MANILA, Philippines – On Day 18 of the Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, Office of the Vice President Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio takes the witness stand on Tuesday to testify on the alleged misuse of P500 million in confidential funds. Ortonio allegedly accompanied former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta, the previous

CAMALIG, Albay — The municipality of Camalig has opened its first community college, allowing 120 pioneer students to pursue higher education closer to home. The Camalig Community College, located in Purok 4, Barangay Salugan, formally opened on Monday, (Aug. 24) with the students divided into three sections and enrolled in Construction Engineering. The opening coincided

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — A province-wide “whole-of-government and convergence approach” involving the provincial government, local governments and national government agencies is needed to effectively address Pangasinan’s recurring floods, Vice Gov. Mark Lambino said on Monday (Aug. 24). “There should be a province-wide flood mitigation strategy in which local governments work together rather than pursue isolated solutions

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — The municipality of Abra de Ilog has been asked to declare a state of calamity after the southwest monsoon, intensified by successive weather disturbances, left an estimated P69.08 million in damage across the municipality. The recommendation was contained in Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) Resolution No. 2026-02,

MANILA, Philippines — A former special disbursing officer’s testimony before the Senate impeachment court pointed to a continuing system of entrusting confidential funds to security officers under Vice President Sara Duterte, from her years as Davao City mayor to her tenure at the Office of the Vice President (OVP). Gina Acosta, who had served as

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines’ new critical minerals framework could help advance the long-term ambitions of the planned Pax Silica hub in New Clark City, particularly as the project eventually moves into mineral processing and other higher-value industries. For the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP), the framework established under Executive Order (EO) No.

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Loren Legarda has again extended her medical leave to Sept. 2, Senate Secretary Renato Bantug confirmed on Monday. “Office of Sen. Legarda sent notice today that the Senator shall be on medical leave from August 24 to 26 and September 1 to 2,” Bantug told the Inquirer in a text message.

MANILA, Philippines — Calamity aid, assistance to schools and hospitals, and other “nation-building initiatives” by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) may face cuts due to a 2024 Supreme Court ruling that hiked the gaming regulator’s mandated contribution to the government’s sports body. Pagcor chair and CEO Alejandro Tengco said its monthly contributions to

SAN ANTONIO, ZAMBALES, Philippines — Aeta community members began fencing parts of Mt. Bagang in San Marcelino on Sunday, claiming the area is part of their ancestral domain despite a Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) finding that a private company’s forest plantation application does not overlap with any approved Certificate of Ancestral Domain

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through its grant-in-aid (GIA), has earmarked P300 million as seed fund for the expansion of its data centers. Franz De Leon, director of DOST’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute, made this known Monday during the House committee on appropriations hearing on the agency’s P30.8 billion

MANILA, Philippines — Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the perpetrator of the fatal Ateneo de Zamboanga University shooting had an online search history of websites supposedly containing hate speech. The discovery of the purported shooter’s internet use came following an examination of his cellphone and laptop, according to Remulla in an interview

MANILA, Philippines — Despite the name of Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, former head of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG), being mentioned a lot of times during Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, the prosecution panel is still gauging whether it will present the military officer. During a press briefing after the trial

MANILA, Philippines – Minor inconsistencies in testimonies strengthen a witness’ credibility, Senate impeachment court spokesperson Atty. Reginald Tongol said Monday. During Monday’s impeachment trial, senator-judges and the House prosecution panel flagged the repetitive answers of hostile witness Gina Acosta, Vice President Sara Duterte’s former special disbursing officer. Speaking in general terms, Tongol cited Supreme Court

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Risa Hontiveros stressed that in eliminating tuberculosis (TB), screening is not enough, pointing out that they need to receive treatment that they should complete after their diagnosis. “This is not simply an issue of screening or medication. The problem is that far too many Filipinos are still falling through the gaps

KUMALARANG, Zamboanga del Sur — The local government unit (LGU) here inaugurated the Kumalarang Community College (KCC) on Monday, Aug. 24, marking a milestone in the town’s pursuit of accessible higher education for its youth. Mayor Ruel Molina said the initiative was born out of the closure of the extension campus of JH Cerilles State

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives on Monday approved on second reading a bill renewing the Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) legislative franchise for 50 years, ahead of its expiry in 2028. In a voice vote, lawmakers approved on voice vote House Bill No. 10545, which seeks to extend PAL’s franchise to operate as the flag

MANILA, Philippines — The reported request by Vice President Sara Duterte for a private meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was “fake news,” her defense spokesperson Michael Poa said Monday. Poa made the pronouncement amid circulating rumors online claiming that Duterte has requested a private meeting with Marcos – something even the Palace did not

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is stepping up its crackdown on counterfeit, unregistered, adulterated and illegally manufactured farm inputs after authorities seized at least 778 bags of fertilizer worth about P748,150 in two operations in Nueva Ecija. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. directed the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) to intensify

MANILA, Philippines — Former Office of the Vice President (OVP) special disbursing officer (SDO) Gina Acosta’s repetitive and seemingly templated answers show signs of coaching, public prosecutor and Manila Rep. Joel Chua said Monday. In a press briefing after the 17th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial before the Senate Impeachment Court, Chua and

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte herself approved the use of four traveling bags for transporting P125 million in confidential funds withdrawn from Land Bank Shaw Boulevard branch on Dec. 20, 2022. That was part of the testimony of Gina Acosta, former special disbursing officer of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), on

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now coordinating with schools to make adjustments to the upcoming nationwide Department of Education’s (DepEd) active shooter drill. “We understand the sentiments of some advocacy and medical groups that drills must not cause unnecessary fear or distress among learners and teachers,” PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — The Department of Health in Mimaropa has vaccinated 137,245 children against measles and rubella, representing 43.96 percent of the region’s target population as of 7 a.m. on Aug. 24. The DOH Mimaropa tracker shows that 312,191 children have been targeted for the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-SIA), that is being

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Clearing operations are underway along the Abra de Ilog–Puerto Galera Road, particularly at a major landslide near Wild Trek Resort, authorities said on Monday evening (Aug. 24). Abra de Ilog is in Occidental Mindoro while Puerto Galera is in Oriental Mindoro. READ: Occidental Mindoro town told to declare state of

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — A 23-year-old man has been reported missing after he was reportedly swept away by strong waves while swimming off Masinloc town in this province here on Sunday (Aug. 23), according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday (Aug. 24). Based on Coast Guard reports, the missing man, identified as Danillo

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended the filing of criminal charges against the owner of one of the guns used in the June Tacloban school shooting that killed three people, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said on Monday. At a congressional budget hearing, Vida said a Tacloban prosecution office on Monday found

MANILA, Philippines — More unusual names on the acknowledgment receipts documenting the confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) surfaced during the impeachment trial on Monday. During direct examination, private prosecutor Amando Virgil Ligutan grilled Gina Acosta, a staff member at the OVP who had served as the office’s special disbursing officer

MANILA, Philippines — The principal of a public high school in Masbate province has apologized for his derogatory remarks online against Akbayan Representatives Chel Diokno and Percival Cendaña, and lawyer Jesus Falcis. In his earlier posts on a now-deactivated Facebook account, Randy Emmanuel Villar Bulanon, the principal of Dimasalang National High School, made disparaging remarks

(Last of two parts) COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines — The first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections on Sept. 14 will put to the test a peace agreement forged after 17 years of negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The Bangsamoro region was established in 2019 as a product of the Comprehensive Agreement

COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines — Violence involving firearms continues to grip the two Maguindanao provinces despite the gun ban being observed in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) for the Sept. 14 historic parliamentary polls, with a farmer the latest fatality. Since the gun ban took effect on July 16, at least 12

MANILA, Philippines — ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio on Monday appealed for “reasonable” budgeting for agencies as he criticized the P1.5 billion in confidential funds (CF) allocated to the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2025. During the House committee on appropriations’ 2027 budget hearing for the agency, Tinio pointed out how the CF ballooned

MANILA, Philippines — Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla estimated that at least P20 billion would be needed for authorities to install world-class quality closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in all schools across the country. The DILG chief explained that the budget may come from both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) urged farmers and fishers to take precautionary measures as Typhoon Obet enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). The weather system, while not expected to make landfall, is seen to intensify the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” over parts of the country. In an advisory issued on Monday,

MANILA, Philippines – The Quezon City government is partnering with Agrigaia Tech Co. to establish an urban farming demonstration site at the Quezon City University (QCU), with women set to lead the initiative as part of the city’s efforts to strengthen food security. The city government and Agrigaia Tech Co. formalized the partnership through a

MANILA, Philippines — Senators on Monday pushed for a community-based approach to school safety as an alternative to live-shooter attack drills in schools, citing concerns over the drills’ possible impact on students. During Monday’s Senate session, Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano brought the floor’s attention to the planned nationwide live-shooter attack drill, which the Department

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday honored Police Major Aiman Khuzaimah Pantaran, the intelligence chief of the Pagadian City Police, who died in a shootout with suspected illegal firearms dealers. “On behalf of the men and women of the Philippine National Police, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of

MANILA, Philippines — Committed to delivering quality water services to more households in the East Zone of Metro Manila and Rizal, Manila Water expanded its water coverage with 14,501 new service connections in the first half of 2026. This expansion benefited 14,149 residential customers and 352 commercial and industrial accounts. In June alone, the water company

MANILA, Philippines — Did Army Col. Raymund Dante Lachica disburse the confidential funds (CFs) of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), or did he merely act as an “implementer,” as described by a hostile witness on Monday? On Vice President Sara Duterte’s order, a total of P500 million in CFs was released to Lachica,

MANILA, Philippines — The remains of the 13-year-old boy who drowned at the Baseco Beach last week had been retrieved after seven days of search on Monday, Aug. 24. Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso announced this development, pointing out that the Manila City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department “never stopped its search and retrieval

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday designated minority members to six more Senate committees. “I’d like to reiterate the offer of the minority to help. Of course, our schedule, we only have 24 hours in one day,” Cayetano said during Monday’s plenary session. With no objection, the Senate elected the

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Human rights and environmental lawyer Antonio La Viña is preparing to take legal action against retired lieutenant general and former NTF-ELCAC spokesperson Antonio Parlade Jr. over alleged red-tagging posts against him on social media. La Viña told reporters here on Monday, Aug. 24, that he is considering filing a civil

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union- La Union Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega assumed the chairmanship of the Regional Peace and Order Council in Ilocos Region, taking his oath of office on Monday at the provincial Capitol. Ortega took his oath before Jonathan Paul M. Leusen Jr., regional director of the Department of the Interior and

BAGUIO CITY — Authorities inspected the fish section of the Baguio City Public Market on Monday (Aug. 24) after a consumer reported buying an unfamiliar crab that she feared could be poisonous. In a statement issued by the Baguio City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO), the office said the consumer bought crabs from the market’s

MANILA, Philippines – Office of the Vice President (OVP) Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio will begin his testimony on Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential funds (CFs) on Tuesday, the 18th day of her impeachment trial. Ortonio supposedly accompanied former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta in encashing a total of P500

MANILA, Philippines — The southwest monsoon or habagat will affect parts of Luzon on Tuesday and is expected to continue prevailing over these areas in the next few days, according to the state weather bureau.  In the 5 a.m. weather forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), weather specialist Veronica Torres

MANILA, Philippines — Residents in some remote communities in Mindanao will soon have easier access to free family planning services as DKT Philippines Foundation launched the country’s first family planning “floating clinic“ in partnership with the Ministry of Health of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The floating clinic, named “Hiraya” (dream or

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P1 billion to the University of the Philippines (UP) for Project Noah’s artificial intelligence (AI)-powered flood forecasting and real-time hazard monitoring. The DBM made the announcement as the country prepares for Typhoon Obet (international name: Saudel), although it is expected to exit the

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) will file a complaint with the National Police Commission against members of the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) who allegedly accosted customs personnel destroying smuggled cigarettes seized in operations. “If our personnel are in the wrong, then we will find out,” Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno said

BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines — Kanlaon Volcano generated a grayish ash plume on Monday morning that rose 200 meters above the summit crater and drifted east, prompting ashfall in parts of Canlaon City and the suspension of in-person classes at all levels. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the emission was

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA, Philippines — A Pampanga business leader has proposed creating a multisectoral Central Luzon Flood Management Task Force to review and integrate existing flood control plans into a science-based, long-term regional flood management master plan. Renato Romero, a senior fellow of the Pampanga Business Circle and longtime private sector representative in

MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Obet exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Monday at around 9:30 p.m., the state weather bureau reported. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), Obet was last spotted 1,310 kilometers east-northeast of Extreme Northern Luzon, packing a maximum wind speed of 155 kilometers per hour

MANILA, Philippines – The House prosecution panel on Monday, the 17th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, asked the Senate impeachment court to subpoena three Armed Forces of the Philippines officials: Col. Manaros Boransing II, Col. Magtanggol Panopio, and Col. Adonis Bajao, for Wednesday, Aug. 26.  The request came after it was announced

MANILA, Philippines — A bill filed by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III seeking to institutionalize the right to adequate food was among six measures consolidated Monday by a House subcommittee as lawmakers moved to strengthen the country’s framework for fighting hunger and ensuring food security. Dy’s bill was among the six House bills consolidated bythe

BAGUIO CITY — Heavy monsoon rains and rising turbidity in several spring sources have prompted the Baguio Water District (BWD) to call for stronger protection of watersheds that sustain the city’s water supply. In a statement on Monday, Aug. 24, the BWD said several spring sources, including those in the Buyog and Busol watersheds and

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) reported on Monday that it generated around P32.68 billion from its major games in the first semester of this year. This number, according to PCSO Corporate Planning Department Manager Anna Liza Inciong, is higher compared to the P31.89 billion generated in the first semester last year

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Police on Monday launched a deeper probe into an alleged online threat against Jacinto P. Elpa National High School in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur. Col. Jeffrey Lawrence Mauricio, director of the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO), said they deployed police personnel to secure the school and

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) is strengthening its hospital referral system as it prepares for a possible increase in leptospirosis cases following weeks of widespread flooding, with 33 government hospitals now operating dedicated fast lanes for patients who may need treatment. The DOH said 33 hospitals in Metro Manila, the Cordillera Administrative

MANILA, Philippines — The reported decline in poverty incidence to 9.7 percent in 2025, from 15.5% in 2023, sounds good, but does it translate to the real experience of Filipino families? “The decline is significant, but we also have to ask what these numbers mean in the daily life of a Filipino family,” Sen. Loren

MANILA, Philippines – Senator-judge Lito Lapid broke his silence during Day 17 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s mpeachment trial on Monday, asking former SDO Gina Acosta whether it had been confirmed that a real “Lapid” received confidential funds. “Magpapasalamat po ako sa defense kung totoo na nabigayn ang kamag-anak ko,” Lapid said. READ: LIVE UPDATES:

MANILA, Philippines — Two students were taken into custody for allegedly threatening to carry out a shooting at a school in Taguig City, police said. In a statement on Monday, the Taguig City Police Station said the two students would face investigation for grave threats in relation to Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — Police are verifying the social media account that posted a warning about an alleged plan to carry out a mass shooting in schools here, a threat that led authorities to send students home on Monday (August 24). Police Lt. George Andres, deputy chief of the San Antonio Municipal Police Station, told