On-the-ground monitoring of government projects sought
On-the-ground monitoring of government projects soughtMANILA, Philippines — Sen. Erwin Tulfo is pushing for on-the-ground monitoring of government projects to prevent the misuse of public funds, backing the creation of a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee to track the implementation of programs funded under the 2026 General Appropriations Act. “We probably really need a person on the ground to conduct random checks,” said Tulfo, vice chairperson of the Senate committee on finance. President Marcos signed the 2026 national budget into law earlier this week, vetoing P92.5 billion worth of projects under unprogrammed appropriations. Win Gatchalian, chairperson of the committee on finance, to include all committee vice chairpersons in the oversight body. Big projects, small projects, farm-to-market roads, irrigation projects.
Source:Philippine Star
January 11, 2026 16:06 UTC
Remain apolitical, Army personnel told
Remain apolitical, Army personnel told“We are a professional organization and we don’t get involved in these political issues because we are non-partisan. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Army (PA) yesterday reminded its personnel to leave political issues to politicians following the relief of an Army officer for allegedly withdrawing his support from President Marcos. “We are a professional organization and we don’t get involved in these political issues because we are non-partisan. We are facing greater challenges, particularly with our regional security… we assure (the public) that the Philippine Army is intact,” he added. Army chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete relieved Mongao from his post as commander of the Training Support Group under the Army’s Training Command on Friday.
Source:Philippine Star
January 11, 2026 16:06 UTC
President Marcos leaves for UAE today
President Marcos leaves for UAE todayMANILA, Philippines — President Marcos will leave for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today as the Philippines and the Middle Eastern nation are set to enter into trade and defense cooperation agreements. Marcos is going to the UAE, his second visit as Chief Executive, to participate in the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro, at a recent Palace briefing, said the President’s visit is upon the invitation of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The President is expected to witness the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement or CEPA and the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defense cooperation between the Philippines and UAE. Meanwhile, the MOU on defense cooperation will serve as a solid foundation for cooperation with the UAE to develop the Philippines’ defense technologies, she said.
Source:Philippine Star
January 11, 2026 16:06 UTC
Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro defends Imee Marcos after Basilica dress code violation
On her Facebook page, Marcos shared pictures of herself visiting the church on Jan. 10 to offer prayers while wearing a red, sleeveless blouse, which some social media users pointed out was against the basilica’s dress code. Cebu Governor Pam Baricuatro came to the defense of Sen. Imee Marcos, who reportedly violated the dress code during her visit to the Basilica Minore del Sto. In a statement on her Facebook page, Baricuatro highlighted that while she "deeply respects" their church dress codes, she also believed in "showing hospitality to all who come to our city." "I’ve had the privilege to work with Senator Imee Marcos on food security, and we share a long-standing friendship and common advocacy. Sharing Baricuatro's post on her own Facebook page, Marcos expressed her gratitude for the governor’s kind words and support.
Source:Philippine Star
January 11, 2026 15:00 UTC
De Lima says her Senate absences not comparable to Bato dela Rosa’s
De Lima says her Senate absences not comparable to Bato dela Rosa’sMANILA, Philippines — Rep. Leila de Lima (Mamamayang Liberal Party-list) rejected comparisons between her past non-attendance at Senate sessions and the situation of Sen. Bato Dela Rosa, saying the circumstances are “not the same.”In a statement on Sunday, January 11, De Lima said Senate President Vicente Sotto III should not liken her case, or that of former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, to Dela Rosa’s, stressing that her absence from Senate sessions during her incumbency was involuntary. “I could not be physically present in the Senate because I was in detention to face the fabricated charges filed against me then by the Duterte administration. On the other hand, Sen. Bato is running away from possible arrest by the ICC (International Criminal Court),” De Lima’s statement read. Despite his absence, Sotto said that Dela Rosa’s office continued to function. He admitted that there was nothing they could do to compel him to appear at the Senate, except for one thing.
Source:Philippine Star
January 11, 2026 14:28 UTC
Exclusive: US may lift more Venezuela sanctions next week, Bessent says
Exclusive: US may lift more Venezuela sanctions next week, Bessent saysUS Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks to reporters at the White House in Washington, D.C., US, November 5, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Source:The Standard
January 11, 2026 14:19 UTC
Castro: Alleged proposed impeachment vs Marcos ‘unsubstantiated’
Castro: Alleged proposed impeachment vs Marcos ‘unsubstantiated’President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz answered questions from the members of the media during the joint press conference at the Chancellery as part of President Marcos' working visit to Germany on March 12, 2024. MANILA, Philippines — Palace Press Secretary Claire Castro has called the possible impeachment complaint “unsubstantiated.”In a statement on Sunday, January 11, Castro said they had seen the statement from a lawmaker regarding the possible impeachment, describing it as “unsubstantiated statements allegedly coming from the supporters of a certain politician.”“The President remains committed to leading and producing results for the Filipino people. One of the impeachment grounds cited is betrayal of public trust, which is recognized as a valid ground for impeachment under the Constitution. However, Erice revealed that he declined the invitation, saying he will not endorse measures against either Marcos or Duterte. He also noted that under new Supreme Court rules, all impeachment matters must first pass through the Committee on Justice.
Source:Philippine Star
January 11, 2026 13:56 UTC
Nartatez urges cops to uphold discipline, professionalism after Negros shooting
Nartatez urges cops to uphold discipline, professionalism after Negros shootingMANILA, Philippines — Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered unit commanders and heads of offices to intensify supervision of their personnel following a shooting incident in Negros Oriental. The statement came after a shooting incident in Sibulan, Negros Oriental, that left a civilian and three police officers dead. Early findings indicate that all four officers, including the Sibulan Municipal Police Chief, who was among those killed, had been inside the establishment together before the shooting occurred. In response to the incident, Nartatez ordered the Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region to conduct a comprehensive investigation into all possible motives and circumstances. He emphasized that the goal is not only the suspect’s dishonorable dismissal from the service but also his swift imprisonment.
Source:Philippine Star
January 11, 2026 13:32 UTC
'Racing against time': Death toll rises after Cebu trash site collapse
'Racing against time': Death toll rises after Cebu trash site collapseRescuers continue search operations after a landslide at a landfill in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City on January 10, 2026. Rescuers were now facing the danger of further collapse as they navigated the still-shifting wreckage, Cebu rescuer Jo Reyes told AFP on Saturday. Cebu City councillor Dave Tumulak, chairman of the city's disaster council, told AFP another two bodies had been uncovered Saturday by crews working in 24-hour shifts. 'Praying for miracles'Numerous families were on site awaiting word on the fate of their relatives, Joel Garganera, another Cebu City council member, told AFP on Saturday. Rita Cogay, who operates a compactor at the site, told AFP on Friday she had stepped outside to get a drink of water just moments before the building she had been in was crushed.
Source:Philippine Star
January 11, 2026 12:24 UTC
Phivolcs logs 256 rockfall events at Mayon Volcano
Phivolcs logs 256 rockfall events at Mayon VolcanoCrater glow of the Mayon Volcano as captured by Phivolcs on Jan. 7, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — State volcanologists recorded 256 rockfalls amid ongoing lava flow at Mayon Volcano, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. In its latest observation at 12 a.m. Sunday, January 11, Phivolcs reported that Mayon Volcano in Albay also generated 41 pyroclastic density currents, along with the 256 recorded rockfall events. This was further corroborated by ground deformation data, which indicate that the volcano remains swollen or inflated. As of writing, Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, which has been in effect since January 6.
Source:Philippine Star
January 11, 2026 10:30 UTC
Eala joins Kooyong Classic as final prep for Australian Open
Alex Eala, hungry for more, turns her eyes to the Kooyong Classic in Melbourne for her final build-up ahead of her highly anticipated main draw debut in the Australian Open. 53 in the WTA, is one of four WTA players listed so far for the Kooyong Classic scheduled from January 13 to 15, an exclusive, by-invitation-only exhibition tournament serving as a sidelight to the Australian Open. Eala’s Kooyong Classic stint as the youngest player there comes on the heels of her impressive Auckland campaign for her first tournament this season. After Kooyong, the lefty sensation heads to the Australian Open, where she has, for the first time ever, earned direct entry into the main draw as a Top-50 player. The Australian Open remains the only Grand Slam main draw Eala has not played in after the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, after multiple qualifying round exits as a wildcard.
Source:Philippine Star
January 11, 2026 10:04 UTC
Farmer who beheaded girl in Bukidnon surrenders to tribal leaders
Farmer who beheaded girl in Bukidnon surrenders to tribal leadersMarlon Abdon Rosaot (middle) was immediately turned over to the police by leaders of the indigenous tribes in Bukidnon province who worked out his surrender through a dialogue. *Content warning: Graphic violenceCOTABATO CITY — A farmer who beheaded a 15-year-old girl in Barangay Dagat Kidavao, Valencia City, Bukidnon, surrendered to leaders of indigenous tribes in the province on Saturday, January 10, exactly two days after the gruesome incident. The slain Encarnacion was a Grade 9 student at Buco Sinait Integrated School in Valencia City. Local officials and police investigators told reporters there was no indication that she had been sexually molested by Rosaot. Relatives of Rosaot, a farmer, told reporters that he is addicted to shabu and marijuana and becomes violent when he is unable to obtain either due to a lack of money.
Source:Philippine Star
January 11, 2026 07:39 UTC
Islamic missionary killed in Central Mindanao gun attack
Islamic missionary killed in Central Mindanao gun attackThe Islamic preacher Ustadz Hassim Subo was riding a motorcycle when he was attacked by gunmen in Midsayap town in Cotabato on Jan. 10, 2026,. COTABATO CITY — Gunmen on motorcycles killed a Moro Islamic missionary in an attack on a busy thoroughfare in Midsayap town, Cotabato province, on Saturday, January 10. Local executives and officials from the Midsayap Municipal Police Station told reporters on Sunday that preacher Ustadz Hassim Subo succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body. Subo was riding his motorcycle when he was attacked by pistol-wielding men along a stretch of Roosevelt Street in Barangay Poblacion 4, Midsayap, killing him instantly. He is the fifth Islamic preacher killed in a series of gun attacks since 2024 in the eight predominantly Moro towns of the Bangsamoro Special Geographic Area in Region 12 and in Maguindanao del Sur, one of the five provinces in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Source:Philippine Star
January 11, 2026 07:39 UTC
Swedish passport holder arrested as 'impostor' at NAIA
Swedish passport holder arrested as 'impostor' at NAIAPhoto showing an immigration clearance lane at the airport from the Bureau of Immigration. MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration intercepted an “impostor” at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on January 1. In a statement on Saturday, January 10, the bureau said it blocked the exit of Nimo Ahmed Hassan, 21, a female Swedish passport holder, after she was referred for secondary inspection by primary immigration officers. She was identified as an impostor from East Africa, although investigations are ongoing to determine her true identity and locate her actual travel documents. Hassan was immediately arrested and taken to the bureau’s holding facility, where she will remain while facing deportation proceedings.
Source:Philippine Star
January 11, 2026 06:34 UTC