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Saturday, October 25, 2025
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An attendant holds fuel pumps at a gasoline station in Manila May 14, 2008. Asian stocks struggled to make gains on Wednesday as the benefits of a firm dollar were offset by weakness in the financial sector, oil prices near $126 a barrel and dashed expectations of more U.S. interest rate cuts. photo by: KJ Rosales pt2/news/05-15-140508_oil02.jpg

Gasoline, diesel prices up next week

By Ed Paolo Salting

HEADLINES: Anti-graft court acquits Enrile | Oct. 25, 2025

HEADLINES: Anti-graft court acquits Enrile | Oct. 25, 2025

The Sandiganbayan's special third division on Sept. 12, 2025 deferred the promulgation of the remaining graft cases against Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and former senator Juan Ponce Enrile over an additional "reflection" submitted by one of its members. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

Anti-graft court acquits Enrile

By Red Mendoza and Catherine S. Valente

DPWH FIRE Fire breaks out at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)- Bureau of Research and Standards Office in Quezon City on Oct. 22, 2025. The bureau serves as the DPWH’s technical arm responsible for developing standards, testing materials, and ensuring quality in public infrastructure projects. PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

NBI eyes arson in DPWH fire amid flood control probe

By Franco Jose C. Baroña

Department of Justice (DOJ) Sec. Jesus Crispin C. Remulla. FILE PHOTO BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

No state witness yet in flood control scam, restitution first before immunity, says DOJ

By Franco Jose C. Baroña

Anti-graft court acquits Enrile

NBI eyes arson in DPWH fire amid flood control probe

No state witness yet in flood control scam, restitution first before immunity, says DOJ

PCSO Lotto Results | October 24, 2025

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

Marcos to convene Cabinet to discuss release of their SALN

Sen. Joel Villanueva makes a manifestation, saying that he is 'fully prepared' to be investigated on the allegations linking him to anomalous flood control projects in the country, while Sen. Jinggoy Estrada refuted Sen. Francis Pangilinan’s remark during a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing that if those involved in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam had been arrested instead of acquitted, a larger corruption scandal could have been avoided, during Senate regular session on Sept. 23, 2025. Sen. Robin Padilla meanwhile, insists that the Senate 'should not bend the law,' after Sen. Erwin Tulfo said, “Sometimes we have to bend the law;” during the discussion, highlighting the public sentiment on restitution and if restitution is a prerequisite for entry into the Witness Protection Program (WPP). The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is set to file indirect bribery and malversation charges against Villanueva, Estrada and Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO

Palace: 'Secret decision' to clear Villanueva should be investigated

Department of Education

DepEd allocates disaster-ready learning materials

Sen. Bong Go

Go urges govt to hasten construction of permanent evacuation centers

Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan

Pangilinan releases P26.738M SALN

Former Senate president Franklin Drilon, Retired Justice Reynato Puno, Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) Chairman Andres B. Reyes Jr., former Public Works secretary Rogelio L. Singsong and Rafael G. Ongpin of the Makati Business Club, attend the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, Organizational Meeting and Public Hearing, at the Senate on Oct. 22, 2025. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO

ICI hears public sentiments vs corruption amid protests

DPWH. PHOTO BY RENE DILAN

Citizens audit group formed vs corruption, to ensure transparency in infrastructure projects

REFRESHER Lab analysts join the training on nutrition labelling and refresher course on laboratory internal and external quality control programs. PHOTO FROM DOST 10

RSTL attends training on nutrition labelling, quality control programs for regional labs

AUDIT OFFICE The Commission on Audit (COA) main office is on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City. PHOTO FROM WWW.COA.GOV.PH

COA submits additional fraud reports to Independent Commission for Infrastructure

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, with Vice Mayor Chi Atienza and Secretary to the Mayor, Letlet Zarcal, gestures as he signs Ordinance 9118 granting a sweeping general tax amnesty, Inside the Bulwagan of Manila City Hall on July 8 2025. The ordinance waives penalties, surcharges, and interest on unpaid city taxes, fees, and regulatory charges until Dec. 31, 2025. PHOTOS BY MIKE ALQUINTO

Manila LGU to finally release delayed allowances of students, BFP personnel

Antonio Contreras

On the Contrary

When zeal outruns judgment

By Antonio Contreras

Remoto Control

Quezon: The politician as consummate showman

By Danton Remoto

Jaime J. Yambao

Ambassadors' Corner

They’re singing ‘Swan Lake’ in Russia

By Jaime J. Yambao

Al Vitangcol III

All Insight

Failure of governance

By Al Vitangcol III

Today's Front Page

BURNING QUESTION

MMDA announces its traditional welcome of the holidays

Legal implications of unauthorized posting of someone’s picture online and tagging him/her as ‘bogus buyer’

By Persida Acosta

Mauro Gia Samonte

My Say

China calls Trump’s bluffs

By Mauro Gia Samonte

Anna Malindog-Uy

Headsight

Asean crossroads: Reimagining South-South cooperation and development in a multipolar world

By Anna Malindog-Uy

Grounded in tradition, growing for tomorrow: Heritage agriculture as a climate solution

Agence France-Presse

India can switch from Russian crude, but at a cost

By Agence France-Presse

Rigoberto D. Tiglao

By Rigoberto D. Tiglao

BSP POSITIONING The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) secures the nation’s economic gains while executing a clear strategy for a more digital,
inclusive and sustainable future through the positioning of the BSP governor. PHOTO BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

BUSINESS

Peso faces manageable pressure amid corruption scandal, BSP official says

By Niña Myka Pauline Arceo

SPORTS

Brownlee-RHJ fever hits Ilagan

AMBITIOUS AGENDA Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi delivers a speech at the House of Representatives plenary session in the capital Tokyo on Oct. 24, 2025. AFP PHOTO

WORLD

Japan's new PM Takaichi vows to take US ties to 'new heights' with Trump

By Agence France-Presse

Alexa Ilacad champions effortless confidence

By Iza Iglesias

LIFESTYLE

Rajo Laurel refreshes The Rajo Store

By Iza Iglesias

The Manila Times holds its year-end forum, PH Outlook for 2026: Soaring above dark clouds, at the Makati Shangri-La Manila on Oct. 24, 2025. Speakers at the event include Budget Undersecretary Rolando Toledo, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya, European Union Ambassador Massimo Santoro, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Zeno Abenoja, SM Investment Corp. economist Robert Dan Roces and IWG Philippines Country Manager Rowena Natividad. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

OUTLOOK FOR NEXT YEAR

October 24, 2025

Sen. Francis Pangilinan, chairman of the Liberal Party, lead the oath-taking of new (non-political) party members for the 'Kung Walang Korap, Walang Mahirap' fellowship event in Quezon City on Oct. 24, 2025. As part of the LP’s long-standing tradition of fighting corruption and upholding integrity in public service, its members, Pangilinan and Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila De Lima, show their Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs). PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

AGAINST CORRUPTION

October 24, 2025

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CORDILLERA FESTIVAL

October 24, 2025

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco visits the Northern Bloom flower farm in Sayangan, Atok, Benguet, with other tourists as she aims to promote the flower farm as the next tourist spot in the region. Nestled on a mountain side, about 2,100 meters above sea level, the farm is one of the most picturesque in the Cordillera Administrative Region. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

NORTHERN BLOOMS

October 24, 2025

Mayors for Good Governance, Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, Caritas Philippines, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and the Taongbayan’s Action for Participatory, Accountable and Transparent Governance (TAPAT) sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a citizen-led investigation and reporting system for anomalous infrastructure projects on Oct. 24, 2025. PHOTOS BY ISMAEL DE JUAN

FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE

October 24, 2025

Department of Justice (DOJ) Sec. Jesus Crispin C. Remulla. FILE PHOTO BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

Nation

Remulla wants to step up filing of corruption cases

(UPDATE) OMBUDSMAN Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday said he is urging the Supreme Court to create “special courts” that would focus on graft cases.Speaking before the Senate Committee on Finance, which is deliberating the Ombudsman’s proposed P6.3-billion budget for 2026, Remulla said he has discussed with the Sandiganbayan ways to speed up the resolution of cases.“I have requested Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen... we might need special courts in the RTC (Regional Trial Court),” Remulla said.“The Ombudsman really needs institutional contact with judiciary officials. That is

By Bernadette E. Tamayo and Red Mendoza - October 25, 2025

BSP: Inflation ‘not a big problem right now’

Yulo snares bronze in World Championships

NBA coach, player arrested over big-time gambling fraud

ICC upholds jurisdiction over Duterte case

Marcos Transfers Classroom Funds Directly to LGUs to Speed Up Construction

Undas 2025 Traffic Alert: MMDA Oplan and Safety Measures Begin Oct. 29

Emman Atienza, Daughter of Kim Atienza and Mental Health Advocate, Dies at 19

39 suspects nabbed in Manila scam hub raid

NEW POLITICAL BATTLE Albay Gov. Noel Rosal, shown here with his family and Supreme Court Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez (third from left) on June 28, 2025, during an oath-taking ceremony that followed his victory in the May 12, 2025 national and local elections, is faced with another battle after the Commission on Elections Second Division cancelled his certificate of candidacy in the concluded May midterm polls. PHOTO BY RHAYDZ BARCIA

Comelec cancels Rosal's certificate of candidacy

Archival endorses P13.47B 2026 budget for Cebu City

SAFE AND STABLE The world-renowned Kawasan Falls in Badian, Cebu, stands majestic amid its lush surroundings, a symbol of the town’s natural beauty and pride, and has remained ‘safe and stable’ even after the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck northern Cebu on Sept. 30, 2025. PHOTO BY KAISER JAN FUENTES

Kawasan Falls is safe, stable – Badian LGU

Mabalacat's 'Kamikaze' pilot remembered

Asean to host Trump, other world leaders amid trade talks

DECISION TO LEAVE People from various countries, who were working in the KK Park scam compound in Myanmar, wait to board a boat with their belongings to cross over to Thailand via the Moei river on Oct. 24, 2025. AFP PHOTO

Over 1,000 enter Thailand after Myanmar scam hub raid

Members of the Australian Defense Force march during Anzac Day in the city of Brisbane, Queensland state, northeastern Australia, on April 25, 2022. EPA FILE PHOTO

Women sue over sexual abuse in Australian military

This undated handout released on October 24, 2025 from the New Zealand Medical Journal (NZMJ) shows an x-ray image of pieces of high-power magnets clumped up in the intenstines of a New Zealand teenager in Tauranga. A 13-year-old boy in New Zealand swallowed up to 100 high-power magnets he bought on Temu, forcing surgeons to remove tissue from his intestines, doctors said on October 24. After suffering four days of abdominal pain, the unnamed teen was taken to Tauranga Hospital on the North Island. (Photo by Handout / NEW ZEALAND MEDICAL JOURNAL (NZMDJ) / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / NEW ZEALAND MEDICAL JOURNAL (NZMDJ)" - HANDOUT - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

100 magnets removed from New Zealand teen's gut

STAY AWAY? United States President Donald Trump (right) makes a gesture as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 7, 2025. EPA PHOTO

Trump ends US-Canada trade talks over Reagan ad

‘PEACE FOREVER’ Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro participates in an event commemorating Indigenous Resistance Day in the capital Caracas on Oct. 12, 2025. EPA PHOTO

Venezuela's Maduro to US: 'No crazy war, please!'

SHOW OF FRIENDSHIP United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio (left) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands while posing for pictures following their meeting at the latter’s office in Jerusalem on Oct. 23, 2025. AFP PHOTO

US pressures Israel on West Bank, Rubio voices confidence in Gaza truce

DPWH. PHOTO BY RENE DILAN

Top Business

DPWH asked to submit catch-up plan amid corruption scandal to boost infrastructure spending

BUDGET authorities have ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to submit a catch-up plan after infrastructure spending slowed due to a corruption scandal.“We are waiting for the submission [of the plan]. And we will see what's the component of the submission,” Budget Undersecretary Rolando Toledo said during a Manila Times economic forum on Friday.The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has said that infrastructure spending could further slow with the DPWH having been told to evaluate and validate the status of and also enforce stricter verification of payment

By Niña Myka Pauline Arceo - October 25, 2025

Restoring trust in the DPWH

Q3 foreign borrowing approvals markedly lower

US, Chinese officials face off on export controls, Trump tariff threat in Malaysia

SEC to use blockchain authentication system

IMF urges Asia to cut trade barriers to beat US tariffs

P20/kg rice program expands to Davao City

ACEN inks loan agreements with LandBank

Singapore’s Pentagreen to fund Citicore RE projects

SP New Energy unit seals deals for MTerra solar project

Cebu Landmasters breaks ground on The Wave Towers

Japan's PH electronics subsidiary opens new plant

$130M cold storage project breaks ground in Bulacan

Alex Eala AFP PHOTO

Sports

Eala, partner enter Guangzhou doubles semis

(UPDATE) FILIPINA netter Alex Eala and her Ukrainian partner Nadiia Kichenok advanced to the semifinals of the Guangzhou Open doubles tournament on Friday at the Nansha International Tennis Center in China.The pair defeated the Russian duo of Polina Kudermetova and Kamilla Rakhimova in two sets, 6-3, 7-5, in the quarterfinals of the 250-level WTA tournament.While it was a dominant first set for the Filipino Ukrainian pair, they were given a scare in the second set when the Russians pulled to take the lead briefly before coming back to secure the victory.Eala and Kichenok will battle the

By Aric John Sy Cua - October 25, 2025

SEA Games participation hangs in balance for Alas Pilipinas women

Madi Mojdeh banners BEST tankers in Japan Buccaneer Invitational Swim Meet

Antonio tops World Seniors blitz chess

Benilde to challenge Pool A leader Perpetual

SGA scores 55 as Thunder outplay Pacers in double OT

Dodgers aim for back-to-back World Series titles against Blue Jays

Herbert sets NFL completion record through 6 seasons

USA beats China twice in LPGA's International Crown

Boardroom Watch

The 2024 Crew Connect Winners PHOTO BY GLENN MARK BLASQUEZ

Finalists for 2025 Crew Connect Awards announced

Marina press conference on the updated BT-PSSR course PHOTO by Glenn Mark Blasquez

Marina assures enough training slots, vows to regulate fees for mandatory BT-PSSR course

CEO STRATEGY The new CEO of The Manila Times, Anna Marie AngThompson, steps into the role not merely as a successor but as a strategic architect, poised to redefine the newspaper’s influence. PHOTOS BY RIO DELUVIO

Anna Marie Ang-Thompson’s Vision 2030: Building the future, securing public trust

LEADERSHIP FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
From left: Meralco Chief Sustainability Officer and Movem President and CEO Raymond B.
Ravelo, Meralco Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, Department of Energy Secretary
Sharon S. Garin, MGEN President and CEO Emmanuel V. Rubio, and Meralco Chief CSR Officer
and One Meralco Foundation President Jeffrey O. Tarayao take center stage at the Horizons
Summit, celebrating shared commitment to legacy, leadership, and powering the good
life for millions of Filipinos. PHOTO FROM MERALCO

Horizons: One Meralco unites for its long-term sustainability strategy

BUDGET DISCUSSION Commission on Filipinos Secretary Dante “Klink” Ang II
participates in the budget discussion, presided over by Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, Sen. Erwin Tulfo, Sen.
Raffy Tulfo and Sen. JV Ejercito on Oct. 6, 2025. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

Overseas Filipinos help boost PH economy

RISK RESILIENCY Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary Analiza Rebuelta-Teh (seated, middle)
and Climate Change Service Director Elenida Basug (seated, left) lead the National Orientation on the Revised Program Convergence Budgeting for fiscal year
2026 under the Risk Resiliency Program together with various national government agencies. PHOTO FROM DENR - CLIMATE CHANGE SERVICE

Farming in the fire: Climate change threatens PH breadbasket

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Tmt Newswire

CHR issues advisory on protecting the rights of children affected by armed conflict

PROTECTING children in situations of armed conflict is not an option. It is both a legal and moral obligation.Despite on-going efforts to address the humanitarian impact of internal armed conflicts, children remain among the most vulnerable. They face displacement, loss of education and health services, psychological trauma, and the risk of recruitment and exploitation by armed groups.The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has issued “Human Rights Advisory on Protecting the Rights of Children Affected in Situations of Armed Conflict.” It provides an in-depth analysis of these persistent

The hidden flood control system built into Filinvest City’s parks

“Enhypen VR Concert: Immersion” is coming to Manila

Immerse into Black Swan Soirée this Halloween at Solaire Resort North

BCDA upskills indigenous farmers through Ayta Ethno Botanical Center in New Clark City

Enchanted Kingdom celebrates 30 years of magical experiences

Lifescribing Story Circle brings legacy writing to the Frankfurt Book Fair

Ascott Makati, Adarna House unveil Adarna Books Suite with Best Buddies PH

Experts urge Filipinos to look beyond cholesterol, inflammation emerges as the hidden threat behind heart disease

Bacolod City welcomes Makati Rotarians

Dakak hosts first Mi Ultimo Amor Bridal Expo in Northern Mindanao

Exhibits showcase Unesco-inscribed Ifugao celebration, NCCA transmission program

DOST Ilocos Region upskills personnel in geographic information system

De La Salle University has, aside from 10 scholarship programs, six other ways to assist students financially. PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK

Campus Press

How to study at Ateneo, La Salle for free

By The Manila Times

From left: AIM professors Kenneth Co, Philip Kwa, Gerry Santamaria and Christopher Monterola, and marketing chief/recruitment officer Alodia Hernaez. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Why execs must study AI, cybersecurity

The production team family drama ‘When It Rained Malunggay Leaves,’ which took home Best Short Film, in addition to winning Best Screenplay for writer-director Cedrick Valenzuela and Best Editing for Vince Maliksi. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Short film festival honors youth artists

Clownfish on the coral reef in Leyte, Philippines. PHOTO BY BING LIN

Green Industries

89% of marine aquarium fish in the US come from the wild, study Shows (87)

By The Manila Times

The Climate Change Commission’s (CCC) Project Impact wins the Thematic Award for Climate and Environment at the Open Government Challenge Awards 2025. PHOTO FROM CCC

Philippines' Project IMPACT wins 2025 Open Gov Challenge for climate transparency

OGP Mine Environmental Protection and Enhancement Office manager Nericel Langres Daulayan (3rd from left) signs the agreement with DPMPC Board of Directors Chairman Reynaldo Pugong Sr. (3rd from right) to manage and operate the Bioreactor Composting Facility. PHOTO FROM OGP

Transforming food waste into wealth with composting initiative in the Philippines

‘Pamilya ni Kuya’ — Bianca Gonzales, Robi Domingo, Kim Chiu, Gabbi Garcia, Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, Enchong Dee, Alexa Ilacad, and Mavy Legaspi — are ready to guide, connect and celebrate the new housemates of ‘Pinoy Big Brother.’ PHOTOS FROM GMA NETWORK

GMA Network and ABS-CBN Studios unveil new season of ‘PBB’ tonight

Hilda Koronel’s comeback film ‘Sisa’ to preem in Europe

TBA Studios responds to confrontation with Quezon descendant during ‘Quezon’ film screening

Ji Chang-wook makes heartfelt return to Manila, thanks Filipino fans

In the church of St. Keanu

Lizzo sued over Sydney Sweeney jeans reference track

‘Jeproks’ unfiltered: Why this musical hits home — then and now

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Chocolate meets couture at Philippine Fashion Week

By Iza Iglesias - October 25, 2025

A new wave of shopping joy hits La Union

TikTok Beauty Fest shines spotlight on Filipino creativity

The Manila Style Collectives marks second year with grand fashion showcase

Ever New launches ‘Ever Festive’ holiday collection

SM Supermalls Heralds the Holidays with SM Aura’s Grand Christmas Launch

Make gifting easy yet special with SM Store Gift Registry

The Sunday Times Magazine

Still standing for teachers

October 19, 2025

Regine Velasquez-Alcasid PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK/GABAY GURO

The grand tribute returns

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Kristine Soguilon’s second redemptive chapter unfolds in ‘This is Bethel’

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Reel reflections: ‘Walang Aray’

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An amazing dream for all (Part 1)

The Manila Times CSI

Hungary Ambassador Titanilla Tóth and Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary László Kövér (sixth and fifth from left) lead the Hungarian National Day in Manila. PHOTO FROM HUNGARY EMBASSY

Expats & Diplomats

Hungarian Embassy marks National Day in Manila

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of October 22, 2025

Fast Times

Philippine motorcycle sales grow 11.8% in 2025, says MDPPA

Marina press conference on the updated BT-PSSR course PHOTO by Glenn Mark Blasquez

Maritime

Marina assures enough training slots, vows to regulate fees for mandatory BT-PSSR course

Mario Suelto, technical coordinator of the Philippine Green Building Council. PHOTO FROM SHDA

Build & Design

Green building solutions: driving climate resilience and sustainability

By Michele T. Logarta - October 21, 2025

Clownfish on the coral reef in Leyte, Philippines. PHOTO BY BING LIN

Green Industries

89% of marine aquarium fish in the US come from the wild, study Shows (87)

By The Manila Times - October 25, 2025

De La Salle University has, aside from 10 scholarship programs, six other ways to assist students financially. PHOTO FROM FACEBOOK

Campus Press

How to study at Ateneo, La Salle for free

By The Manila Times - October 23, 2025

Boardroom Watch

By T. Aviles - October 24, 2025

The Department of Agriculture in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) has inaugurated a new 30-sow level multiplier and techno-demonstration farm in Barangay Dangan, Reina Mercedes, Isabela. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Agribusiness

Isabela gets swine techno-demo farm; Seen boosting swine industry in province

By Leander C. Domingo - October 23, 2025