Mans Carpio is complainant behind journalist's 'irregular' arrest, says lawyer
The case stems from a March 6 Facebook post questioning whether Carpio helped fund the operation of the so-called “18 Marines.”
Edition
Philstar
Monday, 26 October · 93 stories
Top stories
Watchdogs urge Senate to strip House 'insertions' in pork-riddled 2027 budget
Groups want unsupported projects removed and cuts to basic services reconsidered.
3 Filipinos stopped in Davao over military jobs in Eastern Europe
They were allegedly promised salaries of P200,000 a month.
'Modus'?: Ombudsman urges DOJ probe into Philip Lustre arrest process
Lustre's lawyer said the journalist never received a subpoena or notice before his arrest.
Old playbook vs Duterte critics resurfaces in journalist Philip Lustre's arrest
"They couldn’t find him" to serve the complaint, but police found him when it was time to arrest him.
Vince Dizon, Giovanni Lopez trade posts at DOTr, DPWH
Dizon is back to fix Filipinos' commute, while Lopez is tasked to sustain DPWH reforms.
Outsource Philippine visas? Ombudsman call draws DFA defense of mandate
DFA pushes back against Boying Remulla's call to outsource processing to third parties.
Philippines denies undersea cable arrangement with Taiwan
DFA says no cooperation arrangement exists after Beijing objected to the Washington discussion.
Lacson, Gatchalian urge peaceful arrest of Bato
Senators are urging law enforcers to ensure a peaceful and bloodless arrest of fugitive Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, even as the chamber’s leadership rejected the idea of negotiating with the armed group reportedly…
UN flags military use of AI
Artificial intelligence (AI) is being given a growing number of responsibilities in military affairs, and the role of human judgment in military operations is shrinking rapidly, the head of the United Nations’…
‘Five transnational drug networks operating in Philippines’
Five transnational drug networks with reported links in neighboring Southeast Asian countries are operating actively in the Philippines, a senior police official told lawmakers investigating the foiled smuggling of…
Philippines, Japan, US conclude West Philippine Sea drills
Naval forces of the Philippines, Japan and the United States concluded on Saturday a multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) in the West Philippine Sea aimed at strengthening logistics, maritime security, and…
PNP probes Thomas Markle over child abuse images
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has opened an investigation into allegations that Thomas Markle, father of Meghan, duchess of Sussex, possessed images of child sexual abuse reportedly found among his belongings at…
‘TESDA must explain alleged P5 million offer to Lacson’
The Senate will seek an explanation from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority during plenary debates on TESDA’s proposed 2027 budget after Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s allegation of a P5-million “allocation…
Gatchalian: Absentee senators not receiving salaries, office funds
Absentee Senators Ronald dela Rosa, Rodante Marcoleta, Jinggoy Estrada and Loren Legarda are currently not receiving their monthly salaries and office operating funds, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian confirmed…
DPWH blacklists 7 erring construction firms
Seven construction companies have been blacklisted by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), including firms controlled by detained contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya, fugitive Zaldy Co and other entities…
DBM: Budget provisions unaffected by SC ruling implementable
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said provisions of the 2026 national budget not covered by the Supreme Court (SC) ruling on unprogrammed appropriations (UA) remain implementable.
Chiz to refuse VP post if VP Sara is convicted
Impeachment court presiding officer Francis Escudero on Sunday expressed full confidence in the fairness of the ongoing impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, while categorically declaring that he would…
Impeachment trial seen finished before Christmas break
The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte could be over before Congress goes on Christmas break, considering the timeline of the defense to present its evidence.
Nation
4 men killed in Maguindanao del Sur ambush
Four men traveling together in a silver car were killed in an ambush on Monday afternoon, October 26, along a highway in an interior area of Barangay Tulunan, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Maguindanao del Sur.
5 killed in gun attacks across BARMM towns in 36 hours
Gunmen killed a barangay councilor and four others in separate attacks across the adjoining provinces of Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte, as well as the Bangsamoro region's Special Geographic Area (SGA)…
P7.04-M worth of shabu seized in 3 PDEA-9 operations
Anti-narcotics agents seized a total of P7.04 million worth of shab in separate operations targeting three suspected peddlers, one of whom was from Tawi-Tawi in the Bangsamoro region and had reportedly eluded four…
Army unit receives new facilities for peacebuilding efforts in Davao del Sur
Officials inaugurated new infrastructure facilities at a military headquarters in Matanao, Davao del Sur, on Saturday, October 24. The facilities will serve as venues for multi-sector dialogues aimed at maintaining…
Diesel up P1.20, gasoline down P0.30 starting Oct. 27
Motorists will see mixed fuel price changes starting October 27.
ITCZ to affect Zamboanga Peninsula, parts of Mindanao
Parts of western Mindanao may see scattered rains and thunderstorms.
Bong Go aids Davao tanods, purok presidents
Sen. Bong Go extended assistance to barangay watchmen and purok presidents in Lupon town in Davao Oriental on Friday, as recognition of their contributions to maintaining peace and order and the service they give to…
Isabela governor takes helm of provinces’ league
Isabela Gov. Rodito Albano was unanimously elected as chairman of the League of Provinces of the Philippines during a special LPP meeting on Oct. 22.
DA backs hog raisers’ tariff hike bid
Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. yesterday threw his support behind hog raisers’ calls for higher pork import tariffs, saying the DA intends to ease mounting losses among local producers…
2 PCG bomb experts injured in Zamboanga explosion
Two Philippine Coast Guard bomb experts were injured after an explosive they were preparing for a training activity went off inside the PCG-Southwestern Mindanao barracks here on Saturday.
BARMM mayor’s attacker nabbed
One of the gunmen who attacked Shariff Aguak town Mayor Akmad Ampatuan Sr. with a rocket launcher in January was arrested over the weekend, the Philippine National Police announced.
Gibo warns government vs falling behind in defense buildup
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has warned that the Philippines cannot afford to be timid in building its defense capabilities, saying a conservative approach could make the country a regional laggard.
Journalist freed on bail
Veteran journalist Philip Lustre Jr. was released on bail on Saturday night after a Davao City court issued a warrant for his arrest for cyberlibel.
2 killed in Taguig checkpoint shootout
Two armed suspects have been killed in what police said was a shootout at a checkpoint in Barangay Western Bicutan, Taguig
24,106 fire personnel deployed for Undas
The Bureau of Fire Protection will deploy 24,106 BFP personnel nationwide for All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, placing fire stations on heightened alert from Oct. 28 to Nov. 3 and linking emergency operations to Unified…
Regions
352 violators booked
The Cebu Police Provincial Office recorded 352 individuals for violating local ordinances during 295 police operations across Cebu Province on October 24, with fines totaling P53,150 under the Safer Cities Initiative.
Agriculture committee defers purchase of refrigerated van
The Cebu City Council's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development has recommended delaying the proposed procurement of a P7 million refrigerated van for the City Agriculture Department.
Pacquiao chessfest offers P1.5 million in prizes
The merry month of December gets even merrier with the staging of the National United Chess Federation of the Philippines (NUCFP) Chairman Manny Pacquiao 48th Birthday International Open Chess Championships on Dec…
All set for Inter-BPO pickleball tourney
Everything is in place for the inaugural Kayu Inter-BPO Pickleball Tournament on November 16 at the Portside Courts across Robinsons Galleria Cebu.
Cheetahs get even with Jaguars
The Benedicto College Cheetahs scored a vengeful 76-64 victory over the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Jaguars to stay atop of the college division standings in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc…
Business
Almost P64: Peso sinks to record P63.95 to a dollar
The peso opened stronger Monday but reversed course to close at a record P63.95 to $1.
BIR pauses seal badge rule for online sellers, creators
State tax collectors no longer require the badges to be posted.
LemFi launches its biggest product expansion alongside new global brand, ‘Ambition has no passport’
More than 2 million customers use LemFi to move money to more than 30 countries, with over $2 billion in monthly transaction volume.
SBMA, Subic EnerZone renew partnership for next 25 years
The signing extens the management and operation of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone power distribution utility for the next 25 years.
Ube is worth $595M globally. Why is Philippines capturing just $3 million?
Philippine ube varieties are spreading to overseas growers who are outpacing the country in meeting global demand.
What happens now?
Now that the Supreme Court has declared controversial allocations in 2024, 2025 and portions of the 2026 national budgets unconstitutional, what happens next?
Bullish or bearish?
The stock market has always served as a barometer for the overall state of the economy.
Prime Infrastructure ready to supply natural gas in Visayas and Mindanao
Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. of tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. is targeting the Visayas and Mindanao as new markets for its natural gas business.
British fintech giant eyes digital bank license in Philippines
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) remains in active discussions with British financial technology giant Revolut over its planned entry into the Philippine digital banking market, although there is no definite…
Philippines infrastructure spending slows down in August
State infrastructure spending took another hit in August as ongoing project bidding and uncashed checks weighed on disbursements by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), while flooding across parts of…
MGEN mulls bid for 232 megawatt Mindanao coal plant
Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN) may consider bidding for Mindanao’s first coal-fired power plant, seeing an opportunity in the region’s growing electricity demand.
DA eyes PPP for P80 billion farm-to-market roads
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is looking to place about P80 billion worth of farm-to-market roads (FMR) under public-private partnership (PPP) to hasten the construction of farm roads in rural areas.
Stocks turn sights on Fed
The local stock exchange is headed to another week of vulnerability, as investors keep an eye out on another policy-setting meeting of the US Federal Reserve, though most analysts predict rates would hold.
Sustainability makes cents for SM Investments
Green, as they say, is the color of money and nature.
Special Report: Philippine Airlines during the COVID pandemic
Within weeks, the COVID-19 pandemic plunged the world into a deep public health and economic crisis that devastated global aviation, laid waste to economies and killed millions of people.
Government billed P1.8 billion for railway delays
A change in railway strategy is becoming more imminent for the Department of Transportation (DOTr), as delays in big-ticket projects have required the payment of P1.8 billion to lenders.
World
UK police revisit 2019 claims on Thomas Markle amid Philippine probe
The Thomas Markle case has taken a new turn in London as a separate forensic examination is conducted in the Philippines.
Sports
Filipino table tennis tandems book world berths
Despite not being selected by Asian Games local organizers to participate in the games in Aichi-Nagoya, four Filipino table tennis players are headed to the world stage.
Eala outclasses Stojsavlevic at start of Toray Pan Pacific campaign
Pure domination from Alex Eala.
Paat-Rezanova thrives in backup role for Foxies as PVL career nears finish line
Mylene Paat-Rezanova is making the most out of what could be her farewell tour even if it meant embracing an unfamiliar role as a backup.
La Salle's Macalalag, UST's McAlary are UAAP Players of the Week
Breakout performances earned JC Macalalag the weekly citation, while Erinn McAlary took the honors after playing a key role in the Growling Tigresses’ first-round sweep.
Maroons to don Philippine colors in Asian University Basketball League
University of the Philippines will be representing the country in the upcoming Asian University Basketball League (AUBL).
Asia-Pacific Amateur offers golden pathway to major dreams for Filipino hopefuls
At the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, the demands are simple but rather unforgiving — produce four rounds and 72 holes of near-perfect golf and the rewards can be a lifetime of memories.
LPGT season culminates with Apo showdown
One last tournament. One final push. And a season’s worth of ambition hanging in the balance.
Quiban, Shin boost ICTSI Apo Golf Classic field
Justin Quiban’s return and Micah Shin’s entry have added star power and fresh intrigue to an already loaded field, setting the stage for a wide-open title chase in the ICTSI Apo Golf Classic.
Camacho bests 12,500-strong Women's Run PH field
Maricar Camacho carried the torch for women as she emerged the fastest in the 2026 Lactacyd Women’s Run PH on Sunday at Ayala Triangle Gardens.
Aurora captures elusive MPL crown, sets sights on historic M8 title defense
Aurora Gaming PH finally added a domestic championship to its growing list of accomplishments, defeating Team Falcons PH, 4-2, to capture the MPL Philippines Season 18 crown.
Quezon, Binan shoot for South Finals
Quezon Province and Binan Tatak Gel target South Division Finals slots against different opponents on Tuesday.
Altas, Chiefs pursue NC leaders
Perpetual Help and Arellano U wage chase of the frontrunners as they slug it out today in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Ajido Philippine flag-bearer in Dakar YOG
Young swimming standout Jamesray Mishael Ajido will be the flag-bearer for a small Philippine contingent in the parade of athletes during the Opening Ceremony of the Fourth Youth Olympic Games (YOG) on Oct. 31 in Dakar.
Sizzling Maroons repeat over Warriors
Red-hot University of the Philippines trounced winless University of the East, 101-70, to notch its fifth straight triumph and reclaim solo lead in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball yesterday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
No LeBron, no problem as Sixers roll on
The Philadelphia 76ers extended their perfect start to the NBA season with a 127-116 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday as the San Antonio Spurs bagged their first win of the campaign against the Dallas…
Yulo misses podium in Rotterdam
After falling short of the floor exercise crown, Carlos Yulo relinquished his position as world vault champion as well.
East Asia Cup to reopen Rizal diamond
PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio is aiming for the stands to crack a homerun for Philippine baseball as his campaign to transform the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex into a vibrant hub opens a new chapter in rehabilitating…
NLEX wards off Phoenix
NLEX went through the wringer before disposing of Phoenix Super LPG, 97-92, in a PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinal opener that hardly reflected the combatants’ seedings.
Entertainment
Rica Peralejo considers leaving PH amid frustration over 'unfair system'
The actress got candid about how currently feels living in the country.
Klarisse de Guzman mourns death of mother
The singer-actress is mourning the death of her mother.
Celebrity friends defend Alden Richards amid allegations
They got Alden Richards' back.
Alden Richards stresses doing good without expecting anything in return
Alden Richards underscored the importance of doing good without expecting anything in return as he honored 20 unsung Filipino heroes at the Hero For All 2026 ceremony on Sunday, October 25.
Marian Rivera sets record straight on long-standing 'padlock' rumor
Marian Rivera has addressed a long-standing showbiz rumor about her locking an actress inside a room.
Pandemic love story culminates in union
Oct. 10, 2026, or 10-10-26, proved to be an auspicious date for Lyle Villarmino and Dresh Santos as they exchanged wedding vows at the Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus.
Joel Torre surprised to be handpicked for pan-Asian Viu series ‘kiDnap GAME’
Filipino actor Joel Torre has joined the cast of the pan-Asian thriller “kiDnap GAME,” alongside Korean star Lee Joon-gi, Japanese actor Kentaro Sakaguchi and other Asian talents, without having to audition.
Lifestyle
Shiela Valderrama to play Queen Femina in ‘Zsazsa Zaturnnah’ musical
Theater star Shiela Valderrama will play Queen Femina Suarestellar Baroux in the 20th-anniversary staging of Filipino musical “Zsazsa Zaturnnah Ze Parteeeh!” in April 2027.
New pet care brands Amico, Veravit enter local market; name Maxene Magalona as brand ambassador
Caring for pets goes beyond providing food and shelter. It also means understanding their needs, supporting their well-being, and making time for meaningful moments with them.
This Pinoy ice cream is made with potato
A unique ice cream with dehydrated potatoes in it.
8 Hopecore reads to indulge in when you're feeling blue
Words have a way of uplifting your spirit and feeding your soul with positivity and joy.
Refreshing citrusy pancakes for breakfast
A quick, sweet yet tangy brekkie option.
Maynilad makes handwashing a community effort
Maynilad's handwashing stations for schools in Muntinlupa and Navotas show how access to the right hygiene facilities helps keep children healthy.
Opinion
Super El Niño
At the public hearing for the proposed 2027 budget of the Department of Agriculture (DA) last week, Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. expressly supported the suggested declaration of “state of national emergency” due…
The Fil-Am midterm vote
Next Wednesday (Tuesday, Nov. 3 in the US), Americans will troop to the polling stations to cast their votes in what promises to be a historic midterm election, by all accounts a referendum on the tempestuous first half…
213 million possibilities across Asean
When more than 8,000 young people gathered for the ASEAN Youth Entrepreneurship Summit last Oct. 12, the scale of the moment was impossible to miss.
Now worth more than Atong?
The formerly most wanted fugitive in the Philippines, Atong Ang has been dethroned after the DILG “spokesperson” announced that the government is now offering a 50-million-peso bounty for retired PNP Chief and Senator…
Ultimatum
If the government knows where Sen. Ronald dela Rosa is and is negotiating with the “powerful” armed group protecting him, why dangle a P50-million reward for information leading to his capture?
EDITORIAL — The steep cost of delays
As of July this year, the government has been billed up to P1.76 billion in commitment fees by its lenders for delays in the implementation of big-ticket projects, Department of Transportation data showed.
Headlines and excerpts come from Philstar's public news feeds. Full stories are on Philstar's own site.