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146 cops augmented to Leyte districts scarred by political violence

146 cops augmented to Leyte districts scarred by political violence

TACLOBAN CITY — In a move aimed at reinforcing security in areas long associated with politically motivated killings, the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8)in Eastern Visayas has redeployed 146 police personnel to Leyte’s third and fourth districts under its “Pulis sa Barangay” program. The redeployment, carried out on February 13, 2026, seeks to boost police visibility and strengthen grassroots security operations in districts that have, over the years, recorded a series of election-related and politically linked violent incidents. Of the total number, 112 personnel were assigned to Leyte’s 3rd District, covering the towns of Leyte, Villaba, Kananga, Palompon, and Tabango. […]... Keep on reading: 146 cops augmented to Leyte districts scarred by political violence

Hontiveros hopeful of antidynasty measure's passage

Hontiveros hopeful of antidynasty measure's passage

BACOLOD CITY – Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday said she is hopeful the antipolitical dynasty measure will be passed by Congress in March, but called on local governments and civil society groups to keep their voices of support coming and sustained to boost its chances. “I am not yet optimistic, I am hopeful—that’s even stronger,” said Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate committee on electoral reforms and people’s participation, who led a public consultation on the antipolitical dynasty bill at the Carlos Hilado Memorial State University, Alijis Campus here. READ: Hontiveros upbeat on passage of anti – political dynasty bill The […]... Keep on reading: Hontiveros hopeful of antidynasty measure's passage

COA files reports of P275M in DPWH ghost projects, deficiencies to Ombudsman

COA files reports of P275M in DPWH ghost projects, deficiencies to Ombudsman

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Audit (COA) filed four reports before the Office of the Ombudsman containing ghost projects, unauthorized relocations and questionable accomplishments such as payments for pre-existing structures, and serious documentation deficiencies estimated at P275 million by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). In a statement on Friday, COA said that these projects were implemented by the DPWH–Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office and awarded to SYMS Construction Trading and Wawao Builders, which have both been linked to the flood control scandal. Based on physical inspections, geotagged photographs, and historical satellite imagery, state auditors noted ghost projects or the absence of flood control or riverbank protection structures amid reports that the projects were completed or substantially accomplished. They also noted unauthorized relocation of sites, where in several instances, DPWH representatives allegedly led inspectors to locations different from those specified in approved plans and contracts, without revised plans or written authority. It also noted that there were payments for pre-existing structures, as satellite imagery showed that some riverbank protection structures already existed prior to the contract's effectivity, raising the possibility that payments were made for previous works; deficiencies in required documents, including as-built plans, detailed cost breakdowns, Statements of Work Accomplished, and approved master plans. "[These] were either incomplete or missing, undermining the credibility of reported accomplishments and payments," COA said. Among the projects flagged by COA include the construction of a reinforced concrete flood control structure at Sta. Monica, Hagonoy, Bulacan worth P67.55 million and a P39.6 million riverbank protection project in Malibong Bata, Pandi, Bulacan under SYMS Construction Trading. It also flagged the P72.37 million Phase IV Riverbank Protection Project in San Roque, Baliuag,  Bulacan and the P96.5 million flood control structure along the Angat River in Pulilan, Bulacan, which were under Wawao Builders. COA said those involved may face charges for violations of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as malversation and falsification of documents under the Revised Penal Code. The audit body said additional reports may be filed with the Ombudsman as investigations continue, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for transparency and accountability in government spending. It also said that the filing of the cases underscored its commitment to transparency and accountability to ensure that public funds intended for flood mitigation are properly used.

Russian central bank cuts interest rate to 15.5% as growth slows

Russian central bank cuts interest rate to 15.5% as growth slows

MOSCOW, Russia — Russia’s central bank on Friday cut its benchmark interest rate to 15.5 percent from 16 percent as economic growth slows under the impact of the war in Ukraine and Western sanctions. Russia’s economy expanded by just 1 percent last year, a steep drop from growth of around 4 percent recorded in 2023 and 2024. Huge spending on its forces in Ukraine had initially spurred growth and helped Moscow buck predictions of economic collapse after it launched its offensive in 2022. READ: Ukraine at war: Battered by Russia and winter but unbending But the outlays pushed up inflation, while businesses […]... Keep on reading: Russian central bank cuts interest rate to 15.5% as growth slows

US consumer inflation eases more than expected to lowest since May

US consumer inflation eases more than expected to lowest since May

WASHINGTON, United States — Consumer inflation in the United States cooled slightly more than expected in January, government data showed Friday, as energy prices dipped. The consumer price index (CPI) rose 2.4 percent year-on-year, the Department of Labor said, down from December’s 2.7 percent and slightly below analysts’ median forecast. This was also the lowest level since May 2025. Affordability worries have come to the fore in recent months as price increases in areas like food have weighed on households, and as President Donald Trump’s tariffs flowed through the world’s biggest economy. Although tariffs have not triggered a broad inflation surge, […]... Keep on reading: US consumer inflation eases more than expected to lowest since May

'Serious business losses' force oldest bus firm in PH, Asia to full stop

'Serious business losses' force oldest bus firm in PH, Asia to full stop

MANILA, Philippines — After nearly 112 years in service, the Philtranco Bus Company announced it was shutting down its operations due to "serious business losses," its President and CEO Manuel Sabban said. In a letter to employees dated Feb. 2, Sabban said they would cease operations effective March 30, 2026. "For years, we have fought an uphill battle to keep our wheels turning. However, due to serious business losses, we can no longer sustain our business operations," Sabban said.. He also saluted the company's drivers, conductors, maintenance and office staff for their hard work and dedication. "Philtranco is more than a bus line; it is a century long legacy built on your sweat and dedication," he said. The bus company also changed its Facebook profile photo to a darker shade, symbolizing its closure. Started in 1914, Philtranco is known as the bus company with a nationwide public transport franchise, with 250 buses serving passengers across the country — from PITX to Davao City and several other nationwide routes. It is also the oldest bus operator in the Philippines and in Asia. According to its website, Philtranco has over 100 destinations nationwide and 200 daily trips, as well as serving over a million "happy" passengers. "We combine decades of experience with modern amenities to give you the best travel experience," Philtranco's website read.

Manila Water’s UP Sewerage System Network project to adopt NEREDA technology

Manila Water’s UP Sewerage System Network project to adopt NEREDA technology

MANILA, Philippines – Manila Water Company, Inc. and the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman marked a major milestone in sustainable infrastructure as the turnover process for the 5 million liters per day (MLD) NEREDA Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) begins following the successful one-year process-proving period. The project was implemented to accommodate the increased wastewater flow generated by the expansion of the UP Sewerage System Network Project while ensuring full compliance with national regulatory and environmental standards, particularly DENR Administrative Orders (DAO) 2016-08 and 2021-19. NEREDA® is a modern wastewater treatment process that uses compact aerobic granules, allowing quicker settling, […]... Keep on reading: Manila Water’s UP Sewerage System Network project to adopt NEREDA technology

Cebu Pacific passengers up 6.2% to 2.7M in January

Cebu Pacific passengers up 6.2% to 2.7M in January

MANILA, Philippines — Cebu Pacific recorded a 6.2-percent increase in passenger traffic in January, with holiday travel demand spilling over into the start of the year, alongside expanded seat capacity. In a disclosure on Friday, the Gokongwei-led low-cost carrier said it had carried 2.73 million passengers in January, up from 2.57 million in the same month last year. Seats offered by the airline rose 9.9 percent to 3.27 million in January from 2.97 million a year earlier. However, Cebu Pacific’s seat load factor — the ratio of passengers to available seats — dipped to 83.6 percent from 86.5 percent a […]... Keep on reading: Cebu Pacific passengers up 6.2% to 2.7M in January