Philippine lawmakers voice alarm over US capture of Venezuela's Maduro
Philippine lawmakers voice alarm over US capture of Venezuela's MaduroThis image posted on US President Donald Trump's Truth Social account on January 3, 2026, shows what President Trump says is Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro onboard the USS Iwo Jima after the US military captured him on January 3, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers and groups in the Philippines have condemned the attack by the United States on Venezuela for the arrest of its president, Nicolas Maduro. He was arrested on charges of narco-terrorism and the importation of drugs and weapons in the United States, according to US Attorney General Pamela Bondi. On the contrary, China's foreign ministry said that the United States should immediately release Venezuelan leader Maduro and his wife and resolve the situation in Venezuela through dialogue and negotiation. Maduro, who has been Venezuela’s president since 2013, has committed alleged atrocities during his tenure as president, according to a report by the United Nations.
Source:Philippine Star
January 05, 2026 03:27 UTC
Reporters asked to give up phones for budget coverage
Reporters asked to give up phones for budget coverageMalacañang Palace, the official residence of the president of the Philippines, as seen from the Pasig River. MANILA, Philippines — Reporters covering the presidential signing of the 2026 General Appropriations Act were surprised after Malacañang required them to surrender their phones and laptops before entering the venue on Monday, January 1. On the morning of the event, reporters were informed that they would only be allowed entry if they surrendered their phones and laptops. As of writing, Malacañang has not allowed reporters to enter the venue unless they comply with the requirement to surrender their phones. Authorities have alleged that billions of pesos were siphoned off through kickback schemes embedded in public works allocations, placing the national budget under heightened public scrutiny.
Source:Philippine Star
January 05, 2026 02:35 UTC
Oil prices fall after US ousts Venezuela's Maduro
Oil prices fall after US ousts Venezuela's MaduroSupporters of ousted Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro take part in a demonstration outside the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Port of Spain on January 4, 2026, a day after he was captured in a US strike. TOKYO, Japan — Oil prices fell on Monday after a US military operation seized Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, whose country has the world's biggest proven crude reserves. Increased volumes of Venezuelan oil entering the market would add to oversupply concerns and put further pressure on oil prices, which have fallen in recent months. But analysts say that alongside other major questions about Venezuela's future, substantially lifting its oil production will not be easy or quick. Investing today also holds little appeal: oil prices are weighed down by a supply glut and fell in 2025 despite significant growth headwinds like Trump's tariff war and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Source:Philippine Star
January 05, 2026 01:48 UTC
Lawmakers voice alarm over US capture of Venezuela's Maduro
Lawmakers voice alarm over US capture of Venezuela's MaduroThis image posted on US President Donald Trump's Truth Social account on January 3, 2026, shows what President Trump says is Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro onboard the USS Iwo Jima after the US military captured him on January 3, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — Some Philippine lawmakers and groups have condemned the attack by the United States on Venezuela for the arrest of its president, Nicolas Maduro. He was arrested on charges of narco-terrorism and the importation of drugs and weapons in the United States, according to US Attorney General Pamela Bondi. On the contrary, China's foreign ministry said that the United States should immediately release Venezuelan leader Maduro and his wife and resolve the situation in Venezuela through dialogue and negotiation. Maduro, who has been Venezuela’s president since 2013, has committed alleged atrocities during his tenure as president, according to a report by the United Nations.
Source:Philippine Star
January 04, 2026 23:32 UTC
'Posting Zero' era: Why are people sharing less on social media?
This, he said, has taken out the true purpose of social media. Claudia Carbonell, 31, put it simply: "Social media feels less like a diary these days and more like a highlight reel. The psychology behind posting lessPsychology experts told L!fe that posting less on social media may show a thing or two about one's mental health. For psychiatrist Kathyrn Tan, the decrease in personal social media posts "likely reflects emotional fatigue and a stronger instinct for self-protection." Tan stressed that posting less on social media doesn’t necessarily signal withdrawal.
Source:Philippine Star
January 04, 2026 23:10 UTC
BBM’s litmus tests
BBM’s litmus testsTwo things are seen as litmus tests of the sincerity and commitment of President Marcos to leave an anti-corruption legacy. There’s a bonus or allowance for the Holy Week/Easter break, and for Congress’ adjournment sine die in an election year. Tiangco stressed that “break bonuses” are actually released regularly, and the House leadership can be transparent about it. So far, Tiangco said he had not yet received the P2 million “Christmas bonus” or break bonus coinciding with the Christmas break. After overpromising on the big fish having a sad Christmas in jail, maybe he will surprise us with sweeping budget reforms.
Source:Philippine Star
January 04, 2026 22:12 UTC
Pinoy teen found alive after deadly Swiss fire
Pinoy teen found alive after deadly Swiss fireKristal Talingdan, Kean’s mother, said Kean is in Zurich and is confined at the University of Zurich Hospital. An ABS-CBN report said Kean Kaizer Talingdan has been confirmed alive following the blaze at Le Constellation bar. Kristal Talingdan, Kean’s mother, said Kean is in Zurich and is confined at the University of Zurich Hospital. Kean traveled to Switzerland for a short holiday and was staying with a friend’s family. The Italian government is coordinating with Swiss doctors for Kean’s possible transfer to Niguarda Hospital in Milan, where other victims of the fire are being treated.
Source:Philippine Star
January 04, 2026 19:01 UTC
Miss U president: Singsons ‘delusional fools’
Miss U president: Singsons ‘delusional fools’Chavit Singson and his daughter meet with former Miss Universe Vice President Shawn McClain; inset shows current Miss Universe president and co-owner Raul RochaVIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur, Philippines — Former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson said yesterday he is bent on buying the Miss Universe Organization franchise after its president, Raul Rocha, was ordered jailed by a Mexican court. “Rocha is already convicted and he’s now in hiding,” Singson said, adding that he has sent an emissary to arrange the transaction. Singson did not mention how much he would pay for the franchise. However, Rocha, in a social media post, criticized Singson and his daughter, Ako Ilocano Ako party-list Rep. Richelle Singson, calling them “delusional fools.”
Source:Philippine Star
January 04, 2026 17:31 UTC
Flood control mess dwarfed scandals post-EDSA revolt
Flood control mess dwarfed scandals post-EDSA revoltPhoto taken in September last year shows P1,000 and P500 bills piled on a table, allegedly meant as kickbacks for proponents of flood control projects. YearenderMANILA, Philippines — The year 2025 was a record-breaking one for corruption, with the flood control mess making all other government scandals post-EDSA revolt in 1986 look like a drop in the bucket. Despite P142 billion in alleged flood control fund insertions in what was touted as the “most corrupt budget ever” in Philippine history – P3 billion of which was vetoed by President Marcos – nothing prevented flooding across the entire archipelago. Despite the numerous scandals under her watch, they still pale in comparison to the flood control mess of 2025. Meanwhile, the botched NorthRail project in 2009 worth $900 million, or P39 billion ($1=P44) was only crumbs compared to the DPWH scandal.
Source:Philippine Star
January 04, 2026 17:31 UTC
Repaired EDSA busway lanes reopened
Repaired EDSA busway lanes reopenedVehicles pass through the reopened sections of EDSA along Taft Avenue in Pasay yesterday. MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) yesterday reopened rehabilitated sections of the EDSA busway, from Roxas Boulevard in Pasay to Orense in Makati. Officials from the DPWH, Department of Transportation and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) inspected the repaired EDSA busway lanes as well as the asphalt overlay and concrete reblocking of other lanes. DPWH-National Capital Region director Joel Limpengco and MMDA general manager Nicolas Torre III led the inspection. Starting today, repair works along EDSA will be implemented from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. to minimize disruption during peak hours.
Source:Philippine Star
January 04, 2026 16:48 UTC
‘US strike on Venezuela may push up fuel prices’
‘US strike on Venezuela may push up fuel prices’MANILA, Philippines — Domestic pump prices could climb higher than expected next week as oil markets reel after the United States bombed Venezuela and captured its authoritarian left-wing leader Nicolas Maduro. “The geopolitical risks due to the recent events in Venezuela could push premiums and freight rates higher, which may cause next week’s local oil prices to rise more than initially estimated,” Jetti Petroleum president Leo Bellas told reporters yesterday. Bellas said the suspension and paralysis of Venezuela’s oil exports may drive global oil prices amid worries over supply disruptions. “This new geopolitical risk will keep prices volatile as markets digest the longer-term effects on global supply due to the loss of Venezuelan crude flows,” he noted. “The world watches how other world powers react, such as China – the biggest buyer of Venezuela’s oil – which condemned the US military strikes on Venezuela,” Ricafort said.
Source:Philippine Star
January 04, 2026 16:48 UTC
Government debt payments ease 4% in November
Government debt payments ease 4% in NovemberLatest data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed that the government cut its debt payments by four percent to P89.97 billion in November 2025 from P93.7 billion a year ago. MANILA, Philippines — The national government’s debt servicing eased in November 2025, largely due to a substantial reduction in amortization payments which offset the increase in interest payments on both domestic and external obligations. About 86 percent of the debt service pile consisted of interest payments, amounting to P77.29 billion for the period. Interest payments on domestic debt increased by 16.2 percent to P56.88 billion, up from P48.93 billion recorded in the same period in 2024, reflecting higher servicing costs for locally sourced borrowings. In November, external interest payments declined by 15.2 percent to P20.41 billion from P17.72 billion recorded in November 2024.
Source:Philippine Star
January 04, 2026 16:39 UTC
Wickedness of men, bitterness of children
Wickedness of men, bitterness of childrenAs the old year transitioned into the new, an FB post by a well-known influencer caught my eye simply because the content expressed her deep hurt and anger towards a congressman who recently died. Going back to the dead congressman, I remember when he and his colleagues basically badgered, bullied the influencer, along with several others during a quadcom hearing in Congress. Thus, the title: Wickedness of men, bitterness of children. And so, even in death, he now reaps what he sows: the bitterness, resentment and anger of the younger generation or individuals who may very well be the same age as his own children. We don’t go out intentionally planning to “sow” seeds of bitterness, resentment and anger, but when we harass, pressure or exasperate (to irritate and frustrate someone intensely), that is what we reap.
Source:Philippine Star
January 04, 2026 16:39 UTC
Tourism promotion
Tourism promotionThe tourism secretary was bashed over the year-end for having her glamorous photo on the cover of a magazine at a time when she has dismally failed in her job of promoting our tourism industry. That it is owned by an advertising firm leads to suspicion the cover could be a quid-pro-quo for a share of the tourism department’s promotions budget. She should have refused and asked them to feature one of our many tourism spots that are infinitely more photogenic than her. The Philippine Tourism Congress must seriously work with their members to provide better value for the tourist money. It is embarrassing to be ASEAN’s kulelat in tourism, despite all those so-called awards for being destination of the year, daw.
Source:Philippine Star
January 04, 2026 16:39 UTC