Philippine peso sinks to 31st record low at P63.615
The decline came a day after the BSP raised its benchmark rate to 5.5%.
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Philstar
Friday, 23 October · 98 stories
Top stories
Paolo Duterte files libel, cyber libel complaints vs NBI chief, Gracioso, GMA execs
The complaints name NBI chief Melvin Matibag, Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. and several GMA Network personalities.
WATCH: Remulla says 'gloves are off' in pursuit of Bato dela Rosa
Nag-alok si Jonvic Remulla ng P50 milyong pabuya para sa ikadarakip ni Sen. Bato dela Rosa.
Claire Castro to retain post as all PCO execs file courtesy resignations
Acting Communications Secretary Lino Cayetano will not accept the courtesy resignation of Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, he said on Friday, October 23.
Philippines reports highest disaster impact among 140 markets in global poll
Four in five Filipino adults said they had personally been affected by a disaster linked to a natural hazard.
Teodoro: Use of force vs BRP Sierra Madre an 'act of war'
The Philippines' defense chief issued a warning over actions against the BRP Sierra Madre, saying it would be an act of war.
Ex-Bangsamoro solon Rimbang denies bankrolling P3.5-billion Laos shabu shipment
Former Bangsamoro parliament member Edrieza Rimbang has denied financing the recently foiled attempt to ship P3.5 billion worth of "shabu (meth)" from Laos into the Philippines.
Duterte ICC trial: Prosecutors seek to admit three witness accounts
One witness discusses 13 killings charged under Count 3, including a death during a police “One Time Big Time” operation.
Signal No. 2 still up over Batanes, parts of Babuyan Islands as 'Rosal' keeps strength
Signal No. 2 remains in Batanes and parts of the Babuyan Islands as Typhoon Rosal (international name: Champi) maintains strength over the sea northeast of Batanes, PAGASA said Friday.
Rosal weakens into typhoon
Tropical cyclone Rosal has been downgraded to a typhoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.
Alcantara’s ex-aide confirms flood cash deliveries
A former personal assistant of disgraced Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) district engineer Henry Alcantara confirmed that he delivered billions of pesos’ worth of alleged kickbacks from flood control…
DA: 60-day ban on pork imports starts November
The Department of Agriculture will impose a 60-day freeze on imported pork starting next month, according to Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
More health programs in underserved areas sought
President Marcos wants two key health programs expanded in underserved areas to enhance access to health services and lower medical costs, Malacañang said.
NBI: P3.5 billion shabu from Laos points to Philippines network
The foiled smuggling of 521 kilograms of suspected shabu valued at P3.5 billion from Laos demonstrated how huge the Philippines’ drug market is and the sophisticated system that attempted ttransport such volume by air…
Health promotion budget cut flagged
Former Department of Health secretaries have expressed alarm over the drastic budget cut to the DOH Health Promotion Bureau, warning lawmakers that it is a violation of the Universal Health Care Act.
PNP probing escape of Atong Ang
The Philippine National Police is investigating how fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang managed to elude law enforcement authorities and leave the country.
DepEd eyes data-driven criteria to solve classroom shortages
The Department of Education (DepEd) will be including data-driven criteria to determine and prioritize areas with the most severe classroom shortages.
DPWH: Government pursuing full restitution vs errant flood contractors
The national government is actively pursuing full monetary restitution and criminal accountability against rogue contractors involved in the multibillion-peso flood control scandal, according to Secretary Vince Dizon of…
OSG seeks hold on use of 2026 appropriations
Government lawyers have advised the Marcos administration to put on hold the implementation of some programs in this year’s national budget as they prepare to appeal a Supreme Court ruling declaring the 2024 and 2025…
Nation
3 killed in another gun attack in Cotabato City
Gunmen armed with assault rifles killed three people and seriously wounded two others in an attack near Timako Hill in Barangay Kalanganan 2, western Cotabato City, early Friday, October 23.
4 million travelers expected as airports brace for Undas rush
Airports are preparing for the Undas rush with additional immigration, general and security personnel from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3.
P3.7-M worth of shabu seized in two PDEA-12 operations
Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 12 seized P3.7 million worth of shabu and arrested three men in separate operations in General Santos City and in nearby Polomolok, South Cotabato on Wednesday, October…
PDEA-BARMM shuts down drug den in Maguindanao del Norte
Anti-narcotics agents arrested five suspected drug den operators in Barangay Sapad in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte, on Thursday, October 22, after they sold shabu to undercover operatives during an entrapment…
Batanes special poll bets must register official socmed accounts
Candidates in a special election in Batanes have been required to register their official online campaign platforms with the Commission on Elections.
Electric, hybrid ferries eyed for short, medium-distance sea routes
The government is eyeing electric and hybrid ferries to serve sea travelers crossing short and medium-distance routes, respectively.
City exec dismissed over ghost procurement
The city treasurer of Dagupan in Pangasinan has been dismissed from her post in connection with the non-delivery of two motorized boats procured by the city government.
2 PCG men killed in Cotabato ambush
Two personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard were killed while their superior survived following an ambush by unidentified men in this city yesterday afternoon.
8 charged for murder of Batangas village chief
Murder charges have been filed against eight suspects tagged in the murder of a barangay chairman in Sto. Tomas, Batangas.
Grade 5 student caught with gun at school
Grade 5 student was caught carrying a handgun at a school in Opol, Misamis Oriental on Wednesday.
PNP on full alert for All Souls’, All Saints’ Days
The entire police force will go on full alert status from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2 to ensure security and order at 5,628 cemeteries and columbaria nationwide as the nation observes All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days on Nov. 1 and…
Manhunt on for cops working for POGO hubs
Police are hunting down dismissed colleagues who are allegedly working as henchmen of scam operators.
9-year-old rescued from online grooming
The National Bureau of Investigation has rescued a nine-year-old girl allegedly being groomed online by a man in his 30s who used Facebook Messenger to communicate with her for six months.
Regions
Globe Business highlights next wave of growth with digital
As organizations accelerate investments in cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital technologies, many discover that adopting technology is only the beginning.
CREBA pitches housing policy overhaul
The Philippines’ housing policy could shift toward subsidizing homebuyers rather than requiring developers to build socialized housing, under proposals by the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Associations Inc. to…
Remulla meets Cebu biz leaders
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has assured Cebu business leaders that the anti-graft office will help address governance problems, reduce red tape, and improve government processes to create a fair and more…
Pam: Capitol now ready for disaster
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said the province has strengthened its disaster response capabilities and is now better prepared to deal with future calamities.
For treatment, disposal in Bulacan: City ships out hospital waste
Thousands of kilograms of hazardous medical waste from Cebu City Medical Center and Guba Community Hospital are being packed into ordinary but sealed container vans, shipped by cargo vessel to Luzon, and hauled to…
For the love of the game
On our way to work, me and my wife Denise usually pass by the NBC network office at the Rockefeller Center along 48th St. as there is a cheap Chinese take-out diner in the vicinity.
Read the signs before it is too late
We pride ourselves on being able to predict many things.
The worst murderer of all times
President Biden on different occasions, called Russian President Vladimir Putin a “killer” and “murderous dictator”.
Post-impeachment political scenarios
The jury is still out. The defense has not yet presented its witnesses, much less offered its evidence, if any.
Nganong walay mapili
Sakto ang sulti ni Bise Presidente Sara Duterte nga gibisto na niya ang maniobra sa nasudnong budget niadto pang 2024.
EDITORIAL - Protests, yes; vandalism, no
Several European countries are now being gripped perhaps we can even say being held hostage by a series of protests.
Business
PNP awards Unilab for expanding access to Police Health Care
The award acknowledged the company’s steadfast support for the PNP’s health initiatives.
EU-Philippines lab to let firms test AI before investing
Before spending on AI, Filipino MSMEs and start-ups could first test whether it works for them.
Coconut products tagged for exports to Africa
The Department of Agriculture is looking to open export opportunities for coconut products in West Africa, following the shipment of young coconuts to Liberia.
RFM readies dry powder for potential acquisitions
Food and beverage company RFM Corp. is staying ready for acquisition opportunities, keeping deployable cash even as it continues to reward shareholders with large amount of dividends.
Mitsubishi’s bet at the helm in Philippines
Noriaki Hirakata made a career out of scrutinizing automotive companies from the outside, analyzing business performance and offering recommendations on what automakers should do.
Is cyber resilience enough?
A tito in Quezon City gets a text on his lunch break. The sender name reflects the government agency, and the message says he has an unsettled violation. The website he taps looks official and takes him through each…
Israeli tech exec joins Dito board
An Israeli businessman who changed his name to conceal property fraud in the US has joined the board of Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy’s Dito CME Holdings Inc.
DA seeks restructured livestock, poultry budget
he Department of Agriculture is seeking P15 billion in funding for the livestock and poultry sector as it adjusts its financing strategy amid delays in the rollout of a competitiveness fund meant to boost the industry.
Sta. Lucia borrowing P7 billion for expansion
Sta. Lucia Land Inc., the flagship property development arm of the Robles and Santos families’ Sta. Lucia Group, intends to borrow over P7 billion from local financial institutions to refinance existing loans and…
Sec Vince gets defensive
Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon is a very busy man, so much so that he spent less than 20 minutes at the infrastructure forum arranged by the Economic Journalists Association of the…
DOF fine-tuning tax amnesty bill
The Department of Finance is still fine-tuning a proposed tax amnesty bill, which it aims to file with the House of Representatives within the year, according to Finance Undersecretary Rolando Ligon Jr.
DOE: P5 trilllion needed to harness 25 GW of hydropower capacity
The Philippines needs roughly P5 trillion in investments to fully harness its vast hydropower potential, according to the Department of Energy.
Miners push back on new system for evaluating resource contracts
The country’s miners have raised concerns over a new government system for evaluating and granting natural resource contracts, warning that the new framework could compromise investments into the sector.
Vingroup to invest $500 million for EV production in Philiipines
Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup plans to invest $500 million in a flagship electric vehicle manufacturing facility in the Philippines.
Government by AI
We have been reading and hearing about how AI will soon run the world as humans watch on the sidelines.
BSP rate hike, peso fall snap 5-day stock rally
The local stock market snapped its five-day climb following the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)’s latest rate hike and the continued weakening of the peso against the dollar.
Peso weakens to record low 63.52:$1
The peso weakened past the 63.50-per-dollar level yesterday, setting another record low even after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) delivered a larger-than-usual interest rate hike before the foreign exchange…
PEZA investments hit P310 billion in 10 months, beating 2026 goal
Investments approved by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority from January to October hit P310 billion, surpassing the agency’s full-year target and placing the agency on track to set a new record.
Sports
Gin Kings edge Bossing to catch quarters bus
The PBA Governors’ Cup playoff picture is complete.
Lions avert disaster, survive Bombers
San Beda squeaked past the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers, 75-71, in their NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball clash Friday evening at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Painters clobber Fuel Masters to seize Group B No. 2 spot
Rain or Shine used a complete team effort to douse the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 133-103, and clinch the No. 2 spot of Group B in the PBA Governors' Cup Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Estrada hits winner as Knights escape Stags
Jimboy Estrada hit a game-winning jumper off the glass to tow the Letran Knights over the San Sebastian College - Recoletos Stags, 91-89, in their NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball clash Friday at the FilOil EcoOil…
Historic WSL Philippines Pro sets spotlight on world's elite surfers
History crashes onto the shores of this surfing paradise from October 30 to November 8 as the world’s ultimate wave-riders storm the legendary barrels of Cloud 9.
Filipino U15 booters begin historic FIFA World Cup bid vs Morocco
The Philippine Under-15 Men’s National Football Team (PMNFT U15) steps onto the Hovsan Competition Complex in Baku, Azerbaijan, to open their campaign against Morocco in the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup & Festival on…
Asian Games medalists receive iPhones
The pot just got sweeter for Filipino athletes who took home medals from the recently concluded 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.
Reyes adds bronze to Para Games medal collection
From falling from a macopa tree where he lost his right arm at five years old to raking in medals in international races almost two decades later.
UCAL hoops opener: MCU shocks La Salle-B; UP, Letran win
Manila Central University shocked a hastily formed La Salle Team B, while defending champion University of the Philippines and Letran won convincingly.
Clutch Mondilla wins ICTSI South Pacific title by 2 shots
Clyde Mondilla weathered a blistering charge from a slew of pursuers and delivered a master class in clutch shot-making under pressure, producing a classy finish to capture the ICTSI South Pacific Classic crown.
Mandaluyong Fencing Club to hold grassroots tourney Oct. 25
The Mandaluyong City Fencing Club continues its commitment to grassroots sports development as it stages “Tuloy ang PagSulong: Developmental Fencers Tournament” on Sunday, October 25, at the SM Center Shaw in…
New Valorant agent Hush arrives as Philippines gears up for VCT 2027
Valorant's newest agent is set to arrive on October 27, introducing a telekinetic Duelist that Riot Games hopes will give players new ways to approach fights just as anticipation builds around an exciting year ahead for…
Bulldogs, Falcons aim to stay in UAAP leaderboard
National University and Adamson tussle in a battle of revelation squads to stay in the leaderboard at the start of their UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball second-round campaign Saturday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Will ‘Blitz Kid’ live up to moniker ?
When unbeaten Filipino minimumweight contender Zyvyr Medecilo went to Yokohama on a sparring contract three weeks ago, he never thought of fighting for a world boxing title in three months.
Avaricio edges Lee for 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…
Manginsay, Redulla bag silver
The spirit of the late Josephine Medina lives on.
Gin Kings out to seal playoff entry
It’s a crucial PBA Governors’ Cup duel against Blackwater that looks all too familiar for Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone.
Eala fails to get past Ningbo Rd 2
Alex Eala’s breakthrough deep run in the Asian swing will have to wait.
Kessler, Doncic power
scored 26 points on 12-for-12 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds during his auspicious debut for the Los Angeles Lakers in a 127-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night.
Chameleons punch third straight win
So far, so good.
Entertainment
Tuesday Vargas lauds Zaijian Jaranilla for defending child star Kanye Avendaño
Comedienne Tuesday Vargas praised actor Zaijian Jaranilla for standing up for his young co-star Kanye Avendaño after a reporter allegedly asked the 12-year-old about his interest in appearing in a VivaMax film.
'Clayface' review: DC embraces body horror amid uneasy future
Visual effects and prosthetic makeup do well to render the melting skin and abnormal changes of Tom Rhys Harries' Hagen.
Filipino classics, auteur works join Oscar bets to highlight 14th QCinema lineup
The QCinema International Film Festival returns for its 14th edition next month with a lineup dedicated to genre filmmaking and auteur cinema.
Marian Rivera makes ‘Gandang Gabi Vice’ debut
Marian Rivera is set to make her first appearance on “Gandang Gabi Vice,” joining host Vice Ganda for an episode featuring comedy, dance and candid conversations.
Weekend list: Halloween pre-game, Ihaw Fest, concerts galore
October is nearing its end but events and activities continue to ring around the country.
‘I Heart PH’ returns to Hong Kong for new season
Lifestyle and travel show “I Heart PH” is returning to Hong Kong for a new season featuring the city’s cultural attractions, culinary destinations and local businesses which will premiere on October 25 in GTV.
Sachzna Laparan reveals past relationship with McCoy de Leon
Actress and social media personality Sachzna Laparan revealed that she previously had a relationship with actor McCoy de Leon, with whom she reconnected after his stint on “Pinoy Big Brother” (PBB).
Prime Video Philippines reaffirms commitment to entertainment as subscription rates rise
Prime Video Philippines has announced a subscription price increase, raising its monthly subscription fee from P149 to P249.
The Regine Velasquez phenomenon: When the voice changes, but the magic remains
There is something fascinating about the phenomenon of Regine Velasquez.
Vicor at 60: Why Vicor is now back where it started
At around this time in 1965, Vic del Rosario Jr. was going nowhere.
Paul Soriano’s 4-year-old film ‘The Fisher’ asks a ‘timely’ question
Is filmmaker Paul Soriano’s “The Fisher,” which opened in Philippine cinemas on Oct. 21, a commentary of sorts on the current diplomatic controversy between the Philippines and China?
Lifestyle
Red Planet Hotels supports local sports events, starting with Lactacyd Women's Run PH Makati leg
Red Planet Hotels offers up to 35% off stays near sports event venues, beginning with Lactacyd Women's Run PH Makati on October 25.
Ely Buendia, Offshore execs open Asian comfort food Makati restaurant
After soft operations for over a year-and-a-half, Sari Kitchen officially launched to stamp a new identity on Makati nightlife.
Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Singlife Philippines partner to expand access to high-value healthcare
A first-of-its-kind collaboration for Singlife that could change how Filipinos experience insurance and healthcare.
'My son absolutely loves them': How Towne Kids nurses help a boy with a heart condition thrive at preschool
For the Safdieh family, pediatric home nursing means Saulie can enjoy more of childhood while his mother has support in caring for his complex medical needs.
Asus Zenbook 14 launched in Philippines: Check out new colors, specs and prices
Weighing as light as 1.1kg and housed in a durable all-metal chassis, the laptop is built to move seamlessly.
Global Dominion’s founders, legacy and the baton ahead
Robert Jordan Jr., Ruben Lugtu II and Samuel Cariño continue to lead Global Dominion through its expansion, enhancing not just Filipinos’ access to credit, but financial education as well.
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