Over 60,000 passengers leave ports for Undas — PCG
More than 60,000 passengers have departed from ports nationwide as Filipinos travel for the observance of Undas 2026, the Philippine Coast Guard said.
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Saturday, 31 October · 87 stories
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LIVE updates: Undas 2026
Filipinos are observing Undas on November 1 and 2 as families visit cemeteries and memorial parks to remember their departed loved ones.
Men can also be victims of sexual violence — Supreme Court
The Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of a woman for statutory acts of lasciviousness after she sexually abused her 11-year-old nephew, stressing that men can also be victims of sexual violence.
19 more Philippine restos get Michelin Guide recognition
On its second edition in the Philippines, the Michelin Guide recognized 19 new food establishments across Manila, Cebu, Pampanga and Cavite, bringing the number of honorees this year to 127.
P30 million cloud-seeding brings hope to Visayas sugar farms
As the Visayas sugar industry braces for the looming threat of a projected super El Niño, a much-needed dose of hope may soon come from the skies.
VP camp calls out new ‘tanim witness’
The camp of Vice President Sara Duterte yesterday dismissed the claim of an alleged former driver of former House speaker Lord Allan Velasco, that he delivered suitcases of cash to her.
Diokno: Concrete plan needed amid peso drop
Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno urged the Marcos administration to present a clear and concrete plan to address the peso’s continued depreciation and cushion its impact on ordinary families.
How tech can help Filipinos weather El Niño impact
From low-cost water filtration systems to biofertilizers and automated irrigation, Filipino-made technologies are offering practical solutions to water shortages and agricultural losses as the country braces for the…
2-year delay on CCTV turnover at NAIA irks Dizon
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon expressed dismay at the nearly two-year delay in the transfer of closed-circuit television control at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
BAN Toxics warns of chemicals in Halloween toys
A watchdog group has warned consumers about hazardous chemicals found in Halloween toys and costumes, urging manufacturers and importers to comply with Philippine safety standards to protect children from toxic exposure.
Gas prices seen higher next week; rollback for diesel
Motorists should brace for higher gasoline prices next week as the escalating conflict in the Middle East continues to threaten critical oil supply.
DepEd gains international recognition for improved PISA results
The Department of Education (DepEd) gained international recognition for its recent performance improvements in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA).
Stricter transport safety, security checks sought
Senate committee on public services chairman Sen. Raffy Tulfo has urged agencies to ensure the safety of millions of people expected to travel to their provinces during the Undas holiday, calling for stricter…
Nation
MNLF veterans, non-Moro governors supports new BARMM parliament
Two Christian governors and a big group of now elderly members of the Moro National Liberation Front on Saturday, October 31, took turns assuring support for the peacebuilding initiatives of the now duly-mandated…
Police, military cited for securing inaugural BARMM parliament session
Local executives and regional officials lauded on Saturday, October 31, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for together ensuring tranquility in this city during…
Mayon Volcano eruption displaces over 2,000 residents in Albay
A total of 2,041 people have been evacuated from parts of Albay following the moderately explosive eruption of Mayon Volcano on October 30, the provincial government said.
Mayon Volcano emits ash plume; Alert Level 3 remains
Mayon Volcano emitted an ash plume that rose 200 meters above its summit crater early Saturday, October 31, as the volcano continued to show signs of heightened activity.
Go turns over Super Health Center in Davao City
The opening of a Super Health Center in Barangay Tibungco marked a milestone in bringing accessible healthcare closer to residents of Davao City, according to Sen. Bong Go.
5 engineers suspended over Bulacan flood projects
The Office of the Ombudsman has suspended five engineers of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Bulacan in connection with alleged anomalous flood control projects worth P188.9 million.
Moderately explosive eruption occurs in Mayon
A moderately explosive eruption occurred at Mayon Volcano in Albay shortly before noon yesterday, producing a grayish ash plume that rose 3,000 meters above the crater, according to the Philippine Institute of…
PNP to deploy 16,823 security personnel for Asean Summit
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is deploying 16,823 police officers and force multipliers to secure world leaders and delegates to the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Related ASEAN Summits in…
58 rescued as roro vessel tilts off Quezon
Fifty-eight people including passengers and crewmembers were rescued when a roll-on roll-off vessel tilted near a port in this town shortly after midnight yesterday.
Dead whale shark beached in Bacolod
A dead whale shark measuring between six to seven meters and weighing about four tons was found along the shore in this city yesterday morning.
Vatican elevates 412-year-old Malabon church into minor basilica
The Vatican has elevated a 412-year-old church in Malabon as a minor basilica, the first in the Diocese of Kalookan to receive the designation.
Isko to elderly: Visit cemeteries on off-peak days
With more than a million visitors anticipated for Undas at the Manila North Cemetery (MNC), Mayor Isko Moreno is advising senior citizens to consider coming on off-peak days to avoid health risks amid large crowds.
Bettors seek NBI probe over unpaid online gambling pots
Five bettors in online gambling have asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate an online gaming platform over what they claimed as unpaid jackpot winnings worth P5 billion.
Regions
The peso at P64.17
We just broke through every psychological barrier in a single trading week.
Aboitiz Power drives AEV’s 9-month earnings to P17.8 billion
Aboitiz Power Corp. led the earnings performance of Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. in the first nine months of 2026, as higher electricity prices, increased contracted power sales and additional generation capacity offset…
Real estate group warns escrow rule could delay housing projects
The Philippine real estate industry is urging the government to reconsider new licensing rules requiring developers to place buyer payments in escrow, warning that the measure could restrict access to working capital…
Mandaue to pilot Metro Cebu sewerage system
Mandaue City has been identified as the pilot area for the initial implementation of a centralized sewerage system in Metro Cebu to be undertaken by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
City Hall starts ?35 million fuel subsidy payouts
The Cebu City Government has started releasing fuel subsidy assistance to qualified transport drivers on Friday, October 30, months after approving the program and launching a validation process to weed out ineligible…
To expand specialized medical care: VSMMC seeks P2. billion budget
The Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center is seeking a ?2.2-billion budget for 2027 to strengthen its services as an Apex hospital and expand its capacity to provide specialized medical care.
Jaguars, Warriors eye repeat wins
The University of San Jose-Recoleto Jaguars and University of San Carlos Warriors will shoot for repeat victories as they face separate opponents in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. Season 26 basketball…
Business
The scariest things are not in costumes
Halloween. Children dress as ghosts, witches, vampires and assorted creatures that would make any respectable homeowner hesitate before opening the door. Shopping malls display cobwebs, skeletons and pumpkins. Even…
Trade gap widens to $5.15 billion in September
The country’s trade deficit widened in September despite record exports earnings and fastest growth in over five years, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
Weak peso pushes NG debt to record P19.66 trillion
The country’s outstanding debt ballooned to another record high of P19.66 trillion as of end-September, due to issuance of government securities and peso depreciation against the dollar.
Metrobank named Philippine’s strongest bank for sixth straight year
Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) has retained its title as the Philippines’ strongest bank for the sixth consecutive year, according to financial research and intelligence provider The Asian Banker.
DoubleDragon profit soars to P3.91 billion from January to September
DoubleDragon Corp., the listed property business of Edgar “Injap” Sia II and Tony Tan Caktiong, has nearly quadrupled its profit, fueled by strong overseas projects that generate dollar revenues.
Shares tumble, peso gains ahead of Undas break
Investors yesterday made sure to cash in profits before heading into the Undas break, having no motivation to buy more due to uncertainties on the economic front.
FDA sounds alarm over illicit sale of squishy toys
In August, the United States’ Consumer Product Safety Commission also warned consumers about fake squishy toys that could be choking hazards due to their materials. The CPSC explained that some squishy toys contain…
Moody’s cuts Philippine 2026 growth forecast to 3.3 percent
Moody’s Ratings has further trimmed its Philippine growth forecast for 2026 to 3.3 percent from 3.6 percent previously as elevated energy prices and weak investment continue to weigh on economic activity.
Sports
Tropang 5G send strong semis message after sweeping Hotshots
Next up: Semifinals.
Archers prevail vs Blue Eagles in overtime
La Salle shot down rival Ateneo, 76-73, in overtime of their UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tussle Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Road Warriors cruise past Fuel Masters en route to PBA semis
NLEX's road to the PBA Governors' Cup semifinals has been cleared.
Tigers unperturbed despite being in tough position for Final Four berth
There is no need to push the panic button yet for the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers as far as their UAAP Season 89 bid is concerned, team captain Mark Llemit stressed.
Bulldogs keep struggling Tigers at bay
National University hustled its way to a huge win over University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, 75-71, in their UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball clash Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Hopkins steals show, enters quarterfinals of World Surf League Siargao tilt
World No. 14 Yolanda Hopkins pulled off a major reversal, knocking out World No. 3 Gabriela Bryan to advance to the quarterfinals of the inaugural World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro at the iconic…
Content creator MK raves about Philippines' basketball passion
Simply electric.
Letran’s Jimboy Estrada leads Letran to twice-to-beat edge
Jimboy Estrada rose to the occasion as Colegio de San Juan de Letran became the first team to secure a twice-to-beat advantage heading into the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball quarterfinals.
New local golf show tees off Sunday, brings the sport closer to fans
Golf is enjoying a remarkable surge in popularity in the Philippines, with more Filipinos taking up the sport, driving ranges drawing enthusiastic crowds week after week and a growing number of newcomers discovering the…
Dumdumaya moves to 13th, keeps Top 10 bid alive in Asia-Pacific tilt
Jaden Dumdumaya rebounded from a late stumble with a birdie on the last hole to salvage an even-par 71, climbing to solo 13th after three rounds of the Asia-Pacific Golf Championship at the Te Arai Links South Course in…
One Taguig FC enters strategic deal with Indonesian cheesemaker
One Taguig Football Club is collaborating with artisanal cheesemaker GIOIA Cheese Indonesia in a one-season strategic alliance to promote excellence and community engagement.
Suarez left out, again
Charly Suarez just can’t seem to catch a break.
Manas runner-up in WC 10-Ball
At seven years old in dark-lit pool halls in Antipolo, AJ Manas took up billiards and dreamt of becoming Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante someday. He is getting there.
Eala yields to Shnaider a second time around
Alex Eala fell prey to Diana Shnaider of Russia for the second time around, surrendering a tough 6-2, 6-7 (5), 4-6 meltdown to miss out on a Final Four seat in the WTA500 Toray Pan Pacific Open at the Ariake Tennis…
Jucom, Morales lead Blazers over Pirates
College of St. Benilde went to Matthew Jucom in the first three quarters and John Morales in the fourth and final canto as it survived a late, furious Lyceum fightback and escaped with a 107-103 victory in NCAA Season…
Shin dominates ICTSI Apo
Micah Shin shrugged off rain-soaked conditions and an early charge from Russell Bautista to pull off a breakaway nine-shot victory in the ICTSI Apo Golf Classic at Apo Golf in Davao City yesterday.
Cloud 9 aces vs world’s best
No promise, no expectation – just all heart.
Gin Kings one win away
Strike back for San Miguel Beer? No, make it a second strike for Barangay Ginebra.
Entertainment
'Bongga' Zara Larsson brings summer heat to Manila, eyes stadium for next return
The "Queen of Summer" declares summer isn't over even as the Philippines is in the thick of holiday spirit.
How Filipino horror podcasts keep ghost stories alive
“It was like he was not being allowed to share the story.”
Boy Abunda confirms he, Kris Aquino eye talk show return
The King and Queen back together again? We shall see.
Remembering Patrick Stewart, star of 'X-Men,' 'Star Trek' franchises
A proud Yorkshireman, Patrick Stewart "wore his heart on his sleeve, which made him a man to rely on, to admire and in my case, love," Ian McKellan said of his "X-Men" co-star and dear friend.
This is Halloween: Horror films to catch in cinemas
Filipinos love a good scare.
Vice Ganda breaks down comedy styles of 2nd 'LOL Philippines' season contestants
The new batch of "Last One Laughing (LOL) Philippines" contestants is strong representation of what the Philippine comedy scene has to offer.
Janice de Belen surprised ‘Pridyider’ still scares Filipinos after 42 years
Actress Janice de Belen admitted she never expected her role in the horror episode “Pridyider” to leave a lasting impression on Filipino moviegoers more than four decades after its release.
Halloween events and more to end October, welcome November
Halloween events will be ringing around the Philippines, plus some other fun activities on the side.
‘Ella Arcangel: Ballad of Tooth and Claw’ to open QCinema 2026
The Filipino animated fantasy-horror film “Ella Arcangel: Ballad of Tooth and Claw” will open this year’s QCinema International Film Festival.
The Gutierrez Halloween magic: Showcasing Pinoy creativity, one costume at a time
In an age when artificial intelligence can generate almost anything, Mond Gutierrez believes there is still something irreplaceable about human creativity, imagination and the art of filmmaking.
Lifestyle
Pet crematorium faces closure after 26 dogs, 3 cats found dumped in Bulacan
The Bacoor City government will suspend the business permit of Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium and shut down its operations amid an investigation after the remains of 26 dogs and three cats were found in plastic…
Pet crematorium shut down after 26 dogs, 3 cats found dumped in Bulacan
The Bacoor City government has shut down Ahjay Paws Aftercare Pet Crematorium following the discovery of the remains of 26 dogs and three cats in plastic bags dumped along a roadside in San Jose del Monte City, Bulacan.
New One-star Michelin resto Flow serves intention with Peruvian flair
Flow in Green Sun Hotel offers a tasting menu that in the words of its two young chefs, Kevin Uy and Gabriel “Gato” Ong, is an “experience in itself.”
How to keep your sanity in an upside-down world
Reading about tragic deaths, violent riots, corruption scandals and other discouraging events can chip away at the positive outlook I try hard to maintain.
Dubai-trained barista brings specialty coffee to Bukidnon
After spending more than a decade working in Dubai's specialty coffee scene, a Bukidnon native has returned home to bring his international experience to the growing coffee culture of Valencia City.
Email mishaps rise anew for 2027 Michelin Guide PH honorees
Email issues were not going to stop these Philippine restaurants from celebrating their Michelin Guide honors.
1st patient undergoes pioneering stem-cell treatment for Parkinson's
Worldwide, more than 10 million people are estimated to have the illness, according to the Parkinson's Foundation.
'Manosphere' should be treated as public health issue: report
A new report details the health impacts of the manosphere including on men's mental health and violence against women. It also says the movement "delegitimizes" men and boys seeking help.
GCash reminds users to stay vigilant vs scams this All Saints Day
GCash shares tell-tale signs of the most common scams to watch out for.
50 golden years of love & friendship
Atruly heartwarming celebration marked the golden wedding anniversary of Meycauayan City, Bulacan Mayor lawyer Henry Villarica and Bulacan 4th District Rep. Linabelle Ruth Ramos-Villarica, who renewed their vows after…
Opinion
Digital trust, not just digital tools: Why partnerships matter in building future of governance
We usually refer to digital transformation in terms of technology: faster internet, new apps and artificial intelligence. In the Philippines, which identifies digitalization as a driver of social and economic…
The Philippines is a maritime nation. Why don't we think like one?
Tomorrow morning, before most Filipinos have finished breakfast, they will already have depended on the maritime industry several times without realizing it.
Project Airbag
Taipan Henry “Big Boy” Sy Jr. hosted a rare impromptu Chinese lunch for senior business journalists at upscale China Blue restaurant in the family’s five-star Conrad Hotel Thursday. He seemed to convey two distinct…
Cyber-libel rice
"Sa langit, madaming bigas.”
Hope in a sea of hopelessness
Amid rampant corruption, a telenovela impeachment trial, the peso’s spiraling devaluation, high prices of gas and food and Filipinos’ continued loss of hope for change, there is reason for hope in South Upi, Maguindanao…
MADman on a mission
Raf Dionisio wanted to be a rich man, because he had set his sights on working for a multinational, being a corporate executive, using his penchant for Math and making a lot of money.
Conflicted
Members of the Senate sit as judges in the impeachment case involving the Vice President.
EDITORIAL — Hard, soft, shadow pork
With inflation accelerating, the peso weakening, economic growth slowing and the government’s debt rising to a new record high of P19.66 trillion as of end-September, there should be greater pressure for the judicious…
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