SMPC: Bidding rules risk billions in state revenues

Inquirer.net - Oct 19, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) continued its tirade against the government coal bidding rules, saying that the planned auction would “kill” billions of pesos for no gain. “Why kill the golden goose for zero gain?” the company said in a statement on Monday. READ: Semirara cries foul over ‘unfair’ coal bidding rules

Read full article

More News

Is China building a fleet of drone motherships to extend its naval reach?

Oct 19, 2026

Is China building a fleet of drone motherships to extend its naval reach?

A second unusual Chinese vessel suspected of being designed to launch and recover large underwater drones has appeared in Guangzhou, raising questions over whether Beijing is developing a fleet of specialised motherships to extend its undersea operations beyond coastal waters. The smaller vessel, seen under tow on the Pearl River in images circulating online, resembles a ship about 200 metres long seen at a Shanghai shipyard last month that has since been launched. Both feature conspicuous...

PNP boosts patrols in residential areas, public places ahead of ‘Undas’

Oct 19, 2026

PNP boosts patrols in residential areas, public places ahead of ‘Undas’

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) stepped up its security operations in residential areas and public places to prevent crimes as preparations for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, or “Undas” intensified. Cemeteries across the country are expected to see an influx of visitors as Filipinos observe the annual

Ex-Pampanga Rep. Gonzales posts P90,000 bail for graft

Oct 19, 2026

Ex-Pampanga Rep. Gonzales posts P90,000 bail for graft

MANILA, Philippines — Former Pampanga Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales posted P90,000 bail in one of three of his graft cases before the Sandiganbayan Seventh Division over the weekend. The Seventh Division clerk of court told reporters that he posted the bail on Saturday. Sandiganbayan offices have a skeletal workforce every Saturday.  The Office of the

Ex-Pampanga Rep. Gonzales posts P180,000 bail for 2 counts of graft

Oct 19, 2026

Ex-Pampanga Rep. Gonzales posts P180,000 bail for 2 counts of graft

MANILA, Philippines — Former Pampanga Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales posted P180,000 bail in two of three of his graft cases before two Sandiganbayan divisions, the anti-graft court confirmed on Monday. The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday filed three counts of graft against Gonzales over his alleged links to construction firms that secured public works contracts in

4 bird species newly recorded in protected landscape in Rizal

Oct 19, 2026

4 bird species newly recorded in protected landscape in Rizal

LUCENA CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) identified four additional bird species in the Pamitinan Protected Landscape (PPL), enriching the area’s biodiversity profile. In a report on Sunday, the DENR office in the Calabarzon region identified the newly recorded species as the Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher (Ceyx melanurus), Philippine Frogmouth (Batrachostomus septimus),

Why Metallica’s no-bull attitude is the shot in the arm live music needs

Oct 19, 2026

Why Metallica’s no-bull attitude is the shot in the arm live music needs

There is an obvious, almost frustrating divide happening in the music industry today. I have noticed this shift over the years, and it is something that many music fans can relate to. On one hand, we have a growing list of modern artists who look at the concert stage not as a place to perform

INQToday: Raffy Tulfo overtakes Padilla in Octa’s 2028 Senate survey

Oct 19, 2026

INQToday: Raffy Tulfo overtakes Padilla in Octa’s 2028 Senate survey

MANILA, Philippines — Here are INQToday’s top stories this afternoon: Gasoline prices are set to drop by P4.30 per liter on Tuesday, while diesel prices will increase by P2.60 per liter; the Department of Foreign Affairs says no Filipinos have been reported harmed in protests in France and Italy; and Sen. Raffy Tulfo has overtaken

Gawilan bags Philippines’ first gold at 2026 Asian Para Games

Oct 19, 2026

Gawilan bags Philippines’ first gold at 2026 Asian Para Games

Veteran para swimmer Ernie Gawilan delivers for the Philippines anew, winning the country’s first gold at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan

House upped budget for multi-purpose buildings, local roads by P170 billion --watchdog

Oct 19, 2026

House upped budget for multi-purpose buildings, local roads by P170 billion --watchdog

The House of Representatives increased, by P170 billion, the budget for multi-purpose buildings and local access roads in the proposed 2027 national budget, a watchdog group said Monday

Witness admits seeing up to 60 ‘maleta’ at Zaldy Co’s condo

Oct 19, 2026

Witness admits seeing up to 60 ‘maleta’ at Zaldy Co’s condo

MANILA, Philippines — A prosecution witness told the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Monday that he saw up to 60 “maleta” moved in and out of the luxury condominium of  former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, and was told by colleagues that it contained cash. Maj. Alvin Nuguid, who served as close-in security of Co, made

Elderly woman arrested in Quezon drug bust; P191,000 shabu seized

Oct 19, 2026

Elderly woman arrested in Quezon drug bust; P191,000 shabu seized

LUCENA CITY — A 61-year-old woman was arrested on Sunday in a drug bust in Unisan, Quezon, for allegedly selling shabu (crystal meth) to an undercover operative. In a report on Monday, the Quezon Police Provincial Office said members of the local police drug enforcement unit arrested the woman at 12:54 p.m. in Barangay F.

Salmon Group bags $140M funding for expansion, new products

Oct 19, 2026

Salmon Group bags $140M funding for expansion, new products

MANILA, Philippines — Salmon Group, a digital-focused lender, is launching new lending products nationwide and scaling its existing lending business after securing $140 million in fresh financing. In a statement, Salmon said the proceeds will fund scaling its Salmon Credit Line and in-store lending businesses, as well as rolling out motorcycle and micro, small, and medium

Recommended