Philippines
Espina family in Biliran faces plunder complaint over DPWH projects
Raj Patel AI:n luoma kuva
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.
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.
Michelin guide awards stars to philippine restaurants for 2026
In a historic first, the Michelin Guide unveiled its selection of Philippine restaurants for 2026 on October 30, 2025, at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. It recognized 108 establishments, including one with two stars and eight with one star. This marks a milestone for the country's culinary scene.
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.
Eu education fair set for November 21-22
30. lokakuuta 2025 19.57Marcos: Trump and Xi Jinping meeting to color APEC summit
30. lokakuuta 2025 18.05How to identify if you've been bullied in school
30. lokakuuta 2025 02.37BSP forecasts October 2025 inflation at 1.4% to 2.2%
29. lokakuuta 2025 23.04Fact check debunks recent Mayon Volcano eruption claim
29. lokakuuta 2025 22.52La Salle beats UE to claim second place in UAAP
29. lokakuuta 2025 21.37Comelec: 27 contractors must explain campaign donations
29. lokakuuta 2025 13.39Alas Pilipinas U18 misses bronze in loss to Thailand at Asian Youth Games
ICI recommends charges against senators in flood control scandal
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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.
Palace defends failure to secure lower US tariff
Malacañang has defended the Philippines' failure to secure lower tariffs from the United States after the US approved zero percent import tariffs for products from Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed disappointment that the Philippines received none despite being Washington's closest ally. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro cited efforts to protect local industries like rice, corn, sugar, and poultry.
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.
Duterte appeals ICC jurisdiction ruling
The defense team of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has formally appealed the pre-trial chamber's decision rejecting his challenge to the International Criminal Court's jurisdiction. The notice of appeal was submitted on October 28, urging reversal of the October 23 ruling. Duterte's lawyers seek a finding that no legal basis exists for continuing the proceedings and his immediate release from detention.
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.