In a first, Japan’s security aid to Philippines includes defense equipment
Japan will provide the Philippines with a coastal radar system and surveillance drones under a ¥4.3-billion security grant.
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Philstar
Monday, 9 November · 97 stories
Top stories
Sara witness admits China trip with Davao officials after grilling
Davao City Assessor Jaime Adalin faced scrutiny over conflicting statements at trial Monday.
Davao assessor unable to verify P6-M property in Sara's SALN
Duterte's defense establishes location match, but P6-million property link remains unclear.
Defense witness confirms that “Barangay 74-A” and “Matina Crossing” are the same
Davao assessor confirms barangay location but cannot verify property match in Duterte's SALN.
Resto in 'residential' land? Defense witness' answer draws senator-judge's ire
Senator-judge questions why a site housing Prime Bistro is described as residential.
'Para tayong niloloko': Sara's first witness warned over China trip answers
Davao City Assessor Jaime Adalin first said he could not recall the trip, then said he may have forgotten only the date.
Robredo rules out presidential run anew: 'It's really closed'
The Naga mayor says her decision not to return to national politics came with her 2025 mayoral run and cannot be changed.
Senate court keeps gag rule on withdrawn Sara impeachment articles
Senate impeachment court reverses its earlier lifting of the restriction.
LIVE: Impeachment trial of Sara Duterte, Nov. 9
Defense is set to begin presenting its case in Vice President Sara Duterte's trial.
DFA: Philippine officials’ comments on China issue ‘regrettable’
Recent public commentary on China by certain government officials is “regrettable,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday, noting that under the Constitution, the President is the chief architect of…
Expanded Bayanihan SIM project eyed
The Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) is pushing for the expansion of the Bayanihan SIM Project, which provides free internet access to students, teachers and low-income families in far-flung and underserved areas.
Department of Agriculture bans imported pork cuts
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has banned the entry of various imported pork cuts, as its investigation found that continued imports cause injury to the country’s hog industry.
Bill vs AI job displacement filed
Amid growing concerns over automation-driven layoffs, Sen. Erwin Tulfo has filed a bill seeking to amend the Labor Code to protect Filipino workers from being displaced by artificial intelligence (AI).
Stronger measures vs school violence pushed
Financial technology lending company JuanHand is pushing for stronger preventive measures and greater public awareness of school-related violence amid a string of incidents in recent months.
P2 million escrow, fines eyed over balikbayan boxes
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) is seeking to impose a mandatory deposit of at least P2 million in an escrow account of cargo deconsolidators alongside hefty fines for delivery failures, in order to safeguard balikbayan…
DFA rejects ombudsman’s remarks on visa issuance
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) yesterday rejected Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla’s “erroneous” statement that authority over visa matters belongs exclusively to immigration authorities.
PNP tracking down Thomas Markle’s accomplices
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is intensifying efforts to identify possible local accomplices, including those who may have facilitated or participated in the crimes of American Thomas Markle who is accused of…
GenCorp lawyer skips impeachment hearing today
Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team yesterday confirmed that one of their witnesses, GenCorp Industries Inc. corporate counsel Suzette Balucanag-Punay would be unable to attend the impeachment hearing today.
Philippines moves to address climate-related loss, damage
The Philippines is advancing a strategic and coordinated response to climate-related loss and damage through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Climate Change Commission and the United…
Typhoon Samuel enters PAR
Typhoon Samuel is set to enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) today, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
Nation
Super El Niño may push power grids into red alerts, warns DOE
Extreme heat is expected to increase electricity demand while reducing power plant output.
Major fuel price rollbacks set Nov. 10 with gasoline seen to fall P16.8
Motorists face sharply lower pump prices Tuesday.
1,660 kilos of oil spill debris collected in Bataan
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday said 1,660 kilos of contaminated materials have been collected from the oil spill site in Barangay Ipag in Mariveles, Bataan.
Wanted terrorist, cohort killed in clash
Police and soldiers shot dead Anwar Sansawi Usman, a remnant of the defunct Dawlah Islamiya, and his henchman in a brief shootout in Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur yesterday.
AI use in Baguio’s Ibag-iw Festival draws flak
Local artists, theater practitioners and cultural observers have criticized the use of artificial intelligence or AI in a production featured in the 9th Ibag-iw Creative Festival here.
3 soldiers wounded in Lanao del Sur ‘rido’
Government troops pacifying a gunfight between two feuding clans, locally known as rido, ended in a clash that left three soldiers wounded in Picong, Lanao del Sur on Saturday.
BFAR enforces 3-month Visayan Sea fishing ban
Starting Nov. 15, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is enforcing a three-month fishing ban in the Visayan Sea to allow fish populations to replenish and ensure the sustainability of marine resources.
Asean Summit security tightened
Authorities will strictly control access to venues of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Related Meetings, with only authorized people and vehicles allowed inside restricted areas, the National…
Special permit OK’d for LRT-2 bus program
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued special permits for 20 buses covering two major routes of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2).
4 EDSA busway operators probed for overcharging
Four bus companies operating along the EDSA busway are under investigation for alleged overcharging, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon said yesterday.
Deadline for TNVS regularization extended
Ride-hailing service partners with a temporary status can apply for regularization until next month, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
Pinoy seafarer killed in tanker explosion
A Filipino seafarer was killed while 21 other Filipino crewmembers were unharmed following an explosion on a Marshall Islands-flagged oil products tanker in the Persian Gulf, the Department of Migrant Workers said over…
Regions
More than a workplace: Inside Optum Cebu’s new home for connection, comfort and care
Optum Philippines, a leading healthcare global capability center (GCC), brings its people-centered approach to life through its newest Cebu site, built around productivity, comfort, connection, wellness and care.
Casino Español signs power deal with COREnergy to manage costs
Casino Español de Cebu has turned to COREnergy, the retail electricity arm of Vivant Energy, to supply its power requirements, adding energy procurement to its efforts to manage the operating costs of one of Cebu’s…
System to shield workers from AI layoffs pushed
Amid growing concerns over automation-driven layoffs, Sen. Erwin Tulfo has filed a bill seeking to amend the Labor Code to protect Filipino workers from being displaced by Artificial Intelligence.
Cebu City Council backs DepEd’s ‘Buddy System’
The Cebu City Council has approved a resolution supporting the Department of Education's (DepEd) "My Buddy System" program, a nationwide initiative that encourages students to look after, listen to, and support one…
Cebuano pickleball coach Juvey Veloso earns ICA certification
Pickleball in Cebu has gained another milestone with the international recognition of one of its coaches.
Wildcats get even with Cheetahs, Green Lancers repeat over UCLM
The Cebu Institute of Technology-University ( Wildcats scored a revenge on the league-leading Benedicto College (BC) Cheetahs, 72-63, to boost their Final Four campaign in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc…
Business
‘Who is it for?’: Labor group questions ASEAN Summit’s toll on workers
DSWD has aided 30 Pasay vendors affected by security restrictions, but group says employees of affected businesses may also be losing wages.
DOE: 1 in 4 new vehicles sold in September was electric
Electric vehicles made up around 25% of new vehicles sold in September, data from the Department of Energy shows.
Telco subscribers get free access to AI tools this Christmas
One of the country’s major telecommunications companies said it is offering millions of its mobile and broadband customers free access to artificial intelligence (AI) tools this holiday season.
Philippine economy slows to 2.1% in Q3
The economy lost more steam in the third quarter, as agriculture dragged growth.
Safeguards sought to keep homeownership within reach amid rising borrowing costs
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ recent 50-basis-point interest rate hike to 5.50% could further push homeownership out of reach for Filipino families, especially as credit terms tighten amid growing risks of…
GCash builds on its long-standing commitment to making every peso sent home count
GCash is waiving transaction fees for Overseas Filipinos in Saudi Arabia from November 1 to 30
PEZA, IT-BPM industry partner to attract investments
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) has teamed up with the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) to strengthen efforts to attract investments in the information…
Maynilad exploring further partnerships with K-Water
Maynilad Water Services Inc. is looking to deepen its partnership with Korea Water Resources Corp. (K-Water) on future water service projects in the country.
D&L bullish on 2027 prospects
D&L Industries Inc., the country’s largest producer of oleochemicals and specialty plastics and food products, is seeing brighter prospects next year after the results of the recent US midterm elections.
ALI gears up for more asset infusions into AREIT
Property giant Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is preparing to ramp up asset infusions into its the real estate investment trust (REIT) starting next year.
Bankers see slower loan growth amid weak demand, borrower stress
Philippine banks may see slower loan growth as weak economic activity dampens borrowing demand and elevated interest rates put pressure on some borrowers, according to the Bankers Association of the Philippines.
ERC to cap costly power reserve prices
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is moving to impose a secondary price cap (SPC) in the Reserve Market to protect consumers from prolonged spikes in backup power costs.
Stocks to move in tight range
Narrow trading is expected this week as investors are likely to stay cautious while waiting for fresh leads and positive catalysts.
Telcos lose P18 billion to peso’s weakness
The country’s telco providers have piled up almost P18 billion in foreign exchange losses due to the peso’s weakness, adding pressure to efforts to make connectivity affordable.
Dollar reserves slide to $97.4 billion in October
The country’s dollar reserves fell further to $97.4 billion in October, weighed down by foreign exchange operations, declining gold prices and government withdrawals amid continued pressure on the peso.
Sports
Boom Esports caps perfect season with historic Philippine Kings League title repeat
Boom Esports completed one of the most dominant campaigns in Philippine Honor of Kings history after defeating JGame Esports, 4-1, in the Philippine Kings League (PKL) Fall 2026 Grand Finals to become the league's first…
Red Bull Wings Cup champ Jorrel Aristorenas to represent Philippines in Miami
Veteran footballer and esports competitor Jorrel Aristorenas will once again represent the Philippines on the international stage after winning the Red Bull Wings Cup Philippine National Finals.
UAAP Players of the Week: Lagat, Ojo star for UE, La Salle
Toper Lagat of UE and La Salle's Bukky Ojo are the Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Players of the Week for the period of November 4-8.
Thais out to break Philippine Open jinx as Sadom leads 23-man charge
Thailand’s long and frustrating wait for a first Philippine Open crown could finally be nearing its end.
Ateneo coach Louie Alas suspended anew
The UAAP whipped Ateneo coach Louie Alas another two-game suspension after two more infractions of unsportsmanlike conduct, with the latest one nearly leading to a skirmish between Katipunan rivals UP and Ateneo over…
Korea PGA Tour champ Jeung returns to Southwooods with Philippine Open stint
Manila Southwoods has, in putting it plainly, taken hosting of the 108th Philippine Open presented by the Philippine Sports Commission rather personally.
Nouri achieves International Master title
Alekhine Nouri was seven years old when he became the Philippines’ youngest FIDE Master and set his sights for a bigger title as International Master. Now 20 and after some bumps in the road, he finally arrived at his…
Olivarez asserts prowess, rules National Open
Eric Jed Olivarez underscored his growing stature as one of the country's premier tennis players, displaying a potent combination of power, experience and composure under pressure to defeat Eric Jay Tangub, 6-3, 6-4…
Season-long race gives way to knockout drama at Anvaya Cove
The long and grueling campaign of the 2026 Philippine Golf Tour and Ladies PGT comes down to one final test — a battle of nerves, strategy and shot-making where every hole counts and there is little room for mistakes.
New career-high No. 15 world ranking looms for Eala
It may have not ended the way she hoped for, but Alex Eala still landed to territories no Filipino tennis player has ever charted.
Filipino booters win AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers opener vs Cambodia
he Philippine Under-17 Men's National Football Team (PMNFT U17) is off to a winning start in Group A of the 2027 AFC U17 Asian Cup Qualifiers (ACQ), beating Cambodia, 2-1
Brahmans lead UCAL semifinalists
Defending champion University of Batangas kept its back-to-back bid alive, beating Centro Escolar University in straight sets, 25-17, 25-20, 25-23, to advance to the Final Four of the PGFlex Linoleum-UCAL Season 9…
Chessers hunt for podium finish
A podium finish.
YOG bet Palles shows potential
Hilarion Palles III didn’t make the final of the men’s all-around of gymnastics at the Dakar 2026 YOG, but gained enormous experience as he starts carving a career in a sport that the Philippines is now famous for…
That iconic surf tower
It took three months to rebuild and when the new Cloud 9 watch-tower was inaugurated in time for last weekend’s World Surf League (WSL) 11th stop on the tour, the three-story pillar stood proudly as a monument to…
Deloria sparks Highrisers
Victories have been hard to come by ever since Erika Deloria joined Galeries Tower, but forged by her experiences, she keeps showing up, knowing favorable results will soon come their way.
Lascuña shares seniors spotlight
Tony Lascuña added another seniors title to his growing collection, but this time, he had to share the spotlight with Aging Gabo and Gil Aunzo in the PSPGTO Charity Senior Golf Pro-Am tournament at Club Intramuros last…
Bulldogs bite back vs Archers, near Final 4
National U got back at reigning champion La Salle, 84-80, to clinch at least a playoff for a Final Four slot in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Taduran still the king
IBF minimumweight champion Pedro Taduran reaffirmed his status as the baddest man in the 105-pound division by scoring a unanimous 12-round decision over previously unbeaten Spanish challenger Brandon Moreno at the Kiva…
Injured Eala misses out on Hong Kong title
Injury-riddled Alex Eala powered through the pain but still fell to Claire Liu of the United States, 3-6, 0-6, missing out on her second pro title at the WTA 250 Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open on Sunday at Victoria…
Entertainment
Carla Guevara-Laforteza, Radha take spotlight at Quezon Club
Radha, who rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of the hip-hop group Kulay at 15, serves as Quezon Club's creative director.
5 things to know about 'Grand Theft Auto'
Despite being praised for their often biting cultural satire, the level of violence in the games has at times led to bans and restrictions in some countries.
John Malkovich reflects on limits of friendship in new dark comedy
Directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Martin McDonagh, the movie follows two CIA spies in the lead-up to the US-backed 1973 coup in Chile.
Yen Santos, Jameson Blake essay breakup anxiety in PETA play
"The Art of Breaking Up" is an anthology of vignettes dissecting the many-faceted realities of separation, heartbreak, and emotional recovery across multiple generations.
‘Buddy’ stars Michael de Mesa, Elisse Joson share lessons on parenthood
Erwin “direk Lucky” Blanco’s family comedy-drama “Buddy” feels like a super early Father’s Day offering.
Nathalie Apollo and Amo Wilding’s pairing in ‘Mommy Guard’ is sweetest surprise
Some love teams are carefully planned. Others simply happen. For Nathalie Apollo and Amo Wilding, their unexpected pairing in TV5’s “Mommy Guard” is turning out to be one of the afternoon series’ sweetest surprises.
Lifestyle
Quit smoking: What to know about tobacco harm reduction, nicotine alternatives
Quitting smoking can be challenging for adults who have developed nicotine dependence, but discussions on tobacco harm reduction are bringing renewed attention to the ways smokers can move away from combustible…
Dear Seoul opens at SM Makati, bringing Korea's most-wanted skincare under one roof
You can buy all your Korean skincare needs in one place at Dear Seoul, the newest K-beauty concept store in SM Makati.
Meet the darker side of Spanish Latte: Seattle’s Best Coffee serves up rich black cocoa in new collection
Seattle’s Best Coffee brings a twist to the beloved Spanish Latte with rich black cocoa.
Chocolate Cupcakes with Speculoos twist
Since Speculoos spread and bits are trendy and available everywhere, you can add a little to make that trendy twist.
City of Dreams Manila tops Philippines’ Best Employers 2027 rankings in the Travel and Leisure category
City of Dreams Manila also ranked No. 53 overall among the 300 companies selected.
Chowking makes every 'Sarap Mag-Chow' moment easier with new app
The new Chowking mobile app gives customers a more convenient way to enjoy their favorite Chinese-inspired dishes while unlocking exclusive offers and benefits.
Culinary heritage, borderless cuisine: 4 trends that shape future of food
Every year, Future Menus brings together insights from chefs, industry experts, consumer behavior, and global food trends to identify the movements that will shape the future of dining.
Lacoste Watches launches Fall 2026 Collection, takes to pickleball court
The active on-courte launch was rooted in Lacoste’s longstanding connection to sport.
Butcher Boy earns Bib Gourmand Award in 2027 Michelin Guide
Butcher Boy is popular for serving a variety of steaks and asian fusion cuisine that is perfect for casual dining.
Lighting the way forward for Pasig entrepreneurs and transport workers
The summit brought together micro-entrepreneurs and members of Pasig’s transport sector.
Meatless Monday: Vegan BBQ with raw langka
You can enjoy raw langka not as the classic Ginataang Langka, but as a meat-tasting barbecue fresh from the grill.
Opinion
Undoubtedly the Phl’s pride
Surprise, surprise! Alex Eala springs us with her incredible wins in Hong Kong, and for the magnanimous acts she repeatedly did.
Narco-politics and crooks
The signs are disturbing, to say the least. But the seeming impunity with which tons of deadly shabu being smuggled into our country one after the other is giving us fears of resurging narco-politics in our midst.
Lessons from America
Like many liberals – heck, like most people with any sense of sanity and decency left in them – I rejoiced at the total repudiation of Donald Trump and his Republican Party in the Nov. 3 midterms. As one of millions of…
Get people involved, and shared prosperity will follow
This is it. In a week, the region’s most important meetings will take place here in Manila: the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings.
Makapili, collaborator, Red, traitor
The labels in today’s column heading are not mere “tags” or simple name calling. There was a time when people were hung, shot, beaten up, tortured or robbed of their life’s work and careers because of such labels.
BBM’s Supreme Court
President Marcos’ expected choice as the new chief justice has rekindled debates about the state of the Philippine judicial system.
EDITORIAL — Have we built back better?
This Nov. 8, the nation marked 13 years since Super Typhoon Yolanda devastated large swaths of Eastern Visayas, leaving about 6,300 people confirmed dead, over a thousand more missing and millions displaced.
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