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Articles by Arwen Gutierrez
Manila PESO sets mega job fair for November 12
Public sector labor interventions, municipal employment services, and institutional placement strategies are drawing policy focus as local government authorities coordinate job matching operations to address urban workforce displacement. Job seekers will have an opportunity to find employment as the Manila Public Employment Service Office (PESO) holds a local and overseas mega job fair on November 12, 2026 (Thursday).
EDCA sites for defense, not Taiwan strikes — Teodoro
National security frameworks, treaty boundaries, and constitutional prohibitions governing foreign military presence face heightened public scrutiny amid growing geopolitical tensions and discussions over regional defense posture. DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday said the United States is not allowed to use Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines to launch offensive military operations in case hostilities break out in Taiwan.
Qualified gov’t workers eligible for up to ₱30,000
Budgetary oversight mechanisms and strict fund diversion bans have taken precedence in state compensation policy as financial regulators link public sector incentives to verified agency cost savings and operational efficiency targets.
Marcos warns vs. corruption in ₱8.6B disaster fund
Fiscal controls, procurement compliance, and LGU reporting mechanisms face heightened national scrutiny as the government deploys multi-billion peso disaster relief allocations amid past infrastructure irregularities.
Sara’s defense names witnesses ahead of Nov. 9 trial
Procedural standards governing witness admissibility, financial documentation, and judicial decorum face heightened scrutiny as the Senate Impeachment Court prepares to evaluate the defense team’s evidentiary presentation amid ongoing debate over sub judice rules. The Senate Impeachment Court on Thursday came out with a list of witnesses to be presented by the defense team when the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte resumes on November 9.
Teachers’ groups: 172K laptops fall short of demand
Government procurement delays and structural funding shortfalls continue to shift the financial burden of basic instructional technology directly onto public school educators across the country. Teachers’ groups said the Department of Education’s (DepEd) planned distribution of 172,654 laptops will still leave the vast majority of public school teachers without government-provided devices, renewing calls for a dedicated laptop allocation for every educator.
Kayana completes ₱2.7B acquisition of Bayad Center
A major restructuring in payment infrastructure has consolidated multi-sector digital assets under a dedicated innovation vehicle, transitioning a staple utility collection platform into full tech-firm ownership. Kayana Solutions Inc., a digital innovation firm partly owned by PLDT Inc., has completed its P2.7-billion acquisition of CIS Bayad Center Inc. (Bayad). In a regulatory disclosure, PLDT reported that Kayana finalized the transaction on Nov.
Prosecution: Sara Duterte violated ban on business, law practice
Prosecution strategies in the vice presidential impeachment proceedings are focusing on authenticated government records and sworn tax filings to anchor claims of constitutional violations rather than witness testimonies. House prosecution team adviser and spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers cited official records—including Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs), corporate General Information Sheets (GIS), and tax filings—proving Vice President Sara Z.
LTFRB probes excess motorcycle taxi registrations
Regulatory limits governing ride-hailing fleets have come under intense scrutiny as government authorities move to penalize a motorcycle taxi operator for allegedly bypassing official caps on driver onboarding. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) confirmed it has launched a formal investigation into a motorcycle taxi platform provider accused of registering more riders in its digital system than authorized under government guidelines.
AdSpark brings AI campaign testing to brands
Digital agencies are overhauling campaign risk management by adopting predictive simulation tools to evaluate consumer response before committing marketing funds. AdSpark, a digital advertising and marketing technology agency under Brave Connective and Globe-backed 917Ventures, partnered with Netopia AI to integrate an artificial intelligence-powered behavioral simulation platform into its marketing and advertising technology capabilities.
Makati imposes month-long drone ban ahead of ASEAN
A total ban on civilian and commercial drone flights took effect across all of Makati City on Monday as local security protocols ramp up for the hosting of the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit. The Makati City government issued a public advisory prohibiting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in all areas of the city throughout the entire month of November.
GMA asks NTC to delay Nov. 22 analog TV cutoff
Delays in government-led assistance programs for vulnerable households have prompted major broadcast network GMA to challenge the upcoming analog television switch-off schedule. GMA Network Inc. has formally petitioned the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to postpone the mandatory November 22 analog shutdown deadline, pointing to unresolved implementation guidelines for subsidizing consumer transitions.
MRT-3 adds 3 trains ahead of holiday rush
A dual-mode capacity expansion strategy targeting both rail and bus networks took effect Monday as transportation authorities move to head off severe holiday season commuter congestion. Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon ordered the immediate deployment of three additional trains on the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), expanding the system’s operational fleet, which currently runs between 16 and 19 train sets daily along the North Avenue to Taft Avenue corridor.
‘Mash-Up Queen’ Ate Gay dies at 55
Filipino comedy has lost one of its most distinctive performers with the death of Gil Aducal Morales, better known to audiences as Ate Gay, at the age of 55. Her family announced that the comedian died on Sunday, November 1, following weeks of serious health complications. She spent her final moments surrounded by loved ones. “Our beloved Ate Gay has peacefully passed away,” the family said in a statement posted on her official social media account.
House prosecution seeks Duterte’s answers on disputed properties
Discrepancies identified by state investigators between declared land holdings and actual luxury developments will take center stage when House prosecutors cross-examine defense witnesses in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte. House prosecutor and Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry L.
Garin says impeachment won’t derail Congress’ work
Government preparations for a looming “Super El Niño” and the review of the national budget remain on track despite the demands of the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte. House Deputy Speaker and Iloilo Rep. Janette L. Garin refuted assertions that trial proceedings have paralyzed core legislative operations, emphasizing that critical economic measures and climate resilience planning continue without interruption.
Manila North suspends shuttles as cemetery roads clog
Internal transport systems faced stark operational adjustments across Metro Manila’s major burial grounds on Sunday morning as surging All Saints’ Day crowds packed access roads and tested site management protocols. At Manila North Cemetery, severe congestion forced management to halt internal shuttle operations after vehicle pathways became completely impassable under the weight of incoming visitors.
Nearly 9,000 visit Manila North Cemetery ahead of Undas peak
Traffic rerouting and strict contraband checks were instituted around the perimeter of Manila North Cemetery on Saturday as public safety officials prepared for a massive influx expected to peak at one million visitors over the weekend. Under the Manila City government’s Undas traffic scheme, several major thoroughfares surrounding the cemetery grounds have been closed to vehicle traffic since October 30. The closures include Blumentritt Street from A.
House panel details exclusions in Duterte financial review
Discrepancies between official annual financial disclosures and actual bank activity sit at the center of the House prosecution’s strategy as financial analysts separate routine transactions from unexplained income streams involving Vice President Sara Z. Duterte and Atty. Manases Carpio. Addressing questions on how prosecution experts calculated questioned personal inflows, House trial spokesperson and Lanao del Sur Rep.
PNP vows lawful, impartial arrest of fugitive senator
Police units tasked with locating and arresting fugitive Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa have been instructed to adhere strictly to human rights protocols and maintain non-violent tactics as the search intensifies following the expiration of a surrender deadline. The command came after the one-week ultimatum issued by PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. for the lawmaker to give himself up to authorities lapsed on Friday.
Adiong backs larger infrastructure allocations if projects are properly implemented
Larger infrastructure allocations require justification through local needs and proper project delivery, according to Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong in defense of the 2027 national budget allocations. Alonto Adiong addressed questions regarding the proposed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) funding linked to Ilocos Norte’s 1st District, represented by Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos.
NorthPort targets 2027 completion of port upgrades
NorthPort, the domestic cargo terminal of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) at the Port of Manila, on Thursday said it is on track to complete its structural upgrade program by the end of 2027. ICTSI said the program includes wharf strengthening works at Pier 14 and civil works at Pier 16, aimed at improving infrastructure resilience and ensuring safer and more reliable terminal operations.
NLEX-C5 Northlink opens new section ahead of Undas rush
NLEX Corp. on Thursday inaugurated a new section of the NLEX-C5 Northlink project ahead of the expected surge in traffic during the Undas holiday. The newly opened two-kilometer Section 1A of Segment 8.2 connects Quirino Highway in Quezon City to the NLEX Mindanao Toll Plaza in Valenzuela City, providing motorists with an alternative route to major destinations in Metro Manila and northern Luzon.
Quimbo pushes clear Wawa Dam rules to prevent floods, water shortages
Marikina City Second District Representative Miro Quimbo is pushing for clear protocols governing the operation of Upper Wawa Dam to protect flood-prone communities while ensuring a sufficient water supply amid the expected impact of a strong El Niño. Quimbo reiterated the need for clear operational guidelines following an inter-agency consultation on October 28, which discussed proposed rules for dam management.
SWS: Majority to respect Senate impeachment ruling
A majority of Filipinos believe the Senate impeachment court’s final decision on Vice President Sara Duterte, whether conviction or acquittal, should be accepted by the public, according to the September 21-27 survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS). The poll revealed that 51 percent of respondents agree that the Senate’s ruling must be respected, while 26 percent disagree and 24 percent remain undecided.
NTC warns illegal SIM sellers of jail time, hefty fines
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has warned the public that selling or transferring registered SIM cards without complying with registration requirements is a criminal offense punishable by up to six years in prison and a fine of as much as P300,000.
Estrada denies ₱7-billion budget insertions, cites Senate records
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada maintained that he had no insertions or amendments to the 2025 national budget “related to the DPWH budget” as claimed by former public works secretary Manuel Bonoan. In a statement released by his office, Estrada said he has taken note of Bonoan’s testimony before the Sandiganbayan on claims that more than P7 billion in congressional initiatives were inserted in the 2025 national budget.
EPD deploys 1,500 cops to secure Eastern Metro cemeteries for Undas
More than 1,500 personnel of the Eastern Police District (EPD) will be deployed to secure five public cemeteries, five columbaria, and nine private cemeteries across Eastern Metro Manila from October 30 to November 2 for Undas 2026. EPD Director Police Brig. Gen. Roman Arugay said the deployment aims to ensure public safety, security, and order as people visit cemeteries and memorial sites to remember their departed loved ones.
DepEd to expand division offices to bring education services closer to remote schools
The Department of Education (DepEd) plans to establish 13 new Schools Division Offices (SDOs) and open 15 temporary field offices to speed up services for schools located on remote islands and in mountainous areas. Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the proposed reorganization aims to reduce delays in administrative processes and bring management, teacher support, and educational services closer to schools that are difficult to reach.
CAVITEX implements toll hike starting October 28
The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) has approved the implementation of the second tranche of toll rate adjustments for the CAVITEX R1 Expressway Extension, covering the Zapote, Las Piñas to Kawit, Cavite segment, effective October 28, 2026. Under the new rates, motorists using the seven-kilometer expressway extension will pay P103 for Class 1 vehicles, P207 for Class 2 vehicles, and P310 for Class 3 vehicles.
Gloc-9 has no interest in finding the next Gloc-9
In an industry constantly searching for the next big name, Gloc-9 has a different idea: perhaps the next generation doesn’t need another Gloc-9 at all. The Filipino rap veteran, whose real name is Aristotle Pollisco, believes younger artists should be allowed to establish their own identities rather than spend their careers living up to someone else’s reputation.
DLSU Manila suspends classes and restricts campus access after precautionary evacuation
De La Salle University (DLSU) Manila suspended in-person and online classes from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, while access to its Manila campus was restricted following a precautionary evacuation. The La Sallian, the university’s official student publication, reported that the class suspension was announced by the Office of the Provost. However, the university had not disclosed the reason for the suspension as of the latest report.
DFA clarifies Taiwan discussions focused on protecting critical undersea infrastructure
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday denied that the Philippines has any cooperative arrangement with Taiwan on subsea cables or other critical undersea infrastructure. “There is no cooperative arrangement with Taiwan on subsea cables or other critical undersea infrastructure (CUI),” DFA spokesperson Analyn Ratonel told reporters in a message.
Police arrest province’s most wanted suspect over rocket-propelled grenade attack on mayor’s vehicle
Police operatives arrested another suspect in the ambush of a Maguindanao del Sur mayor early this year that left two of the mayor’s security escorts injured, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said on Monday. “The arrest marks an important step toward justice but our work does not end with one suspect in custody,” Nartatez said in a statement. The suspect, Toraipe Lusod, alias Aripi, was nabbed last Saturday afternoon in Barangay Meta, Datu Unsay town in Maguindanao del Sur.
Cacdac meets Bahrain-based OFWs to discuss jobs, pensions and livelihood support
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac met with members of the Filipino community in Bahrain on Sunday, Oct. 25, to discuss their concerns and proposals on employment, pensions, education, healthcare, and livelihood. The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss government services and programs available to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.
CAB tells airlines to prepare for flight disruptions during November ASEAN Summit
The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has ordered airlines to prepare for possible flight schedule changes and airport operational adjustments during the 49th ASEAN Summit on Nov. 16 to 18, 2026, amid the expected arrival of delegates and heightened security measures. In an advisory, CAB urged airlines to review their scheduled operations and coordinate with relevant airport authorities to ensure that any flight changes are necessary and minimize inconvenience to passengers.
Pasay City announces phased road closures for 49th ASEAN Summit, sets holiday excavation moratorium
Pasay City will enforce phased road closures around the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) complex from October 24 through November 20, 2026, as Metro Manila prepares to host the 49th ASEAN Summit.
Barbers says prosecution prepared to challenge Duterte’s explanations on alleged unexplained wealth
Vice President Sara Z. Duterte would face questioning from House prosecutors if her lawyers decide to present her as a witness when the Senate impeachment trial resumes on November 9, with the prosecution prepared to confront her over financial records allegedly showing unexplained wealth, undeclared assets, and prohibited business interests.
Abante seeks NBI probe into anonymous accounts over alleged online defamation
Manila Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr. has sought the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in identifying and investigating anonymous social media accounts and bloggers allegedly spreading false and malicious information against him. In a statement, Abante, one of the endorsers of the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, said he is contemplating filing cyber libel complaints against those responsible.
House prosecution calls for renewed public attention to Duterte impeachment case
House impeachment adviser and trial spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers has urged Filipinos to follow Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s impeachment trial when it resumes on November 9, saying the break should be followed by renewed attention on the financial evidence against her. Asked whether the pause had weakened the prosecution’s momentum, Barbers appealed for public scrutiny of a case he described as a constitutional accountability process.
LISA drops ‘PRESS PLAY’ EP, unveils action-packed ‘Tarantino’ music video
BLACKPINK star LISA is bringing a cinematic twist to her solo music career with the release of her six-track EP PRESS PLAY and its action-packed music video for “Tarantino.” Released Friday, October 23, through LLOUD Co. and RCA Records, the project combines music and movie-inspired storytelling as the Thai superstar continues to expand her presence beyond K-pop. The “Tarantino” music video follows LISA on a mission through a hotel to deliver a note to acclaimed filmmaker Quentin Tarantino.
NAIA improves on-time performance as international passenger traffic reaches 19.93 million
International passenger traffic at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) increased by 2.6 percent year-on-year to 19.93 million from Jan. 1 to Oct. 22, 2026, despite disruptions to global aviation caused by conflict in the Middle East. In a statement, NAIA operator New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) said the airport handled 507,772 more international passengers than the 19.42 million recorded during the same period last year.
Schools to adopt flexible schedules, water conservation measures as DepEd braces for El Niño
The Department of Education (DepEd) is set to issue a memorandum outlining guidelines to help schools prepare for the expected “very strong” El Niño phenomenon. In an interview with the program Boses, DepEd Undersecretary Malcolm Garma said the suspension of face-to-face classes would continue to depend on the heat index advisories issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
PNP vows relentless crackdown on ‘kotong cops’
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. has reiterated the command’s commitment to purge corrupt personnel from the police force, issuing a stern warning to officers engaging in extortion and criminal operations. “We are here to protect and not to exploit our vulnerable kababayans. There is no place in the PNP for police scalawags, particularly those police officers who extort money from the public for their own gains,” Nartatez said in a statement.
Filipino among two killed in drone attack targeting Saudi Aramco facility
A Filipino national was killed in an intercepted drone attack targeting a facility at Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oilfield in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, according to a report by Reuters, citing the Saudi energy ministry. Saudi air defenses intercepted the drone before it could hit the facility. However, falling debris killed two residents, one Filipino and one Nepali, and injured two others, a Pakistani and an Indian, the ministry said.
BSP raises key interest rate to 5.5% as inflation risks intensify
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Thursday raised its interest rate by 50 basis points to 5.5 percent as inflationary pressures are expected to intensify in the coming months. The Monetary Board increased the target reverse repurchase (RRP) rate to 5.5 percent. The interest rates on the overnight deposit and lending facilities were also raised to 5 percent and 6 percent, respectively. “Inflation is seen to accelerate further in the coming months.
Electric ferries eyed for Iloilo-Bacolod route to cut fuel costs, emissions
The Department of Transportation (DOTr), through the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), is preparing to pilot-test electric and hybrid ferries in the Philippines, with the Iloilo-Bacolod route being considered for fully electric vessels and the Batangas-Calapan route for hybrid ships. Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the government is studying how the technology can be adapted to local routes and how it could benefit passengers, vessel operators, and the environment.
UP, MMDA team up on science-based flood management and mitigation
The University of the Philippines (UP) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have partnered to strengthen flood management in Metro Manila through research, technical assistance, and science-based planning. The two institutions signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday, October 21, establishing a framework for cooperation in research, knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and the development of practical tools to mitigate flooding.
Remulla: Former associates provided intelligence on Atong Ang’s suspected departure
Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla said initial information about businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang leaving the country surfaced about a year ago. “The information has been under our analysis for one year. Validation takes a while. Upon taking all the intelligence reports our theory is that he has left the country,” Remulla said. “Much of the information came from his former cohorts who have turned state witness,” he also said.
OFW remittances grow 2.3% despite Middle East conflict — DMW
Cash remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) continued to grow this year despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said Wednesday. DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said remittances posted growth of around 2.2% to 2.3%, even as global economic growth slowed. “Despite the global tendency na bumaba ‘yung ekonomiya ay sustained ang remittances. 2.2% to 2.3% ang growth.
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