The succession line
He announced his succession plan months earlier, naming his replacement along with the timeline for his retirement. As a management discipline, succession planning is deemed critical, especially to investors and other stakeholders. It is fine for strategic business unit heads to provide a succession plan, but does the CEO need to worry about that? The matter of strategy and marketing depends on management and its continuing succession line. Warren Buffett, in our example above, gives this warning: “Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked.” A clear succession plan is sure to provide a good cover after high tide.
Source:Philippine Star
January 25, 2026 16:36 UTC
29 trafficking victims back from Cambodia
29 trafficking victims back from CambodiaThe DMW said the victims arrived on Jan. 23 on a Philippine Airlines flight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Pasay. MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-nine human trafficking victims were recently repatriated from Cambodia, according to the Department of Migrant Workers. A DMW “salubong team” led by Migrant Workers Assistant Secretaries Maria Regina Angela Galias and Jerome Alcantara welcomed the repatriates. Migrant Workers Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi is leading a team helping victims process their travel documents. The team is coordinating with the Migrant Workers Office-Singapore and the embassy in Phnom Penh, ensuring victims’ safe return to the Philippines.
Source:Philippine Star
January 25, 2026 16:36 UTC
‘Flood control probe should not be trial by headline’
‘Flood control probe should not be trial by headline’Pedestrians cross on a makeshift pathway along P. Burgos Street in Manila as gutter-deep floodwaters cover the road following a heavy downpour on September 6, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — House committee on good government and public accountability chair Rep. Joel Chua yesterday requested the Senate to refrain from what he described as “trial by headlines” in their inquiry into the flood control controversy. Due process protects the innocent as much as it punishes the guilty,” Chua said. “The allegations aired in the Senate are logically and physically impossible,” Fajardo said. Chua said that when evidence exists, it should be presented and examined through proper legal and institutional processes, but cautioned against naming people in public forums in the absence of proof.
Source:Philippine Star
January 25, 2026 16:36 UTC
Government earmarks P7.8 billion for upgrade of 19 airports
Government earmarks P7.8 billion for upgrade of 19 airportsHouse minority leader and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan said the fresh funding will help strengthen inter-island air connectivity, boost tourism, support small businesses and generate employment in the regions. MANILA, Philippines — Nineteen airports across the country have been allotted a total of P7.8 billion by the Marcos administration this year to upgrade facilities and improve travelers’ experience. He identified the following airports as recipients of facilities development funding under the 2026 General Appropriations Act: New Dumaguete Airport, P2.5 billion; Tacloban Airport, P741.7 million; Mati Airport, P700 million; Laoag International Airport, P507.3 million; New Naga Airport,P444.6 million; Ormoc Airport, P433 million; Busuanga Airport, P415 million; Candon Airport, P350 million; New Manila International Airport, P200 million; Catbalogan Airport, P200 million; Kalibo International Airport, P195.5 million; Camiguin Airport, P150 million; Bukidnon Airport, P150 million; Daet Airport, P150 million; Bicol International Airport, P150 million; Central Mindanao (M’lang) Airport, P100 million; Siargao Airport, P100 million; and Antique Airport, P99.5 million. He also noted that Busuanga Airport, Siargao Airport and Cauayan Airport will get additional funding of P70 million, P23 million and P160 million, respectively, for night-rating improvements. The move is intended to revive tourist arrivals from China and is expected to increase passenger traffic at major gateways and regional airports across the country.
Source:Philippine Star
January 25, 2026 16:36 UTC
Rains seen in Visayas, Mindanao
Rains seen in Visayas, MindanaoPAGASA said the low-pressure area previously monitored as Bagyong Ada in the Mindanao Sea has dissipated, and no typhoons or low-pressure areas are currently affecting the Philippine area of responsibility. MANILA, Philippines — The shear line will continue to bring heavy rains and possible flooding in eastern Visayas and parts of Mindanao, while the northeast monsoon is expected to cause light rains in other parts of the country, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. PAGASA said the low-pressure area previously monitored as Bagyong Ada in the Mindanao Sea has dissipated, and no typhoons or low-pressure areas are currently affecting the Philippine area of responsibility. Scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms are also expected in Caraga, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Camiguin, Misamis Oriental and parts of Central Visayas, while the rest of Luzon and Visayas will experience cloudy skies with light rains due to the northeast monsoon. PAGASA also warned of rough seas in the eastern Visayas and Mindanao coasts, with waves between 2.8 and 4.0 meters, advising small sea vessels to exercise caution.
Source:Philippine Star
January 25, 2026 16:36 UTC
NSC tells China: We don’t need your approval
The concern extends beyond individual officials to the broader impact on Philippine institutions,” NSC spokesman Cornelio Valencia Jr. said in a statement. The response comes as China publicly criticized Philippine officials who are speaking out on West Philippine Sea (WPS) issues, with Beijing even summoning Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime FlorCruz. China, he said, welcomes constructive dialogue and discussion, including on differences and disputes, but opposes groundless attacks and smears. Erwin: No right to censureFor Sen. Erwin Tulfo, the Chinese embassy in Manila has “no right” to censure Philippine officials for speaking out on WPS issues. “If Chinese embassy officials do not like how democracy works in the Philippines, they can leave anytime,” he said.
Source:Philippine Star
January 25, 2026 16:36 UTC
The work starts now
The work starts nowThe last few weeks will mark the beginning of what I am sure will be a busy year for me. The First Couple has so graciously lent their support once again to ASEAN-BAC Philippines, something we in the private sector truly appreciate. President Cory Aquino hosted the Third ASEAN Summit in Manila in 1987, the first significant gathering of ASEAN leaders in over a decade. I continued his work when I became chair of ASEAN-BAC in 2017, under president Rodrigo Duterte. It’s work I will gladly carry on this year.
Source:Philippine Star
January 25, 2026 16:36 UTC
Second impeach case vs President Marcos refiled today
MANILA, Philippines — The Makabayan bloc of the House of Representatives along with other opposition groups will refile today the impeachment complaint against President Marcos, following the absence of the receiving official last week. Bagong Alyansang Makabayan president Renato Reyes said the complainants in their suit endorsed by the Makabayan bloc are taxpayers, workers, farmers, students, teachers, urban poor, professionals and anti-corruption advocates. The Makabayan-led impeachment complaint will be the second one seeking to unseat the President, after private lawyer Andre de Jesus’ suit, whose complaint is now with the Office of the Speaker. “Referral to the committee on justice is a standard and substantive step in the impeachment process. It initiates formal review and does not pre-judge any outcome,” the chairman of the House committee on suffrage and electoral reforms said.
Source:Philippine Star
January 25, 2026 16:36 UTC
GDP wait to sideline investors
GDP wait to sideline investorsThe Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) fluctuated with sharp increases and declines last week, eventually finishing in negative territory at 6,333.26 Friday. MANILA, Philippines — Stocks are expected to remain trading sideways this week, with upcoming economic data serving as potential catalyst. “The local market snapped its four-week rally last week as offshore trade and geopolitical concerns weighed on investor sentiment. Aside from the upcoming GDP data, Tantiangco said investors are also expected to monitor the US’ moves as it continues its pursuit of Greenland. “Chartwise, the local market is still considered to be on an uptrend.
Source:Philippine Star
January 25, 2026 16:36 UTC
Leonen to Bar passers: Be better than us
Leonen to Bar passers: Be better than usMANILA, Philippines — Supreme Court (SC) Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen urged the 2025 Bar passers not to be complacent and strive to become better public servants, saying his generation “did not do well” amid the country’s challenges. “I ask you, please be better than us. Do not succumb to comfort,” he said during the general assembly and inauguration of the 2020-2021 Bar examinations historical marker at the University of Makati last Jan. 19. Leonen recounted his term as chairperson of the 2020-2021 Bar examinations, which were conducted amid the COVID-19 pandemic and resulted in the first-ever fully digitalized and regionalized Bar exams in the country. The SC senior associate justice commended the University of Makati and the Makati City government for their support and effort in accommodating examinees during the historic examinations that saw major reforms in its implementation.
Source:Philippine Star
January 25, 2026 16:36 UTC
Impeachment driven by politics weakens economy – Gatchalian
Impeachment driven by politics weakens economy – GatchalianMANILA, Philippines — Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian yesterday warned colleagues in the legislative branch against pursuing impeachment for “mere political ends,” saying moves driven by partisanship rather than evidence could further divide the country and undermine the already fragile economy. Speaking with radio dzBB, Gatchalian cautioned lawmakers against filing or advancing impeachment complaints merely for political leverage, stressing that the country is in a “very sensitive” situation. Gatchalian said impeachment, while constitutionally provided, is largely a political exercise and inherently divisive – a situation that becomes worse if both the President and Vice President are targets. Gatchalian said the process in the House of Representatives has become “very strict,” likening it to passing through the eye of a needle following recent Supreme Court ruling on Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment. Before this ruling, an impeachment case is automatically transmitted to the Senate upon the endorsement of one-third of House members.
Source:Philippine Star
January 25, 2026 16:36 UTC
Palace to Imee: Don’t poke fun at President Marcos’ health
Palace to Imee: Don’t poke fun at President Marcos’ healthMANILA, Philippines — Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro yesterday urged Sen. Imee Marcos not to poke fun at her brother President Marcos’ health condition. Castro was reacting to a video message of the senator wherein she commented that the President fell ill supposedly because no one at Malacañang was taking care of him. Marcos was brought to the St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City on Wednesday night after experiencing “discomfort” due to diverticulitis. The 68-year-old President earlier described the illness as “a common complaint” of people who are “heavily stressed” and are growing old. In the video message posted on Facebook, Senator Marcos said, “No one is taking care of him.
Source:Philippine Star
January 25, 2026 16:36 UTC
EU council president arrives in India to seal trade pact
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers a speech for a closing press conference after an emergency meeting of the European Council over US President's Greenland threats, at the European headquarters in Brussels, on January 22, 2026.
Source:The Standard
January 25, 2026 11:02 UTC
BJMP: 3 jails ready for Atong Ang
BJMP: 3 jails ready for Atong AngCharlie “Atong” Ang files criminal charges before the Mandaluyong City Prosecutor's Office on July 3, 2025 against Julie “Dondon” Patidongan and Alan Bantiles for false accusations related to the case of missing sabungeros. MANILA, Philippines — In case wanted fugitive Charlie “Atong” Ang surrenders or is apprehended anytime soon, three detention cells are waiting for him, including one that is overcrowded by almost 700 percent. According to Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) spokesman Supt. Cruz District Jail, Bustinera said he would have to contend with the detention facility’s 699-percent congestion rate. The other two facilities in San Pablo and Lipa are new and not yet congested, Bustinera said.
Source:Philippine Star
January 25, 2026 09:55 UTC
KALARO powers Manny Pacquiao Chess Tournament
KALARO powers Manny Pacquiao Chess TournamentKALARO founder and CEO Jun Lasco explains the role of the company in the Manny Pacquiao Chess Philippines (MPCP) tournament series in a press briefing last Saturday, January 24 at the TGI Friday’s American Bar & Grill at the Robinson’s Place Galleria in Quezon City. MANILA, Philippines — The role of KALARO in the ongoing “Manny Pacquiao Chess Philippines” (MPCP) tournament series reflects the commitment to building sustainable pathways for both traditional and emerging sports that aligns the support and long-term vision of KALARO founder and CEO Jun Lasco. “First, Manny Pacquiao is a world-class athlete. That mindset, he said, is fundamental to KALARO’s philosophy, and beyond Pacquiao’s legacy, the choice of chess was deliberate. “Manny Pacquiao loves chess even more than 20-plus years ago, and chess is also considered an esport.
Source:Philippine Star
January 25, 2026 09:32 UTC