BI arrests Estonian vlogger
BI arrests Estonian vloggerMANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration has arrested an Estonian vlogger, warning that the Philippines will no longer tolerate foreign content creators who harass locals and turn Filipino communities into viral spectacles. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the case mirrors the earlier deportation of Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy, describing it as another instance of a foreign vlogger exploiting the country’s openness for shock content and online fame. The locals cited complaints of harassment, unauthorized filming, offensive remarks and online content that demeaned Filipinos, prompting the city council to endorse the matter to national agencies and trigger enforcement action. Identified as Siim Roosipuu, 34, the Estonian vlogger was arrested on Jan. 15 by BI intelligence operatives and an anti-terrorism unit, in coordination with the Philippine National Police Dumaguete City Police Station and Barangay Cantil-e officials. We welcome tourists and legitimate creators, but anyone who exploits our people for views, clicks or profit will face arrest, deportation and blacklisting,” Viado said.
Source:Philippine Star
January 17, 2026 17:30 UTC
P196.77 million fake footwear seized in Pampanga
P196.77 million fake footwear seized in PampangaMANILA, Philippines — Pairs of counterfeit footwear valued at P196.77 million were seized at an industrial facility in San Simon, Pampanga on Friday. The contraband was found by members of the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, who raided the facility in Barangay San Pablo Libutad at past 10 a.m., according to acting Philippine National Police chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. Among those found in the area were 1,119 boxes of smuggled footwear, an injector machine and three molding machines. Nartatez said the raid resulted in the arrest of three Chinese nationals, whose identities were withheld pending investigation. The raid was based on complaints filed by online shoppers who said that products delivered to them were fake.
Source:Philippine Star
January 17, 2026 17:30 UTC
At 38, Novak still chasing 25th major
At 38, Novak still chasing 25th majorSerbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates his win against Croatia's Borna Gojo during the US Open tennis tournament men's singles round of 16 match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, on September 3, 2023. MANILA, Philippines — Novak Djokovic said Saturday he likes his chances at the Australian Open despite “missing a bit of juice” in the legs, declaring he can still beat anyone on his day. The Serbian great, 38, is targeting a record-extending 11th title in Melbourne and elusive 25th major crown. To do so he must get past Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have shared the last eight Grand Slam titles since Djokovic won his 24th major at the 2023 US Open. 1 made the semis at all four majors last year and still has belief that he can take down the big two.
Source:Philippine Star
January 17, 2026 17:30 UTC
Prices of construction materials show steady growth in December
Prices of construction materials show steady growth in DecemberMANILA, Philippines — Wholesale prices of building materials in Metro Manila posted a steady growth in December last year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Data from the PSA showed that the Construction Materials Wholesale Price Index (CMWPI) growth in the National Capital Region (NCR) remained at 0.8 percent in December 2025 compared to the previous month. In December 2024, the NCR CMWPI registered a slower growth of 0.2 percent. Those with faster declines in December 2025 from the previous month were cement and glass and glass products. For 2025, the average CMWPI growth in the NCR slowed to 0.1 percent from 0.6 percent in 2024.
Source:Philippine Star
January 17, 2026 16:34 UTC
Nurturing sustainable agriculture and future generations
Nurturing sustainable agriculture and future generationsA team from the Embassy of Japan led by First Secretary and Agriculture Attaché Hidenori Akasaka (center) visited key sites of the Farm-to-School Meals Program in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao from Jan. 12 to 14. Japan in BARMMMANILA, Philippines — First Secretary and Agriculture Attaché of the Embassy of Japan, Hidenori Akasaka visited key sites of the Farm-to-School Meals Program in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from Jan. 12 to 14. Akasaka then visited the Upi Organic Farming Agriculture Cooperative and the Masabar Producers Cooperative, two farmer associations that supply produce to school feeding programs under the initiative. The delegation also visited Campo Cuatro Elementary School in Datu Abdullah Sangki, where Akasaka met with students, teachers and local officials. Through initiatives like the Farm-to-School Meals Program, Japan continues to strengthen its partnership with BARMM, fostering sustainable agriculture, community development and the well-being of the next generation.
Source:Philippine Star
January 17, 2026 16:34 UTC
30 rescued from distressed vessel off Tawi-Tawi
30 rescued from distressed vessel off Tawi-TawiSailors of the Western Mindanao Naval Command assist 30 passengers of a wooden-hulled vessel in distress off Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi on Jan. 16, 2026ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Thirty people were rescued after a motorized boat was battered by strong winds and big waves in the waters off Taganak Island in Tawi-Tawi on Friday night. The Philippine Navy’s BRP Juan Magluyan was conducting maritime patrol at around 9:30 p.m. when they spotted the distress signals from the motorlaunch Nurdia, according to Rear Adm. Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr., chief of the Western Mindanao Naval Command. The Navy said the Nurdia had 30 people on board including five crewmembers who were all transferred to the Magluyan. The passengers and the crewmembers were brought to the port of Taganak where they were given medical attention and food. Reyes said the arrival of the Magluyan prevented the Nurdia from drifting toward the waters off Sabah.
Source:Philippine Star
January 17, 2026 16:34 UTC
The most important soft skill in the age of AI
The most important soft skill in the age of AIEvery few years, a new buzzword emerges as the essential skill for the future: resilience, adaptability, emotional intelligence, or growth mindset. While all are valuable, I believe one soft skill will distinguish those who succeed with AI from those who struggle. In this way, AI enhances rather than replaces his curiosity. He could have used AI to write his latest book, ‘How AI Changes Your Customers,’ as many others have. The essential soft skill for the AI era may not be new or complex.
Source:Philippine Star
January 17, 2026 16:34 UTC
Awards for Pinoys overseas open for nominations
Awards for Pinoys overseas open for nominationsCommission on Filipinos Overseas chairman Dante ‘Klink’ Ang II poses with STAR president and CEO Miguel Belmonte, editor-in-chief Ana Marie Pamintuan, associate editor Marichu Villanueva and Lifestyle editor Millet Mananquil during a visit to The Philippine STAR office, where he discussed preparations for the 2026 Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas. MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) is now accepting nominations for the biennial Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas. PAFIOO recognizes Filipinos living permanently abroad who have contributed to Philippine development or promoted the interests of the Filipino diaspora. Nominations, which are coursed through a Philippine embassy or a consulate-general office, are accepted until May 29. The CFO was created through Batas Pambansa 79, passed in June 1980, to assist Filipinos overseas, or emigrants residing abroad or awaiting naturalization, recognition or admission overseas.
Source:Philippine Star
January 17, 2026 16:34 UTC
Fisherman dies in crocodile attack
Fisherman dies in crocodile attackThe remains of Jerry Cayao, 50, were found during a search and retrieval operation in Barangay Sebaring on Friday. CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines — A fisherman was reported to have died after he was attacked by a crocodile in Balabac, Palawan. The remains of Jerry Cayao, 50, were found during a search and retrieval operation in Barangay Sebaring on Friday. Chan Alsad, municipal disaster officer, said the body was turned over to his family. Local officials reminded Balabac residents to remain vigilant, especially in areas known to be infested with crocodiles.
Source:Philippine Star
January 17, 2026 16:34 UTC
Gateway to the Middle East
Gateway to the Middle EastPresident Marcos’ recent working visit to the United Arab Emirates represents a fundamental shift in our country’s economic diplomacy, one that would actually change the numbers back home. This is not merely a milestone because it is the country’s first free trade agreement in the Middle East. However, this is expected to drop to 6,000 units in 2026, then to 3,000 units in 2027 and to 2,000 units in 2028. Meanwhile, the residential market remains soft, according to Leechiu, with demand hitting a six-year low and with current inventory expected to be cleared in 3.5 years. That should be a much-welcome development for the property sector, investors, and property users alike.
Source:Philippine Star
January 17, 2026 16:34 UTC
Truce called in Ping-Imee word war
Truce called in Ping-Imee word warMANILA, Philippines — Sen. JV Ejercito called for a truce in the word war between Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson and Sen. Imee Marcos. Speaking to Bilyonaryo News Channel on Friday, Ejercito said senators should debate in the proper forum like in the Senate. “Senators like us should respect each other despite our differences in opinion,” Ejercito, who chairs the Senate ethics committee, said. He lamented that Lacson and Marcos had resorted to “below the belt personal attacks.”“We are a democracy. The senators’ word war started when Marcos claimed that the minority were being prevented by Senate Blue Ribbon chair Lacson from linking former House speaker Martin Romualdez to the flood control anomaly.
Source:Philippine Star
January 17, 2026 16:34 UTC
Palay prices decline as harvest season starts
Palay prices decline as harvest season startsMALOLOS, Bulacan, Philippines — Palay prices have declined by an average of at least P1 per kilo as farmers who planted early for the dry cropping season started harvesting their crops. The current palay prices are still above the National Food Authority (NFA)’s buying price of palay, which is at P23 per kilo. NFA administrator Larry Lacson confirmed that palay prices imposed by private traders are higher than the agency’s procurement price. As palay harvest for the dry season peaks, the NFA is expecting prices to settle between P21 and P23 per kilo, which is beneficial to farmers and consumers, Lacson said. NFA-Bulacan manager Rhona Talens said that based on their monitoring, palay prices at the two trading centers have slightly gone down.
Source:Philippine Star
January 17, 2026 16:34 UTC
LGUs told: Prepare for lahar flows
LGUs told: Prepare for lahar flowsResidents of Barangays Iraya and Maninila set up temporary sleeping areas inside classrooms of the Guinobatan East Central Elementary School in Guinobatan, Albay yesterday, after evacuating their homes due to the threat of possible lahar flow and flooding, following the torrential rain brought by Tropical Storm Ada. MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) ordered local government units in Albay and Negros to prepare for possible lahar flows from Mayon Volcano and Mt. The DILG ordered LGUs to convene their local disaster risk reduction and management councils and conduct pre-disaster risk assessments, particularly on lahar hazards. According to the agency’s 24-hour observation summary yesterday, 338 rockfall events plus 72 pyroclastic density currents were recorded from the volcano since Friday. The figures were an uptick from the 308 rockfall events and 68 pyroclastic density currents in the previous 24 hours last Thursday.
Source:Philippine Star
January 17, 2026 16:34 UTC
Hunger, not revenge, is key
Hunger, not revenge, is keyThe TNT Tropang 5G under coach Chot Reyes are plotting ways to beat the San Miguel Beermen this time. Then there’s the strong desire to satiate the hunger of the likes of Jordan Heading and Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, who emerged from their maiden finals appearances on the losing end in the said faceoff. “I don’t believe in revenge as a motivator. Sa panandalian, short-term, yes, but long-term, there are deeper and more lasting motivators than revenge. For us, the sooner that we forget that previous series, the better,” Reyes said in the Power and Play program on Cignal.
Source:Philippine Star
January 17, 2026 16:34 UTC
LTO suspends license of drivers in viral videos
LTO suspends license of drivers in viral videosMANILA, Philippines — Videos of traffic offenses that went viral have led to the suspension of the driver’s licenses of two violators by the Land Transportation Office. The LTO reported flagging drivers of a sedan and a truck for traffic offenses in the past week, after their violations were caught on video that eventually became viral on social media. Meanwhile, a trailer truck that looked dilapidated and unstable was caught on video traversing a residential road and almost hitting other vehicles, in Sapang Bato in Valenzuela. The video recording of the incident was posted by Visor motoring page on social media. The LTO ordered a 90-day suspension of the licenses of the unnamed drivers and their cars placed under alarm.
Source:Philippine Star
January 17, 2026 16:14 UTC