Senators clash during China resolution debatesMANILA, Philippines — As senators struggled to have a resolution adopted condemning a Chinese diplomat’s criticism of Philippine officials, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta was called out by his colleagues for seemingly lawyering for China – an accusation he vehemently denied. “I’m sorry, but I’m trying to understand the position of the good gentleman in his defense of China and their position,” Pangilinan said. Senate President Vicente Sotto III said the caricature posted by Tarriela is just part of freedom of expression, which China does not have. The interpellation was suspended yesterday, further delaying a vote on Senate Resolution 256, which condemned the social media bullying tactics of the Chinese embassy in Manila. Of the nine minority senators, only Jinggoy Estrada signed the draft resolution, while among the majority, only Pia Cayetano did not sign it.

Photo by BERTRAND GUAY / AFP Former French Culture minister Jack Lang leaves after attending the funeral ceremony for French-Italian actor Claudia Cardinale at the Saint-Roch Church in Paris on September 30, 2025.

Rewired by GratitudePraise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits. She experienced firsthand that no matter how difficult the struggle, practices of gratitude can help us resist depression and “wire our brains to help us build resilience.”Costa’s powerful story reminded me that practicing gratitude isn’t just something believers do out of duty. Although it’s true that God deserves our gratitude, it’s also profoundly good for us. — Monica La RoseHow have you experienced healing through gratitude? Dear God, thank You for always giving me reasons for gratitude and hope.

Tropical depression Basyang enters PARPAGASA said Basyang entered PAR at 5:30 p.m., a few minutes before it was spotted 1,075 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao. MANILA, Philippines — A tropical depression entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) yesterday and was named Basyang, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. PAGASA said Basyang entered PAR at 5:30 p.m., a few minutes before it was spotted 1,075 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao. Basyang is the second tropical depression to enter the country this year. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains.

P1 million reward offered for arrest of cop’s killerMANILA, Philippines — The government has offered a reward of P1 million for any information that could lead to the arrest of the killer of a police officer whose remains were dumped in a septic tank in Malolos, Bulacan last month. Probers said Casauay had told his wife that he was supposed to meet an asset, who reportedly turned out to be Salamat. Peñones said Abalos did not arrest or report Salamat, which hampered the search for Casauay. Abalos was a consultant of a riders’ group, whose members included Salamat, according to Peñones. Abalos and three other suspects – Oliver Paul Mauricio, Nick James Comboy and Arvin Santiago – were arrested in follow-up operations.

Taiwanese fancied in Ladies MastersMANILA, Philippines — A fast start will be crucial as the ICTSI Philippine Ladies Masters fires off today featuring Taiwan’s top guns, a deep Thai and Korean contingent, seasoned international campaigners and a determined Filipino cast eager to defend home turf. The $200,000, 54-hole championship – offering a winner’s purse of $30,000 – also serves as the opening leg of the Taiwan LPGA Tour and unfolds at Summit Point Golf and Country Club in Lipa, Batangas. 2 in the Taiwan LPGA Order of Merit and a former LPGA Tour campaigner. Known for her composure and shot-making, Lee anchors a powerful Taiwanese lineup that also includes No. 4 Chih-Min Chen, fifth-ranked Ching Huang – a former Ladies Philippine Golf Tour Midlands winner – and No.

Galunggong prices may go down in 2 months – BFARMANILA, Philippines — The fishing season for galunggong or round scad has resumed, but consumers may have to wait for a month or two before the prices of the fish will start to go down, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. BFAR said the fishing season resumed on Sunday following a three-month ban to allow the fish to spawn. BFAR spokesperson Nazario Briguera said it would take weeks for major fishing vessels to return to shore, but once supply becomes sufficient, prices will start to go down. Based on the daily price monitoring of the Department of Agriculture, local galunggong costs P349.29 per kilo. Galunggong is popular among Filipino consumers due to its abundance and lower price compared to other fish.

To cut travel costs, airlines seek lower fees, extended runwaysMANILA, Philippines — The country’s largest carriers have scored the government for seemingly placing all the blame on them for high local travel costs, pointing to other factors such as airport charges and infrastructure inadequacies that need to be addressed. In a statement, the Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) said it is open to working with the government in its efforts to bring down the cost of domestic travel. For one, ACAP reminded the government that airlines have to pay airport fees that push up their flying costs. Given this, ACAP wants the government to find ways to resolve structural issues that contribute to the costliness of domestic travel. The group said now is the best time to lower travel costs, as Filipinos are taking trips more often than before the pandemic.

Jonvic: Case of slain policewoman closedCrime scene investigators use metal detectors in a grassy field along the Pulilan-Baliuag bypass road in Bulacan yesterday to search for the firearm used in the killing of Senior M/Sgt. Victim’s husband not off the hookMANILA, Philippines — A car dealer and her husband were tagged as the masterminds in the murders of Senior M/Sgt. “Based on our investigation, the case is considered closed and charges will be filed,” Remulla said at a news briefing at Camp Crame yesterday. “I think this is a slam dunk case, but for the appreciation now of the DOJ (Department of Justice). “The Panganiban couple has psychopathic criminal tendencies and have no conscience,” Remulla said.

Congress had been habitually sabotaging vital infrastructure projects funded by foreign donor countries. “For four straight budget cycles, billions of pesos meant for airports, railways, mass transport, flood control, and climate protection were quietly pulled out of the national budget. As of early 2024, approximately 40 percent of the 197 projects in the government’s “Build Better More” flagship list is funded through foreign aid. Foreign assisted projects are subject to international procurement rules, lender oversight, multilayered appraisal, and independent audits. Foreign assisted projects are closely watched by investors, credit rating agencies, and development partners.

‘No convenience fees for LTO transactions’The LTO issued the clarification after a viral photo circulated online showing a convenience fee charged from a client during an online payment. The LTO issued the clarification after a viral photo circulated online showing a convenience fee charged from a client during an online payment. In a statement, the agency said it has not issued any directives limiting LTO transactions to online payments only. The LTO explained that convenience fees charged during digital or third-party transactions are not imposed by the agency. “The LTO remains committed to eliminating fixers and ensuring transparent, efficient transactions for the public,” the transport agency added.

Marcos OKs 5-year registration validity for new carsPresident Marcos approved the proposal during a meeting with officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), according to Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro. MANILA, Philippines — The validity of registration of new motor vehicles will be extended from three to five years, Malacañang announced yesterday. President Marcos approved the proposal during a meeting with officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), according to Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro. Acting DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez gave the President updates on ongoing major transportation infrastructure projects, including improvements on the country’s railway system. During the meeting, DOTr officials said partial operation of the North-South Commuter Railway from Valenzuela City to Malolos, Bulacan is expected next year.

Depth made differenceTNT’s lack of depth was evident in the fourth quarter of Game 6 in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals at the MOA Arena last Sunday. Coach Chot Reyes’ troops mounted a furious comeback to seize the lead, 68-66, time down to 1:58 in the third frame. SMB ran TNT to the ground, leaving the Tropa without a single fastbreak point in Games 5 and 6 where TNT was outrebounded by an average of 15. Without RHJ, TNT was hard-pressed to find somebody to influence the defense as he could. In the last two contests, TNT could cough up only an average of 79.5 points, an indication of a major sputter because of lack of depth.

NWPC: Wage review set for midyearNWPC Policy and Research Service director Grace Badilla said the review for the 2026-2027 wage cycle would be conducted in line with existing rules, which require regional boards to continuously monitor socioeconomic conditions and open a review 60 days before the first anniversary of an existing wage order. MANILA, Philippines — The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) are set to conduct another review of the minimum wage rates, according to the National Wages and Productivity Commission. NWPC Policy and Research Service director Grace Badilla said the review for the 2026-2027 wage cycle would be conducted in line with existing rules, which require regional boards to continuously monitor socioeconomic conditions and open a review 60 days before the first anniversary of an existing wage order. “The review will start again in Metro Manila in June or July this year.”Badilla said the 2025 wage adjustments benefited roughly 4.5 million minimum wage earners across 14 regions, with increases ranging from P20 to P100. In the National Capital Region, the highest daily minimum wage rate for private sector workers increased from P658 to P695.

Tabal leads Philippines cast in EVA Air MarathonEVA Air Philippines general manager Rick Hsieh, TravelCare proprietors Charles and Sunshine Lim, Olympian Mary Joy Tabal-Jimenez and The Freeman general manager Melandro Mendoza lead the launch of an 800-strong Philippine delegation for the 2026 EVA Air Marathon on Oct. 26 in Taiwan. Also in the fold are 2025 SEA Games marathon silver medalist Artjoy Torregosa, 2025 EVA Air 21KM run third placer Engr. Reinforcing Team Philippines is Skate The World founder, fellow EVA Air Ambassador and former pro speed skater Matthias Stelzmuller from Austria. Organizing Team Philippines is EVA Air Philippines general manager Rick Hsieh in partnership with TravelCare headed by proprietors Charles and Sunshine Lim. “EVA Air marathon is a family marathon.