Ombudsman issues summons on Cabral’s computer and devicesMANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman said that it has issued a summons for the devices of the late Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral. In a statement on Monday, December 22, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said that the Ombudsman has issued a "subpoena duces tecum" requiring "the immediate production of all computer and electronic devices" previously issued to Cabral. A subpoena duces tecum is also a summons, but the person is ordered to bring specific items relevant to the case. When asked what the Ombudsman's next steps will be if the data from the devices is found to be altered, Clavano said: "Subject the gadgets to further forensics to dig for the deleted and altered information." Cabral was found unconscious on December 19 along Kennon Road in Tuba, Benguet, shortly after parting ways with her driver.

675 marginalized Moro school children receive bags and rice rationsThe pupils of the Islamic schools who received school bags on Dec. 21, 2025 are from underprivileged Moro families in agricultural enclaves in the Bangsamoro Special Geographic Area in Cotabato province. COTABATO CITY — A large group of Moro children from low-income families in two towns received school bags on Sunday, December 21, from the Office of the Vice President. The distribution was facilitated through a public service team led by a member of the 80-seat Bangsamoro Parliament. Islamic missionaries in the two towns also actively support joint peacebuilding initiatives led by local government units, BARMM agencies, and traditional Moro leaders, complementing the peace and development agenda under Malacañang’s separate agreements with the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Of the 675 school children who received school bags on Sunday, more than 40 are enrolled at Norul Guidid Al-Islamie Incorporated, an Islamic school in Barangay Pedtad, Old Kaabacan.

Spreading the spirit of Christmas on board the Nutella ExpressThe Nutella brand team, KOLs and media came together last November 21, to celebrate the holiday spirit through a Nutella Christmas Express pop-up filled with Nutella goodies and treats. MANILA, Philippines — Christmas in the Philippines is unlike anywhere else in the world. This year, Nutella brought back the warmth and wonder of meaningful giving through the Nutella Express. The Nutella Express was inspired by the quaint and lively Christmas villages abroad, where food trucks abound, and, just as a train connects people and places, the Nutella Express pop-up connected families through moments of joy, creativity and sweetness. Beyond the experience of The Nutella Express, it is where happiness and joy are spread through families, making memories that last.

Jose de Juan, the father of missing bride-to-be Sherra de Juan, has refuted claims that his daughter was suffering from financial distress as investigations into her disappearance continue. Related Article Police say missing bride-to-be may have been under emotional, financial distress"Sa gastusin namin, kumbaga 'yung sa gamot, walang problema doon. Kaya kung talaga sa financial po, wala talaga," he said. So wala kaming gastos diyan ni piso," he said. "'Yung sa kasal naman po namin, kaya nga po pinlano namin 'yan eh.

Former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson confirmed that he is in talks to buy the Miss Universe Organization. In a press conference on Dec. 22, Singson told reporters that he would meet with former Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shugart and Shawn McClain. Singson shared that the pageant's issues were among the factors that led to his consideration. After the pageant on Nov. 21, the competition faced rigging allegations, after a judge who reportedly resigned claimed that Bosch's win was pre-determined. The Miss Universe franchise was reportedly offered to Singson in 2023, but he declined, leading to Thai billionaire Anne Jakapong Jakrajutajip's JKN Global Group obtaining it.

Angel Locsin made an unexpected cameo on Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition 2.0. Locsin, who has been out of the public eye for years now, can be heard voicing her request for Christmas songs, although she cannot be seen onscreen. Neil and Sunshine can also be heard reacting with Locsin, and even laughed when Joaquin held Locsin's portrait during the song number. Joaquin appeared happy and satisfied as he tried to hold back his tears during the performance. Locsin made her last big screen appearance as Alex Salazar in 2020's Four Sisters Before the Wedding.

Singer Olivia Rodrigo and actor Louis Partridge have reportedly broken up after being in a relationship for two years. Obviously, it has been quite a big summer for her with Glastonbury, but there's a sanctity to being private," Partridge told PEOPLE magazine in September. Rumors of Rodrigo and Partridge's relationship first surfaced in October 2023, when they were spotted getting cozy in London. Following the outing, eagle-eyed fans spotted Partridge increasingly showing up in fan shots of Rodrigo, either in the same frame or smiling in the background. Rodrigo and Partridge, both 22, have yet to comment on their reported break-up.

DILG chief: Circumstances indicate Cabral’s death was suicideOfficial portrait of Catalina Cabral when she was undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways. Trigger Warning: Mentions suicide and deathMANILA, Philippines — The late Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral died by suicide, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said. In an interview with ANC on Monday, December 22, Remulla stated that all circumstances point to a deliberate act rather than an accident. “All signs point to suicide,” Remulla said. According to Remulla, Cabral visited the exact spot where she fell twice on the day of her death.

Brunson sizzles for season-high 47 as Knicks dump HeatJalen Brunson of the New York Knicks shoots over Jaime Jaquez Jr. (No. 0) of the Miami Heat in the first half of their game at the Madison Square Garden on December 21, 2025 in New York City. LOS ANGELES, United States — Jalen Brunson scored a season-high 47 points as the New York Knicks toppled the Miami Heat, 132-125, on Sunday (Monday Manila time). Star point guard Brunson also managed eight assists and three rebounds, in his highest-scoring performance ever at the Knicks' Madison Square Garden home. French superstar Victor Wembanyama managed 14 points from the bench, with his court time still being managed as he returns from injury.

Christmas-week fuel rollback cuts prices by as much as P1.60A worker fills up a container with fuel at a gas station in Quezon City, suburban Manila on June 7, 2022. MANILA, Philippines — December offers some respite from rising fuel costs, with oil firms set to roll back prices by up to P1.60 per liter starting Tuesday, December 23 — just in time for the holiday break. After climbing by a cumulative P1.60 over three weeks, gasoline prices will be cut by P0.80 per liter, reversing half of the earlier hike. Kerosene prices will be reduced by P1.60 per liter, while diesel will drop by P1.30 per liter. Gasoline prices rose by P0.20 per liter during the same period, while diesel and kerosene prices each fell by P0.20 per liter.

Grade 7 student receives hollow block, blouse as exchange giftsA Grade 7 student's Christmas party story goes viral after he unboxes a hollow block and blouse inside his exchange gift. MANILA, Philippines — A Grade 7 student’s Christmas party memory turned painful after he received a hollow block and a blouse as exchange gifts. The mother showed the unwrapped Christmas exchange gift, which contained a hollow block and a pink blouse she estimated to be worth P50. Her son’s class was instructed to prepare a P200 exchange gift for their Christmas party. The mother said that when she met with the guardians of the student who gave the viral exchange gift, they apologized for the incident.

VP Sara: Madriaga's claims meant to derail my 'possible' presidential runVice President Sara Duterte attends the House Committee on Appropriations' deliberation on the Office of the Vice President's (OVP's) proposed 2026 budget on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025. In his affidavit, Madriaga claims that Duterte's campaign in 2022 was bankrolled by alleged drug dealers and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). He claims to have personally handled the delivery of large sums to Duterte's supposed campaign financiers. Besides these allegations, Madriaga's camp has also accused Duterte of personally trying to stop him from testifying against her. Madriaga's lawyer Raymund Palad said at a press conference last week that Duterte visited Madriaga twice this year at his detention facility in Taguig.

Sarah Discaya arraignment set next yearSpouses Curlee and Sarah Discaya arrive at the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Padre Faura, Manila, on Friday, Dec. 19, for the preliminary investigation into the P7.1-billion tax evasion case filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue. MANILA, Philippines — The arraignment of detained contractor Sarah Discaya before a Cebu court is set on Jan. 13 over charges of graft and malversation. Discaya was arrested by the NBI after her warrant was served at the NBI headquarters in Pasay on Dec. 18. Roma Rimando, is among eight others who were implicated in the Davao Occidental “ghost” flood control project. Sotto flags Discaya threats vs witnessesPasig Mayor Vico Sotto alleged that the camp of contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya has been intimidating former employees willing to testify against them, and engaging in alleged blackmail tied to the ongoing investigation into anomalous flood control projects.

What we know so far: Death of ex-DPWH official Cathy CabralThen Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Catalina Cabral attends the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee motu proprio hearing on flood control, Sept. 8, 2025. On December 20, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed her death, citing autopsy results. According to Cesar, Cabral asked her driver to leave her alone at Camp 4 along Kennon Road at around 3 p.m. on Thursday. On Saturday night, NBI-Cordillera agents, armed with a search warrant from the Regional Trial Court, sifted through hotel records and documents that may provide leads regarding Cabral’s death. RELATED: Cabral’s death puts probe in 'dangerous territory,' Ombudsman warnsWhat happens nextIn a statement on Sunday, December 21, the PNP said it will prioritize securing evidence related to Cabral’s death.

EDITORIAL - Living in a caveAny death due to unnatural causes, including through suicide or an accident, requires a police investigation, with an official police report on the circumstances of the death. This is to rule out any foul play and ensure that a murder victim is not deprived of justice. Even if suicide is reported by relatives in the death of a person in his or her own home, police must step in to rule out foul play. When someone dies of an unnatural cause, police have a duty to find out the identity of the fatality, ASAP. Have those police officers been living in a cave?