More than a topnotcher: Who is Maxine Francesco Gwyneth Baculo?

Inquirer.net - Oct 17, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Who is the 25-year-old University of Santo Tomas (UST) graduate who spearheaded the 4,165 passers out of 4,447 at the October 2026 Physician Licensure Examination (PLE)? Baculo pursued his premedical studies in UST’s LeapMed program, before continuing at the UST Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, where he graduated summa cum laude. And

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DepEd introduces ‘My Buddy’ peer support system for safer schools

Oct 17, 2026

DepEd introduces ‘My Buddy’ peer support system for safer schools

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) is expanding its learner-led peer facilitation network through the My Buddy System alongside structured counseling and teacher check-ins to build safer, more supportive school environments, as part of its mental health and psychosocial support framework. Launched during the observance of National School Safety Week, the My Buddy

Deadly School Roof Collapse in Pakistan Raises Questions Over Regulation

Oct 17, 2026

Deadly School Roof Collapse in Pakistan Raises Questions Over Regulation

A teacher and 32 children were killed in northwest Pakistan in an episode has prompted safety inspections of schools across the region.

Speaker Dy joins Marcos at PCG’s 125th anniv rites, cites House-backed reforms

Oct 17, 2026

Speaker Dy joins Marcos at PCG’s 125th anniv rites, cites House-backed reforms

MANILA, Philippines – House Speaker Faustino G. Dy III on Friday joined President FerdinandR. Marcos Jr. in celebrating the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) 125th founding anniversary, as the president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the agency’s capabilities amid growing maritime challenges. Dy attended the anniversary celebration at the Eva Macapagal Super Terminal in Manila’s

‘Cockroach’ party founder released by Indian police

Oct 17, 2026

‘Cockroach’ party founder released by Indian police

India’s youth-led Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke was released from detention on Saturday, a day after his arrest during a police crackdown on protests against the election authority. Dipke, 31, was detained Friday in New Delhi as he headed to join a rally that the CJP protest movement had called in the capital’s central Connaught Place district. He walked out of a police station on Saturday afternoon waving to the media and giving a thumbs up as he was driven away. “Abhijeet Dipke...

Sara Duterte denies owning fast food chain franchise amid GenCorp link

Oct 17, 2026

Sara Duterte denies owning fast food chain franchise amid GenCorp link

MANILA, Philippines—Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday denied that she owns a Jollibee franchise amid her links to food company GenCorp Industries Inc., stressing that her investment in the company does not equate to ownership. “I do not own a Jollibee franchise or any other franchise. I previously invested in a company that is part

Approval of national water management bill pushed amid El Niño threat

Oct 17, 2026

Approval of national water management bill pushed amid El Niño threat

MANILA, Philippines — Marikina 2nd District Rep. Miro S. Quimbo on Saturday called for the immediate passage of a measure, which seeks to strengthen water management through a stronger national framework, amid the looming threat of a Super El Niño. He said that the passage of the National Water Resources Management Act, or House Bill

Prosec draws comparison between Corona conviction, VP’s P1.5B ‘unexplained wealth’

Oct 17, 2026

Prosec draws comparison between Corona conviction, VP’s P1.5B ‘unexplained wealth’

MANILA, Philippines – House prosecution panel member and Manila Rep. Joel Chua on Saturday drew a comparison between the impeachment conviction of Chief Justice Renato Corona over undisclosed assets and the unexplained wealth allegations against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, which a prosecution expert said could allegedly reach P1.5 billion. Chua pointed out that Corona

Prosec hoping for Sara Duterte impeachment verdict by November, December

Oct 17, 2026

Prosec hoping for Sara Duterte impeachment verdict by November, December

MANILA, Philippines – House prosecution panel member and Manila Rep. Joel Chua is hoping that the Senate impeachment court will be able to rule on Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s case by late November or early December now that only the alleged unexplained wealth article remains. Chua said prosecutors narrowed the case partly because they

Prosec: COA ruling shows VP could still be convicted of confi funds misuse

Oct 17, 2026

Prosec: COA ruling shows VP could still be convicted of confi funds misuse

MANILA, Philippines – A spokesperson for the House prosecution has expressed belief that the evidence against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential funds could still lead to her conviction with the possible initiation of criminal proceedings outside the impeachment trial.   Trial spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong cited the

Prosecution eyes early formal offer of evidence in VP impeachment trial

Oct 17, 2026

Prosecution eyes early formal offer of evidence in VP impeachment trial

MANILA, Philippines – The House prosecution panel may submit its formal offer of evidence against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte ahead of the Oct. 23 deadline to help speed up the remaining proceedings in her impeachment trial. House prosecutor and Manila Rep. Joel Chua on Saturday said prosecutors were preparing the submission after formally resting

Diocese of Virac pushes moratorium on Catanduanes mining projects

Oct 17, 2026

Diocese of Virac pushes moratorium on Catanduanes mining projects

LEGAZPI CITY — The Diocese of Virac has called for a moratorium on mining projects in Catanduanes, warning that they could threaten human lives, contaminate water sources and damage the island province’s environment and livelihoods. In a pastoral letter dated Oct. 14, Bishop Luisito A. Occiano urged the government to suspend or stop mining operations

Tradition isn't everything: Foreign nationals say cafes are most Korean places of all

Oct 17, 2026

Tradition isn't everything: Foreign nationals say cafes are most Korean places of all

Not long ago, I asked Conrad, a British participant on a food tour, what he considered the most quintessentially British food. I expected him to name the famous fish and chips or a full English breakfast spread. But without hesitation, he answered, “curry.” Seeing my puzzled expression, he smiled and explained. While Britain has its traditional signature dishes, curry is one of the foods Britons eat most frequently today. That got me wondering: What food or food culture best represents Korea today? When I posed the same question to Conrad, his unexpected answer was “coffee and cafe culture.” The other participants on the tour nodded in agreement. When I take foreign visitors on food tours, I often hear the same questions: “Why are there so many cafes in Korea?” and “Why are cafes still so crowded late in the afternoon?” I could explain that Koreans simply love coffee. But a look at Seoul's cafes suggests there is more to it than that. Cafes line nearly every alley, stay lit late into the night and draw long queues outside popular spots on weekends. This is less a matter

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