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Thursday, January 29, 2026
Today's Paper

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

Govt intensifies pursuit of Zaldy Co as Remulla follows trail to Sweden

By Izel Abanilla

HEADLINES: ICC sets terms for Duterte's hearing | Jan. 29, 2026

HEADLINES: ICC sets terms for Duterte's hearing | Jan. 29, 2026

ATONG ANG DEFENDS SELF
Gambling businessman Atong Ang, vice president of online 'sabong' company Lucky 8 Star Quest Inc., defends self against allegations on his involvement in the kidnapping of at least 34 cockfighting aficionados during the continuation of the hybrid hearing of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on March 21, 2022, investigating the rising number of disappearances of 'sabong” and “e-sabong' aficionados. SENATE PHOTO

Atong Ang tried to influence probe vs police officers linked to missing cockfighters — Napolcom chief

By Franco Jose C. Baroña

Philippine economy down to 4.4% in 2025

By Niña Myka Pauline Arceo

ICC sets terms for Duterte's hearing

By Franco Jose C. Baroña and Red Mendoza

Atong Ang tried to influence probe vs police officers linked to missing cockfighters — Napolcom chief

Philippine economy down to 4.4% in 2025

ICC sets terms for Duterte's hearing

Today's Weather, 5 A.M. | Jan. 28, 2026

CONTESTED WATERS Throughout 2025, the West Philippine Sea has witnessed confrontations and tensions as China’s expansive maritime posture repeatedly clashes with Philippine sovereignty claims and international maritime norms. PHOTO BY ENRIQUE AGCAOILI

60% of Filipinos distrust China, survey reveals

ANTONIO CONTRERAS

Rage without reading: How misinterpretation is undermining the fight against corruption

A photo taken of the Pasay City Public Market on Oct. 7, 2025 shows vendors selling their produce for the day. Higher fuel and vegetable prices saw inflation rise to 1.7 percent in September, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Tuesday. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

PH agriculture output up a ‘respectable’ 2.6%

MISSING NEGRENSE SEAMEN Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson has asked the concerned authorities and maritime partners to step up their search and rescue operations for Captain Elimar Jucal of San Enrique (left) and Third Officer Jejanfer Partosa Marfa of Cadiz City, who remain missing following the sinking of the Singapore-flagged bulk carrier MV Devon Bay. PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL PIO

Negros Occidental governor urges intensified search for missing seamen

Carlo Biado MATCHROOM POOL PHOTO

Tabuena, Biado lead PSA Annual Awards Night Major awardees

Lakers routed in LeBron's possible last game in Cleveland

Rubio defends Trump on Venezuela while trying to allay fears about Greenland and NATO

Efforts to widen Mananga River in Talisay City underway

Federal Reserve keeps interest rates unchanged even as Trump continues to insist they be lowered

Worries deepen in US South after days of grappling with snow, ice and widespread outages

Trump signals interest in easing tensions, but Minneapolis sees little change on the streets

Partial shutdown seems increasingly likely as Democrats demand ICE changes

Govt intensifies pursuit of Zaldy Co as Remulla follows trail to Sweden

Only one-third of Filipinos know how to handle mental health issues — study

CFO, Chicago public schools reinforce cultural exchange mission for Filipino teachers

Antonio Contreras

On the Contrary

Rage without reading: How misinterpretation is undermining the fight against corruption

By Antonio Contreras

Remoto Control

Sherman Alexie: Queer and Native American writer flies high

By Danton Remoto

The Word on the World

How the Church can help Marcos governance

By Ricardo Saludo

Today's Front Page

WAITING FOR NOTHING?

World creeping toward catastrophe

Dying declaration as an exception to the hearsay rule

By Persida Acosta

Rough Trade

Squeezing the Malampaya sponge

Girl from Marawi

Terrorizing peace girl from marawi

By Samira Gutoc

Rosalina Dela Paz-Magat

Veritas

Oneness, innovation, transformation, inspiration: Doing good beyond business

By Rosalina Dela Paz-Magat

Jeremiah Belgica

My Law.IQ

Honor God, build communities, transform the nation

By Jeremiah Belgica

Herminia Jacinto

Insurance Insights

Insurance underwriters

By Herminia Jacinto

Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. takes his oath before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Jan. 28, 2026. PCO PHOTO

Jose Nartatez Jr. takes oath as Philippine National Police chief

Philippine Coast Guard intensifies search for MV Trisha Kerstin 3 victims

60% of Filipinos distrust China, survey reveals

The Manila Times wins big at the 7th Gawad Pag-IBIG Media Awards

Marcos, Marcoleta eyed to replace Bato, Villanueva in ethics panel

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon and Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas Jr. inspect the narrowed Mananga River in Talisay City on Jan. 27, 2026 and discussed urgent measures to widen and clear the waterway before the rainy season. PHOTO BY KAISER JAN FUENTES

Efforts to widen Mananga River in Talisay City underway

Negros Occidental governor urges intensified search for missing seamen

Go leads earthquake relief operations in Davao Oriental

Dinagyang Festival 2027 to return to traditional roots in Iloilo City

Baguilat opposes UK firm's mining exploration in Dupax del Norte

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Rubio defends Trump on Venezuela while trying to allay fears about Greenland and NATO

Worries deepen in US South after days of grappling with snow, ice and widespread outages

Trump signals interest in easing tensions, but Minneapolis sees little change on the streets

Partial shutdown seems increasingly likely as Democrats demand ICE changes

French lawmakers back bill to end 'marital duty'

No Image

Federal Reserve keeps interest rates unchanged even as Trump continues to insist they be lowered

Philippine economy down to 4.4% in 2025

PH agriculture output up a ‘respectable’ 2.6%

Third-quarter GDP growth cut to 3.9%

With PH growth seen lower, govt trims revenue targets

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James goes to the basket in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Lakers routed in LeBron's possible last game in Cleveland

Obiena wins first gold in 2026

Rockets veteran Adams out for rest of NBA season

NLEX parts ways with Tanquingsen; Uichico stays

Eala unfazed by some negative fan feedback, puts trust on inner circle

Domingo C. Jacinto Jr., Pag-IBIG Fund vice president, Public and Member Relations Group and Strategic Marketing Group, delivers welcome remarks, followed by Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta, with a keynote message, during the 'Gawad Pag-IBIG para sa Media,' awards at The Manila Hotel, on Jan. 28, 2026. The Manila Times (TMT) President and COO Blanca C. Mercado, Gemma Cuenca, TMT senior account manager and Roda Alonzo-Zabat, TMT vice president for Sales and Marketing, received the Gawad Pag-IBIG para sa Media awards during the event. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO

AWARDS FOR THE TIMES

January 28, 2026

Asean Tourism ministers lock arms as they officially open the Asean Tourism Forum 2026 in Lapu-lapu City, Cebu on Jan. 28, 2026. First lady Lisa Araneta Marcos joined the ministers as the guest of honor. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

January 28, 2026

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Cleofe Albiso, managing director of Megaworld Hotel and Resorts launch Cebu’s inaugural MICE Guide 2025 at the Mactan Expo in Cebu on Jan. 28, 2026. Held alongside the Asean Travel Exchange (TRAVEX), the initiative aimed to position Cebu as a premier global hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

January 28, 2026

Journalists document one of the sakura trees planted within Baguio Country Club, particularly near Hole 16 of the fairway, that has been bursting into bloom for days now—seven years after it was planted. Thanks to Japanese nationals Shinji Okomora and Shigeru Tsunashima, together with BCC member Paz Suzuki, for donating 18 sakura saplings in June 2018 and May 2019. PHOTOS BY HARLEY PALANGCHAO

CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN BAGUIO

January 28, 2026

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, together with Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, inspects the newly opened Mactan Expo Center in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu on Jan. 28, 2026. The venue will host the Asean Tourism Forum Travel Exchange 2026 (TRAVEX), featuring tourism enterprises, tour operators, destination marketers, and buyers from Asean member nations. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

January 28, 2026

A FRUITFUL DISCUSSION Hungarian economist László György (right) and Veteran journalist and fireside moderator Conrad Banal (left) listen to insights, comments and questions of attendees from different sectors. PHOTO FROM ASIA SOCIETY PHILIPPINES

Special Features

Rising above middle-income trap with Hungary’s meritocratic strategy

Young Filipino Creatives Get a Chance to Win Up to 1 Million Pesos through DTI’s YC2

NovaLight Empowering Women Program Phase 2

Strong MSME engagement sets the stage for SM Supermalls’ 2026 programs

Australia Day 2026: ‘Reflect, Respect, Celebrate’

SUPPORTING YOUTH Foundever Philippines, a leader in the global CX industry, receives a plaque of appreciation from the Department of Social Welfare and Development during the agency’s Stakeholders’ Recognition at The Great Eastern Hotel, in recognition of its role as a partner employer of the JobStart Philippines Program, supporting youth employability. PHOTO FROM FOUNDEVER

DSWD honors Foundever in the PH for strengthening youth employability

Travex 2026 opens during Asean Tourism Forum at Mactan Expo

Visa, GCash partner for seamless cross-border account funding solutions for Filipinos, tourists

Wilcon expands to Carmona with a goal of sustainability, convenience

127TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST PH REPUBLIC

Rhian Ramos and Michelle Dee PHOTO FROM INSTAGRAM/WHIANWAMOS

Driver files NBI rap vs Michelle Dee, Rhian Ramos after theft case dismissal

Jordan Andrews, Omar Uddin and Lance Reblando push PH theater productions forward

Josh Groban taps Regine Velasquez, Martin Nievera for post-Valentine show

Mikah draws on cross-cultural experiences for ‘Homesick’ trilogy

EXO set to return to Manila for first group concert in six years

Filipino architect and interior designer Lorenzon ‘Lor’ Calma PHOTO FROM INSTAGRAM/LORCALMAPARTNERS

Celebrated Filipino architect and designer Lor Calma passes away at 97

Perfect food combinations for optimum health

A glamorous celebration for Alice Ku

All eyes on Look At Me’s new store in SM North Edsa

Pop Mart brings the blind-box buzz to SM Aura

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The Sunday Times

Inside the rebirth of the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Halls

Pop Mart brings the blind-box buzz to SM Aura

Indulging in one of the most polarizing foods

Low calorie, Filipino style

Philippine sardines take the lead as global superfood

The mission marks the first-ever joint official visit of the EU and EU Member States Ambassadors to Northern Mindanao. With the Ambassadors are Senator Juan Miguel ‘Migz’ Zubiri (seated center). PHOTO FROM THE OFFICE OF SENATOR ZUBIRI

Expats & Diplomats

EU, member state ambassadors visit Northern Mindanao

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of January 28, 2026

Minimalist cabin anchored by a single central touchscreen.

Fast Times

Tesla Model 3 Standard now in PH: P1.838 million price undercuts rivals

By Isaac Atienza - January 27, 2026

Crew members of the ill-fated MV Devon Bay were welcomed by representatives of the Philippine Coast Guard and Department of Migrant Workers. The 15 survivors and two fatalities aboard BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV 9701) arrived in Pier 13, Port Area, Manila, around 5:00 a.m. on Jan. 26, 2026. PHOTO FROM PCG

Maritime

Seasoned mariners say liquefaction sank Devon Bay

By Carmela I. Huelar and Yashika F. Torib - January 28, 2026

The design influences of furniture, art and jewelry. PHOTO FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS / BUSINESS WIRE

Build & Design

2025 sees surge in luxury interior trends: Art Deco revival & Y2K style

By Associated Press - January 27, 2026

Coral is visible in the protected area of France’s Porquerolles National Park on June 6, 2025. PHOTO BY ANNIKA HAMMERSCHLAG VIA AP

Green Industries

Historic High Seas Treaty activates to protect international marine life

By Associated Press - January 24, 2026

Ochotorena teaching Labor Law and Taxation at the Eulogio 'Amang' Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARist).

Campus Press

Fulfilling a promise

By Andreanna Dy - January 29, 2026

Marlon Martin of the Save the Ifugao Terraces Movement says weaving helps farmers in Ifugao to earn extra income. This helps them sustain their families while continuing to care for the rice terraces.
Photo by Liza T. Agoot/PNA

Boardroom Watch

By Liza Agoot - January 23, 2026

Agribusiness

Event to tackle consolidation in agriculture

By Leander C. Domingo - January 29, 2026

Sonny Mariano
Head Chef
The Matcha Tokyo

Keep in View

Matcha made in heaven

By Leah C. Salterio - January 25, 2026

Science & Technology

Quantum can speed up climate solutions

Sunday Business & IT

Meta, TikTok and YouTube face landmark trial over youth addiction claims

By Associated Press - January 27, 2026