New Navy patrol ship en route to ManilaPhoto shows the Rajah Sulayman, the Philippine Navy’s newest offshore patrol ship, at a launching ceremony at Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea on June 11, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy’s newest offshore patrol vessel (OPV), the first of six from South Korea, is now sailing for Manila and is expected to arrive in the country this month. After several months of fitting up and sea trials, Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has sent the future BRP Rajah Sulayman on a delivery voyage to the Subic Naval Operating Base. The ship was officially launched on Independence Day last year in Ulsan, South Korea where it was unveiled for the first time as part of the military’s continuing effort to modernize and improve the capabilities of the Philippine Navy. “The launch of Offshore Patrol Vessel No.

Smart nears launch of satellite serviceSmart is poised to become the country’s first telco to offer direct-to-device satellite service following the success of its test for such a technology in partnership with Lynk Global Inc.First for Philippines telcoMANILA, Philippines — Local communities in remote islands and mountains will gain access to uninterrupted signals for internet use and text messaging once Smart Communications Inc. mounts its new satellite service by 2027. Smart is poised to become the country’s first telco to offer direct-to-device satellite service following the success of its test for such a technology in partnership with Lynk Global Inc. The direct-to-device satellite solution equips Smart with the capability to provide mobile services across all terrains, even in areas where it has few or no cellular towers. Smart chose Catanduanes — 360 kilometers south of Metro Manila — to determine how extensive the solution can cover. Smart head of network strategy and transformation Radames Zalameda said the telco would also wait for Lynk to send more satellites into space to expand service availability.

Philippines seen to lead Southeast Asia growthThe World Bank headquarters is seen in Washington, DCWorld Bank reportMANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is projected to be the second fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia this year and the next, according to the World Bank. Both growth forecasts are unchanged from those provided by the World Bank in December last year. If realized, the Philippines will be the second fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia for this year and 2025. If this forecast is realized, the Philippines would remain the second fastest-growing economy in Southeast Asia, with Vietnam projected to post the highest growth at 6.7 percent in 2027. The World Bank said that the risks to the outlook in East Asia and the Pacific, which includes the Philippines, remain tilted to the downside.

Castro to Phlilippines envoys: Don’t harbor fugitive RoqueMANILA, Philippines — Continuing her word war with the fugitive Harry Roque, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro has advised the former presidential spokesman not to be a source of fake news. Bernas is the daughter of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is an ally of the Dutertes, just like Roque. “What we said is that as a representative of the Philippines, it would not be good to harbor a fugitive,” Castro pointed out. It would be better to help a fugitive return to the Philippines,” she added. “I categorically affirm that no Philippine diplomat is legally or ethically permitted to refuse assistance to a Filipino citizen based solely on unproven allegations,” Roque said.

Bato may be in Davao – RemullaMANILA, Philippines — Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who has been absent from the Senate since November last year, is believed to be staying in Davao, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said yesterday. Remulla revealed that Dela Rosa is no longer staying at his residence in Cavite. As far as I know, he is in Davao with his family,” Remulla said in an interview on GMA News. Remulla said authorities cannot move against Dela Rosa without an official copy of the ICC warrant. “We cannot take any action on that until there is an actual warrant of arrest,” he said.

DILG: Platforms for reporting epal politicians availableMANILA, Philippines — There are established and accessible mechanisms where people can report politicians who violate anti-epal rules, the Department of the Interior and Local Government said yesterday. Among these platforms is the Bantay Korapsyon wherein the public can report integrity issues, abuse of authority and violations linked to government programs. The anti-corruption initiative serves as a framework for identifying and addressing corruption-related concerns as well as strengthening accountability of politicians. The DILG’s Public Assistance and Complaints Center is another venue for receiving complaints, requests for assistance and public inquiries. Remulla said through the PACC, concerns are formally recorded, reviewed and endorsed to appropriate offices for action.

ICI vacancies not a hindrance in filing raps – PalaceThe ICI, formed by President Marcos in September to investigate government infrastructure projects implemented in the last 10 years, was left with just one member after the resignation of two commissioners last month. MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang does not see the vacancies in the one-person Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) as a hindrance for recommending charges against those behind the multibillion-peso flood control scam. The ICI, formed by President Marcos in September to investigate government infrastructure projects implemented in the last 10 years, was left with just one member after the resignation of two commissioners last month. Asked to react to Azurin’s statement, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro claimed that the vacancies do not hinder the ICI from recommending charges to the ombudsman or justice department. Castro said she could not speculate on what is keeping the President from appointing new ICI commissioners.

Marcos back from UAEPresident Marcos greets the Filipino community in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday. MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos returned yesterday from his two-day working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he witnessed the forging of two key agreements designed to strengthen trade and defense cooperation with the Middle Eastern country. According to the President, CEPA will expand Philippine market access in the Gulf region and diversify both sources and markets of essential goods. In a separate statement, Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. said free trade with the UAE is a major boost for Philippine exporters. During the meeting, Marcos and Sajwani discussed opportunities for collaboration in the Philippines’ digital infrastructure sector, underscoring the country’s potential as a hub for data centers, cloud services and AI-driven technologies.

Stronger resistance to VP impeachment seen in CongressMANILA, Philippines — Renewed impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte may face stiffer resistance in both chambers of Congress, according to Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, as pro-Duterte supporters among legislators have increased amid the raging controversy over anomalies in flood control projects. That alone shows a big change here in the Senate,” Gatchalian said in English and Filipino. During impeachment proceedings, the Senate acts as the impeachment court while members of the House of Representatives – responsible for impeaching public officials – act as prosecutors. Then minority leader and now Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senators Francis Pangilinan, Bam Aquino and Hontiveros voted not to archive. ShiftLast year, the House secured 215 signatures – surpassing the one-third threshold required under the Constitution – to move forward with impeachment proceedings against Duterte.

Manhunt on for Atong Ang; 17 arrestedRelatives of missing sabungeros or cockfight enthusiasts protest outside the Department of Justice in Manila on Oct. 30, 2025. A manhunt has been launched for Ang after Judge Mary Jean Cajandab-Ong of the Regional Trial Court Branch 26 in Sta. Cruz, Laguna issued the arrest warrants dated Jan. 13 for the gaming tycoon and 17 others for non-bailable cases of homicide, kidnapping and serious illegal detention. Also arrested were Ang’s supposed subordinates Rogelio Borican Jr., Jezrel Mahilum, Mark Carlo Zabala, Rodelo Anig-ig, Emman Falle, Julios Gumolon and Ronquillo Pacot Anding. CIDG director Maj. Gen. Robert Alexander Morico II said all 17 of Ang’s co-accused are already in police custody, including nine police officers previously placed under restrictive custody.

Rocket debris warning issued anewMANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has issued a debris warning after China launched another rocket, the first for this year. Rocket debris may also fall in the waters off Hadji Muhtamad in Basilan, Pangutaran Island in Sulu and in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. PhilSA said it also disseminated a pre-launch report to relevant government agencies and authorities prior to the rocket launch. Unburned debris from rockets such as booster and faring are designed to be discarded as the rocket enters outer space. “There is also a possibility for the debris to float around the area and be washed ashore,” PhilSA said, noting that residents must report to authorities any sighting of suspected rocket debris.

Bonoan misled Marcos, gave wrong flood control coordinates — LacsonMANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel Bonoan submitted inaccurate map coordinates for thousands of flood control projects to Malacañang. The Sumbong sa Pangulo website was launched by Malacañang after President Marcos ordered an investigation into anomalous flood control projects and named the top 15 contractors that cornered P100 billion in contracts between 2022 and 2025. “So nililigaw niya para maweaken yung teorya o masira ang kredibilidad na ‘yung mga ghost flood control project ay talagang ghost,” Lacson said. (So he is misleading people to weaken the theory or undermine the credibility of claims that these ghost flood control projects are indeed ghost.) Senate to probe 'Cabral files'The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which has been conducting a legislative probe into the flood control corruption scandal, is set to resume its hearings on January 19.

Atong Ang's 17 co-accused now in police custodyBusinessman Charlie "Atong" Ang, accompanied by his lawyer Lorna Kapunan, files criminal charges before the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor's Office on July 3, 2025 against Julie "Dondon" Patidongan and Alan Bantiles for accusations related to the case of "missing sabungeros." Earlier, CIDG Director Robert Alexander Morico II said that 15 of Ang’s co-accused are in CIDG custody. Cruz, Laguna Regional Trial Court issued a warrant of arrest against Ang and his co-accused. The six civilians, according to CIDG Director Robert Morico II, are Ang's former security personnel at his cockfight arena. It differs from a hold departure order, which is a court-issued directive preventing an individual from leaving the country.

Venezuela's furious street forces ready to 'fight' after US raidPhoto by JUAN BARRETO / AFP People display portraits of political prisoners during a demonstration by relatives at the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas on January 13, 2026.

A worker stands on top of a cargo container as he assist the crane driver in arranging some containers at a shipping yard in Cavite city, south of Manila July 23, 2015. REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco