Venezuelans regain access to social network X after yearlong block
Photo by PEDRO MATTEY / AFP A woman lit a candle next to a Venezuelan flag during a vigil to demand freedom for political prisoners at El Helicoide -a facility and prison owned by the Venezuelan government and used for both regular and political prisoners of the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN)- in Caracas on January 13, 2026.
Source:The Standard
January 14, 2026 04:38 UTC
Ex-DPWH engineer Henry Alcantara stripped of civil engineering license
Ex-DPWH engineer Henry Alcantara stripped of civil engineering licenseFormer Bulacan 1st Disrtict engineer Henry Alcantara attends the House Infra Comm's first hearing on anomalous flood control projects on Sept. 2, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — The Professional Regulatory Board of Civil Engineering ordered the revocation of the professional license of former Department of Public Works and Highways district engineer Henry Alcantara. In a statement issued Tuesday, January 12, the PRC said Alcantara was found guilty of gross unprofessional and unethical conduct due to his self-confessed involvement in non-existent and substandard flood control projects in Bulacan. The commission said Alcantara, now considered a witness in the flood control scam that is at the center of the corruption scandal, remains entitled to legal remedies under due process. He recently turned over P181.37 million to the Department of Justice, as part of efforts to repay the P300 million he admitted pocketing through kickback schemes tied to flood control projects.
Source:Philippine Star
January 14, 2026 03:50 UTC
Children’s staple
Unfortunately, an undernourished mother rarely has enough breast milk for her infant. The high sugar content of condensed milk of course makes it a rather unhealthy substitute for breast milk. Considering that milk is a staple of early childhood nutrition, its domestic production should be given as much importance as that of rice. Increasing domestic milk production can help make prices affordable. The breed, which is a cross between the Gir and Holstein, supposedly provides high milk production even in tropical climate.
Source:Philippine Star
January 14, 2026 02:32 UTC
Remove economy class travel tax – Tulfo
Remove economy class travel tax – TulfoTulfo’s Senate Bill 88 highlights how the travel tax places an undue financial burden on economy-class passengers. MANILA, Philippines — Travel taxes imposed on Filipinos flying economy should be removed, according to Sen. Raffy Tulfo. Tulfo’s Senate Bill 88 highlights how the travel tax places an undue financial burden on economy-class passengers. “This is compounded by the already heavy tax obligations imposed on Filipino citizens, including income and consumption taxes,” he pointed out. Tulfo clarified that his proposed measure does not seek to abolish travel tax, but “merely introduces a more equitable structure by retaining the imposition of travel tax on passengers traveling through business class or higher, whose financial standing affords them greater capacity to contribute to national development.”“The government shall continue to secure the necessary resources for TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), the CHED (Commission on Higher Education) and NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts), ensuring the sustainability of essential programs and projects, while alleviating the financial strain on the average Filipino traveler,” Tulfo said.
Source:Philippine Star
January 14, 2026 02:18 UTC
DOE seeks P24 billion penalties over canceled Solar Philippines contracts
DOE seeks P24 billion penalties over canceled Solar Philippines contractsEnergy Secretary Sharon Garin said Solar Philippines’ terminated deals account for more than 11,400 megawatts (MW), or about 64 percent of the total capacity of all renewable power service contracts terminated in 2024 and 2025. MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) is pursuing roughly P24 billion in penalties from Solar Philippines, founded by Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, following the termination of its 33 contracts over the past two years. Garin said Solar Philippines, along with other developers whose contracts were terminated, failed to meet their contractual obligations and did not comply with the agreed project timelines. Of the total capacity covered by Solar Philippines’ contracts, 1,370 MW had been awarded during the government’s first two green energy auction rounds. For those noncompliant, the agency is considering filing civil, criminal or administrative cases against the developers behind these contracts, Garin said.
Source:Philippine Star
January 14, 2026 01:16 UTC
Musk vs OpenAI trial set for April 27
A trial in the lawsuit brought by Elon Musk against OpenAI CEO Samuel Altman and other defendants—including tech giant Microsoft—is scheduled to begin April 27, according to a federal court order issued Tuesday, Jan. 13. The legal showdown will center on Musk's claim that OpenAI and Altman abandoned the startup's original nonprofit, public-benefit mission and misled him while turning the lab into a highly lucrative, Microsoft-linked for-profit enterprise. OpenAI went on to release ChatGPT in 2022 and Musk eventually launched a rival, xAI. Microsoft, a major investor in OpenAI since 2019, has poured billions into the firm and become its biggest shareholder after a restructuring last year. The trial, to be held before a jury, will be presided over by US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California.
Source:Philippine Star
January 14, 2026 01:08 UTC
LPA enters PAR, may develop into tropical depression
LPA enters PAR, may develop into tropical depressionPAGASA said the LPA is expected to bring rain over parts of Mindanao and the Visayas in the coming days. MANILA, Philippines — A low-pressure area (LPA) entered the Philippine area of responsibility yesterday afternoon and may develop into a tropical depression, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. PAGASA said the LPA is expected to bring rain over parts of Mindanao and the Visayas in the coming days. If the LPA develops into a tropical storm, it will be given the local name Ada. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon are expected to experience generally fair weather, with only isolated light rains or localized thunderstorms.
Source:Philippine Star
January 13, 2026 23:36 UTC
‘Corruption to drag GDP growth to below 4% in Q4’
‘Corruption to drag GDP growth to below 4% in Q4’Aris Dacanay, ASEAN economist at HSBC, said the ongoing investigation into flood control and other public works projects has introduced a level of uncertainty that is already spilling over into fiscal execution and private sector behavior. Yet “as we speak, consumption growth is below five percent in real terms,” Dacanay said. “The intent is to basically boost domestic demand,” Dacanay said, citing the downtrend in confidence indicators and the need for monetary policy to offset weaker fiscal spending. Still, Dacanay cautioned that the fiscal drag from stricter scrutiny of public spending could persist. Looking ahead, Dacanay said 2026 would be a critical year as the Philippines begins its ASEAN 2026 chairship and faces closer international scrutiny.
Source:Philippine Star
January 13, 2026 23:30 UTC
DILG urges public to report ‘epal’ politicians
DILG urges public to report ‘epal’ politiciansMANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) yesterday urged the public to report politicians who violate anti-epal rules, warning that repeat offenders could face administrative and even criminal charges. “If the politicians commit violations, we call on the people to take photos, post them on Facebook and we can investigate,” Remulla said at a press briefing. “If the local chief executive’s attitude is recidivist, we can refer it to the ombudsman for administrative and criminal cases.”The public may use the Sumbong sa Pangulo portal to report any epal or credit-grabbing politicians. Pargas said PhilHealth monitors the performance of accredited providers but relies on public reports to promptly address violations. PhilHealth reiterated that members must be registered with their chosen PhilHealth YAKAP Clinic to avail themselves of GAMOT benefits.
Source:Philippine Star
January 13, 2026 23:21 UTC
Ex-DPWH exec Alcantara’s license revoked
Ex-DPWH exec Alcantara’s license revokedFormer Bulacan 1st Disrtict engineer Henry Alcantara attends the House Infra Comm's first hearing on anomalous flood control projects on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — The license of former public works Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara, who is allegedly involved in anomalous flood control projects, has been revoked by the Professional Regulatory Board of Civil Engineering (PRB-CE). After finding him guilty of gross unprofessional and unethical conduct, the PRB-CE ordered the revocation of Alcantara’s license, according to the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC). Alcantara is one of the DPWH engineers linked to “ghost” flood control projects in Bulacan. Alcantara refused to answer questions from the media, particularly on his supposed recantation of statements regarding the flood control controversy.
Source:Philippine Star
January 13, 2026 17:46 UTC
Festive moments, grateful hearts
Festive moments, grateful heartsVicky and Joe Zubiri with their children Joey Zubiri, Allana Montelibano, Manuel and Ana Zubiri, Bea and Scott Bannon, Miduel and Audrey Zubiri, Stephanie Zubiri, Scott Woodward, Asun Zubiri, Dette Tan and grandchildrenHoliday celebrations bring out the best in everyone. Above all, thankfulness for past blessings and good health tops everyone’s wish list for 2026. “I look forward to whatever new growth experiences and challenges lie ahead for us. Alice Eduardo with her children Jacqueline, Jameson and JessicaALICE EDUARDO: “In 2025, I was grateful for good health, purposeful work, and the people beside me —family, team, and communities served. MAUREEN DISINI TEICHERT: “Catching up with my brother Michael is always something I look forward to.
Source:Philippine Star
January 13, 2026 16:40 UTC
BFP chief, 19 others face corruption raps
BFP chief, 19 others face corruption rapsBFP OIC chief Jesus Piedad Fernandez leads the flag-raising ceremony in the BFP National Headquarters in 2024. MANILA, Philippines — Twenty officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection, including BFP director Jesus Fernandez, will face charges for alleged involvement in bid rigging, kickbacks and other forms of corruption, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said yesterday. The police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group is looking into the allegations against Fernandez, Remulla said. Owners of commercial establishments and condominium buildings cannot operate without fire inspection clearance certificates from the BFP, Remulla noted. The BFP, for its part, said it views Remulla’s corruption allegations as a challenge for the bureau to cleanse its ranks of misfits.
Source:Philippine Star
January 13, 2026 16:40 UTC
Police officer stabs fellow cop at Crame
Police officer stabs fellow cop at CrameMANILA, Philippines — A police officer was arrested yesterday after he allegedly stabbed a colleague at Camp Crame in Quezon City. Michael Camilo brandished a kitchen knife at two police officers who were witnesses in the cases filed against them. During the scuffle, Camilo allegedly stabbed Castro in the back. Camilo and Castro were among the six police officers accused of stealing P13.45 million of the P141 million seized during an anti-trafficking operation in Bataan in 2024. They were under restrictive custody at Camp Crame while being probed for violating the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
Source:Philippine Star
January 13, 2026 16:40 UTC
Coordinated response ongoing at collapsed landfill
Coordinated response ongoing at collapsed landfillAerial view of the Binaliw landfill in Cebu City, which collapsed and caused a landslide yesterday afternoon, January 8. Rescue operations are still ongoing to locate the remaining missing persons. MANILA, Philippines — Coordinated response operations are ongoing at a landfill facility in Cebu City where a mountain of trash collapsed last week, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The DILG said the city government is leading the search and rescue operation with the help of members of the Bureau of Fire Protection and police. Police handle security on the ground and ensure proper tagging and identification of bodies retrieved from the rubble, the agency said.
Source:Philippine Star
January 13, 2026 16:40 UTC
Tropang 5G go for kill
Tropang 5G go for killMANILA, Philippines — Qualifying for the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup finals as early as possible would offer extra time for the players to recover and recharge while waiting for their opponent. The Beermen and the Gin Kings are locked in a 2-2 standoff and would need until Friday, at the earliest, or Sunday, at the latest, to settle the score. “And I’ve said this since Game 1, we have no illusion this is going to be an easy series. Meanwhile, the Beermen and the Gin Kings dispute control at 7:30 p.m. The Gin Kings are on a high after bringing the series to square one and avoiding a 1-3 deficit with a dominant 105-91 victory Sunday.
Source:Philippine Star
January 13, 2026 16:38 UTC