Mans Carpio's friend admits no proof of Japan dinner reimbursement
The friend of Vice President Sara Duterte’s husband said he has no proof that he partly reimbursed more than P200,000 of his credit card bill in Japan.
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Philstar
Thursday, 12 November · 109 stories
Top stories
Palace defends P22.9-billion budget for 2026 ASEAN Summit
Malacañang defended the P22.9-billion budget for the 2026 ASEAN Summit, saying critics should focus on what the government has achieved rather than what it has spent.
Trump set to arrive in Manila half an hour before ASEAN closing
United States President Donald Trump is expected to hold talks with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Manila next week, but he is not due to land half an hour before the formal close of the ASEAN summit.
Customs chief set to leave post
In a statement on Thursday, November 12, the Bureau of Customs said that Nepomuceno is stepping down as customs chief after 16 months of service.
South China Sea code 70% 'agreed'
About 70% of the proposed South China Sea code of conduct has been "agreed," a Department of Foreign Affairs official said.
Chiz cautions senator-judges against harsh questioning of witnesses
"An answer which may be unsatisfactory is not inherently contemptible."
Greta Thunberg joins opposition to Pax Silica ahead of Philippines' signing
The Philippines is expected to sign the Pax Silica framework before the end of 2026, though not during the ASEAN Summit.
Alleged hacks hit at most 20 government agencies – CICC
Only 10 government agencies have so far filed personal data breach notifications with the National Privacy Commission.
LIVE: Sara Duterte impeachment trial, Nov. 12
The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte resumes Thursday, November 12, with the defense set to present a representative from the Bank of the Philippine Islands as its sole bank witness.
Donald Trump to join Marcos, ASEAN leaders for Manila summit on Nov. 17
US President Donald Trump is expected to attend the ASEAN-US Special Summit in Manila on November 17, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday, November 11.
DepEd: Clean water, hygiene critical to nutrition
Access to safe drinking water and clean sanitation facilities is just as critical to a child’s nutrition and classroom performance as serving nutritious meals, the Department of Education (DepEd) emphasized during a…
‘Don’t traumatize witness vs Duterte’
Lawyers representing drug war victims have asked the International Criminal Court to limit a witness’ time in court to “safeguard their psychological well-being.”
DBM tells government agencies: Keep Christmas parties modest
The Department of Budget and Management has reminded government agencies to keep Christmas celebrations and year-end parties merry but modest as the country faces an energy emergency and a looming El Niño peak.
Dynasties ‘more entrenched’ in House bill – Carpio
Political dynasties “will become more entrenched” if the proposed bill by the House of Representatives is approved, retired Supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio warned.
LPG price rollback possible this month
Users of liquefied petroleum gas may get an early Christmas gift this month as large cuts in international prices could lead to a rollback in local LPG prices.
Myanmar junta from ASEAN, Marcos urged
Opposition lawmakers have called on the Marcos administration to bar representatives of the Myanmar military junta from participating in the Philippines’ hosting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)…
Philippines ready to welcome ASEAN leaders
The Philippines will welcome heads of state and government to Manila for the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit and Related Summits from Nov. 15 to 17 as the 10-member bloc faces many challenges in the…
Defense: Sara did not get double pay
After presenting the Davao City accountant as witness before the Senate impeachment court, Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team believes that it was able to disprove that she received double compensation in 2023.
Adjusted mall hours start next week
Mall operators in the capital will adjust operating hours to ease holiday traffic, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said yesterday.
Witness: VP got P2.14 million ‘return of capital’ from GenCorp
Vice President Sara Duterte received a total of P2.14 million as “return of capital” from 2022 to 2025 from GenCorp Industries Inc., a corporation tied to her and her husband, its legal counsel said at the resumption of…
Nation
Cavite mayor suspended without pay over alleged casino gambling
The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the preventive suspension without pay of Rosario, Cavite Mayor Jose Voltaire Ricafrente over allegations that he engaged in gambling at a casino.
ASEAN Summit: Metro Manila road closures, alternate routes, traffic advisories
(Updated) What commuters and travelers need to know for ASEAN Summit
Special holidays declared in 4 areas
President Marcos has declared Nov. 28 a special non-working day in the lone legislative district of Batanes to allow voters to participate in a special election.
El Niño-threatened fisherfolk in Romblon receive aid
The Department of Social Welfare and Development, in coordination with the office of Sen. Erwin Tulfo, has prioritized fisherfolk vulnerable to El Niño during the distribution of financial assistance in Ferrol and Santa…
Lifting of commercial fishing ban in municipal waters pushed
Certain fishers and consumer groups are urging the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to allow commercial fishing in municipal waters.
6 convenience store robbers arrested in Laguna
Six men who allegedly robbed a convenience store in Nueva Ecija on Tuesday night were arrested at past midnight yesterday following a police pursuit operation that ended in Alaminos, Laguna.
Pampanga language school shut down for ‘illegal recruitment’
The Department of Migrant Workers has shut down a language academy and visa assistance provider in Angeles, Pampanga over alleged unauthorized recruitment of Filipinos for overseas employment.
Anomaly at Batangas police station probed
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) is investigating reports that a detainee facing seven counts of rape was allegedly allowed to leave his cell in this town’s police station to work as a mechanic.
Davao university probes bullying
Officials of the Ateneo de Davao University are investigating an alleged bullying incident involving junior high school students.
PCSO recognized in World Lottery Summit in Sydney
The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office has earned international recognition from global lottery leaders for balancing responsible gaming while generating revenue for public healthcare.
Casino junket scam kingpin gets 16 years
The leader of a casino junket operation engaged in investment scams has been sentenced to up to 16 years in prison and must pay P13 million in two fraud cases.
Metro Manila flood project completion extended for 6 months
The Economy and Development Council, chaired by President Marcos, has approved a six-month extension of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project Phase 1.
Regions
Enterprise demand lifts Converge revenue to P34.2 billion
Philippine broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. reported a nearly 4 percent increase in revenue to P34.2 billion in the first nine months of 2026, as robust enterprise demand offset the relatively stable…
IKEA brings mobile showroom to Cebu ahead of store opening
Swedish furniture retailer IKEA is taking its home organization and storage solutions to Cebu through a mobile showroom, building brand awareness ahead of the opening of its first store in the Visayas next month.
Philippine retailers balance fraud control, smooth checkout for 11.11 rush
Philippine retailers face a growing challenge of balancing fraud prevention with checkout efficiency as they prepare for the 11.11 and 12.12 online shopping campaigns and the Christmas spending season, when surging…
Happy people, sad future
Quite a number of Filipino athletes made headlines in their individual events this year.
D’Generals Basketball Season 5 Corporate Cup opens November 15
Eight teams will see action as the D’Generals Basketball Club Season 5 Corporate Cup officially opens on Sunday, November 15, at 5:30 p.m. at the Aulga Citi Sports in Barangay Lawaan 2, Talisay City.
We are not into physical war
In transnational relations, disputes are likely to arise between states as they do between individuals.
November 2026 hopeful, worrisome developments
Pope Leo XIV’s trip from November 6-17 to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru (his 7th apostolic journey outside of Italy and his first visit to the Americas since his May 2025 election) has drawn millions of pilgrims/devotees…
Trump's Achilles Heels: Inflation, Iran, Israel and immigration
Now it can be told. It was not just the economy that caused the Republicans' earthshaking debacle.
Kinsay mas kahadlokan?
Nireklamo si Bise Presidente Sara nga nasakitan ang mga trabahante sa Office of the Vice President. Kada banat sa administrasyon ni Presidente Ferdinand Marcos Jr. batok niya. Nahadlok. Naglibog. Nanghilak. Mao nga…
EDITORIAL — Crime and reaction
A woman was shot dead in broad daylight the other day past 11 A.M. along V. Rama Avenue, Barangay Calamba, Cebu City.
Business
Filminera scores twin wins at inaugural TSM Excellence Awards
Filminera Resources Corporation received two Global Best Practices Awards from the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) at the inaugural Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Excellence Awards last October 28.
Philippines faces difficult mix of high inflation, sluggish growth — BSP
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is focusing on the “second-round effects” of global supply shocks and the risk of eroding public trust as the country faces “a difficult combination” of rising inflation and sluggish…
British Chamber, ASEAN business council forge partnership
The agreement comes at a strategic time as the Philippines assumes the ASEAN Chairship in 2026 under the theme "Navigating Our Future, Together."
Mitsubishi Power seeks to tap rising electricity demand in Philippines
Japanese energy solutions provider Mitsubishi Power is aiming to capture more opportunities in the Philippines by supporting new power plant buildouts amid growing electricity demand.
Return of turboprops to NAIA under review
he Department of Transportation will review proposals to bring back turboprop operations in Manila as sought by the tourism chief in a bid to boost domestic travel.
SM expands water conservation efforts
SM Supermalls recently launched its second rainwater treatment facility in Luzon at SM City Masinag in Antipolo, Rizal, expanding its water conservation efforts amid the threat of prolonged dry spells associated with El…
Globe profit dips on higher interest, weak peso
Globe Telecom Inc. sustained a seven-percent reduction in its profit, dragged by higher interest costs due to rate hikes and value losses from peso depreciation.
Filinvest Group to shut down in-house construction arm
The Filinvest Group of the Gotianun family is shutting down its in-house construction company, Dreambuilders Pro Inc., by year-end.
Alternergy lines up P26 billion RE projects
Alternergy Holdings Corp. is investing around P26 billion to develop 320 megawatts of renewable energy projects as it seeks to double its business over the next two years.
Avoiding a regress in ProGRESS
Philippine GDP growth deceleration has continued from 5.7 percent in 2024 to 4.4 percent in 2025, 2.8 percent in the first quarter (Q1) 2026, 2.4 percent in Q2 and 2.1 percent in Q3.
Philippines growth outlook dims as Nomura, BMI cut forecasts
The Philippine economy is expected to grow by just 2.6 to three percent this year, well below government expectations, as stubborn inflation, weak consumer spending and delayed infrastructure projects threaten to…
FNI consolidates nickel subsidiaries
Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. is consolidating its nickel mining subsidiaries after its board approved the proposed mergers of five units.
Phinma sustains growth momentum
Phinma Corp., the diversified conglomerate of the Del Rosario Group, sustained its growth momentum in the first nine months, swinging to an attributable net income of P306.19 million from last year’s attributable net…
SM Investments earns 9% more in 9 months
SM Investments Corp., the parent company of the Sy family’s SM Group, saw its profit rise by nine percent to P70.2 billion in the first nine months, as resilient consumer demand supported the continued growth of its…
The power of choice
When I joined the power industry in 1989, the main concern was reliable supply. We went through the dark days of long blackouts and supply was rationed. Certainly, challenges remain, but I can say that we have come a…
MacroAsia venturing into energy business
Aviation support service provider MacroAsia Corp. has signified intent to enter the energy sector, as it explores opportunities outside airports to build up the business.
ACEN profit soars 84% to P3.3 billion
ACEN Corp. kept its earnings momentum alive through the first nine months, with stronger renewable power output fueling another robust financial performance.
ICTSI unshaken by global risks, earnings rise 20%
Tycoon Enrique Razon Jr. is reaping dividends from his bets to add more international ports, as his flagship firm International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) is showing no signs of any impact from global…
Indonesia sovereign fund invests in Philippines RE market
Fresh capital from Jakarta is making its way into the Philippines, with Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund backing a portfolio of solar and wind power projects.
Share prices tumble on choppy trades
The local stock market tumbled as investors opted to stay on the sidelines while waiting for clearer catalysts.
ASEAN+3 emergency financing facility takes effect
The Philippines and other ASEAN+3 economies can now access a new emergency financing facility following the entry into force of an amended regional agreement aimed at strengthening financial resilience against sudden…
Jaime Alfonso prefers to call his father JAZA at work
Dad? Apparently not.
Foreign investments rebound 25% in August
Foreign direct investment (FDI) net inflows into the Philippines rebounded by nearly 25 percent in August as foreign investors put more equity into local businesses and reinvested a larger share of their earnings…
Sports
Migs Pascual comes in full circle, gives back to Cainta folks with 1-on-1 skills training
In his early years of his professional basketball career in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, Migs Pascual had started to show to everyone that he is a serious student of the game.
Quiban bucks Masters test with 69, trails Voke by 4
Justin Quiban stood his ground against swirling winds and the exacting demands of the Manila Southwoods Masters Course, salvaging a one-under 69 to emerge as the leading Filipino after Thursday's opening round of the…
Kiwi leads Philippine Open after 65
Kiwi Nick Voke gunned down six birdies to shoot a five-under-par 65 and lead Nopparat Panichphol of Thailand by a shot as the demanding opening round of the 108th Philippine Open.
UST’s Akowe tips hat off to Osang for stepping up in stellar UAAP debut
Resident foreign student-athlete Collins Akowe lauded Peter Osang for his huge performance in University of Santo Tomas’ win over University of the East in their UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball clash on Wednesday.
DXD Invitational pickleball tilt slated in December
Automotive care and detailing company DXD South Detailing is stepping into the growing Philippine pickleball scene as the exclusive presenting partner of the inaugural DXD Invitational Pickleball Tournament, happening…
HYVE All Stars repeats as KWS champion, books world stage return
HYVE All Stars proved that a new-look roster was no obstacle to continued success as it defeating IKIGAI Esports, 3-1, in the grand finals of the Honor of Kings Philippines Women's Series (KWS) Season 4.
Poison Ivy Gizy captures first CODM Garena Battle Royale Cup crown on home soil
Backed by a roaring home crowd, Poison Ivy Gizy became the first-ever Call of Duty: Mobile (COD:M) Garena Battle Royale Cup champion after clinching the title.
New six-court facility thrives thanks to friendship, pickleball boom
What began as a vacation among friends has evolved into a promising business venture, as a group of travel-loving entrepreneurs turned their shared passion for pickleball into Rally Dink Central (RDC), a new six-court…
WATCH: Angelo Que takes pride in former students competing at Philippine Open
After 25 years as a professional golfer, former Philippine Open champion Angelo Que is focusing more on local tournaments and developing young Filipino talent.
Singson eyes to revive title-retention campaign
Mafy Singson hardly comes into the ICTSI Anvaya Cove Match Play Invitational looking like a defending champion poised for another title run.
AAC Player Blog: A special achievement to follow in Hideki Matsuyama's footsteps
Thailand’s Fifa Laopakdee became only the second player, after Hideki Matsuyama of Japan, to successfully defend the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship title in the history of the prestigious Championship.
Quezon goes for kill in MPBL South Finals
Quezon Province shoots for the title while Binan Tatak Gel fights for life on Friday in the SportsPlus MPBL 2026 Season South Division Finals at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna.
Arespacochaga back to aid Blue Eagles in coaching chores
With UAAP Season 89 going into the final stretch, the Ateneo Blue Eagles turned to a familiar face for help amid woes on the bench.
Why the Maverick Run
There’s a reason why DLS-College of St. Benilde’s first open recreational street venture is called the Maverick Run. Benilde Partnership Officer Hillary Stacey Handayan explains it has to do with the qualities of being…
ICC spikers on track for ‘double’
Immaculada Concepcion College inched closer to completing a historic golden double after its women’s and men’s squads advanced to the finals of the PGFlex Linoleum-UCAL Season 9 Volleyball Championships on Tuesday at…
Wangkay wins bronze, Philippines books best YOG show
Pi Durden Wangkay ran a fifth-best time in the heats and was assigned on Lane 9 in Tuesday’s final, but with one mighty push he salvaged the men’s 200 meters bronze for Team Philippines’ second medal here and an already…
Philippines Open on today: Two long par-4s bane for field
For the frontrunners in the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit race, the winner of the 108th playing of the Philippine Open could be determined by how well two holes are played starting today.
Osang in solid debut as Tigers drub Warriors
Santo Tomas wouldn’t be another victim of University of the East’s upset ax, cruising to a 97-70 win to revive its Final Four hopes in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
No break for Tim
It would’ve been a timely opportunity for coach Tim Cone to visit family in the US with the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals done and Gilas to leave for the FIBA World Cup Asia qualifying window in Seremban, Malaysia…
Boatwright cleared, faces race vs time
Newly-minted Filipino Bennie Boatwright is finally good to go for Gilas Pilipinas.
Entertainment
'How to Rob a Bank' review: Mismatched Robin Hood tale needs more action
"How to Rob a Bank" is banking — no pun intended — on audiences to come away with a more critical lens of the people in power and hold them to account when communities are suffering.
Angelina Jolie talks living simple life in a united world during Manila visit
All of her children are of legal age now, but Angelian Jolie still dreams of having a simple life which her kids can emulate.
Kim Go Eun leads period drama by 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' director
Gang Dong-won and Kim Go-eun are forced into marriage by royal decree in the upcoming romance-action period "The Twilight Between Us."
'VisionQuest' finale sets up return of key Marvel characters in 'Doomsday'
A mid-credits scene contains a big revelation that will set the stage for "Avengers: Doomsday."
Dionela, non-showbiz wife expecting 1st child
Dionela and his non-showbiz wife Meizy Mendoza are expecting their first child together.
Full accountability: BINI Mikha apologizes for driving incident
Mikha Lim confirmed she reported to the LTO and will follow the process of whatever penalties to be imposed on her.
What to expect on TV5 in 2027: Star-studded dramas, celeb reunions, expanded news
It will be a stacked year for TV5 as the Kapatid network strengthens its roster of shows for 2027, aiming to reach more audiences.
What’s on the Christmas playlistS of OPM artists?
Filipino Christmas songs may be grouped into the jolly, upbeat and melancholic, slow ones. Regardless of the mood and emotion embedded in them, the tales about family and love, among others, are clear. The tunes are…
Why Pops Fernandez is thankful to bashers
Pops Fernandez and I have been friends since her Day One in the biz.
Lifestyle
Art beat: Indigenous weaves meet avant-garde, super cars on view
Filipino weaves meet avant-garde fashion, super cars show at ongoing exhibits in the capital and beyond.
Thai Airways International expands travel options, global connectivity with third daily Manila-Bangkok flight
The new schedule strengthens travel links between the Philippines and Thailand while expanding access to THAI's European, Australian, Indian Subcontinent and Asian network for leisure and business travelers
Her first teachers were drivers. Now she's taking the wheel at Grab Philippines.
On December 1, Lacsican takes over as Country Managing Director of Grab Philippines.
REVIEW: vivo V80 Lite 5G is built for the scroll, the stream and more things in between
When you're exploring an unfamiliar place, having your phone ready whenever you need to look up a route makes a difference.
Kenny Rogers Roasters brings rich flavor and better nutrition together in New Garlic Parmesan Roast
This holiday season, Kenny Rogers Roasters is introducing a more satisfying way to enjoy a familiar favorite with the launch of its new Garlic Parmesan Roast.
Cebu Pacific welcomes Dreamer Plane, marks 30 years of making dreams fly
The aircraft features a commissioned design by Cebu-based art duo Happy Garaje.
Refined yet approachable: Tasting the masterfully crafted new Cantonese menu at Crystal Dragon, City of Dreams Manila
Chef Chan and the entire Crystal Dragon kitchen ensures that true Chinese cuisine—refined yet still accessible—is an experience to be shared.
Adobo wrapped in pita bread for baon
Switch your carbo to power-packed potatoes every now and then.
Budget airline launches routes between Vietnam and Cebu, Clark
Vietjet launched three direct routes connecting the Southeast Asian country to two Philippine locations outside of Metro Manila.
Opinion
The economy: BBM’s record vs. past presidents
The Philippine economy grew 2.1 percent in the third quarter of 2026, the slowest quarterly growth in output of goods and services (what you call the Gross Domestic Product) in 16 years. The 2.1 percent third quarter…
Democrats won the midterms; that won’t change much for American allies
Shortly after the Democratic Party won back the House and Senate in the US midterm elections, House Democratic Leader (and likely the next Speaker of the House) Hakeem Jeffries announced, “America is back.”
Struggle between Heartland and Rimland
For more than a century, geopolitical writers have warned that China could one day threaten the world. As far back as 1904, Mackinder warned that “a stable ruthlessly run China could one day imperil the world’s freedom…
Sickest man of Asia
Sickest man of Asia And there it goes – the Philippines under Marcos 2.0 is again facing one of its most challenging periods, just a few nightmares away from the crisis that hounded the first Marcos regime or the…
Alarming
We should be alarmed that our government is not alarmed by the disastrous path our economy has taken.
EDITORIAL— Where’s the P124.5 million?
The Sandiganbayan has rejected a petition of former senator Bong Revilla and his co-accused to dismiss the malversation case filed against them related to an alleged P92-million ghost flood control project in Bulacan.
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