Category: Philippines

Entertainment

So Ji-sub Is Coming Back to Manila After 7 Years — But Fans May Want to Watch for This Next Announcement

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino fans of Korean star So Ji-sub have another reason to mark their calendars as the acclaimed actor is officially returning to Manila this November for his 2026 Asia Fanmeeting Tour, “Soulmate The Timeless.” So Ji-sub will meet his Filipino fans on November 5, 2026, at the New Frontier Theater in Quezon City, according to the tour announcement released Tuesday, September 1. Live Nation Philippines also confirmed the Manila stop and said more details would be announce

September 2, 2026

Entertainment

Vice Ganda Brings ‘GGV’ Back After 6 Years — But the Biggest Surprise May Be Who Can Finally Sit on the Couch

MANILA, Philippines — Vice Ganda is heading into September with two major reminders of how much Philippine entertainment has changed: Filipino performers are being pushed onto a bigger regional stage, while one of the comedian-host’s most recognizable television programs is preparing for a comeback few would have imagined in its old form. ABS-CBN reported on September 1 that Vice is preparing for the return of “Gandang Gabi Vice” (GGV) while also praising the talent of Filipino artists followin

September 2, 2026

Entertainment

Maris Racal, Odette Khan, Krystel Go Lead Star-Studded Best Actress Race at 49th Gawad Urian

The race for Best Actress at the 49th Gawad Urian Awards is officially heating up, with Maris Racal, Odette Khan and Krystel Go among the eight actresses competing for one of Philippine cinema's most respected acting honors. The Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino unveiled the nominees on September 1, putting a spotlight on a diverse group of performers whose work spans independent cinema, mainstream productions and critically recognized films. Racal earned her nomination for “Sunshine,” Khan for

September 2, 2026

Philippines

More Than 1 Million Government Workers Are Still on JO/COS Contracts—Now Lawmakers Want to Know Why

MANILA, Philippines — More than 1 million workers in the Philippine government are now employed under Job Order (JO) and Contract of Service (COS) arrangements, putting a spotlight on the government’s growing reliance on non-permanent workers and the long-running issue of unfilled plantilla positions. The figure was cited by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) during congressional budget deliberations, where lawmakers questioned why government agencies continue to depend heavily on contractual w

September 1, 2026

Philippines

Romualdez Camp Says Recantations Have Weakened Flood-Control Case — But Ombudsman Says 42 Witnesses Are Still in Play

MANILA, Philippines — The legal battle surrounding former House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has entered a potentially decisive phase, with his lawyers arguing that a series of witness recantations has badly weakened the flood-control corruption case against him — while the Office of the Ombudsman insists the investigation is far from collapsing. At the heart of the dispute is a simple but critical question: When a witness changes his story, does that destroy the original t

September 1, 2026

Business

Philippines May Import Up to 5 Million Tons of Rice—But the Bigger Food-Security Risk Could Come Next

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines could import as much as 5 million metric tons of rice this year as the government races to build up food reserves amid worsening weather risks, including a developing El Niño and damage from heavy monsoon rains and tropical cyclones. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told lawmakers on Tuesday that additional rice imports may be needed after the country's main harvest season to ensure sufficient stocks during the first quarter of 2027. The stra

September 1, 2026

Philippines

Manila Rushes to Move Families Living Beneath Osmeña Highway — But One Failed Relocation Explains Why This Won’t Be Easy

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila city government is moving to accelerate the relocation of families living beneath Osmeña Highway, reviving efforts to remove residents from one of the capital’s most unusual—and dangerous—informal settlements. But getting families out from under the highway may prove to be the easier part. The harder question is whether they can stay away. The latest move by the Manila local government, reported by ABS-CBN News on September 1, again puts the spotlight on the c

September 1, 2026

Philippines

Bonoan Out of Plunder, Graft Cases: Sandiganbayan Drops Former DPWH Chief—But What Happens Next?

MANILA, Philippines — Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan is no longer an accused in the plunder and graft cases being handled by the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division, in a major development tied to the widening investigation into alleged corruption in flood-control projects. The anti-graft court granted the Office of the Ombudsman’s request to discharge Bonoan from the cases, clearing the way for prosecutors to potentially use him as a state witness in oth

September 1, 2026

Business

PH Needs Up to 12 Mega Food Hubs to Cut Food Costs — But Only Five May Open Before Marcos Leaves Office

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines may need as many as 10 to 12 massive food distribution hubs to fix one of agriculture’s most stubborn problems: farmers can produce food, but getting it efficiently from farms to consumers remains expensive, fragmented and heavily dependent on layers of traders. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. told lawmakers on Tuesday, September 1, that a nationwide network of mega food hubs could help farmers and fisherfolk reach markets more efficiently, p

September 1, 2026

Philippines

Mark Villar Wants ₱360,000 Income Tax-Free — But the Biggest Question Is What Government Must Give Up in Return

MANILA, Philippines — Millions of Filipino workers could eventually keep more of their salaries instead of surrendering part of their income to taxes, as Senator Mark Villar intensifies his push to raise the country’s personal income tax exemption threshold amid slowing household spending and persistent pressure on family budgets. But while the proposal promises more money in workers’ pockets, one question is emerging at the center of the debate: How much revenue can the government afford to gi

September 1, 2026