The Philippine Star
Majority a no-show at Senate
In the wake of the disturbance caused by the arrest of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada yesterday, the Senate floor was emptied of members of the majority, forcing a cancellation of plenary session as the minority senators later decided to leave. The Senate...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BBM worried about Sara reversing his policies
President Marcos does not regard as a mistake his decision to run with his ally-turned-arch critic Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2022 elections, but is “very much” concerned that his policies might be reversed if she wins the presidency. “No, I...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Sotto justifies walkout
With debates over rules likely to again mar the session tomorrow, Senate Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III is flexing his institutional experience to contest the majority bloc’s move to railroad an amendment that would allow fugitive senator Ronald...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Sandigan issues arrest warrant, HDO vs Jinggoy
The Sandiganbayan has issued arrest warrants and hold- departure orders against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and former Department of Public Works and Highways ( DPWH) secretary Manuel Bonoan in connection with their graft case related to the multibillion-...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Plunder, graft cases filed vs Estrada, Bonoan
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada is facing a new charge of plunder, his third, and another case for graft over his alleged involvement in the multibillion-peso flood control scandal. The Office of the Ombudsman charged Estrada, along with former Department of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Palace: No calamity to justify online vote
TOKYO ꟷ Unlike during the COVID pandemic, there is no calamity at present that can justify electronic voting in the Senate, Malacañang said, even as it maintained that it would be up to the chamber to decide on its procedures over which the senators...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Remote vote sparks walkout by ‘SB-11’
Members of the 11-member minority bloc stormed out of the Senate plenary hall last night after Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano’s majority attempted to “railroad” an amendment to the chamber’s rules to allow members to attend sessions remotely ꟷ...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Hold order sought on Marcoleta, donors
The Office of the Ombudsman has asked the Sandiganbayan to prevent Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, former congressman Mike Defensor and two others from leaving the country after they were indicted for plunder and other charges over the P75-million campaign...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Malaysian dead, 23 missing in Angeles building collapse
ANGELES CITY ꟷ A Malaysian tourist was confirmed dead following the collapse of a nine- story building being constructed at a subdivision in Barangay Balibago here yesterday, with 23 people still missing. According to the Bureau of Fire Protection...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
NBI chief says more ICC arrest warrants coming
Former president Rodrigo Duterte may soon have company in The Hague, as the International Criminal Court ( ICC) is set to issue more warrants against his co-perpetrators in the crimes against humanity charges, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
DOJ orders NBI, PNP to arrest Dela Rosa
Law enforcers particularly from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) are under orders to “effect the arrest” of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said yesterday. “I would like to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
SC rejects Bato plea for TRO vs ICC arrest
As Sen. Ronald dela Rosa’s whereabouts remain unknown, the Supreme Court has rejected his petition for a temporary restraining order against his arrest on the strength of an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. Voting 9-5-1, the Supreme Court...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
‘All evidence shows no attack on Senate’
The Philippine National Police (PNP) maintained yesterday that the Senate was not under attack last week, as it presented evidence and witness accounts to disprove claims of Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano. At a late afternoon press briefing at...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Senate impeachment court summons Sara
The Senate has officially convened as an impeachment court to try Vice President Sara Duterte, ordering her to file her response to the Articles of Impeachment within 10 days. Unlike last year’s transmittal of Duterte’s Articles of Impeachment, the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Gov’t urges SC: Junk Bato plea vs ICC arrest
The Office of the Solicitor General has urged the Supreme Court ( SC) to reject Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s bid to block his arrest following an International Criminal Court ( ICC) warrant, with the OSG referring to him as a “fugitive from...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BBM to PMA grads: Loyalty to Constitution, not politics
President Marcos yesterday reminded the new graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) that their loyalty should be to the Constitution and not to any political interest or personality, as he urged them not to condone wrongdoing that could...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Senate security chief suspended over shooting
The Office of the Ombudsman has placed Senate sergeant-at-arms Mao Aplasca under preventive suspension for six months over the discharge of firearms in the Senate premises on May 13. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said he ordered the suspension as...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Dela Rosa leaves Senate with Padilla
Hours after chaos erupted at the Senate as he evaded uniformed armed men supposedly sent to arrest him on Wednesday, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa reportedly managed to slip out of the building at 2:30 a.m. yesterday. At a press briefing later, Senate...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Gunshots fired inside Senate
Shots were fired last night on the second floor of the Senate building, triggering chaos and panic, as police and military personnel scoured the premises searching for Sen. Ronald dela Rosa. President Marcos addressed the nation last night to clarify...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Minority senators urge Dela Rosa to surrender
Members of the new minority bloc have urged Sen. Ronald dela Rosa to surrender to authorities as he continues to take refuge within the Senate premises to avoid an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court. The new minority, comprising...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Voting 257-25, House impeaches VP Sara
For the second time, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, launching the transmittal of the articles of impeachment to the Senate for her trial. Two hundred fifty- seven House members voted to have...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
House votes today on VP impeachment
Members of the House of Representatives are expected to cast their votes as the chamber resumes session this afternoon, as they move to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte ꟷ the second time for the nation’s second highest official. Lawmakers have...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Rody replaces defense team ahead of ICC trial
Former president Rodrigo Duterte has tapped a new defense lawyer as part of a move to reorganize his defense team ahead of his crimes against humanity trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Both of his primary defense lawyers ꟷ lead defense...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Zaldy staying in P14-B house in Paris – Jonvic
Fugitive former Ako Bicol party-list congressman Zaldy Co is staying at a posh home in Paris while waiting for the results of his application for asylum, according to Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. Remulla said Co, the alleged mastermind of the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Asean leaders begin arriving for summit
LAPU-LAPU CITY ꟷ Leaders have arrived here for the 48th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, with Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah the first to come in on Wednesday, flying his own aircraft and accompanied by his son Prince Abdul...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
US, Iran nearing deal to end war
The United States and Iran are closing in on an agreement on a one-page memorandum to end the war in the Gulf, a source from mediator Pakistan familiar with the negotiations said. The Pakistani source said a report earlier by the US media outlet Axios...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Inflation surges to 7.2%
Inflation in April rose to 7.2 percent ꟷ its highest level in over three years ꟷ driven by faster increases in food and transport costs linked to the Middle East conflict, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Headline inflation, or...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
VP impeachment OK’d for House plenary vote
In a unanimous vote, members of the justice committee of the House of Representatives approved yesterday the report containing the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, triggering its submission to the plenary where at least 106...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Trump reviewing new Iran peace proposal
WEST PALM BEACH (AP) ꟷ US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he was reviewing a new Iranian proposal to end the war but also expressed skepticism it would lead to a deal. “I’ll let you know about it later,” he said before boarding Air Force...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
DND chief rejects new peace talks with Reds
Calling the New People’s Army (NPA) a band of terrorists and criminals, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has ruled out peace talks with the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. “No. I object to any peace talks with the NPA,”...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BBM vows better jobs, protection for workers
As the country faces challenging economic pressures, President Marcos vowed to boost workers’ protection and opportunities as well as create more and better jobs for Filipinos. Marcos, however, did not provide details on how he intended to pursue...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Sara camp calls impeach evidence ‘curated, spliced’
The presentation of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on alleged inciting to sedition and grave threats during the House committee on justice hearing “publicly revealed the paucity of the charges” against Vice President Sara Duterte, according...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
VP’s husband to file raps over bank secrecy breach
Manases Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara Duterte, is set to file today criminal complaints against Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr., Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura and House of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Precautionary HDO also sought vs Escudero, Ngu
After former House speaker Martin Romualdez, the Office of the Ombudsman is now seeking to bar former Senate president Francis Escudero and another individual from leaving the country over their alleged involvement in the flood control...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Rody to face trial as ICC judges confirm charges
Former president Rodrigo Duterte will face trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) after pre-trial judges confirmed all crimes against humanity charges against him yesterday. The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I ꟷ composed of Presiding Judge Iulia...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Ombudsman blocks Romualdez departure
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla is seeking a freeze order on the bank accounts and assets of former speaker Martin Romualdez as part of a possible money laundering case being readied against the lawmaker. At a press briefing, Remulla also said he...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Transport group seeks P10 jeepney fare hike
Amid continued high diesel prices, transport group Piston filed a petition yesterday before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to raise base jeepney fares by at least P10. If approved, the minimum fare for traditional...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Ombudsman seeks SALNs of all House members
The Office of the Ombudsman has requested for the statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) of all members of the House of Representatives, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said, as his office continues its probe into the irregularities in...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
P24.9 price drop for diesel – BBM
The biggest fuel price cuts since the easing of tension in the Middle East are seen to take place next week, with diesel cost getting slashed by P24.94 per liter, gasoline by P3.41, and kerosene by P2. President Marcos made the announcement in his...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Lacson: Blue Ribbon to summon Zaldy Co
The Senate Blue Ribbon committee will invite former congressman Elizaldy Co to testify in its flood control corruption probe following his apprehension in the Czech Republic, according to Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson. In interviews...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Zaldy Co caught in Prague – BBM
Flood control scam suspect and resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co has been arrested in the Czech Republic, President Marcos announced last night, in a development that may lead to the disclosure of more details about the multibillion corruption...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
DOE sees another fuel price rollback
Motorists may see another round of fuel price cuts next week as global oil prices remain steady despite the United States’ blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, energy officials said yesterday. Energy Undersecretary Alessandro Sales said prices in the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
US begins Iran port blockade; oil prices ease
WA S H INGTON / DUBAI ꟷThe US military began a blockade of Iran’s ports, angering Tehran and adding uncertainty around the crucial waterway, although hopes for dialogue to end the war provided some relief to oil markets where benchmark prices fell...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BBM suspends excise tax on LPG, kerosene
President Marcos yesterday ordered the suspension of the excise tax on cooking gas used by most Filipino households, but was silent on the excise tax on diesel and gasoline. At a hastily called press briefing at Malacañang, Marcos said the excise tax...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Diesel prices to drop by P20.89/liter – DOE
After weeks of relentless price spikes triggered by the Iran crisis, diesel prices should finally drop by at least P20.89 per liter this week, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said yesterday. Gasoline and kerosene prices, meanwhile, are expected to...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Over 300,000 diesel barrels arrive in Phl
The Philippines received yesterday 329,000 barrels of diesel from Malaysia, forming the second part of diesel deliveries secured by the Philippine National Oil Co. from suppliers outside the Middle East. Last March 26, the country received 142,000...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
DOE orders oil firms: Unbundle pump prices
What’s the basis for oil companies to charge as much as P170 per liter on products like premium diesel and kerosene? Next week, the public may finally get their answer as the Department of Energy (DOE) has ordered oil industry players to unbundle fuel...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Rare oil price cuts seen next week
A rollback in diesel prices may finally come next week, the first in over three months or since Dec. 30, 2025. After five rounds of double- digit hikes spurred by the Middle East crisis, diesel prices are estimated to drop by P2.50 to P3.50 per liter...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
US, Iran agree to 2-week truce
WASHINGTON/ DUBAI/CAIRO ꟷ US President Donald Trump agreed to a two- week ceasefire with Iran yesterday, less than two hours before his deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face devastating attacks on its civilian...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Another Filipina killed in missile strike on Israel
Another Filipina was killed in a missile attack in Israel on April 5 as strikes and counter-strikes continue across the Middle East, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed yesterday. The Israeli embassy in Manila expressed its condolences...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Plunder raps vs Chiz, Romualdez to be filed in May
The Office of the Ombudsman is preparing plunder charges against former speaker Martin Romualdez and former Senate president Francis Escudero over alleged irregularities in the national budget linked to the flood control controversy. At a press...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
40,000 OFWs stranded amid ME deployment ban
More than 40,000 overseas Filipino workers are now stranded in Manila following the deployment ban to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Israel and Lebanon. The OFWs are either in accommodation centers of agencies...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Iran allows passage of Phl oil ships – DFA
“During the call, the Iranian foreign minister assured the secretary that Iran will allow the safe, unhindered and expeditious passage through the Strait of Hormuz of Philippineflagged vessels, energy sources and all Filipino seafarers,” the DFA said...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Iran war over in 2 or 3 weeks – Trump
WASHINGTON ꟷ President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that US forces would end operations in Iran “very soon,” evoking a timeline of two to three weeks as his administration pursues talks with Iranian authorities while continuing its aerial...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Phl sets talks with Iran on oil ships’ passage
The Philippines is set to hold talks with Iran to ensure the safe passage of Philippine-bound oil ships through the Strait of Hormuz, now effectively under Tehran’s control. Department of Foreign Affairs ( DFA) Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro will meet...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BBM orders gov’t offices: Reduce power, fuel use
President Marcos has directed all government agencies to strictly implement his order to sharply reduce power and fuel consumption, as the country grapples with rising oil prices spurred by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Executive Secretary...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
MANILA DOCTORS HOSPITAL AT 70: A LEGACY THAT HEALS ACROSS GENERATIONS
From a modest beginning to a modern medical institution, Manila Doctors Hospital (MDH) marks seven decades of compassionate care while shaping the future of healthcare through innovation, expertise and global standards. For 70 years, MDH has built its...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
US: Iran war to last ‘weeks, not months’
DUBAI/ WASHINGTON/PARIS ꟷ The US expects its military operations against Iran to conclude within weeks, not months, and Washington can meet all its objectives without using ground troops, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday. Meanwhile, an...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Marcos: Phl crude oil enough until June 30
The country has enough supply of crude oil until June 30, President Marcos has assured the public. Marcos made the remark on the sidelines of the opening of the new NAIAX off-ramp to Terminal 3 in Pasay yesterday. The government is also not...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
China open to talks on joint oil exploration, if…
China is open to restarting talks on a potential joint oil and gas exploration with the Philippines in the South China Sea, the Chinese embassy said yesterday, if there is “sincerity” in the initiative. “Setting aside differences and pursuing joint...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
BBM signs oil excise tax suspension law
President Marcos signed into law last night a bill granting him the power to suspend or reduce excise tax on petroleum products as part of the government’s initiatives to cushion the impact of soaring fuel prices. But even after signing Republic Act...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
State of nat’l energy emergency declared
He’s still not calling the situation a crisis, but President Marcos declared yesterday a “state of national energy emergency” as fuel prices continue to soar and as supply nears depletion. Through Executive Order 110, the President also ordered the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Trump puts off strikes on Iran power plants
WASHINGTON ꟷ US President Donald Trump backed down on targeting Iran’s power network on Monday, saying the US and Iran have held constructive talks and that he would postpone any strikes on power plants and energy infrastructure. Trump’s statement...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Trump to Iran: Reopen Hormuz within 48 hours
WASHINGTON ꟷ US President Donald Trump on Saturday gave Iran 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping or face the destruction of its energy infrastructure, as Tehran launched its most destructive attack yet on Israel. The ultimatum, made...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Filipino Muslims
pray during Eid’l Fitr marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan at the Quezon City Memorial Circle yesterday. Inset shows children celebrating at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Gov’t buys 300,000 barrels of diesel
The Philippine National Oil Co. bought the diesel from a Southeast Asian nation, which Energy Secretary Sharon Garin did not identify. The PNOC has been searching for oil reserves to help companies replenish stocks, which are expected to last until...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Gov’t to release P21 B to cushion rising prices
More help is on the way for sectors most affected by skyrocketing fuel prices, President Marcos said yesterday, as he ordered the immediate release of P21.47 billion to keep infrastructure projects running, protect jobs and cushion the impact on...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
No need to hoard food supplies – BBM
President Marcos advised the public yesterday not to hoard food supplies as he gave assurance that the country has adequate stockpiles of basic commodities, including rice, amid rising global fuel prices and possible supply disruptions brought by the...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Most fares going up
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has approved a provisional fare increase for several public utility vehicles, effective tomorrow. LTFRB chairman Vigor Mendoza II said the adjustment was based on rising fuel prices, now ranging...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
More imports, price cap eyed to lower rice prices
The government is studying several measures to temper rising rice prices, including increasing state importation to sell cheaper rice and possibly imposing a cap on retail prices. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the Department of...
Read Full Story (Page 1)
Rice prices also rise amid global oil crisis
Rice prices have increased and may continue to do so as market speculations swirl over supply disruptions and fuel price surges driven by the escalating war in the Middle East. Industry sources told The STAR that rice prices have increased by about P2...
Read Full Story (Page 1)