Top stories
Supreme Court rejects Romualdez bid to stop Ombudsman probe
In a statement on Wednesday, November 4, the high court ruled that Romualdez’s petition for certiorari has become moot following the formal filing of criminal charges against him before the Sandiganbayan.
Sotto seeks stricter Senate rules on prolonged absences
Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente "Tito" Sotto has filed a resolution seeking clearer rules on the prolonged and unauthorized absences of senators, citing complaints filed before the Committee on Ethics.
Immigration intercepts 2 Filipinos bound for conflict zones
The Bureau of Immigration has intercepted two Filipino men attempting to leave the country after uncovering suspicious online recruitment schemes that promised thousands of dollars in salaries and signing bonuses for…
BJMP probes alleged ‘irregularities’ in Romualdez’s detention
In a statement on Wednesday, November 4, the BJMP said that Chief Jail Director Efren Nemeño ordered an immediate investigation after rumours that Romualdez has been going out of prison.
Prosecutors asks ICC to admit testimonies detailing police’s ‘modus operandi’
In a motion filed under Rule 68(3) of the ICC Rules of Procedure and Evidence, the Office of the Prosecutor requested authorization to introduce the prior recorded statements, interview transcripts, and associated case…
C5 rehabilitation to start in late November, target completion by early 2028
The P2.5 billion rehabilitation of Circumferential Road 5 (C5) will begint this November and is projected to end in early 2028
NBI prepares subpoenas in Bulacan pet crematoriums probe
PAWS said it had gathered 191 affidavits and submissions from pet owners as of November 3.
2024 heatwave linked to 585 more preterm births in Philippines — study
Extreme heat in April 2024 resulted in 585 additional preterm births during the 15-day period, where temperatures rose 2.44 degrees above normal.
Wage hikes in Western Visayas, Soccsksargen take effect Nov. 19
How much will workers earn under new Western Visayas, SOCCSKSARGEN wage hikes?
Myanmar nationals ask Philippines' appeals court to act on stalled war crimes case
Chin war survivors want the DOJ compelled to act on their 2023 complaint.
Wary of 'dictator' tag, Marcos won't touch budget approved by House allies
A "dictator" if he steps in, "indifferent" if he stays out.
295 DPWH projects to be removed
Close to 300 infrastructure projects deemed not compliant with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)’s evaluation would be removed from the P7.2-trillion proposed national budget for next year, Senate…
5 Filipinos in California charged with illegal voting
Five Filipinos in California were among the 63 people charged in connection with illegal voting, fraudulent voter registration and related election crimes, the United States Department of Justice said Tuesday (Manila…
China urged: Walk the talk on peace
If China is indeed serious in its pronouncements that the last thing it wants is war in the region, then it must “walk the talk” and stop making diplomatic provocations over the highly sensitive issue of the West…
DA addresses data discrepancies on farm-to-market roads
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has tightened its validation of technical descriptions in budget documents after errors were flagged in project information, including coordinates for proposed farm-to-market roads…
Move It appeals P555 million penalty
The decision on the rider overboarding case issued against ride-hailing app Move It is not yet final, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board said yesterday.
DPWH execs face graft for P491.9 million right-of-way scam
The Office of the Ombudsman has filed before the Sandiganbayan graft and malversation charges against six officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Soccsksargen and other individuals over an…
Senate eyes tougher animal welfare law
Senators have called for an inquiry in aid of legislation following a pet crematorium’s alleged dumping of animal remains in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
No shoot-to-kill order vs Bato – PNP
The Philippine National Police has denied issuing a “shoot-to-kill” order for Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, stressing that efforts to arrest the former PNP chief would remain within the bounds of the law.
DepEd procures 172,654 MacBooks for teachers
As part of its efforts to accelerate the country’s digital education roadmap, the Department of Education (DepEd) has secured 172,654 Apple MacBook Neo laptops for public school teachers and administrative staff…
ICC bars use of Tagalog for opening statements
Trial judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) have prohibited lawyers representing drug war victims from using Tagalog in their opening statement during the upcoming trial of former president Rodrigo Duterte…
Nation
6 hurt as truck rams car in highland Cotabato town
A wayward truck rammed a car from behind at a stretch of a highway in the upland Makilala town in Cotabato province on Tuesday, November 3, seriously hurting its three passengers and driver, now confined to a hospital.
Applicants for high positions in BARMM undergo extensive screening
Up to 22 applicants for high positions in the Bangsamoro government, now under a regular parliament, had been screened by a committee created early this week, a process that is entirely new to residents of the…
Rains seen over parts of Luzon, Visayas due to easterlies
Easterlies affect Quezon and Bicol while amihan prevails in the north.
6 suspects charged with murder in Batangas working student’s death
The San Jose Municipal Police Station has filed a murder complaint against four identified suspects and two unidentified individuals in connection with the fatal shooting of working student Charles Rodriguez Usi in…
President Marcos approves promotion of PCG commandant
President Marcos has approved the promotion of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Vice Admiral Rommel Supangan to the rank of admiral.
Business group: No to private cars on EDSA busway
Business group Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) yesterday opposed a proposal allowing private vehicles to use the exclusive EDSA busway for two weeks.
2 dead in Quezon City fire
Two people died and around 200 families were left homeless after a fire razed about 100 houses in Barangay E. Rodriguez Sr. in Cubao, Quezon City on Monday night.
No LTO leadership shakeup yet – Dizon
There is no decision yet if Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Markus Lacalinao will be removed or reassigned to another post, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon announced yesterday.
US imposes travel restrictions due to Ebola virus
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has imposed additional travel requirements for US-bound travelers due to the Ebola outbreak in the Republic of the Congo, according to the Bureau of Quarantine.
159 foreigners rescued in parcel scam hub raid
Authorities rescued yesterday 159 foreign nationals and arrested three alleged operators of an international parcel scam hub in Pasay where fake police uniforms, handcuffs and a staged police station were used to…
Intensify feeding programs for undernourished kids, LGUs told
Local government units (LGUs) have ben ordered to intensify supplementary feeding programs for undernourished children to prevent early childhood malnutrition, and physical and cognitive impairment.
Soccsksargen workers get P41 in daily pay hike
Minimum wage earners in Soccsksargen will receive an increase of P41 in their daily pay after the National Wages and Productivity Commission approved their wage hike petition.
Ex-vice mayor’s slay suspect nabbed after 16 years
After 16 years in hiding, the alleged gunman in the murder of a former vice mayor of Claveria in Masbate has been arrested in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna.
5 rob suspects killed in Cavite shootout
Five suspected members of a robbery and kidnapping group were killed in an encounter with police officers following an attempt to break into a house in Bacoor, Cavite yesterday afternoon.
Regions
Laslas sa budget sa Sugbo
Dunay laing higanteng proyekto sa Sugbo nga gisabotahe sa mga kongresista: Ang New Cebu International Container Port Project in Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu, gigahinan ni Presidente Ferdinand Marcos Jr. og ?8.988 bilyones…
The search for the 28th chief justice
In the Philippine hierarchy of official ranks, the president is the highest official of the land, followed by the vice president, the Senate president, the speaker of the House, then the Supreme Court chief justice as…
The art of faithful discipleship
At first hearing, Christ's words in Luke 14:25-33 sound almost shocking. He speaks of carrying the cross, building a tower, and preparing for war. It is hardly the speech one expects from the Prince of Peace. Yet his…
EDITORIAL - Typhoon Tino one year on
Exactly a year ago today, Typhoon Tino lashed Cebu.
A year after Tino: Survivors still cry for justice, accountability
Flowers and balloons were offered in memory of those who died when Typhoon Tino devastated Cebu, but for survivors who gathered at Cotcot Bridge in Liloan a year after the disaster, remembrance also meant renewing their…
El Niño preparedness ramped up
The Department of Energy and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 7 are ramping up preparedness measures against the anticipated impact of a very strong El Niño, focusing on ensuring continuous…
Special task force created: City to reclaim river easements
The Cebu City government has created a special task force to lead a citywide effort to recover the legally mandated three-meter easements along rivers, creeks and drainage channels as part of its intensified campaign…
Disabled West
With a healthy lineup, OKC, having the best win-loss record the past two seasons, is the top team in the Western Conference, perhaps, the best in the NBA for that matter and they proved that on opening night when they…
Simmers, Medina make history as first Philippines Pro champions
Caitlin Simmers and Gabriel Medina claimed the women’s and men’s titles, respectively, in the first-ever World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro at Cloud 9 in Siargao Island on Tuesday, November 3.
Business
BOC eyes super green lane for MSMEs, exporters
The Bureau of Customs is studying proposals to streamline the handling of shipments and processing of approvals for micro, small and medium enterprises, and exporters by waiving physical examination for qualified firms.
BOC eyes 'super green lane' for small businesses, exporters
The Bureau of Customs is studying proposals to streamline the handling of shipments and processing of approvals for micro, small and medium enterprises, and exporters by waiving physical examination for qualified firms.
BBM should adopt an austerity budget
Former Central Bank governor Jose Cuisia Jr. believes that President Marcos should show more political will to adopt an austerity budget to arrest the country’s growing debt-to-gross domestic product ratio, which is now…
Angry nerds
The critics of the national budget, which the House recently passed, are ignorant, Deputy Speaker Ronnie Puno claims. Nothing could be further from the truth.
SGV out as PLDT external auditor
Accounting giant SyCip Gorres Velayo & Co. (SGV) has resigned as external auditor of PLDT Inc., saying it could no longer be relied upon to independently check the telco’s finances.
Philippine ranks 3rd in Southeast Asia’s sustainable bond market
The Philippines has emerged as Southeast Asia’s third-largest sustainable bond market, raising $23 billion from 2017 through the third quarter of 2026, as growing demand for infrastructure, climate resilience and clean…
British chamber urges passage of 4 key bills
The British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP) is pushing for the passage of four legislative measures including the Cybersecurity Act and Digital Payments Act to boost investor confidence and drive economic…
RSA, Razon firms among winners in 1st WTE auction
Companies backed by tycoons Ramon Ang and Enrique Razon Jr. are among nine firms poised to secure winning bids in the country’s first special waste-to-energy (WTE) auction.
Factory activity stays in contraction in October
Philippine manufacturing activity remained in contraction territory for the second straight month in October as output and new orders continued to fall due to weak demand, according to S&P Global.
JP Morgan to Ayala: Sell smaller units, take property arm private
J.P. Morgan has commended Ayala Corp.’s sharper portfolio management under president and CEO Cezar Consing, with the investment banking giant seeing more value being unlocked if the conglomerate sells smaller units upon…
Hotel101-Madrid posts record-high revenues in October
DoubleDragon Corp. continues to enjoy strong demand for its first Hotel101-branded property outside the Philippines, posting record-high revenues in October.
DBP feted in AsPac tilt for key projects
State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) bagged three awards from an international group of financial institutions for its projects that expand access to education, widen financial inclusion and support…
PSEi retreats on cautious trading
The local stock market finished in the negative territory on its return from a holiday break, as investors stayed cautious ahead of the release of the country’s October inflation data this week.
UnionBank CEO in Forbes Asia’s 2026 Power Businesswomen list
Union Bank of the Philippines president and CEO Ana Maria Aboitiz Delgado has been named among Forbes Asia’s 20 outstanding female leaders, helping shape the region’s economic transformation amid global volatility.
Philippines demand boosts Cambodia rice exports
The Philippines’ growing demand for rice has fueled a sharp increase in Cambodian rice exports as Manila seeks to diversify its imported rice sources, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
‘No rate cuts yet’
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is not yet considering interest rate cuts as monetary tightening remains necessary to contain inflation, which could continue rising over the next few months.
Sports
Red-hot Maroons skin Falcons for sixth straight win
University of the Philippines tightened its grip on the top spot of the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament after grounding the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 82-70, Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Highlights: ICTSI South Pacific Classic
Scenes during the recently concluded ICTSI South Pacific Classic at the South Pacific Golf Club in Davao.
Tamaraws thump Red Warriors to bolster semis bid
Far Eastern University strengthened its bid for a UAAP Season 89 Final Four berth after turning back University of the East Red, 94-83, Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Eala tries to counter Czech curse, faces Valentova for Hong Kong Open quarters slot
A second straight quarterfinal berth is at stake as Alex Eala tries to finally score one on Czech ace Tereza Valentova in the WTA250 Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open at the Victoria Park Tennis Stadium.
Siargao gets 5G boost as Smart backs WSL surf tilt
Smart is further enhancing its 5G coverage and capacity in key areas of Siargao Island in time for the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour event at Cloud 9 in General Luna, the island’s premier surfing spot.
Ordizo takes down Vietnamese WGM in breakthrough win at ASEAN+ chess tilt
The 18-year-old Alaminos, Pangasinan native delivered possibly the biggest victory of her young life — against Woman Grandmaster Hoang Thi Bao of Vietnam.
Second part of Defense and Sporting Arms Show slated Nov. 18-22
The Association of Firearms and Ammunition Dealers of the Philippines (AFAD) is set to hold Part 2 of its 32nd Defense and Sporting Arms Show from November 18-22 at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.
Chameleons bare true, deadly colors
The Nxled Chameleons have started to evolve to what they have aspired for so long — a team ready to claim their breakthrough Premier Volleyball League championship.
Ardina salvages 72 as Filipinas waver in LPGA-Q Series opener
Dottie Ardina battled back from early setbacks to salvage an even-par 72 and secure a share of 40th place. But her fellow Filipinas found themselves facing an uphill battle.
‘Fire in their eyes’: Beermen live to fight another day vs Gin Kings
With their backs against the wall, the San Miguel Beermen showcased resiliency to extend their best-of-five quarterfinal series against Barangay Ginebra.
SMART/MVPSF JPE national age group taekwondo set at Ninoy
Coming off a breakthrough showing at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, the Philippine Taekwondo Association (PTA) will stage the 2026 SMART/MVP Sports Foundation JPE National Age Group Taekwondo Championships…
WATCH: Alex Eala grateful for warm Filipino welcome in Hong Kong
From the court to the stands, Alex Eala felt the love of her fellow Filipinos in Hong Kong after her opening-round win.
First to the semis
NLEX made short work of Phoenix in booking only its third semifinal appearance since joining the PBA in 2014-15. This season, the Road Warriors were dispatched in the quarterfinals of the Philippine and Commissioner’s…
New Asian Cup date
The 2027 Asian Cup football tournament in Saudi Arabia will be postponed from January to December due to “exceptional circumstances” in the region, the continent’s governing body said on Tuesday.
Philippines wushu bet in medal hunt
Angel Polo put herself in a strong position for a medal in wushu in the 4th Youth Olympic Games on Monday.
Masters: A brutal par-70 test during Philippines Open
The real battle is still a week away, but the work has already begun at the Masters.
Highrisers snap winless spell
The first time is the sweetest.
Eala hurdles opening foe
Alex Eala dispatched Australian Emerson Jones – a last-minute replacement for injured American Alycia Parks – with an easy 6-4, 6-3 win in Round 1 of the WTA250 Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open yesterday at the Victoria…
Converge one away from final four
With a fierce second-half storm, Converge made it two in a row against Rain of Shine and moved on the doorstep of franchise history.
Medina, Simmers conquer Cloud 9
Three-time world champion Gabriel Medina of Brazil and Caitlin Simmers of the United States are on Cloud 9 after their big triumphs in the first-ever World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro yesterday.
Knockin’ on the door
Commit, defend, share the ball.
Entertainment
Zack Tabudlo writes song inspired by ‘PBB’ tandem Jeo, Gehlee
Singer-songwriter Zack Tabudlo is turning the kilig moments of “Pinoy Big Brother: Collab 3.0” housemates Gehlee Dangca and Jeo Ong into a song.
Monkey steals BINI Aiah's shades during Bali trip
Aiah Arceta of BINI had a funny encounter during a trip to Bali with a monkey that stole her sunglasses.
Maris Racal talks influence of 'Sunshine' on teen pregnancy awareness
Maris Racal sat down with Philstar.com to discuss the legacy of "Sunshine" outside of the numerous acting accolades she's been getting for portraying the titular character.
Odette Khan thanks Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes for hospital assistance
Veteran actress Odette Khan and her daughter, Claudette, have expressed their gratitude to Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes for helping them during her hospitalization earlier this year.
'Africa' hitmaker Toto returns to Manila for 50th anniversary tour
Toto has included a Philippine return for its ongoing world tour, just in time to celebrate its golden anniversary.
Angelina, Brad's daughter Vivienne 4th child to drop Pitt surname
A fourth child of former celebrity couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt has officially dropped the Pitt name.
'KMJS' apologizes to Paete woodcarver over ‘Gabi ng Lagim’ report
“Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” (KMJS) has apologized to woodcarver Pio Fadul and the people of Paete, Laguna, following complaints over its Halloween special that allegedly linked the town's woodcarving industry to curses…
'Find a new family': Britney Spears slams sister Jamie Lynn, ex Kevin Federline
Britney Spears went on a new online tirade.
HBO opens global casting call for ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ series
HBO and Firefly Casting have launched a global casting call for two characters in the upcoming series adaptation of “Crazy Rich Asians,” with submissions open until Nov. 30, 2026.
Former 1D member Louis Tomlinson bares his vulnerable side in Manila concert
Nostalgia enveloped the Smart Araneta Coliseum as former One Direction member Louis Tomlinson delivered a heartfelt rendition of the boy band’s hit song NightChanges during the Manila leg of his “How Did We Get Here?”…
What’s the prize or price of wearing a crown?
Women have varied aspirations in life. There are those who see themselves as corporate leaders, entrepreneurs and advocates. Some also dream of becoming a beauty queen, replete with a sash and a crown.
Atasha Muhlach’s ‘Bongga’ finale makes family proud
Atasha Muhlach has taken her final bow as Annie Batungbakal in “Bongga Ka, ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical,” successfully wrapping up her first lead role in a major theater production despite skepticism that…
Jose Mari Chan, The CompanY kick off US tour with sold-out California show
For Filipinos living thousands of miles away from home, Christmas is never quite complete without the familiar melodies that evoke memories of family gatherings, noche buena celebrations and the unmistakable warmth of a…
Lifestyle
From outsider to insider: Iranian presents Iloilo as home in immersive exhibit
The exhibit was named Dumdumanon, a Hiligaynon word that means “to remember or recollect,” because it embodies the visual journey of memory and light that the artist went through in taking the thought-provoking…
Explore Taiwan: Michelin dining, old streets, hot spring escapes and things to do on a layover
For its “Taiwan 100 Ways: Find Your Wave, Discover Your Way” campaign, the Taiwan Tourism Administration brings together four Filipino creators to explore those possibilities. Laureen Uy-Cruz seeks out food worth…
Five expert advice young Filipinos can take to protect their mind health in an always-on world
AXA Mind Health Report 2026 highlights digital fatigue among Filipino youth.
Angelina, Brad's daughter Vivienne 4th child to drop Pitt surname
A fourth child of former celebrity couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt has officially dropped the Pitt name.
Secosana celebrates 30 years with Bea Alonzo, Andrea Brillantes and first-ever footwear collection
The beloved Filipino fashion brand celebrates three generations of style, welcomes a new face, and takes an exciting step forward.
City of Dreams Manila wins 6th Asia’s Leading Casino Resort Award, retains Philippines’ Leading Casino Resort title at World Travel Awards 2026
City of Dreams Manila earns sixth Asia's Leading Casino Resort title, while Nobu Hotel Manila wins as Philippines’ Leading Lifestyle Hotel.
WATCH: Chef Miggy Moreno raises Mindanao flag anew with 2 Bib Gourmands
Cabel near Malacanang and Palm Grill in Tomas Morato are among the 81 restaurants with the Bib Gourmand rating in the Michelin Guide Philippines 2027.
Opinion
Budget guard rails violated
The Supreme Court (SC) decision that declared unconstitutional specific provisions of the budget laws of 2024, 2025 and 2026 could undeniably cause delay in the approval of the 2027 General Appropriation Bill (GAB).
Mahiya naman kayo, BBM, Sandro jeered
People cheered when President Bongbong Marcos in his 2025 State of the Nation rebuked lawmakers, “Mahiya naman kayo!” He claimed then to be fed up with their pork barrels in the form of fake and faulty flood control…
Marcos failed Jonvic and us all
I have always liked Jonvic Remulla. He is intelligent, belongs to the thinking class and, I would like to believe, is independently wealthy enough to resist the temptations of corruption. He understands the flaws of the…
Bawas yabang, please
Just because so many people do it does not make it right.
Airlines’ perfect storm
The Marcos administration has consistently received the lowest approval ratings in managing inflation.
EDITORIAL — Threats evolve; impunity endures
Apart from remembering the dearly departed on All Souls’ Day, the nation also joined the global community on Nov. 2 in marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
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