Philippines

Vendor Arrest Outside Iloilo Terminal Market Sparks Outcry—But What Happened Before the Handcuffs?

ILOILO CITY — A fresh dispute over the treatment of ambulant vendors, or bolanteros, has erupted in Iloilo City after a vendor was arrested outside the Iloilo Terminal Market, prompting a consumer group to question the city government’s enforcement of market regulations. The arrest, reported on August 19, came as authorities continued their campaign to regulate vending activities around the redeveloped Iloilo Terminal Market, popularly known as the “Super Market.” The incident has reignited a

August 19, 2026

Philippines

ACEN RES Just Pulled Off a Rare 1-2-3 Stevie Sweep—But the Numbers Behind It Are Even Bigger

MANILA, Philippines — ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions (ACEN RES) has extended its winning run at the prestigious Stevie International Business Awards to four consecutive years, taking home Gold, Silver and Bronze in the 2026 edition. The Ayala Group’s retail electricity arm secured the three awards for campaigns centered on data-driven marketing, omnichannel customer engagement and business-to-business brand experience—highlighting how renewable energy companies are increasingly competing not o

August 19, 2026

Entertainment

Liza Soberano Is Coming Home—But Her ‘Forgotten Island’ Return Has a Bigger Surprise Waiting

MANILA, Philippines — Liza Soberano is coming home. The Filipina actress is set to return to the Philippines with Grammy-winning singer and actress H.E.R. for a special Manila homecoming celebrating DreamWorks Animation’s highly anticipated Filipino-inspired film “Forgotten Island.” The two stars are scheduled to meet Filipino fans on August 25 at 7 p.m., as part of promotional activities for the animated feature, according to a Manila Bulletin report published Wednesday. The Manila visit come

August 19, 2026

Philippines

Cardinal Tagle Issues a Wake-Up Call to Parents After Zamboanga School Shooting—“AI Has No Heart”

MANILA, Philippines — Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle is urging Filipino parents and grandparents to look beyond screens and strengthen the human connection children need, as the country reels from another deadly school shooting involving minors. Speaking during Mass at the Parish Church of the Holy Sacrifice at the University of the Philippines Diliman on Wednesday, August 19, Tagle called on families to help children develop compassion, conscience and a sense of humanity. His message came just o

August 19, 2026

Business

PDIC Opens 68 Properties Across Luzon for E-Bidding—Palawan Buyers Could Be Watching This Closely

MANILA, Philippines — Property hunters, investors and aspiring landowners may soon have another opportunity to acquire real estate through a government-backed online auction as the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) prepares to put 68 properties across 15 Luzon provinces and cities up for electronic public bidding—including assets in Palawan. The auction is scheduled for September 16 and 17, 2026, with interested buyers required to submit their bids through the official PDIC Assets

August 19, 2026

Philippines

Walang Pasok? Palace Orders Alternative Classes, Work in NCR, 17 Provinces on Aug. 20 — But Neneng Isn’t the Biggest Threat

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has ordered government offices and schools in Metro Manila and 17 provinces to shift to alternative work and learning arrangements on Thursday, August 20, as the southwest monsoon or habagat continues to bring potentially dangerous rainfall across Luzon. The Palace directive comes even as Tropical Depression Neneng slightly weakened on Wednesday afternoon. PAGASA said the weather system is moving west-northwestward toward Taiwan, but warned that its circulation

August 19, 2026

Entertainment

Edward Barber Is Engaged—But His Surprise Love Story Has Fans Asking One Big Question

Former Pinoy Big Brother housemate and actor-host Edward Barber has taken a major step in his personal life, revealing that he is officially engaged to his non-showbiz partner, Rikki. Barber made the surprise announcement during a church gathering, where he shared an emotional update about how his life had changed since his previous visit. According to videos circulating online, Barber told the audience that he was now in an “awesome relationship” before introducing Rikki as his fiancée. The

August 19, 2026

Philippines

FAKE MEMO SPARKS CONFUSION: Palace Vows to Hunt Down Those Behind Viral ‘Walang Pasok’ Order

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang is moving to identify the source of a fake government memorandum that circulated online amid heavy rains and flooding brought by the southwest monsoon, or habagat, warning that misinformation capable of affecting public safety will not simply be ignored. Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said authorities are studying the origin of the bogus document, which purported to announce the suspension of in-person go

August 19, 2026

Philippines

DSWD Deploys Quick Response Team in Occidental Mindoro as Habagat Flooding Worsens—What Happens Next?

SAN JOSE, OCCIDENTAL MINDORO — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has activated its Quick Response Team (QRT) in Occidental Mindoro as heavy rains and flooding linked to the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat continue to affect parts of the province. The move signals a stepped-up government response as authorities assess communities affected by persistent rains, particularly areas vulnerable to flooding and coastal hazards. The DSWD MIMAROPA QRT met with officials of the Occiden

August 19, 2026

Philippines

ILOILO ALIGNS WITH MARCOS’ SONA: These Local Programs Could Change the Province’s Future — But Will They Deliver?

ILOILO CITY — Iloilo is positioning its existing development programs to match the national priorities outlined by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), with education, skills training, healthcare, food security and human-capital development taking center stage. Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said the province already has programs corresponding to virtually every major area highlighted in the President’s SONA, describing the alignment as an

August 19, 2026