'Rosal' slightly intensifies in approach; Signal No. 1 still up in Luzon
The cyclone is expected to come closest to Extreme Northern Luzon between Thursday and Friday.
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Philstar
Tuesday, 20 October · 107 stories
Top stories
Supreme Court: COA audit not needed for Ombudsman to probe officials
The high court said COA and the Ombudsman exercise separate constitutional mandates, and one agency’s unfinished proceedings do not suspend the other’s work.
Second Senate resolution seeking China ambassador's expulsion filed
Sen. Risa Hontiveros has formally urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata, or else ask Beijing to recall him.
NBI findings on Duterte properties came too late for trial
The NBI says it found major discrepancies involving properties allegedly linked to Sara Duterte, including land it says has a mansion, pools and a helipad.
Signal No. 1 up in 5 Luzon areas as Super Typhoon Rosal enters PAR
Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was raised over five areas in Luzon after Super Typhoon Champi entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and was given the local name Rosal, the state weather bureau PAGASA…
Filipinos split on Marcos admin’s handling of China dispute — survey
Filipinos are split on the Marcos administration’s handling of the West Philippine Sea dispute with China, but nearly three in four want the government to prioritize diplomacy.
Senate panel clears OVP budget in under 20 minutes as Duterte skips hearing
The Senate finance committee endorsed on Tuesday, October 20, the proposed P785.2-million budget of the Office of the Vice President for 2027 after a hearing that ran less than 20 minutes, with Vice President Sara…
DILG chief Remulla says he regrets not arresting Bato dela Rosa
Remulla said he regretted a past decision to honor a "gentleman's agreement" between him and Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano that prevented Dela Rosa's arrest on Senate premises, admitting that trusting the arrangement was a…
Super Typhoon Champi maintains strength near Philippines
In its weather forecast on Tuesday, October 20, PAGASA said Champi is estimated to be 1,605 kilometers east of Central Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts up to 240 kph.
7 Filipinos hurt in attacks on Saudi Arabia; 3 in critical condition
Seven Filipino workers have been wounded in a string of attacks on Saudi Arabia, three of them critically, the Department of Foreign Affair said on Monday, October 19. Manila called on “all parties to cease hostilities.”
Senators grill DENR on El Niño response
During the Department of Environment and Natural Resources budget hearing yesterday, senators grilled agency officials about the country’s El Niño response, including the deployment of water impounding facilities and…
Champi reintensifies as super typhoon
The super typhoon outside the Philippine area of responsibility, with the international name Champi, reintensified into a super typhoon yesterday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical…
Vico, Baste among preferred Senate bets in 2028
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte are among the most preferred personalities to run for the Senate in 2028, according to the latest survey by OCTA Research group.
Marcos: Ensure safety of Filipinos in Paris, Italy
President Marcos has ordered concerned agencies to ensure the safety of all Filipinos living in France and Italy amid massive protests, riots and looting in the two neighboring countries.
Up to 60 suitcases seen at Zaldy’s units by ex-aides
Despite maintaining they had “no personal knowledge” of the contents, two police officers who previously worked as security staff of fugitive former Ako Bicol party-list congressman Zaldy Co claimed they saw up to 60…
Jonvic: Atong Ang has left Philippines
Fugitive gaming tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang has already left the country and was last seen in Cambodia, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
CIDG summons 21 over Laos drug shipment probe
The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has summoned at least 21 people in connection with the foiled shipment of 521 kilos of suspected shabu worth P3.5 billion from Laos to the…
Senate urged to scrap House GAA infrastructure insertions
A budget watchdog has urged the Senate to remove infrastructure projects inserted by the House of Representatives into the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget, citing lack of proper documentation and underfunding of…
Top developers take center stage at biggest National Housing Expo
The country’s leading property developers brought more than 50,000 ready-for-occupancy homes, including condominiums, closer to Filipino workers and their families as the biggest-ever National Housing Expo opened Oct…
Sandigan suspends Marcoleta for 90 days
Sen. Rodante Marcoleta will be barred from carrying out the functions of his office for three months, the Sandiganbayan declared yesterday.
Nation
AMLC secures forfeiture of Abu Sayyaf-linked funds
The Anti-Money Laundering Council has secured a court order forfeiting P217,165 in funds belonging to a man linked to financing the Abu Sayyaf group, as authorities intensify efforts to disrupt financial networks…
Larger emergency room opens at Quezon Medical Center
The Quezon Provincial Hospital Network-Quezon Medical Center yesterday inaugurated the new QPHN-QMC emergency room, which has the largest and most modern facility in the Calabarzon region.
Man who robbed chef of P4 million nabbed in Antipolo
A man who allegedly stole P4 million worth of property from the house of celebrity chef and content creator Myke Tatung Sarthou last month was arrested in Antipolo City, Rizal on Sunday.
4 DPWH execs sacked
Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon has sacked four DPWH regional and district executives, following preliminary investigations into alleged flood control project anomalies in Davao and…
DOLE suspends 6 Atienza Ferries vessel operations
The Department of Labor and Employment has suspended the operations of six vessels of Atienza Interisland Ferries, following a fire on the MV June Aster that killed 77 people.
Ex-energy chief Cusi seeks travel furlough
Former energy secretary Alfonso Cusi appeared before the Sandiganbayan yesterday to seek permission to travel to China and Japan.
Importer convicted over Canada waste
A business owner has been sentenced to up to 20 years in prison for illegally importing hazardous waste materials from Canada, the Department of Justice announced yesterday.
Quezon City, San Juan schools suspend classes amid rising flu cases
The Philippine Science High School main campus in Quezon City and the San Juan Science High School suspended face-to-face classes yesterday due to rising flu cases.
Complaint filed vs podcast hosts for mocking Josh Aquino
A lawmaker appeared at the National Bureau of Investigation yesterday to file a complaint-referral against the five hosts of “Machong Chismisan” podcast over derogatory remarks against Kris Aquino’s son Josh, who has…
1,100 special bus permits granted for Undas
With less than two weeks before Undas, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board approved yesterday 384 special permit applications covering 1,131 passenger buses.
Regions
Belcris turns holiday sales into support for children with autism
Christmas sales are becoming more than just revenue for Belcris Foods Inc. This holiday season, the company is turning every bag of ham sold into direct support for children on the autism spectrum.
CTU taps Resecurity to bridge cybersecurity skills gap
Cebu Technological University (CTU) is partnering with cybersecurity firm Resecurity Inc. to embed industry-based cyber threat intelligence training into its academic programs, a move aimed at narrowing the skills gap…
Cosmetics sector steps up GMP push with Cebu workshop
The Philippine cosmetics industry is stepping up efforts to strengthen manufacturing quality and regulatory compliance, with the Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP) set to hold a two-day Good…
Haunting tales in ‘True Manila Encounters’
Xyriel Manabat, Karina Bautista, Kaori Oinuma, and Elyson de Dios will shed a haunting light on Manila's true-to-life frightening encounters in iWant's newest limited anthology "True Manila Encounters," premiering…
Pinoy films ‘2 Valid IDs,’ ‘Pee Mak’ remake are worth the cinema ticket
If there is one thing connecting these two Filipino movies released in theaters last October 14, it is the idea that you should never doubt your love and loyalty to your partner, no matter how bizarre and complicated…
The ASEAN Summit and Trump's visit
The BBM administration is poised to claim two major diplomatic scores come November 16 to 18, with the holding of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and other related summits in Manila, and the…
Hassle of haze
It seems like the response is slow with the ongoing issue of transboundary haze and local pollutants contaminating our air.
Foreign interference demands more than rhetoric
When I visited China’s capital, Beijing, in 2011, the scale of what I saw on the trip from the airport to my hotel in the city center made it clear that China is a big and powerful country with ambitious plans for the…
China di kasaligan
Abril 8, 2012: Nakit-an sa surveillance plane sa Philippine Navy (PN) ang walo ka Chinese fishing vessels nga nagpundo sa lagoon sa Scarborough Shoal, 124 nautical miles gikan sa Zambales ug busa nahimutang sulod sa…
EDITORIAL — Not for those too young
Finally, the Senate has passed a bill banning the use of social media for those below 18 years old.
Business
Power Mac Center holds midnight launch for iPhone 18 Pro series, now available online and in stores nationwide
The new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are now available in Power Mac Center stores nationwide.
Pag-IBIG expands subsidized financing amid real estate market slump
State shelter agency Pag-IBIG Fund is broadening home loan subsidies and promotional interest rates in an aggressive bid to stimulate buyer demand as the Philippine residential property sector grapples with a prolonged…
Nephroplus Philippines brings kidney health awareness and prevention to indigenous community in Oriental Mindoro
To mark its milestone of crossing 50 dialysis clinics in the Philippines, NephroPlus Philippines brought its commitment to healthcare beyond the walls of its clinics through a kidney health medical mission for the…
JTI names new GM, steps up fight vs illicit tobacco trade
Tobacco company JTI Philippines has welcomed Alan Jackson as its new general manager, who will lead the firm’s push for further growth and fight against illicit trade.
Half of cyberattacks in Philippines used AI – study
Almost half of digital attacks in the Philippines have depended on artificial intelligence, causing headaches to businesses struggling to keep up with new automation tools.
Salmon secures P8.8 billion to boost Philippines operations
Financial technology firm Salmon Group has secured $140 million (about P8.8 billion) in additional financing to expand its lending operations and introduce new loan products across the Philippines.
MORE Power named grand winner at Asia CEO Awards 2026
MORE Electric and Power Corp., the electric distribution utility serving Iloilo City, has been named Grand Winner of the Apex Company of the Year category at the Asia CEO Awards 2026, held at the Marriott Grand Ballroom…
GoTyme raises 2026 customer target to 12.5 million
GoTyme Bank has raised its year-end customer target to 12.5 million as faster account openings and expanding lending activities fuel the digital lender’s growth, keeping it on track to turn profitable in 2027.
DA starts probe on safeguard measures for imported pork
The Department of Agriculture has launched an investigation on preliminary safeguard measures on imported pork to determine whether higher tariffs or import restrictions are needed to protect the local industry.
Rice tariff collection hits P16 billion in 9 months
Rice tariff collection from January to September this year rose by a fifth on an annual basis to nearly P16 billion, driven by higher imported volume and a weaker peso.
Are Philippines companies overselling sustainability?
Sustainability has become one of the most enthusiastically promoted commitments in Philippine business.
BOP deficit swells to $3.14 billion in September
The Philippines’ balance of payments deficit swelled to $3.14 billion in September, the largest monthly shortfall since January 2025, as the country’s external position continued to be weighed down by a trade gap and…
What shopping teaches us about wasteful motion
If you have a wife, daughter or girlfriend, you know the amount of patience you need when you accompany them in a shopping adventure.
UK government commits $1.6 billion for climate financing
State-run British International Investment has pledged to mobilize $1.6 billion (about P100.9 billion) in climate financing for the Philippines and other developing Southeast Asian economies.
Jollibee eyes Hong Kong listing of international unit
Asian food conglomerate Jollibee Foods Corp. is eyeing to proceed with the listing of international business in Hong Kong by the second half of next year.
Stocks rise despite record-low peso
The local stock market sustained its momentum from last week, advancing for a third consecutive session as optimism on the market debut of GCash overcame concerns over a weakening peso, which sank to a fresh record low…
India back in the mix as railways financier
India is back in the mix as a potential backer of the Philippines in reviving the Bicol Express and in building Mindanao’s first railway that would require a combined P257 billion in funding.
What’s the best move for listed companies?
Major listed companies continue to bet on a comeback rather than an exit amid market undervaluation, choosing instead to put their cash where their confidence is through share buybacks.
What’s the best movefor listed companies?
Major listed companies continue to bet on a comeback rather than an exit amid market undervaluation, choosing instead to put their cash where their confidence is through share buybacks.
Sports
Alegarbes cops 100-meter backstroke gold in Asian Para Games
Ariel Joseph Alegarbes struck like lightning in seizing the men’s 100-meter backstroke S14 gold medal, the Philippines’ second in the 5th Asian Para Games.
Eala shoots for Ningbo Open quarters berth vs Russia's Shnaider
A breakthrough quarterfinal ticket in the Asian Swing is up for Alex Eala’s taking.
Avaricio grabs one-stroke lead over Alcantara with 68
Chanelle Avaricio turned in a bogey-free four-under 68 to seize a one-stroke lead over a surging Rev Alcantara in the opening round of the ICTSI South Pacific Classic.
Manotoc, Hirotaka gain share of lead in ICTSI South Pacific opener
Gab Manotoc finally delivered the kind of opening-round performance that could propel him into the Philippine Golf Tour spotlight.
Philippine billiards 'OG' Amang Parica to stage self-titled tournament
Jose “Amang” Parica, who opened the doors of the international pool circuit to Filipinos, is in town trying to put up a lucrative billiards tournament bearing his name.
On-fire Fighting Maroons eye solo lead
Red-hot University of the Philippines tries to pick from where it left off against University Santo Tomas to seize solo top spot in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball second round Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Scorpions face tough UCAL title defense vs NCAA, NAASCU, UAAP standouts
The PGFlex Invitational Tournament 2026 Quintana Cup begins on Thursday, October 22, with reigning UCAL ((Universities and Colleges Athletic League) champion Centro Escolar University out to make a strong statement at…
GCC, SPAS dispute Fil-Chinese hoops crown
Grace Christian College and St. Peter the Apostle School blasted their respective rivals to arrange a title duel in the 45-and-above division of the Fil-Chinese Athletic Association Inc. (FCAAI) Basketball Tournament.
No expense spared to ensure Masters' top form for 108th Philippine Open
The management of one of the most prestigious private clubs in the country is leaving no stones unturned and sparing no expense to make the 108th playing of Asia's oldest national championship at the Masters course a…
Lewis Hamilton shares Philippine diving videos with Kim Kardashian
Kim Kardashian wasn't the only one who celebrated her birthday early in the Philippines, so did her current beau Lewis Hamilton.
Harrow, Centino share MVP honors in Palawan tennis tilt
Liam Harrow sustained his dominance in the boys’ 12-and-under division, routing Shaun Navidad in the finals to share MVP honors with 14-and-U champion Prince Centino in the Governor’s Cup Juniors Age Group Tennis…
Salute to sports lover
There are many descriptions of former Northern Samar three-term Governor and 20-year Rep. Raul Daza who passed away at 91 last Oct. 12.
ICTSI South Pacific unwraps with interesting storyline
Momentum and redemption collide as the Philippine Golf Tour and Ladies PGT stage their penultimate legs at the South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates in Davao beginning today.
Blue Hawks in semis
Immaculada Concepcion College continued its amazing winning run to clinch the first outright semis berth in the women’s division of the PGFlex Linoleum-UCAL Season 9 Volleyball Championships at the University of…
Red Lions scrape past Generals
San Beda scraped past Emilio Aguinaldo College, 89-86, in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena yesterday.
SGA’s 3-peat bid tips off on ESPN on Disney+
Bill Russell. Wilt Chamberlain. Larry Bird.
TNT is once again to thread tough playoff path
For the second straight conference in the PBA’s golden season, reigning Governors’ Cup kingpin TNT is going up against a top-seeded opponent in the quarterfinals.
Gawilan extends Asian Para Games reign
There was no way Ernie Gawilan would let the Asian Para Games gold medal closest to his heart be taken away from him.
Yulo storms world stage
Filipino dynamo Carlos Yulo is back where he belongs – in contention for world gold.
Eala wallops Parry
Alex Eala started her path to redemption in style, taking a convincing 6-3, 6-1 win over Diane Parry of France in Round 1 of the WTA500 Ningbo Open yesterday at the Yinzhou International Tennis Center.
Entertainment
DongYan movie 'Remember' still a Christmas family film
"Remember" may not be an MMFF entry, but Dingdong Dantes and Mae Cruz-Alviar still believe their newest film still qualifies as a Christmas movie.
Katseye enters Spotify Billions Club with 'Gabriela'
Katseye now has a song with over a billion streams on Spotify.
Randy Santiago undergoes 2nd cataract surgery
Randy Santiago is hardly seen in public without tinted shades to cover his lazy eye.
Kehlani includes Philippines in 2027 eponymous tour
Kehlani is coming back to the Philippines after adding the country to their ongoing eponymous world tour.
'In my heart always': Ariana Grande mourns dog of 17 years Coco
Ariana Grande is mourning the passing of Coco, her beloved dog of more than 17 years.
Sanya Lopez reveals how she met ‘mysterious’ boyfriend in Boracay
The former self-confessed NBSB finally snagged herself a boyfriend in a meet-cute story that started in the island paradise of Boracay.
'Stupid, not worth it': Selena Gomez admits vaping nicotine changed her voice
Selena Gomez came forward to address concerns about the change in her voice, admitting it was caused by nicotine vaping.
Kris Aquino, Boy Abunda reunion? GMA teaser sparks speculation
Social media users are speculating that Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda could reunite on television after GMA-7 teased the return of its “King and Queen.”
Cirque Alice: An astonishing, whimsical trip through Wonderland
The curious characters of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" gather on stage one after the other in "Cirque Alice" through a series of circus perfomances and other awe-inspiring acts.
Claudine Barretto seeks cyberlibel case vs Cristy Fermin, Romel Chika
Actress Claudine Barretto is set to file a cyberlibel complaint against showbiz commentators Cristy Fermin and Romel Chika at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday, October 20, over their alleged remarks…
Zaijian Jaranilla on why he has never tried to outgrow Santino
Seventeen years after winning over TV audiences as Santino in the ABS-CBN series “May Bukas Pa,” Zaijian Jaranilla continues to be identified with the inspirational character.
Will Ashley counts blessings with Urian win, ‘Delivery Boi’ lead role
Will Ashley is among the GMA homegrown talents who have an innate and undeniable gift for acting.
Is Anthony Taberna mulling a political career?
Politics, which continues to knock on the door of broadcast journalist Anthony “Ka Tunying” Taberna, is totally out of the question for him.
Troye Sivan returns to yearning form with ‘She’s The Best’ album
Australian hitmaker Troye Sivan has returned to yearning form and projected laid-back party fantasies with his just-released album “She’s The Best.”
Lifestyle
Kylie Jenner’s P3.1-B bra at Victoria’s Secret show debut sparks talk
Kylie Jenner's first Victoria's Secret runway appearance came with the show's biggest piece: a $50-million Fantasy Bra covered in 4,410 natural diamonds.
Indigenous communities celebrate Dayaw 2026
Dayaw, from the Ilocano word for "celebration" or "present and/or wear with pride," is the annual celebration of the Indigenous Peoples Month.
Hand in hand for good: Watsons, Operation Smile Philippines continue bringing more smiles to children in Cebu
For 13 years, Watsons has partnered with Operation Smile to help children access the cleft care they need.
Deoproce marks a decade in Philippines with two new lines to upgrade your skincare routine
The products promise skincare that helps tired-looking skin look refreshed and hydrated, and protection that holds up through a full day of Philippine sun, humidity and screen time.
Beyond addressing symptoms: Managing chronic pain
Managing chronic pain requires consistent care and an understanding of its underlying causes.
Lighting the way forward for Pasig entrepreneurs and transport workers
The summit brought together micro-entrepreneurs and members of Pasig’s transport sector.
Randy See, 1st Mr. Chinatown winner, dies at 34
The inaugural Mr. Chinatown Philippines winner has died at 34 following a car accident in Manila.
Ilocos Norte leads the way in cervical cancer prevention
If there’s one type of cancer that can largely be prevented, it’s cervical cancer.
Opinion
China panics
China is in panic.
Character vs polls: Two kinds of redemption
Imagine you spent 20 years restoring a family name that half the country held in contempt.
Return to FAME
Last week I returned to the Manila FAME trade show after skipping it for several years.
‘Hindi na sila nahiya’
The tragedy of this nation of 117 million is not that we find ourselves dealing with one crisis after another – from the Middle East war-induced global oil crunch and our geopolitical conflict with China to the Super El…
Mangled
History repeats itself. The 2027 national budget has been mangled at the Lower House in the same way the 2025 budget was.
EDITORIAL - Respect for PWDs
Several laws have been passed, promoting the welfare of persons with disabilities. Republic Act 7277, the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, was enacted in March 1992.
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