EDITORIAL — Corruption and joblessness
EDITORIAL — Corruption and joblessnessThe unemployment rate went up to 4.2 percent in 2025 from 3.8 percent in the previous year, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported yesterday. National Statistician Dennis Mapa attributed the higher unemployment rate to the slowdown in public construction projects due to the corruption scandal that continues to hound flood control and other state infrastructure projects. Business groups and analysts have given similar assessments on the impact of the corruption scandal on the construction sector and downstream economic enterprises. With these in mind, the government is resuming public works projects, including flood control interventions. Investigations have shown that the anomalies in DPWH projects have been going on for a long time.
Source:Philippine Star
February 06, 2026 16:39 UTC
Drilon to launch memoir ‘Being Frank’
Drilon to launch memoir ‘Being Frank’MANILA, Philippines — As another impeachment complaint against President Marcos moves through Congress, former Senate president Franklin Drilon is revisiting moments when the country last faced similar political tests in his autobiography. Drilon will launch on Feb. 9 “Being Frank: A Memoir,” a 254-page first-person account that traces his decades-long career in public service. The memoir covers major events in the country, political alliances, hard-won lessons and landmark laws that helped shape the country’s modern history. In one account, Drilon recalls receiving a series of phone calls in the days leading up to the Estrada impeachment trial. “I remember the phone calls – some pleading, others threatening; former allies questioned my loyalty, my motives, even my integrity,” Drilon narrated.
Source:Philippine Star
February 06, 2026 16:39 UTC
LTFRB summons 57 bus, PUV terminal operators
LTFRB summons 57 bus, PUV terminal operatorsMANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has summoned 57 operators of terminals for passenger buses and other public utility vehicles (PUVs) over dilapidated facilities, the LTFRB said yesterday. What we are demanding is compliance with rules and regulations that enumerate the basic facilities on comfort and safety of passengers,” Mendoza said. He added that some operators were given cease and desist orders due to “gross” violations of the rules and regulations. Some bus terminals lack working comfort rooms, while others charge passengers for toilet use, he added. “We in the LTFRB need to step up and assert our mandate to safeguard passenger safety and ensure commuter convenience,” Mendoza said.
Source:Philippine Star
February 06, 2026 16:36 UTC
Scammers' abandoned Cambodia compound exposes brutality and banality of fraud
Counterfeit U.S. 100 dollar banknotes on the floor inside a compound in O'Smach used for scam operations, at the Chong Chom-O'Smach border crossing, which was bombed and occupied by the Thai military in December following clashes between Thailand and Cambodia along a disputed border area, in Samraong, Oddar Meanchey province, Cambodia, February 2, 2026. REUTERS/Chalinee Thirasupa
Source:The Standard
February 06, 2026 16:29 UTC
Our kids must revolt
Our kids must revoltWhy do Filipino babies grow to age 15 hardly knowing anything? Even if the Discayas commit suicide 10 times, that won’t be enough to compensate for the stunted growth and brain damage of two million Filipino kids a year. The P50 billion could have saved two million kids from malnutrition and brain damage that is almost permanent. One in four Filipino children experiences stunted growth or 23.6 percent; 5.6 percent are wasted, especially among the poorest. Now, can our kids revolt?
Source:Philippine Star
February 06, 2026 16:11 UTC
Luxury eco tourism
Luxury eco tourismIt might strike you as improbable because eco tourism conjures up images of backpacking and trekking in the forests. Eco tourism may also suggest living in a spartan way, in a pitched tent, cooking over portable stoves. But can you imagine luxe eco tourism? Janet’s chairman for this 12-year-old eco tourism site takes sustainability to heart. Imagine if many more islands are developed this way and we become the country with island destinations for eco and luxury tourism.
Source:Philippine Star
February 06, 2026 16:11 UTC
Dark clouds for Filipinos who want to study abroad
Dark clouds for Filipinos who want to study abroadThe internationalization of Philippine higher education institutions (HEIs) has been a major achievement of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) over the past decade. However, dark clouds loom over Filipinos planning to study abroad, as several countries have begun restricting the entry of international students to their universities. These developments may also dampen foreign universities’ commitment to collaborate with Philippine HEIs on internationalization. I recently attended the “Trump and Higher Ed: Understanding the Latest” event organized by The Chronicle of Higher Education. As a result, six years after its passage, very few international universities have established campuses in the country.
Source:Philippine Star
February 06, 2026 16:11 UTC
Obligated
Former president Noynoy Aquino abruptly cancelled public works projects because they had become infested with corrupt syndicates. Last year, after the flood control projects scandal blew up, government cancelled further funding for these – across the board. Government is obligated, by contracts signed, to pay for what has been duly rendered. Foreign assisted projects were moved to unprogrammed funds to create space for puny flood control projects. Failing to undertake the necessary public works projects will trap all of us in decrepit infrastructure.
Source:Philippine Star
February 06, 2026 16:11 UTC
President Marcos happy Impeachment ‘distractions’ over
President Marcos happy Impeachment ‘distractions’ overMANILA, Philippines — Describing impeachment complaints as “distractions,” President Marcos yesterday said that he was “happy” the charges against him had been junked. The House justice committee on Wednesday dismissed impeachment complaints against Marcos for “insufficiency in substance.”“I’m glad that, of course – I’m glad that the impeachment complaints against me have been – are finished,” the President told reporters. “Although I wasn’t very worried because I saw the impeachment complaint and I knew that we would be – that I would be all right in terms of the impeachment. Meanwhile, Marcos declined to comment on the impeachment charges filed against his ally-turned-arch critic, Vice President Sara Duterte. I’m sure they will handle it properly.”However, the Makabayan bloc denounced President Marcos for “belittling” the second impeachment complaint filed against him.
Source:Philippine Star
February 06, 2026 16:03 UTC
DA allots P300 million for climate-resilient vegetable farming
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is allocating P300 million this year to expand climate-resilient farming for high-value vegetables such as tomatoes, chili and bell peppers. The move aims to curb recurring price spikes triggered by weather-related supply disruptions, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said yesterday. Under the initiative, the DA will deploy rain shelters and simplified greenhouse structures that provide partial protection from harsh weather while remaining financially viable for farmers. The rain shelters, greenhouses and irrigation systems will be established near major consumption centers such as Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao to shorten delivery time and reduce post-harvest losses. For the Metro Manila market, the DA is eyeing nearby provinces including Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Laguna, Rizal and Quezon.
Source:Philippine Star
February 06, 2026 16:03 UTC
Recto administers oath to 58 new appointees
MANILA, Philippines — Executive Secretary Ralph Recto administered the oath of office to 58 new appointees on Thursday, reminding them that their appointments are not a reward or a badge of privilege, but an insignia to serve the Filipino people. It is a commitment to humble oneself to elevate the people,” Recto said in a statement.? Gran-Ong will be in charge of the finance, administration and personnel services cluster of the agency. Meanwhile, an official of the Department of Health (DOH) was appointed by Marcos as undersecretary. In a letter to DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa, Recto said, “I am pleased to transmit the appointment letter of Mr. Albert Domingo as Undersecretary, Department of Health.” — Elizabeth Marcelo, Rhodina Villanueva
Source:Philippine Star
February 06, 2026 16:03 UTC
DOJ files tax evasion raps vs Sarah Discaya
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed four tax evasion cases against private contractor Sarah Discaya over her alleged failure to declare and pay the right amount of income tax for 2020 and 2021. At a press briefing yesterday, DOJ spokesman Raphael Niccolo Martinez said the cases were filed before the Court of Tax Appeals on Feb. 3. Meanwhile, Martinez said the filing of cases against Discaya’s husband, Curlee, was deferred as he filed a motion for reconsideration. “And so, because of this filing, the BIR, as a matter of procedure, was asked to comment,” Martinez said. The DOJ, however, dismissed the complaint of non-payment of excise tax against the Discaya spouses under Section 263 of the NIRC, in connection with their imported vehicles.
Source:Philippine Star
February 06, 2026 16:03 UTC
Gatchalian warns vs AI ‘love scams’
MANILA, Philippines — With Valentine’s Day approaching, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has urged the public to be vigilant against a sophisticated breed of “love scams” that now leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to defraud and, in severe cases, sexually exploit victims. Gatchalian issued the warning following a report from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), which flagged a rising trend of romance-related fraud targeting individuals seeking relationships online. Gatchalian linked the persistence of these scams to criminal groups adapting to the government’s crackdown on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). “Despite the national ban on POGOs, criminal syndicates continue to exploit loopholes through various schemes, including love scams,” Gatchalian said. “It is sad that some of our countrymen are not only being cheated out of their hard-earned money, others are even becoming victims of prostitution,” Gatchalian said.
Source:Philippine Star
February 06, 2026 16:03 UTC
UP team finds viable biofuel source at Mount Makiling
MANILA, Philippines — As the country looks for sustainable energy sources, a team of experts from the University of the Philippines found that oleaginous yeast isolated from the Mount Makiling Forest Reserve (MMFR) can be a viable source of biofuel. The authors said these lipids can be converted into biodiesel, a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Researchers collected yeast samples from the Mount Makiling area and screened and identified several oleaginous yeast strains capable of producing high lipid content. The study reported successful conversion of the extracted lipids into biodiesel, confirming that these yeasts can be viable sources of biofuel. The authors said Mount Makiling’s unique ecosystem serves as a treasure trove of biological resources that could play a significant role in sustainable development.
Source:Philippine Star
February 06, 2026 16:03 UTC
PNP preparing case vs politicians behind illegal cigarettes
MANILA, Philippines — A case is being put together against two politicians tagged as masterminds behind the operations of illegal cigarette factories, including one facility in Mexico, Pampanga, the Philippine National Police said yesterday. The facility allegedly produced and distributed large volumes of illegal cigarettes nationwide. The facility could produce more than P4.5 billion worth of illegal cigarettes within a month, using several tons of tobacco leaves and counterfeit Bureau of Internal Revenue tax stamps. Among the seized cigarette brands were Two Moon, Carnival and HP, which Remulla warned retailers against selling, noting that the manufacture, transport and sale of illegal cigarettes violate the Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act. Economic crimesNartatez ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and police regional officials to treat illegal cigarette factories as high-impact economic crimes that should be stopped immediately.
Source:Philippine Star
February 06, 2026 16:03 UTC