The Global Tourism Business Association (GTBA), a national travel and tourism business organization, expressed its support for the House of Representatives tourism committee’s planned review of travel tax collections, calling the move both timely and necessary amid growing public demand for transparency, accountability, and effective governance.  GTBA Founding Chairman Michelle Taylan said the review comes at a critical moment, as the Philippines works to strengthen public trust while accelerating the recovery and long-term competitiveness of its tourism sector.  “We believe it’s time to review and reform our rules on travel tax to make it more effective and equitable. At the […]... Keep on reading: GTBA backs house review of travel tax, calls for transparency and targeted tourism reforms

• Inquirer
• 3 gün, 18 saat, 47 dakika

MANILA, Philippines — Former House Speaker Jose de Venecia has died at the age of 89, his family confirmed on Tuesday. In a statement, de Venecia’s family said that the former speaker “devoted his life to public service — as journalist, diplomat, entrepreneur, legislator, Speaker of the House, and global advocate for peace.” “With heavy hearts, our family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and patriarch, former Speaker of the House Jose C. de Venecia Jr.,” the family said through de Venecia’s son, former Pangasinan Rep. Christopher de Venecia. “He served seven terms in the House of Representatives, five of […]... Keep on reading: De Venecia’s family confirms passing of ex-House speaker

• Inquirer
• 3 gün, 18 saat, 48 dakika

Isang malungkot na katotohanan ang ibinahagi ni Sofia Trazona tungkol sa relasyon nila ng kanyang ina, ang dating miyembro ng SexBomb Girls na si Izzy Trazona . Sa isang post sa X (dating Twitter), sinagot ng trans personality ang mga tanong kung kumusta na ba sila ng kanyang ina. Inamin ni Sofia na matagal na silang hindi nagkikita. "I also am scared na pagnakita niya na ako ngayon as a transwoman, iba 'yung reaction na ma-receive ko and ayoko na bumalik sa dark place nu'ng lumabas 'yung issue," sabi niya online. Dagdag pa ni Sofia, hindi na rin siya nakakadalo sa kanilang family gatherings dahil umano sa mga usap-usapan at pakiramdam niyang pinagkakaisahan siya. "I just want validation and acceptance. Wala ng iba," dagdag niya. sa lahat ng nag message sakin no. di na po kami nagkikita ni mama, i also am scared na pagnakita niya na ako ngayon as a transwoman, iba yung reaction na mareceive ko and ayoko na bumalik sa dark place nung lumabas yung issue i just want validation and acceptance. wala ng iba — Sofia ? (@andreitraz) February 9, 2026 Sa kanyang Instagram account, ibinahagi rin ni Sofia na malapit na siyang sumailalim sa isang “big operation” na may kaugnayan sa kanyang transition. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sofia Trazona (@andreitrazona_) Matatandaang unang inamin ni Sofia ang kanyang transgender identity noong January 2025. Related gallery: Meet Andrei 'Sofia' Trazona, SexBomb Izzy Aragon's firstborn Noong 2023 naman, hayagang ibinahagi ni Izzy ang kanyang hindi pagsang-ayon sa pagiging drag queen ni Sofia. Ayon sa dancer, nais lamang niyang protektahan ang kanyang mga anak alinsunod sa kanyang pananampalataya. "Andrei (dating pangalan ni Sofia) anak, I love you so much to not support you on things that will harm you," saad ni Izzy sa isang post. "Sometimes, parents & their children have disagreements and its normal. But I know both sides have that pain in their [heart] and wishes that they will just simply agree w/ each other. Both have their own reason of what they are fighting for." Kahit hindi niya sinusuporta ang buhay ngayon ng kanyang anak, hindi raw mawawala ang kanyang pagmamahal sa kanya. Samantala, narito ang ilang celebrities na nakatampuhan ang kanilang magulang:

• GMA Network
• 3 gün, 18 saat, 50 dakika

PROGRESS FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES’ RIGHTS IN THE PHILIPPINES ❤️ Same-sex couples living together can be considered co-owners of property acquired during their relationship, provided there is clear evidence of actual contribution, the Supreme Court said. Read:

• Philstar.com
• 3 gün, 18 saat, 51 dakika

Good sleep and good skin in one capsule? This local supplement brand promises that.

• GMA Network
• 3 gün, 18 saat, 53 dakika

MANILA, Philippines — Foreign direct investments (FDI) into the Philippines posted a smaller net gain in November 2025 amid headwinds at home and abroad. READ: Foreign direct investments fell nearly 40% in October 2025 – BSP FDIs posted a net inflow of $897 million during the month, down by 0.3 percent. READ: Let foreign investments boost PH economy This brought the 11-month tally to a net inflow of $7.1 billion, down by 22.1 percent from a year ago. INQ... Keep on reading: FDI net inflows down in November 2025

• Inquirer
• 3 gün, 18 saat, 55 dakika

MANILA, Philippines — The much-awaited WPS showdown between Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio and Sen. Rodante Marcoleta is on. Carpio has accepted the challenge to a debate, setting the stage for a significant public education on national sovereignty and maritime security. Marcoleta was invited by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela to join a domain awareness flight to the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG). In response, Marcoleta said that before going to KIG, he wants to have a friendly debate with Tarriela, along with Carpio and University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law […]... Keep on reading: WPS showdown: Carpio accepts Marcoleta’s debate challenge

• Inquirer
• 3 gün, 18 saat, 56 dakika

MANILA, Philippines — Former Speaker Jose de Venecia has passed away according to Dagupan City Mayor Belen Fernandez. De Venecia was 89 years old. "With deep sorrow and profound gratitude, we bid farewell to former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. — a five-time Speaker of the House, a statesman of national stature, and above all, the foremost son of Dagupan," Fernandez said in her Facebook post. De Venecia was speaker from 1992 to 1998 and from 2001 to 2008, becoming one of the longest-serving Speakers in the country. He also ran as President in 1998, but lost to then Vice President Joseph Estrada.

• The Manila Times
• 3 gün, 18 saat, 57 dakika

More than a decade before the government renewed its campaign against 'epal' practices, Baguio had already enacted an ordinance banning them. A councilor is now seeking to expand that city law.

• Rappler
• 3 gün, 18 saat, 57 dakika

Hot gas, ash, and rock raced down the Mi-isi Gully in Albay on Monday, Feb. 9, as Mayon Volcano produced the largest pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) of its 2026 eruption. READ:

• Manila Bulletin News
• 3 gün, 18 saat, 59 dakika

Nagbabalik sa Bahay Ni Kuya ang Big Winner Duo na sina Brent Manalo at Mika Salamanca BreKa!

• GMA Network
• 3 gün, 19 saat, 1 dakika

• SunStar Philippines
• 3 gün, 19 saat, 4 dakika

Many consider a wedding the most sentimental, once-in-a-lifetime milestone, as it marks the beginning of a shared life. For groom Mark Costelo, the occasion was even more special — not only because he was marrying the love of his life, but also because it became a setting to reunite with his parents, both overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), after three years of being apart.  The heartwarming reunion was captured in a now-viral TikTok video, as posted by wedding performer Carla Palmenco. The video shows Mark bursting into tears in shock as his parents, Erryl and Ferdimark Costelo, meet him midway through […]... Keep on reading: OFW parents reunite with son at his wedding after 3 years

• Inquirer
• 3 gün, 19 saat, 5 dakika

Many consider a wedding the most sentimental, once-in-a-lifetime milestone, as it marks the beginning of a shared life. For groom Mark Costelo, the occasion was even more special — not only because he was marrying the love of his life, but also because it became a setting to reunite with his parents, both overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), after three years of being apart.  The heartwarming reunion was captured in a now-viral TikTok video, as posted by wedding performer Carla Palmenco. The video shows Mark bursting into tears in shock as his parents, Erryl and Ferdimark Costelo, meet him midway through […]... Keep on reading: OFW parents reunite with son at his wedding after 3 years

• Inquirer
• 3 gün, 19 saat, 5 dakika

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s biggest power distributor, is implementing a rate hike of 22 centavos per kilowatt hour (kWh) this February due to higher transmission charges. Meralco said Tuesday the overall rate for a typical household increased to P13.1734 per kWh from P12.9508 per kWh in January. READ: Meralco power rates seen climbing in February bill This means that the average customer who consumes up to 200 kWh would have to pay an additional P45 in their power bill. The distribution giant said the increase in electricity rate was due to the increase in transmission […]... Keep on reading: Meralco rates rise by 22 centavos per kWh in February billing

• Inquirer
• 3 gün, 19 saat, 8 dakika

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s biggest power distributor, is implementing a rate hike of 22 centavos per kilowatt hour (kWh) this February due to higher transmission charges. Meralco said Tuesday the overall rate for a typical household increased to P13.1734 per kWh from P12.9508 per kWh in January. READ: Meralco power rates seen climbing in February bill This means that the average customer who consumes up to 200 kWh would have to pay an additional P45 in their power bill. The distribution giant said the increase in electricity rate was due to the increase in transmission […]... Keep on reading: Meralco rates rise by 22 centavos per kWh in February billing

• Inquirer
• 3 gün, 19 saat, 8 dakika