Marcos after ailment: Don’t get too excited
Marcos after ailment: Don’t get too excitedScreengrab from a video released by the PCO shows President Marcos addressing rumors about his health, confirming that he was diagnosed with diverticulitis, a common condition often linked to stress and age. Despite his health issue, Marcos appeared to be in good spirits in the video, even teasing those who wanted him out of the presidency. “Don’t be too excited because this is not a life threatening condition,” the 68-year-old President said. Although Malacañang claimed that Marcos is “in good condition,” he has skipped two events since undergoing medical observation. “But since the doctor said he is in good health, he is now at Malacañang,” she said.
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 16:55 UTC
Taiwan to confer top honor on Garafil
Taiwan to confer top honor on GarafilMANILA, Philippines — Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will confer the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon, one of its highest civilian decorations, on former Manila Economic and Cultural Office chairperson and resident representative Cheloy Garafil. Garafil, who currently serves as House secretary general, will receive the award from Foreign Minister Lin Cia-lung. The conferment ceremony will be held today at 11:10 a.m. at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taipei. Guests are requested to arrive by 11:00 a.m.“With humility, I share this honor with our colleagues and partners who worked tirelessly during my service,” Garafil said. “This recognition reflects the work done to strengthen professional and constructive engagement between the Philippines and Taiwan,” she added.
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 16:45 UTC
Hidden hotspots: Explore South Korea beyond Seoul
Paju Paju is a vibrant city near Seoul that blends creative arts, cultural sites, and unique shopping experiences. Heyri Art Village Korean Tourism OrganizationWander through Heyri Art Village, where creative studios and galleries showcase the vibrant local arts scene. Provence Village Korean Tourism OrganizationVisit Provence Village for a taste of European charm nestled in Korea. Dumulmeori Korean Tourism OrganizationBegin your journey at Dumulmeori, where breathtaking riverside views offer a picturesque backdrop for relaxation and reflection. The Great BDO Travel Sale is your gateway to authentic South Korean experiences Ready to step off the usual tourist trail?
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 16:37 UTC
Philippines-China relations: The roadmap to peace
Philippines-China relations: The roadmap to peaceThey say peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding. It was also a pleasure to have met the new Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, His Excellency Jing Quan. Trade, exploration and even migration have all contributed to our time-honored and enduring relationship, long before state-to-state relations began. In the past few years, our countries have faced some serious challenges and the South China Sea issue, as Ambassador Jing says, is only one portion of Philippines-China relations. As the Chinese proverb goes, “Patience is a bitter plant, but its fruit is sweet.” Looking forward to a roadmap of peace and stability.
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 16:37 UTC
Beyond the dispute
It is likelier that more Filipinos – particularly Tsinoys like me – will be visiting China for leisure as the country develops its destinations. Indonesia, which also has a sizeable ethnic Chinese population with roots, like Tsinoys, in Fujian, drew 1.2 million Chinese travelers in 2024. The digital firewall wasn’t there when I began visiting China regularly as it opened its arms to the world. I didn’t see any Westerners in Snow Town, probably because of all the hurdles I have cited. But there are also welcome improvements from the time when I decided to stop visiting China.
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 16:37 UTC
Running after smugglers
When borrowings increase, we are having difficulties in financing our programs,” he pointed out. So, we really need to increase (tax) collection to decrease the deficit,” he warned. “Cigarette smuggling is really run by syndicates. In rice smuggling the farmers are being hit, but there is no devastation on the health of the people,” he noted. But running after smugglers should go beyond political party lines.
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 16:37 UTC
DepEd tackles learners’ declining proficiency
DepEd tackles learners’ declining proficiencyThis file photo shows a facade of the Department of Education. MANILA, Philippines — Student proficiency was among topics tackled during the executive committee meeting presided over by Education Secretary Sonny Angara on the recent findings that Filipino learners’ proficiency rates decline sharply from Grade 3 to Grade 12. EDCOM 2 noted that in 2024, only 30.52 percent of Grade 3 learners were considered “proficient” or “highly proficient.”This means that approximately 70 percent of the learners continued to struggle with foundational skills at Grade 3. However, EDCOM 2 cited large learning gains among Grade 2 students following recent curriculum reforms implemented by the DepEd. Under the amended policy, learners progress based on demonstrated mastery rather than age or length of participation the DepEd said.
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 16:35 UTC
Marcos to TOYM awardees: Integrity, compassion are key
Marcos to TOYM awardees: Integrity, compassion are keyMANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday called on the awardees of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) 2025 to continue leading with integrity and to use their capabilities to render service and build a better future. In a speech read by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, Marcos said the TOYM awardees have proven that leadership “demands a deep sense of purpose” as he lauded them for sharing their purpose and talents with fellow Filipinos. “Through your work and, more importantly, the impact you have created, I am confident that the Philippines is in good hands. In you, we see an emboldened generation that is guided by purpose and committed to service,” the President said. “To our awardees, continue to lead with integrity and act with compassion in your respective fields.
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 16:35 UTC
BPO workers air grievances; labor violations slammed
BPO workers air grievances; labor violations slammedDuring the committee hearing on Jan. 21, BPO workers present raised concerns over the lack of benefits and various violations of their labor rights by the companies they work for. During the committee hearing on Jan. 21, BPO workers present raised concerns over the lack of benefits and various violations of their labor rights by the companies they work for. In addition, BPO workers expressed distrust in the Department of Labor and Employment, claiming that the agency tends to side with management. 1493, or the BPO Workers’ Welfare and Protection Act, until it becomes law. The proposed measure seeks to ensure job security, overtime pay, leave pay and other mandatory benefits for BPO workers.
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 16:35 UTC
Community journalist convicted of terror financing
Community journalist convicted of terror financingTACLOBAN CITY , Philippines — A regional trial court yesterday convicted community journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and co-accused Mariel Domequil of terror financing, but acquitted them for illegal possession of firearms and explosives for lack of strong evidence and inconsistencies of witnesses during trial. Cumpio, 26, is the first Filipina journalist to be prosecuted under terror financing laws, which defense lawyer Julianne Agpalo said have become the government’s “weapon of choice” for silencing dissent. Cumpio and Domequil were immediately brought back to the facility where they have been detained since their arrest in February 2020. “Keeping her detained or convicting her would be unfair to our colleague and send a worrying message to journalists, media workers and everyone in the country,” she said. At the time of her arrest, Cumpio was the executive director of alternative media outfit Eastern Vista and was a radio broadcaster covering community issues.
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 16:35 UTC
2 impeach complaints vs Marcos Jr. hit snag
The reason: secretary general Cheloy Garafil was not around to receive the complaints because she is in Taiwan for an event. “It is not our fault that your secretary general is absent. “For us, that impeachment complaint is deemed filed. Because we delivered it to the Office of the Secretary General,” Colmenares said. “We do not see any reason for them not to receive the impeachment complaint.
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 16:35 UTC
‘Depressed’ Zaldy Co wants to come home
‘Depressed’ Zaldy Co wants to come homeMANILA, Philippines — Former Ako Bicol party-list congressman Zaldy Co is reportedly depressed with his situation and wants to return to the country from Portugal, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said yesterday. “He seems to have depression, he reportedly wants to return but it is nothing we can expound on,” Remulla said over radio dzBB. The DILG chief has also shared his plans to travel to Portugal to meet with Co’s liaison for surrender, a Filipino priest. The government is exploring other options to compel Co, a central player in the flood control mess, to come out of hiding. Citing information from their operatives in Portugal, Remulla said Co has kept himself out of the public eye.
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 16:35 UTC
Stocks rebound as tariff concerns ease
Stocks rebound as tariff concerns easeThe benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index jumped by 1.08 percent or 68.50 points, closing yesterday’s session at 6,398.60. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index jumped by 1.08 percent or 68.50 points, closing yesterday’s session at 6,398.60. ICTSI kept its streak going as the session’s top traded stock, advancing by 0.80 percent to P630 per share. RL Commercial REIT followed with a 2.35-percent drop to P7.90, while Jollibee climbed by 1.37 percent to P207. Shares of SPNEC, which announced a rebranding as MGEN Renewable Energy Holdings, surged by 15.04 percent to P1.30 per share.
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 16:34 UTC
Stranger things
Stranger thingsNo, this is not about the popular Netflix series which I have not gotten around to watching. However, after watching with a mixture of fascination and disbelief the more than hour-long rambling speech of the US President at Davos, I could not help but acknowledge that the whole world has been living in a “Stranger Things” scenario, minus perhaps the sci-fi elements but complete with all the strange things we are seeing and hearing from the leader of a once respected global power. In the past, we ourselves were among those countries whose leader was called a dictator. Unfortunately, as noted by economists of AMRO, the Philippines is not benefiting from the shifting global structure in terms of investments. For this year, AMRO now projects growth to reach 5.3 percent, down from its previous projection of growth in 2026 of 5.5 percent.
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 16:33 UTC
Wasting a crisis
Wasting a crisisBSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said it right. “Last year’s crisis can be the jolt we need to pursue the bold reforms we want.”The Governor said reforms are essential to restoring investor confidence and sustaining strong economic growth. My colleagues at the Foundation for Economic Freedom have long believed that we should never waste a good crisis as an opportunity to introduce reforms. But our politicians are resistant to such reforms that reduce or eliminate their ability to steal from the government with impunity. But in the context of a sub-zero trust rating for BBM, words are no longer enough.
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 16:33 UTC