MANILA, Philippines —Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 has been hoisted over the eastern portion of Camarines Norte, the eastern and central portions of Camarines Sur and the entire provinces of Albay and Catanduanes. 1 remains in effect over the southeastern portion of Isabela, Aurora, the eastern portion of Quezon, the Polillo Islands, Marinduque, the eastern portion of Romblon, Sorsogon, Masbate, Northern Samar and Biliran. PAGASA warned that further intensification into a severe tropical storm is not ruled out, and the possible raising of Signal No. The northeast monsoon, interacting with Ada’s circulation, is also expected to bring strong to gale-force gusts over parts of Northern Luzon, Eastern Visayas and nearby provinces in the coming days.

‘ICI has done its part, let ombudsman take over’“In my personal view, yes, it has,” Puno, chairman of the National Unity Party (NUP), said when asked at a press conference if the ICI has already completed its task. “In my personal view, yes, it has,” Puno, chairman of the National Unity Party (NUP), said when asked at a press conference if the ICI has already completed its task. He said that while past controversies may have clouded the credibility of the ombudsman, the agency has burnished its image under a new leadership. Puno said allowing the ICI and the ombudsman to simultaneously investigate the anomalies in flood control projects may only create confusion and weaken public confidence in the investigation. “Primarily, since the ICI is a presidential agency, it is focused on presidential agency, the executive department,” he said.

The Bureau of Immigration has arrested a vlogger from Estonia after he was caught harassing Filipino locals during his visit. Roosipuu, who runs a YouTube channel called "Pro Life Traveler," was accused by residents of harassment through offensive remarks and unauthorized filming. In an interview with the media, Roosipuu has now expressed regret over his actions, reasoning that he is still "learning" to be a vlogger. I just want to be a better vlogger, but along the way, I've done mistakes. This is not the first time a foreign vlogger drew the attention of Philippine authorities for inappropriate behavior toward locals.

Senator seeks OMB abolitionSenator Win Gatchalian answers questions from the media during the "Kapihan sa Senado" press conference in Pasay City on January 8, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a measure seeking to abolish the Optical Media Board (OMB), arguing that the agency has outlived its relevance as piracy has shifted from physical media to the digital space. Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate committee on finance, said the OMB was designed to regulate a disc-based piracy industry that has largely disappeared. 1654, the OMB’s powers, functions and resources would be transferred to the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL). The bill also provides for the absorption of OMB Secretariat employees into IPOPHL without any reduction in salaries or benefits.

Marcos reaffirms commitment to rules-based orderMANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday renewed his support for a rules-based international order as fresh tensions grip the West Philippine Sea between the Philippines and China. “As the Philippines assumes the ASEAN chairship, we remain committed to dialogue, cooperation and a rules-based international order. Here’s to stronger ties and lasting friendships among our nations,” Marcos said in a Facebook post, a day after Malacañang hosted the annual vin d’honneur. I didn’t even mention that it was President Xi Jinping – they were the ones who named him,” he told The STAR in Filipino. In a separate interview yesterday, Tarriela added he got “confused” on the basis of the complaint by the Chinese embassy.

Preliminary probe set on Jinggoy, Bong plunder rapsMANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to start its preliminary investigation on the plunder cases against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and former senator Ramon Revilla Jr. in relation to anomalous flood control projects within the week. He said the National Bureau of Investigation has conducted a fact-finding investigation in cooperation with prosecutors. Fadullon did not give the exact amounts of public funds which Revilla and Estrada are accused of amassing. Fadullon said several congressmen will also face criminal cases in connection with the flood control corruption scandal. Five cases related to ghost flood control projects are up for resolution within the week involving SYMS Construction.

BI arrests Estonian vloggerMANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration has arrested an Estonian vlogger, warning that the Philippines will no longer tolerate foreign content creators who harass locals and turn Filipino communities into viral spectacles. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the case mirrors the earlier deportation of Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, describing it as another instance of a foreign vlogger exploiting the country’s openness for shock content and online fame. The locals cited complaints of harassment, unauthorized filming, offensive remarks and online content that demeaned Filipinos, prompting the city council to endorse the matter to national agencies and trigger enforcement action. Identified as Siim Roosipuu, 34, the Estonian vlogger was arrested on Jan. 15 by BI intelligence operatives and an anti-terrorism unit, in coordination with the Philippine National Police Dumaguete City Police Station and Barangay Cantil-e officials. We welcome tourists and legitimate creators, but anyone who exploits our people for views, clicks or profit will face arrest, deportation and blacklisting,” Viado said.

P196.77 million fake footwear seized in PampangaMANILA, Philippines — Pairs of counterfeit footwear valued at P196.77 million were seized at an industrial facility in San Simon, Pampanga on Friday. The contraband was found by members of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, who raided the facility in Barangay San Pablo Libutad at past 10 a.m., according to acting Philippine National Police chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. Among those found in the area were 1,119 boxes of smuggled footwear, an injector machine and three molding machines. Nartatez said the raid resulted in the arrest of three Chinese nationals, whose identities were withheld pending investigation. The raid was based on complaints filed by online shoppers who said that products delivered to them were fake.

At 38, Novak still chasing 25th majorSerbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates his win against Croatia's Borna Gojo during the US Open tennis tournament men's singles round of 16 match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, on September 3, 2023. MANILA, Philippines — Novak Djokovic said Saturday he likes his chances at the Australian Open despite “missing a bit of juice” in the legs, declaring he can still beat anyone on his day. The Serbian great, 38, is targeting a record-extending 11th title in Melbourne and elusive 25th major crown. To do so he must get past Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have shared the last eight Grand Slam titles since Djokovic won his 24th major at the 2023 US Open. 1 made the semis at all four majors last year and still has belief that he can take down the big two.

Prices of construction materials show steady growth in DecemberMANILA, Philippines — Wholesale prices of building materials in Metro Manila posted a steady growth in December last year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Data from the PSA showed that the Construction Materials Wholesale Price Index (CMWPI) growth in the National Capital Region (NCR) remained at 0.8 percent in December 2025 compared to the previous month. In December 2024, the NCR CMWPI registered a slower growth of 0.2 percent. Those with faster declines in December 2025 from the previous month were cement and glass and glass products. For 2025, the average CMWPI growth in the NCR slowed to 0.1 percent from 0.6 percent in 2024.

Nurturing sustainable agriculture and future generationsA team from the Embassy of Japan led by First Secretary and Agriculture Attaché Hidenori Akasaka (center) visited key sites of the Farm-to-School Meals Program in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao from Jan. 12 to 14. Japan in BARMMMANILA, Philippines — First Secretary and Agriculture Attaché of the Embassy of Japan, Hidenori Akasaka visited key sites of the Farm-to-School Meals Program in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from Jan. 12 to 14. Akasaka then visited the Upi Organic Farming Agriculture Cooperative and the Masabar Producers Cooperative, two farmer associations that supply produce to school feeding programs under the initiative. The delegation also visited Campo Cuatro Elementary School in Datu Abdullah Sangki, where Akasaka met with students, teachers and local officials. Through initiatives like the Farm-to-School Meals Program, Japan continues to strengthen its partnership with BARMM, fostering sustainable agriculture, community development and the well-being of the next generation.

30 rescued from distressed vessel off Tawi-TawiSailors of the Western Mindanao Naval Command assist 30 passengers of a wooden-hulled vessel in distress off Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi on Jan. 16, 2026ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Thirty people were rescued after a motorized boat was battered by strong winds and big waves in the waters off Taganak Island in Tawi-Tawi on Friday night. The Philippine Navy’s BRP Juan Magluyan was conducting maritime patrol at around 9:30 p.m. when they spotted the distress signals from the motorlaunch Nurdia, according to Rear Adm. Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr., chief of the Western Mindanao Naval Command. The Navy said the Nurdia had 30 people on board including five crewmembers who were all transferred to the Magluyan. The passengers and the crewmembers were brought to the port of Taganak where they were given medical attention and food. Reyes said the arrival of the Magluyan prevented the Nurdia from drifting toward the waters off Sabah.

The most important soft skill in the age of AIEvery few years, a new buzzword emerges as the essential skill for the future: resilience, adaptability, emotional intelligence, or growth mindset. While all are valuable, I believe one soft skill will distinguish those who succeed with AI from those who struggle. In this way, AI enhances rather than replaces his curiosity. He could have used AI to write his latest book, ‘How AI Changes Your Customers,’ as many others have. The essential soft skill for the AI era may not be new or complex.

Awards for Pinoys overseas open for nominationsCommission on Filipinos Overseas chairman Dante ‘Klink’ Ang II poses with STAR president and CEO Miguel Belmonte, editor-in-chief Ana Marie Pamintuan, associate editor Marichu Villanueva and Lifestyle editor Millet Mananquil during a visit to The Philippine STAR office, where he discussed preparations for the 2026 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas. MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is now accepting nominations for the biennial Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas. PAFIOO recognizes Filipinos living permanently abroad who have contributed to Philippine development or promoted the interests of the Filipino diaspora. Nominations, which are coursed through a Philippine embassy or a consulate-general office, are accepted until May 29. The CFO was created through Batas Pambansa 79, passed in June 1980, to assist Filipinos overseas, or emigrants residing abroad or awaiting naturalization, recognition or admission overseas.

Fisherman dies in crocodile attackThe remains of Jerry Cayao, 50, were found during a search and retrieval operation in Barangay Sebaring on Friday. CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — A fisherman was reported to have died after he was attacked by a crocodile in Balabac, Palawan. The remains of Jerry Cayao, 50, were found during a search and retrieval operation in Barangay Sebaring on Friday. Chan Alsad, municipal disaster officer, said the body was turned over to his family. Local officials reminded Balabac residents to remain vigilant, especially in areas known to be infested with crocodiles.