Villars, local water districts face prelim investigation over graft raps

Inquirer.net - Sep 18, 2026

[Updated as of 7:30 p.m., Sept. 18, 2026] MANILA, Philippines — Sens. Mark and Camille Villar, parents former Sens. Manny and Cynthia Villar, and businessman Paolo Villar, and several officials are now facing investigation over alleged questionable joint venture agreements entered into by Prime Water Infrastructure Corporation (PWIC). Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano announced in a

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Ilocos Sur taps potential of dive tourism

Sep 18, 2026

Ilocos Sur taps potential of dive tourism

SAN ILDEFONSO, Ilocos Sur — The provincial government is promoting Ilocos Sur as an emerging destination for coastal and scuba diving through TouriScuba: Dive Clinic, which it held on Sept. 14 and 15. Set as part of the month-long Ilocos Sur Tourism Festival 2026, Touriscuba introduced participants to basic scuba diving knowledge, safety protocols, and

Leni Robredo thanks PCSO for P25-M Naga hospital equipment

Sep 18, 2026

Leni Robredo thanks PCSO for P25-M Naga hospital equipment

MANILA, Philippines — Naga City Mayor Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, a former vice president, praised the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for donating ₱25.1 million worth of diagnostic equipment to Naga City General Hospital, according to a PCSO statement issued on Friday. “We are beyond grateful, not just for these donations, but for what PCSO

Gensan biz chamber backs Socoteco II-Ignite deal

Sep 18, 2026

Gensan biz chamber backs Socoteco II-Ignite deal

MANILA, Philippines — The General Santos City Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed support for the proposed deal to inject new capital into South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (Socoteco II), while calling for safeguards to protect consumer interests. According to a statement approved by its board, the Gensan Chamber said the planned joint venture

Mindoro protected area at risk of damage after vessel grounding

Sep 18, 2026

Mindoro protected area at risk of damage after vessel grounding

CALAPAN CITY— The grounding of passenger vessel M/V Roromaster 5 has raised concerns over its impact on a marine protected area (MPA) in the town of Abra de Ilog, including a core conservation zone, local disaster officials said Thursday evening The roll-on, roll-off vessel struck the seabed and was beached near Sitio Sigman, Barangay Udalo,

Matibag asks: Why is Rep. Duterte reacting when probe is on contractors?

Sep 18, 2026

Matibag asks: Why is Rep. Duterte reacting when probe is on contractors?

MANILA, Philippines — National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag is confused why Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte is reacting to the agency’s investigation of anomalous flood control projects in the lawmaker’s district. The NBI head is puzzled because he said the subject of the probe are contractors, and not Duterte or other lawmakers.

Heart Evangelista, John Prats set to headline 2027 reunion film

Sep 18, 2026

Heart Evangelista, John Prats set to headline 2027 reunion film

Heart Evangelista and John Prats are bringing their love team back to the big screen after more than two decades, as they reunite for a film set for release in February 2027. The actors and former couple announced their upcoming project that will be directed by Prats himself, during a media conference on Friday, Sept.

Oriental Mindoro tightens border after ASF hits Occidental Mindoro

Sep 18, 2026

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CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — The provincial government of Oriental Mindoro is stepping up border biosecurity measures after the first African Swine Fever (ASF) case struck neighboring Occidental Mindoro last week.  Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Vinscent B. Gahol, Acting Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Alfredo Manglicmot, and Provincial Administrator Atty. Earl Ligorio R. Turano

3 dead, 8 wounded in South Cotabato school shooting

Sep 18, 2026

3 dead, 8 wounded in South Cotabato school shooting

COTABATO CITY—At least three students have died in a shooting incident inside Banga National High School here at past 1 p.m. on Friday, authorities said. Banga Mayor Albert Palencia told Bombo Radyo Koronadal on Friday afternoon that the students were declared dead upon arrival at a local hospital, citing a report from the Municipal Disaster

Nawat Itsaragrisil’s Miss Universe license agreement in jeopardy

Sep 18, 2026

Nawat Itsaragrisil’s Miss Universe license agreement in jeopardy

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Motorcycle crash kills rider, seriously injures another in Cavite

Sep 18, 2026

Motorcycle crash kills rider, seriously injures another in Cavite

LUCENA CITY – A 57-year-old motorcycle rider died while a 22-year-old rider was seriously injured in a collision at Indang town in Cavite on Thursday night, police said. Their two motorcycles crashed into each other along the national highway in Barangay Calumpang Cerca at 6:10 p.m. Police said the older rider overtook another vehicle, occupied

‘We were not on very good terms’: Sterling on tension with Cortesi

Sep 18, 2026

‘We were not on very good terms’: Sterling on tension with Cortesi

Jonathan Sterling was in the audience when Celeste Cortesi walked the Manila Fashion Week runway for designer Chris Nick. But the support viewers saw came after an argument that nearly kept her from the show. “Celeste and I had an argument that day, and we were not on very good terms at that time,” Sterling

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