Category: Philippines

Entertainment

National Artist Resil Mojares Dies at 83—His Final Day Was Marked by a Poignant Family Celebration

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has lost one of its most respected literary scholars and historians. National Artist for Literature Resil B. Mojares died in the early hours of Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the age of 83, just one day after celebrating his birthday, according to his family. His passing was also reported by several major Philippine news organizations. His daughter, Anna Leigh Go Mojares, announced the family's loss in a statement shared on social media, saying the family

5d

Philippines

Sara Duterte Chooses Bail Over Detention: ‘I Don’t Feel Safe’ — What Happens Next?

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte posted P360,000 bail on Saturday, September 5, a day after a Quezon City court issued a warrant for her arrest over three counts of grave threats involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Duterte said her lawyers advised her that posting bail would be safer than remaining in police custody. “My lawyers spoke with me and advised me to post bail, instead of remaining in a

5d

Philippines

Ilocos Sur Town Tightens Crackdown on Illicit Cigarettes, Forms Anti-Contraband Task Force

LAOAG CITY — The Municipality of San Ildefonso in Ilocos Sur is stepping up its campaign against illicit and smuggled tobacco products, turning its fight against illegal cigarette trading into a formal, coordinated local enforcement effort. Mayor Amante “Tito” Purisima II issued Executive Order No. 23, Series of 2026, creating the San Ildefonso Anti-Contraband Task Force (SIACTF) to strengthen monitoring, inspections, investigations and public awareness efforts against illegal tobacco products.

5d

Entertainment

Chin-Chin Gutierrez Suddenly Resurfaces After Years Away From Showbiz—But Her New Life Is Not What Fans Expected

MANILA, Philippines — One of Philippine showbiz's most recognizable actresses of the 1990s and 2000s has resurfaced in the public eye—but not for a new teleserye or movie. Chin-Chin Gutierrez is making a rare public appearance through Miriam College's centennial commemorative book, offering fans a glimpse into the life she has built away from the entertainment industry. The actress is among the distinguished alumni featured in The Legacy We Carry: 100 Years From Maryknoll to Miriam, a commemor

5d

Entertainment

The Viva HotBabes Are Back—But Their Reunion Concert Won’t Be the Comeback Fans Expect

MANILA, Philippines — More than two decades after becoming one of the most recognizable novelty pop groups of the early 2000s, the Viva HotBabes are officially returning to the stage—and they say their much-awaited reunion will bring more than familiar songs and memories. The group is preparing for “Bulaklak: Viva HotBabes Reunion Concert,” scheduled for October 23, 2026, at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City, with filmmaker and veteran concert director GB Sampedro at the helm. The announ

5d

Philippines

Teachers Could See Higher Pay in 2027 as Government Unveils Nearly ₱1-Trillion DepEd Plan

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino public school teachers could be in line for higher salaries, expanded promotion opportunities and additional support in 2027 as the government puts teachers at the center of a proposed ₱975.96-billion budget for the Department of Education (DepEd). The proposed allocation, part of the administration’s ₱7.2-trillion 2027 National Expenditure Program, is 5.11% higher than DepEd’s 2026 NEP level. But the headline figure is only part of the story. According to the D

5d

Entertainment

Chad Gammad, Apple David Breakup Rumors Explode Online—Then This Happened

MANILA, Philippines — Breakup rumors surrounding basketball player Chad Gammad and PBA courtside reporter Apple David recently spread across social media, but the couple appears to have answered the speculation in their own way: with humor. The rumors gained traction after social media users noticed that the two had not been posting as frequently about each other. A circulating post even claimed that Apple had confirmed their supposed separation. But Chad quickly pushed back. The Letran Knigh

5d

Philippines

COA Sends 50 Flood-Control Fraud Reports to Ombudsman—But the Bigger Question Is Who Could Be Held Accountable

MANILA, Philippines — The investigation into alleged irregularities in the country’s flood-control projects has reached another major stage, with the Commission on Audit (COA) confirming that it has completed and submitted 50 fraud audit reports to the Office of the Ombudsman for possible cases and further investigation. COA Chairperson Gamaliel Cordoba disclosed the development during the Senate Committee on Finance’s budget hearing on September 3, as lawmakers examined the agency’s proposed 2

5d

Philippines

Sara Duterte Says “They Will Kill Me” After Arrest Warrant—But What Happens Next Could Change Her Political Future

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte said she fears for her life after a Quezon City court issued an arrest warrant against her over a grave threats case, accusing authorities of placing her in a situation where she does not feel safe. “I feel they will kill me,” Duterte told reporters on Saturday as she arrived at the Quezon City Hall of Justice to face the legal proceedings. The statement came a day after Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 98 issued a warrant of arrest afte

5d

Philippines

Philippine Nuns Are Getting Older—and Congregations Are Running Out of Time to Prepare for What Comes Next

MANILA, Philippines — Catholic religious congregations in the Philippines are confronting a demographic challenge that could reshape religious life in the country: an increasingly aging membership and a growing need for long-term care. A study involving 45 women religious congregations in the Philippines found that 70% of professed members are aged 50 and above, while only about 30% are below 40. The findings were presented by Catholic researcher Sr. Thu Do, LHC, during the national convention

5d