Broader anti-corruption powers eyed for Ombudsman
Broader anti-corruption powers eyed for OmbudsmanMANILA, Philippines — The Senate Blue Ribbon committee will recommend broadening the Office of the Ombudsman’s anti-corruption mandate, in its upcoming partial report on the flood control scandal. Speaking to dzMM yesterday, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the Senate anti-graft panel would recommend a bill that would allow the undermanned ombudsman to deputize private lawyers as prosecutors. “One recommendation is based on the suggestion of former Senate president Franklin Drilon to allow the Ombudsman to deputize private lawyers to help in prosecuting cases, because the Office of the Ombudsman is very undermanned. If we allow it to deputize private lawyers to act as prosecutors by way of legislation, that would be a good measure,” Lacson said. The ombudsman only relies on the Philippine National Police and National Bureau of Investigation for help in investigating corruption or enforcing search warrants.
Source:Philippine Star
January 29, 2026 16:35 UTC
DPWH to build P1.8 billion housing for informal settlers
DPWH to build P1.8 billion housing for informal settlersMANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is preparing to undertake the construction of P1.8 billion worth of resettlement housing for informal settler families in Metro Manila, Calabarzon and Central Luzon this year. In a Jan. 22 order, regional offices of the DPWH are tasked with overseeing the implementation of the comprehensive and integrated housing program (CIHP) and resettlement program for informal settlers of the National Housing Authority (NHA), whose funding was taken from the General Appropriations Act of 2025. The DPWH’s Metro Manila office will oversee three of seven projects with a P700-million budget, namely the CIHP in San Juan (P300 million), CIHP in Manila (P200 million) and CIHP in Navotas (P200 million). In Central Luzon, the DPWH will supervise the construction of a P300-million multi-purpose building for the resettlement program in San Ildefonso, Bulacan. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said regional offices should coordinate with the NHA and other concerned agencies for the implementation of construction activities.
Source:Philippine Star
January 29, 2026 16:33 UTC
I’m running the government – Marcos
I’m running the government – MarcosMANILA, Philippines — As rumors swirl about his health condition, President Marcos has assured the nation that he remains in control of the government and that his administration continues to carry out the tasks it is supposed to do. Luke’s Medical Center strictly upholds patient confidentiality and data privacy. The NBI has started investigation of the fake medical report even before this was referred to the agency. In an advisory dated Jan. 28, St. Luke’s Medical Center said it was aware of the circulation of fake medical test on Marcos and categorically rejected its authenticity. Luke’s Medical Center is aware of medical test results falsely circulating online and on social media claiming to pertain to President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr.
Source:Philippine Star
January 29, 2026 16:33 UTC
Cracking the tiebreaker
Defense was the key as TNT’s pressure from the backcourt stymied SMB’s halfcourt execution and wreaked havoc on its flow. Right off the bat, SMB committed six turnovers in the first frame and TNT scored 12 turnover points. TNT ended with a huge edge in turnover points, 29-11 and fastbreak points, 22-8. TNT thrived in making the three Ps work – pressure, possessions and pace. Tonight’s tiebreaker could decide which team will eventually seal the deal.
Source:Philippine Star
January 29, 2026 16:33 UTC
Government tackling steep domestic airfares
Government tackling steep domestic airfaresTourism Secretary Christina Frasco (center) joins her counterparts for a family photo at the 29th Meeting of Asean Tourism Ministers in Cebu City yesterday. LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines — Amid criticisms of international flights being cheaper than domestic travel, the Department of Tourism (DOT) has called on airline companies and state agencies to be more transparent in setting airfares for local destinations. The Department of Transportation is working to resolve issues on expensive domestic flights, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said yesterday. “(Acting Transportation) Secretary Banoy (Giovanni Lopez) is coming up with a solution,” she said. Frasco thanked local and foreign travelers for making the Philippines first in Southeast Asia’s domestic tourism, with 134 million domestic trips made and revenue worth $70 billion, citing a recent study by the World Travel and Tourism Council.
Source:Philippine Star
January 29, 2026 16:03 UTC
8 Cabinet appointees await CA confirmation
8 Cabinet appointees await CA confirmationMANILA, Philippines — For some time now, the confirmation of eight Cabinet appointees of President Marcos has been up in the air as Congress has yet to scrutinize their qualifications despite the Jan. 26 resumption of session. Zubiri commended Sen. Rodante Marcoleta for pointing out that these Cabinet members remain as ad interim appointees since Malacañang has yet to submit their papers. Ad interim appointees are Cabinet secretaries appointed when Congress is not in session, while those in an “acting capacity” are appointed while Congress is in session, Senate President Tito Sotto III noted. His appointment was always ad interim because his appointment papers were never submitted to the CA,” Sotto said, referring to former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s controversial justice chief. ‘Marcos trusts Frasco’Meanwhile, President Marcos continues to trust Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, Malacañang said yesterday, amid rumors that she is on her way out of the Cabinet.
Source:Philippine Star
January 29, 2026 16:03 UTC
US envoy bids farewell to Marcos
US envoy bids farewell to MarcosUS Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson on October 17, 2025MANILA, Philippines — Outgoing US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson yesterday bid farewell to President Marcos, marking the end of her tour of duty in the country. In an Instagram post, Marcos thanked Carlson for her service and her contributions to strengthening the Philippines–US alliance. “As she concludes her tenure, we wish her every success and look forward to continuing our close cooperation with the United States,” the President said. The envoy started her term in the Philippines on July 22, 2022 when she presented her credentials to the President. During the farewell call, Marcos conferred on Carlson the Order of Sikatuna, which is given to diplomats, officials and nationals of foreign states “who have rendered conspicuous service in fostering, developing and strengthening relations between their country and the Philippines.”
Source:Philippine Star
January 29, 2026 16:03 UTC
House to revise impeachment rules after SC ruling
House to revise impeachment rules after SC rulingPhotos show the facade of the House of Representatives at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Batasan Hills, Quezon City on June 11, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives will revise accordingly its impeachment rules after the Supreme Court denied the motion for reconsideration of the SC’s earlier ruling declaring as unconstitutional the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. “I fully understand the intent of the Supreme Court on infusing due process into the impeachment process. The House of Representatives respects the Supreme Court decision declaring the articles of impeachment against Vice President Duterte as unconstitutional. Restrictive provisions outMeanwhile, Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said the SC has abandoned the most restrictive due process requirements imposed in its original ruling on the House impeachment process.
Source:Philippine Star
January 29, 2026 16:03 UTC
Marcos orders strict monitoring of Nipah virus
Marcos orders strict monitoring of Nipah virusPresidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Department of Health (DOH) and the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) are monitoring the virus. MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has ordered relevant agencies to ensure the safety of the public from the Nipah virus, which has triggered concerns in Asia because of its high fatality rate. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Department of Health (DOH) and the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) are monitoring the virus. We have Nipah virus in 2014, and that only means the fruit bat that carries the virus may also be found here,” Solante said. According to WHO, the Nipah virus, which can be deadly, is transmitted through several pathways, including from animals to humans primarily through fruit bats via contaminated food, or directly between humans.
Source:Philippine Star
January 29, 2026 16:03 UTC
Rodrigo Duterte to retain ICC defense team despite losses
Rodrigo Duterte to retain ICC defense team despite lossesMANILA, Philippines — Former President Rodrigo Duterte has no plans of replacing his current legal team at the International Criminal Court, Vice President Sara Duterte said Wednesday, January 28. Pero meron siyang mga instructions na ibinigay sa legal team," the vice president said. On January 26, the ICC ruled Duterte fit to stand trial despite his lawyers' claims that cognitive decline left him unable to retain information or instruct his attorneys effectively. That Duterte gave his legal team new instructions contradicts the defense's central argument about his cognitive abilities. In October 2025, ICC judges also rejected the defense's challenge to the court's jurisdiction.
Source:Philippine Star
January 29, 2026 13:14 UTC