WATCH: A teary-eyed Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste of Batangas 1st district tells a press briefing that he had to withhold the release of the DPWH list of former public works official Cathy Cabral months back because of alleged arm-twisting that involved his district’s budget.

His

WATCH: A teary-eyed Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste of Batangas 1st district tells a press briefing that he had to withhold the release of the DPWH list of former public works official Cathy Cabral months back because of alleged arm-twisting that involved his district’s budget. His

WATCH: A teary-eyed Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste of Batangas 1st district tells a press briefing that he had to withhold the release of the DPWH list of former public works official Cathy Cabral months back because of alleged arm-twisting that involved his district’s budget. His

NBA: Amen Thompson's 26 points help Rockets defeat Doncic and Lakers

NBA: Amen Thompson's 26 points help Rockets defeat Doncic and Lakers

LOS ANGELES — Amen Thompson scored 26 points to lead six players in double figures and the Houston Rockets never trailed in beating Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers 117-96 on Thursday night. Kevin Durant added 25 points and nine assists for the Rockets, who ended a two-game skid while improving to 7-7 on the road. Thompson had seven rebounds and five assists. Doncic scored 25 points and LeBron James added 18 points for the Lakers, who fell to 25-27 in their 27th consecutive appearance on Christmas and 52nd overall in a tradition that began in 1949. They’ve dropped […]... Keep on reading: NBA: Amen Thompson's 26 points help Rockets defeat Doncic and Lakers

PNP: 1 dead by stray bullet, 47 hurt by firecrackers ahead of New Year

PNP: 1 dead by stray bullet, 47 hurt by firecrackers ahead of New Year

MANILA, Philippines — One person died due to stray bullets while 47 were injured by firecrackers days ahead of New Year’s Eve, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said in its first casualty bulletin published on Friday. Police said the stray bullet incident occurred “during a drinking spree in celebration of Christmas Eve” in Barangay 120 of Manila’s Tondo district at 12:50 a.m. on Thursday, Christmas Day. The victim was identified as Rey-an Policarpio, of legal age. Suspect remains at large but authorities said a one 9mm pistol was recovered after this incident. Seven more individuals nationwide are arrested due to […]... Keep on reading: PNP: 1 dead by stray bullet, 47 hurt by firecrackers ahead of New Year

PNP to coordinate with local govts in setting up firecracker zones ahead of New Year

PNP to coordinate with local govts in setting up firecracker zones ahead of New Year

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) directed itspersonnel nationwide to coordinate with local government units (LGUs) in setting up centralized markets for firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials ahead of the New Year revelry. Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., acting PNP chief, said the directive was issued as firecracker-related injuries continued to rise days before New Year’s Day. Data from the Department of Health (DOH) showed at least 28 firecracker-related injury cases recorded from Dec. 21 to 25, 2025, which authorities expect to increase as celebrations peak. Nartatez said concentrating the sale of firecrackers in specific areas would allow authorities to closely monitor vendors and products, while reducing risks to the public. “The main purpose is proper regulation and public safety. By designating a specific area in every town or city where people could buy firecrackers and pyrotechnic materials, we can easily monitor and prevent the selling of illegal firecrackers,” Nartatez said on Friday. He instructed police chiefs to work closely with LGUs in identifying safe locations for the sellers and in setting the allowable period for the sale. Under the plan, designated areas will have police present, in coordination with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Firetrucks and emergency responders will also be placed on standby to immediately address any untoward incident, Nartatez said. He added that centralized selling areas would help curb the sale of illegal firecrackers, noting that transactions outside the designated zones would be considered unauthorized. “Centralized selling areas allow us to strictly inspect vendors and products. It will be easier for us to determine which firecrackers are legal and which are illegal. Once there is a designated firecracker zone, any sale outside that area will be considered unauthorized. Outside the zone, selling is prohibited,” he said. The PNP also urged the public to cooperate with authorities and observe safety guidelines to help ensure a peaceful and injury-free New Year celebration. Nartatez had called on LGUs to establish designated firecracker zones as part of broader measures to enhance public safety amid increased firecracker use during the holiday season.

PH troops manning West Philippine Sea features get Noche Buena packages

PH troops manning West Philippine Sea features get Noche Buena packages

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino soldiers manning vital West Philippine Sea (WPS) features received traditional Noche Buena (Christmas Eve feast) packages and other essential supplies during a “critical sustainment mission” conducted last Dec. 23. A media release by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) late Thursday night said this resupply mission ensured “warmth, hope, and spirit of the season”. READ: Chinese ships in WPS increasing since January – PH Navy report Among those supported were troops deployed to BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) in Ayungin Shoal, Pag-asa Island, Panata Island, Rizal Reef Station, Kota Island, Parola, Lawak, Likas, and Patag Island—personnel spending […]... Keep on reading: PH troops manning West Philippine Sea features get Noche Buena packages

Gian Magdangal, Lara Maigue expecting first child

Gian Magdangal, Lara Maigue expecting first child

Gian Magdangal and Lara Maigue marked Christmas Day with an announcement that they will soon welcome their first child. The couple revealed Maigue’s pregnancy through a joint post on their Instagram pages on Thursday, Dec. 25. The post includes a photo of the two standing in front of a Christmas Tree and holding a newborn onesie that has the phrase “freshly baked” written on it. “From The Greatest Duets to our greatest trio yet,” she said in the caption. “Merry Christmas from our growing family.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lara Maigue-Magdangal (@laramaigue) Among those who […]... Keep on reading: Gian Magdangal, Lara Maigue expecting first child

Yassi Pressman, Sam Verzosa visit kids battling cancer on Christmas

Yassi Pressman, Sam Verzosa visit kids battling cancer on Christmas

Yassi Pressman and Sam Verzosa were among the celebrities who offered comfort and holiday cheer to others after they each spent time with children battling cancer and other illnesses this Christmas season.  Pressman marked Christmas by visiting Child Haus, a temporary shelter for children undergoing cancer treatment. The actress documented her visit to the center through an Instagram reel on Thursday, Dec. 25.  Describing it as a yearly tradition, Pressman spent the day playing games with young patients and giving them food and gifts. During the visit, the actress met a young girl named after her.  Pressman encouraged the young […]... Keep on reading: Yassi Pressman, Sam Verzosa visit kids battling cancer on Christmas

Palawan for Business wins at the MarkeTech Awards for innovative government and community impact

Palawan for Business wins at the MarkeTech Awards for innovative government and community impact

The Palawan Group of Companies has earned the Silver Award for Most Innovative B2B Campaign at the prestigious NEXT Awards Asia-Pacific 2025 held on 27 November 2025 at Shangri-La The Fort, Manila. The recognition highlights the company’s partnership with government agencies through its B2B arm, Palawan For Business, to make government aid more accessible to Filipinos in remote and underserved communities. This achievement underscores Palawan Group’s growing role as a trusted private-sector partner in strengthening government disbursement programs and advancing financial inclusion nationwide. Lisa Lou Castro‑Sabado, Chief Business Development Officer of the Palawan Group of Companies, shared that “We are honored to […]... Keep on reading: Palawan for Business wins at the MarkeTech Awards for innovative government and community impact