PNP coordinating with ombudsman on ‘Cabral files’“There is already advance information on what kind of assistance the ombudsman needs (from the ACG),” PNP spokesman Brig. “There is already advance information on what kind of assistance the ombudsman needs (from the ACG),” PNP spokesman Brig. The ombudsman has yet to turn over computers to the ACG for examination. Tuaño said the ACG is capable of retrieving files even if these were deleted from computers and other gadgets. AuthenticationMeanwhile, Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Leviste vehemently denied allegations that he illegally obtained the Cabral files from the Department of Public Works and Highways, even as he thanked the DPWH for confirming the authenticity of the files given to him.

Fireworks-related injuries hit 140 – DOHMembers of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal/K-9 group inspect confiscated illegal firecrackers at the Manila Police District (MPD) on December 30, 2025MANILA, Philippines — A day before New Year’s Eve, the Department of Health (DOH) has recorded a total of 140 cases of fireworks-related injuries (FWRI), with a majority of the victims males aged five to 14 years. The FWRI cases were recorded from Dec. 21 to early morning of Dec. 30, data from 62 DOH sentinel hospitals showed. The top three regions that recorded FWRI cases are Metro Manila with 60 cases, Western Visayas with 14 and Central Luzon with 13. “All fireworks injuries are dirty wounds and tetanus-prone wounds. DestroyedAround 28,296 assorted illegal firecrackers worth P4.8 million were destroyed yesterday morning at the Police Regional Office IV-A in Camp Vicente Lim, Calamba, Laguna.

Pulse: Sara approval, trust ratings higher than MarcosPresident Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte react while attending Brigada Eskwela, an education-event of the Office of the Vice President on August 14, 2023 in Manila. MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte has again obtained higher approval and trust ratings than President Marcos, the fourth quarter survey conducted by Pulse Asia showed. In terms of trust, Marcos obtained a rating of 32 percent, down from 34 percent in the previous survey. Across areas, Marcos obtained his highest approval ratings among respondents in balance Luzon at 51 percent. Like in previous polls, the Vice President obtained approval and trust ratings of 95 percent and 95 percent, respectively, in her bailiwick Mindanao.

National security forms the basis for a country’s existence and development. The implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law ("the HKNSL") is an important milestone in the undertaking of "One Country, Two Systems". With the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance ("the SNSO") in effect, the rights and freedoms of the HKSAR residents and of other persons in Hong Kong are even better protected while the economy of Hong Kong is picking up. This dedicated website presents information of HKNSL and SNSO in a clear and simple way, highlighting the significance of national security principles and relevant laws for Hong Kong.

Psychiatrists warn against linking antidepressants to suicideTrigger warning: suicide, mental health issuesMANILA, Philippines — Reckless speculation linking antidepressants to suicide risk distorts public understanding of mental health and may only drive people away from seeking treatment, the Philippine Psychiatric Association warned in a statement addressing recent public discourse on mental health medications. Depression treatment, not cause of suicideThe psychiatric association pushed back against framing antidepressants as contributing to the risk of suicide. It's depression, when untreated or inadequately treated, that creates substantial suicide risk, the association pointed out. The group called for responsible journalism and ethical public discourse on mental health, citing Department of Health and World Health Organization guidelines. --If you or someone you know is struggling, contact the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at +63 917 899 8727 or 7989 8727 for immediate support.

Pulse Asia: Marcos, Duterte trust ratings fall as corruption woes drag onPresident Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte answer questions from the media during the kickoff of Brigada Eskwela 2023 at Victorino Mapa High School in Manila on August 14, 2023. MANILA, Philippines — The trust ratings of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte both declined this December, according to a survey conducted by Pulse Asia. In a report released on Tuesday, December 30, the trust ratings of both Marcos and Duterte declined by two points, with the vice president still holding the higher trust score. Pulse Asia The trust ratings of President Bongbong Marcos and Vice President Sara DuterteIn terms of performance, Duterte still had a high performance rating of 56 compared to Marcos’ 34—both had a one-point increase from their respective September ratings. Marcos scored the highest in his bailiwick of Luzon for both his trust and performance ratings.

DOH logs 140 firecracker injuries week before New Year festivitiesMPD Juan Luna PCP commander P/Capt. The DOH recorded 140 firecracker-related injuries nationwide from December 21 to 4 a.m. of December 30, based on reports from 62 high-capacity hospitals it is monitoring. The tally is 23% lower than the 182 cases recorded over the same period last year, according to the department. The department also identified the "5-Star" firecracker, “boga,” and unidentified firecrackers as the leading causes of injury among the cases logged. The number of fire-cracker related injuries almost always spikes during the actual New Year's Eve celebrations on December 31.

US singer Beyoncé is now a billionaire, Forbes magazine said Monday, becoming only the fifth musician to achieve such a milestone. The 44-year-old entertainer joins a select club that includes her husband, rapper Jay-Z, as well as Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen, and Rihanna, according to the publication, known for its rankings of the world's richest people. Beyoncé reached the landmark after several very lucrative years. In 2023, her Renaissance World Tour grossed nearly $600 million (P35 billion).

Three new stations will be added to the EDSA busway, the Department of Transportation announced. “Magkakaroon po tayo ng tatlong bagong istasyon sa EDSA Busway. The stations are expected to be finished by the following year, the transportation undersecretary added. Accessibile po ito at may elevators po dito,” Pastor said. The EDSA busway has 26 stations traveling along the main thoroughfare from Caloocan City to Parañaque.

Leviste faces possible ethics complaint over Cabral files, says RidonMANILA, Philippines — Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste may be in hot water over how he came into possession of the alleged files of the deceased former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Catalina Cabral, according to Bicol Saro Partylist Rep. Terry Ridon on Tuesday, December 30. The young released portions of the files after Cabral fell to her death in Baguio earlier in December. While Leviste has claimed that he obtained the files with DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon’s permission, the latter has denied this claim. An unnamed DPWH worker also told GMA News that Leviste forcibly took the files from Cabral, and she was injured in the process. What is unraveling today is not the acquisition of the Cabral files based on official authority, but the acquisition of documents based on an unlawful taking by Rep. Leviste,” Ridon said.

Palace begins 2026 budget reviewPresident Marcos looks over items in the 2025 General Appropriations Act during a signing ceremony at Malacañang on December 30, 2024. MANILA, Philippines — Any changes made to the budget are now up to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after the Palace received the ratified 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) from Congress. Recto initially announced that the signing of the budget would be on Jan. 5, 2026—leaving the country on a reenacted budget for five days. “The public is assured that a brief period under a reenacted budget will not disrupt government operations. The 2026 budget is set to be the most delayed budget during the Marcos administration, with it being the first one to trigger a reenacted budget.

Rizal Day: Marcos urges integrity, Sara cites freedom from 'disunity and evil'MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte touted the legacy of national hero Jose Rizal in separate Rizal Day messages on Tuesday, December 30, urging Filipinos — and public officials — to uphold integrity amid repeated calls for accountability from leaders. “Today, as Filipinos demand integrity and accountability from its leaders, we look up to his life to provide us with guidance and strength,” Marcos said. Duterte, in her own Rizal Day message, framed Rizal’s legacy as a broader struggle for freedom that goes beyond colonial rule, calling it a fight against abuse, division and moral decay. Rizal Day, observed every December 30, marks the 1896 execution of Jose Rizal by Spanish colonial authorities, an event that helped galvanize the Philippine revolution. Rizal’s body of work became mandatory reading in schools under Republic Act 1425, or the Rizal Law, passed in 1956.

DepEd: 5-point agenda gained traction this yearMANILA, Philippines — Education Secretary Sonny Angara’s five-point agenda gained traction this year, the Department of Education said yesterday. The DepEd cited the promotion of over 16,000 public school teachers, as well as about three million students benefiting from the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning Program. About 41,183 teachers are undergoing the promotion process. Their applications have been submitted to the Department of Budget and Management for the next batch. Angara has ensured that teachers received their allowances and benefits, including the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act teaching allowance worth P10,000, medical allowance amounting to P7,000 and year-end bonuses, such as the Performance Enhancement Incentive (P5,000) and Service Recognition Incentive (P20,000).

Palace insists ‘no sacred cows’ in budget insertions probeMalacañang Palace, the official residence of the president of the Philippines, as seen from the Pasig River. “Regardless of who among the Cabinet is involved, if there is evidence, the investigation should continue so the wrongdoers will be identified. Cabral resigned as DPWH undersecretary for planning in September after she was tied to questionable budget insertions. Bersamin: No role in DPWH budgetFormer executive secretary Lucas Bersamin denied requesting, endorsing, approving or authorizing any DPWH project or budget allocation at any stage of the budget process. “I strongly urge that the so-called Cabral files should be thoroughly scrutinized to unmask those behind the budget manipulation,” he said.

Acop eulogies deliveredMANILA, Philippines — Speaker Faustino Dy III led yesterday’s eulogies for the late Antipolo congressman Romeo Acop, who died of a heart attack before Christmas. “We feel this loss deeply, not just because we lost a colleague, but because we lost a friend, a brother and a man who gave his whole heart to public service. Today, we gather as one House, one family, united in both grief and gratitude,” Dy said. Among those who delivered eulogies were Deputy Speaker Ronnie Puno, former Surigao del Norte congressman Robert Ace Barbers, Manila Rep. Benny Abante and former Pangasinan lawmaker Leopoldo Bataoil.