Philippines
Espina family in Biliran faces plunder complaint over DPWH projects
Raj Patel Àwòrán tí AI ṣe
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.
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.
How to identify if you've been bullied in school
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 20:01Filipino Odette survivors sue Shell in UK court
October 29, 2025 07:04Palace defends failure to secure lower US tariff
ICI recommends charges against senators in flood control scandal
Raj Patel Àwòrán tí AI ṣe
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.
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.
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.
Dilg orders infrastructure audits for quake resilience
To prepare communities for the threat of strong earthquakes, the Department of the Interior and Local Government has ordered local government units to conduct comprehensive infrastructure audits on public and private buildings in their jurisdictions. The directive emphasizes that assessing structural integrity is crucial to ensuring public safety and minimizing casualties and damage during major earthquakes. This includes government facilities such as hospitals, schools, offices, and emergency response centers, as well as privately owned structures.
Alas Pilipinas U18 misses bronze in loss to Thailand at Asian Youth Games
The Philippines' Alas Pilipinas U18 team fell short of a bronze medal at the 2025 Asian Youth Games, losing 26-24, 25-20, 26-24 to Thailand in the third-place match in Riffa, Bahrain. The closely contested game saw the Filipinas blow late leads due to errors. It marked their second defeat to Thailand in the tournament.