Norwegian diplomat steps down over Epstein ties, in widening scandal
Norwegian diplomat steps down over Epstein ties, in widening scandalNorway’s ambassador to Jordan Mona Juul will step down from her post following talks with Foreign Ministry. File Photo/Reuters
Source:The Standard
February 08, 2026 20:31 UTC
‘Madriaga testimony crucial in VP Sara’s impeach case’
‘Madriaga testimony crucial in VP Sara’s impeach case’MANILA, Philippines — The possible testimony of the alleged former bagman of Vice President Sara Duterte would be crucial in the two impeachment complaints filed against her in the House of Representatives, a lawmaker indicated yesterday. In his sworn affidavit, Madriaga claimed Duterte’s May 2022 vice presidential campaign was bankrolled by drug traffickers as well as Philippine offshore gaming operators. “Madriaga himself knows the procedure because he used to be a law student. “If Mr. Madriaga knows the process, the handlers, and the real persons behind these entries, then his account can help close the gaps that continue to trouble this issue,” Ridon said. If these names are bogus, then someone must answer for how they were created, approved and liquidated,” he said.
Source:Philippine Star
February 08, 2026 20:30 UTC
T'Way Air flight loses tire during landing at Taiwan's Taoyuan airport
One dead, one in hospital after incident at Taipei hot spring
Source:The Standard
February 08, 2026 19:01 UTC
One dead, one in hospital after incident at Taipei hot spring
One dead, one in hospital after incident at Taipei hot spring
Source:The Standard
February 08, 2026 18:46 UTC
What I told the Fil-Ams
I was happy and proud to have helped facilitate this visit, having some close personal and professional ties myself to San Diego. San Diego also happens to be where a dear friend of mine, Mrs. Julie Hill, lives in a lovely home in Rancho Sta. De Castro helped to formalize that donation as our consul in San Diego, cementing our relationship. One of them asked: “What is the Filipino dream?” My UP colleagues responded to that in various ways, coming from different technical and academic disciplines. What I told them was that this America was no longer the America I once thought I knew and looked up to, despite its excesses.
Source:Philippine Star
February 08, 2026 16:36 UTC
On the right path to a prosperous Asean
On the right path to a prosperous AseanIt was a productive weekend in Nasugbu. We were lucky to have had with us several of our allies in this work, including some of most respected think-tanks in the world, partners from outside the ASEAN in the Joint Business Council and resource persons from the ASEAN Secretariat. For this, I thank the AustCham ASEAN, Canada-ASEAN Business Council, East Asia Business Council, EU-ASEAN Business Council, JETRO, ASEAN-New Zealand Business Council, Russia-ASEAN Business Council, UK-ASEAN Business Council, US-ASEAN Business Council, GMS Business Council, ASEAN Food and Beverage Alliance and the ASEAN Responsible and Inclusive Business Alliance for taking the time to join us. For the past two years, we have made headway with our agriculture and food security initiative, the ASEAN Food Security Alliance (AFSA). It will be a strategic partner, policy co-creator and private sector convenor in the implementation of the ASEAN economic integration agenda.
Source:Philippine Star
February 08, 2026 16:36 UTC
PNP clarifies signage removal order
PNP clarifies signage removal orderThe clarification follows a Department of the Interior and Local Government memorandum and a PNP memo dated Feb. 2 directing all police units to remove signages, tarpaulins, markers, posters and similar materials bearing the name, image, initials, color motif, slogan or identifying symbols of public officials, particularly those linked to government-funded projects and activities. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police clarified yesterday that its prohibition and removal of politically branded signages apply only to materials displayed at PNP stations, camps, offices and other facilities nationwide. The clarification follows a Department of the Interior and Local Government memorandum and a PNP memo dated Feb. 2 directing all police units to remove signages, tarpaulins, markers, posters and similar materials bearing the name, image, initials, color motif, slogan or identifying symbols of public officials, particularly those linked to government-funded projects and activities. Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has ordered all local government officials to remove similar materials in their jurisdictions, including from walls of government structures and ambulances.
Source:Philippine Star
February 08, 2026 16:36 UTC
Blue Ribbon to reexamine Marcos’ role in flood mess
Blue Ribbon to reexamine Marcos’ role in flood messMANILA, Philippines — The Senate Blue Ribbon committee is set to reexamine today President Marcos’ possible liability in the flood control corruption mess, as the panel prepares to introduce significant amendments to its draft committee report to secure the necessary signatures for plenary deliberation. It cited Marcos’ supposed benefit from kickbacks linked to insertions and ghost flood control projects. “We cannot see (any link to Marcos) because the President approves the GAA when it reaches him. Lacson admitted that the committee report is still in jeopardy if it fails to gather 11 signatures, including at least one from the minority bloc. There will be no committee report,” Lacson said.
Source:Philippine Star
February 08, 2026 16:36 UTC
Korean scores first Asian Tour triumph
Korean scores first Asian Tour triumphMANILA, Philippines — He was the most consistent performer the whole week, breaking par each round. And fittingly, it was Korean Wooyung Cho who reigned supreme in the first-ever Philippine Golf Championship presented by the Philippine Sports Commission. Well in contention after rounds of 69-70-71, Cho fired a near-flawless five-under 67 at the soaked East Course of the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club yesterday to run away to a four-stroke triumph at 11-under 277. I was telling myself ‘Wooyoung it’s okay, Wooyoung it’s okay. To put the cherry on top, Cho received a cool $10,000 from Wack Wack, led by president Ben Abalos, for shooting the day’s lowest score.
Source:Philippine Star
February 08, 2026 16:36 UTC
First female Army battalion commander honored
First female Army battalion commander honoredCabading is due for assignment to a higher post after relinquishing her duties as commander of the 60th Infantry Battalion to Lt. Col. Jesus Rosete at Camp Morgia in Asuncion, Davao del Norte. COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Saying the best man for a military job is a woman, local executives and officials of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division lauded Lt. Col. Jovily Carmel Cabading in simple rites on Friday. Cabading is due for assignment to a higher post after relinquishing her duties as commander of the 60th Infantry Battalion to Lt. Col. Jesus Rosete at Camp Morgia in Asuncion, Davao del Norte. The 10th Infantry Division is now part of the history pertaining to a hardworking woman who had led one of its battalions so well,” said 10th ID commander Maj. Gen. Alvin Luzon. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza wished that Cabading would be assigned to the 6th Infantry Division “so we can work together in peace-building thrusts in the communities.”
Source:Philippine Star
February 08, 2026 16:36 UTC
‘Testifying vs Marcos not a priority for Zaldy’
‘Testifying vs Marcos not a priority for Zaldy’MANILA, Philippines — He may have tagged President Marcos to be part of the anomalies in flood control projects, but testifying against Marcos during impeachment proceedings is among the least of priorities of former lawmaker Zaldy Co, his lawyer said. But Rondain said that, at this point, this is not the primary reason why Co made the video alleging Marcos’ involvement in corruption related to government infrastructure projects. “That’s low in his priority list,” Rondain said, referring to Co’s testifying against Marcos. Co was chair of the House committee on appropriations, which is in charge of deliberations on the proposed national budget. Allegations against Co outlined how he supposedly used his position for a scheme that siphoned billions from government coffers.
Source:Philippine Star
February 08, 2026 16:36 UTC
Tabuena winds up joint 48th
Tabuena winds up joint 48thMANILA, Philippines — Miguel Tabuena finished tied for 48th and earned $50,000 (about P2.9 million) in his LIV Golf League debut. After three successive one-under 71s at the season-opening LIV Golf Riyadh, Tabuena fired his best round of three-under 69 to wrap up his first appearance under the Dustin Johnson-led 4Aces GC team on a strong note yesterday (Manila time). At six-under 282 for the $30-milion tournament, the Pinoy Olympian finished 18 strokes off Elvis Smylie of Ripper GC (264 after a final-round 64), who completed a Cinderella triumph at the expense of two-time major champion Jon Rahm of Legion XIII (265 after a 63). Tabuena wound up tied with two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson of the US (68) and Sam Horsfield of England (72) for 48th to 50th in the individual standings.
Source:Philippine Star
February 08, 2026 16:36 UTC