Palace: Can’t get a Japan visa? Explore the Philippines first
Palace: Can’t get a Japan visa? Explore the Philippines firstMANILA, Philippines — Filipino travelers who are having trouble acquiring a Japanese visa might want to try local tourism first, suggested the Palace on Tuesday, January 20. Travel agencies in the Philippines have stated that it has been difficult to secure a Japanese visa, with appointment slots only opening in April. While travelers are waiting for their Japanese visas, however, they could explore the Philippines first, Castro said. (Perhaps it is better for our citizens to explore the Philippines first.
Source:Philippine Star
January 20, 2026 09:31 UTC
UK mulls Australia-style ban on social media for children
UK mulls Australia-style ban on social media for childrenBritish Science, Innovation and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall gestures as she speaks on stage at Britain's Labour Party's annual conference in Liverpool, Britain, September 29, 2025. REUTERS/Hannah McKay
Source:The Standard
January 20, 2026 09:17 UTC
Canada's Carney aims to lead new global trading order less reliant on US
Canada's Carney aims to lead new global trading order less reliant on USCanada's Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks to the media at Ritan Park, during the first visit by a Canadian prime minister to China since 2017, in Beijing, China, January 16, 2026. REUTERS/Carlos Osorio
Source:The Standard
January 20, 2026 09:02 UTC
Philippines growth outlook dims
Philippines growth outlook dimsIMF lowers 2025-2027 forecastsMANILA, Philippines — The International Monetary Fund (IMF) lowered its economic growth projections for the Philippines, citing weaker near-term momentum, lingering spillovers and slower capital accumulation, based on its latest World Economic Outlook update. “The downward revision in GDP growth projections for 2026 and 2027 reflects the carryover impact from a downward revision in the IMF’s growth forecast for 2025 and a slower pace of capital accumulation,” it said. The multilateral lender explained that the weaker outlook in the outer years is closely tied to developments last year, with growth losing more momentum than previously anticipated. The Philippine economy grew by just four percent in the third quarter of 2025, slower than the previous quarter’s 5.5 percent expansion and the 5.2 growth posted in the third quarter of 2024. On the upside, accelerated implementation of structural and governance reforms can boost foreign direct investments, increase fiscal multipliers and boost potential growth,” it added.
Source:Philippine Star
January 20, 2026 08:33 UTC
Chinese rocket seen above Palawan, debris to fall near Tubbataha
Chinese rocket seen above Palawan, debris to fall near TubbatahaSmoke trail of suspected Long March 12 rocket, as captured by the Philippine Navy's Western Naval Command, Jan. 19, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — China's Long March 12 rocket crossed Palawan airspace Monday afternoon, January 19, with debris projected to fall within waters near Puerto Princesa and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, no injuries, property damage, or debris impact on land had been reported, according to a Western Naval Command press release. The naval command monitored the event alongside the Western Command, Tactical Operations Wing-West, Philippine Coast Guard, provincial and city disaster offices, and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group. Debris risksUnburned rocket debris is designed to be discarded as rockets enter outer space.
Source:Philippine Star
January 20, 2026 08:31 UTC
House Speaker Bojie Dy says impeach rap vs Marcos lacks merit
House Speaker Bojie Dy says impeach rap vs Marcos lacks meritMANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Bojie Dy sees no logical basis to support the impeachment complaint filed against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., saying it lacks merit. "Wala tayong nakikitang batayan na magbibigay-katwiran sa isinampang impeachment complaint laban kay Pangulong Ferdinand 'Bongbong' R. Marcos Jr.," the speaker said. However, he recognized that the House is constitutionally bound to consider the impeachment complaint responsibly, ensuring it is not exploited for political purposes that could only sow more division. Other House lawmakers also voiced concern and initial disagreement with the impeachment complaint, including Rep. Edgar Erice (Caloocan, 2nd District) and Rep. Miro Quimbo (Marikina, 2nd District). Without claiming that Congress will not prioritize the complaint, Dy said lawmakers will be focused on passing legislation addressing the country’s social and economic challenges once it resumes its session on January 26.
Source:Philippine Star
January 20, 2026 08:21 UTC
At least 40 dead in Spain after two high-speed trains collide
Twelve were in intensive care after the accident near Adamuz in the province of Cordoba, about 360 km (223 miles) south of Madrid, according to emergency services. Experts say a faulty rail joint might be key to determining the cause of the crash. The Iryo train lost a wheel that has not yet been located. The Iryo train, a Frecciarossa 1000, was under four years old and the railway line near Adamuz was renovated last May, Puente said. Spain opened up the network to private competition in 2020 in a bid to offer low-cost alternatives to Renfe's Ave trains.
Source:Philippine Star
January 20, 2026 06:44 UTC
New charges filed against son of Norway princess
The son of Norway's crown princess, who goes on trial in February accused of raping four women, has been charged with new crimes, including a "serious narcotics offense," the prosecutor said. Marius Borg Hoiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from another relationship before she married Crown Prince Haakon, was charged on Aug. 18 with four rapes and 28 other crimes, including acts of violence against ex-girlfriends. Two of the counts concerned restraining order violations, while three others were traffic violations for driving a motorcycle at high speed, Henriksbo said. He has admitted to acts of violence in that case, but has denied most of the charges against him, according to his lawyers. Hoiby is not technically a member of the royal family, and therefore has no official public role.
Source:Philippine Star
January 20, 2026 06:44 UTC
DILG: One Revilla co-accused still at large; firearms surrendered
DILG: One Revilla co-accused still at large; firearms surrenderedFormer Senator Bong Revilla arrives at Camp Crame in Quezon City past 9 p.m. on Jan. 19, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — One of the six co-accused of former lawmaker Bong Revilla is still at large, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said. Remulla also said that Revilla surrendered his firearms as he can no longer “own and possess” guns since he will be detained. “Since he will be detained, he will no longer be able to be in possession of those firearms,” Remulla explained. According to Remulla, the former lawmaker has a total of 20 firearms, which include seven long firearms and 14 short firearms.
Source:Philippine Star
January 20, 2026 06:34 UTC
Govt withdraws Silver Bauhinia Star for former procurement chief after bottled water probe
The government on Tuesday announced the withdrawal of the Silver Bauhinia Star previously awarded to the former director of the Government Logistics Department Carlson Chan Ka-shun.
Source:The Standard
January 20, 2026 05:34 UTC
Stock Commentary | Government reaffirms auto industry support
Government reaffirms auto industry supportFrom AB Capital's The Opening Bell: Three MovesEventThe government confirmed that obligations under the CARS Program will still be paid despite the 2026 budget veto, tapping verified savings from the 2025 budget. Agencies emphasized that the government “will not abandon the auto industry,” aiming to restore investor and manufacturer confidence. Credible payment of nearly P4bn in obligations stabilizes automaker sentiment and reduces execution risk around future industrial policy. ActionIn our view, this strengthens the medium-term manufacturing story and limits downside to the local auto supply chain. It is not to be construed as an offer or solicitation of an offer to sell or buy the securities herein mentioned.
Source:Philippine Star
January 20, 2026 03:21 UTC
Russian vlogger Vitaly deported to Russia
Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy has been deported to Russia after being arrested for harassing and disrespecting Filipinos for content. The Bureau of Immigration confirmed that the 33-year-old boarded an IrAero flight bound for Irkutsk on Saturday, Jan. 17. The BI's Board of Commissioners issued the deportation order on Dec. 17 after declaring Vitaly an undesirable alien. Those who engage in harassment or disruptive acts undermine public order and will be swiftly sanctioned,” Viado is quoted as saying. Vitaly was arrested in Pasay City in June.
Source:Philippine Star
January 20, 2026 02:46 UTC
Philippines vulnerable to Russia's disinformation playbook used in Ukraine, study warns
Philippines vulnerable to Russia's disinformation playbook used in Ukraine, study warnsThe Chinese and Russian national flags (R) are seen on the international logistics billboard in Ritan International Trade Center in Beijing on March 22, 2022. Lithuanian data analytics firm RepSense analyzed 287,487 traditional media mentions and 786,691 social media comments between January and October 2025. Where Moscow pushed "proxy war" narratives in Ukraine, Katkus said China-aligned accounts frame the Philippines as "Asia's Ukraine" or a "U.S. puppet state." "Almost each of these checkboxes, it checks for Philippines," Katkus said. I find it very difficult to believe that the platforms don't know about the existence of such accounts," Katkus said.
Source:Philippine Star
January 20, 2026 01:41 UTC
EDITORIAL — Lessons from Binaliw
EDITORIAL — Lessons from BinaliwTen days after a mountain of garbage collapsed at the Binaliw landfill in Cebu City, the last missing person was found on Sunday. Environmental groups, on the other hand, want a deeper probe to determine if the dump was operating properly as a landfill. Still, there are ways of minimizing risks from working in hazardous environments, and there is always room for improving safety in garbage dumps. Cebu has declared a day of mourning for the victims of Binaliw and prayers continue to be offered for the victims and their bereaved relatives. At the same time, the government can work with landfill operators to turn garbage into energy.
Source:Philippine Star
January 20, 2026 01:00 UTC
Marcos inaugurates Antique Airport facilities
Marcos inaugurates Antique Airport facilitiesPresident Ferdinand Marcos Jr. officiates the opening of the Antique Airport Development Projects in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique on January 19, 2026MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday ordered the immediate completion of all airport modernization projects in Western Visayas to boost tourism and economic activities in the region. Marcos issued the directive during the inauguration of a new passenger terminal building and other facilities at the Antique Airport in San Jose de Buenavista. The upgrade of the terminal building, which is part of the Antique Airport Development Project, is intended to increase passenger capacity to 360 from 64 previously. Marcos said the immediate completion of the Antique Airport Development Project would boost tourism, improve passenger experience and enhance economic activity in Wetern Visayas. The airport’s passenger terminal building, escalators, flight information display system and baggage handling system are being upgraded, he said.
Source:Philippine Star
January 20, 2026 01:00 UTC