MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday issued Executive Order No. 125, which temporarily suspends the excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene. “The excise taxes on LPG, except when used as raw material for production of petrochemical products or used for motive power, and kerosene, except when used as aviation fuel,

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Rep. Joel Chua believes the Senate Impeachment Court can assign Vice President Sara Duterte public lawyers to defend her, should members of the defense panel decide to boycott the impeachment proceedings. Chua said this in a press briefing on Friday after being asked about the possibility that the defense panel opts to

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) is seeking an additional P17 billion in the proposed 2027 national budget to support free higher education for about 940,000 students. CHEd Chairperson Shirley Agrupis made the statement during the Senate committee on finance’s hearing on the commission’s spending plan. “We can no longer reduce it.

MANILA, Philippines—The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has deployed emergency response boats and equipment to Tarlac City on Thursday, Sept. 25. The action is meant to help residents cross the river following the partial collapse of the Aquino Bridge. The MMDA sent 50 pontoons (flat-deck boats), 50 life vests, eight engine-operated rubber boats and four

MANILA, Philippines — Heavy rains are forecast to affect Metro Manila and other areas in Luzon on Friday, Sept. 25, due to localized thunderstorms, the state weather bureau said. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported in its thunderstorm advisory issued at 4:46 p.m. that heavy to intense rain showers with lightning

CALASIAO, Pangasinan – A 34-year-old cook from San Fernando City, La Union, died after the motorcycle he was driving collided with a pickup truck along the national highway in Barangay Pagdaraoan early Friday. Initial investigation showed that the victim was traveling northbound while a pickup truck, driven by a 51-year-old fish vendor from Bacnotan town,

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Friday challenged senator-judges who supposedly claimed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was interfering in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte to substantiate their allegations. At a briefing in Batac City, Ilocos Norte, Palace press officer Claire Castro was asked to give the Marcos administration’s assurance that it was not

MANILA, Philippines — The renewable projects under Batangas First District Representative Leandro Leviste’s solar energy company were privately funded, said Atty. Antonio La Viña, spokesperson of Senator Loren Legarda. La Viña maintained that the failed projects of Leviste under scrutiny did not “constitute plunder or graft” as no government funds were used. “First of all,

SAN ILDEFONSO, Ilocos Sur — The University of Northern Philippines (UNP) in Vigan City said a report claiming a student brought a firearm on campus was untrue, based on an investigation undertaken by the university administration. In a statement on Friday, the university said it conducted a thorough investigation into the reported gun presence and

MANILA, Philippines — At least two House of Representatives lawmakers have called out their former colleague, ex-Cavite Rep. Kiko Barzaga, for his disrespectful statements on the death of Batanes Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr. In a press briefing on Friday, Manila Rep. Joel Chua said Barzaga is rude for a nepo baby — a term used for politicians

The Catholic Bishops" Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Friday expressed support for the “Dapat Isa Lang” People"s Initiative, which seeks to pass an anti-political dynasty law, calling it a peaceful, democratic effort to fulfill a constitutional mandate.

LEGAZPI CITY — The bells of the St. Gregory the Great Albay Cathedral and its chapels will ring for one minute at 4 p.m. every day to remind residents to clean their surroundings and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. Rev. Fr. Lyndon Balubar, parish priest, said the initiative was in response to a request from the

MANILA, Philippines — After the Commission on Audit (COA) flagged documentary deficiencies in its relief operations worth almost P168 million, the office of Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday said no funds were lost in these transactions. The Office of the Vice President (PVP) reported that all funds are now accounted for. The relief operations of this

MANILA, Philippines — Another petition has been filed before the Supreme Court to nullify the Sept. 23, 2026 ruling by the Senate Impeachment Court amending the voting threshold ruling to convict Vice President Sara Duterte. In his 112-page petition, Atty. Ernesto Francisco Jr., requests that a Status Quo Ante Order be issued to halt the

CABANATUAN CITY – Mary Jane Veloso’s mother, better known as “Aling Celia,” had to be convinced by human rights lawyer Edre Olalia that her daughter might finally be free after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed documents granting her absolute pardon on Friday. “Ako man eh hindi ko mapaniwalaan nung tumawag si Atty. Edre dun pa

Entertainment journalist and television host MJ Marfori has teamed up with entrepreneurs Marga Arenas Vargas, JR Marfori and Mikee Arenas to launch Gutta Glow, a Filipino functional beverage brand that aims to make wellness more accessible and easier to incorporate into everyday routines.  The four founders officially introduced the brand on Sept. 16 at The Rockwell Club in Makati City, bringing together their backgrounds in media, entertainment, marketing and business for a venture they had been developing for more than a year.  For Marfori, the business marks a new chapter beyond her work in journalism and television.  “I’m used to telling other people’s stories, but this time, the four of us are building our own. Gutta Glow is about taking care of yourself without making wellness feel like a chore. We wanted it to be something you can actually enjoy while navigating work, family, travel and everyday life,” Marfori said during the launch.  The idea took shape during the pandemic when the founders began discussing longevity, healthier routines and the need for products that could easily fit into everyday life.  JR Marfori said he and Vargas had worked together during the lockdowns and began thinking about how they could maintain a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.  The group eventually decided to develop its own product, embarking on a research and development process that lasted more than a year.  The founders said they divided the work according to their individual backgrounds. Vargas and MJ Marfori handle the brand and content side, while JR Marfori and Arenas focus on the business, marketing and numbers.  For JR Marfori, working with family was also an important part of the venture.  “We all have our roles and responsibilities. At the end of the day, I like to do business with family because I know we share the same set of values,” he said.  Gutta Glow’s initial product lineup includes Honey Lemon Iced Tea, French Vanilla Coffee and Spanish Latte. Depending on the variant, the products contain functional ingredients such as inulin, green tea extract, green coffee extract, L-carnitine, garcinia cambogia, berberine extract, Immuse LP20, hydrolyzed collagen, reduced L-glutathione, skim milk, whey protein and stevia extracts.  The founders said they wanted the products to retain familiar flavors while incorporating functional ingredients.  “We wanted something that’s easy on the pocket, palatable and portable,” JR Marfori said.  Taste was a major consideration during the development process, particularly for the coffee and iced tea variants.  The founders also emphasized convenience, saying the products can be prepared at home, brought to work or taken while traveling. They are sugar-free and contain 30 calories per sachet, while some variants contain ingredients such as whey protein and prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics.  “The benefits really set it apart. That’s why our battle cry is, ‘Drink smart and glow hard.’ You don’t have to compromise your health. It’s really easy, it’s so convenient and it’s so delicious,” Vargas said.  The founders said the products are FDA-approved and Halal-certified and that the brand has received recognition from Superbrands Philippines.  “This is just the beginning. We’re also trying out new products that fit the values and the mission of Gutta Glow,” they said.  The brand is available through its online channels, including Shopee, TikTok Shop, Instagram and Facebook.

The “love local” movement that started over a decade ago continues to gain ground with Filipinos proud to wear their heart on their sleeve. Whether it’s a modern barong Tagalog, a beautifully made terno or simply a patch with a distinctly local design, there are now dozens of options for Filipinos to choose from. From Oct. 9 to 11, Likhang Habi marks its 16th anniversary with a weekend-long market fair. The theme this year is “Worth Every Thread” and is the organizers’ short reply to the million-peso question: Why is it so expensive? At the press launch for the upcoming event, they talked about how much time and effort went into the weaving, dyeing and stitching of the different products. While traditional artists — painters, sculptors — are known by name, few weavers and craftspeople are recognized and compensated for their creations. This is why there is a move to include the names of the weavers for the pieces that will be sold at the fair. “For many years, we’ve been asked, ‘Why are weaves so expensive?’ I’m tired of that question,” Habi council president Mia Villa­nueva said. “When you understand what goes into making something by hand, using indigenous fibers and traditional skills, you begin to see why it is worth every thread.” As in previous years, the fair brings together weavers, weaving communities, artisans, designers and textile entrepreneurs who have taken one of the world’s oldest crafts and infused it with innovation to create pieces that are relevant, timeless and unmistakably Filipino. One of them is Jeanafer Fernandez of Piña Seda Primera in Aklan who recalled watching as her mother wove the pineapple fibers into fabric, and experienced firsthand how the industry sustained families and provided work for local communities. Fernandez’s participation in her first Likhang Habi Market Fair in 2017 proved to be a turning point. “It was where I gained experience and learned to talk to people, especially customers who appreciated the products. I was able to showcase these products while helping artisans, weavers and embroiderers.” Today, Piña Seda Primera is known for its formal wear made from premium piña and enhanced with embroidery. Habi’s work with weaving communities extends beyond the annual market fair and into the grassroots. In Catanduanes, the organization has undertaken the Panganiban Weaving Center project as part of its commitment to supporting local weaving initiatives and bringing opportunities to communities beyond the country’s major textile centers. This year’s Kwentong Kultura (Habi lectures) will include discussions on the issues and opportunities facing weaving communities. By bringing these stories to a wider audience including students, practitioners and entrepreneurs, the talks hope to ensure that weaving traditions remain understood, valued, and carried forward. The 16th Likhang Habi Market Fair will be held on Oct. 9 to 11 at Space, 5/F One Ayala, Makati.

Owndays Philippines is turning an everyday eyewear accessory into a platform for environmental advocacy through its Cases for Change 2026 campaign that supports initiatives focused on protecting the air, land and sea.  For this year’s campaign, the Japanese eyewear brand partnered with Filipino artist Dani, known as @danijiiro on Instagram, to create three limited-edition eyeglass cases. The campaign brings together creative expression and environmental action by linking the specially designed cases to projects of Clean Air Asia, Masungi Geore­serve and Save Philippine Seas.  Clean Air Asia’s Bike-to-School Project promotes safer, cleaner and more sustainable mobility for students in Quezon City. Masungi Georeserve’s Power-a-Station Program provides solar-powered energy to ranger stations to strengthen forest protection and monitoring. Save Philippine Seas, meanwhile, will use support for its Pating Patrol workshops, which provide local communities with knowledge and tools to help protect sharks and preserve marine ecosystems.   The three organizations represent the campaign’s focus on the air people breathe, the land they live on and the seas that sustain communities.  The cases are intended to give customers a way to contribute to environmental programs through an everyday purchase. Owndays said the campaign is part of its continuing effort to use its products and partnerships to raise awareness about environmental protection.   The Cases for Change 2026 limited-edition eyeglass cases are priced at P500 when purchased separately. Customers who buy complete prescription eyewear consisting of a frame and lenses, sunglasses, or avail of the brand’s lens replacement service can purchase a case for P250.  Owndays said 100 percent of the proceeds from the limited-edition cases will be donated to its three partner organizations to support their respective environmental programs.    Owndays was founded in Japan in 1989 and entered the Philippine market in December 2015. The company currently operates 70 stores nationwide, offering prescription eyewear, sunglasses and optical services.

The "BER" months mark the start of the country's most anticipated holiday season. As families prepare for gift shopping and festive celebrations, making every peso count becomes important when planning meaningful reunions to create lasting memories. With expenses likely to pile up, BDO Pay helps Filipinos stretch their budget by offering free money transfers, seamless QR payments, and bill payments without extra charges. It’s your reliable and secure everyday payment app for all holiday transactions, from shopping, to settling bills, and even sending Aguinaldo. Your all-in-one holiday payment app The season means more gatherings, more purchases, and more expenses. BDO Pay keeps transactions simple, secure and cost-efficient, so you can focus on celebrations instead of fees. Pay instantly with no fees for all transactions. Scan any QRPh code to pay directly from your BDO account or Debit card, or choose Scan to Pay with your BDO Credit Card using the BDO POS terminal.Send gifts without fees. Send Aguinaldo to inaanaks or split expenses with relatives at no cost. With BDO Pay’s Send Money feature, you can transfer funds to BDO accounts, other banks, and e-wallets for free using an account number, QR code, or mobile number.Stay on top of bills. Settle dues to over 2,200 billers, like electricity, transportation, water services, and telecommunications, all without fees. Amid the holiday rush, pay on time without lining up or juggling multiple apps, and enjoy BDO Pay’s all in one convenient platform. Easy access for first-time users For those who have yet to discover BDO Pay, there's never been a better time to start.  Opening a Basic Account through the BDO Pay app is quick and hassle-free. Customers can open an account in just a few minutes using only one valid ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, with no initial deposit or maintaining balance required, making banking accessible to more Filipinos. BDO Pay also makes everyday transactions effortless and secure. Easily collect shared expenses with Request Money, access installment offers for big purchases, and stay protected with instant card lock for your BDO Credit and Debit Cards whenever needed. This season of giving, BDO Pay Mo Na! Holiday spending is in full swing, but managing your everyday payments can be hassle-free. With BDO Pay, you have everything you need in one easy-to-use app that lets you spend smart, enjoy the festivities, and make your every peso count.  Download BDO Pay today from the App Store (iOS), Google Play Store (Android), or Huawei AppGallery (HarmonyOS) About BDO BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) is a full-service universal bank which provides a wide range of corporate and retail banking services such as loan and deposit products, treasury, trust banking, investment banking, private banking, rural banking and microfinance, cash management, leasing and finance, remittance, life insurance, property & casualty insurance brokerage, cash cards, credit cards, and online and traditional stock brokerage services. The Bank also offers digital banking solutions to make banking easier, faster, and more secure for its clients. BDO has the country’s largest distribution network, with almost 2,000 consolidated operating branches and more than 7,700 teller machines nationwide. It also has 15 international offices (including full-service branches in Hong Kong and Singapore) in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East. BDO ranked as the largest bank in terms of total assets, loans, deposits and trust funds under management based on published statements of condition as of March 31, 2026. For concerns, please visit any BDO branch near you or reach us through any of the channels listed in the Consumer Assistance page of our website: https://www.bdo.com.ph/consumer-assistance. For more information, please visit www.bdo.com.ph. BDO is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (https://www.bsp.gov.ph). Deposits are insured by PDIC up to P1 Million per depositor. The BDO, BDO Unibank and other BDO-related trademarks are owned by BDO Unibank, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s brother, Davao Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, along with former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, will be among the prosecution’s next set of witnesses for the impeachment trial. Counsel for the prosecution Benjamin Tolosa Jr. confirmed in a press briefing on Friday that after Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) Division Chief

Birthday celebrant Tessie Amparo marked her special day with a simple yet delightful celebration attended by almost all of her close friends.  Adding sparkle to the gathering were her special guests, lawyers Lorna Kapunan and Virgil Ligutan, who joined Tessie and her friends in making the occasion extra memorable.  The festivities took place at her residence, where guests enjoyed good food, lively music and warm conversations. Music was provided by Marcy David, while the food prepared especially for the occasion added to the cheerful atmosphere.  It was an evening filled with laughter, friendship and wonderful memories. Before heading home, the guests were pleasantly surprised by Tessie’s thoughtful giveaways, a sweet gesture that sent everyone home with smiles.  Indeed, it was a simple celebration made truly special by friendship, good company and the generosity of a gracious birthday celebrant.  Happy birthday, Tessie! Here’s to more candles to blow and more wonderful memories to make.

MANILA, Philippines — Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon’s acting capacity was questioned during his department’s budget hearing at the Senate on Friday. This refers to the expiration of his one-year term limit and absence of a reappointment from the president. Sen. Imee Marcos grilled Dizon, asking about the status of his appointment, citing

CALAPAN CITY— Twelve community members in Sibuyan Island have received subpoenas from the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Romblon over criminal complaints filed by an employee of Altai Philippines Mining Corp. (APMC) over their July 6 protest against the proposed mining project. The Barikada ng Mamamayan ng Sibuyan said on Thursday that the complaints

MANILA, Philippines — Questions on alleged red-tagging and human rights violations hounded a military official when he faced his confirmation hearing before the Commission on Appointments (CA) on Friday. Sen. Risa Hontiveros raised the issues during the CA’s Committee on National Defense hearing, asking Army Maj. Gen. Joey Escanillas to respond to allegations contained in

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities have recovered the motorcycle allegedly used by a riding-in-tandem gunmen who fired several shots at a woman’s vehicle along Chino Roces Avenue in Makati City. The shooting, which left the victim wounded, occurred around 6:50 a.m. on Thursday along Chino Roces Avenue in front of Unibank and BDO, beside Oriental Place

EXCLUSIVE: Rappler speaks to former overseas Filipino worker Mary Jane Veloso as she is finally granted freedom after 16 years

Former OFW Mary Jane Veloso has been freed from the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong hours after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced that he had signed her absolute pardon.

TACLOBAN CITY – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspected the newly reconstructed Felipe Abrigo Memorial Hospital (FAMH) in Guiuan, Eastern Samar on Friday, more than a decade after Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ destroyed the original facility in November 2013. Marcos visited the 25-bed “authorized “Level 1 public hospital in Barangay Poblacion Ward 9-A during his first

MANILA, Philippines — The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte will proceed despite a petition before the Supreme Court challenging the Senate impeachment court’s new ruling on the voting threshold, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said Friday. Gatchalian said the Senate impeachment court would continue with the proceedings as long as there is no temporary

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano has made clear that Sen. Mark Villar remains in the minority, after the latter did not vote along with the minority bloc in the impeachment court last Wednesday. Villar joined the majority bloc in voting against presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s previous ruling that the vote required