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Friday, January 9, 2026
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NAZARENE PROCESSION STARTS Devotees of the Black Nazarene attend the Midnight Mass that starts off the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Jan. 9, 2026. The Traslacion or procession of the image of the Black Nazarene begins on Jan. 9, 2026. The andas or carriage carrying the Jesus Nazareno left Quirino Grandstand at 4 a.m. in Manila and is making its way along the streets of Manila toward Quiapo Church as of posting time. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

Marcos says devotees’ stories highlight need for ‘wiser governance’ as Sara calls for reflection on shortcomings

By Red Mendoza and Philippine News Agency

HEADLINES: Supreme Court asked to axe standby funds in 2026 budget | Jan. 9, 2026

HEADLINES: Supreme Court asked to axe standby funds in 2026 budget | Jan. 9, 2026

TRASLACION The andas or carriage carrying the Jesus Nazareno image leaves the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, at 4 a.m., Jan. 9, 2026, as the Traslacion or procession makes its way along the streets of Manila toward Quiapo Church. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

Traslacion or procession of Black Nazarene makes its way in Manila

By Aric John Sy Cua

CHALLENGERS Representatives Leila de Lima and Edgar Erice talk to reporters before filing a petition questioning the constitutionality of unprogrammed funds in
the 2026 budget at the Supreme Court on Jan. 8, 2026. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

Supreme Court asked to axe standby funds in 2026 budget

By Franco Jose C. Baroña and Javier Joe Ismael

Shoppers navigate the crowded stalls of Divisoria Market in Manila on Dec. 14, 2025, in search of affordable Christmas gifts and holiday bargains. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

Public trust in Senate, House decline, Pahayag survey shows

By Franco Jose C. Baroña

Traslacion or procession of Black Nazarene makes its way in Manila

Supreme Court asked to axe standby funds in 2026 budget

Public trust in Senate, House decline, Pahayag survey shows

Today's Weather, 5 A.M. | Jan. 9, 2026

Alex Eala. INSTAGRAM PHOTO

Alex Eala beats Petra Marcinko, enters ASB Classic quarterfinals

BUDGET BOOST? An aerial view of the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 13, 2024. AFP FILE PHOTO

Trump seeks boosting US defense spending to $1.5 trillion

IN CONTROL Calvin Oftana of TNT slips past two Meralco defenders for an undergoal layup in Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series on Jan. 7, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City. PBA PHOTO

TNT guns for 3-0 lead vs Meralco in PBA semis

14 regions issue wage increase order

Cup of Joe PHOTO COURTESY OF VIVA RECORDS

Cup of Joe extends sold-out 'Stardust' tour with new Philippine and international dates

The Golden Globes are this week. Here's what to know about the first major show of awards season

US House revolt advances Obamacare subsidy extension

International Space Station crew to return early after astronaut medical issue

Trump mulls adding second story to White House colonnade

Firefighters warn of 'hectic' Australian bushfires

Cloudsy skies, light rains to affect Metro Manila, parts of PH — Pagasa

Traslacion or procession of Black Nazarene makes its way in Manila

Marcos says devotees’ stories highlight need for ‘wiser governance’ as Sara calls for reflection on shortcomings

Today's Weather, 5 A.M. | Jan. 9, 2026

2 bettors share jackpot in 6/49, lone bettor wins 10M in 6/42 for Jan 8

Rigoberto D. Tiglao

Black Nazarene: Filipinos’ superstitious shackles

By Rigoberto D. Tiglao

Francisco S. Tatad

First Things First

He promised peace, but delivers war

By Francisco S. Tatad

Stephen CuUnjieng

The Empiricist

Next generation — another lazy thinking platitude

By Stephen CuUnjieng

Today's Front Page

PH’s turn to rein in Myanmar’s junta

Consent of adopter’s children is required in petition for adoption

By Persida Acosta

Vantage Point

Imagining a never-colonized version of the Philippines

By Van Ybiernas

Like a Circle

Highest education budget, now what?

By Carl E. Balita

Ma. Isabel Ongpin

Ambient Voices

Why there is road rage

By Ma. Isabel Ongpin

Ariane Macalinga Borlongan

Language Speaks

Language and linguistics agenda for the Philippines in 2026

By Ariane Macalinga Borlongan

Charlie V. Manalo

Naked Thought

Judicial bullying?

By Charlie V. Manalo

NEW BRIDGE President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (3rd from left) leads the inauguration of the 1,580-meter Camalaniugan Bridge in Alcala, Cagayan, a key infrastructure project expected to spur economic growth and improve connectivity in the province. The cable-stayed bridge links the towns of Camalaniugan and Aparri, providing a faster and more efficient route for residents, traders and transport operators. SCREENSHOT FROM RTVM

Marcos opens Camalaniugan Bridge in Cagayan

BIR files tax evasion case vs flood control contractor

Alex Eala beats Petra Marcinko, enters ASB Classic quarterfinals

ICC denies Duterte bid for new expert report on cognitive state

Senate Bill 1519 aims to curb nuisance candidates in Philippine elections

no-image

14 regions issue wage increase order

DA hails Zambales for successful rice program

From fisherman to top 6 in 2025 Philippine Bar: The story of Jeowy Ompad (87)

DVOREF shines in natl rankings with 80.19% Bar passing rate

Remulla hits Iloilo City police on lapses

The Capitol is seen in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, after the U.S. captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife in a military operation. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

US House revolt advances Obamacare subsidy extension

International Space Station crew to return early after astronaut medical issue

Trump mulls adding second story to White House colonnade

Firefighters warn of 'hectic' Australian bushfires

Australia to hold royal commission inquiry into Bondi Beach shooting

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

BSP won’t defend peso – Remolona

Finance’s Go fills final Monetary Board seat

Rice imports lower than projected

Analysts expect more rate cuts

Why high agri-food prices choke developmentn Finer Points from B1Why high

IN CONTROL Calvin Oftana of TNT slips past two Meralco defenders for an undergoal layup in Game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series on Jan. 7, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City. PBA PHOTO

TNT guns for 3-0 lead vs Meralco in PBA semis

Solar Spikers sign 8 players to bolster lineup

SGA to the rescue as Thunder win over Jazz in overtime

Another chance for Donaire

Road teams favored in NFL wild-card round

Thousands of devotees endure the long lines at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Jan. 8, 2026 to be able to touch the cross and foot of the Black Nazarene. This traditional 'Pahalik' is a prelude to the annual Traslacion, allowing pilgrims to manifest their deep devotion and offer personal prayers, a day before the procession takes place through the city's streets. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

January 8, 2026

Representatives Edgar Erice and Leila M. De Lima file a petition before the Supreme Court seeking to declare the Unprogrammed Appropriations in the Fiscal Year 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA) unconstitutional on Jan. 8, 2026. The petition cited violations of constitutional principles on public finance, budget accountability, and congressional power of the purse. The lawmakers argue that the questioned provisions undermined transparency, fiscal discipline, and the Constitution’s safeguards against discretionary spending without clear revenue sources. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO

January 8, 2026

Thousands of Catholic devotees take part in the 'Pahalik' in which they wipe and kiss the cross of the image of the Black Nazarene at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Jan. 8, 2026, in one of the key religious rites leading up to the Traslacion. PHOTO BY RENE DILAN

January 8, 2026

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza files a criminal complaint against a flood control contractor for violation of the Tax Code inside the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila, on Jan. 8, 2026. PHOTO MIKE ALQUINTO

January 8, 2026

The Manila Police District Mobile Force Battalion personnel set up a checkpoint along Road 10 in Manila on Jan. 8, 2026 in anticipation of the huge crowd that is expected to join the Traslacion or procession of the Black Nazarene. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN

January 8, 2026

SERVICE READY A Philippine Air Force (PAF) C-130 aircraft carrying 200 sacks of rice and 300 boxes of relief goods arrives at Villamor Air Base, Pasay City on July 25, 2025. The delivery of donations from the Provincial Government of Sulu forms part of the PAF’s Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response efforts for communities affected by Severe Tropical Storm “Crising” (international name: “Wipha”). PHOTO FROM ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES

Special Features

AFP at 90 stands as the nation’s unwavering pillar

2025 in review: DOJ at the center of ICC arrest, corruption scandals

SM Cares turns movie tickets into classrooms nationwide

Supreme Court faced landmark legal and political challenges in 2025

Year of tensions: 2025 saw rising Chinese pressure in West Philippine Sea

SHARING THE SEASON MGEN volunteers bring holiday gifts to beneficiaries in Cebu. PHOTO FROM MGEN

MGEN’s ‘Handog sa Pasko’ brings holiday cheer nationwide

Aboitiz Renewables wins safety awards at DOE-Shapes conference

ASUS Republic of Gamers presents next-gen gaming innovations

Sheraton Manila Bay welcomes 2026 with ‘Move to the Beat of 2026’

IAEA Director General meets with Congress to explore nuclear energy

Milly Alcock is Kara Zor-El in ‘Supergirl.’ PHOTO FROM WARNER BROS. PICTURES

Movies to look forward to in 2026

Piolo Pascual films anchor Cinema One January lineup

January highlights on Disney+ and HBO Max

Cup of Joe extends sold-out 'Stardust' tour with new Philippine and international dates

Where to watch the 11th Wish Music Awards and who's performing at the Big Dome

Dr. Malina Ngai (right), group CEO of AS Watson, said the international health and beauty retailer has set a new target of providing 15,000 free surgeries for children with cleft conditions by 2030. PHOTOS FROM WATSONS

AS Watson marks 185 years of caring

Personalized approach — key to wellness success in 2026

Times editor is new SPEEd president

Helping kids ease back into school routines

Namets is a Filipino food truck in Christchurch run by husband-and-wife David and Monette Pacheco Hernandez.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF ALLAN MACALA; INSIDE PHOTOS FROM MACALA, ADRIANNE MIRABUENO AND LESTER CAMARSE FOR NAMETS NZ

The Sunday Times

Monette and David Hernandez on growing Filipino food in Christchurch, New Zealand

Filipino food continues to enthrall in the new year

Eastwood City thrills thousands in iconic New Year celebration

Resetting this 2026

‘I’mPerfect’ makes history at MMFF 2025

The NPAP Philippines Steering Board convene to chart the next phase of the country’s multi-sector push to address plastic pollution and accelerate circular economy. Participants comprise representatives from government, the private sector, civil society, academia, and development partners to review progress and aligned priorities for 2026.

Expats & Diplomats

UNDP-backed partnership positions Philippines for regional leadership on plastic pollution

Stock Watch

Stock indices as of January 8, 2026

The all-new Lexus LFA makes a dramatic return with a low-slung silhouette and aggressive aero, signaling Lexus’ renewed focus on high-performance, driver-centric engineering. TOYOTA PHOTO

Fast Times

Lexus LFA Concept revealed: Electric sports car signals brand's performance future

Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan with Director Sanmuel Batalla in a rexent press con Photo by Thea Huelar

Maritime

MARINA tells LMAs not to require all their crew to take the Updating Course

By The Manila Times - January 7, 2026

Oceanix City will be located near coastal waters. PHOTOS BY OCEANIX/BIG-BJARKE INGELS GROUP

Build & Design

How smart cities evolve to meet 2030 goals for a sustainable future

By Ludwig Federigan - January 6, 2026

XXXXX. PHOTO FROM GHD

Green Industries

Philippines mining breakthrough: Turning mine waste into resource goldmine

By Leander C. Domingo - January 3, 2026

Former Public Works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo at a Senate hearing on the flood control scandal. In their essay, the DLSU economics professors say that what was stolen by thieves were not taxes, but money debited or withdrawn from government funds (reserve balances) allocated to flood control projects and credited to the private bank accounts of the thieves or kept as cash in their homes. These are bank deposits that reflect the reserve balances on the asset side of commercial banks’ balances and on the liabilities side of BSP’s balance sheet. PHOTO BY RENE DILAN

Campus Press

Thieves stole govt funds, not taxes

By The Manila Times - January 8, 2026

Boardroom Watch

By Leah Salterio - January 9, 2026

n Mountain Province State University (MPSU) officials demonstrate the traditional dehulling of coffee beans at the launch of the first Coffee Museum and Entrepreneurship Training Center on Dec. 23, 2025, at MPSU Coffee Center in Barangay Ba-ang, Buko, Mountain Province. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Agribusiness

MPSU launches first coffee museum & training center in Mountain Province

By Leander C. Domingo - January 8, 2026