Duterte to declare ‘state of calamity’ over Boracay environmental crisis
President Duterte has said that he plans to declare a state of calamity in Boracay, weeks after ordering a cleanup of the tourist hot-spot in six months. The president also …
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Measles outbreaks as Dengvaxia mess prompts anti-vaccine backlash
Anti-vaccination sentiment sparked by the Dengvaxia mess may have contributed to recent outbreaks of measles, a senior health official has suggested. The government has identified four outbreaks of measles — …
PAL announces new service to surfer paradise island of Siargao
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has announced a new service between Davao and the surfer’s paradise island of Siargao. The flag carrier said the new four times weekly service will launch on …
Mount Mayon threat level lowered as volcanic activity reduces
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has lowered the alert status of Mount Mayon to Level 3, but warned that the volcano remains restive. A Phivolcs advisory issued today …
Overdevelopment and corruption destroy Boracay’s vital wetlands
Overdevelopment, corruption and failure to enforce environment laws have wiped out five of the nine wetlands on Boracay Island, a Senate inquiry was told. Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu told the …
Islamic State’s new leader in Southeast Asia named as Abu Dhar
An Army spokesman has revealed the identity of the so-called Islamic State’s new leader in Southeast Asia. Major Ronald Suscano said Maute Group sub-leader Abu Dhar had been chosen to replace …
Philippines named as world’s best country to invest in for 2018
Following a survey of more than 6,000 business leaders, the Philippines has been named the best country to invest in this year. According to the US News & World Report, …
Jailed senator De Lima may vote in Chief Justice impeachment trial
Jailed senator Leila de Lima may be able to participate and vote in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III has said it …
Joint oil and gas explorations to be held with China in disputed waters
The Philippines has identified two areas in the South China Sea where joint oil and gas exploration might be undertaken with China — one in disputed waters. The two countries …
Woman and two children among six communist rebels captured after clash
A woman and two children were among six communist rebels captured after a clash with government troops in Negros Oriental province. Seized from the suspects in Mabinay town today (Saturday, …
Body of dugong — or seacow — discovered washed ashore in Palawan
The body of a female dugong — an aquatic mammal also known as a seacow — has been found washed up in a remote village on Palawan. The carcass, which …
Divorces granted abroad might soon be recognised in the Philippines
Divorces obtained by foreigners in their home country might soon be legally recognised in the Philippines. The House of Representatives has launched plenary deliberations for House Bill 7185, which proposes …
Government steps up preparations for ‘Big One’ Manila earthquake
Government agencies are scaling up preparations for the ‘Big One’ — the long-feared earthquake expected to hit Manila one day. Geologists believe that the potentially 7.6 magnitude ‘Big One’ quake …
North Korea and South China Sea among biggest global economic threats
The clashes over the South China Sea and conflict with North Korea are two of the biggest threats to the global economy, a new report has claimed. According to the …
Health chiefs to probe illegal marketing of formula milk
The Department of Health is to investigate Nestlé and three other powdered milk companies for illegal marketing of their products. The move comes a day after the UK’s Guardian newspaper revealed that …
Online hotline launched to report smoke-belching jeepneys
A new online hotline has been launched that allows people to report smoke belching and dilapidated jeepneys and buses. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Inter-Agency Council on Traffic …
Police who jailed British pervert lead crackdown on Philippine child sex dens
Three people have been arrested and a number of children rescued in the Philippines in an operation against online sex abuse led by a UK police force. As part of …
Two Canadians sentenced to life in prison for drug possession
Two Canadians have been sentenced to life today (Wednesday, February 28) for possession of illegal drugs worth 100 million pesos. James Clayton Riach and Ali Memar Mortazavi Shirazi were arrested …
Survey finds USA remains the most trusted country in the Philippines
A survey of Filipinos has found that Uncle Sam remains a popular figure, with the USA named as the most trusted foreign nation. Filipinos were asked to rate 14 countries …
Oxfam staff ‘cavorted at Cebu hotel with underage girls’ after Yolanda
Oxfam staff who were sent to Cebu after Typhoon Yolanda spent weeks relaxing at a luxury hotel pool with girls who appeared underage, a British pilot has claimed. Chris Jacobs …
Dozens of Chinese involved in telephone scam deported from Philippines
The Bureau of Immigration has deported 73 Chinese people involved in a telephone scam that targeted their wealthy countrymen. BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said the deportees, who were arrested more …
Duterte defends remark about shooting female rebels ‘in the vagina’
President Duterte has defended what he called “sarcastic remarks” about shooting female guerrilla fighters in the vagina. The president, known for his frequent profane or obscene language, expressed anger toward …
Puerto Galera latest resort to see environmental crackdown
Puerto Galera has become the latest tourist resort to attract the scrutiny of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The department is now targeting violators of environmental laws …
Entire police force sacked after 29 criminals escape from jail
The entire police force of Jolo, capital town of Sulu province, has been sacked following a jailbreak involving 29 inmates. Police chiefs in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) …
New water park in Clark billed as biggest in Southeast Asia
A new water theme park — billed as the biggest in Southeast Asia — has opened in Clark, Pampanga. Aqua Planet features more than 38 water slides and attractions within …
Mother caught sexually abusing three-year-old son for payment
A three-year-old boy has been rescued from his mother who was sexually abusing him on camera in exchange for money. The victim of online sexual exploitation was rescued during a …