MANILA, Philippines — Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV on Thursday refuted the claim of Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has already released a warrant of arrest against Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go. “Don’t believe Pulong. No ICC warrant has come out for anyone yet,” said Trillanes, who was the

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate’s special session on Wednesday saw a heated debate between Senators Pia Cayetano and Risa Hontiveros over amendments to Republic Act No. 9439, or the antihospital detention law, bringing to mind an earlier encounter between the two lawmakers last month. Cayetano, who authored RA 9439, questioned the amendments put forward by

BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines — Close to 5,000 hectares of sugarcane farms have been ravaged by the red-striped soft-scale insect (RSSI) in the Visayas, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) reported on Thursday. The infestation has more than doubled in six days, and has expanded to 244 villages on the islands of Negros, Panay and

LUCENA CITY, QUEZON, Philippines — A 70-year-old woman died after being struck by a passenger jeepney on Wednesday, June 17, in Pililla, Rizal. A report from the Police Regional Office 4A said the victim, identified only as “Nene,” was attempting to cross a road in Barangay Niogan on Wednesday morning when she was hit by

MOMBASA, Kenya — ​Representing the Philippines, Rep. Brian Poe of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list delivered the Philippine Statement at the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11), highlighting the country’s accelerated marine conservation milestones and unveiling five new national commitments to safeguard ocean ecosystems. Poe opened the address by emphasizing the existential tie between the Filipino

MANILA, Philippines — A Police Regional Office Bicol Region (PRO 5) personnel was arrested for allegedly extorting P38,000 from a Philippine National Police (PNP) applicant to let the latter pass a medical test, the agency said on Thursday. In a statement, PRO 5 said it entrapped the suspect, a 40-year-old police officer assigned to the

MANILA, Philippines — No bettor won the jackpot prizes for either SuperLotto 6/49 or Lotto 6/42 during the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) draws held Thursday, June 18, 2026. According to PCSO, the winning combination for SuperLotto 6/49 was 27-26-21-06-20-16, with a jackpot prize of approximately ₱33.84 million. No ticket matched all six numbers. For

TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has opened 57 kilometers (km) of the 70-km Basey-Maydolong Road, which links the provinces of Samar and Eastern Samar. This significantly reduces travel time between the cities of Tacloban and Borongan. As of May this year, the DPWH-Eastern Visayas (DPWH-8) reported that P1.7 billion of

COTABATO CITY – Anti-narcotics operatives serving a search warrant arrested a suspect for possession of alleged shabu and a loose high-powered firearm in Kabacan, Cotabato on Wednesday. Charlene Magdurulang, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-12) regional director, said the operation conducted in Sitio Lumayong, Barangay Kayaga led to the arrest of a 45-year-old man known by

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. hinted at possible cases for violation of Republic Act No. 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act in the connection with the fatal drowning of two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes. In an interview with reporters in Camp Crame on Thursday, Nartatez said the

MANILA, Philippines — Spokespersons of the prosecution team for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial have confirmed the heated discussions between the prosecutors and the defense panel, but noted that the pre-trial conference was still a success as both parties were able to move forward. In a press briefing on Thursday, Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Co

MANILA, Philippines — The pre-trial conference for the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte will resume on Monday, June 22, after the parties completed the marking of evidence for only one article of impeachment, leaving three more to be tackled before the trial proper can begin. Lawyer Michael Poa, spokesperson for Duterte’s defense team gave

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Members of the Pag-IBIG Fund in Antique can now avail of an emergency cash loan, designed especially to cushion the impact of the conflict in the Middle East. Antique branch manager Donald Alton Cahilo said on Wednesday the Special Assistance for Financial Emergencies (SAFE) loan offers up to a maximum

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) report into the fatal drownings of Ateneo de Manila University basketball players Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili will be turned over to the Department of Justice (DOJ) next Tuesday. In an interview with reporters at Camp Crame on Thursday, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla

MANILA, Philippines — The death toll from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Maasim, Sarangani in Mindanao has climbed to 78 on Thursday, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). Based on NDRRMC’s data as of 6 a.m. on June 18, of the fatalities, 57 were 57 were recorded in Region

KITAOTAO, Bukidnon — A resort in Kitaotao, Bukidnon, has temporarily suspended its amusement and adventure operations to conduct a comprehensive safety review following a zipline accident that injured a 25-year-old Indian tourist on June 14. In a statement on Thursday, the Greek Hills Resort said that it will resume operations on Friday for its resort

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is seeking adoptive families for nine retired Narcotic Detection Dogs (NDDs) that have served for years in anti-illegal drug operations across the country. READ: PDEA’s 13 retired hero dogs get new home in their family-adopters The retired K9s include five Belgian Malinois, three Jack Russell Terriers, and

LUCENA CITY, Quezon– Despite rainy weather conditions, four localities in Cavite, Quezon, and Rizal recorded high heat index levels on Thursday. In a public advisory posted on Facebook, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) of Atimonan, Quezon, reported a heat index of 43 degrees Celsius at 11:59 a.m., based on data from the

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian on Thursday called on the government to ensure that the effects of the agreement signed between the US and Iran will “swiftly” be felt in the country, particularly in lowering petroleum product prices. Gatchalian issued his call after the US and Iran earlier signed a memorandum of

LUCENA CITY, Quezon – Calamba City Mayor Roseller Rizal in Laguna province has ordered barangay officials to conduct dredging, desilting, and clearing operations in creeks and other waterways as the rainy season begins. In a memorandum written in Filipino and posted on his official Facebook page, Rizal directed all barangay captains to immediately carry out

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. hinted at possible cases for violation of Republic Act No. 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act in connection with the drowning of Ateneo de Manila men’s basketball team members, Rene Clert Baterbonia, 18, and Divine Adili, 21. In an interview with reporters in Camp

MANILA, Philippines — The House prosecution panel and the defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday took another step toward the July 6 start of her impeachment trial despite heated arguments during their first pretrial conference to agree on the evidence and witnesses to be presented. Spokespersons for the prosecution team said the

TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL, Philippines — The Bohol provincial government has applied for geographical indication (GI) protection for “ubi kinampay,” the province’s iconic purple yam variety, in a move aimed at preserving its authenticity, cultural heritage and economic value. Led by Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado, the provincial government through the Bohol Economic Development and Investment Promotion

CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO, Philippines — Prices of basic necessities in Puerto Galera town, Oriental Mindoro have been automatically frozen following the declaration of a state of calamity due to a prevailing water supply shortage, authorities announced. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Mimaropa said the price freeze took effect after the Puerto Galera Sangguniang

MANILA, Philippines — Nearly P1 million worth of allegedly expired food and other goods were confiscated by the police in Quiapo, Manila, leading to the arrest of five vendors, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Thursday. This came through an operation near the corner of Villalobos and Palanca streets in Barangay 386

MANILA, Philippines — As the nation commemorates the 165th birth anniversary of Dr. José Rizal on June 19, Senator Loren Legarda reflected on how the national hero’s vision continues to guide Filipinos through times of change. The senator emphasized that Rizal’s ideals of truth, education, and patriotism remain vital as the country confronts challenges, reminding

LEGAZPI CITY — Naga City has begun benefiting from the expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program with the turnover of 300 modular shelter units in Barangay Pacol on Thursday. Naga City Mayor Maria Leonor Robredo thanked the national government for the Bayanihan Village units, which will provide immediate housing assistance to families affected by

MANILA, Philippines — The Partido Demokratiko ng Pilipinas, also known as the PDP-Laban, recognizes the Senate presidency of Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, the party’s ex-president Sen. Robin Padilla said on Thursday. Gatchalian was elected as Senate president on Wednesday with the vote of 13 members of the chamber. “The party has accepted the proclamation of Senator

MANILA, Philippines — A resolution seeking a congressional inquiry into the deaths of two members of the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) men’s basketball team has been filed by several ranking officials of the House of Representatives. In a statement on Thursday, Deputy Speakers Paolo Ortega V and Jefferson Khonghun, along with Deputy Majority Leader Ernest

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team on her impeachment trial on Thursday disputed claims that they were not ready during the first day of the pre-trial conference. In an interview with Senate reporters on the sidelines of the closed-door conference, defense spokesperson Michael Poa questioned where such information came from. “To be

MANILA, Philippines — Former Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball head coach Thomas “Tab” Baldwin and the team’s other coaches may face indirect contempt cases if they fail to appear again before the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP–CIDG). Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla made this warning in an interview with

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) commended the National Bureau of Investigation in Mimaropa for its successful operation against the illegal sale of chainsaws in Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro. DENR said it was a critical step in protecting the region’s forests and strengthening the country’s climate resilience. “We thank the NBI

MANILA, Philippines — Nine out of 10 young Filipinos navigate online spaces, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) chief said in a digital literacy event in Makati on Thursday. According to DICT Secretary Henry Aguda, “80 percent of the digital platform traffic right now is still through Facebook or through the whole Meta

SARRAT, Ilocos Norte — The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Thursday distributed farm machinery and equipment (FMEs), including farm inputs worth P7.4 million, to 14 agrarian reform beneficiary organizations (ARBOs) and 12 farmers’ associations in Ilocos Norte. During the ceremonial turnover at Barangay 23 San Roque’s covered court, DAR Ilocos Norte chief agrarian reform program

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday clapped back against colleagues slamming him for constantly broadcasting on Facebook rather than facing them and the media at the Senate in person. During another Facebook live broadcast, Cayetano questioned why several senators — particularly Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Erwin Tulfo and Raffy Tulfo — were

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) has approved the applications of five state universities and colleges (SUCs) to operate a Doctor of Medicine program for the incoming school year as part of efforts to address the shortage of health-care professionals in the country. “The Philippines has long struggled with a severe shortage

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – An alleged notorious drug pusher was arrested in a buy-bust operation conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) along Calle Imbornal, Barangay Sta. Catalina, in Zamboanga City on Tuesday night. The PDEA Zamboanga City Office led other law enforcement units during the operation launched at around 8:10 p.m.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The joint venture involving this city’s water facility for bulk water supply is in hot water yet again after the Commission on Audit (COA) flagged the arrangement for drastically inflating bulk water prices, to the disadvantage of consumers here. In its Special Audit Office Report No. 2026-02, state auditors revealed that

MANILA, Philippines — A House lawmaker clarifies that the delay in the ratification of a bill institutionalizing the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) is not due to their opposition to the so-called “anti-epal” provisions. In a statement on Thursday, Davao Oriental Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario cites technicalities as the reason for the delay. Almario

MANILA, Philippines — Amid rumors of heated discussions between the prosecution and defense panel during the pre-trial conference for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, defense team member Michael Poa said such things were normal. In an ambush interview on Thursday, during a break in the pre-trial conference held at the Senate, Poa denied claims that

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Thursday said the Senate spent an estimated P700 million during the 28 days that Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano served as Senate President, describing the period as a costly episode marked by political turmoil and legislative paralysis. In a post on X, Lacson said Cayetano’s brief tenure as

ORIENTAL MINDORO, Philippines — The owners of a store in Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro selling chainsaws without authorization from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), were arrested on June 9. The DENR commended the National Bureau of Investigation-Mimaropa for the arrest of Matt Jefferson Go and Miriam Go and the seizure of three high-powered

COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines — Residents in several villages in Glan, Sarangani, are enjoying restored water supply service and limited electricity a week after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake rocked Mindanao, thanks to solar power. Remegio Timonio, director of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) in Soccsksargen (South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and

LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY, Philippines — A police major assigned to the Regional Medical Unit of the Police Regional Office in Bicol was arrested in an entrapment operation on Thursday for allegedly extorting money from a Philippine National Police (PNP) applicant. Police Lt. Col. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, said the 40-year-old officer was caught

MANILA, Philippines — No apparent external injuries were found on the two bodies found in a car parked at a rest stop along the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx), the Tarlac Provincial Police Office said on Thursday. The two bodies had been discovered on Wednesday at a rest stop along the southbound segment of the TPLEx

MANILA, Philippines — Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte has fired back at Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s remark that he was “high” when he claimed that International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest orders are underway, saying that the cabinet official should check his mirror first. Duterte on Thursday, in a statement posted on his Facebook page,

MANILA, Philippines — A complaint was filed before the Pasay City Prosecutor’s Office seeking an investigation over issues related to Defense Sec. Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro Jr.’s alleged dual citizenship. In a 16-page joint complaint-affidavit, petitioners Russel Miraflor, Jerry Hondrado, Antonio Balondo Jr. and Ernie Arimala asked the prosecutor’s office to conduct a preliminary investigation against

MANILA, Philippines —A coalition of doctors and lawyers on Thursday urged the Office of the Ombudsman to review its resolution that cleared top government officials over the controversial transfer of P60 billion from the state-run Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) reserve funds to the national treasury. The motion for reconsideration challenges the Ombudsman’s June 2,

MANILA, Philippines — Former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday accused Sen. Panfilo Lacson of being “divisive” and engaging in “intellectual dishonesty” after the latter claimed that the Senate spent P700 million during Cayetano’s 28-day stint as Senate president with only “chaos” as the outcome. “I said, where could that figure have come from?

MANILA, Philippines — The completion of the 67.93-kilometer Doña Remedios Trinidad-Dingalan Bypass Road finally resolved the chronic hurdles that students and teachers have to face to reach so-called Last Mile Schools in Bulacan, according to a statement issued by the Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday. The bypass road, which was built by the Department

QUEZON, Bukidnon – The highly-destructive red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) has infected about 30 hectares of sugarcane plantations in Kitaotao, Bukidnon, with planters warning of a possible widespread devastation if immediate measures are not properly taken. In Negros and Panay Islands, at least 1,788 hectares of sugarcane farms had been infested by RSSI (Pulvinaria tenuivalvata)

MANILA, Philippines — Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Davao City Rep. Paulo “Pulong” Duterte “may have been high” on drugs when a purported source had told him that the International Criminal Court (ICC) ordered Sen. Bong Go arrested. “We’re always prepared. But, those kinds of pronouncements are dangerous,” Remulla told reporters in

MANILA, Philippines — Senior Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito co-sponsored Senate Resolution No. 447 urging the national government to ensure immediate and long-term government support for areas affected by a recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake, particularly in Sarangani, South Cotabato, Davao Occidental, and Davao del Sur. “These lives are not mere numbers. These are lives and futures

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The city government is rezoning a portion of the Pasonanca Protected Area to pave the way for the construction of a water impounding dam. The project is meant to help ease the recurring water problem in the area during prolonged dry spells. Gerry Pollisco, chief of the Office of the City Environment and

MANILA, Philippines — Former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV on Thursday refuted claims by Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte that an arrest warrant has already been released by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Sen. Bong Go. To recall, it was Trillanes who first revealed the ICC arrest warrants against former President Rodrigo Duterte, as well

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) on Thursday announced the creation of a labor attorney’s office (LAO) that will provide free legal assistance to workers. The department cited the emerging concerns of those who are part of the gig economy and digital labor platforms. Under Department Order No. 258-26 issued by Dole, the

ILOILO CITY — Consumers of MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) will see an increase in their electricity bills this June, driven by skyrocketing generation costs and a crippled power supply in the Visayas grid. The distribution utility announced an overall rate hike of P2.04 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). For residential consumers, the rate will climb to P13.91/kWh

MANILA, Philippines — While concerns over the harmful effects of social media on children grow, a child protection specialist on Thursday cautioned against the total ban of online platforms among the youth, noting that many teenagers also find support and a sense of belonging in digital spaces. According to Stairway Foundation’s Child Protection Specialist Ysrael

MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon — Armed robbers carted away about P1.7 million in cash after attacking three employees of a rural bank along a highway in Barangay Damilag here on Wednesday morning, police said. Col. Oliver Sotto Navales, Bukidnon police director, said the employees of South Bank’s Libona branch were transporting the bank’s cash collections for

MANILA, Philippines – A ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) said that the declaration placing Southern Tagalog (also known as Calabarzon) under “Stable Internal Peace and Security” (SIPS) is a clear sign that the people in the region have rejected the ideals of the communist insurgents. “Peace works.