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Tuesday, August 26, 2025
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Rains over Metro Manila, parts of PH as LPA may develop into 'short-lived' tropical depression

By Arlie O. Calalo

HEADLINES: Batangas engineer suspended after alleged bribery attempt on congressman Leviste | Aug. 26, 2025

HEADLINES: Batangas engineer suspended after alleged bribery attempt on congressman Leviste | Aug. 26, 2025

PNP chief Torre relieved from post — Palace

By Catherine S. Valente

Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan answers questions during the investigation on flood control projects, led by Senate blue ribbon committee chairman, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta, at the Philippine Senate in Pasay City, on Aug. 19, 2025. Only 7 out of the 15 contractors attended the inquiry. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO

Batangas engineer suspended after alleged bribery attempt on congressman Leviste

By William B. Depasupil and Bernadette E. Tamayo

WASTED MONEY President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. looks at the rock shed project that eroded just months after its completion. PHOTO FROM PHILIPPINE INFORMATION AGENCY-CORDILLERA

P270M rock shed useless – Marcos

By Kristina Maralit

PNP chief Torre relieved from post — Palace

Batangas engineer suspended after alleged bribery attempt on congressman Leviste

P270M rock shed useless – Marcos

Today's Weather, 5 A.M. | Aug. 26, 2025

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Rains over Metro Manila, parts of PH as LPA may develop into 'short-lived' tropical depression

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Today's Weather, 5 A.M. | Aug. 26, 2025

The Department of Agriculture, led by Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra and other local officials, launch the 'P20 Benteng Bigas Meron Na Para sa Magsasaka' program at the National Food Authority (NFA) Balagtas Warehouse 3 in Bulacan on Aug. 13, 2025. The project seeks to provide affordable rice for farmers amidst rising prices of basic commodities due to disasters and inflation. PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

Rice import suspension may lead to BSP policy pause, Deutsche Bank predicts

INCLUSIVE FINANCIAL GROWTH Now in its 32nd year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas stays steady in driving digitalization, financial inclusion and economic resilience amid global and domestic challenges. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

PH debt service burden hits $5.87B as of end-May

Chair of the US Federal Reserve Jerome Powell speaks during a news conference following the July 29-30 Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting in Washington, DC on July 30, 2025.
The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged for a fifth consecutive policy meeting Wednesday, defying strong political pressure from President Donald Trump to slash borrowing costs -- although divisions emerged among policymakers. The US central bank's call to hold interest rates at a range between 4.25 percent and 4.50 percent comes amid a flurry of data releases this week, including an early estimate showing the world's biggest economy returned to growth in the second quarter. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP)

Asian stock markets rally on hopes of Fed rate cut

Global Ferronickel denounces chairman's 'unlawful' arrest, asserts operational stability

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 13: U.S. President Donald Trump mocks Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell as he speaks during an event at the Kennedy Center on August 13, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump announced the first nominees of the annual Kennedy Center Honors since taking control of the center’s board earlier this year. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Andrew Harnik / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

World's central bankers fear being caught in Fed's storm

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DA to launch food supply data center

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Converge calls for rules in Konektadong Pinoy law

FROM Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority - APECO Facebook Page

Apeco touted as gateway to East Asia, US for Indonesian business

Antonio Contreras

On the Contrary

The myth of judicial infallibility: When courts trade truth for power

By Antonio Contreras

Observer

Two thoughts about greed

By Yen Makabenta

Orlando Mercado

O RLY?

Slaying the dragon of corruption

By Orlando Mercado

Rough Trade

Electric co-ops are obstacles to progress

Today's Front Page

KILLER WAY FOR TAXPAYERS

Small steps in the midst of so much greed

Validity of non-compete clauses in employment contracts

By Persida Acosta

Rafael Alunan III

Corruption is national security’s greatest enemy

By Rafael Alunan III

Michael “Xiao” Chua

Walking History

AI and ‘pakikipagkapwa’

By Michael “Xiao” Chua

The City Builder

Sue the contractors

By Arnel Casanova

Ma. Lourdes Tiquia

Zilch

Of flood-control contractors, and the politics of LOAs

By Ma. Lourdes Tiquia

Lloyd C. Bautista

Securitatem Populi

Massive floods could spark a political crisis and destroy Marcos’ legacy

By Lloyd C. Bautista

The Department of Agriculture, led by Assistant Secretary Genevieve Guevarra and other local officials, launch the 'P20 Benteng Bigas Meron Na Para sa Magsasaka' program at the National Food Authority (NFA) Balagtas Warehouse 3 in Bulacan on Aug. 13, 2025. The project seeks to provide affordable rice for farmers amidst rising prices of basic commodities due to disasters and inflation. PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

BUSINESS

Rice import suspension may lead to BSP policy pause, Deutsche Bank predicts

By Niña Myka Pauline Arceo

Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh PHOTO FROM BEST/UNIOKEEZ BAUTISTA JR.

SPORTS

Micaela Mojdeh shines at PAI Nationals, secures spot for 2025 SEA Games

WORLD

South Korea's Lee faces pivotal test at first summit with Trump

Juan Carlos ‘Arjo’ Atayde is 73rd Famas’ Best Actor awardee. PHOTOS FROM NATHAN STUDIOS

Arjo Atayde’s Famas win highlights Nathan Studios’ filmmaking excellence

This Moana costume is one of the offerings at the Disney Store in the Philippines. PHOTOS FROM DISNEY STORE PH

LIFESTYLE

Second Disney Store in the Philippines to open at SM North EDSA

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads National Heroes’ Day rites at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on August 25, 2025. PHOTO BY RENE H DILAN

NATIONAL HEROES’ DAY

August 25, 2025

Philippine delegates to the WorldSkillsAseanManila gather at Marriot Hotel in Pasay City Aug. 25, 2025. PPA POOL/ REVOLI CORTEZ

WorldSkillsAseanManila

August 25, 2025

Members of the Filipinos Do Not Yield Movement hold a protest rally in front of the Chinese Embassy in Makati City on August 25, 2025 to condemn the dangerous maneuvers of Chinese ships at Bajo de Masinloc. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

FILIPINOS DO NOT YIELD MOVEMENT

August 25, 2025

The original sketch of National Artist Botong Francisco’s most famous work “Filipino Struggles Through History” is displayed at his home studio in Angono, Rizal on August 25, 2025. The painting was commissioned by former Manila mayor Antonio Villegas in 1964. PHOTO BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

'Filipino Struggles Through History'

August 25, 2025

Artists cast murals in cement in Angono, Rizal, hometown of National Artist Botong Francisco. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

NATIONAL ARTIST'S HOMETOWN

August 25, 2025

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inspected on Sunday, Aug. 24, the rock shed project along Kennon Road at Camp 6, Tuba, Benguet which he said was ‘useless.’ PHOTOS BY HARLEY PALANGCHAO

Nation

Artikulo Onse' group calls for independent panel to probe flood control corruption

A NEW anti-corruption group called Artikulo Onse: Citizens’ War Against Corruption urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to create an independent body to probe anomalous government projects, particularly on flood control.Launched at the Quezon City Memorial Circle, the group said members of an independent commission could include members from the clergy, labor, retired magistrates, and people with credibility and integrity, said JV Bautista, secretary-general of the United Nationalist Alliance.He said that Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who has been outspoken about corruption in

By Arlie O. Calalo - August 26, 2025

Alex Eala makes history With comeback victory at US Open

Most Filipinos distrust China, see it as biggest threat — OCTA survey

Marcos to youth: Help in nation-building

PH, Australia commend ‘impressive’ joint sea drills

Pump prices go up

Rise in HFMD cases due to better reporting, not outbreak

Vico encourages citizens on Heroes’ Day to be brave

Supreme Court censures Marikina judge over parking dispute with PAO lawyer

Dumanjug mayor welcomes CHR investigation

SAVED The Philippine Coast Guard’s MRRV-4408 (background) rescues on Aug, 25, 2025, a fisherman (foreground) who was reported missing at Bajo de Masinloc in Zambales three days ago. PCG PHOTO

Missing fisherman rescued after 3 days at sea

From Metro Cebu Water District - MCWD Facebook Page

Cebu households given one month to pay water bills before disconnection

Samar governor clarifies viral 'Kuratsa' video

PARTNERSHIP US Indo-Pacific Command Adm. Samuel Paparo, Deputy Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces Gen. Tandyo Budi Revita, and Canada’s Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Jennie Carignan, during the opening of Super Garuda Shield 2025, in Jakarta, on Aug. 25, 2025. AP PHOTO

Indonesia hosts annual US-led combat drills with Indo-Pacific allies

By Agence France-Presse

LOOMING AGONY Convicted murderer Erin Patterson is escorted out of the Supreme Court of Victoria following the day’s proceedings in a pre-sentencing hearing in Melbourne on Aug. 25, 2025. AFP PHOTO

Australia's mushroom murderer faces victims' family in court

STEPPING DOWN? Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks to the media following the announcement of the United States-Japan trade deal at his office in the capital Tokyo on July 23, 2025. KYODO NEWS PHOTO VIA AP

Japan PM Ishiba bounces back in polls after election debacle

Cambodian lawmakers register as they arrive to attend a meeting at the National Assembly building in Phnom Penh on August 25, 2025, where they are expected to pass laws allowing for citizenship to be stripped. (Photo by TANG CHHIN Sothy / AFP)

Cambodia MPs pass law allowing stripping of citizenship

ON TARGET A photojournalist takes a picture of smoke after an Israeli air strike on Yemen’s Houthi-held capital Sanaa on Aug. 24, 2025. AFP Photo

Israeli strikes in Yemen's capital kill six, Houthis say

PRECAUTION Armed members of the South Carolina National Guard while positioned outside Union Station in Washington, on Aug. 24, 2025. AP Photo

Some National Guard units in Washington are now carrying firearms in escalation of Trump deployment

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Iran nuclear talks with European powers to be held in Geneva

INCLUSIVE FINANCIAL GROWTH Now in its 32nd year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas stays steady in driving digitalization, financial inclusion and economic resilience amid global and domestic challenges. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Top Business

PH debt service burden hits $5.87B as of end-May

THE country’s debt service burden edged up by 0.5 percent to $5.87 billion as of end-May from $5.84 billion a year earlier, preliminary Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data showed.Principal payments climbed 2.7 percent to $2.65 billion from $2.58 billion while interest payments slid by 1.2 percent to $3.22 billion from $3.26 billion.The debt service burden covers principal and interest payments on medium- to long-term credits such as those from the International Monetary Fund, loans under Paris Club agreements and debt restructurings by commercial banks, along with new money facilities.It

By Niña Myka Pauline Arceo - August 26, 2025

Asian stock markets rally on hopes of Fed rate cut

Global Ferronickel denounces chairman's 'unlawful' arrest, asserts operational stability

World's central bankers fear being caught in Fed's storm

DA to launch food supply data center

Converge calls for rules in Konektadong Pinoy law

Extension of Sta. Rita gas plant PPA under study

Apeco touted as gateway to East Asia, US for Indonesian business

Monde Nissin trims 2025 capex to P4B, revises APAC food and beverage budget

DigiPlus to boost customer support team to 450 by yearend

Concrete Stone ecures P22M deal for port development in Isabela

SEC shuts down 7 unregistered online lending firms

NLEX Corp. sees 31% rise in H1 net income, thanks to higher toll revenues

Gilas Pilipinas’ Carl Tamayo (right) FIBA PHOTO

Sports

Mon Fernandez talks tough road for Gilas with Australia, New Zealand in Asia Zone

(UPDATE) FILIPINO basketball legend Ramon Fernandez admitted that the merger of Oceania basketball powerhouse teams Australia and New Zealand to the Asia zone made the competition a lot tougher, particularly for the Gilas Pilipinas squad.But that should not prevent the national team from working double time in its effort to regain its once lofty status in the Asian region, or even be a potential world power in the years to come.“That’s sports, that’s basketball, things really happen (when things) not favoring us every now and then,” Fernandez said when asked about Gilas’ recent

By Richard Dy - August 26, 2025

Adamson University sweeps Shakey's SSL Cebu leg, defeats Ateneo for title

Meralco open at tapping Brownlee as EASL import, Vucinic says

Fleetwood, Henderson, Rahm big winners on busy day in golf

Mbappé scores twice as Real Madrid blanks Oviedo

Medvedev's US Open match delayed by booing fans

Taiwan wins first Little League title since 1996

New hero on National Heroes Day

Cignal keeps PVL finals hopes alive with win over ZUS Coffee

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of August 22, 2025

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Brother’s diner

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Stock indices as of August 20, 2025

SMART ENERGY SM Seaside City Cebu solar panels are part of SM’s sustainable innovations that reflect how smart energy solutions can create lasting impact for both business and the environment. PHOTO FROM SM

SM Prime, DOST, Arise Philippines to host first sustainability expo

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warmly receives HE Prabowo Subianto in a courtesy call at Malacañan Palace. Photo from the Presidential Communications Office

A journey of unity, sovereignty and progress

MONEY IN PLASTIC The photo features Teresa Caloy, HOPE’s Aling Tindera partner from Barangay Ligaya, Mabini, Batangas.
Century Pacific Food Inc. (CNPF) has 30 collection sites in Mabini, Batangas as of 2025. PHOTO FROM CNPF

Century Pacific leads efforts to keep plastic waste out of nature

RECYCLING TOGETHER
SariCycle® program’s recruitment and activation has
kickstarted in February 2024. As of July 2025, the program
is present in 33 barangay (villages) with more than 1,200
active participants or SariCyclers. PHOTOS FROM
AJINOMOTO PHILIPPINES

Ajinomoto Philippines takes crucial steps to combat plastic waste

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Tmt Newswire

RCBC receives four major awards from regional and global award-giving bodies

RCBC earned four major accolades from regional and global award-giving bodies, including the Philippines Domestic Payroll Initiative of the Year from Asian Banking & Finance and Best Cash Management Bank in the Philippines from The Asian Banker. These awards recognize the bank’s innovation and customer-centric solutions.“Our focus has always been to enable our corporate clients to better manage collections, payments, and liquidity. We continue to invest in platforms and partnerships that make transactions faster, safer, and more convenient — helping businesses thrive in an increasingly

PRC honors Mitsubishi for lifesaving blood donation milestone

Rotary clubs “knows no borders, bring communities together”

"Panahon sa Taiwan Travel Fair" coming August 30

VinGroup receives top gov’t award for excellent infra work

MOPC recognizes SM's contribution to tourism

Toyota, Pasay LGU restarts free ride program

SBS now 10 years as a listed company

Korea Fiesta Deals: Book now for free flight perks

The Manila Times supports Asia's Modern Hero Awards as it legacy of empowerment

Pia Wurtzbach's trip to Paris made effortless with BDO Elite Credit Card

ProtekTODO offers essential protection

Max Mara introduces “Time, Tailored.” campaign

When rare isn’t rare enough — Bugatti makes one-of-ones, twice a year. PHOTOS FROM BUGATTI

Fast Times

Bugatti Brouillard debuts as first bespoke hypercar from Programme Solitaire

Raymond-Gregory-Tribdino

Smart ways to navigate car deals: Why one size doesn't fit all

Abucay Church, Bataan: where heritage and devotion stand the test of time. PHOTOS BY JOSEPH T. BAUTISTA

Can a Tesla handle long drives in the Philippines? NLEX Lakbay Norte road test

The clubhouse spans 1.4 hectares. IMAGES FROM SOUTHLINKS ESTATE

Build & Design

Southlinks Estate to offer luxurious spaces by 2026

The 13th PropertyGuru Philippines Awards winners. PHOTO FROM PROPERTYGURU PHILIPPINES PROPERTY AWARDS n The clubhouse spans 1.4 hectares. IMAGES FROM SOUTHLINKS ESTATE

PropertyGuru Awards highlight sustainability

AR. BIBS A. LUZANDE JR., FUAP

How the design-build method makes green architecture work

Vice Ganda PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK/VICEGANDAOFFICIALPH

No foreseeable truce between Vice Ganda and Cristy Fermin

By Ronnie Carrasco 3rd - August 26, 2025

Kris Aquino out of hospital, thanks public for ‘unmerited grace’

Ji Chang-wook to headline IAM Worldwide’s anniversary show in Manila

Rhian Ramos, Joshua Garcia win top acting honors at 37th PMPC Star Awards

Korina Sanchez, Julius Babao respond to Vico Sotto’s P10M Discaya claim

Shuvee Etrata embraces her practical era

We’re all Chuck, we’ve all loved Chuck

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A glamorous celebration through cinema

By Becky Garcia - August 23, 2025

Filipino makeup brand marks milestone with ‘soft power’ collection

Katseye fronts Gap’s new ‘Better in Denim’ campaign

Korean luxury skincare line arrives in PH

Jeffrey and Ginger Po renew vows at scenic Lake Como

Eton City Square rises as a southern hub for dining, retail and lifestyle

How to make climate-friendly and sustainable choices when shopping online

The Sunday Times Magazine

Nicola ‘Nikki’ Allen’s formula for academic excellence

August 24, 2025

David Jezreel Lizardo Pamplona, better known as Chef Dabo. PHOTOS FROM GUEVARRA’S

Chef Dabo brings Filipino and Pan-Asian flavors to the world stage

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Four must-try activities for all ages at McKinley Hill

The historic Mile Hi complex inside Camp John Hay makes a comeback after remaining nonoperational for six years. PHOTO COURTESY OF BBZ

Baguio’s iconic Mile Hi now a cultural haven

Globe President and CEO Carl Cruz PHOTO FROM GLOBE

Globe helps advance workplace inclusion in PH

The Manila Times CSI

Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo PHOTOS FROM JAPAN EMBASSY

Expats & Diplomats

Japan donates forensic equipment to UP’s National Forensics Institute

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of August 22, 2025

LIFESAVING ACTIVITY From left to right: MMPC Manufacturing Assistant Manager Von Karlo Divinagracia with MMPC employees Galloners Awardees Kevin Reglos, Gerardo Yamsuan, Dominador Advincula Jr., and Joselle Memije. Photo from MMPC

Fast Times

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Wins Red Cross Platinum Award for blood donation

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was the keynote speaker during the graduation of cadets belonging to Class Kadaligtan. In photo (from left) Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, the commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon and PMMA Superintendent Commodore Joel Abutal. PHOTO BY WILMAR ALMERIA

Maritime

Marcos honors PMMA

By Carmela I. Huelar - August 20, 2025

The clubhouse spans 1.4 hectares. IMAGES FROM SOUTHLINKS ESTATE

Build & Design

Southlinks Estate to offer luxurious spaces by 2026

By Cora Llamas - August 26, 2025

Plensa’s ‘The Four Elements’ at the Hertogen Site. PHOTO BY JOVI MIROY

Green Industries

KU Leuven's 600th anniversary art and science exhibition tackles climate change

By Jovi Miroy - August 23, 2025

Campus Press

True friendship and friends of God

By Antonio G. Papa - August 25, 2025

Boardroom Watch

Brother’s diner

By Leah C. Salterio - August 22, 2025

More than 2.5 million 20-kilogram bags of certified inbred seeds were delivered to farmers for the wet season planting, with a delivery timeliness rate of 94 percent, according to the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice). PHILRICE PHOTO

Agribusiness

Agency attains 94% seed delivery for wet season

By Conrad M. Cariño - August 21, 2025