NIA caps 2025 with excellent governance rating, flagship dam projects, AI-driven irrigation revolution
NIA caps 2025 with excellent governance rating, flagship dam projects, AI-driven irrigation revolutionMANILA, Philippines — The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) is marking three years under the leadership of administrator Eddie Guillen with key gains in irrigation development, food security support, modern, data-driven and climate-resilient systems and infrastructures, and institutional governance reforms since his appointment in December 2022. “The Excellent rating is the direct result of our 3 Rights Philosophy: Right Project, Right Price and Right Quality. The 2025 Right Campaign has effectively minimized delays and ensured that projects are turned over to Irrigators’ Associations (IAs) in good operational condition. In November 2025, NIA fully operationalized the NIA Command Center, a high-tech hub that utilizes AI-driven weather forecasting through the Tomorrow.io platform. Editor’s Note: This press release from National Irrigation Administration is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.
Source:Philippine Star
December 23, 2025 10:47 UTC
LTFRB vows crackdown vs falsified documents
LTFRB vows crackdown vs falsified documentsMANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a warning to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and operators against the use of falsified documents. In a statement on Tuesday, December 22, the LTFRB warned drivers and operators against using fake Provisional Authority (PA) and Certificate of Public Conveyance (CPCs) amid reports of their proliferation, especially in the provinces. The LTFRB said that it has begun coordinating with law enforcement agencies to conduct random document checks on PUVs. The LTFRB cited one case for the use of falsified documents, where a transport company’s Provisional Authority (PA) was exploited by unauthorized vehicle owners for illegal operations. “We are now meeting with various stakeholders, including transport groups to intensify the reporting of those using fake PAs and CPCs,” Mendoza said.
Source:Philippine Star
December 23, 2025 10:24 UTC
Around 3,000 OFWs face cases abroad; 24 on death row
Around 3,000 OFWs face cases abroad; 24 on death rowGabriela urged President Rodrigo Duterte to save OFW Jennifer Dalquez, who is currently on death row for killing the employer who attempted to rape her. The department is assisting thousands of OFWs' cases, which range from labor disputes to serious criminal charges, Cacdac said. “We're handling around 3,000 'Aksyon Fund' cases,” Cacdac said, referring to the DMW's emergency fund for supporting OFWs in crises. Most of the death row cases were transferred to the DMW from the DFA when the agency was created in 2021. Cacdac said two death row cases in Saudi Arabia were recently commuted, saving the Filipino workers involved from death row.
Source:Philippine Star
December 23, 2025 09:34 UTC
Kenyan militant with PH pilot training sentenced to life over US terror plot
WASHINGTON, United States — A Kenyan member of the Al-Shabaab militant group who received pilot training in the Philippines was sentenced to life in prison on Monday for conspiring to mount a 9/11-style attack in the United States. Abdullah was arrested in the Philippines in July 2019 and extradited to the United States. According to the indictment, Abdullah attended flight school in the Philippines between 2017 and 2019 and eventually obtained his pilot's license. While undergoing flight training, he allegedly conducted research into methods to hijack a commercial airliner and sought information on how to obtain a US visa. The Somalia-based Al-Shabaab was designated a "terrorist" movement by the United States in 2008.
Source:Philippine Star
December 23, 2025 09:08 UTC
'VP Sara visited Teves in October, not Madriaga'
'VP Sara visited Teves in October, not Madriaga'MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte visited former lawmaker Arnie Teves Jr. at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility in Camp Bagong Diwa in October, not Ramil Madriaga. This is according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who shared this information at a press conference Tuesday, December 23. "Pumunta sya doon pero kinausap nya si Arnie Teves, hindi si Madriaga (She did go to the facility, but it was Arnie Teves she visited, not Madriaga)," Remulla said at a press conference held by the National Police Commission (Napolcom). "I have never visited him in prison, nor have I spoken to him about anything at any time," she said. The vice president has at one point compared herself to Teves in terms of their shared legal troubles.
Source:Philippine Star
December 23, 2025 09:08 UTC
‘Buo ang Pasko’: How a Grab cyclist’s Christmas wish came true through party platters and group ride
“Nagulat po ako kasi hindi ko po in-expect na makikita ko yung pamilya ko doon. Naiiyak po kasi hindi ko po in-expect na sasama siya sa surpresa na naganap po. “Ang saya po sa pakiramdam na na-surprise po namin si mama kasi ito po ‘yung first experience namin na ma-surprise po namin siya,” Nicole said. “Para po sa akin, buo ang Pasko kapag buo ‘yung aming pamilya at magkasama po kami,” she said. Check out the GrabFood Party Platters for easier ordering of ready-to-share sets to satisfy those hungry bellies.
Source:Philippine Star
December 23, 2025 07:25 UTC
House resolution filed to probe Cabral's death; former DPWH official's files now with authorities
The sudden death of former DPWH Undersecretary Catalina Cabral is now the subject of a House resolution seeking a congressional investigation filed by 12 lawmakers on Monday, Dec. 22. In addition to the resolution, Diokno is also looking to file more specific bills connected to death investigations and autopsy laws. A cyber warrant legalizes the seizing of digital evidence in an investigation. For Cabral's case, Diokno lamented how the application for a cyber warrant came too late. “Yet it’s only the other day, based on the news, na merong nag-apply for cyber warrants,” he said, referring to how the Ombudsman mentioned the cyber warrant after Cabral’s death.
Source:Philippine Star
December 23, 2025 07:25 UTC
Air France to pause Paris-Manila flights from May to October 2026
French carrier Air France is set to halt its direct flights from Paris to Manila from May to October next year. "Air France, in recent schedule update, adjusted service to The Philippines, as Paris Charles de Gaulle – Manila route being converted to seasonal service in 2026. During Northern summer 2026 season, the Skyteam member will not operate the 3 weekly flights between [May 4, 2026 and Oct. 12, 2026]," it reported. In December 2024, Air France launched direct flights between Manila and Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport. Air France has yet to release a statement regarding the reason for the halt.
Source:Philippine Star
December 23, 2025 07:25 UTC
Is the United States after Venezuela's oil?
Is the United States after Venezuela's oil? Photo by PEDRO MATTEY / AFP Motorcyclists supporting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro take part in a motorcade to protest against the United States in Caracas on December 22, 2025.
Source:The Standard
December 23, 2025 05:37 UTC
Bong Go joins ‘Bring Him Home’ Christmas outreach
Bong Go joins ‘Bring Him Home’ Christmas outreachMANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go joined the “Bring Him Home: A Christmas Outreach – Isang Paskong May Pag-asa, Isang Paskong May Panalangin” held last Friday in Davao City, lending his presence to a holiday activity centered on prayer, solidarity and assistance for children battling cancer. The Christmas outreach, organized in a tradition long associated with former president Rodrigo Duterte, brought together caregivers, volunteers and young patients for a simple gathering that combined gift-giving with quiet reflection. Go participated in the distribution of assistance to pediatric cancer patients, echoing a practice he learned from his mentor and has consistently supported in various charity and hospital-based activities as a public servant. He added that the gathering was not only about expressing political support but about remembering those who continue to struggle with illness, particularly children undergoing cancer treatment. Through the years, the former chairman of the Senate committee on health has consistently advocated for increased funding for the Cancer Assistance Fund, highlighting its vital role in easing the financial burdens faced by patients and families.
Source:Philippine Star
December 23, 2025 04:55 UTC
Repurposing infra
Repurposing infraThis 2025 should be remembered for one thing – the way President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. repurposed infrastructure, public and private. And the best infra of all – quality infra that is free, provided by the private sector. In this connection, let me quote my Inquirer colleague, Jake Maderazo:“What sets President Marcos Jr. apart is the combination of vision and discipline. “Clearly, in reclamation, President Marcos Jr. has shown that fiscal prudence and ambition are not mutually exclusive. President Marcos directed chairman Alexander T. Lopez and the PRA with executing this vision – and they have been made accountable to it.
Source:Philippine Star
December 23, 2025 02:28 UTC
Five years strong: Metrobank retains Strongest Bank title for 2025 • PhilSTAR Life
For Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank), that consistency has once again been recognized, as it was named the Strongest Bank in the Philippines for 2025 by The Asian Banker. The annual Strongest Bank Rankings by The Asian Banker evaluate the world’s 1,000 largest banks based on balance sheet strength and financial performance. Institutions are assessed across six core criteria (ability to scale, balance sheet growth, risk profile, profitability, asset quality, and liquidity) covering 14 detailed performance indicators that reflect long-term resilience rather than short-term gains. Emerging as the Strongest Bank in the Philippines during that period set the tone for the years that followed. Strong financial fundamentalsMetrobank’s recent financial performance underscores this recognition.
Source:Philippine Star
December 22, 2025 23:24 UTC
Jonvic: Presidential bid possible
Jonvic: Presidential bid possibleMANILA, Philippines — Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said yesterday he may seek the presidency in 2028. It can be Senator Chiz (Escudero), but it has to be one-on-one,” Remulla said. “I think it should be a dichotomy – the Philippines will have to choose between one version of how to govern and one version of the truth,” he said. “The Philippines has to choose a common future that they think is believable. Remulla said his bid for president should be approved by his wife.
Source:Philippine Star
December 22, 2025 19:08 UTC
Recto, former PhilHealth boss face plunder raps
Recto, former PhilHealth boss face plunder rapsMANILA, Philippines — Executive Secretary Ralph Recto and former Philippine Health Insurance Corp. president Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. are facing plunder charges before the Office of the Ombudsman over the transfer of P60 billion in “excess” PhilHealth funds to the national treasury. The advocacy group said Recto and Ledesma must also be held administratively liable for grave misconduct. The complainants specifically wanted Recto to be held liable for his issuance of Department of Finance (DOF) Circular No. 003-2024 during his term as finance secretary, which included P89 billion in reserve funds of PhilHealth as among the reserve funds of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) ordered transferred to the national treasury. The complainants said Ledesma must be held liable with Recto as he acquiesced to the lattter’s “unlawful directive.” — Helen Flores
Source:Philippine Star
December 22, 2025 18:10 UTC
Untimely
The staggering amounts looted from public works projects were made possible by a sophisticated conspiracy involving contractors, bureaucrats and politicians. To date, an executive secretary, a budget secretary and the previous public works secretary have resigned. She is neighbors with Martin Romualdez, Zaldy Co, Edwin Gardiola and others whose names have been associated with the public works scandal. The Cabral files is one important tactical issue. Cabral’s death was untimely – but also too convenient.
Source:Philippine Star
December 22, 2025 18:10 UTC