Philippines
Espina family in Biliran faces plunder complaint over DPWH projects
Raj Patel Image generated by AI
Lord Allan Merced-Garcia filed a plunder complaint with the Ombudsman on October 30, 2025, against the Espina family of Biliran over alleged theft in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects. Roving Premier, owned by Vice Governor Roselyn Espina-Paras and her husband, secured over P1 billion in contracts since 2020. This ties into the broader flood control corruption scandal exposed by President Marcos Jr. in July 2025.
Eight years after siege, Marawi ruins and questions remain
Eight years after the 2017 Marawi siege, the city's skyline still bears scars of twisted steel and hollowed buildings. Thousands of families linger in temporary shelters amid slow reconstruction, while journalists reflect on restricted access and unanswered questions about the conflict's toll.
Filipino Odette survivors sue Shell in UK court
Survivors of Typhoon Odette in the Philippines have filed a lawsuit against oil giant Shell in a UK court, seeking reparations for damages caused by the 2021 storm. This marks the country's first climate-related legal action following an International Court of Justice ruling on reparations. The suit accuses Shell of contributing to climate change through its emissions.
Philippines assumes ASEAN chairmanship amid three key challenges
At the close of the 2025 ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. officially accepted the bloc's chairmanship for 2026 from Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. This handover places significant responsibilities on the Philippines, including advancing South China Sea code of conduct negotiations, addressing the Myanmar crisis, and navigating US-China trade tensions. Upon returning home, Marcos reaffirmed the country's firm stance on the West Philippine Sea.
Dilg orders infrastructure audits for quake resilience
October 30, 2025 19:57Marcos: Trump and Xi Jinping meeting to color APEC summit
October 30, 2025 18:05How to identify if you've been bullied in school
October 30, 2025 14:51Michelin guide awards stars to philippine restaurants for 2026
October 30, 2025 02:37BSP forecasts October 2025 inflation at 1.4% to 2.2%
October 29, 2025 13:39Alas Pilipinas U18 misses bronze in loss to Thailand at Asian Youth Games
October 29, 2025 07:04Palace defends failure to secure lower US tariff
October 29, 2025 06:25Pnp intensifies anti-cybercrime operations after un treaty signing
ICI recommends charges against senators in flood control scandal
Raj Patel Image generated by AI
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure has recommended criminal and administrative complaints against Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, former Representative Zaldy Co, and three others over alleged kickbacks in flood control projects. Related probes include a forged affidavit by a Senate witness linked to Co and efforts to forfeit implicated assets. Lawmakers are pushing for a stronger anti-corruption body amid public frustration with the inquiry's pace.
Fact check debunks recent Mayon Volcano eruption claim
No eruption has been recorded at Mayon Volcano in the past month, according to Phivolcs, yet videos purporting to show recent ash plumes have gone viral. These clips use images from the 2018 eruption and may have been altered with AI tools. The misinformation has sparked concern among Facebook users.
Katrin de Guia, kapwa explorer, dies at 75
Katrin Muller de Guia, a German artist and author integral to Baguio's art scene, died at 75 on October 12. She is remembered for her book 'Kapwa: The Self in the Other,' exploring Filipino worldviews. Married to Kidlat Tahimik, she was mother to three artists.
Tiangco declares P213.9 million net worth
Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco has declared a net worth of P213.9 million in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) as of June 2025. It includes real and personal properties totaling over P220 million, after deducting liabilities. He is the second House majority lawmaker to release his SALN, following Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III.
Comelec: 27 contractors must explain campaign donations
The Commission on Elections plans to issue show-cause orders against 27 government contractors allegedly donating to senatorial candidates in the 2022 elections. Comelec Chairman George Garcia stated that the Department of Public Works and Highways certified these as contractors from a list of 54 submitted by the poll body. Candidates who received the donations will also be required to explain after the contractors respond.