‘Corruption to drag GDP growth to below 4% in Q4’Aris Dacanay, ASEAN economist at HSBC, said the ongoing investigation into flood control and other public works projects has introduced a level of uncertainty that is already spilling over into fiscal execution and private sector behavior. Yet “as we speak, consumption growth is below five percent in real terms,” Dacanay said. “The intent is to basically boost domestic demand,” Dacanay said, citing the downtrend in confidence indicators and the need for monetary policy to offset weaker fiscal spending. Still, Dacanay cautioned that the fiscal drag from stricter scrutiny of public spending could persist. Looking ahead, Dacanay said 2026 would be a critical year as the Philippines begins its ASEAN 2026 chairship and faces closer international scrutiny.

DILG urges public to report ‘epal’ politiciansMANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) yesterday urged the public to report politicians who violate anti-epal rules, warning that repeat offenders could face administrative and even criminal charges. “If the politicians commit violations, we call on the people to take photos, post them on Facebook and we can investigate,” Remulla said at a press briefing. “If the local chief executive’s attitude is recidivist, we can refer it to the ombudsman for administrative and criminal cases.”The public may use the Sumbong sa Pangulo portal to report any epal or credit-grabbing politicians. Pargas said PhilHealth monitors the performance of accredited providers but relies on public reports to promptly address violations. PhilHealth reiterated that members must be registered with their chosen PhilHealth YAKAP Clinic to avail themselves of GAMOT benefits.

Ex-DPWH exec Alcantara’s license revokedFormer Bulacan 1st Disrtict engineer Henry Alcantara attends the House Infra Comm's first hearing on anomalous flood control projects on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — The license of former public works Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara, who is allegedly involved in anomalous flood control projects, has been revoked by the Professional Regulatory Board of Civil Engineering (PRB-CE). After finding him guilty of gross unprofessional and unethical conduct, the PRB-CE ordered the revocation of Alcantara’s license, according to the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC). Alcantara is one of the DPWH engineers linked to “ghost” flood control projects in Bulacan. Alcantara refused to answer questions from the media, particularly on his supposed recantation of statements regarding the flood control controversy.

Festive moments, grateful heartsVicky and Joe Zubiri with their children Joey Zubiri, Allana Montelibano, Manuel and Ana Zubiri, Bea and Scott Bannon, Miduel and Audrey Zubiri, Stephanie Zubiri, Scott Woodward, Asun Zubiri, Dette Tan and grandchildrenHoliday celebrations bring out the best in everyone. Above all, thankfulness for past blessings and good health tops everyone’s wish list for 2026. “I look forward to whatever new growth experiences and challenges lie ahead for us. Alice Eduardo with her children Jacqueline, Jameson and JessicaALICE EDUARDO: “In 2025, I was grateful for good health, purposeful work, and the people beside me —family, team, and communities served. MAUREEN DISINI TEICHERT: “Catching up with my brother Michael is always something I look forward to.

BFP chief, 19 others face corruption rapsBFP OIC chief Jesus Piedad Fernandez leads the flag-raising ceremony in the BFP National Headquarters in 2024. MANILA, Philippines — Twenty officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection, including BFP director Jesus Fernandez, will face charges for alleged involvement in bid rigging, kickbacks and other forms of corruption, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said yesterday. The police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group is looking into the allegations against Fernandez, Remulla said. Owners of commercial establishments and condominium buildings cannot operate without fire inspection clearance certificates from the BFP, Remulla noted. The BFP, for its part, said it views Remulla’s corruption allegations as a challenge for the bureau to cleanse its ranks of misfits.

Police officer stabs fellow cop at CrameMANILA, Philippines — A police officer was arrested yesterday after he allegedly stabbed a colleague at Camp Crame in Quezon City. Michael Camilo brandished a kitchen knife at two police officers who were witnesses in the cases filed against them. During the scuffle, Camilo allegedly stabbed Castro in the back. Camilo and Castro were among the six police officers accused of stealing P13.45 million of the P141 million seized during an anti-trafficking operation in Bataan in 2024. They were under restrictive custody at Camp Crame while being probed for violating the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

Coordinated response ongoing at collapsed landfillAerial view of the Binaliw landfill in Cebu City, which collapsed and caused a landslide yesterday afternoon, January 8. Rescue operations are still ongoing to locate the remaining missing persons. MANILA, Philippines — Coordinated response operations are ongoing at a landfill facility in Cebu City where a mountain of trash collapsed last week, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The DILG said the city government is leading the search and rescue operation with the help of members of the Bureau of Fire Protection and police. Police handle security on the ground and ensure proper tagging and identification of bodies retrieved from the rubble, the agency said.

Tropang 5G go for killMANILA, Philippines — Qualifying for the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup finals as early as possible would offer extra time for the players to recover and recharge while waiting for their opponent. The Beermen and the Gin Kings are locked in a 2-2 standoff and would need until Friday, at the earliest, or Sunday, at the latest, to settle the score. “And I’ve said this since Game 1, we have no illusion this is going to be an easy series. Meanwhile, the Beermen and the Gin Kings dispute control at 7:30 p.m. The Gin Kings are on a high after bringing the series to square one and avoiding a 1-3 deficit with a dominant 105-91 victory Sunday.

P105.7 billion PPP scheme OK’d to ease classroom shortageAngara said the Economic Development Council, chaired by the President, approved Phase 3 of the Public-Private Partnership for School Infrastructure Project (PSIP), which forms part of broader reforms to speed up classroom construction and improve governance in school infrastructure. MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has approved a P105.7-billion public-private partnership (PPP) scheme aimed at addressing the country’s 165,000-classroom shortage, Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced yesterday. Angara said the initiative is aligned with President Marcos’ directive to fast-track or “green lane” Department of Education (DepEd) PPP projects, with technical support from the economic team, the PPP Center and the Asian Development Bank. The DepEd plans to build 105,000 classrooms from 2026 to 2031 under a build-lease-and-transfer PPP scheme. TransparencyAs the government accelerates efforts to expand education infrastructure through public-private partnerships, private education stakeholders are also moving to safeguard the integrity of existing education support programs amid concerns flagged by state auditors.

FDI net inflows fall to $642 millionMANILA, Philippines — Foreign direct investments (FDI) inflow to the Philippines plunged by nearly 40 percent year-on-year in October, although the month saw a rebound from September’s five-year low as investors remained largely cautious amid political and policy uncertainties. Preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed net FDI inflow fell by 39.8 percent to $642 million in October 2025 from $1.07 billion in the same month in 2024. “Foreign direct investments into the Philippines posted net inflows of $642 million in October 2025,” the BSP said. Nonresidents’ net investments in equity capital, excluding reinvestment of earnings, rose by 17.1 percent to $117 million from $100 million a year ago. Equity capital placements increased by 10.7 percent to $135 million, while withdrawals declined by 17.4 percent to $19 million.

Profit taking snaps market’s three-day runThe bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) slipped by 0.17 percent or 11.2 points to finish yesterday’s session at 6,408.76. MANILA, Philippines — The local stock market took a breather following a three-day rally, but still managed to stay above the 6,400 territory. The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) slipped by 0.17 percent or 11.2 points to finish yesterday’s session at 6,408.76. Analysts attributed the decline to profit taking, with investors waiting for fresh leads. RCBC chief economist Michael Ricafort said that yesterday’s correction was considered a healthy profit taking after the PSEi advanced for three straight trading days.

Proof of lifeWhat the country needs today is proof of life from BBM. That’s why BBM must urgently show signs of life that he is on the ball. He has bigger fish to fry in connection with the flood control scam. But I am not sure Education Secretary Sonny Angara should be replaced just because his name was mentioned in some documents concerning the flood control mess. BBM must show us proof of life.

Proposed specialty hospital for seniors nears Senate approvalPatients infected with dengue rest at a hospital ward in Manila on Feb. 19, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — A bill seeking to establish a tertiary hospital for geriatric medicine is closer to becoming law. “Our seniors deserve dignified and comprehensive care that responds to the realities of aging,” Villar said. Under the proposal, the facility will serve as the lead institution for geriatric medicine, including patient care, research and training for health care professionals. Villar said the measure, once enacted, would help improve seniors’ access to specialized medical attention while reducing hospitalization-related costs for families.

CLI’s Luzon entry gets NTT UD backingMANILA, Philippines — Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI)’s planned expansion in Luzon is getting a major boost with the support of a subsidiary of Japan’s NTT Group. CLI said the company has received the Philippine Competition Commission’s clearance on the proposed subscription by NTT UD Asia Pte. Ltd. to 40 percent of the voting shares of CLI Luzon Ventures Inc.CLI Luzon Ventures was established to spearhead developments in the Luzon region. The Wave Towers marks the first joint venture between CLI and NTT UD Asia. NTT UD Asia’s portfolio spans major global cities including Tokyo, New York, London, Boston, Melbourne and Ho Chi Minh City.

Tanker truck crashes in ManilaPersonnel of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office remove candy syrup, which spilled from a tanker truck along Magsaysay Boulevard in Manila on January 13, 2026MANILA, Philippines — Traffic was snarled along Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard in Manila yesterday morning after a tanker truck carrying syrup used in making candies overturned, spilling its cargo onto the road. According to reports, the truck careened out of control while descending from the North Luzon Expressway Connector due to the weight of its cargo. The spilled syrup coated portions of the road, making the surface slippery and hazardous to passing motorists. The incident caused several motorcycle riders to slip and suffer injuries. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority implemented a stop-and-go traffic scheme as flushing and cleanup operations were carried out to ensure the safety of motorists.