Philippines

Gatchalian Vows Tighter Watch Over Billions in Infrastructure Funds—But the Spending Slump Reveals a Bigger Problem

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has pledged tighter congressional scrutiny of the government’s massive infrastructure program as the Marcos administration attempts to accelerate public works spending without reopening the door to questionable projects and misuse of taxpayers’ money. Gatchalian said the Senate would continue exercising strict oversight over infrastructure expenditures, putting accountability at the center of the government’s effort to revive spending on

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Hontiveros Wants Tighter Gun Rules After Zamboanga Shooting—But One Question Could Change Everything

Sen. Risa Hontiveros is pushing for tougher firearms regulation and stricter gun-safekeeping rules after the deadly shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University raised a disturbing question: How did a child gain access to firearms connected to a government employee? Speaking at a press conference in Iloilo on Aug. 21, Hontiveros said Congress should revisit Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, particularly provisions involving the access, storage an

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Teacher Finds .357 Magnum Inside 14-Year-Old’s School Bag in Cebu—But Where Police Say He Got It Raises a Bigger Concern

CEBU, Philippines — A surprise inspection at a Cebu high school uncovered something no teacher wants to find inside a student’s backpack: a .357 Magnum revolver. A 14-year-old Grade 9 student at Lut-od National High School in Pinamungajan, Cebu, was found carrying the firearm on Thursday, August 20, in an incident that has renewed questions over how easily children can gain access to guns kept inside their homes. According to the Cebu Police Provincial Office, a teacher discovered the unloaded

August 22, 2026

Entertainment

Angelica Hart Confirms Split From Andrew Muhlach—But What She Revealed About the Real Reason Ends One Major Rumor

Actress Angelica Hart has confirmed that she and Andrew Muhlach have ended their relationship, putting an end to speculation from fans who had noticed the pair becoming increasingly quiet about their romance. Hart made the confirmation during the August 21, 2026 episode of “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda,” where she appeared alongside actor Buboy Villar to promote the GMA series Taskforce Firewall. Asked directly about her relationship status with Andrew, the actress gave a straightforward answer: t

August 22, 2026

Philippines

2 Fishermen Vanished in Batangas Waters—Nearly 20 Hours Later, This Is Where They Were Found

LUCENA CITY, Philippines — What began as a tense search for two fishermen reported missing in Batangas waters ended in relief after both men were found alive and in good condition nearly 20 hours later. The two fishermen were reported missing early Thursday, August 20, after their motorized fishing boat encountered engine trouble while they were returning from a fishing trip in Balayan Bay, Batangas, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). The fishermen were later spotted by fellow fish

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Marcos Says Garbage Is Worsening Metro Manila Floods—But What Investigators Found Inside the Flood-Control System Raises a Bigger Question

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s renewed warning that garbage is worsening Metro Manila’s flooding has reopened a much bigger and politically sensitive question: after billions of pesos spent on flood-control infrastructure, why do communities continue to go underwater? The debate intensified after a Manila Times opinion column accused Marcos of “gaslighting” Filipinos by repeatedly emphasizing garbage clogging waterways while government agencies themselves remain responsi

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Elderly Couple and Adopted Son Found Dead in Dipolog—But Investigators Aren’t Ready to Say What Happened Inside the House

DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte — Police are investigating the deaths of an elderly couple and their adopted son who were found inside their home in Barangay Turno, Dipolog City, in a case that authorities say remains unresolved despite several potentially important clues discovered during the initial investigation. The three family members were found dead inside the residence on Thursday, August 20, 2026, according to a report by GMA Regional TV One Mindanao. The father was 82 years old, his

August 22, 2026

Entertainment

Vanessa Rangadhol Dies at 30: Former Sugarpop Singer’s Final Moments Revealed After Tragic Manila Accident

Vanessa Blanca Quillo Rangadhol, the former Sugarpop member and singer associated with the hit “DOTA O Ako,” has died at 30 following an accidental fall in Manila. The Philippine entertainment industry is mourning the sudden passing of Vanessa Blanca Quillo Rangadhol, a former member of the child singing group Sugarpop, who died on August 19, 2026, at the age of 30. Vanessa’s death was first announced by her cousin, Ivy Ann Salaum Jubelag, through social media. The family later provided detail

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Nearly 1 Million Filipinos Now Call Canada Home—But Manila’s Next Move Is Focused on Their Children

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government is stepping up efforts to build stronger ties with one of the country’s largest and fastest-growing overseas communities, as the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) seeks deeper engagement with Filipino Canadians beyond traditional migrant services. CFO Chairperson Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II reaffirmed the agency’s support for Filipino Canadian organizations during engagements connected with the Filipino Canadian National Congress (FCNC), h

August 22, 2026

Entertainment

Ara Mina Finally Reveals the Truth About Her Manny Pacquiao Rumor—But One Detail Stands Out

For years, one of Philippine showbiz’s most talked-about rumors linked Ara Mina and Manny Pacquiao beyond their on-screen pairing. Now, the actress has finally addressed the story—and her explanation may put one of the long-running rumors to rest. In a recent interview on “Kay Susan Tayo! Vlogs,” Ara Mina clarified that she and Pacquiao were never romantically involved. According to the actress, the speculation largely grew because they worked together on the movie “Anak ng Kumander.” “Na-link

August 22, 2026