MJ Lastimosa takes up the cudgels for MUPH ‘repeaters’


Seasoned pageant titleholder MJ Lastimosa, a beauty contest “repeater” herself, has voiced out her defense of seasoned aspirants who continue to chase crowns now that the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 competition’s roster has welcomed veterans anew. “Since you have the opportunity, hindi naman ipinagbabawal iyong mga repeater, hindi naman pinagbabawalan iyong veterans (repeaters and veterans are not prohibited from joining), who are we to say that your dreams are not valid?” she told INQUIRER.net in an interview at the Diamond Hotel in Manila on Feb. 11. Lastimosa was in the hotel to help crown the city’s official delegate to the […]…

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Over 1,200 LGUs embrace automation for better transactions – Marcos


MANILA, Philippines — Over 1,200 local government units (LGUs) have begun automation efforts to enhance their transactions, said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday. Marcos made the pronouncement during the End-Term General Assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) at the Manila Hotel. In his speech, Marcos noted that the national government continues to focus on digitizing  government service and bureaucracy, as well as reinforcing collaboration with various sectors to “address the actual contemporary needs and the challenges” LGUs face. READ: Marcos says digitalization of gov’t processes, transactions to help curb smuggling “One concrete step in this […]…

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PNP: Number of election gun ban violators now reaching 846


MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said there are now 846 violators of the existing gun ban imposed for the 2025 midterm elections. The PNP’s National Election Monitoring Action Center (NEMAC), in coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), logged the following in violation of the gun ban, as of Feb. 11: 796 civilians 23 security guards Seven Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel Five PNP personnel Five personnel of other law enforcement agencies Four foreign nationals Two appointed government officials Two elected government officials One Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) Active Auxiliary personnel One child […]…

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No leader, institution, office should be above the law – Romualdez


MANILA, Philippines —  No leader, institution, or office should be above the law, according to House Speaker Martin Romualdez, stressing that the 1987 Constitution “commands obedience” and “demands accountability.” Romualdez made this point in a speech he delivered before the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) during the recent Constitution Day commemoration. “The Constitution is not a passive document; it commands obedience, it imposes limits, and most importantly, it demands accountability. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that no institution, no office, and no leader is ever beyond the reach of the law,” Romualdez said. “We have seen how the Constitution, […]…

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Marcos urges officials to sustain efforts even after their terms


MANILA, Philippines — With the midterm elections nearing, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on elected officials to sustain their efforts and the changes they made in the government even after the end of their terms. Marcos made the pronouncement during the End-Term General Assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) at the Manila Hotel. In his speech, Marcos told government leaders to reflect on their work and to “embrace” the “grit, passion, and commitment to service” they had. “Even beyond your tenure, I hope that you will adopt and sustain the reforms that we have […]…

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BPI AIA marks 15 years of protecting Filipinos and empowering their futures


BPI AIA Life Assurance Corporation (BPI AIA), the strategic alliance between AIA Philippines (formerly Philam Life) one of the leading life insurers in the country and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), the first bank in the Philippines and in the Southeast Asian region, proudly celebrates 15 years of delivering on its promise to build better lives and futures for BPI customers. Since 2009, the company has provided access to reliable, affordable, and accessible insurance solutions to more than 10 million BPI customers, demonstrating significant growth and establishing itself as a digital leader in the Philippine insurance landscape. From a […]…

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Japan asks US for exemption from Trump steel tariffs


Tokyo, Japan — Japan asked the United States on Wednesday to be exempt from President Donald Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminum exports, Tokyo’s top government spokesman said. Trump has signed executive orders to impose 25 percent tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum starting March 12, triggering angry reactions internationally including from Canada, Mexico, and the European Union. “We are aware of the presidential order about additional tariffs on steel and aluminum were issued… we have requested to the US government to exclude our country from the measures,” Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters. READ: Canada, Mexico, EU slam ‘unjustified’ Trump […]…

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Art, history, and a little romance


This coming Valentine’s Day, why not swap the traditional dinner date for a cultural escapade that feeds your soul? Let culture be your cupid in this season of love and explore some of the Philippines’ most captivating museums. Whether you’re with a special someone, friends, or family, these destinations will surely offer a refreshing alternative to your usual celebration. The National Museum of the Philippines Step into a world of heritage and history at the National Museum, where centuries of art and culture come alive. Wander through its halls and expansive galleries, where you can immerse yourself in centuries-old masterpieces, […]…

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Belle Mariano, Donny Pangilinan get candid about each other’s ‘green flags’


While Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan’s new show “How to Spot a Red Flag” reminds viewers to be careful about relationship red flags, the onscreen tandem have all but good stuff to say to each other about what makes them a “green flag.” Set in La Union, “How To Spot a Red Flag” tells the story of Cha (Mariano) who finds herself caught between Matt (Pangilinan) and JR (Jameson Blake) vying for her attention. The romantic comedy first premiered on a streaming platform in November 2024, and a teleserye version is currently being aired on free TV and the Kapamilya […]…

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Customs brokers group appeals for lifting of suspended accreditation


MANILA, Philippines — A local trade association of customs brokers has made a plea to the Bureau of Customs to reverse the effect of its earlier regulation which automatically suspended brokers who were issued with a warrant of seizure and detention. In a statement, the Philippine Chamber of Customs Brokers, Inc. (PCCBI) said they have submitted an additional list of its members to the (BOC) for the omnibus lifting of suspended, canceled, or revoked accreditation to the BOC. “The PCCBI emphasized the vital role of licensed customs brokers in facilitating trade and ensuring compliance with customs regulations,” the PCCBI said […]…

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