goes, the Capital1 Solar Spikers follow.
Entertainment
'Street Fighter' review: Big characters in need of bigger fights
Fight sequences are overshadowed by the assembled cast's characterizations which demand much bigger and more exciting battles.
'Unconventional, unapologetic': M1ss Jade So vows to represent queer, trans artists well
M1ss Jade So admitted it was honor to massively lift the visibility of her community while also pointing out the pressure of being a trailblazer.
Dingdong Dantes, Mae Cruz-Alviar exchanges praises as collaborators anew
Dingdong Dantes and Mae Cruz-Alviar are cherishing the opportunity to work with each other for a third time, noting how professional a creative the other is.
Alden Richards’ scholar graduates Magna Cum Laude from PUP
Kapuso actor Alden Richards congratulated one of his scholars, Seanvinzer Dones, who graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines…
Maymay Entrata, Baby Dolls, Carmelle also enter Grammys race
More chances of an OPM artist getting nominated at the Grammys!
Bianca Manalo cites national duty as reason for Win Gatchalian split
Bianca Manalo is civil with her ex-boyfriend Sherwin Gatchalian.
Ate Gay’s family, friends gather for comedian’s ‘living funeral’
Comedian Ate Gay, whose real name is Gil Aducal Morales, was surrounded by family and friends during a “living funeral” held on Thursday, Oct. 15, in Biñan, Laguna.
Kim Kardashian marks 46th birthday early in the Philippines
Kim Kardashian flew over to the Philippines for an early birthday celebration.
Kris Aquino expresses love, support for son Josh following viral remarks
Kris Aquino lightly addressed the issue involving her eldest son Josh
Krystel Go calls for respect for PWDs amid Joshua Aquino podcast controversy
Actress Krystel Go has called for respect and inclusion for persons with disabilities (PWDs) following the backlash over the “Machong Chismisan” podcast hosts’ remarks about Joshua Aquino, son of Kris Aquino.
Bailey May makes showbiz comeback with Sparkle
Sparkle GMA Artist Center has signed actors John Wayne Alba, Jason Lopez and Bailey May to its talent roster, marking a new chapter in their respective entertainment careers.
Weekend list: Breast cancer awareness, culture festivals, comeback shows
The middle of October sees celebrations of culture, concerts, and breast cancer awareness all over the country.
WilBea hopes to make original ‘Pee Mak’ cast proud
Getting the support of the original “Pee Mak” stars, particularly Thai superstar Mario Maurer, was an encouraging surprise for Wilbert Ross and Bea Binene as they prepared to bring their own version of the hit…
WilBea hopes to make original ‘Pee Mak’ cast proud lie
Getting the support of the original “Pee Mak” stars, particularly Thai superstar Mario Maurer, was an encouraging surprise for Wilbert Ross and Bea Binene as they prepared to bring their own version of the hit…
Surprises, swoon-worthy moments at Byeon Woo-seok’s ‘Secret Library’ in Manila
South Korean actor Byeon Woo-seok hoped to be remembered as someone who brought happiness to his fans during his “The Secret Library in Manila” fan meet on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Lifestyle
Smart bares iPhone Duo pre-order offers
Smart on Friday announced its pre-order offers for the much-anticipated iPhone Duo, Apple’s first foldable iPhone.
Brigade of culinary visionaries ushers in a new dining era at Novotel Manila Araneta City
Although Freshfinity, Indulge Gelato & Bakery, Gourmet Bar and the banquet kitchens occupy their own culinary worlds.
Women's and children's rights take center stage at advocacy presser
An advocacy group underscored the need for women and children to have equal access to resources and decision-making without fear of violence.
Bosch Home Philippines redefines modern kitchens with Black Series 8 Cooking Range
Designed for today’s modern homes, the new collection brings together a sophisticated black glass aesthetic.
First in line: iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max launch draws midnight crowd
Midnight launch events were also held at other locations around the country, giving Apple fans more opportunities to welcome the new iPhones.
Life Insurance Consciousness Month: Sun Life urges Filipinos to turn financial awareness into action
For Sun Life Philippines, staying ahead means building on financial strength while expanding access to protection.
Opinion
To catch the big fish
’Smuggling is smuggling, whether it is P10 million or less,‘ the BOC chief stressed.
Aside from water pail, BBM can do these vs El Niño
Don’t just buy a pail to collect rainwater before the very strong El Niño.
National reset
Whether it is standing in gridlocked metropolitan traffic, watching grocery bills climb alongside daily electricity rates, enduring sudden power outages, searching underfunded public hospitals for basic medicines or…
Very hard to ignore
Even for apolitical Filipinos who would rather get on with their lives than watch the circus by the bay, the decision of the prosecution panel to withdraw three Articles of Impeachment in the trial of VP Sara Duterte is…
The prosecution rests its case
There’s one undeniable consequence of the prosecution’s dropping of three articles of impeachment and resting its case against Sara Duterte: it significantly shortens the proceedings.
EDITORIAL— An onion cartel
Remember when onions made many Filipinos cry?
Headlines and excerpts come from Philstar's public news feeds. Full stories are on Philstar's own site.