De Lima, Paolo Duterte clash over libel complaints vs media
Rep. Leila de Lima said Paolo Duterte's libel and cyber libel complaints against GMA Network send a "chilling" message to journalists.
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Philstar
Saturday, 24 October · 83 stories
Top stories
ICC prosecutor wants more recorded testimonies admitted
The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has requested six more prior recorded testimonies of witnesses to be admitted in the crimes against humanity case against former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Poll: Only 28% see fair ruling in VP impeachment
Compared to previous impeachment trials, a smaller proportion of Filipinos expect a fair ruling in the ongoing Senate proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, a survey by Social Weather Stations showed.
Tighter estate tax amnesty bill pushed in Senate
Senators are pushing to tighten the proposed estate tax amnesty bill to prevent “fake death” inheritance fraud and discourage taxpayers from deliberately dodging their dues in anticipation of endless government pardons.
Cyprus: UNCLOS can’t be applied selectively
Cyprus supports the peaceful settlement of disputes and believes that international law cannot be applied “selectively,” Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said.
Nearly 100 student groups ban China envoy
Amid the decision of the Chinese embassy to prohibit certain officials and personalities from visiting China, close to a hundred student organizations and youth leaders nationwide declared Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan…
Typhoon Rosal set to exit PAR today
Typhoon Rosal is set to exit the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) today, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
Government fast-tracking projects to minimize El Niño impact
The government is hastening the completion of projects to minimize the impact of the super El Niño, President Marcos assured the public yesterday as the climate phenomenon is expected to cause drought in many parts of…
Ping: Hold accountable officials in budget misuse
While acknowledging the limits of the Supreme Court ruling that recently struck down unprogrammed appropriations (UA), Sen. Panfilo Lacson wants government officials who acted in bad faith or committed graft using the…
Sherwin: Recall of House budget bill unnecessary
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian yesterday rejected calls from the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives to recall the chamber’s budget bill for 2027, saying that the Senate would make the necessary…
Diesel price hike looms; rollback for gasoline
Motorists should brace for another increase in diesel prices next week as escalating hostilities in the Middle East threaten to further disrupt global oil supplies.
P50 million bounty up for Bato’s capture
Saying the gloves are off, the government has put up a P50-million bounty for any information that will lead to the capture of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, and gave him a week to surrender. In announcing the reward…
P50 milllion bounty up for Bato’s capture
Saying the gloves are off, the government has put up a P50-million bounty for any information that will lead to the capture of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, and gave him a week to surrender. In announcing the reward…
Nation
Veteran journalist Philip Lustre arrested over Davao cyber libel case
Veteran journalist Philip Lustre Jr. was arrested during a Quezon City media forum over a Davao cyber libel case that his lawyer said he hadn't known about.
BARMM chief gains MNLF founding chairman's backing
Nur Misuari, founding chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front, has expressed strong support for Abdulraof “Sam” Macacua to lead the Bangsamoro government.
'Rosal' to exit PAR Saturday morning after loop east of Taiwan
The typhoon looped east of Taiwan as Batanes remained under Signal No. 1.
Effects linger over sea despite Rosal's exit from PAR
Typhoon Rosal, the most powerful cyclone this year, has stepped out of the Philippine area of responsibility on Saturday morning.
Smuggled cigarettes seized in Zamboanga
Smuggled cigarettes valued at P26.21 million were seized in a police operation that also resulted in the arrest of three suspects in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur on Wednesday.
18,000 aspiring cops to take PNPA admission test
Up to 18,000 aspiring police officers are expected to take the admission test of the Philippine National Police Academy tomorrow.
3 killed in another attack in Cotabato City
Three people were killed while two others were wounded in another attack by unidentified armed men in this city yesterday morning.
17,000 PCG men to assist Undas travelers
Up to 17,000 personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard will be deployed at various ports in the country to assist travelers who will be going home in the provinces for the observance of All Souls and All Saints’ Day.
Rizal security officer nabbed for killing wife
A security officer of the provincial government of Rizal was arrested after he allegedly shot dead his wife in Antipolo City on Thursday.
Pulong files libel raps vs Matibag, 6 others
Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte filed criminal libel and cyber libel complaints yesterday against National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag, a former police officer as well as officials and…
13-year-old student stabs schoolmate
A 13-year-old boy was taken into police custody after he allegedly stabbed and wounded a schoolmate at a school in Davao City on Wednesday.
NAIA international traffic rises 3%
Filipinos are pushing ahead with overseas trips despite higher plane fares, lifting passenger traffic by three percent at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
100 firms intereste in MRT-3 privatization
The Department of Transportation said yesterday that 100 local and international companies are eyeing to invest in the Metro Rail Transit 3, following the DOTr confirmation on the privatization of MRT-3.
Roads closed in Manila for Undas
Some roads in Manila will be closed from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3 for the commemoration of Undas, the Manila Police District announced yesterday.
Regions
The price of money: Surviving 5.50%
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has fired its biggest gun. A jumbo 50-basis-point hike to 5.50% with headline inflation at 7.2% and the peso on its back is not tightening.
Federal Land aligns housing portfolio with 4PH program
Federal Land Inc. is expanding access to housing finance through a partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and Pag-IBIG Fund, aligning its residential portfolio with the government’s…
Visayas grid instability to hit Cebu businesses until 2028
Persistent electricity supply disruptions and price volatility in the Visayas could raise operating costs and constrain business expansion through 2028, prompting energy services provider COREPLUS to urge Cebu companies…
160 families now closer to owning their lots
After years of waiting for housing security, 160 beneficiaries of the GMA Ville Lot 110 Housing Project in Barangay Carreta, Cebu City, moved a step closer to land ownership after receiving Certificates of Entitlement…
Cheetahs seek revenge vs. Jaguars
The Benedicto College Cheetahs will not only seek to extend their lead but also exact revenge on the University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars when they clash anew in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. Season 26…
True livable model – Tsukuba City, Japan
“I love the country more than the city,” DJ, our grandchild #1, happily shared after returning to Tsukuba City from Tokyo.
The lights may dim, but the calling endures
At the 2nd SineBohol Film Festival, I sat as a jury and was struck by the power of stories crafted by filmmakers young enough to be my students --or even grandchildren.
Reflections on time
I find myself passing time while trying to look for a very good topic to write about this rainy afternoon.
Constitutional duty over realpolitik
The temporary procedural pause in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, which is set to resume on November 9, gives us time to reflect on two seemingly opposing views.
EDITORIAL — Spitting road rage
You have probably seen this video circulating online of a road rage incident in Talisay City; a motorcycle rider gets upset at a bus drive, overtakes then parks his motorcycle directly in front of the bus to stop it…
Business
Have a few minutes to spare? Use it to start saving with BDO
Now you can open your first BDO account with just your phone and driver’s license.
BingoPlus introduces new feature to enhance user experience
Digital entertainment platform BingoPlus, an affiliate of DigiPlus Interactive Corp., is introducing a new feature to further improve the user experience.
Philippines, Singapore agree to widen capital market cooperation
The Philippine Stock Exchange has teamed up with its Singaporean counterpart to create fresh investment activities and boost trading among Southeast Asians.
No end in sight for transport woes
The Philippine Statistics Authority recently reported that headline inflation rose to 7.2 percent in September 2026.
Globe eyes corporate solutions unit as next growth driver
Telco-to-tech giant Globe Telecom Inc. expects its corporate solutions unit to contribute more income in the future after booking record revenues in the first half.
Cheap power
All offices have a gossip network.
Stocks suffer another selldown as peso extends record slide
Philippine financial markets ended the week in the red, with stocks retreating as investors digested the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)’s 50-basis-point rate hike while the peso sank to a fresh record low for the…
Japan credit watchdog sees steady Philippines infrastructure investments
Infrastructure investment in the Philippines is expected to remain at around four percent of gross domestic product (GDP) through 2027 even as delayed public works projects resume, according to Japan Credit Rating…
US funnels $34 million into Philippines ube development
The Philippines has secured $34.1 million in funding from the United States to boost the country’s ube industry, as the popularity of the purple yam continues to grow in global markets.
Maya wooed to follow GCash’s IPO footsteps
“We have to work on Maya now that GCash is listed,” Monzon said.
Heads up: More BSP rate hikes on the way
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is expected to raise interest rates further in December, with some economists anticipating additional tightening through early 2027 as persistent inflation and a weakening peso keep…
World
FBI, Philippine authorities probe Meghan Markle's dad over alleged abuse images
A Philippine task force in Cebu is investigating allegations against Thomas Markle, the father of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.
In new ICC request, prosecutors cite 'orders from above,' reward in Duterte case
ICC prosecutors are seeking to admit three additional witness accounts describing alleged orders, planning and payments linked to killings.
Sports
Bulldogs bite into piece of lead, rip Falcons
National University mauled the Adamson Soaring Falcons, ##-##, to take a share of the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball lead Saturday at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.
Blue Eagles escape Tamaraws to stop slump
Ateneo at home held on to a 75-72 squeaker over Far Eastern University to snap a three-game skid in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.
Eala tries to avoid another upset vs low-ranking foe in Toray Pan Pacific Open
Alex Eala faces another upset-savvy opponent in Mika Stojsavljecic of Great Britain in Round 1 of the WTA500 Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, Japan.
Victorious Mondilla builds momentum for final PGT leg at Apo
Clyde Mondilla is back in the winner’s circle, and he intends to make the most of his return.
San Beda’s Torculas roars way to NCAA Player of the Week plum
Aldous Torculas continued to lead the charge for San Beda University, powering the Red Lions to a share of the Group A lead as the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament enters its crucial stretch.
GCC blasts SPAS to draw first blood in FCCAI Finals
Grace Christian College used a well-balanced attack and demolished St. Peter the Apostle School, 89-52, to move on the threshold of joining an elite club of back-to-back champions.
Rolida's stellar South Pacific run signals pro aspirations
Jacob Rolida may still carry amateur status, but his stellar performance at the ICTSI South Pacific Classic signaled a player ready to leap into the professional ranks.
'Pang championship': Guiao all praises for Painters quarters foe FiberXers
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters are bracing for a tough matchup with “championship-caliber” Converge FiberXers in the quarterfinals.
Team Falcons returns to M-Series as ONIC bows out of MPL Philippines Season 18
Team Falcons PH became the first Philippine representative to qualify for the M8 World Championship after surviving a reverse-sweep scare from Aurora Gaming PH, 3-2, in the upper bracket finals.
'Consuelo de bobo': Cone, Gin Kings brace for tough quarters task vs Beermen
Fool's consolation?
The limits of grief
In the face of unspeakable loss, we are allowed – entitled, even – to grieve.
PYCL spurs pickleball growth
The Pickle Yard Conference League hopes to play a much bigger role in the rapidly growing sport of pickleball in the country, with the Season 2 kicking off today at The Pickle Yard SOMO in Bacoor City, Cavite.
Letran squeaks past
San Sebastian Letran scraped past San Sebastian, 91-89, in Group B of the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament at San Juan Arena yesterday.
Mondilla rules ICTSI South Pacific
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…
Taduran settles for Moreno
IBF minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran finally found a willing challenger as undefeated No. 4 contender Brandon Moreno of Spain has stepped up to battle the Philippines’ only reigning world boxing titleholder on the…
APG: Reyes snares bronze
From falling from a macopa tree and losing his right arm at age five to raking in medals in international races almost two decades later.
Kings crack last 8
Barangay Ginebra would rather take the uncomplicated route to the PBA Governors’ Cup playoffs than go through tiebreaker.
Entertainment
Song Hye Kyo, Gong Yoo chase showbiz dreams in new drama
Song Hye-kyo and Gong Yoo are heading into the cutthroat world of old-school Korean showbiz.
Arthur Nery banners first Spotify 360 in Philippines with top fans
Arthur Nery took over the center of the New Clark City Athletics Stadium to perform his hit tracks.
Solenn Heussaff among 15 Filipinos to exhibit at Paris Art Week
Solenn Heussaff reflected on her participation in a Paris art exhibition, noting how she was coming full circle to be back in the French Capital
Boy Abunda celebrates birthday with Kris Aquino TV reunion
Boy Abunda is the local tinseltown’s King of Talk.
Meet the new celebrity jeweler in town
The gown or outfit may turn heads, but it is often the diamonds that steal the show.
What ‘VHS’ director Darryl Yap fears the most
Controversial filmmaker Darryl Yap has taken up a new genre.
Lifestyle
Debt with dignity: How to choose digital lending facility for outstanding loans
It is important to choose the right digital lending company to partner with and not be lured into a shady deal by sweet promises and attractive terms.
From one icon to what comes next: Kojie.san marks 20 years as BEVi enters its next phase of growth
What began with the iconic Kojie.san Kojic Acid Soap has grown into one of the Philippines’ most recognizable homegrown beauty brands.
CWC Interiors Fetes ULI Leaders
CWC Interiors president and CEO Fred Yuson hosted a convivial birthday celebration for Urban Land Institute Philippines leaders Raymond Rufino and Delfin Angelo “Buds” Wenceslao at the elegant penthouse of the CWC…
Opinion
Every cancer journey deserves care without barriers
Every October, we wear pink. Communities hold awareness campaigns, landmarks are illuminated in symbolic colors, and social media feeds are filled with messages of solidarity.
‘Alagang Ayala’
Amid a grim economic environment, the Philippines’ oldest conglomerate, Ayala Corp., still manages to create excitement across significant sectors of business.
Retail corruption: Still being processed
The three most expensive words at a government counter are “still being processed.”
‘Tatay Nene’ Pimentel
It has been seven years since the untimely death of former Senate president Aquilino Pimentel Jr., or “Tatay Nene,” on Oct. 20, 2019.
Food tourism
Clang Garcia was in the inflight magazine trade for many years and would also dabble in handling inbound tours.
Shock therapy
The Monetary Board last Thursday administered the equivalent of shock therapy – the sort given to patients whose hearts stop beating. Our economy is in intensive care.
EDITORIAL— Surrender, or else what?
Only members of law enforcement and national security agencies are authorized to operate as armed groups in this country.
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