MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) and Light Rail Transit 2 (LRT-2) will offer free rides to children aged 17 and below on Wednesday, November 4, in celebration of National Children’s Month. In separate advisories, the train lines said the free rides can be availed of from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

COTABATO CITY  — Seventy-three wanted persons facing various charges were arrested in a weeklong police sweep across Soccsksargen (Region 12), authorities said on Wednesday. Police conducted the simultaneous law enforcement operations from October 26 to November 1, 2026. Brig. Gen. Alan Manibog, Police Regional Office (PRO-12) regional director, said the arrested individuals include 51 listed

Commentators abroad wondered what the president’s electoral losses might mean for oil prices, the war on Iran and the end of the Trump era.

Dimaampao, Marquez, Leonen, Zalameda, Caguioa MANILA – Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo will hang up his robe upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 70 on Nov. 6. He served in the Supreme Court (SC) for nearly a decade, including five years as the primus inter pares (first among equals) among the “gods of Padre Faura,”

KORONADAL CITY — The daily minimum wage for private workers in the non-agriculture, retail, and service sectors in Soccsksargen (Region 12) will increase to P501 in January 2027 after a P41 wage hike benefiting 86,815 workers in the region. The National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) said the increase under Wage Order No. XII (SOCCSKSARGEN)-26

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government has revoked a memorandum circular it previously issued on heat-related class suspensions to “align” its policies with the Department of Education’s (DepEd) directive. Under Memorandum Circular No. 3, Series of 2025, classes in public Child Development Centers, kindergarten and Grades 1 to 12 would shift to limited face-to-face

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — Officials here are alarmed by the sudden spike in scabies and chickenpox cases in four villages, prompting immediate barangay-level intervention alongside ongoing citywide disease surveillance operations. Rudy Guadalupe, barangay captain of Colonia, expressed grave concern after official City Health Office (CHO) surveillance figures showed that the number of infected residents reached

KORONADAL CITY — Police are investigating the discovery of a suspected improvised explosive fashioned from a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) among scrap metal delivered to a junk shop in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 3. Police said a concerned citizen reported the discovery at about 2:30 p.m. at Quatro Scrap Metal Trading in

Sandiganbayan Third Division Clerk of Court Dennis Pulma said the order was issued amid reports that the former Speaker, who is facing plunder charges in connection with alleged kickbacks from government funds, was being allowed to leave detention at the New Quezon City jail.

The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte is unlikely to overturn the bank records and her other declarations under oath that the prosecution presented as evidence against her during the trial, House prosecution panel spokesperson Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said Wednesday.

MANILA, Philippines — The northeast monsoon or amihan and easterlies will bring rain to parts of Luzon, while the rest of the country will experience hot and fair weather, the state weather bureau said Wednesday. In its 5 a.m. weather forecast, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the northeast monsoon will

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday stressed the need to pass into law the measure seeking to prohibit relatives of public officials from entering into government contracts.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang is expected to participate in the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. President Marcos had said he wants President Xi Jinping to visit the Philippines, if the South China Sea code of conduct talks concluded.

In one of the biggest scandals to hit the Indonesian National Police (Polri), President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday sacked his chief of staff, former national police chief Listyo Sigit Prabowo, after his arrest for allegedly wiretapping the president, cabinet ministers, politicians and journalists. The government raised the stakes on Wednesday when presidential spokesman Prasetyo Hadi addressed reporters in Jakarta, warning that the surveillance could amount to “treason” and endanger state...

The Philippines and China have emphasized the need to maintain diplomatic dialogue and mutual respect despite their differences, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said on Wednesday.

The industry may run on creativity, but it operates within rules written by governments

Your signature could help push for a law that limits political families' hold on public office. Watch the video to learn how.

Organisers of Malaysia’s first Hyrox fitness competition agreed on Wednesday to exclude the event from a partnership with beer brand Carlsberg after Muslim entrants threatened to pull out and authorities warned they would withhold approval over the alcohol sponsorship. The tie-up had angered some participants who said it conflicted with both their faith and the event’s promotion of fitness, highlighting tensions over alcohol marketing in Muslim-majority Malaysia. “We understand why this has...

For the first time, Blackpink's Jisoo and Twice's Nayeon are making a variety show appearance together!

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to name the new Supreme Court (SC) chief justice this week, succeeding outgoing Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, Malacañang said Wednesday.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday launched a bus augmentation program to mitigate the large volume of commuters using the LRT-2.

MANILA, Philippines — The National Privacy Commission (NPC) said on Tuesday that it is reviewing the personal data breach notification submitted by St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC) about a cybersecurity incident that may have compromised the personal information of some patients and employees. NPC spokesperson and Deputy Privacy Commissioner Jose Belarmino II said the commission

MANILA, Philippines — Under a new executive order that seeks to minimize learning disruptions, schools in cities or provinces may continue to hold face-to-face classes—despite suspension orders handed down by local government officials—provided their areas are safe. Executive Order No. 130, which was signed on Oct. 28 but published only in the Official Gazette on

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has secured 172,654 Apple MacBook Neo laptops worth over P7.4 billion for public school teachers and administrative personnel, with a five-year warranty and a unit price lower than the devices’ suggested retail price (SRP). The procurement forms part of the government’s effort to equip educators with digital

Classics return to the stage alongside powerful women-led historical musicals, plus independent companies staging hard-hitting work

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Audit (COA) found 300 infrastructure projects across the country worth P17.3 billion to be riddled with “visible defects” as it advised the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to adopt “corrective measures.” In its 2025 audit report, the agency flagged 71 projects costing P4.33 billion in the first

Target Pro by Watsons is proof that consumers are becoming more discerning, as the brand celebrates its 10th anniversary. The positive consumer response and influencer reviews of its consumer-focused anniversary activations and promotions demonstrate that people increasingly value science-backed, targeted solutions developed through Japanese innovation.  The brand's continued success inspires the development of new products that address the evolving needs of its consumers. In line with its anniversary celebration, Target Pro by Watsons introduces Femtech Lab, a breakthrough hair care line that puts the spotlight on the scalp, recognizing that it needs as much care as the face and the rest of the body. Femtech Lab believes that the secret to healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp.  Femtech Lab addresses women's health and beauty needs through AI-powered screening technology and laboratory expertise. Its advanced scalp care solutions cater to four scalp types: dry, oily, thinning-prone and sensitive.  Femtech Lab offers products designed to address how changing needs and everyday factors, from hormonal shifts to environmental conditions, influence scalp and hair health. The brand also targets specific concerns, including stress-induced hair problems and postpartum hair loss. Its formulations aim to simplify scalp and hair care routines while providing targeted solutions.  Like Target Pro by Watsons, Femtech Lab delivers reliable solutions developed through scientific and dermatological studies by Japanese experts.  Femtech Lab offers four flagship products designed to care for hair from scalp to tip: Anti-Hair Fall Root Balance Scalp Serum (P1,199), Anti-Hair Fall Root Renew Scalp Serum (P1,199), Anti-Hair Fall & Clarifying Shampoo (P899), and Anti-Hair Breakage & Shining Conditioner (P899).  The Anti-Hair Fall Root Balance Scalp Serum is clinically proven to reduce hair fall and scalp sebum while improving hair density in four weeks. It features the trademarked ingredients ScalpZen and Prunizen, which help address scalp concerns and promote stronger, fuller and thicker-looking hair.  For those looking to promote hair growth and address graying hair, the Anti-Hair Fall Root Renew Scalp Serum offers another targeted solution. Formulated with Baicapil and Kerascalp, it promises visible results after 12 weeks of consistent use.  Reset your scalp with the Anti-Hair Fall & Clarifying Shampoo, which features a clarifying and rebalancing formula. It contains salicylic acid, panthenol and niacinamide to help provide long-lasting oil control and improve hair volume.  The Anti-Hair Breakage & Shining Conditioner complements the shampoo by helping strengthen and protect hair. It enhances scalp comfort while improving hair condition from root to tip. The formula also helps increase moisture, smoothness and shine.  As with Target Pro by Watsons, consumers can turn to Femtech Lab for targeted and effective hair and scalp care. Its approach highlights the value of Japanese science-led expertise, focusing not only on surface-level aesthetics but also on formulations designed to nourish the scalp and hair.  Femtech Lab represents the natural evolution of Target Pro by Watsons' mission to provide comprehensive skin and beauty care, recognizing that targeted solutions go beyond the face. It also reflects the brand's continued evolution and commitment to addressing women's changing beauty and wellness needs through targeted, science-led innovation.  Discover Target Pro by Watsons' Femtech Lab products, available at Watsons branches nationwide and through the Watsons app. Learn more about incorporating targeted scalp and hair care into your routine with Target Pro by Watsons and Femtech Lab.

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) has launched a new hotline called 15/30, as part of preparations for the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to intensify this month until March next year. The nationwide hotline serves as a 24/7 help desk through which workers and their employers may raise job-related

What are some of the highlights of an election that is consequential for the rest of the world?

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman on Tuesday filed graft and malversation charges in the Sandiganbayan against six former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials over their alleged involvement in the irregular acquisition of road right-of-way (ROW), worth at least P491 million, in General Santos City. The Ombudsman said it found