MANILA, Philippines—Senior citizens rights advocate and lawyer Romulo Macalintal on Thursday said that the mandatory 20-percent discount for senior citizens could only be waived if an establishment’s promotional price is approved by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Macalintal stressed this in calling for a clarification of the recent Supreme Court ruling on a

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday urged Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan to exercise greater restraint in his public statements after remarks that conveyed a “thinly veiled threat” of using force.

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente Sotto III on Thursday shrugged off allegations that he received suitcases filled with cash, while former Sen. Sonny Trillanes outright denied the claim. Sotto and Trillanes issued their responses after Rodante Orbillo, one of the so-called “Maleta boys,” told the Sandiganbayan that he personally delivered suitcases of

House lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro has apologized for the viral, wacky photos of prosecution members taken at the Senate Session Hall after Vice President Sara Duterte"s impeachment trial went on recess.

MANILA, Philippines — At least five espionage-related cybercrime cases are pending before regional trial courts (RTCs) in Makati, Pasay and Manila, a Department of Justice official said Thursday. During a Senate hearing on proposed measures to update the country’s espionage laws, DOJ Senior State Counsel Fretti Ganchoon corrected her earlier statement that no espionage cases

MANILA, Philippines — 1PWD party-list Rep. JD Castro said that his group will file a complaint before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) against Machong Chismisan podcast hosts over their insensitive remarks directed towards people with disabilities (PWD). The five male hosts faced backlash after they made comments about Joshua “Josh” Aquino, the eldest son

TACLOBAN CITY — The municipal government of Pagsanghan, Samar, will adopt a four-day onsite workweek and work-from-home arrangements every Friday to conserve electricity and water amid the prevailing Super El Niño conditions. Under the new schedule, Mayor Sed Hendrix Tan said on Thursday that municipal offices will operate from Monday to Thursday, with working hours

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag on Thursday said that Vice President Sara Duterte should file a case if she believes that dismissed policeman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. is lying or that he is biased

MANILA, Philippines — Former Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Thursday appealed to the public, especially to content creators, to respect the dignity of persons with disabilities (PWDs). Pimentel made the pronouncement following a controversial episode of the now-terminated podcast “Machong Chismisan.” The podcast drew widespread criticisms after its hosts’ made derogatory remarks about

MANILA, Philippines —  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has yet to discuss a replacement for Vice President Sara Duterte in the event of her conviction in the impeachment trial, out of respect for her position, Palace press officer Claire Castro said on Thursday. There have been circulating reports that House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III is poised

MANILA, Philippines — Prior to suitcases (maleta), the purported bagmen of former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co used durable plastic boxes called “duraboxes” to haul cash intended for alleged kickbacks. This is what a witness at a Sandiganbayan Third Division hearing revealed on Thursday. Rodante Orbillo made this known when he took the witness stand

COTABATO CITY — In a span of less than a week, another alleged big-time drug peddler in Lanao del Sur was arrested, yielding P3.6 million worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Taraka town on Thursday, police said. In a statement, Brig. Gen. Christopher Abecia, Director for Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR),

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. trusts his son, House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, to make the right decision about his political affiliation, Palace press officer Claire Castro said Thursday. Castro was responding to reports that Rep. Marcos had joined Lakas-CMD, leaving Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), the political party headed by

Under Republic Act No. 9442 or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability, public ridicule and vilification of PWDs are strictly prohibited.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — With “super” El Niño threatening local aquaculture, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Region 10 (BFAR-10) urged aquaculture farmers to implement early interventions to prevent massive losses. “Don’t wait for fish kills before acting,” BFAR-10 warned in its advisory on Wednesday. “When water heats up and decreases, farmed fish are

These days, work-life balance is a necessity. While our daily work and life routine may sometimes get challenging and quality time with family and select friends can ease the tedium, it’s still important to create some ‘me’ time.  Model, actor, entrepreneur and family man Fabio Ide is acutely aware of this. The longtime celebrity endorser of BlueWater Day Spa has his hands full, juggling several roles and trying to stay fit all while raising a family with his partner, Ellen Frojd. “I’ve been in the entertainment industry in the Philippines for many years, but I’m also involved in several businesses and brand partnerships,” Ide said. “My days can be pretty unpredictable as I might be on set in the morning, in meetings in the afternoon, and working on content or business in the evening. It’s a busy lifestyle, which is why I’ve learned that I really have to make time for myself and my wellness.” To maintain top performance, Ide treats massage therapy as a core component of his health routine. He regularly heads to BlueWater Day Spa knowing he will emerge refreshed and ready to face a new day. “Their Athlete’s massage is my go-to when I really want to relax and switch off. With my active lifestyle, it’s a great way to release tension and just enjoy some time for myself, he said.  After an intense workout or basketball game, Ide said he goes for the Deep Tissue Massage, which targets and relieves deeper areas of tension to help with recovery. Another preferred treatment is BlueWater’s Foot and Head, performed by the spa’s capable and well-trained massage therapists. “It’s one of my favorites because I’m always on the move and spend a lot of time on my feet. It’s amazing how much better I feel after having my feet properly massaged. I get to completely relax, plus I can do it while watching my favorite shows and movies at BlueWater.” Mental reset More than the immediate sense of relief, what Ide finds remarkable is the difference he feels mentally after each treatment. “After a massage or wellness treatment at BlueWater Day Spa, I feel more relaxed, refreshed and focused. It gives me a chance to slow down and disconnect from work for a while. Since I started making wellness more of a priority, I realized how much it actually affects my overall lifestyle and how I feel every day.” It’s a sentiment shared by his partner, Ellen Frojd, who is CEO and co-founder of an international recruitment firm. Between raising a family and balancing professional demands, she is well aware of the importance of factoring personal care into the equation.  All in the family Now that Ide, Frojd and their three daughters are all BlueWater Day Spa endorsers, they are happy to enjoy treatments as a family.  “My favorite is the 5D Laser Treatment. It is a non-invasive facial laser machine treatment that takes about 30 minutes, with no pain and no downtime,” Frojd said. One session with this machine results in brighter and younger-looking skin. She said it also helps soften fine lines, fade dark spots and pigmentation, tighten pores and stimulate collagen.  “What I love most is that the result looks so natural. My skin looks fresher and more even-toned. With work and kids, I don’t have much time for anything that needs long recovery, so this fits my life perfectly,” she added. While Ide admitted he indulges in longer, more relaxing massages at BlueWater Day Spa where he can “switch off, unwind and take my time,” Frojd said that she schedules her treatments based on her weekly workload. “It really depends on the day. The 5D Laser only takes about half an hour with no downtime, so on a busy week I can be in and out and go straight back to my day. When I have more time, I add a massage and make a slow afternoon of it. I like that both are possible,” she said. Tailored options Because different routines require different types of care, Fabio often recommends tailored treatment options based on individual needs and goals. “I’d definitely recommend the Athlete’s Massage or Deep Tissue Massage at BlueWater Day Spa. It really depends on what you’re looking for. Going to the spa as a Couple  is a nice way to relax and enjoy the experience together with your loved one — in my case, with Ellen. There are days we also bring the kids who enjoy the Kids’ Massage or the Foot Massage” Fabio expressed his excitement and gratitude that Ellen and their daughters are now endorsers of the spa as well. “Honestly, it feels really special. I’ve been part of the BlueWater Spa family for so many years, so having Ellen and now the kids be ambassadors as well makes it even more meaningful. Wellness has always been an important part of my lifestyle, and now it’s something we can enjoy and experience together as a family.” He then grew introspective when he said that life has become so hectic that people sometimes fail to take care of themselves.   “Many of us are so busy nowadays that we think taking care of ourselves is something we can do only when we have free time. But the reality is if you keep waiting for free time, you might never do it. For me, wellness is not a luxury or something I do only when I’m tired. It’s part of maintaining my body and my mind, especially with a busy and active lifestyle. Even just taking an hour to slow down, get a massage, or have some quiet time can make a big difference,” he said.  BlueWater Day Spa offers a range of treatments for different wellness and relaxation needs. Its services include Full Body Massages, Body Scrubs, Hand and Foot Treatments and Skin services. For those looking to make wellness a group activity, BlueWater offers spa party experiences with friends and loved ones for occasions like bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, reunions or simple get-togethers.  To mark its 21st anniversary this October, BlueWater Day Spa is offering 30 percent off select services through October 31. Its branches are located at Eton Square-Greenhills, San Juan (0917-8156659); One Banawe Plaza-Quezon City (0947-8965075); and Estancia Mall, Pasig City (0917-8810092).

Former Speaker Pro Tempore Raul Aguila Daza, a longtime lawmaker and former governor of Northern Samar, died at 91, his family announced Thursday.

MANILA, Philippines — National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag on Thursday challenged Vice President Sara Duterte to file a case against him if her camp believes he is acting improperly amid the bureau’s investigation into allegations involving her. Matibag was responding to a statement from the vice president’s camp describing him as “evidently

MANILA, Philippines — A hazardous haze was observed in eight areas in the country on Thursday, Oct. 15, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) said. In its 12 p.m. advisory, the agency said, “The observed haze is possibly associated with smoke and transboundary haze from ongoing fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, which

MANILA, Philippines — A purported bagman-turned-witness told the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Thursday that he ribbed one of the former members of so-called “Maleta boys” that he hit the jackpot when the latter told him that he allegedly got paid in exchange for recantation of his testimony. Rodante Orbillo made the revelation when he took

LUCENA CITY – A 50-year-old barangay chairman was shot dead at his residence in Sto. Tomas, Batangas on Thursday morning. Police have not yet released an official report on the incident. However, local media reports identified the victim as Dennis Austria, incumbent chairman of Barangay Sta. Anastacia. According to the reports, Austria was inside his

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan appeared together in public on Thursday for the first time since they made a surprise return to Britain.

LUCENA CITY – A 67-year-old passenger of a tricycle was killed in a freak accident in Nasugbu, Batangas, on Wednesday. The 62-year-old tricycle was negotiating a downhill stretch of road in Barangay Bulihan at 12:30 p.m. when it struck a road barrier and turned over its left side, throwing him and his passenger onto the

MANILA, Philippines — The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) on Thursday said it expects nearly 1.9 million passengers in its terminal from October 25, 2026 to November 4, 2026. The estimate comes as many Filipinos are expected to observe this year’s All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (Undas).  The multi-modal transport hub provides daily

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and Senators Erwin Tulfo and Panfilo Lacson on Thursday rejected Vice President Sara Duterte’s claim that the 2027 budget could be used to pressure senator-judges to convict her. Gatchalian denied that the proposed national budget was being dangled before senator-judges in exchange for their votes. “There is no

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Rather than relying on importation as a quick fix for feed deficits, the government must address deep structural issues in the corn sector, including degraded soil and flawed regional planning, a lawmaker here said. Agusan del Sur 2nd District Rep. Adolph Edward “Eddiebong” Plaza assailed the Department of Agriculture’s

MANILA, Philippines — Counsel for the prosecution Lorna Kapunan has clarified her previous statement about bullies, saying that it is Vice President Sara Duterte who can be considered a bully for her actions, and not her lead lawyer for the impeachment Sheila Sison. In an online interview on Thursday, Kapunan also apologized to Sison — whom

TACLOBAN CITY—The National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Wednesday ordered the dismissal of the police officer whose gun was used by her nephew in the deadly attack at San Jose National High School here. Ordered dismissed from the service is Police Staff Sergeant Arla Ray O. Paciencia of the Regional Finance Service Unit 8 in Eastern Visayas

MANILA, Philippines—A politician from Mindanao allegedly financed the chartered flight linked to the 521-kilogram shabu seizure in Laos, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). “We have identified the financier behind this drug operation. This politician is based in the South, in Mindanao,” PDEA spokesperson Atty. Joseph Frederick Calulut told reporters in an interview

TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Tourism (DOT) has urged local governments and tourism establishments in Eastern Visayas to prepare measures against El Niño, warning that prolonged dry conditions and warmer temperatures could affect water supplies, tourism operations, and visitor safety. In a public advisory issued on Tuesday, DOT-8 encouraged tourism stakeholders to review their contingency and business