Senate Blue Ribbon now endorses preliminary probe vs 3 senators

Senate Blue Ribbon now endorses preliminary probe vs 3 senators

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate Blue Ribbon committee is looking at recommending a preliminary investigation against incumbent senators Chiz Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva, instead of pushing for the possible filing of criminal charges against them over their alleged involvement in the flood control scandal.  The recommendation to file plunder and other criminal charges against the senators was contained in the draft report earlier confirmed by the Blue Ribbon panel chairman, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson.  But on Tuesday, Lacson disclosed that the report is being “corrected” and “finalized” at present, clarifying that this change was made upon consultation with […]... Keep on reading: Senate Blue Ribbon now endorses preliminary probe vs 3 senators

Senate Blue Ribbon now endorses preliminary probe vs 3 senators

Senate Blue Ribbon now endorses preliminary probe vs 3 senators

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate Blue Ribbon committee is looking at recommending a preliminary investigation against incumbent senators Chiz Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva, instead of pushing for the possible filing of criminal charges against them over their alleged involvement in the flood control scandal.  The recommendation to file plunder and other criminal charges against the senators was contained in the draft report earlier confirmed by the Blue Ribbon panel chairman, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson.  But on Tuesday, Lacson disclosed that the report is being “corrected” and “finalized” at present, clarifying that this change was made upon consultation with […]... Keep on reading: Senate Blue Ribbon now endorses preliminary probe vs 3 senators

Heavy rainfall warning up in many parts of Visayas due to shear line

Heavy rainfall warning up in many parts of Visayas due to shear line

MANILA, Philippines — A heavy rainfall warning has been issued in several parts of Visayas due to a prevailing shear line, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Tuesday. In its latest weather advisory, Visayas Pagasa Regional Service Division (Visayas PRSD) raised a red warning in the following areas: Pagasa explained that a red warning consists of rainfall of over 200 millimeters, which may cause “serious” flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in mountainous areas. Moreover, orange rainfall warning, indicative of 100-200 millimeters of rain, is up in the following places: For these areas, “threatening” flood in […]... Keep on reading: Heavy rainfall warning up in many parts of Visayas due to shear line

Duterte impeachment: House secgen confirms 3rd complaint sent to Speaker

Duterte impeachment: House secgen confirms 3rd complaint sent to Speaker

MANILA, Philippines—The Office of the House Secretary General confirmed transmitting the third impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte as of Monday night, with the House expected to take up the complaints in plenary on Tuesday. In a statement, House Secretary General Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said she submitted the third complaint—filed by a group of clergy, civil society leaders, and legal practitioners—to Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III for action after determining that it met the requirements for transmittal to the Speaker’s office. She also emphasized that her role “was strictly ministerial.” “My office is tasked only with the receipt, verification, and […]... Keep on reading: Duterte impeachment: House secgen confirms 3rd complaint sent to Speaker

F-16 purchase: Not within budget, but PH ‘not closing door’ – envoy

F-16 purchase: Not within budget, but PH ‘not closing door’ – envoy

MANILA – The Philippines is not closing its doors on the possibility of acquiring 20 Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets from the United States, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez said Tuesday. At a US-Philippines Society press conference, the envoy said the potential purchase “is not within budget,” but talks between the Philippines and Lockheed Martin continue. “We’re not closing the door, but it’ll take quite some really imaginative and creative ways to be able to purchase,” he said. READ: New F-16 jets may arrive 2026 The Philippine government previously submitted a letter of intent to procure 16 F-16C […]... Keep on reading: F-16 purchase: Not within budget, but PH ‘not closing door’ – envoy

PCG intensifies search, retrieval operations on sunken ship in Basilan

PCG intensifies search, retrieval operations on sunken ship in Basilan

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is continuing search and retrieval operations on the MV Trisha Kerstin 3, which sank near Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan, as technical divers work to locate victims trapped inside the vessel. “Our technical divers have accessed both the bridge and the accommodation areas. We aim to inspect the entire ship to determine if anyone remains trapped inside,” Capt Noemie Cayabyab, PCG spokesman, reported on Tuesday. The vessel is lying on its side underwater, and divers are proceeding cautiously due to strong currents that could shift the ship and endanger personnel. “Even a small error could move the ship, putting our divers at risk. Safety is our top priority,” Cayabyab said. A total of 19 technical divers are operating in rotational shifts to manage fatigue while navigating the challenging underwater environment. Markers placed during the operation are guiding the divers through key sections of the vessel. A remote-operated vehicle (ROV) is currently being repaired after sustaining damage from strong currents, but it has helped identify critical areas for the search and retrieval efforts. As of Feb. 10, the PCG has recovered 46 bodies from the sunken vessel, while 316 survivors have been accounted for. Investigators are also examining the ship for structural damage, including reported holes and cargo lashing issues, to ensure a comprehensive investigation. Coordination with the shipping company is ongoing regarding possible salvage operations to aid recovery and investigation.

Kate Valdez, Fumiya Sankai break up 'to focus on self-development'

Kate Valdez, Fumiya Sankai break up 'to focus on self-development'

Kate Valdez and Fumiya Sankai confirmed that they have mutually decided to end their relationship, stressing there is “no bitterness” between them. In a statement released via their respective Instagram pages on Sunday, Feb. 8, the former couple said: “We want to acknowledge the confusion and speculation caused by our silence and recent changes online. We understand that this has led to various conclusions. This was never our intention.” While they did not expound on the speculation they were referring to, it can be noted that the celebrities have been hounded by cheating rumors after the actress liked “cheating” and […]... Keep on reading: Kate Valdez, Fumiya Sankai break up 'to focus on self-development'

LTFRB summons bus firm over reckless driving in viral video

LTFRB summons bus firm over reckless driving in viral video

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a show cause order (SCO) against Victory Liner Inc. after a video showing one of its buses allegedly driving recklessly on an expressway circulated on social media. LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the agency was coordinating with the netizen who uploaded the video, which was flagged by the board’s social media monitoring team, to gather more details about the incident. “I saw the video and there is clearly a violation on the part of the bus driver. We are now investigating to determine if the bus was carrying passengers at the time of the incident,” Mendoza said. In the footage, the bus is seen making a dangerous maneuver against a truck along what appears to be an expressway. The uploader can be heard commenting as the video plays, which seemed to have been captured using a smartphone or a dashcam. The truck driver did not retaliate as the bus sped away. Mendoza said the video served as the basis for the LTFRB to identify the bus and initiate formal action against the operator. An SCO dated Feb. 9, 2026 was issued against Victory Liner Inc., directing the company to identify and present the driver involved during a hearing scheduled on Feb. 25. Both the bus company and the driver were ordered to submit a written explanation on why they should not be held liable for the incident. “Failure on the part of the respondents to appear before the Hearing Officer and file an answer shall be considered as a waiver on your part to be heard and shall cause the imposition of the penalty,” the SCO read. Mendoza said the behavior shown in the video was unacceptable and stressed that such incidents put the lives of passengers and other motorists at risk. He urged bus operators to strictly discipline their drivers and warned against road rage and other forms of dangerous driving. On the part of the LTFRB, Mendoza said the agency would continue to intensify monitoring and swiftly act on complaints against erring public utility vehicle drivers and operators.

INQToday: Carpio accepts Marcoleta’s debate challenge

INQToday: Carpio accepts Marcoleta’s debate challenge

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories: WPS showdown: Carpio accepts Marcoleta’s debate challenge Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio has accepted Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s 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). Marcos upbeat on PH-US diplomatic ties, hopeful of Trump’s return to Manila President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed optimism that the relationship between the Philippines and the United […]... Keep on reading: INQToday: Carpio accepts Marcoleta’s debate challenge

‘TULOY PA RIN ANG LABAN’ 

Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala thanked her supporters and fellow Filipinos after her early exit from the Qatar TotalEnergies Open on Monday evening.

“Immensely grateful for the people who continuously show up for me and the sport. You all

‘TULOY PA RIN ANG LABAN’ Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala thanked her supporters and fellow Filipinos after her early exit from the Qatar TotalEnergies Open on Monday evening. “Immensely grateful for the people who continuously show up for me and the sport. You all

‘TULOY PA RIN ANG LABAN’ Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala thanked her supporters and fellow Filipinos after her early exit from the Qatar TotalEnergies Open on Monday evening. “Immensely grateful for the people who continuously show up for me and the sport. You all

SENATE TAKES ON CHINA, MINORITY TAKES AIM AT TARRIELA?

Much of the Senate debate on the resolution condemning the Chinese Embassy’s statements focused instead on PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela, who wasn’t even mentioned in the measure.

Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano

SENATE TAKES ON CHINA, MINORITY TAKES AIM AT TARRIELA? Much of the Senate debate on the resolution condemning the Chinese Embassy’s statements focused instead on PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela, who wasn’t even mentioned in the measure. Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano

SENATE TAKES ON CHINA, MINORITY TAKES AIM AT TARRIELA? Much of the Senate debate on the resolution condemning the Chinese Embassy’s statements focused instead on PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela, who wasn’t even mentioned in the measure. Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano

Tourism sites in ashfall-affected Albay town remain safe for visitors

Tourism sites in ashfall-affected Albay town remain safe for visitors

LEGAZPI CITY – The local government of Camalig in Albay province has assured the public that all tourist destinations in the town remain open, operational, and safe to visit despite the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano. In a phone interview on Tuesday, Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo Jr. said all local attractions are outside the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone. “We assure you that tourists are safe, as long as they do not enter the 6 km. zone. It is still safe for tourists to visit us,” he said. READ: Albay folk grapple with Mayon ashfall Baldo said that according to a […]... Keep on reading: Tourism sites in ashfall-affected Albay town remain safe for visitors

Tourism sites in ashfall-affected Albay town remain safe for visitors

Tourism sites in ashfall-affected Albay town remain safe for visitors

LEGAZPI CITY – The local government of Camalig in Albay province has assured the public that all tourist destinations in the town remain open, operational, and safe to visit despite the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano. In a phone interview on Tuesday, Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo Jr. said all local attractions are outside the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone. “We assure you that tourists are safe, as long as they do not enter the 6 km. zone. It is still safe for tourists to visit us,” he said. READ: Albay folk grapple with Mayon ashfall Baldo said that according to a […]... Keep on reading: Tourism sites in ashfall-affected Albay town remain safe for visitors