1 Filipino dead after drone attack on oil field — Saudi Arabia
A Filipino and a Nepali national were killed after debris from a drone intercepted by Saudi air defenses fell near Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield.
Edition
Philstar
Thursday, 22 October · 112 stories
Top stories
Entry ban a ‘small price to pay,’ says lawmaker on Chinese Embassy ‘list’
Ten lawmakers now want Marcos to expel the Chinese envoy or seek his recall.
DFA calls out Chinese Embassy for series of 'undiplomatic' posts
The Department of Foreign Affairs has rebuked the Chinese Embassy in Manila over a string of increasingly combative social media posts targeting Filipino officials since the Chinese ambassador remarked last week that…
Signal No. 2 remains in 2 areas as Super Typhoon Rosal weakens
The super typhoon was last spotted 400 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes, moving west-northwestward at 20 kph.
SolGen seeks review of SC ruling on unprogrammed appropriations
The Office of the Solicitor General said it will seek clarification and partial reconsideration from the Supreme Court regarding its ruling on the constitutionality of unprogrammed appropriations.
Interviews for next chief justice begin
The JBC has begun public interviews for the country's next chief justice.
Lawmakers hail Supreme Court ruling voiding billions in budget items
Lawmakers have welcomed the Supreme Court's ruling declaring key provisions of the 2024, 2025 and 2026 General Appropriations Acts (GAA) unconstitutional, describing the decision as a decisive victory for public…
'Rosal' slightly weakens; Batanes, Babuyan Islands under Signal No. 2
PAGASA said the center of Rosal's eye is estimated to be 495 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes.
'Rosal' weakens slightly; Batanes, Babuyan Islands under Signal No. 2
PAGASA said the center of Rosal's eye is estimated to be 495 kilometers east of Basco, Batanes.
Online sale of fake PWD IDs flagged
Sen. Raffy Tulfo has expressed alarm over the widespread circulation of fake identification cards for persons with disabilities sold online.
ICC prosecutor updates trial brief vs Duterte
The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has filed a revised trial brief detailing the charges of crimes against humanity against former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Rosal declared strongest cyclone in 2026
State weather forecasters have declared Super Typhoon Rosal as the “strongest” tropical cyclone so far this year as it reached its peak.
Pinoys split on Sara’s impeachment – OCTA
Although some Filipinos have already taken a stand on the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, most believe it is still too early to decide how senators should vote, according to OCTA Research.
Palace: Probe possible lapses in Atong Ang’s escape
Malacañang has called for an investigation to determine whether there were lapses that allowed businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang to leave the Philippines, as the government seeks to strengthen border security to prevent…
Reckless decisions on China row must be avoided – Palace
Malacañang won’t stop lawmakers from issuing resolutions against China’s ambassador even as it cited the need to avoid reckless decisions in the face of the tense exchanges between the Chinese embassy and some…
Comelec delists Bayan, 49 other party-list groups
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has canceled the registration of 50 party-list groups, including Bayan Muna, Magdalo and Buhay, over failure to meet participation or electoral performance requirements.
DICT exec suspended over P1.5 billion contracts
An undersecretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has been suspended for six months by the ombudsman for allegedly awarding contracts worth P1.55 billion to companies linked to a…
Senate vows to strictly guard 2027 GAA
Following a landmark Supreme Court decision declaring the 2024, 2025 and parts of the 2026 national budgets unconstitutional, Senate leaders vowed yesterday to strictly guard the proposed 2027 outlay against irregular…
DPWH proposes mandatory water detention basins
The Department of Public Works and Highways will recommend the construction of stormwater detention basins as a mandatory requirement for private real estate developments nationwide under updated building and land…
Nation
2 Coast Guard personnel killed in ambush in Cotabato City
Two members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were killed in an ambush along a busy thoroughfare in Cotabato City on Thursday afternoon, October 22.
Historic Tawi-Tawi Catholic school razed by fire
A fire on Wednesday night, October 21, destroyed several buildings on the campus of a historic Catholic school in the predominantly-Muslim town of Mapun, Tawi-Tawi. The school is known for prompting interfaith dialogue…
Drilon welcomes SC ruling on unprogrammed appropriations
Former Senate President Franklin Drilon lauded the Supreme Court’s recognition of unprogrammed appropriations as a valid budgetary tool, while urging Congress to seek clarification on portions of the decision that may…
6th ID in Central Mindanao gets new commander
A brigadier general who partly financed his elementary and high school education through earnings from selling bread on the streets assumed command of the Army's 6th Infantry Division on Thursday, October 22. The…
LGUs take center stage in push for universal healthcare
Making universal health care work in barangays, cities, and provinces still requires reliable funding, sound health data and effective systems.
Kagawad nabbed for drugs
An incumbent barangay kagawad was arrested in an anti-narcotics operation in this town on Tuesday.
4 bomb experts surrender in Maguindanao
Four alleged bomb experts of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters surrendered to the military in Maguindanao del Sur on Tuesday.
PPA sees 1.93 million sea travelers on Undas
Up to 1.93 million people are expected to travel by sea from Oct. 27 to Nov. 5, to spend All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in the provinces, according to the Philippine Ports Authority.
26 more anomalous flood projects probed
The National Bureau of Investigation is probing 26 additional flood control projects, mostly in Mindanao, for alleged irregularities.
Suspect in murder of Batangas village chief arrested
A suspect in the murder of a barangay captain in Sto. Tomas, Batangas was arrested in San Jose town on Tuesday night.
Liza visits Bilibid
First Lady Liza Marcos visited the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) on Tuesday and witnessed the release of 43 prisoners under the “Bilis Laya” program.
Revilla to Sandigan: Junk malversation rap
Former senator Ramon Revilla Jr. is seeking the dismissal for lack of evidence of his malversation case before the Sandiganbayan Third Division.
2 drug traffickers get life terms
Two people have been sentenced to life in prison by the Pasay and Parañaque courts.
2,419 MMDA personnel deployed for Undas
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority will deploy 2,419 MMDA personnel from Oct. 24 to Nov. 3 to manage traffic and provide public assistance during Undas.
It’s final: MRT-3 to be privatized by 2027
The Department of Transportation is pushing through with the private turnover of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3, aiming to award the MRT-3 concession by the second quarter of next year.
Regions
Telco pushes for fiber-ready rule in building code review
Globe Telecom is urging the government to incorporate telecommunications infrastructure requirements into the National Building Code of the Philippines, saying clearer building standards could reduce costly retrofitting…
Philippines e-payments growth sets stage for AI-driven purchases
The Philippines’ rapid shift to digital payments is setting the stage for the next evolution in online commerce, as artificial intelligence moves beyond product recommendations toward executing purchases and initiating…
City’s P130 million payables to landfill under review
Newly appointed Cebu City Administrator Briccio Joseph Boholst has started reviewing documents related to the city's P130-million outstanding obligations to PrimeWaste Solutions, the operator of the Binaliw sanitary…
Council urged: Check revenues
Cebu City Vice Mayor Tomas Osmeña and Councilor Mikel Rama have urged the City Council to first determine whether the city can generate enough revenue to support its proposed P15-billion budget for 2027, stressing that…
At north and south bus terminals: Capitol drops terminal fees
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has suspended the collection of terminal fees at the provincial government-run north and south bus terminals to ease the burden on public utility vehicle operators and drivers amid rising…
P30 million program to revive mango industry pushed
The Cebu City Agriculture Department is proposing a P30-million, multi-year program to revive the city’s mango industry by helping farmers rehabilitate aging plantations, improve fruit production and quality, and…
DA opens pork import probe
The Department of Agriculture has initiated a preliminary safeguard measures investigation into pork imports, opening a critical review of whether rising foreign shipments are hurting the domestic hog industry and…
Comelec delists 50 party-list groups
The Commission on Elections has canceled the registration of 50 party-list groups, including Bayan Muna, Magdalo and Buhay, for failing to meet participation or electoral performance requirements.
City councilor says: Crime statistics not sole basis for peace
The discovery of remains believed to be those of missing 24-year-old Isaac Virgil Viernes underscores the need for justice, accountability, and stronger peace and order efforts in Cebu City, Councilor Paul Labra said.
Crabs
No one could have said it any better than EJ Obiena, “If you want to help Alex, me, or any athlete, pick us up when we are down.”
Business
How Tala’s strategic partnerships are expanding financial access for Filipinos
For many Filipinos, financial needs rarely arrive one at a time.
Converge Studios launches AI-powered health IT solutions to accelerate healthcare transformation in the Philippines
Converge Studios officially launched its health IT solutions at “AI in Healthcare: Elevating What’s Possible."
Before you buy the home, try the neighborhood
Turn a condo viewing in the MOA Complex into a day out, and discover what the address could add to everyday life.
DigiPlus joins list of best performing companies in Asia
MANILA, Philippines — DigiPlus Interactive Corp., the Philippines’ premier digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus and GameZone, has been recognized as one of Asia’s Best Performing Companies at the…
Novo Philippines lowers prices amid rising obesity burden
Nearly one in two Filipino adults is overweight or obese.
Nido Petroleum allots $100 million for Palawan exploration
Nido Petroleum Philippines Pty. Ltd. is stepping up oil and gas exploration in Palawan, committing up to $100 million (about P6.3 billion) to drill new wells.
ASEAN Summit and energy security
A huge international event will occur in Manila this coming Nov. 15 to 17, the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summit meetings. We expect 20 heads of state – presidents and prime ministers – the 11 member-countries of the…
The electric future of the next generation
The other day, while scrolling through my social media feed, I came across a post about a collection of interviews from the 1960s, with ordinary people asked to imagine the future. S
DOE denies Semirara coal auction bias
The Department of Energy has defended the fairness of the Semirara coal auction, saying it is neither favoring any bidder nor sidelining the current operator.
URC brands rank among top choices in households
Products of Gokongwei-led Universal Robina Corp. continue to rank among the country’s most chosen food and beverage brands.
Stocks extend gains despite fresh peso low
Philippine financial markets moved in opposite directions yesterday ahead of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)’s policy meeting, with local shares extending their winning streak on bargain hunting while the peso…
GlobalSource makes case for bigger 50-bp BSP rate hike
New York-based GlobalSource Partners is advocating a larger 50-basis-point interest rate hike by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) today, warning that a smaller adjustment may not be enough to contain worsening…
‘Up to $100 million investment pledges secured for agriculture’
The Philippines can secure up to $100 million in potential investments to support the country’s agricultural value chain, according to the Department of Agriculture.
Hotel101 entering Africa with new Egypt hotel
DoubleDragon Corp., the listed company chaired by tycoons Edgar “Injap” Sia II and Tony Tan Caktiong, continues its global expansion of Hotel101, with Africa next.
Hotel101 entering Africa with new Egypt hotel Richmond Mercurio
DoubleDragon Corp., the listed company chaired by tycoons Edgar “Injap” Sia II and Tony Tan Caktiong, continues its global expansion of Hotel101, with Africa next.
Search on for next big stock offering
The Philippine Stock Exchange is now on the hunt for the next big initial public offering following Mynt Inc.’s historic P60.9-billion maiden offering. Mynt, the parent company of GCash, recorded the largest maiden…
Phinma unit launches P700 million insulated panel plant in Pampanga
Union Insulated Panel Corp.,a subsidiary of Phinma Corp., has launched a P700-million manufacturing facility in Porac, Pampanga, to expand local production of insulated panels and reduce reliance on imports.
Ginbee Go taking over as next BPI president/CEO
Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands has named veteran banker Maria Cristina “Ginbee” Go as its next president and chief executive officer, succeeding Jose Teodoro “TG” Limcaoco in April 2027.
Inflation risks prompt BSP to hike rates anew
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) delivered its biggest interest rate hike in more than three years yesterday, as worsening inflation pressures prompted a more aggressive monetary policy response. At its fifth…
Sports
Eala falls vs Schnaider, exits Ningbo Open
Alex Eala bowed out of the Ningbo Open’s second round after absorbing a tough 5-7, 4-6 defeat against Russia’s Diana Shnaider Thursday in China.
Season 2 of Pickle Yard Conference League slated Oct. 24
The Pickle Yard Conference League (PYCL) hopes to play a much bigger role in the rapidly growing sport of pickleball in the country, with the Season 2 kicking off on Saturday, October 24, at The Pickle Yard SOMO in…
Global Esports among teams exiting VCT Pacific as Riot unveils partner organizations for 2027
Riot Games has unveiled the eight organizations that will make up the VCT Pacific partnered league beginning in 2027, a move that also signals the departure of several current organizations.
Hotshots brace for quarters clash vs Tropang 5G boosted by returning Hollis-Jefferson, Oftana
After clinching the top spot of Group B of the PBA Governors’ Cup, the Magnolia Hotshots will have a tough quarterfinal matchup.
Avaricio edges Lee by 1 to cop ICTSI South Pacific title
Chanelle Avaricio silenced a crowded title chase with an early eagle, then leaned on her precision, patience and steely resolve to thwart Tiffany Lee’s blistering backside charge and capture the ICTSI South Pacific…
Mondilla mounts 64 to surge atop ICTSI South Pacific leaderboard
Clyde Mondilla is back where he has been so many times before — on top of the leaderboard, within reach of another Philippine Golf Tour title and in control of his own destiny.
Mobile Legends marks 10 years by giving back
Most birthday celebrations involve receiving gifts. For its 10th anniversary, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) decided to give some away instead.
Antolin, Cabalo reign supreme in Salomon Gravel Lobo trail run
Kyle Antolin and Angelie Cabalo ruled the men’s and women’s divisions of the Salomon Gravel Lobo 12k trail run in Malabrigo, Lobo Batangas earlier this month.
Quezon, Binan close in on MPBL South Finals berths
Quezon Province and Binan Tatak Gel won in contrasting fashion and are close to a South Division crown collision.
Gilas reinforcement Boatwright takes oath of allegiance
Bennie Boatwright’s Gilas Pilipinas debut is getting close.
Elite schools fight for honors in Smart/MVP PTL finals
After months of intense and exciting action, the Philippine Taekwondo Association will conclude its 2026 Smart/MVP Sports Foundation Philippine Taekwondo League this weekend, with elite schools battling for bragging…
Sweet as honey
In Spanish, “miel” means honey. But IBF No. 1 flyweight contender Miel (Silent Assassin) Fajardo said his first name, given by his parents, is a play on the word “millennium” as he was born at the turn of the century on…
Lee surges ahead of Manotoc
Lee Song turned an early eagle and a blistering birdie run into a bogey-free 65, storming to the lead in the ICTSI South Pacific Classic yesterday at the South Pacific Golf Club in Davao City.
Heartbreaks for Philippines Para team
The Philippines had a slow, gloomy Wednesday, with failed attempts of taekwondo jin Allain Ganapin, thrower Alyana Nuñez and high jumper Wilson Sante, Jr. to snatch a medal in the 5th Asian Para Games here.
La Salle OT escape extends UE’s slump
Reigning champion La Salle dodged a major upset bid from University of the East in overtime, 97-88, and dealt the latter its 28th straight defeat in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball second round yesterday at the Mall…
JB or Bennie for Gilas?
There’s a possibility that Justin Brownlee and Bennie Boatwright may be available to play with Gilas in the fifth FIBA World Cup Asia qualifying window against Syria on Nov. 27 and Iran on Nov. 29 in Seremban, 55…
JMF 10k sparks SMB rally
San Miguel Beer titan June Mar Fajardo got his career milestone.
Entertainment
Keanu Reeves in talks to star opposite Don Lee in James Wan remake
The "John Wick" star will most likely team up as a cop to the Korean actor's original mob boss role in the 2019 film.
New songs alert: 'Showtime' kid Imogen, Yes My Love, Calein drop tracks
Here are the latest released singles you might want to check out.
Boy Abunda touched by Bimby’s promise to marry girl who accepts Kuya Josh
Television host Boy Abunda shared an emotional moment from his interview with Kris Aquino, recalling how the Queen of All Media spoke about her sons, Josh and Bimby.
Baron Geisler, wife Jamie attend couples’ retreat amid marriage challenges
Actor Baron Geisler and his wife, Jamie Evangelista, appear to be working on their marriage after attending a couples’ retreat.
'Glee' reboot in development, Lea Michele to reprise Rachel Berry
This is what you missed on "Glee"... it's back!
Ashley Ortega hopes Mavy Legaspi is her ‘forever’
Kapuso actress Ashley Ortega hopes that her relationship with fellow Kapuso actor Mavy Legaspi will lead to a lasting commitment.
Ogie Alcasid opens up about wife Regine Velasquez’s ‘Finale’ concerts, semi-retirement
The sold-out three-day “Finale” concert of Regine Velasquez ought to have been declared a national holiday for Original Pilipino Music (OPM) fans. What a historical moment for Reg.
8 straight plays, 4 musicals unveiled for inaugural Teatro Panalo
From stories about home and family to LGBTQ+ narratives, the inaugural Puregold Teatro Panalo has unveiled its 12 finalists, comprising eight straight plays and four musicals, which will be staged from Feb. 20 to March…
Faith, Shuvee, Sanya, Ashley reveal beauty queen potential
Showbiz and pageantry share, in a way, a special bond and connection. Some celebrities have successfully strutted their way to win national and international titles, while beauty queens have found promising and viable…
Lifestyle
Redefining anti-aging: Cetaphil unveils a gentle alternative to retinol
Actress, host and content creator Gabbi Garcia was officially revealed as Cetaphil’s newest brand ambassador.
Home Credit makes the latest iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max more accessible with Double-Zero and trade-in offers
Home Credit gives Filipinos a more flexible way to avail the latest iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max.
Filipino food is bold. What does that mean for the cola we drink with it?
Filipino dining has also always been about the people who come together to enjoy them.
Celebrating 185 years of care: Watsons continues to champion women’s health and wellness
Today’s modern woman rarely fits into just one role. She moves between different priorities, responsibilities and routines, often balancing several at once.
Singapore’s bet reacts to Miss Universe 2026 withdrawal
The Singaporean bet has an unsurprising answer to her country's non-inclusion at next month's finals.
Nobu Manila at City of Dreams sets the scene with influencer-host Tommy Tiangco this Halloween
An evening of Nobu signatures, cocktails and unexpected connections
Tharina Botes breaks silence after Thailand withdraws from Miss Universe 2026
Thailand's Miss Universe bet shared an uplifting message about perseverance and pursuing one's dreams after Thailand announced it would not participate at this year's finals in Puerto Rico.
Former courtside reporter brings home historic 1st Miss Polo Universe crown
Third time’s the charm for this former courtside reporter who finally got a national crown during her Mutya ng Pilipinas bid.
Miss Universe 2026: 6 Southeast Asian nations will not participate
Six countries from Southeast Asia will not be present at the 75th Miss Universe competition next month in Puerto Rico.
'Hasta La Vista', Spanish Ambassador Miguel Utray
After four years of serving as Spain’s ambassador to the Philippines, Miguel Utray bid farewell at a fully packed reception on Oct.12.
Kevin Tan bares Megaworld developments, names Javi Hernandez as head of its Lifestyle Malls
Kevin Tan, president and CEO of Alliance Global Group , Inc. recently bared developments in the Megaworld Corporation.
Opinion
Sara Duterte’s popularity myth
One of the myths about Vice President Sara Zimmerman Duterte is that she is a cinch for the presidency in May 2028.
Paid for and yet never delivered: Visayas consumers are owed bill credits
A family in Bohol does not pay for “available capacity.” It pays for electricity, and for the reserves and transmission meant to keep it flowing. Those charges are clearly billed, paid for, but not delivered.
Understanding the role of central banks
Recently, the 2026 Nobel Prize in economics was awarded to Robert Hall of Stanford University and Michael Woodford of Columbia University.
Bridges to corruption
It’s been more than a year since the flood control corruption scandal rattled the country, spooked investors and nearly paralyzed the economy.
Consequences
The Supreme Court ruled as unconstitutional the most controversial elements of the 2024, 2025 and 2026 national budgets.
EDITORIAL — Rule on the BSKE postponement ‘
Budget watchdogs have welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling declaring as unconstitutional the national budgets for 2024 and 2025 and certain provisions of the 2026 outlay. Swift SC action on petitions related to the…
For later release is now never for release
Ironically, the 121-page SC decision absolved PBBM of any culpability or liability.
China at grave risk if it uses force
Communist China mouths two contradictory lies. One, that it never aggresses its neighbors. Two, that it wins in the end. History disproves both lies.
The human, economic and political cost of the West Philippine Sea
There is a natural temptation in public commentary to treat foreign policy as a high-altitude game of chess – an abstract battle of doctrines and diplomatic summits.
What would you wish for?
Please think about this seriously. What would you wish for if God gave you a chance?
Incorrigibly evil
The coordinates for a P23-million farm-to-market road in Nueva Ecija for funding in the 2027 budget pointed to a spot in the ocean near the Philippine Rise, according to a budget watchdog.
EDITORIAL — Porous borders
The government dangled a P20-million reward for information leading to the capture of gambling tycoon Charlie “Atong” Ang.
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