Castro: Sara Duterte camp’s inattention leaves VP ‘clueless’

Inquirer.net - Sep 17, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Palace press officer Claire Castro on Thursday said the lack of attention from Vice President Sara Duterte’s camp may explain why the vice president appears “clueless” about the administration’s programs. The remarks came after Duterte’s new spokesperson, Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr., said Castro was not a factor in his appointment and that he

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DOE seeks rules on boarding EVs on ships after MV June Aster tragedy

Sep 17, 2026

DOE seeks rules on boarding EVs on ships after MV June Aster tragedy

MANILA, Philippines — Following the fire on a Palawan ferry that carried an electric vehicle (EV), the Department of Energy (DOE) has sought new guidelines on boarding EVs and hybrids onto vessels from the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina). On Wednesday last week (September 9), M/V June Aster caught fire at sea while on its way

Art in support of animal welfare

Sep 17, 2026

Art in support of animal welfare

Leon Gallery and Biyaya Animal Care Foundation’s “Art Fur All Kinds” brings 65 artists together for a special exhibition and sale this September

Butuan City acquires 4 new tankers to boost water rationing operations

Sep 17, 2026

Butuan City acquires 4 new tankers to boost water rationing operations

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Butuan City’s emergency water rationing operations got a boost with the arrival of four newly-acquired water tankers on Wednesday, amid the continuing disruption in water supply affecting several communities. The additional fleet consists of two high-capacity tankers with a capacity of 20,000 liters each and two tankers capable of

Ridon still among co-lead prosecs in Duterte trial despite show-cause order

Sep 17, 2026

Ridon still among co-lead prosecs in Duterte trial despite show-cause order

MANILA, Philippines — Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon will remain one of the co-lead prosecutors in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte in connection with her alleged unexplained wealth. He gave this statement amid the impeachment court’s issuance to him of a show-cause order over a possible violation of the sub judice

Magnitude 4.4 earthquake jolts Leyte, Samar

Sep 17, 2026

Magnitude 4.4 earthquake jolts Leyte, Samar

TACLOBAN CITY — A magnitude 4.4 earthquake was felt in parts of Leyte and Samar provinces on Sept. 17, with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reporting no expected damage or aftershocks. Phivolcs said the tectonic earthquake struck at 3:59 p.m., with its epicenter traced to Leyte, Leyte. READ: Magnitude 7 earthquake hits

Palace: Half-day work in gov’t offices on Sept. 28 (Monday) for Family Week

Sep 17, 2026

Palace: Half-day work in gov’t offices on Sept. 28 (Monday) for Family Week

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has ordered the suspension of work in government offices starting at 1 p.m. on Sept. 28 (Monday) to give government employees and their families an opportunity to observe the 34th National Family Week. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) made the announcement on Thursday. Included are all government agencies and instrumentalities under the

North-South Commuter Railway full operations moved to Q3 of 2033

Sep 17, 2026

North-South Commuter Railway full operations moved to Q3 of 2033

MANILA, Philippines — The scheduled full operation of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) has been moved from 2032 to 2033 due to cost-cutting measures of the government, Palace press officer Claire Castro announced on Thursday. She said the adjustment was approved by the Economy and Development Council (EDC), chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., during Wednesday

Man stabbed to death for singing loudly in Quezon

Sep 17, 2026

Man stabbed to death for singing loudly in Quezon

LUCENA CITY – A man was stabbed to death by a neighbor following an argument over his loud singing in San Francisco, Quezon, on Wednesday night. The victim, who was allegedly drunk, was singing loudly as he walked home in Barangay Mabunga at around 8:30 p.m. when the suspect confronted him as he wandered near

Marcos cites benefits, need for food production technologies upgrade

Sep 17, 2026

Marcos cites benefits, need for food production technologies upgrade

MANILA, Philippines — There is a need to further study and improve technologies that can accelerate the production of common food products with added nutritional value, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Thursday. He made the remarks after inspecting the Nutridense Food Manufacturing Corporation in Sta. Barbara, Pangasinan. READ: DOH aims to reduce stunting to

Naga City Hospital gets P25.1M in medical equipment from PCSO

Sep 17, 2026

Naga City Hospital gets P25.1M in medical equipment from PCSO

NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur — Patients at Naga City General Hospital will get faster and more accessible diagnostic services after the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) turned over P25.1 million worth of medical equipment to the facility on Thursday. The donation included a digital stationary X-ray machine, an ultrasound machine, and a 2D echocardiogram machine.

PNP: EO formalizing anti-drug stance will help legitimize police ops

Sep 17, 2026

PNP: EO formalizing anti-drug stance will help legitimize police ops

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said an executive order to be issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formalizing the government’s anti-drug stance will help legitimize the agency’s operations. “The evolving strategies and stable support system from the national government… serve as the guiding light towards aggressive operations anchored on the

Missing fisherman in Batangas found dead

Sep 17, 2026

Missing fisherman in Batangas found dead

LUCENA CITY – A 47-year-old fisherman who had been missing after his boat was found burning in the waters off Calatagan, Batangas, on Sept.13 was found dead on Thursday morning. The body of Celideño Hernandez, a resident of Barangay Tanagan, was recovered at around 11 a.m. in waters near the area where his fishing boat

Passage of anti-political dynasty law is a congressional priority – Dy

Sep 17, 2026

Passage of anti-political dynasty law is a congressional priority – Dy

MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Thursday guaranteed that the passage of an anti-political dynasty law is a congressional priority. Dy made this statement after the Supreme Court (SC) ruled that Congress has a constitutional duty to enact and define a law that prohibits political dynasties. The SC en banc’s unanimous decision

PETA says it plans meeting with fashion executive who restrained protesters at NY Fashion Week

Sep 17, 2026

PETA says it plans meeting with fashion executive who restrained protesters at NY Fashion Week

Steven Kolb has apologized for his actions against PETA at New York Fashion Week and is taking a leave from his job pending an investigation.

BOC flags misdeclared P1.04-M medical devices at Cebu port

Sep 17, 2026

BOC flags misdeclared P1.04-M medical devices at Cebu port

MANILA, Philippines — Around P1.04 million worth of medical devices were flagged at the Port of Cebu after they were misdeclared as a water purifier tube and bag, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported on Thursday, Sept. 17. According to the BOC, two 40-foot containers were found carrying at least 78,720 medical devices during its

NBI sees ‘red flags’ in 47 flood control projects in Paolo Duterte’s district

Sep 17, 2026

NBI sees ‘red flags’ in 47 flood control projects in Paolo Duterte’s district

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has flagged 47 of 100 flood control projects in the district of Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said Thursday. The projects are part of the P1.9 billion worth of flood control projects in Duterte’s district, all of which Matibag said were awarded

'Daulat Tuanku' chants greet Tuanku Muhriz as supporters rally at KLIA

Sep 17, 2026

'Daulat Tuanku' chants greet Tuanku Muhriz as supporters rally at KLIA

Rally organiser accuses ruler's rivals of committing treason, calls for action.

Montenegro Lines bans EVs and HEVs on vessels as safety precaution

Sep 17, 2026

Montenegro Lines bans EVs and HEVs on vessels as safety precaution

Domestic shipping company Montenegro Lines announced that it is banning, "effective immediately," any electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid EV (HEV) from its vessels, whether for passenger or cargo carriage, as a safety measure.

Environment groups decry police ‘harassment’ over Nueva Vizcaya mining

Sep 17, 2026

Environment groups decry police ‘harassment’ over Nueva Vizcaya mining

MANILA, Philippines — Environmental groups on Thursday condemned the Philippine National Police (PNP) for allegedly harassing organizers barricading in Kasibu, Nueva Vizcaya to stave off a mining venture there. The groups, spearheaded by the Kasibu Intertribal Response for Ecological Development (Kired), took their grievances to a protest staged outside the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame,

PNP eyeing foreign counterparts to help track Romualdez’s co-accused

Sep 17, 2026

PNP eyeing foreign counterparts to help track Romualdez’s co-accused

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it is considering coordinating with its foreign counterparts to track down one of the co-accused in the plunder case against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. In a press briefing in Camp Crame, PNP public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co assured that manhunt for

Castro on Sept. 21 protests: If groups will stage violent rallies, that’s illegal

Sep 17, 2026

Castro on Sept. 21 protests: If groups will stage violent rallies, that’s illegal

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday asked Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) to clarify how it plans to hold its Sept. 21 protest if it is rejecting government’s call for a peaceful demonstration. The Palace is reacting to the statement of Bayan Secretary-General Raymond “Mong” Palatino on the sidelines of a protest outside Camp Crame in Quezon

JV Ejercito admits political clan helped, but backs anti-dynasty bill

Sep 17, 2026

JV Ejercito admits political clan helped, but backs anti-dynasty bill

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. JV Ejercito on Thursday renewed his call for an anti-political dynasty law despite being part of a political dynasty himself. His statement came a day after the Supreme Court directed Congress to enact a law banning political dynasties under the 1987 Constitution. “I benefited from it when I first entered politics,

Marcoleta ‘happy’ as Duterte appears in ‘good condition’ at ICC

Sep 17, 2026

Marcoleta ‘happy’ as Duterte appears in ‘good condition’ at ICC

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Rodante Marcoleta on Thursday said he is “happy” as he noted that former President Rodrigo Duterte appeared to be in good condition after appearing before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the first time. Marcoleta made the remarks after his bail hearing for plunder at the Sandiganbayan Third Division, which allowed

Heavy rains to prevail over Metro Manila, Luzon areas Thursday afternoon

Sep 17, 2026

Heavy rains to prevail over Metro Manila, Luzon areas Thursday afternoon

MANILA, Philippines — Heavy rains are expected to prevail over Metro Manila and 11 other areas in Luzon on Thursday afternoon, Sept. 17, due to localized thunderstorms, the state weather bureau said. In a thunderstorm advisory issued at 2:30 p.m., the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said heavy to intense rains with

AGC: N Sembilan MB, state exco's decision on Tuanku Muhriz invalid

Sep 17, 2026

AGC: N Sembilan MB, state exco's decision on Tuanku Muhriz invalid

'State exco's media announcement has no legal bearing.'

Missing sabungeros case continues with only one complainant attending

Sep 17, 2026

Missing sabungeros case continues with only one complainant attending

There is one complainant left who continues to attend the hearings in the case of the missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) after other families were allegedly paid off.

Vietnam's top leader To Lam heads to UN General Assembly and Canada

Sep 17, 2026

Vietnam's top leader To Lam heads to UN General Assembly and Canada

Vietnam's Party General Secretary and President To Lam will attend the U.N. General Assembly's high-level general debate in New York and pay a state visit to Canada this month.

Pardons Board to reconvene tomorrow, discuss Najib's pardon bid – report

Sep 17, 2026

Pardons Board to reconvene tomorrow, discuss Najib's pardon bid – report

However, a Putrajaya source declines to confirm whether there is a meeting.

PCSO Lotto Results: No winners of major jackpot draws on September 17, 2026

Sep 17, 2026

PCSO Lotto Results: No winners of major jackpot draws on September 17, 2026

There were no winners of either of the major lotto draws on September 17, 2026, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) announced on Thursday.

ICC orders continued detention for Rodrigo Duterte  | The wRap

Sep 17, 2026

ICC orders continued detention for Rodrigo Duterte  | The wRap

Today’s headlines: Rodrigo Duterte, Baste Duterte, Mark Zuckerberg

Ilocos power utility backs nuke option

Sep 17, 2026

Ilocos power utility backs nuke option

CALASIAO, Pangasinan —Reviving the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, which the previous Marcos administration in 1979 billed as a long-term solution to the country’s growing power demand and dependence on imported oil, got the support of the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC).  In his lecture “Powering the Countryside: Rural Electrification in the Marcos Senior Era, The

Kitty Duterte stands by father Rodrigo Duterte at ICC appearance

Sep 17, 2026

Kitty Duterte stands by father Rodrigo Duterte at ICC appearance

Veronica “Kitty” Duterte on Thursday expressed her support for her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, after he made his first in-person appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Marcoleta ‘solicited’ funds from donor – witness tells Sandiganbayan

Sep 17, 2026

Marcoleta ‘solicited’ funds from donor – witness tells Sandiganbayan

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Rodante Marcoleta allegedly “solicited” P20 million from businessman Aristotle Viray, one of the donors linked to the plunder case involving P75-million funds, a witness told the Sandiganbayan on Thursday. Maria Melinda Mananghaya-Henson of the Office of the Ombudsman’s Field Investigation Bureau, who led the fact-finding investigation into the case, made the

SB19's Josh to hold Like Me showcase in September

Sep 17, 2026

SB19's Josh to hold Like Me showcase in September

Josh Cullen of SB19 is set to meet his fans at his upcoming Like Me showcase this September.

PH still deadliest country in Asia for environmental defenders for 13th straight year

Sep 17, 2026

PH still deadliest country in Asia for environmental defenders for 13th straight year

The latest report from watchdog group Global Witness says violence against defenders in the Philippines in 2025 was linked to the government's counterinsurgency programs and extractive projects

SNAPSHOT | Haze: M'sia formally offers assistance to Indonesia; 'publicise criteria for prosecuting, withdrawing charges'

Sep 17, 2026

SNAPSHOT | Haze: M'sia formally offers assistance to Indonesia; 'publicise criteria for prosecuting, withdrawing charges'

What’s going on in the news today, with updates at 9am, 2pm, 6pm, and 9pm.

16 US colleges now cost more than $100,000 a year

Sep 17, 2026

16 US colleges now cost more than $100,000 a year

16 U.S. colleges will charge more than US$100,000 for a single year of undergraduate study in the 2026-27 academic year, a surge from only two schools a year earlier.

Padilla sheds tears upon seeing ‘Father Digong’ appear at ICC chamber

Sep 17, 2026

Padilla sheds tears upon seeing ‘Father Digong’ appear at ICC chamber

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Robin Padilla shed tears of joy after former President Rodrigo Duterte made his first in-person appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) Trial Chamber III on Wednesday. It has been a year and a half since Duterte attended his proceedings in the Hague, which he previously only attended through online video

PNP to Sept. 21 protesters: Don’t test police’s resolve

Sep 17, 2026

PNP to Sept. 21 protesters: Don’t test police’s resolve

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday cautioned protesters not to test the law enforcement agency’s resolve ahead of rallies expected this Monday, September 21 to protest corruption and mark the 54th anniversary of the declaration of martial law. PNP public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co issued the warning in a

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