Trump’s new spokeswoman is a ‘devoted fan’ who lived in Beijing and speaks Chinese

South China Morning Post - Oct 11, 2026

Before she addresses the world from behind the White House briefing room podium this week, 42-year-old Katie Zacharia has a story that stretches far beyond Washington’s power corridors. Years before US President Donald Trump appointed her as his new press secretary, she lived in Beijing, worked at one of China’s leading law firms, and learned enough Chinese to occasionally surprise people. Her reported experience in China spans international law and a communications role with a non-profit...

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Regulators OK Meralco rate hike after 15 yrs

Oct 11, 2026

Regulators OK Meralco rate hike after 15 yrs

MANILA, Philippines — More than 8 million customers of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) may have to pay more after regulators approved a rate increase of about 13 centavos per kilowatt-hour, the first adjustment after 15 years. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) gave the green light for Meralco’s new average distribution rate of P1.48 per kWh,

Ombudsman: DICT chief Aguda has resigned

Oct 11, 2026

Ombudsman: DICT chief Aguda has resigned

MANILA, Philippines — Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda has resigned and Malacañang had “already accepted” his resignation, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Saturday. There was no immediate confirmation from Malacañang. Palace insiders said that President Marcos himself would speak about this matter on Sunday before flying back from Singapore, where he

Tagle makes history as first Asian dean of cardinals

Oct 11, 2026

Tagle makes history as first Asian dean of cardinals

MANILA, Philippines — Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle is the new dean of the College of Cardinals, considered as a group of elites who advise the Pope and elect a new one when the papacy becomes vacant. This makes Tagle, 69, the first Filipino and Asian dean of the College after Pope Leo XIV approved his

NBI files graft raps vs CHR chair, 3 others

Oct 11, 2026

NBI files graft raps vs CHR chair, 3 others

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation on Friday filed a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman against Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chair Richard Palpal-latoc and three others for allegedly claiming travel allowances for a monthlong overseas seminar that was already funded by a donor. The other subjects of the complaint were

PhilHealth warns vs fake accreditation assistance

Oct 11, 2026

PhilHealth warns vs fake accreditation assistance

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) has warned healthcare providers and the public against online posts and advertisements offering assistance to secure or expedite accreditation with the state insurer. PhilHealth said it had not authorized any third party to facilitate or speed up the accreditation process on its behalf. “PhilHealth has not

Recto to agencies: Procure early for ‘super’ El Niño

Oct 11, 2026

Recto to agencies: Procure early for ‘super’ El Niño

MANILA, Philippines — Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has directed government agencies to accelerate public spending and begin early procurement for 2027 programs, particularly those aimed at preparing the country for the anticipated “super” El Niño. “We have one more quarter to improve spending for the year. Let’s get our acts together in the fourth quarter,”

Calabarzon workers get P45 wage hike

Oct 11, 2026

Calabarzon workers get P45 wage hike

MANILA, Philippines — More than 1.56 million minimum wage earners in Calabarzon region are expected to benefit from a daily wage increase of up to P45 starting Oct. 26, following the approval of a new wage order by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB 4A). Under Wage Order No. IVA-23, the maximum P45

OFW count, remittances fall in two straight quarters of 2025

Oct 11, 2026

OFW count, remittances fall in two straight quarters of 2025

MANILA, Philippines — Fewer Filipinos worked abroad in April to September 2025, as remittances covering that period also declined compared with a year earlier, according to preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). In its latest Survey on Overseas Filipinos, the PSA said the number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) fell by 6.3 percent

PNP probes if seized Laos drugs bound for Manila

Oct 11, 2026

PNP probes if seized Laos drugs bound for Manila

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police is verifying claims by foreign authorities that 521 kilograms of “shabu” (crystal meth) seized in Laos early this month was bound for Manila, saying there is no hard evidence yet linking the Philippines to the illegal cargo despite its reported transport by a Filipino passenger. PNP spokesperson Col.

Fear grows among Semirara folk over coal industry’s future

Oct 11, 2026

Fear grows among Semirara folk over coal industry’s future

ILOILO CITY — The threat of mass layoffs is stirring fears that go well beyond the workplace. Behind every possible job loss is a household facing bills it may no longer be able to pay, a small store at risk of losing its customers, and a student wondering whether the dream of finishing school will

This week’s milestones: Oct. 11 to Oct. 17

Oct 11, 2026

This week’s milestones: Oct. 11 to Oct. 17

Oct. 11, 2024 The Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) opened the country’s first drive-thru post office in Davao City. In line with the city’s goal of improving vehicular flow and alleviating traffic around the Davao City Central Post Office, the drive-thru service provides a more accessible and time-efficient option for the convenience of the mailing public.

Senate to conduct inquiry on P700-M rice smuggling attempt from Vietnam

Oct 11, 2026

Senate to conduct inquiry on P700-M rice smuggling attempt from Vietnam

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform will soon conduct a hearing into the attempted smuggling of around P700 million worth of rice from Vietnam, according to Sen. Francis Pangilinan. He said the incident raises serious concerns over the continued lack of convictions of big-time smugglers and how this apparent

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