US government report says corruption is barrier to trade with Philippines
Corruption remains a major headache when it comes to doing trade with the Philippines, a report by the Office of the US Trade Representative says. In its 2018 National Trade …
Airport security staff charged for stealing cash from Japanese tourist
Two Manila airport security staff have been charged with theft after stealing money from a Japanese tourist. Stephen Bartolo and Demie James Timtim admitted to stealing 1,700 Australian Dollars — …
Couple sentenced to death for murder of maid found dead in freezer
A Lebanese man and his Syrian wife have been sentenced to death for killing a Filipina maid and stuffing her body into a freezer. A Kuwaiti court convicted the pair …
Leni camp denies contested ballot papers were deliberately waterlogged
Leni Robredo’s supporters have denied that ballot papers from the disputed vice presidential election were deliberately soaked in water. Robredo’s lawyer, Romulo Macalintal, said the ballots were already wet before …
Tourism workers come together to help preserve surfer paradise Siargao
Tour guides, boat operators and other tourism professions on Siargao Island are taking the initiative to improve their local environment and secure their livelihoods. Keith Anthony S Fabro reports: Siargao …
Duterte compares communist rebels to Islamic State terrorists
President Duterte has likened the communist New People’s Army to the so-called Islamic State terror group. Speaking in Davao City, the president said troubles in Mindanao were not due to …
Crucifixion? It’s a doddle! Man claims being crucified doesn’t hurt
A man who has been crucified every Easter for the past 32 years says it no longer causes any pain to be nailed to a cross. Ruben Enaje, aged 58, …
Why should men have all the fun? Women join Easter crucifixion rituals
The tradition of volunteering for crucifixion to mark Easter has always been a purely male domain — but not any longer. The grizzly re-enactment of Jesus Christ’s suffering, or Lenten …
Give coins a chance says bank, after lawmaker slams ‘confusing’ design
A series of newly issued peso coins should be withdrawn because are causing confusion among the public, a lawmaker has said. Congressman Jericho Nograles called on the Bangko Sentral ng …
Tetanus warnings as nine men volunteer for crucifixion
Nine men have volunteered to be crucified in the annual reenactment of Christ’s crucifixion in San Fernando on Good Friday. San Pedro Cutud barangay captain Zoilo Castro said two of …
Terror chief’s surrender could be end for Abu Sayyaf in Basilan stronghold
The surrender of a senior Abu Sayyaf leader could herald the collapse of the terror group on Basilan, the country’s defence chief has announced. Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary …
Five arrested for 38.5 million peso Boracay land sale scam
Five people have been arrested for attempting to sell inalienable land – or land owned by the government – on Boracay Island. Inalienable land can not be disposed for agricultural …
Seven dead as runaway truck ploughs into restaurant
Seven people were killed and four injured when a truck loaded with sugarcane crashed into a roadside restaurant in the Batangas town of Taal. Eyewitnesses described how the vehicle was …
No party, but warm greetings from China for birthday boy Duterte
President Duterte will not throw a lavish party when he turns 73, his top aide said, as Chinese Premier Xi Jinping sent him warm greetings. Special Assistant to the President …
Azkals make history with first ever qualification for Asian Cup
The Philippines made football history have made football history after qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup for the first time ever. Phil Younghusband sealed the 2-1 victory against Tajikistan with …
Police to investigate claim that human rights groups ‘used’ by drug lords
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency is to investigate the Malacañang’s claim that drug lords use human rights groups as “unwitting tools” to undermine the drug war. PDEA spokesman Derrick Arnold …
Boracay resorts can ‘operate’ during closure — but without any visitors
Although some Boracay resorts will be allowed to operate during the island’s looming closure — visitors will not be able to reach them. An official of the Department of the …
Ride-hailing giant Uber selling up to Grab across Southeast Asia
Ride-hailing giant Uber is preparing to sell its business across Southeast Asia to local rival Grab. The move follows the US firm’s retreat from China and Russia and comes as …
Autopsy casts doubt on claim Swede was electrocuted at Panglao resort
A police autopsy has cast doubt on reports that a Swedish tourist was electrocuted at a resort on Panglao Island. According to initial reports from the Bohol Police Provincial Office …
Police chief tells cops to carry their guns 24/7, even when off duty
The Philippines’ chief of police has said that cops should carry their guns at all times, even when off duty and in civilian clothes. Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald …
Girls as young as five rescued from cybersex den in Lapu-Lapu City
Five girls were rescued from three sisters who are accused of running an online child abuse operation in Lapu-Lapu City. One of the children, who were aged five, seven, eight, …
Communist party denies that 4,000 rebels have surrendered this year
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has dismissed claims that more than 4,000 of its rebels have surrendered this year as a “complete hoax”. In a statement on its …
Bulacan police report another bloody night in the war on drugs
Bulacan police have reported the killing of 13 suspected drug dealers during a bloody day of raids that also saw more than 100 arrests. Police announced today (Thursday, March 22) …
Army says more than 4,000 communist rebels have surrendered this year
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has claimed that more than 4,000 communist rebels and sympathisers have surrendered this year. The AFP said today (Thursday, March 22) that 4,356 New …
Swedish tourist electrocuted at Panglao resort by live wire under wet path
UPDATED: See below… A Swedish man was electrocuted at a resort on Panglao Island after he trod on a wet pathway that had been exposed to a power line. Bengt …
British tourist accuses Pamilacan resort owner of sexual harassment
A British woman visiting Pamilacan Island in Bohol province has complained of being sexually harassed by the owner of the resort she was staying at. The 29-year-old tourist — whose …