Philippines

AFP Sends Strong Message on BRP Sierra Madre—But What Happens Next in Ayungin Shoal?

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has made its position clear: the Philippines has no plans to abandon or remove the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal. AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, retired Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, rejected what he described as misleading narratives being circulated by the Chinese Embassy regarding the Philippine military outpost in the disputed waters. Trinidad said the presence of the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal

August 23, 2026

Business

Basilan’s Sama-Bajau Women Got Help Selling Their Woven Mats—But the Real Reason the UN Stepped In Goes Far Beyond Livelihood

MALUSO, Basilan — For generations, Sama-Bajau women in this coastal community have turned strips of pandan leaves into colorful tepoh mats. Now, the same centuries-old craft is doing something far bigger than decorating homes. It is helping women earn their own income, keep an Indigenous tradition alive, send children to school—and, in some cases, secure the legal documents that can determine whether families can fully access government services. At the center of the effort is Sibiya “Inah Bi

August 23, 2026

Philippines

Risa Hontiveros Is Preparing for a 2028 Presidential Run—But She Says One Thing Must Happen Before She Says Yes

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros is no longer treating a possible 2028 presidential run as a distant political scenario. The opposition senator says she is now actively preparing herself to become her political camp’s strongest possible candidate for the next presidential election—but she is stopping short of formally declaring that she will run. Speaking to reporters on August 22, Hontiveros said she was “preparing very hard” and “working very hard” in hopes of emerging as the ca

August 23, 2026

Philippines

DPWH ‘Doble Kayod’ sa Sirang Kalsada ng Metro Manila—Pero Ito ang Malaking Tanong Kapag Bumuhos Ulit ang Ulan

MANILA, Philippines — Motorists across Metro Manila may soon see road crews working at a faster pace as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) intensifies repairs on roads damaged by weeks of heavy rain and flooding. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the agency is accelerating repair and maintenance work on damaged portions of major roads in the National Capital Region, particularly areas affected by the recent southwest monsoon. According to Bombo Radyo, repair activities are being

August 23, 2026

Philippines

Alex Eala Is Back in New York — But What Happens Next Could Make Philippine Tennis History Again

NEW YORK — Alex Eala isn't wasting any time in the Big Apple. Fresh from a breakthrough North American hard-court swing, the Filipina tennis sensation has arrived in New York and immediately stepped onto the practice court, beginning her final preparations for the 2026 US Open — where another chapter of Philippine tennis history could be waiting. The 21-year-old was spotted training at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, the world's largest tennis stadium, just days before the season's final Grand

August 23, 2026

Philippines

NAZARENO 2027, PINAGHAHANDAAN NA! Matapos ang Halos 31-Oras na Traslacion, Ano ang Babaguhin sa Susunod na Prusisyon?

MANILA, Philippines — Halos limang buwan bago ang susunod na Traslacion, sinimulan na ng Quiapo Church ang maagang pagpaplano para sa Nazareno 2027, partikular sa seguridad, crowd control at iba pang logistical concerns. Ayon kay Fr. Ramon Jade Licuanan, kura paroko ng Quiapo Church, kinakailangang mas maaga ang paghahanda dahil milyon-milyong deboto ang inaasahang dadagsa sa Maynila para sa taunang pagdiriwang ng Nuestro Padre Jesus Nazareno. Hindi lamang dami ng mga deboto ang pangunahing ha

August 23, 2026

Philippines

BARMM Forces Stage Massive Security Drill in Cotabato—But the Timing Ahead of the Historic Polls Is Raising Eyebrows

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Hundreds of soldiers, police officers, emergency responders and Bangsamoro government personnel took part in a major multi-agency security exercise in Cotabato City and nearby Maguindanao del Norte on August 20, testing how authorities would respond to a serious security and emergency situation. The day-long exercise brought together the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, Navy personnel, fire responders and seve

August 22, 2026

Entertainment

Alexei Cruz Gave Up His Master of the World Philippines 2026 Crown Just Weeks After Winning—But One Big Question Is Still Unanswered

MANILA, Philippines — Just weeks after walking away from one of the major crowns at Mister World Philippines 2026, Kristoffer Alexei Cruz has relinquished his title as Master of the World Philippines 2026, bringing an unexpectedly short end to what was supposed to be the next stage of his international pageant journey. Cruz stepped down for “personal and professional reasons,” according to a report published by INQUIRER.net on Saturday, August 22. The announcement is striking because Cruz had

August 22, 2026

Entertainment

From Star Magic to a New Life in Canada: Ingrid dela Paz Reveals the Painful Turning Point That Changed Everything

For years, Ingrid dela Paz was recognized as one of the young talents who emerged from Star Magic Circle 2013, the same batch that included Liza Soberano, Julia Barretto, Janella Salvador, Jane Oineza, and other familiar names in Philippine entertainment. Today, however, the former actress is living a very different life. Now based in Canada, Ingrid is focused on her family, content creation, and building a future for her children. In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph on August 21, 2026, she

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Gatchalian Wants Electricity Bills Cut — But the Charges Inside Your Monthly Bill Could Hold the Key

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian is calling for urgent reforms in the country’s power sector, saying lower electricity costs are necessary to provide relief to Filipino families and small businesses and help revive an economy facing slower growth and rising exposure to global energy shocks. In a statement on Saturday, August 22, Gatchalian said electricity costs must be brought down if the government wants to stimulate economic activity and ease the financial pressure o

August 22, 2026