Palace wants to know how Leviste got ‘Cabral files’MANILA, Philippines — An investigation should be conducted on how the supposed files of the late former public works undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral were obtained, as evidence acquired illegally has no probative value, Malacañang said yesterday. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said there have been reports that the documents obtained by Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Leviste came from a staff member, not Cabral. She added that Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon had already clarified that he has not authenticated any document in Leviste’s possession. What is important here is how were the files obtained from the staff?” the Palace press officer told radio dzBB when asked whether she thought the manner by which the files were sourced should be probed. On Dec. 21, Leviste claimed Cabral provided him files listing the proponents of the DPWH’s insertions on Sept. 4.

House's anti-dynasty bill entrenches political families, warns solonMANILA, Philippines — A bill branded as an "anti-political dynasty" measure is now facing criticism for doing the opposite: entrenching dynasties by formally defining which family members are allowed to keep power, rather than dismantling the system altogether. What the people are saying is that they do not want political dynasties.) Calling for political will rather than accommodation, Cendaña said lawmakers—many of whom belong to political families—must act against their own interests for once. Nearly four decades later, no comprehensive anti-dynasty law has been enacted—largely because lawmakers themselves often belong to political families. Advocacy groups and reform-oriented legislators have long argued that unchecked political dynasties weaken democratic competition, concentrate power, and perpetuate patronage politics at the local and national levels.

Hong Kong Red Cross medics on the front line in GazaEmergency nurse Chan Chi-keung helped set up the hospital’s out-patient department, which now sees up to 300 people a day alongside mass casualty emergencies.

DPWH urged to authenticate Cabral filesThe so-called Cabral files are turned over to the Office of the Ombudsman by DPWH officials. MANILA, Philippines — Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Leviste is pressuring Secretary Vince Dizon of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to “authenticate” the so-called Cabral files he published on social media on Christmas eve. And to see if they really don’t want the files published,” Leviste said in a statement yesterday. Leviste also posted a series of back and forth correspondence, supposedly between his office and the DPWH. Dizon previously denied authenticating the files in Leviste’s possession: “I haven’t seen the documents he is referring to.

House holds Acop memorial service todayMANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives will hold a memorial service today for the late Antipolo congressman Romeo Acop, who succumbed to a heart attack a few days before Christmas. A requiem mass will be held at the Batasang Pambansa complex at 9 a.m., followed by the memorial service at the House plenary hall at 10 a.m. The Philippine flag was put at half-mast out of respect for Acop, who headed the House committee on transportation and co-headed other committees including the quad comm before he died. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear brother congressman Romeo Acop, a true-blue and brave public servant who carried with him his unwavering principles. He is the perfect example of one who has integrity in public service,” Speaker Faustino Dy III said.

House bill legitimizes dynasties – CendañaMANILA, Philippines — For opposition lawmaker Akbayan party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña, the version of the anti-dynasty bill proposed by some leaders of the House of Representatives goes against the spirit of the 1987 Constitution. In an interview with “Storycon” on One News last Friday, Cendaña said House Bill 6771 filed by Speaker Bojie Dy and Majority Leader Sandro Marcos will not curb and instead legitimize the existence of political dynasties in the Philippines. Under the proposed bill, members of the same family are prohibited from holding elective posts if these are classified within the same cluster. The six clusters identified in the bill were: national (president, vice president and senators), House of Representatives (district and party-list), provincial, city, municipal and barangay. In an earlier interview with “Storycon,” House Deputy Speaker Janette Garin described the proposed bill as a “compromise,” noting that the leadership needs to secure enough support from members of the lower chamber, many of whom are part of dynasties.

MMFF 2025 awardees set historic milestoneKrystel Go, lead star in ‘I’m Perfect,’ wins best actress at the Metro Manila Film Festival’s Gabi ng Parangal in Makati on Saturday. MANILA, Philippines — History was made at the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) awards night as “I’m Perfect” lead star Krystel Go became the first Best Actress awardee with Down syndrome. Vice Ganda emerged as the first openly queer actor to win the Best Actor award for his performance in “Call Me Mother.”Helmed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo and produced by Nathan Studios, “I’m Perfect” also took home this year’s Best Picture and Best Ensemble Award. A queer person in gown can be a best actor. “Call Me Mother” also garnered the Gender Sensitivity Award and best child performer for Lucas Andalio.

MANILA, Philippines — As the New Year revelry approaches, the Department of Health (DOH) has reported more than 100 people with fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) nationwide. The current figure, the DOH said, is 26 percent lower than the recorded FWRIs during the same period last year. Males also accounted for 55 of the total FWRIs. “In this regard, the DILG calls on our barangays to take the lead in enforcing ordinances against illegal firecrackers. We urge them to be proactive in safeguarding their constituents, especially against the use of illegal firecrackers and even firearms during New Year celebrations,” Nartatez said.

E-gambling operators must pay minimum guaranteed feeA man plays online gambling on his cellphone in this photo illustration taken on Saturday, July 12, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — State gaming regulator Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) will start collecting a minimum guaranteed fee (MGF) per month on all accredited online gambling operators next year. In a Dec. 15 memorandum, PAGCOR said all of its online gaming system administrators (GSAs) and gaming venue operators (GVOs) operating e-games will be charged the monthly MGF based on their minimum gross gaming revenue (GGR) per month. PAGCOR’s accredited GSAs remit a share of their GGRs as a requirement for their accreditation or authority to operate. “The imposition of the MGF shall take effect on all transactions commencing April 1, 2026, for GSAs with operational status,” Fernandez said in the memo.

Confidence and optimismNo matter how bad a year has been, Filipinos can be expected to ooze with confidence and optimism for the new year. The BSP also conducts quarterly surveys to measure consumer and business confidence, used by the Monetary Board to guide them in formulating monetary policies. Results of the latest survey show that the overall consumer confidence index (CI) turned more negative at -22.2 percent in Q4 2025 from -9.8 percent in Q3 2025. A negative CI means there are more respondents with a negative outlook than a positive outlook on the economy. A plurality 43 percent have little confidence that no government official or private individual will interfere with the ICI investigation.

Recovering global demand to lift Philippine exports into 2026A container ship loads cargo for exports at a port in Manila. Citing signs of a recovery in global demand, the DTI said Philippine exports are likely to continue expanding next year. From January to November, Philippine merchandise exports climbed by 14.5 percent to $77.40 billion from $67.60 billion in the same period last year. The 11-month tally also surpassed 2024’s total merchandise exports valued at $73.27 billion. The remarkable growth in electronics, food products and consumer goods reflects growing global demand and supports jobs, incomes and wider opportunities for our exporters,” Roque said.

Customs implements electronic payment systemThe e-pay system is a platform facilitating the collection of miscellaneous payments, Customs duties and taxes for non-electronic-to mobile transactions and other authorized charges. MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has implemented the electronic payment portal system. The e-pay system is a platform facilitating the collection of miscellaneous payments, Customs duties and taxes for non-electronic-to mobile transactions and other authorized charges. The platform is integrated with Landbank’s Link.BizPortal, serving as a centralized payment gateway enabling electronic settlement through authorized payment channels. Importers, exporters, licensed Customs brokers and other stakeholders engaged in applicable transactions are encouraged to utilize the e-pay system, the BOC said.

Stocks end 2025, cross into 2026Last Friday, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) finished strongly at 6,065.64, up by 2.54 percent week-on-week. MANILA, Philippines — Momentum could be on the side of the local bourse this week as the stock market will see its last trading day of the year as well as the first trading day of 2026. Last Friday, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) finished strongly at 6,065.64, up by 2.54 percent week-on-week. Online broker 2TradeAsia.com said the local bourse rebounded during the shortened trading week, reclaiming the 6,000 level on holiday optimism and bargain hunting. “The PSEi is likely to close the year on a whimper, despite technicals and valuations pointing to a gradual rebound in the first half of 2026,” it said.

PNP tightens road safety for New YearShoppers flock to Carriedo Street in Quiapo, Manila on December 28, 2025 making last-minute purchases just three days before New Year's eve. MANILA, Philippines — Authorities have tightened road safety measures ahead of the expected surge of travelers for the New Year celebration as the Department of Health recorded 263 road crash injuries and two fatalities from Dec. 21 to 26. Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police, said PNP units were ordered to increase visibility along major roads, strictly enforce traffic laws and conduct checkpoints in accident-prone areas. He noted that recent road crashes, including fatal accidents reported during the Christmas break, highlight the dangers of reckless driving. Police have been ordered to intensify visibility at transport hubs, along major roads and other places of convergence.

13 listed companies changing sectoral classificationMANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) is changing the sector and subsector classification of 13 listed companies in line with recent corporate developments. DITO CME, meanwhile, will see a change in its subsector classification under the services sector to telecommunications from information technology at present. PH Resorts Group will likewise have its subsector classification in the services sector changed to hotel and leisure from casinos and gaming. Easycall will remain in the services sector, but its subsector classification will be changed to information technology. The PSE said all changes on the sector and subsector classification of the companies will take effect on Jan. 5, 2026.