(UPDATE) RISING K-pop group AHOF is set to hold its first fan concert in the Philippines, with Filipino member JL calling the milestone a personal dream fulfilled. The nine-member boy group — composed of Steven, Seo Jeongwoo, Cha Woongki, Zhang Shuaibo, Park Han, JL, Park Juwon, Chih En, and Daisuke — met Filipino fans for the first time at their “1st Philippine FanCon Rendezvous in Manila” on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. In a media conference on Friday ahead of the sold-out show, JL said, “This is a dream come true. I always say that I come home here alone. I see comments from fans hoping that next time I’ll be with the members. Now, we’re all finally here together. It wasn’t easy, especially knowing how supportive Filipinos are... but the kind of support and love we’re receiving makes us very happy and more passionate about doing our activities here.” Their FanCon sold out in just 30 minutes, an achievement that even surprised the members themselves. “JL showed us how big Araneta Coliseum is, and we wondered if we could fill it. But we were shocked because it sold out. We can’t believe it. We’re super excited to perform in JL’s hometown,” said Cha Woongki. Formed through SBS’s global survival program “Universe League” in 2024, AHOF — short for All-time Hall Of Famer — debuted in January with their mini album Who We Are and lead single “Rendezvous.” The group quickly earned rookie awards, including the ENA Rising Star Award and the K-World Dream Super Rookie Award, and set a record of 360,985 first-week album sales, ranking among the top five K-pop boy group debuts of all time. Under F&F Entertainment, they are also called “monster rookies” for having already won fans worldwide with their performances and charm. For JL, being able to share his homecoming with the group makes the moment even more special. His bandmates credited him for introducing them to Filipino culture. “When it comes to words, he taught us mahal kita (I love you) and maraming salamat po (thank you very much). For food, he made us try pancit canton, which is really delicious. He also showed us lots of memes and poses,” said Jeongwoo. “He taught us to use po. He said every sentence should end with po. Because he taught me that, I sometimes add po even to Korean or Japanese words,” added Daisuke. “JL said the fast food here in the Philippines is really good. But the first thing I tried was the sweet yellow mangoes,” Woongki said. Looking ahead, the group said they are still exploring their identity through different genres and concepts, but JL emphasized that they want to keep their connection with fans authentic. “One of the things we hold on to as a group is that, as much as possible, everything we do, we want it to be natural because that way, we can connect with our fans not only through music,” JL said. AHOF will also hold a fan-signing event on Aug. 31, 4 p.m., at the Main Atrium of Robinsons Galleria, extending their first Philippine visit into a three-day celebration with their supporters.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 12 dakika

(UPDATE) RISING K-pop group AHOF is set to hold its first fan concert in the Philippines, with Filipino member JL calling the milestone a personal dream fulfilled. The nine-member boy group — composed of Steven, Seo Jeongwoo, Cha Woongki, Zhang Shuaibo, Park Han, JL, Park Juwon, Chih En, and Daisuke — met Filipino fans for the first time at their “1st Philippine FanCon Rendezvous in Manila” on Saturday, Aug. 30, at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. In a media conference on Friday ahead of the sold-out show, JL said, “This is a dream come true. I always say that I come home here alone. I see comments from fans hoping that next time I’ll be with the members. Now, we’re all finally here together. It wasn’t easy, especially knowing how supportive Filipinos are... but the kind of support and love we’re receiving makes us very happy and more passionate about doing our activities here.” Their FanCon sold out in just 30 minutes, an achievement that even surprised the members themselves. “JL showed us how big Araneta Coliseum is, and we wondered if we could fill it. But we were shocked because it sold out. We can’t believe it. We’re super excited to perform in JL’s hometown,” said Cha Woongki. Formed through SBS’s global survival program “Universe League” in 2024, AHOF — short for All-time Hall Of Famer — debuted in January with their mini album Who We Are and lead single “Rendezvous.” The group quickly earned rookie awards, including the ENA Rising Star Award and the K-World Dream Super Rookie Award, and set a record of 360,985 first-week album sales, ranking among the top five K-pop boy group debuts of all time. Under F&F Entertainment, they are also called “monster rookies” for having already won fans worldwide with their performances and charm. For JL, being able to share his homecoming with the group makes the moment even more special. His bandmates credited him for introducing them to Filipino culture. “When it comes to words, he taught us mahal kita (I love you) and maraming salamat po (thank you very much). For food, he made us try pancit canton, which is really delicious. He also showed us lots of memes and poses,” said Jeongwoo. “He taught us to use po. He said every sentence should end with po. Because he taught me that, I sometimes add po even to Korean or Japanese words,” added Daisuke. “JL said the fast food here in the Philippines is really good. But the first thing I tried was the sweet yellow mangoes,” Woongki said. Looking ahead, the group said they are still exploring their identity through different genres and concepts, but JL emphasized that they want to keep their connection with fans authentic. “One of the things we hold on to as a group is that, as much as possible, everything we do, we want it to be natural because that way, we can connect with our fans not only through music,” JL said. AHOF will also hold a fan-signing event on Aug. 31, 4 p.m., at the Main Atrium of Robinsons Galleria, extending their first Philippine visit into a three-day celebration with their supporters.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 12 dakika

(UPDATE) THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has denied reports that former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Nicolas Torre III was removed from his post for allegedly rejecting a proposed firearms purchase linked to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. In a statement, the DILG clarified that Remulla had merely instructed Torre to evaluate the operational necessity of an unsolicited proposal to acquire 80,000 firearms for the PNP. “He also reminded Gen. Torre that this kind of purchase can only be done through congressional insertion, as it was not included in the National Expenditure Program (NEP),” the statement read, adding that Remulla had neither facilitated nor endorsed any congressional budget insertion for the proposal. The clarification came amid circulating allegations of insubordination, which some reports suggested contributed to Torre’s dismissal. These claims focused on Torre’s reported refusal to sign an “accomplished request” for P8 billion worth of high-powered rifles, which he argued were more appropriate for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) than for the PNP. According to the DILG, Torre informed Remulla during the PNP anniversary last Aug. 12 that he did not deem the purchase necessary. Remulla accepted Torre’s assessment, and no directive to proceed with the procurement was ever issued. The department emphasized its continued commitment to transparency, accountability, and public safety, assuring the public that these principles remain central to its operations. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed an order on Aug. 25, 2025, relieving Torre from his post as PNP chief. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed the order, which directed that Torre’s relief take effect immediately. Remulla later confirmed that no criminal or administrative charges had been filed against Torre and underscored that the decision was guided by institutional rules of law. Reports indicate that Torre clashed with other officials over the reassignment of top police officers, including his successor. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. assumed command as officer-in-charge of the PNP. The DILG said Torre’s relief was motivated by the need to uphold the rule of law and institutional integrity, rather than personal conflicts or disagreements. Remulla described the President’s decision as “difficult but necessary” to ensure the PNP and the National Police Commission operate in accordance with the law.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 13 dakika

GO Negosyo founder Joey Concepcion said programs that incorporate overseas Filipinos and their families should be included in the pipeline as the Philippines prepares for its chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Business Advisory Council in 2026. In latest episode of The Chairman’s Report, hosted by Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Secretary Dante Ang II, Concepcion discussed the Philippines’ hosting of Asean 2026 and how migrant empowerment can be a cornerstone of the country’s legacy projects. “Currently, Malaysia is the chair. And in a couple of weeks, they’ll be turning it over to the Philippines. And I think it is timely and that we have to prepare this early. Because in 2026, until the term of President Marcos ends, this is the only main and biggest international event,” Concepcion said, underscoring the importance of Asean 2026 as a platform for inclusive growth. Concepcion said that Go Negosyo would align its entrepreneurship programs with the country’s Asean hosting, focusing on poverty reduction and empowerment of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). “We are also preparing our legacy projects because, as chair, you have to really come up with your legacy projects. And the idea at this time is to really focus on poverty. So MSMEs are the ones that are struggling. And we have a program that will be launched at that time,” he added. Concepcion said that part of this commitment was to continue supporting overseas Filipinos, particularly through mentorship programs that help them transition into entrepreneurship. “If you look at our overseas workers, they leave their family; they don’t see them for a year or even sometimes longer. So they’re there helping their family, getting the kids to better schools, and it’s a sacrifice for them. And that’s why we call them our heroes, in a sense, because they work so hard,” Concepcion said. “They remit money here. It helps the economy, and it helps their family. But we have to find a solution for them. That, eventually, when they come home, they have to realize what skill they have and how to turn that skill into a business,” he added. Ang highlighted how this advocacy complemented CFO’s mandate for long-term migrants and diaspora communities. “Now, the OFWs fall under the Department of Migrant Workers, but the CFO looks after permanent and long-term migrants.... Do you think they will also benefit from having this entrepreneurial mindset, knowing that they will be abroad permanently or long term?” he said. In response, Concepcion said that entrepreneurship was a universal mindset that could also empower migrants overseas. “Working for a company, we would like our employees to think like entrepreneurs. An entrepreneurial mindset is very important,” he said, adding that many Filipinos abroad have already proven their capacity by running businesses, opening stores, and franchising in their host countries. Ang also raised the possibility of bringing Go Negosyo’s youth programs into CFO’s global network of Philippine Schools Overseas. “The CFO looks after 34 Philippine schools overseas with the Department of Education, mostly in the Middle East. Learners there follow the Philippine curriculum, and I think the significant thing is that this may be part of the solution to the high social costs borne by OFWs due to separation,” Ang said. Concepcion said Go Negosyo was already tapping the youth in terms of entrepreneurial skills, which may be soon integrated. “We send mentors to the schools. And even at that young age, they’re already meeting top successful entrepreneurs, and that’s being rolled out. It’s one of the most successful programs that we have been doing,” he said. “We want this young generation to have a vision of themselves. Aim for the highest,” Concepcion added. With Asean 2026 on the horizon, both Concepcion and Ang see migrant empowerment as inseparable from the Philippines’ broader economic ambitions. By linking overseas Filipinos, youth, MSMEs, and Asean partners into one inclusive entrepreneurship agenda, they reaffirmed the role of the diaspora as both heroes of today and builders of the country’s future. The CFO, established under Batas Pambansa 79, is dedicated to the welfare and empowerment of Filipinos permanently residing abroad. It is distinct from the Department of Migrant Workers, which primarily addresses the needs of OFWs and other temporary migrants. CFO works to strengthen the social, economic and cultural ties of global Filipinos with their home country. Its primary constituents include Filipino permanent migrants, dual citizens, spouses and partners of foreign nationals, individuals in exchange visitor programs, au pair participants, and children of foreign nationals with Filipino roots.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 14 dakika

(UPDATE) THE Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), the party of jailed former president Rodrigo Duterte, has confirmed that a case was filed at the Sandiganbayan against its acting chairman, former energy secretary Alfonso Cusi, over the sale of the government’s shares in the Malampaya Gas project. The deal involved the selling of a 45-percent stake of Chevron Malampaya to UC Malampaya Philippines Pte. Ltd., a company owned by alleged Duterte crony Dennis Ang Uy. Uy’s company also acquired another 45-percent share in Shell Exploration Philippines BV. The transaction, deemed disadvantageous to the government, became the subject of a Senate investigation in 2021. The Ombudsman has yet to release details of the transaction to the media. In a statement released on Saturday, PDP deputy spokesman Ferdinand Topacio said it was “the same case that was previously dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman, which found no evidence of wrongdoing on the part of Sec[retary] Cusi.” “The reversal of the said resolution last year is now the subject of certiorari proceedings before the Supreme Court, and out of respect to that institution and the principle of sub judice, we will not comment further on the merits thereof,” Topacio added. The PDP said it affirms its belief in the innocence of Cusi. Cusi became acting chairman of the PDP after Duterte was arrested and flown to The Hague for alleged crimes against humanity committed during his administration’s bloody drug war.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 15 dakika

THE Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) on Saturday said that threats against journalists were evolving, and now include misinformation, online harassment, cyberbullying and pressure from powerful entities. “Addressing these challenges demands heightened vigilance and rapid response mechanisms. It also requires an unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and impartiality in reporting,” the PTFOMS said in a statement as the country observes National Press Freedom Day. ”It is imperative that media organizations and practitioners reinforce ethical standards, maintain impartiality and remain steadfast in their dedication to truthful and accurate reporting,” it added. The task force cited its accomplishments, which include strengthening the Philippines’ press freedom index and proactive responses to reports of harassment. It noted that a year has passed without media-related killings. The PTFOMS said it is actively collaborating with law enforcement agencies and media organizations to proactively address threats and ensure the safety of journalists. Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), along with other media groups, has renewed their call to the government to free Tacloban-based community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, who has been detained for five years on charges of illegal possession of firearms and financing terrorism. ”National Press Freedom Day should be a time to proudly celebrate the work of journalists in the Philippines. Yet with one journalist still detained simply for doing her job, it serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges reporters continue to face. Press freedom is about defending the integrity of journalism and upholding the democratic principles the Philippines claims to champion,” read a joint statement by the NUJP, Reporters Without Borders, Committee to Protect Journalists and Free Press Unlimited released on Friday.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 16 dakika

VISITING Japanese lawmakers said the Philippines is an important strategic partner to Japan as they observed the progress of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects in the country. Japan has long been the top ODA provider to the Philippines, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) office in the Philippines said. On Aug. 27, the JICA Parliamentary League (JPL), headed by Obuchi Yuko, held extensive discussions with concerned Philippine officials regarding economic cooperation projects between the two countries. The JPL delegation is also composed of Nakatani Shinichi, Suzuki Takako, Ejima Kiyoshi, Takeuchi Yuzuru, Kaneko Emi, and Sakurai Shu. They crossed partylines to support Japan's ODA. The JPL met with Transportation Secretary Vivencio Dizon; Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Emil Sadain; Economic, Planning, and Development Undersecretary Joseph Capuno; Budget and Management Undersecretary Rolando Toledo; and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan for a detailed discussion on ODA-related matters and to exchange views on project developments. The Japanese lawmakers highlighted Japan’s longstanding cooperation through ODA, which has contributed to the Philippines’ socio-economic development and resilience. In response, Philippine government officials expressed their gratitude for Japan’s extensive assistance. They highlighted notable ongoing projects, including the construction of the Davao City Bypass, Metro Manila Subway Project, and North-South Commuter Railway. They also conveyed their gratitude for the support toward the development of the Light Rail Transit, flood control projects in Metro Manila, Cavite, and other areas, and support in the maritime sector, such as the provision of patrol vessels. They noted that these projects significantly contribute to improving people’s lives and promoting regional stability, while reiterating to strengthen the cooperative relationship between Japan and the Philippines. As the two countries approach the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations in 2026, these projects will serve as an opportunity to further deepen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries, JICA said. The JICA Parliamentary League also participated in the 60th anniversary ceremony of the JICA Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV). The discussion also touched on the contributions of the JOCV volunteers to community development across the Philippines through activities in diverse fields, such as education, health care, agriculture, environment and rural development, among others. The Philippine side expressed their appreciation and gratitude, noting that the JOCV activities have promoted mutual understanding between the peoples of both nations at the grassroots level.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 16 dakika

​THE Philippines will host the International Conference on Seafarers’ Human Rights, Safety and Well-being from Sept. 1 to 3, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday. ​The country is known as the largest source of mariners worldwide. ​The event will gather 200 senior government officials, as well as industry leaders, 10 maritime organization representatives, and close to 30 civil society and industry partners from over 30 countries. ​It is co-organized by the Maritime Industry Authority, the Department of Migrant Workers, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the DFA. ​”Seafarers are the lifeblood of global trade. Upholding their human rights, safety, and well-being is not an option, but an obligation we all share,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said in a statement. ​”This conference is an important platform toward deepening global discourse on this issue and driving momentum for common action,” Lazaro added. ​The event will also feature side events on digital innovations in maritime services, psychological safety for seafarers and empowerment lectures for women in the maritime workforce, the DFA said. ​The event “follows the adoption of United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution 56/18 in Geneva last July, the first resolution recognizing the vital role of seafarers in sustaining global trade and the urgent need to strengthen protections for their rights and welfare,” the DFA said. ​The Philippines “played a key role in pushing for this landmark resolution, underscoring its commitment as one of the world’s largest suppliers of seafarers,” it added. ​The participants would tackle critical areas, including upholding human rights at sea at all times; protecting seafarers in crisis situations; promoting gender equality and inclusivity in the maritime industry; and ensuring a just transition for seafarers amid climate change and technological transformation, the DFA said.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 16 dakika

(UPDATE) A UNIVERSITY of the Philippines (UP) journalism professor lashed out at Leyte 1st District Rep. Richard Gomez for accusing reporters of “orchestrated journalism,” calling the remarks a reflection of the lawmaker’s ignorance of how the press works. Gomez claimed journalists were engaged in “media spin” after he was urged to comment on flooding in Ormoc City. Danilo Arao, however, said the screenshots Gomez posted merely showed routine interview requests and nothing close to collusion. ”These are just simply requests for interviews. In fact, there are no questions. Only the topic was clearly mentioned there,” Arao said in an interview on Saturday. “You expect the media to be tackling the same issues. Although the line of questioning may be almost similar, there would be some nuances and differences with regard to the questions.” He said that seeking a public official’s side on an issue is basic news-gathering, not manipulation. “There’s no media spin in a situation where journalists and media workers are just simply doing their jobs,” Arao stressed. “It reflects more on the lack of knowledge — or no knowledge at all — on the part of Gomez with regard to how journalism works.” Arao said Gomez’s insinuation that money changed hands between reporters and their sources was absurd. ”When you get interviewed by the press, I don’t want to state the obvious, but you don’t get paid. That’s it. No money changes hands. In the sense that I, for example, as an interview source, do not pay my interviewer. In the same way, the news media organization is not expected to pay me,” he added. He warned that baseless claims such as Gomez’s exacerbate the trend of attacking the media and undermining its credibility. ”We don’t want the erosion of trust in the media perpetrated by the likes of Richard Gomez,” Arao said. “That’s why we have to call him out for the lack of understanding — or no understanding at all — with regard to the press.” Arao also found Gomez’s posture ironic given the lawmaker’s long exposure to both show business and politics. ”He has served in public service, and he has been an entertainer for the longest time. So, being media savvy, we expect that from him of all people,” he said. The professor added a personal reminder of Gomez’s own link to UP. “It may not be known to the public that Richard Gomez was once a special student in the University of the Philippines and he also took some courses in our college, embarrassing as it may seem,” Arao said. The National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) on Saturday expressed concern over Gomez’s remarks. NPC President Leonel Abasola reminded all public officials that it is the duty of the media to get all sides of the story. ”We remind all public officials, including Rep[resentative] Gomez, that it is the duty of the media to seek the truth and to ensure that all sides are heard. Public officials may choose not to respond to questions, but they cannot malign the press or accuse journalists of bias without substantiated proof. Such actions constitute an unjust attack on press freedom and the fundamental role of media in a democratic society,” Abasola said in a statement. Gomez’s Aug. 28 social media post against the media showed the names and contact numbers of reporters from various media organizations. The NPC branded this act as a serious violation of data privacy. ”The NPC firmly upholds that the truth exists to serve the public, and public servants have a duty to provide it. Regardless of how uncomfortable it may be for those in power, the media will continue to pursue facts and hold leaders accountable in the interest of the people,” the group said. On Friday, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines also released a statement condemning Gomez’s remarks. As of Saturday, Gomez’s post remains on his official Facebook page.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 17 dakika

THE Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) announced on Saturday the return of seven Filipino seafarers who were part of the crew of the sunken MSC Elsa 3. The container vessel, flying the flag of Liberia, capsized and sank on May 25. In a post on its Facebook page, OWWA said the seven mariners arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on board Etihad Airways Flight EY 446 from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Friday. Representatives from the OWWA and the Department of Migrant Workers provided assistance to the seamen. Six of their colleagues already returned home on Thursday night via Qatar Airways Flight QR 928 from Doha, Qatar. A total of 13 Filipino crew members of the sunken vessel have already returned to the country, the OWWA said. All 24 crew members of MSC Elsa 3 were rescued. In a related development, 70 overseas Filipino workers returned home from Kuwait on two different flights, the OWWA said. ”As part of the standard repatriation process, they will undergo a medical checkup and will be provided with appropriate airport assistance, including immigration facilitation, financial assistance and transport assistance to ensure their safe return to their families. They will also be given temporary accommodation while arrangements are being made for their return to their respective provinces,” the OWWA said.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 18 dakika

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order (EO) 93, ordering the Department of Agriculture (DA) to lead and monitor the implementation of the 60-day suspension of the importation of regular milled and well-milled rice. According to the order signed by Marcos on Aug. 29, the suspension of rice imports will be from Sept. 1 to Oct. 30, unless shortened or extended. READ: Rice importation: Marcos orders a 60-day suspension The 60-day suspension does not cover specialty rice varieties not commonly produced by local farmers. “The DA is hereby directed to lead and monitor the implementation of the […]... Keep on reading: Marcos issues EO on 60-day rice import

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 18 dakika

THE Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday reported an additional 2,525 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in just one week, and the majority is young children. As of Aug. 16, a total of 39,893 HFMD cases have been recorded in the country since January — marking a 635-percent surge from the 5,081 case tally in the same period last year. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa reminded parents to be vigilant, saying, “The disease spreads quickly through contact with contaminated surfaces or toys, as well as through coughing and sneezing. Parents should seek medical consultation immediately if children develop fever, sore throat, or rashes in the mouth, hands and feet,” he said. The DOH reminded the public that preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, proper disinfection of toys and surfaces, and the use of alcohol-based rubs should be taken, particularly in schools and daycare centers where children mostly interact. “During the Covid-19 pandemic, the practice of alcohol rubbing became common. We encourage parents and teachers to maintain that habit. Proper hand hygiene remains one of the strongest defenses against HFMD,” Herbosa added. Thus, the DOH Health Promotion Bureau is set to meet with the Department of Education in September to reinforce HFMD prevention strategies in schools under the Healthy Learning Institutions program. The initiative will include teaching children the proper method and duration of handwashing — with the “Happy Birthday” song suggested as a simple timer. HFMD is typically a mild illness caused by viruses such as coxsackievirus, but outbreaks can disrupt schools and cause significant discomfort among young patients. While most cases resolve without complications, the DOH emphasized that timely medical advice and strict hygiene are critical in keeping infections under control.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 19 dakika

MAYNILAD customers will face water interruptions after its leak detection team discovered an underground pipe leak, the Manila Public Information Office (Manila PIO) announced on Saturday. Starting from 8 p.m. on Aug. 31 and may last until 11:59 p.m. of Aug. 31, Maynilad Water Services will conduct the emergency leak exploration and repair works in Sta. Mesa, Manila. However, the water concessionaire noted that the restoration schedule is still subject to change depending on the extent of the damage uncovered during the exploration. “As part of the leak exploration, our field team will first locate and expose the source of the leak before actual repairs can be made. The duration of service interruptions may be adjusted based on the severity of the problem,” Maynilad explained in a statement. Residents in several barangay of Manila, Makati, Pasay and Parañaque will be affected by the water service interruption. They advised affected residents to store enough water while supply is still available and said it would deploy mobile water tankers to affected communities as needed. Likewise, consumers were also cautioned about possible temporary water discoloration once service resumes and were advised to flush out the initial flow of water for nondrinking use. Maynilad said the damage requires urgent repairs to prevent road collapse and prolonged service disruption. “We apologize for the inconvenience and thank our customers for their patience and understanding,” the company said. Maynilad assured its customers that field teams are working round-the-clock to complete the repairs as quickly as possible. Updates will be provided if the service interruption needs to be extended.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 20 dakika

A WREATH-LAYING ceremony was held on Saturday to commemorate the 175th birth anniversary of Marcelo H. Del Pilar led by Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, the Association of Philippine Journalists-Samahang Plaridel Foundation Inc. (APJ-SPFI) and the Manila Police District. Evelyn Quiroz, president of APJ-SPFI, highlighted Del Pilar’s continued influence on the journalism landscape. “His dedication to the truth has guided many journalists over the years,” she said, urging members of the press to live by the values of what she calls the “patron saint” of Philippine journalism. “In this age where it is easy to spread fake news, let us remain steadfast in exposing the truth,” Quiroz added. Coinciding with National Press Freedom Day, Del Pilar, who used the pen name “Plaridel,” was a journalist who used his writings to expose the abuses of the friars during the Spanish colonial rule through his “La Soberania Monacal,” or the Monastic Supremacy in the Philippines. He also co-founded the “Diariong Tagalog,” a nationalist and anti-friar publication, and edited the historic “La Solidaridad,” the publication of the Filipino propagandists based in Spain, which advocated for liberal reforms and representation in the Spanish Cortes. In 1889, he defended the Philippine National Hero Jose P. Rizal’s infamous novel “Noli Me Tangere” against attacks from friars. Moreno, in his speech, reminded journalists of their crucial role in today’s media landscape. “There’s so much noise meant to confuse our people. It is good that journalists continue to provide socially relevant stories,” he said. He also cautioned against the risks posed by unchecked use of new technologies. “AI (artificial intelligence) is really dangerous — anyone can act like a journalist now,” he said, stressing the need for accuracy, fairness and excellence in the field. Del Pilar died of tuberculosis on July 4, 1896, in Barcelona. His remains were later repatriated in 1920 and initially interred in Manila before being transferred to his hometown in Bulacan in 1984.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 21 dakika

(UPDATE) SAN Juan City celebrates the 129th anniversary of the Battle of Pinaglabanan with wreath-laying rites and a civic parade at the Pinaglabanan Shrine on Saturday. Mayor Francis Zamora, together with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), led the program that included a flag-raising, the lighting of the eternal flame and a wreath-laying with a volley fire by the Philippine National Police-San Juan. Historians recognize the 1896 battle in San Juan del Monte as the first major clash of the Philippine Revolution. Katipunan fighters led by Andrés Bonifacio attacked Spanish forces at El Polvorín and El Deposito, but though the assault failed, it sparked a nationwide uprising against colonial rule. After the rites, a civic parade rolled through Pinaglabanan Street showcasing vehicles the city acquired in 2019. Eighty-three new units purchased this year under the 2025 re-fleeting program were among those featured, including patrol cars, disaster response vehicles and barangay (village) service trucks. Zamora said the expanded fleet improves the city’s disaster preparedness, public safety and delivery of basic services. “Today’s civic parade showcases the city’s expanding fleet — 83 new vehicles added this year alone — strengthening public safety, disaster response and everyday services,” he said. “Araw ng Pinaglabanan is the soul of San Juan’s identity — this is where courage sparked a movement that changed our nation’s course. Each year, we return to the Shrine to honor our forebears and reaffirm our duty to serve with the same bravery and integrity,” Zamora added. The NHCP said the annual commemoration kept alive the memory of the revolutionaries who fought at Pinaglabanan and anchored San Juan’s role in the nation’s struggle for independence.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 22 dakika

TWO unidentified men allegedly robbed 13 massage therapists, and two of the victims were allegedly raped, after forcing their way into a house along Cabrera Street, Barangay 140, Pasay City, before dawn on Friday. Police said the suspects, who were armed and riding a white Honda Click motorcycle, allegedly entered the residence at about 12:55 a.m., and took cash and personal belongings from the victims. According to initial reports, two of the women, both 22 years old, told investigators they were sexually assaulted during the incident. Their names were withheld for privacy. The Southern Police District Forensic Unit collected clothing and other items as part of forensic examinations. Investigators also recorded the statements of all complainants. Authorities said a tracker team has begun reviewing CCTV footage in nearby areas to identify the escape route of the suspects and determine their possible whereabouts. The Southern Police District told The Manila Times that the case remains under investigation.

• The Manila Times
• 2 gün, 6 saat, 23 dakika