SEVERAL opposition-led groups on Wednesday called on the public to participate in a protest action scheduled on Friday, Nov. 14. The Simbahan at Komunidad Laban sa Katiwalian (Siklab), Makati Employees Against Corruption (MEAC), and Makati Villages Council (MVC) said they are joining mass movements and civil society organizations that “continue to struggle for accountability and the defense of our hard-won democratic spaces.” The protest is scheduled to be held at 5 p.m. on Friday at the Ayala Triangle in Makati City. “We march not only for justice but for survival — for a future where no community is left to drown, starve, or be silenced because of corruption and the failure of governance,” Nagkaisa Labor Coalition chairman Sonny Matula said. “Only the conscious and organized intervention of the people can correct the political, economic, and social stagnation that has crippled our nation,” he added. “The same corruption that bleeds our coffers dry is also what leaves our communities defenseless against disasters — roofs torn away, rivers undredged, dams mismanaged, and funds for relief and recovery stolen or wasted,” Siklab spokesman Rene Magtubo said. MEAC spokesman Peter Pinlac said corruption and authoritarianism kill. “When disaster strikes, both corruption and authoritarianism kill — one through neglect, the other through repression. Democracy should not be collateral damage in our struggle to end corruption and elite control over our nation,” he said. The groups reiterated their call for accountability against erring officials. “We continue to push for the demands that mobilized hundreds of thousands into our streets: full accountability against those proven to have stolen against the people; the filing of charges by the Office of the Ombudsman based on the recommendations of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI); the suspension of all those implicated in the anomalies; the freezing of assets and eventual forfeiture of ill-gotten wealth; the extension of the investigations to include the abuse of confidential and intelligence funds by Vice President Sara Duterte; and the passage of key reforms such as the open bicameral conference committee policy, freedom of information, reform of the party-list system, and the prohibition of political dynasties,” the statement read. “Clearly, the implementation of these urgently needed changes does not need a coup or any other destabilizing effort. We remain adamant that any extra-constitutional project under present circumstances flirts with the destruction of our democracy, and the potential hijacking of our movement by anti-democratic forces,” it added.

• The Manila Times
• 13 saat, 28 dakika

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new directive by President Donald Trump’s administration could make it more difficult for foreigners to visit or live in the United States if they have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or obesity or lack the economic resources and assets to support themselves. The guidance, issued last week in a cable from the State Department and obtained by The Associated Press, directs embassy and consular officials to comprehensively and thoroughly vet visa applicants to demonstrate that they will not need to rely on public benefits from the government any time after their admission to the US. Experts say it could further limit who gets to enter the country at a time when the Republican administration is already tightening those rules. The directive reveals how the Trump administration interprets public charge, the concept in immigration law that foreigners can be refused entry or permanent residency status if they are likely to rely on US government resources, such as certain types of cash and food aid. While federal law already required those seeking permanent residency or legal status to prove they wouldn’t be a public charge, Trump in his first term widened the range of benefit programs that could disqualify applicants, and the guidelines in the cable appear to go further in scope. “This could lead to a substantial narrowing of immigration,” said Julia Gelatt, associate director of the US immigration policy program at the Migration Policy Institute. “The Trump administration is trying to go back to the policies that it worked to implement in its first term related to public charge.” New directive goes further on health requirements Since returning to office in January, Trump has pursued a government-wide immigration crackdown that has involved tightening rules on foreigners being let into the country and those already in it. Immigration policy experts say the latest guidance could reduce the number of immigrant and non-immigrant visas granted and could disproportionately affect some groups of foreigners seeking access to the US, such as older adults and people with low incomes. The cable was sent from the State Department headquarters to every US Embassy and US Consulate around the world. “The Trump Administration is putting the interests of the American people first,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said Tuesday. “This includes enforcing policies that ensure our immigration system is not a burden on the American taxpayer.” Immigrants seeking entry into the US already undergo a medical exam by a physician who’s been approved by a US Embassy. They are screened for communicable diseases, like tuberculosis, and asked to disclose any history of drug or alcohol use, mental health conditions or violence. They’re also required to have a number of vaccinations. The new directive goes further with more specific requirements. The cable says consular officials must consider a range of specific details about people seeking visas, including their age, health, family status, finances, education, skills and any past use of public assistance regardless of the country. It also says they should assess applicants’ English proficiency and can do so by conducting interviews in English. Experts say the directive could broaden who gets denied a visa Among the medical conditions that could disqualify a visa applicant are obesity; high blood pressure; cardiovascular, metabolic and neurological diseases; depression; anxiety; and mental health conditions that can require “hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of care,” the cable says. It also tells consular officials that whenever an applicant is seeking to use finances to satisfy public charge requirements, they should request to view the applicant’s bank and financial documents, evidence of their assets, checking, savings, brokerage, trust funds and retirement accounts. Although the guidelines primarily impact people outside the United States or those seeking to renew their visas, some experts warn that they could also affect family members of people already living in the US who would like to come to visit or live with them. Adriana Cadena, executive director at Protecting Immigrant Families, said the policy is “dangerous” and impacts immigrant families living legally in the US. “Its reported breadth and secrecy drive confusion and concern that deter lawfully present immigrants and US citizens in immigrant families from getting help and care for which they qualify under federal law,” Cadena said. US officials familiar with the new guidelines said that the change applied to immigrant visas and not to non-immigrant visas known as B-2s, which allow for short-term stays that include personal visits and medical treatment. Much discretion is left to consular officers to interpret the guidance as they see fit, immigration attorney Steven Heller said. But he added that the guidance represents a messaging shift, from approaching visa applications in a favorable light toward considering all circumstances to find reasons to deny them. “The new guidance is about messaging,” Heller said. “They are being given clearance to use the ‘totality of the circumstances’ as a sword, rather than a shield.”

• The Manila Times
• 13 saat, 29 dakika

... Keep on reading: Tuldok, November 13, 2025

• Inquirer
• 13 saat, 30 dakika

MALACAÑANG has included Sen. Bam Aquino’s Senate Bill (SB) 1482, which seeks to establish the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program (CAP), in its priority legislative agenda. Senate President Vicente Sotto III shared this with Aquino when the latter sponsored the bill's passage under Committee Report 6, which was signed by 22 senators. Aquino said the proposed CAP Act would end the 165,000-classroom backlog in public schools and promote transparency and accountability in classroom construction. Aquino thanked his colleagues for their support, adding that "lawmakers can work together for the Filipino youth and the Filipino people." Sen. Pia Cayetano on Tuesday co-sponsored Senate Bill (SB) 1482, which also seeks to empower local government units (LGUs) and civil society organizations to implement classroom construction projects using government funds to complement the Department of Education’s (DepEd) infrastructure programs. “The shortage of classrooms has been a perennial problem in our education system, and I have long advocated for the acceleration of classroom constructions,” Cayetano said in her co-sponsorship speech. Cayetano presented data showing that the country’s classroom backlog has worsened in recent years. “In 2022, the shortage stood at 127,039 classrooms, requiring a budget of P317 billion,” she recalled. “However, only P5.92 billion was allocated the following year — meaning it would take 60 years to close the gap at that rate. According to DepEd, the shortage is now at 165,000 classrooms, requiring P412.5 billion. With the 2026 proposed budget of P13.25 billion, we can only build 5,300 classrooms — far from what’s needed.” The senator stressed that such limitations leave “millions of Filipino students studying in congested, makeshift, or unsafe classrooms that hinder learning outcomes.” Cayetano noted that allocations for classroom construction have fluctuated over the past three years: P15.6 billion in 2023, P24.7 billion in 2024, and P13.25 billion in 2025 — amounts she described as “barely a sliver” of what is required to meet the national demand. She emphasized that the Classroom-Building Acceleration Program is more than just an infrastructure measure — it is an investment in the country’s human capital. “By accelerating classroom construction, we are not only building physical spaces; we are nurturing the next generation of learners,” she said. “This program should anticipate the future of education — classrooms designed for blended learning, energy efficiency, and climate adaptation, especially in flood- or typhoon-prone areas.” Cayetano linked the bill’s objectives to several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education (SDG 4), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), among others. The senator thanked Sen. Bam Aquino, chairman of the Committee on Education, for prioritizing the measure.

• The Manila Times
• 13 saat, 30 dakika

... Keep on reading: Crazy Jhenny, November 13, 2025

• Inquirer
• 13 saat, 31 dakika

Former titleholder Lupita Jones revealed that the logo of the global tilt has been removed from the headquarters of Legacy Holdings in Mexico, a company owned by the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) president Raul Rocha.  Jones shared a glimpse of the Legacy Holdings building in Mexico City where the Miss Universe logo is nowhere to be seen, as seen on her Instagram account on Tuesday, November 11. Legacy Holdings is a company owned by Rocha.  “No caption needed. Experience cannot be improvised,” she wrote in Spanish, seemingly throwing shade at the MUO. View this post on Instagram A post shared […]... Keep on reading: Lupita Jones reveals ‘Miss Universe’ logo in Mexico HQ has been removed

• Inquirer
• 13 saat, 37 dakika

Today’s headlines: Alan Peter Cayetano, Cebu mayors, Manuel Bonoan

• Rappler
• 13 saat, 46 dakika

RODRIGUEZ, Rizal—June Mar Fajardo has put the first of his record nine PBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) trophies up for auction to help aid the victims of Typhoon Tino in his home province of Cebu. Fajardo bared the noble gesture during halftime of the Beermen’s 158-117 rout of the Titan Ultra Giant Risers at Ynares Center II here on Wednesday, with the proceeds going to the Alagang Kapatid Foundation of the league’s broadcast partner TV5. READ: A giant on the hardcourt, June Mar Fajardo proves even bigger off it “That trophy was special to me because it’s years of hard […]... Keep on reading: June Mar Fajardo auctions off PBA MVP trophy for Cebu typhoon victims

• Inquirer
• 13 saat, 49 dakika

MANILA, Philippines—Far Eastern University’s chances to enter the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Final Four may be bleak, but the Tamaraws aren’t waving the white flag just yet. Following a 70-64 loss to league-leading National University, FEU (4-7) moved two games behind for the last Final Four spot currently held by University of Santo Tomas (6-5). READ: UAAP: Jake Figueroa pushes NU past FEU and closer to twice-to-beat Still, the Tamaraws remain in high spirits with three games left in the elimination round. “I just tell them that whatever we did in the past, we can’t bring it back so […]... Keep on reading: UAAP: Jorrick Bautista, FEU not giving up on slim Final Four hopes

• Inquirer
• 14 saat, 8 dakika

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday, November 12, confirmed massive disruptions to education in northern and central Luzon following the onslaught of Super Typhoon #UwanPH, which caused widespread damage to schools and displaced hundreds of thousands of learners and

• Manila Bulletin News
• 14 saat, 9 dakika

Good day. Here are the stories of The Manila Times for Thursday, November 13, 2025. Today’s episode is brought to you by Wilcon Depot, The Philippines’ leading home improvement and construction supplies retailer—your Trusted Building Partner. READ: Flood control bribery witnesses pressured to recant, Imee Marcos says SEN. Imee Marcos on Wednesday said witnesses in the flood control bribery scandal would recant as they had been pressured after linking some people to the irregularities. Asked whether she was referring to Orly Guteza, the former Marine who linked former speaker Martin Romualdez to the controversy, Marcos, in Filipino, said, “Just wait for the next chapter.” Marcos, however, said she had no knowledge of the people behind the threat against the witnesses who include former Department of Public Works and Highways engineers and Guteza. READ: Metro-wide clearing effort to reduce flooding by 60%, Marcos says PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday launched a multi-sectoral campaign expected to reduce flooding in Metro Manila and nearby areas by 60 percent. Speaking at the launch of the Oplan Kontra Baha-Greater Metro Manila Waterways Clearing and Cleaning Operations in Parañaque City, Marcos said siltation and waste buildup in waterways and drainage systems have greatly contributed to recurrent flash floods. The president said the nine-month initial phase of the project would continue until mid-2026, but clearing and maintenance work would be sustained yearly. Marcos said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has included Oplan Kontra Baha in its Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses, making waterway clearing a permanent, year-round program. The initiative, led by Marcos with the DPWH, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and partner local government units (LGUs), will clear 142.4 kilometers (km) of waterways and 333.15 km of drainage systems across Metro Manila to reduce flooding in low-lying areas during the typhoon season. READ: DOLE allocates P260M to help typhoon-affected workers THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has allocated at least P260 million under its Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (Tupad) program to provide temporary employment to workers following the devastation caused by typhoons Tino and Uwan. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said Wednesday an initial funding of P160 million was allocated to Region 5 (Bicol Region) and another P100 million to Region 7 (Central Visayas) to provide immediate income to affected workers and help rehabilitate damaged infrastructure and communities. Laguesma said DOLE Region 5, in coordination with local government officials in the Bicol Region, has started identifying and profiling beneficiaries in the provinces of Camarines Norte and Catanduanes, which are among the worst hit and badly damaged by Typhoon Uwan. In Cebu, DOLE Region 7 will also start with workers in hardest-hit areas, including Mandaue City, Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela, Danao City and Talisay City. READ: DOJ confirms former DPWH chief Bonoan now in the US FORMER Public Works secretary Manuel Bonoan has left the Philippines for the United States to attend to his wife’s medical needs, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed Wednesday. DOJ spokesman Polo Martinez said Bonoan informed the department of his trip, which reportedly followed his wife’s recent surgical procedure. The former secretary is expected to return to the Philippines by Dec. 17. He added that Bonoan’s situation reflects the constitutional right to travel, which applies to all citizens without pending cases. READ: Dad still in ICU — Enrile's daughter CHIEF presidential legal counsel Juan Ponce Enrile is still in the intensive care unit (ICU), where he is being treated for pneumonia, his daughter said Wednesday. The younger Enrile, who serves as president and chief executive officer of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, thanked everyone who reached out to the family in praying for the former Senate president. READ: Bato Dela Rosa's team argues against ICC surrender under RA 9851 SEN. Ronald Dela Rosa’s legal team on Wednesday disputed the claim of the Department of Justice (DOJ) that surrender to the International Criminal Court (ICC) is a viable legal route under Republic Act (RA) 9851. Dela Rosa’s legal counsel asserted that the law “is not self-executing” and lacks implementing rules to define the process for surrendering a Filipino citizen to an international tribunal. The law firm Torreon and Partners led by Israelito Torreon issued the statement amid reports that the ICC has issued a warrant of arrest against Dela Rosa, with a diffusion order reportedly circulated among international law enforcement agencies. Dela Rosa’s camp said Section 17 of RA 9851, which allows the Philippines to “surrender or extradite a person to another court or international tribunal,” cannot be invoked without clear procedural rules. BUSINESS: Peso hits new all-time low of P59.17 per dollar THE peso fell to a new record low of P59.17 to the dollar on Wednesday, pressured by strong demand for the greenback and declining market confidence due to corruption concerns. The currency, whose previous all-time low of P59:13 to the dollar was hit late last month, closed weaker by 18 and a half centavos. It opened trading at Tuesday's close of P58.95:$1 and ranged from P58.91 to P59.19. Volume reached P1.716 billion, higher than the previous P1.475 billion. SPORTS: Breaking into top 50 ‘surreal’ – Eala STARTING her Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) 2025 season in 147th place, Filipino tennis ace Alexandra “Alex” Eala said she never thought she’d break into the top 50 to end the year. She couldn’t believe that she reached 50th, which doubles as her career-best. The 20-year-old netter said that it’s only the start for what she hopes is a long Tour career. READ: Opinion and editorial Antonio Contreras and Ben Kritz are today’s front page columnists. Contreras thinks that the integrity of Environmental Compliance Certificates is akin to national security, while Kritz looks at skeletons in Former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan’s closet. Today’s editorial says the country’s leaders are “irredeemably insensitive”. Read the full version in the paper’s opinion section or listen to the Voice of the Times. For more news and information, read The Manila Times on print, subscribe to its digital edition or log on to www.manilatimes.net. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn; and be part of our communities on Viber, Telegram, and Mastodon.

• The Manila Times
• 14 saat, 18 dakika

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday appointed Finance Undersecretary Charlito Martin “Charlie” Mendoza as the new commissioner of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), replacing fellow lawyer Romeo “Jun” Lumagui Jr. The movement was confirmed to reporters by Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez. Prior to his latest appointment, Mendoza heads the Department of Finance’s (DOF) Revenue Operations Group, which supervises both the BIR and the Bureau of Customs (BOC). Before his entry to the DOF in 2024, Mendoza was customs district collector for the Port of Cebu from July 2019 to October 2022. READ: BIZ […]... Keep on reading: Marcos appoints Charlito Mendoza as new BIR chief; Jun Lumagui out

• Inquirer
• 14 saat, 19 dakika

Finance Undersecretary Charlito Mendoza replaces Lumagui as head of the Bureau of Internal Revenue

• Rappler
• 14 saat, 21 dakika

MANILA, Philippines — It would be a big help for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) if consular offices remain open even on weekends and holidays, as many migrant workers can only process documents on their off-duty days, Agimat party-list Rep. Brian Revilla said on Wednesday. Revilla, in a statement, said that Philippine embassies and consular offices in countries that host a large number of OFWs can adopt this practice by exploring different setups—like adopting rotational day-offs — so that OFWs’ needs can still be addressed. The lawmaker suggested this during the organizational meeting of the House committee on overseas workers affairs, […]... Keep on reading: Revilla suggests opening consular offices to OFWs on weekends, holidays

• Inquirer
• 14 saat, 37 dakika

RODRIGUEZ, Rizal—San Miguel Beer rolled to its fifth straight win after a 0-2 start in the PBA Philippine Cup as it ran roughshod over Titan Ultra, 158-117, on Wednesday at Ynares Center II here. CJ Perez caught fire in the second quarter, where the Beermen built a gigantic lead over a deflated Giant Risers before June Mar Fajardo registered a triple-double to complete the lopsided result. READ: PBA: Don Trollano rescues San Miguel in thriller vs Magnolia  Perez scored 26 points, highlighted by three 4-pointers and two 3-pointers, while Fajardo tallied 12 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for San […]... Keep on reading: PBA: CJ Perez, red-hot San Miguel Beer torch Titan Ultra

• Inquirer
• 15 saat, 3 dakika

MANILA, Philippines — The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) held a command conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City, on Wednesday as part of its ongoing investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control and other infrastructure projects. “The ICI led discussions to align strategies for case validation, intelligence gathering, and prosecution,” the Philippine National Police (PNP) said in a statement after the meeting. “The conference aimed to validate priority ‘ghost projects,’ expand investigation coverage nationwide, and streamline coordination among the inter-agency teams tasked with inspections, documentation, and eventual case filings,” it added. Among those in attendance were ICI Chair Andres Reyes […]... Keep on reading: ICI holds command conference at Camp Crame to ‘align strategies’

• Inquirer
• 15 saat, 6 dakika