MANILA, Philippines — The leadership of the Social Security System (SSS) announced on Saturday that it has set various programs up for implementation in 2026 primarily aimed at benefiting its millions of members nationwide. “We look forward to 2026 where we continue implementing existing programs while developing new ones and strengthening member servicing as well as expanding footprint of SSS nationwide and abroad,” SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph Montes De Claro said. By September next year, de Claro said the agency would carry out the second to the last tranche of the Pension Reform Program for another round of increase for all pensioners. “Also available for 2026 is the Emergency Loan Program up to Dec. 9, 2026 or until the calamity declaration is lifted,” he said. Following the approval by the Social Security Commission of its guidelines, the micro loan program will likewise see its implementation early in 2026, the SSS chief said. “With guidance from Finance Secretary Frederick Go, SSS is looking to implement this micro loan program through partner institutions very soon as a safer and affordable option to borrow cash for short-term needs with 15- to 90-day tenor and interest rate of 8percent per annum or 0.67percent per month,” he said. Ensuring that no Filipino worker is left behind, de Claro said the agency would pursue opening of local and overseas branches in 2026. SSS is looking to establish Foreign Representative Offices in Madrid, San Francisco, and Macau while looking to establish 10 new branches locally, he said. Moreover, state-pension fund is set to hire about 1,800 personnel toward completely providing manpower resources in the frontlines – be it physically or virtually through electronic means, the agency’s top official said. “This recruitment effort aims to address gaps in service delivery and handling of requests for assistance and various complaints,” de Claro said.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 7 saat, 32 dakika

It's EA Guzman and Shaira Diaz's first Christmas as husband and wife!

• GMA Network
• 1 gün, 7 saat, 37 dakika

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued eight proclamations declaring special non-working days in five municipalities and three cities to mark local celebrations and founding anniversaries. Marcos, through Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, signed Proclamation 1109, 1110, 1114 to 1119 in mid-December. Proclamation 1109 declared Jan. 5, 2026 a special non-working day in the municipality of Tagudin in Ilocos Sur in celebration of its 440th Founding Anniversary. Marcos also issued Proclamation 1110 declaring Jan. 6, 2026 a special non-working day in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental to mark the celebration of its 56th Charter Anniversary and 96th Anniversary as the capital of the province of Misamis Occidental. Proclamation 1114 declared Jan. 5, 2026, Monday, a special non-working day in the Municipality of Bauang, La Union, to celebrate its 440th Founding Anniversary. Proclamation 1115 declared Jan. 31, 2026, Saturday, a special non-working day in the Municipality of Lian, Batangas, in observance of its Liberation Day. The President, through Proclamation 1116, also declared Jan. 27, 2026, Tuesday, a special non-working day in the Municipality of Tantangan, South Cotabato, to mark its 65th Founding Anniversary and the 16th Kulitangtang Festival. Meanwhile, Proclamation 1117 declared Jan. 16, 2026, Friday, a special non-working day in the City of Batangas to allow residents to fully participate in the celebration of their city fiesta. Marcos likewise issued Proclamation 1118 declaring Jan. 9, 2026, Friday, a special non-working day in the City of Koronadal, South Cotabato, to celebrate the city’s 86th Founding Anniversary and the Koronadal Hinugyaw Festival. “To enable the people of the City of Koranadal to fully participate in the occasion, the Office of the Mayor requested that Jan. 9, 2026, Friday, be declared as a special (non-working) day in lieu of Jan. 10, 2026,” the President said in his proclamation. Lastly, Proclamation 1119 declared Jan. 21, 2026, Wednesday, a special non-working day in the Municipality of Currimao, Ilocos Norte, in celebration of its Founding Anniversary.

• The Manila Times
• 1 gün, 7 saat, 38 dakika

Ngayong Sabado, get ready na sa masayang tanghalian kasama ang 'It's Showtime' family. Subaybayan ang 'It's Showtime' tuwing Lunes hanggang Sabado, 12 noon, sa GMA at Kapuso Stream.

• GMA Network
• 1 gün, 7 saat, 42 dakika

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — A total of 263 road crash injuries, including two motorcycle-related deaths, were reported during the Christmas season, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Friday. These cases were recorded from 10 sentinel hospitals in the country from December 21 to 5 a.m. on December 26, 2025. Of the recorded road crashes, […]... Keep on reading: Holiday road crash injuries climb to 263 — DOH

• Inquirer
• 1 gün, 7 saat, 45 dakika

In 2025, many social media personalities transitioned into scripted acting, turning their online popularity into successful mainstream TV roles. One of the most talked‑about crossovers is Abi Marquez, popularly known as "Lumpia Queen." The content creator, who first rose to stardom for making creative lumpia-inspired dishes online, made her acting debut via the GMA series Sanggang-Dikit FR . Also marking his significant leap from influencer to actor is the former noontime show contestant Cristopher Diwata whose fame skyrocketed when his video from It's Showtime back in 2013, where he impersonates Twilight star Taylor Lautner, went viral on social media 12 years later. This viral moment expanded many opportunities for him, including mainstream acting role in GMA series Mga Batang Riles. These crossovers reflect a broader shift in Philippine entertainment, where digital prominence now serves as a springboard into traditional media. For many young personalities, 2025 was the year they stepped off the small screen of social feeds and onto television screens, opening the door to new careers in acting and storytelling.

• GMA Network
• 1 gün, 7 saat, 46 dakika

Nicki Minaj has apparently deactivated her Instagram page after her appearance alongside Erika Kirk, widow of slain right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, at the Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Arizona in the United States. During the political gathering held last Dec. 21, the “Super Bass” rapper-singer and Erika, the CEO of Turning Point USA, had an interview in which Minaj praised US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. When asked why she decided to support Trump, Minaj, who had condemned him in the past, said she “got tired of being pushed around.” “He has given so many people hope that there’s a chance […]... Keep on reading: Nicki Minaj deactivates Instagram after political event with Erika Kirk

• Inquirer
• 1 gün, 7 saat, 48 dakika

The Philippine Navy (PN) said on Saturday, Dec. 27, that it kept patrols active across key waters in Eastern Mindanao to prevent maritime threats during the holiday season as most Filipinos marked Christmas with family gatherings. READ:

• Manila Bulletin News
• 1 gün, 7 saat, 50 dakika

MANILA, Philippines — Baguio City, also known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” recorded the lowest temperature in the country on Saturday, December 27, the state weather bureau said. According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the temperature registered in Baguio City this Saturday reached 14.6°C. READ: Amihan, easterlies to trigger light rain across PH Saturday Meanwhile, the second and third lowest temperatures for the day were seen in Basco, Batanes (17.0°C), and Tanay, Rizal (19.0°C), respectively. Also in the list of lowest temperatures as of this Saturday are the following: READ: From storms to […]... Keep on reading: Baguio logs lowest temperature in PH for Saturday at 14.6°C

• Inquirer
• 1 gün, 7 saat, 52 dakika

BEIRUT, Lebanon — Lebanon’s government on Friday approved a draft law to distribute financial losses from the 2019 economic crisis. The crisis deprived many Lebanese of their deposits despite strong opposition from political and banking officials. The draft law is a key demand from the international community, which has conditioned economic aid to Lebanon on financial reforms. It will be submitted to the country’s divided parliament for approval before it can become effective. The cabinet passed the draft bill with 13 ministers in favor and nine against. It stipulates that each of the state, the central bank, commercial banks and depositors […]... Keep on reading: Lebanon's cabinet approves draft law on financial crisis losses

• Inquirer
• 1 gün, 7 saat, 56 dakika

MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared several days in January 2026 as special non-working days in five municipalities and three cities to give local communities time to commemorate founding anniversaries, fiestas and cultural events. Jan. 5 was declared as a special non-working day in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur under Proclamation 1109, as the municipality marks its 440th founding anniversary. Proclamation 1110, meanwhile, sets Jan. 6 as a special non-working day in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental for its 56th Charter Anniversary and 96th year as provincial capital. Both proclamations were signed on Dec. 15. Marcos also signed Proclamation 1114, which […]... Keep on reading: Marcos declares special non-working days in 8 areas

• Inquirer
• 1 gün, 8 saat, 1 dakika

Behind the glitz and glamour of showbiz, there is a dark side to the industry that celebrities avoid talking about. But there are popular personalities who have shared their indecent proposal experience. Some shrugged it off, while others blatantly expressed feeling offended. Here are some of the brave stories of male and female celebrities as they bravely speak out about their personal experience.

• GMA Network
• 1 gün, 8 saat, 9 dakika

Behind the glitz and glamour of showbiz, there is a dark side to the industry that celebrities avoid talking about. But there are popular personalities who have shared their indecent proposal experience. Some shrugged it off, while others blatantly expressed feeling offended. Here are some of the brave stories of male and female celebrities as they bravely speak out about their personal experience.

• GMA Network
• 1 gün, 8 saat, 9 dakika

TACLOBAN CITY — Three members of a family, including two children, died after fire razed their home in Barangay District I, Babatngon, Leyte in the early hours of Saturday, December 27. The report comes from the local fire station and the Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas (PRO-8). Based on initial dispatches from the Babatngon […]... Keep on reading: Leyte: Early Saturday morning fire kills mother, 2 kids

• Inquirer
• 1 gün, 8 saat, 11 dakika

Businessman Joseph Sy has resigned as director of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. amid issues with his citizenship.

• NewsWatch Plus
• 1 gün, 8 saat, 12 dakika

THE END OF THE ICI? Barely months after its creation, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has been reduced to a single member following the resignation of two commissioners in December. What does this mean for the Marcos administration's promised pursuit of

• Philstar.com
• 1 gün, 8 saat, 12 dakika