LTFRB: 90% of PUV operators consolidated
LTFRB: 90% of PUV operators consolidatedMANILA, Philippines — Nearly 90 percent of public utility vehicle (PUV) operators have consolidated under the Public Transport Modernization Program or PTMP, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board reported yesterday. LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the agency is returning five-year franchises to consolidated transport groups. Unconsolidated PUV operators are still allowed to operate on certain routes under existing department orders while their consolidation is pending, the LTFRB said. Based on the report of LTFRB regional offices, Mendoza said almost 90 percent of PUV operators have consolidated. Meanwhile, the LTFRB is also exploring GPS-based improvements to enhance service for commuters, by providing more accurate predictions of jeepney arrival and departure times.
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 16:11 UTC
LIST: Here are the nominees for the 98th Academy Awards
Sinners, a Segregation-era vampire thriller starring Michael B. Jordan, stormed into the awards race with the most Academy Award nominations of any film this year, landing a record 16 nods. Winners of the gold Oscar statuettes will be chosen by the roughly 10,000 actors, producers, directors, and film craftspeople who make up the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Walt Disney's DIS.N ABC will broadcast the awards, and comedian Conan O'Brien will host for the second straight year. Here are the nominees for the 2026 Oscars. Train Dreams, Train DreamsBest SoundF1FrankensteinOne Battle After AnotherSinnersSirâtTrain DreamsBest Visual Effects
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 15:09 UTC
Davao still Philippines' most traffic-clogged city — index
Davao still Philippines' most traffic-clogged city — indexMotorists endure heavy traffic at the Matina Pangi and Matina Aplaya areas in Davao City on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023. MANILA, Philippines — Davao City has once again topped the list of the Philippines’ most traffic-congested cities in 2025, ranking 12th globally and fourth in Asia. Worldwide, the city with the highest traffic congestion is Mexico City, Mexico, with a congestion level of 75.9%. Meanwhile, Manila ranked as the second most traffic congested city in the Philippines, with 57% average congestion. The 14th edition of the TomTom Traffic Index included traffic data in more than 500 cities across 62 countries.
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 14:52 UTC
Atong Ang may be hiding in Cambodia — DILG chief Remulla
MANILA, Philippines — Fugitive gaming tycoon Atong Ang is possibly in Cambodia, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said. Magcocoordinate na ang ating PNP (Philippine National Police) para makakuha ng more solid information,” he said. (The PNP is now coordinating to gather more solid information.) Wala pang nagpapakita ng solid proof na nandon siya,” Remulla said. Despite his surrender of firearms, the DILG chief said that Ang is still considered “armed and dangerous.”“But despite the surrender of his firearms, we still consider him armed and dangerous.
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 14:47 UTC
TIPS: When is the best time to book flights to save money?
While there’s no single magic day to book, travel experts agree that starting your search at the right time can help you snag better deals. "For passengers looking for very low fares such as PISO fare, it should be six to nine months in advance," he said. "For typical domestic trips, it’s ideal to start looking for flights at least one to three months in advance," she said. Magno said that in both situations, the ideal approach is to still book around six months in advance. "If it's a really cheap fare, like PISO fare plus taxes, then they should usually book right away as it will be gone in an hour or so.
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 13:38 UTC
Hot-diggity-dog: Smithfield Foods acquires iconic Nathan's Famous
Frankie, the mascot for Nathan's Famous hot dogs, excites the audience at the official weigh-in ceremony, ahead of the Coney Island's 2025 Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest in New York City, U.S., July 3, 2025.
Source:The Standard
January 22, 2026 12:45 UTC
Czech police detain person suspected of working with Chinese intelligence
Czech police detain person suspected of working with Chinese intelligencePeople walk on the Charles Bridge after snow in Prague, the Czech Republic, Nov. 19, 2022. (Photo by Dana Kesnerova/Xinhua)
Source:The Standard
January 22, 2026 12:45 UTC
New Zealand landslips kill at least two, others missing
New Zealand landslips kill at least two, others missingPhoto by DJ MILLS / AFP A couple looks at a landslide while a search is underway by local emergency services for missing people at Mount Maunganui in Tauranga on January 22, 2026.
Source:The Standard
January 22, 2026 12:45 UTC
Domestic workers in NCR to get P800 hike in minimum wage starting February
Domestic workers in the National Capital Region are set to receive an additional P800 in their minimum wage starting Feb. 7. The Department of Labor and Employment, through the National Wages and Productivity Commission, announced on Thursday, Jan. 22, that kasambahays will now earn a new minimum monthly wage of P7,800 from the previous P7,000, under Wage Order No. If a domestic worker is hired through a licensed Private Employment Agency, the client must pay the wage specified in the order. The worker’s employment contract must be updated to reflect this wage. The move will benefit general househelpers, yayas, cooks, gardeners, laundry personnel, and anyone who performs domestic work in a single household on an occupational basis, excluding service providers, family drivers, and those who do domestic work only occasionally and not as an occupation.
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 12:14 UTC
China seeks deeper maritime ties with Malta in Central Mediterranean
Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, meets with Maltese Foreign Minister Ian Borg, in Malta, on Sept 16, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Source:The Standard
January 22, 2026 11:42 UTC
Philippine journalist found guilty of terror financing
Philippines National Flag is pictured as the rainbow displays over it a day before the annual procession to celebrate Black Nazarene feast day at Quirino Grandstand in Manila, Philippines, January 8, 2020. REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan/File Photo
Source:The Standard
January 22, 2026 11:42 UTC
Torre denies applying for optional retirement from PNP
Ex-PNP chief Torre on retirement: I didn't sign, file any papersPresident Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief BGen. MANILA, Philippines — There appears to be confusion surrounding the supposed retirement of former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III after he said he neither filed nor signed a request for optional retirement from police service. Under Republic Act 6975, optional retirement is granted "at his own request and with the approval of the Commission," meaning an officer must formally apply. Optional retirement is available only to those with at least 20 years of satisfactory active service. His retirement is expected to pave the way for incumbent PNP Chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez to be promoted to four-star police general.
Source:Philippine Star
January 22, 2026 10:51 UTC