94 percent see widespread corruption in government – Pulse Asia
94 percent see widespread corruption in government – Pulse AsiaStudents from various universities join the class walk out and gather along Mendiola Street in Manila on Friday, October 17, 2025, to participate in the protest against corruption. MANILA, Philippines — Although slightly lower than in a previous poll, almost all Filipinos still believe that corruption is widespread in the government. Pulse Asia’s Dec. 12 to 15 survey found that 94 percent of the respondents see widespread corruption in the government, slightly down from 97 percent in a similar poll conducted in September. In the recent survey, 71 percent said corruption was “very widespread,” while 24 percent said it was “somewhat” widespread. One percent said corruption is not widespread, almost similar to 0.6 percent in the previous poll, while five percent said they cannot say if it is widespread or not, up from two percent.
Source:Philippine Star
January 09, 2026 16:32 UTC
It takes a village to raise a lawyer
The truth that every Bar examinee knows, but the world often forgets, is simple: No one becomes a lawyer alone. A family shares a group hug during the release of the 2025 Bar exam results at the Supreme Court. Then there is the village within the walls of the law school: the classmates who turn from competitors into comrades. In a world that prizes "solo survival," the Bar exam is actually a testament to shared struggle. The 2025 Bar exam results were released on Jan. 7.
Source:Philippine Star
January 09, 2026 14:59 UTC
My journey to becoming a lawyer amid a cancer diagnosis
I was barely two weeks into my third year in law school when I found out I had a rare form of lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system. It seemed, at that time, that law school simply wasn’t for me. I told Him, "I don’t have to become a lawyer, as long as I make it out of this ordeal alive." I remember taking my final exams in law school while getting chemotherapy in January 2022. My law school transcript is the imprint of my struggle and survival.
Source:Philippine Star
January 09, 2026 14:59 UTC
Army colonel relieved after his alleged 'withdrawal' of support for Marcos
Army colonel relieved after his alleged 'withdrawal' of support for MarcosPresident Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., along with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Romeo Brawner Jr., attends the 89th AFP Anniversary at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Dec. 20, 2024. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Army relieved a senior officer on Friday, January 9, after he said he "withdrew" his support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in a social media post — the latest sign of discontent within military circles amid a corruption scandal rocking the Marcos administration. Col. Audie A. Mongao, a commissioned officer with 34 years of active service, was immediately removed as commander of the Training Support Group and placed under investigation after declaring online that he had no more personal support for the president. "Effective today, Friday, 9 January 2026, I, COL AUDIE A MONGAO... is withdrawing my personal support to our President and Commander in Chief, Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr!" The September 20 meeting at Camp Aguinaldo marked the most direct military challenge to Marcos' presidency so far.
Source:Philippine Star
January 09, 2026 14:42 UTC
Philippines officially returns to international rice market
Manila (VNA) – The Philippines officially returned to the international rice market in early 2026 after lifting its four-month import ban on the commodity that began last September. Under the guidelines, imported rice will only be allowed to enter through 17 ports nationwide. This means that rice imports are expected to arrive by the end of February, according to agriculture officials. The DA is still managing the entry of rice imports in the market in its bid to protect local farmers’ prices. The country imported almost 3.37 million metric tonnes of rice last year, about 30% lower than the 4.81 million metric tonnes recorded in 2024, BPI data showed./.
Source:Philippine Star
January 09, 2026 14:40 UTC
Increase and improve: Eala's rapid evolution signals world-class arrival
Against Wang, Eala is expected to unleash the brand of aggressive yet disciplined tennis that has increasingly impressed observers and instilled unease among the remaining title contenders. Eala and Wang will be aiming for a place in their second career tour-level singles final. Though a brief stumble allowed Linette to claw back with back-to-back games, the Filipina regrouped with poise well beyond her years. Eala reasserted control with razor-sharp backhand crosscourts and authoritative forehand winners to close out the match in convincing fashion. Her growing physicality, expanding shot repertoire, and enhanced decision-making suggest a player rapidly approaching the world-class level many have long predicted.
Source:Philippine Star
January 09, 2026 14:21 UTC
The missing Bato: How the Senate can force a lawmaker back
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bato dela Rosa has not made a public appearance in almost two months, but can the Senate force him to show up to work? Senators have also revealed attempts to call Dela Rosa but received no response, including Senate President Tito Sotto. Sotto said he again tried to contact Dela Rosa before the bicameral deliberations. “The only time that you can force a senator to be present is if you need their vote,” Sotto said in a mix of English and Filipino. He also acknowledged that Dela Rosa had legal issues he was dealing with.
Source:Philippine Star
January 09, 2026 13:58 UTC
India-US trade deal stalled after Modi did not call Trump, Lutnick says
India-US trade deal stalled after Modi did not call Trump, Lutnick saysIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during a joint press conference with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 13, 2025. (REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque)
Source:The Standard
January 09, 2026 13:48 UTC
10 priests, 1 religious brother pass the 2025 Bar Exams
10 priests, 1 religious brother pass the 2025 Bar ExamsThe main building of the Philippine Supreme Court in Manila as taken on Dec. 13, 2024. MANILA, Philippines — At least 10 Catholic priests and one religious brother were among the successful examinees of the 2025 Bar Examinations. Marcelo Operiano Jr. – Diocese of TagbilaranFr. Rommel Kiamko – Philippine Air Force (Military Ordinariate)Fr. Gil Rochar Dulay – Bureau of Fire Protection (Military Ordinariate)Fr.
Source:Philippine Star
January 09, 2026 09:33 UTC
Black Nazarene's Traslacion crowd nears 700,000 by midday
Black Nazarene's Traslacion crowd nears 700,000 by middayDevotees gather around the Black Nazarene during Traslacion 2026 on January 9, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — The number of devotees attending the annual Traslacion of the Black Nazarene was nearing 700,000 by midday Friday, according to officials from Quiapo Church. The Quiapo Church Command Post said that as of 12 p.m., an estimated 487,000 people were at Ayala Boulevard, 194,600 in Quiapo, and 50 at the Quirino Grandstand. As of 1 p.m., the image of the Black Nazarene was reported along Carlos Palanca Street. During the 2025 Traslacion, Quiapo Church officials said the celebration drew 8.12 million devotees.
Source:Philippine Star
January 09, 2026 09:33 UTC
Tabloid photojournalist dies covering Traslacion
Tabloid photojournalist dies covering TraslacionMANILA, Philippines (Updated 1:57 p.m.) — A tabloid photojournalist died while covering the Traslacion on Friday, January 9, according to the initial report of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO). The photojournalist, Itoh Son, worked for daily tabloid newspaper Saksi and was initially found unconscious with no pulse, lying down near the Manila Police District Station 5. According to the Presidential Task Force on Media Security, Son had a heart attack early morning and had already been suffering from the flu over the past days. "Ang kanyang dedikasyon sa kanyang propesyon sa kabila ng kanyang karamdaman ay patunay ng kanyang pagmamahal sa kanyang trabaho at sa paghahatid ng mga mahalagang kaganapan sa publiko. The Traslacion is a yearly procession of the Black Nazarene statue from Intramuros to Quiapo Church.
Source:Philippine Star
January 09, 2026 08:04 UTC
Traffic advisory for Black Nazarene's Traslacion 2026
Road closures, alternative routes for Black Nazarene's Traslacion 2026Catholic devotees climb into a glass-covered carriage carrying the so-called Black Nazarene statue as they try to touch it during an annual religious procession in Manila on January 9, 2024. MANILA, Philippines (First published Jan. 5) — Quiapo Church has released a comprehensive traffic advisory and safety guidelines ahead of the Traslacion 2026, warning motorists of widespread road closures and urging devotees to plan their routes early. In an advisory issued Sunday, January 4, organizers said several major roads will be temporarily closed as the andas, or carriage, of the Black Nazarene passes through Manila. Road closures will remain in place until the conclusion of the Traslacion, except in areas already cleared after the procession has passed. Routes for devotees and motoristsFor devotees heading to the Quirino Grandstand, organizers advised using the following routes:Taft AvenueKalaw AvenueRoxas BoulevardDevotees planning to follow the Traslacion procession were reminded not to meet or block the andas head-on.
Source:Philippine Star
January 09, 2026 07:38 UTC
Philippines plans 2026 imports of 3.8M tons as supply fears linger
Philippines plans 2026 imports of 3.8M tons as supply fears lingerA worker arranges sacks of rice at a local rice store in Quezon City on October 4, 2023. MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture said the Philippines may import as much as 3.8 million metric tons of rice in 2026, as domestic production is expected to remain flat while demand continues to rise. Data from the Bureau of Plant Industry showed that rice importation declined by 30% in 2025, falling to 3.37 million metric tons from 4.8 million metric tons in 2024. Trying to assuage worries of citizens over rice prices, Tiu Laurel said the department is seeking to prevent another surge by expanding the implementation of the P20-per-kilo rice program. Budget support, higher tariffsThe P20-per-kilo rice program is being implemented under the DA’s declaration of a food security emergency, which remains in effect.
Source:Philippine Star
January 09, 2026 07:07 UTC
Vital signs
Eli blamed loss of confidence across all sectors for our current problems, including the dismal economic growth in 2025. He suggested that other branches of our government, not the BSP, are responsible for the economy’s worrisome vital signs. Are we seeing early signs of structural shifts in labor intensity across sectors?”Joey’s insights: “Worth examining whether IT-BPM is experiencing revenue growth decoupling from headcount growth. “But durable equipment investment grew only 0.6 percent, suggesting private firms aren’t scaling up productive capacity. Our economic vital signs are telling us more than what the optimism of the economic managers would make us believe.
Source:Philippine Star
January 09, 2026 07:00 UTC
Rolls Royce, Escalade among 8 luxury vehicles tied to Zaldy Co seized
8 luxury vehicles linked to Zaldy Co seized in BGC condoThe Bureau of Customs seizes eight luxury vehicles linked to former Rep. Elizaldy Co at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City on Thursday night, Jan. 8, 2026, after initial findings show import violations and unpaid duties and taxes. MANILA, Philippines — After seizing the Discayas’ luxury vehicles, law enforcement agencies have turned their attention to cars linked to former Rep. Elizaldy Co. Some of the seized luxury vehicles included a Rolls Royce, Toyota Sequoia, Escalade, Lexus and Fortuner, Guiagui said. The eight luxury vehicles seized were first transferred to the parking lot of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI). Authorities are still determining what to do with the seized vehicles if they are deemed illegally imported or unregistered.
Source:Philippine Star
January 09, 2026 06:46 UTC