Casino, not bakery: Philippine e-payment firms urged to improve merchant vetting

South China Morning Post - Sep 17, 2026

Electronic payment providers need to be more diligent in vetting companies that use their platforms to protect people from fraud, the Philippine central bank said. The requirement came after Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas found thousands of illegal businesses on the payment platforms, including many online casinos masquerading as more ordinary companies like beauty salons and bakeries. “We want to protect consumers from online fraud, illegal activities and also from money launderers,” Deputy...

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Fire hits part of Angeles City public market

Sep 17, 2026

Fire hits part of Angeles City public market

MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga – A fire hit a portion of the Pampang Public Market in Angeles City on Wednesday night, displacing dozens of stall owners. The Bureau of Fire Protection in Angeles City declared the blaze “contained” early Thursday, although firefighters were still working to fully extinguish it. READ: Pampanga helps ease floods at NLEx

LPA off Palawan to bring rains across parts of PH

Sep 17, 2026

LPA off Palawan to bring rains across parts of PH

MANILA, Philippines — A low pressure area (LPA) being monitored inside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) has a low chance of developing into a tropical depression but it will bring rains over parts of the country on Thursday, according to the state weather bureau.  In its 5 a.m. weather forecast, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical,

Emporio Armani names Dario Vitale new creative director

Sep 17, 2026

Emporio Armani names Dario Vitale new creative director

The Armani fashion house named Prada veteran Dario Vitale as the new creative director of its Emporio Armani line

Through the film ‘Edjop’ by Katski Flores, we will never forget

Sep 17, 2026

Through the film ‘Edjop’ by Katski Flores, we will never forget

“Edjop” takes a non-linear approach as it tells the story of Edgar Jopson’s granddaughter, Joyette Jopson—a triathlete who is running away from her father’s legacy.

Kadiliman and the road from HR to DJ

Sep 17, 2026

Kadiliman and the road from HR to DJ

Kyle Dominic Lim, better known as Kadiliman, is a DJ, model, and event organizer—you wouldn’t expect that he was in HR before all of it.

To be ‘bongga’ is to belong

Sep 17, 2026

To be ‘bongga’ is to belong

“Bongga Ka, ‘Day!: The Annie Batungbakal Musical” follows Annie, a fashion designer at House of Pasion who’s desperate to be part of the elite circle at Coco Banana.

Marcos: Work progress on Metro Manila subway at 60%

Sep 17, 2026

Marcos: Work progress on Metro Manila subway at 60%

MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) is almost 60 percent complete, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday at the groundbreaking for the subway’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 station in Pasay City. Work on the Naia Terminal 3 station, which will be located beneath the open parking area, is

Marcos wants anti-political dynasty bill passed during his term

Sep 17, 2026

Marcos wants anti-political dynasty bill passed during his term

Marcos wants anti-political dynasty bill passed during his term

7 CIW officials, personnel face charges over missing trust fund 

Sep 17, 2026

7 CIW officials, personnel face charges over missing trust fund 

MANILA, Philippines — Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. on Wednesday ordered the filing of criminal, administrative and civil cases against two former Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) superintendents and five other personnel over alleged irregularities in the handling of funds for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs). In a statement, Catapang

Proposed 2027 budget for PDEA’s 240 working dogs only P2.9M 

Sep 17, 2026

Proposed 2027 budget for PDEA’s 240 working dogs only P2.9M 

MANILA, Philippines — PhilReca party-list Rep. Presley de Jesus on Wednesday objected to what he described as the “very low” proposed allocation in next year’s budget for the training and care of Narcotic Detection Dogs or K9s under the care of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). According to De Jesus, the role played by

Under 24-hour hospital stay covered – PhilHealth

Sep 17, 2026

Under 24-hour hospital stay covered – PhilHealth

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) is expanding its benefit packages to cover inpatient admissions of less than 24 hours beginning on Sept. 18, provided they meet the prescribed qualifications and requirements. In line with Republic Act No. 11223 (Universal Health Care Act) and PhilHealth Circular No. 2026-0013 dated Sept. 11, members

N Sembilan govt gazetting change of ruler, says MB

Sep 17, 2026

N Sembilan govt gazetting change of ruler, says MB

Exco instructed state secretary to proceed according to procedures, Ismail says.

Duterte diehard, De Lima mocker gets Palace job

Sep 17, 2026

Duterte diehard, De Lima mocker gets Palace job

MANILA, Philippines — A ranking position in Malacañang awaits a vlogger who had switched sides from being a Duterte defender to a Marcos supporter, who once poked fun at Sen. Leila de Lima following her arrest, and who had been convicted of violating the Data Privacy Act. In an appointment letter dated Sept. 1, President

Marcoleta solicited campaign donation from co-accused in plunder raps --witness

Sep 17, 2026

Marcoleta solicited campaign donation from co-accused in plunder raps --witness

Marcoleta solicited campaign donation from co-accused in plunder raps --witness

Indonesia’s Prabowo mulls labelling wildfires as ‘ecological terrorism’

Sep 17, 2026

Indonesia’s Prabowo mulls labelling wildfires as ‘ecological terrorism’

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has called for stricter regulations and sanctions against those who use slash and burn methods to clear land, as the country struggles to contain wildfires that have been raging for weeks. Indonesia is battling its most intense wildfires in 11 years, with “super El Nino” weather parching ‌the country’s forests and fields. The islands of Borneo and Sumatra have been the worst hit, with the hazardous haze causing a spike in respiratory illnesses. Transboundary...

SC to Congress: ‘Injustice’ to delay anti-dynasty law

Sep 17, 2026

SC to Congress: ‘Injustice’ to delay anti-dynasty law

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court has directed Congress to finally ban political dynasties, describing its refusal to perform its constitutional duty for the last 39 years as a “grave abuse of discretion” and “manifest injustice.” The high court did not set a timeframe for the enactment of a game-changing law in the country’s political

DOJ on Robin Padilla feeling 'discriminated:' We are duty bound to act on complaints

Sep 17, 2026

DOJ on Robin Padilla feeling 'discriminated:' We are duty bound to act on complaints

The Department of Justice (DOJ) said Thursday that it is duty-bound to act on complaints filed with the agency, following Senator Robin Padilla"s remarks that he felt “discriminated” against over his obstruction of justice case.

Romualdez, in wheelchair, pleads not guilty in plunder case

Sep 17, 2026

Romualdez, in wheelchair, pleads not guilty in plunder case

MANILA, Philippines — Former Speaker Martin Romualdez appeared before the Sandiganbayan via videoconference and pleaded not guilty to charges of plunder at his arraignment on Wednesday. During the proceedings, the court also asked him to explain in 10 days why he should not be placed under preventive suspension as a Leyte congressman, in compliance with

Impeachment court subpoenas Baste Duterte

Sep 17, 2026

Impeachment court subpoenas Baste Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte, has been summoned by the Senate impeachment court as a witness sought by the prosecution in the case over her alleged unexplained wealth. The court’s presiding officer, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, issued a subpoena on Wednesday for the younger Duterte to

3 of 4 ex-justices: Votes to convict in impeachment trial not fixed at 16

Sep 17, 2026

3 of 4 ex-justices: Votes to convict in impeachment trial not fixed at 16

MANILA, Philippines — Three of four retired Supreme Court justices told the Senate impeachment court on Wednesday that the two-thirds vote required to convict an impeached official should not necessarily be fixed at 16, while retired Associate Justice Adolfo Azcuna maintained that the Constitution requires the full membership of the Senate to be used in

Small ways to take better care of yourself

Sep 17, 2026

Small ways to take better care of yourself

Aging gracefully can be much simpler: noticing what your body needs now, taking care of it, and continuing to make room for what makes you feel good.

The Villafuertes of CamSur: A tale of political survival and reinvention

Sep 17, 2026

The Villafuertes of CamSur: A tale of political survival and reinvention

The Villafuertes have figured in well-publicized teleserye-like dramas: from family feuds, celebrity marriages, social media tit for tat, to political wranglings, reinvention, and shifting political alliances

PNP eyes int'l cooperation vs Romualdez co-accused Joselyn Serenio

Sep 17, 2026

PNP eyes int'l cooperation vs Romualdez co-accused Joselyn Serenio

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it may seek international cooperation to locate a co-accused of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez outside the country.

Lahar threat from Kanlaon forces evacuations

Sep 17, 2026

Lahar threat from Kanlaon forces evacuations

BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines — Heavy rains triggered lahar flows along the slopes of Kanlaon Volcano on Tuesday, prompting 167 residents in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental to preemptively flee their homes, an Office of Civil Defense (OCD) official said Wednesday. The OCD had asked the Negros Occidental provincial government to assist with a

Quirino governor dies at 48; remembered for 25-year public service

Sep 17, 2026

Quirino governor dies at 48; remembered for 25-year public service

CABARROGUIS, QUIRINO, Philippines — Quirino Gov. Dakila Carlo “Dax” Cua passed away on Tuesday evening, ending a quarter-century career in public service marked by youth leadership, legislative reforms and local governance advocacy. He was 48. His family appealed for prayers and support as they mourned his death and prepare to bring his remains home to

In Palawan, kin of ferry fire victims still seek answers a week after tragedy

Sep 17, 2026

In Palawan, kin of ferry fire victims still seek answers a week after tragedy

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN, Philippines — One week after the fire that engulfed MV June Aster in the waters off Coron, Palawan, families of the victims remain anxiously waiting for answers as authorities continue to search for 12 missing people and investigate the cause of the deadly blaze. The death of a survivor on Tuesday afternoon

A weekend dedicated to living well

Sep 17, 2026

A weekend dedicated to living well

The Westin Wellness Weekend is back with local brands and partners that center on health-conscious living, sustainable products, and mindful experiences.

World View with Marites Vitug: Inside the fight against POGOs

Sep 17, 2026

World View with Marites Vitug: Inside the fight against POGOs

Rappler editor-at-large Marites Vitug speaks to former PAOCC officials Winnie Quidato and Winston Casio about their book, The Rogue Compound: POGOs, Human Trafficking, and the Fight to Reclaim the Philippines

Can impeachment court decisions be appealed to SC?

Sep 17, 2026

Can impeachment court decisions be appealed to SC?

Former associate justice Azcuna says the Supreme Court may reverse the Senate's ruling on the conviction threshold, but retired chief justice Panganiban says the High Court should not intervene

N Sembilan crisis: Customary council says Tuanku Muhriz still ruler, ex-MB, lawyers cry treason

Sep 17, 2026

N Sembilan crisis: Customary council says Tuanku Muhriz still ruler, ex-MB, lawyers cry treason

They note the state exco's earlier backing of the state ruler and an interim court injunction to preserve status quo.

Carpio will seek SC help if Congress passes House's anti-political dynasty bill

Sep 17, 2026

Carpio will seek SC help if Congress passes House's anti-political dynasty bill

Retired Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on Thursday said they will seek recourse from the High Court should Congress pass the controversial anti-political dynasty bill principally authored by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos.

From Hermès bags to $20M penthouse, Singapore sells off its biggest money laundering haul

Sep 17, 2026

From Hermès bags to $20M penthouse, Singapore sells off its biggest money laundering haul

Singapore has opened online bidding on hundreds of luxury handbags and jewelry pieces seized in its largest money laundering case, launching a series of 15 auctions that will run through May 2027.

Romualdez co-accused, personal assistant Joselyn Serenio has left PH

Sep 17, 2026

Romualdez co-accused, personal assistant Joselyn Serenio has left PH

The co-accused and personal assistant of Leyte Representative and former House Speaker Martin Romauldez in his plunder case has left the Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Thursday.

Australia to ban international students from bringing partners and children

Sep 17, 2026

Australia to ban international students from bringing partners and children

Australia will stop foreign students from bringing their partners and children to accompany them while they study and tighten rules for temporary migrants ​to switch visas, media reported on Thursday, ahead of a minister's ‌speech on immigration changes.

Hyrox Beijing refunds participants affected by defecation incident

Sep 17, 2026

Hyrox Beijing refunds participants affected by defecation incident

Hyrox Beijing has refunded participants who competed on the same schedule as the athlete who defecated mid-competition on September 12.

Drums tell tales from history at the Temple of Literature

Sep 17, 2026

Drums tell tales from history at the Temple of Literature

Drums may seem familiar to people but carry a world of stories about culture, history, arts and crafts that are told to audiences at the One Drum, A Single Drumbeat, A Thousand Years of Civilisation programme in Hà Nội.

LIVE UPDATES: Impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte

Sep 17, 2026

LIVE UPDATES: Impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte

Bookmark this page for Rappler's comprehensive coverage of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial at the Senate

Only 21 senators qualified to vote in Sara Duterte impeachment -- Carpio

Sep 17, 2026

Only 21 senators qualified to vote in Sara Duterte impeachment -- Carpio

For retired Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, only 21 senator-judges are qualified to vote in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

16 or lower? Ex-SC justices guide impeachment court on conviction threshold issue

Sep 17, 2026

16 or lower? Ex-SC justices guide impeachment court on conviction threshold issue

The amici curiae give solicited advice to the impeachment court on the crucial issue

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