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Lacson flags Laguna Lake 'encroachment'; Cayetano slams 'malicious' intent
Senator Panfilo Lacson on Saturday flagged 170 hectares of alleged "unauthorized encroachment" in Laguna Lake in Taguig City, even as Senator Alan Peter Cayetano called out the former for selectively scrutinizing his political bailiwick.
How Ubisoft Philippines helps bring game worlds to life
In helping build a blockbuster game like ’Assassins Creed Black Flag Resynced,’ Ubisoft brings the skills of talented Filipinos to the forefront
Aging Leyte geothermal plant set for P70-B upgrade
TACLOBAN CITY — The Energy Development Corp. (EDC) is studying a P70-billion redevelopment of its aging geothermal facilities in Leyte that could add 200 to 400 megawatts (MW) of new generating capacity and extend the use of the province’s decades-old geothermal resources. EDC Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Francis Giles Puno said the company
Over 15k cops to be deployed for 54th Martial Law commemoration
The National Capital Region Police Office said that around 15,227 police personnel are expected to be deployed at 11 p.m. on Saturday, September 19 in preparation for the upcoming 54th Martial Law commemoration.
DepEd, cops probe alleged gun threat at Baguio school
BAGUIO CITY — A 13-year-old Grade 8 student allegedly pointed an unserviceable firearm at a classmate at Lucban Integrated School on Wednesday, Sept. 16, prompting an investigation by the Department of Education (DepEd) Baguio and the Baguio City Police Office (BCPO). The incident, which involved three learners, happened in the morning, according to school principal
House prosec wants Baste Duterte classified as 'hostile witness' in VP Sara impeach trial
The House prosecution panel will be seeking the Senate impeachment court to classify Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte as another hostile witness in the impeachment trial of his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte.
SNAPSHOT | Najib donation drive reaches RM1m; MACC quizzes Mat Sabu, ministry sec-gen over fertiliser deliveries delay
What's going on in the news today, with updates at 11am, 2pm, and 6pm.
LIVE UPDATES: First BARMM parliamentary elections
Bookmark and refresh this page for the latest news, photos, videos, and analyses as Rappler closely follows the historic elections
Victorias City rolls out pest-tolerant sugarcane variety
BACOLOD CITY — The city government of Victorias in Negros Occidental has distributed PSR 03-171, a high-yielding and pest-tolerant sugarcane variety, to 50 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) in Barangay V to help farmers cope with the destructive Red-Striped Soft Scale Insect (RSSI). The high-quality cane points were turned over to the farmers on Thursday, Sept.
IN DATA: How BARMM voted in its first-ever parliamentary elections
Local politics and key endorsements remained decisive in electing the Bangsamoro Parliament
1,800 cops to secure MassKara Festival
BACOLOD CITY — About 1,800 police officers will be fielded to secure the MassKara Festival here, which kicks off on Oct. 1 and runs until Oct. 18. The festival peaks on Oct. 16 with the Electric MassKara, followed by the arena and street dancing competitions for schools and barangays on Oct. 17 and Oct. 18.
Prison Dept visits Najib's home to assess suitability for house arrest
Vehicles, officers seen at Langgak Duta home in KL today.
1MDB case status remains unchanged after Najib's conditional pardon - MACC
Each case must be handled separately based on the issues and investigations involved, Halim says.
Palace to Pia: ‘No need to panic if you’ve done nothing wrong’
MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Friday said Sen. Pia Cayetano need not panic if she has done nothing wrong. This was after Cayetano said she “fears” for her liberty and right to speak after discovering that the National Bureau of Investigation tracked her travel movements and return from Singapore. Citing NBI Director Melvin Matibag’s recent
Ilocos Norte logs 32 leptospirosis cases with 1 death
SAN ILDEFONSO, Ilocos Sur — A total of 32 leptospirosis cases, including one death, have been recorded in nearby Ilocos Norte this year, according to the Provincial Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (PESU). Of the reported cases, 26 were classified as suspect cases, three as probable cases, and three as confirmed cases. One death was also recorded,
DND welcomes House OK of New Espionage Act
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday welcomed the House of Representatives’ approval of the proposed New Espionage Act, which, the agency described as “critical and [a] long-overdue modernization of antiquated laws.” House Bill 9642 was approved on third and final reading Thursday night by 247 favorable votes against 10 unfavorable.
DBM cuts UP’s proposed P53.5-B budget by half
MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines (UP) will push for amendments to its P26.5-billion budget for next year—a huge cut from its original proposed budget, which its leader said could jeopardize the completion of long-delayed infrastructure projects and the capacity-building of its research program. UP President Angelo Jimenez told reporters on Friday they
NBI taps Meta to identify netizens mocking Cendaña
MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has tapped Meta to trace the individuals behind at least 30 social media accounts mocking the disability and sexual orientation of Akbayan Rep. Percival Cendaña, Director Melvin Matibag said. This is in response to the Sept. 15 complaint filed by Cendaña — a stroke survivor and
Media watchdog CMFR writes 30
MANILA, Philippines — The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), a monitor of the state of the Philippine press in the last 37 years, announced on Friday that it is winding down operations due to funding issues. CMFR said that while it weathered different political environments and challenges since its founding as a nonstock,
Ombudsman: Villars under investigation concerning water firm
MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has initiated a preliminary investigation focusing on members of the Villar family and executives of the water utility firm that they previously owned for possible violations of the anti-graft law. In a statement on Friday, the Ombudsman said criminal and administrative complaints against Senators Mark and Camille
South Cotabato school shooting kills 3, hurts 6
BANGA, SOUTH COTABATO — Another shooting rampage in school involving a teenage attacker, this time in this town some 15 kilometers from the provincial capital of Koronadal City, left three students dead and six others wounded on Friday. The 1 p.m. attack at Banga National High School was the third fatal campus attack in as
Bangsamoro IP leaders seek stronger voice in first parliament
COTABATO CITY — A tribal leader who will serve as a member of the regular Bangsamoro Parliament expressed optimism that the long-neglected concerns of indigenous peoples (IPs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will finally be heard and addressed now that non-Moro indigenous peoples (NMIPs) have representation in the regional legislature. “Our
DILG's Remulla to delay trip to France amid Banga National High School shooting
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Saturday he will be delaying his planned trip to France for a follow up on an Interpol red notice request against former party-list lawmaker Zaldy Co, following the fatal shooting incident at Banga National High School in South Cotabato.
Baguio artist sets Guinness record with giant mandala
BAGUIO CITY — A giant crocheted mandala measuring 6 meters (19 feet) in diameter has earned Baguio artist Adelaida Guia a Guinness World Records title for the largest mandala crocheted by a single person. Guia received an email on Thursday, Sept. 17, informing her that she had officially set the record with her 29-square-meter creation.
Bohol fast-tracks P5-M cloud-seeding plan amid dry spell
TAGBILARAN CITY—The Bohol provincial government is fast-tracking the procurement of a P5-million cloud-seeding operation as prolonged heat and below-normal water levels threaten thousands of hectares of farmland across the province. Provincial Administrator Asteria Caberte said during the full-council meeting of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) on Thursday that the contract could
This ‘hard to swallow’ Filipino film hopes to make Oscars history
‘Filipiñana,’ the country’s official film entry to the Oscars, hopes the international audience sees something different — a ‘different side of the Philippines’ and a ‘different kind of Philippine cinema’
Here’s why going for the sustainable option is the natural choice for self-care
Why make the shift to sustainable products? These days, “natural” and “eco-friendly” aren’t just buzzwords. They refer to resources that deliver results while being sourced and developed in ways that aim to protect both the planet and the skin. For those who remain skeptical, science offers another perspective. The promise of natural products isn’t based solely on anecdotal evidence. Science-backed tests and research methods help determine which ingredients from nature can be effective for hair and skin. With the wealth of information available in today’s tech-forward world, the shift toward natural solutions is not only about sustainability but also effectiveness. Naturals by Watsons offers a product line of gentle and sustainable formulations made with naturally derived ingredients. What is good for the skin can also be good for the planet. The brand follows its “Results Rooted in Nature” philosophy, delivering hair and skin solutions that make use of naturally available resources through responsible and sustainable methods. The in-house brand of Watsons offers products categorized according to different “super ingredients,” each associated with specific benefits. This gives consumers the opportunity to find products based on their individual concerns while reducing unnecessary experimentation and confusing jargon. The products are formulated with ingredients that have been tested for efficacy and undergo continuous formulation testing. The brand also states that the integrity of its ingredients makes its products generally suitable for expecting or breastfeeding mothers, although consumers are advised to consult their OB-GYN before using any personal care product during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Naturals by Watsons carries four flagship hair care lines, each highlighting a key ingredient and the specific concerns it is formulated to address. For dry and damaged hair, Naturals by Watsons offers its Argan Oil Shampoo and Argan Oil Conditioner. The duo is formulated with argan oil to help nourish and revitalize hair while supporting moisture, shine and elasticity. Complementing the pair is the Naturals by Watsons Argan Hair Oil, which provides lightweight, non-greasy nourishment for smooth, shiny-looking hair. For thick and coarse hair, Naturals by Watsons Olive Shampoo and Olive Conditioner are formulated to provide lasting hydration, restore vitality and enhance shine. The Naturals by Watsons Olive Hair Oil completes the routine by helping seal split ends. For scalp care, consumers can turn to the Naturals by Watsons Aloe Vera Shampoo and Aloe Vera Conditioner, which are positioned for anti-dandruff care. Made with 99 percent certified organic aloe vera, the products cleanse and nourish the hair, soothe the scalp and help keep hair smooth and hydrated. The Naturals by Watsons Aloe Hair Tonic complements the routine and is designed to support healthier-looking hair over time. For consumers concerned about hair fall, Naturals by Watsons offers its Coffee Shampoo and Coffee Conditioner. The products contain caffeine, which is positioned to help revitalize the roots, as well as sesame oil for scalp moisture and Abyssinian oil to hydrate dry and brittle hair. The Naturals by Watsons Coffee Hair & Scalp Tonic features Baicapil and is positioned to address breakage-related hair loss and hair density. Beyond hair care, Naturals by Watsons also offers skin and body care products designed to provide naturally derived solutions for everyday personal care needs. The range features ingredients such as rosemary, rose, lavender, ginger, tea tree, bakuchi and sakura for face and body care, with each formulation targeting different skin concerns. The brand says its naturally derived ingredients are supported by science-based findings and are designed to deliver results with consistent use. Naturals by Watsons combines these ingredients with gentle formulations while maintaining its focus on sustainability. Sustainability is incorporated into the brand’s sourcing, research, packaging and refill initiatives, combining environmental considerations with science-based product development. With Naturals by Watsons, the brand continues to promote its philosophy, “Results Rooted in Nature: The Essence of Nature, Powered by Science.” Naturals by Watsons products are available at more than 1,200 Watsons stores nationwide and through the Watsons App, with Express Delivery and Click & Collect options. Watsons Club members can also access exclusive features and promotions. For the latest updates, follow @watsonsph on Instagram.
MACC gives Azeez, family one month to declare assets
Forms provided for asset declaration, Halim says.
Anthropic considers releasing new AI model ahead of IPO, sources say
Anthropic weighs new AI model launch amid OpenAI's GPT-6 Astra success, as CEO calls for industry slowdown and investors reassess competitive landscape ahead of IPO
The week in photos: September 12-18, 2026
A recap of news, sports, lifestyle, entertainment, and human interest images from the Philippines and around the globe
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