Philippines
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.
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.
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.
Eu education fair set for November 21-22
October 30, 2025 16:25Katrin de Guia, kapwa explorer, dies at 75
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 23:04Fact check debunks recent Mayon Volcano eruption claim
October 29, 2025 22:52La Salle beats UE to claim second place in UAAP
October 29, 2025 21:37Comelec: 27 contractors must explain campaign donations
October 29, 2025 05:48Duterte appeals ICC jurisdiction ruling
Espina family in Biliran faces plunder complaint over DPWH projects
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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.
Pnp intensifies anti-cybercrime operations after un treaty signing
Operations against digital crimes in the Philippines are set to intensify following the country's signing of the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrimes. The acting Philippine National Police chief expressed optimism about an enhanced cybersecurity posture from the global treaty. The PNP has ordered its units to strengthen efforts against online scams and cyberhacking.
Marcos: Trump and Xi Jinping meeting to color APEC summit
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. predicted that the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will color the entire Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. He made the statement to his ministers before departing for South Korea. According to him, agreements between the world's two largest economies will affect every citizen globally.
How to identify if you've been bullied in school
Rappler has released an explainer on how to recognize bullying in schools. It discusses the significant impact on children's learning and emotional well-being. Watch Bonz Magsambol's video for more details.
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.