Category: Philippines

Business

SARA DUTERTE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL SET FOR A MAJOR SHIFT—BUT COULD THIS FINALLY SPEED UP THE SENATE’S VERDICT?

MANILA, Philippines — The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is heading for a major scheduling change as the Senate moves to free up more time for the proceedings, with Duterte’s defense team saying it is ready to comply with whatever timetable the impeachment court ultimately adopts. Atty. Michael Poa, lead spokesperson and defense counsel for Duterte, said Saturday that the defense would follow the Senate impeachment court’s directives. “The Defense will comply with whatever sc

August 22, 2026

Business

Makro Is Coming Back in a Big Way—These 4 Ayala Estates Are About to Get New Stores

Makro Philippines is accelerating its return to the Philippine retail market, securing four strategic Ayala Land locations that could significantly expand its footprint across Metro Manila and Southern Luzon. After nearly two decades away from the Philippine market, Makro is positioning itself for a major comeback—and its latest move puts the wholesale retailer in four key Ayala Land developments. Ayala Land Inc. has signed land lease agreements with Makro Philippines covering Cloverleaf in Qu

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Kanlaon Volcano Keeps Spewing Ash as Alert Level 2 Remains; Authorities Warn of Possible Ashfall

NEGROS ISLAND, Philippines — Kanlaon Volcano continues to show signs of unrest, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reporting another voluminous ash emission Saturday, August 22, prompting authorities to warn communities in the Negros Island Region about possible ashfall. The latest ash emission occurred at around 11:23 a.m., according to PHIVOLCS. The ash plume rose approximately 150 meters above the summit crater before being carried toward the southeast by

August 22, 2026

Philippines

“Smoking Gun” or Not? Gina Acosta’s Testimony Raises New Questions Over Sara Duterte’s P125-M Confidential Funds

MANILA, Philippines — A former Office of the Vice President (OVP) special disbursing officer has delivered testimony that House prosecutors believe could become one of the most significant pieces of evidence in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, a member of the House prosecution team, described Gina Acosta’s testimony as a “smoking gun” after she told the Senate impeachment court that Duterte instructed her to turn over P125 million in confi

August 22, 2026

Entertainment

Buboy Villar and Angillyn Gorens Went From Public Conflict to Forgiveness—But What Finally Made Them Speak Again Came Out of Nowhere

MANILA, Philippines — After years of separation, complicated co-parenting and a highly publicized dispute, actor-comedian Buboy Villar says he and former partner Angillyn Gorens have finally reached a place of forgiveness — but their reconciliation is about healing and their children, not rekindling their romance. Villar opened up about the development during an appearance on GMA’s “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” recounting how communication between him and Gorens eventually resumed after a diffic

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Magnitude 5.3 Earthquake Jolts Off Davao Oriental—What PHIVOLCS Says Residents Should Expect Next

A magnitude 5.3 earthquake struck offshore of Davao Oriental on Saturday afternoon, August 22, 2026, according to state seismologists, sending another reminder of the active seismic conditions in eastern Mindanao. The earthquake was recorded at 3:14 p.m., with its epicenter located east of Tarragona, Davao Oriental, based on information reported by PHIVOLCS and carried by GMA News and other Philippine news outlets. The tremor comes as Davao Oriental and neighboring areas continue to experience

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Metro Manila Floods Receding Faster—Is the Government Finally Turning the Tide?

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila continues to struggle with heavy monsoon rains, but authorities say one important change is becoming increasingly visible: floodwaters in several areas are now receding faster than they did in the past. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. have pointed to the quicker disappearance of floodwaters as one indication that recent government flood-mitigation measures are beginning to make a difference. During a sit

August 22, 2026

Entertainment

Jelai Andres Stayed Silent for Years—But One Resurfaced Story Finally Made Her Tell Her Side

Jelai Andres has finally spoken out after an old controversy connected to her former marriage resurfaced online—making clear that although she chose silence for years, she does not want that silence mistaken for agreement with other versions of what happened. The actress, vlogger and social media personality issued a lengthy statement on August 22, 2026, weeks after celebrating the annulment of her marriage to rapper Jon Gutierrez, popularly known as King Badger. For Jelai, the legal ending of

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Malacañang Promises Scrutiny of ₱3.06-Billion Evacuation Center Fund as Lacson Questions Uniform Regional Allocations

MANILA, Philippines — A seemingly simple ₱180-million allocation for evacuation centers in every Philippine region has become one of the early flashpoints in the proposed 2027 national budget, after Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson questioned why every region was given exactly the same amount despite vastly different disaster risks and local needs. Malacañang has now promised close scrutiny of the spending, saying the Marcos administration will monitor the projects to ensure billions of pesos intende

August 22, 2026

Entertainment

Angelu de Leon Thought Bell’s Palsy Could Change Her Career Forever—But What Happened While Her Face Was Recovering Changed How She Saw Herself

For an actress whose face had been recognizable to Filipino audiences since the height of T.G.I.S., suddenly losing control of part of it was more than a frightening health scare. For Angelu de Leon, it became a deeply personal battle that eventually pushed her into depression—and forced her to confront a question far bigger than show business: What happens when something you have long considered part of your livelihood suddenly changes? The actress and Pasig City councilor recently revisited

August 22, 2026