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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Cagayan Rep. Lara under probe for possible plunder

Oct 17, 2026

Cagayan Rep. Lara under probe for possible plunder

MANILA, Philippines—The Office of the Ombudsman on Saturday said it has initiated a preliminary investigation against Cagayan Rep. Joseph Lasam Lara and members of his family over alleged financial interests in construction companies that bagged billions worth of government contracts. In a statement, the Ombudsman said Lara is being probed for possible plunder under Republic

Concerns raised over unfinished gov’t-MILF peace pact

Oct 17, 2026

Concerns raised over unfinished gov’t-MILF peace pact

MANILA, Philippines — The agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) could be erased if the peace process remains unfinished, political scientist Yasmira Moner of the Mindanao State University said. This, as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has yet to meet with the MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim to sign

Sen. Erwin Tulfo posts backstabbing cartoon after failed bid to oust him

Oct 17, 2026

Sen. Erwin Tulfo posts backstabbing cartoon after failed bid to oust him

Sen. Erwin Tulfo posts an uncredited cartoon on his official Facebook page, where is being depicted to be stabbed by three of his fellow senators on Oct. 17, 2026. (PHOTO FROM ERWIN TULFO FB) MANILA, Philippines — Rather that directly addressing the issue with his colleagues, Sen. Erwin Tulfo on Saturday decided to take a swipe at

Dinagat Islands breaks ground on P164-M soil lab, ecotourism boardwalk

Oct 17, 2026

Dinagat Islands breaks ground on P164-M soil lab, ecotourism boardwalk

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — The provincial government of Dinagat Islands broke ground on Friday, Oct. 16, for two major infrastructure projects worth a combined P164 million aimed at boosting the local food security and ecotourism. Gov. Nilo P. Demerey Jr. presided over the ceremonies in Barangay Llamera in Libjo town, marking the formal

Motorcyclist dies in Zamboanga del Sur highway crash

Oct 17, 2026

Motorcyclist dies in Zamboanga del Sur highway crash

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – A 56-year-old motorcycle rider from Marikina City died on Friday evening, October 16, after his maxi-scooter rammed a parked truck along the national highway in Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur. In a report released Saturday, Police Capt. Derf Jay Maquinta, spokesperson for the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZSPPO),

Biocontrol agents working vs sugarcane pest in Bukidnon

Oct 17, 2026

Biocontrol agents working vs sugarcane pest in Bukidnon

MARAMAG, Bukidnon — More than 65 percent of some 1,500 hectares of sugarcane fields infested by the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) in Bukidnon have been treated, as authorities race to save crops before the 2026–2027 sugar milling season opens in November. The Bukidnon Provincial Task Force, led by Gov. Rogelio Neil Roque and Quezon

La Union replacing typhoon-damaged hanging bridge in Balaoan

Oct 17, 2026

La Union replacing typhoon-damaged hanging bridge in Balaoan

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Sen. Mark Villar pushes tax credits for businesses granting senior, PWD discounts

Oct 17, 2026

Sen. Mark Villar pushes tax credits for businesses granting senior, PWD discounts

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Mark Villar is pushing for a measure that seeks to grant tax credits to establishments granting mandatory discounts to senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), promoting a fairer tax system while ensuring the continued delivery of benefits to these sectors. Under Senate Bill No. 2494, or the proposed “Tax Credit

37 Ilocos Norte schools get rainwater catchment drums amid El Niño threat

Oct 17, 2026

37 Ilocos Norte schools get rainwater catchment drums amid El Niño threat

SAN ILDEFONSO, Ilocos Sur— The provincial government of Ilocos Norte distributed rainwater catchment drums to 37 selected schools as part of efforts to conserve water and prepare for the possible effects of a strong El Niño. In an a statement Saturday, Gov. Cecilia Araneta-Marcos said she led the distribution of the catchment drums at the

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

Oct 17, 2026

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

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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

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

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