The son of Norway's crown princess, who goes on trial in February accused of raping four women, has been charged with new crimes, including a "serious narcotics offense," the prosecutor said. Marius Borg Hoiby, son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit from another relationship before she married Crown Prince Haakon, was charged on Aug. 18 with four rapes and 28 other crimes, including acts of violence against ex-girlfriends. Two of the counts concerned restraining order violations, while three others were traffic violations for driving a motorcycle at high speed, Henriksbo said. He has admitted to acts of violence in that case, but has denied most of the charges against him, according to his lawyers. Hoiby is not technically a member of the royal family, and therefore has no official public role.

DILG: One Revilla co-accused still at large; firearms surrenderedFormer Senator Bong Revilla arrives at Camp Crame in Quezon City past 9 p.m. on Jan. 19, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — One of the six co-accused of former lawmaker Bong Revilla is still at large, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said. Remulla also said that Revilla surrendered his firearms as he can no longer “own and possess” guns since he will be detained. “Since he will be detained, he will no longer be able to be in possession of those firearms,” Remulla explained. According to Remulla, the former lawmaker has a total of 20 firearms, which include seven long firearms and 14 short firearms.

The government on Tuesday announced the withdrawal of the Silver Bauhinia Star previously awarded to the former director of the Government Logistics Department Carlson Chan Ka-shun.

Government reaffirms auto industry supportFrom AB Capital's The Opening Bell: Three MovesEventThe government confirmed that obligations under the CARS Program will still be paid despite the 2026 budget veto, tapping verified savings from the 2025 budget. Agencies emphasized that the government “will not abandon the auto industry,” aiming to restore investor and manufacturer confidence. Credible payment of nearly P4bn in obligations stabilizes automaker sentiment and reduces execution risk around future industrial policy. ActionIn our view, this strengthens the medium-term manufacturing story and limits downside to the local auto supply chain. It is not to be construed as an offer or solicitation of an offer to sell or buy the securities herein mentioned.

Russian vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy has been deported to Russia after being arrested for harassing and disrespecting Filipinos for content. The Bureau of Immigration confirmed that the 33-year-old boarded an IrAero flight bound for Irkutsk on Saturday, Jan. 17. The BI's Board of Commissioners issued the deportation order on Dec. 17 after declaring Vitaly an undesirable alien. Those who engage in harassment or disruptive acts undermine public order and will be swiftly sanctioned,” Viado is quoted as saying. Vitaly was arrested in Pasay City in June.

Philippines vulnerable to Russia's disinformation playbook used in Ukraine, study warnsThe Chinese and Russian national flags (R) are seen on the international logistics billboard in Ritan International Trade Center in Beijing on March 22, 2022. Lithuanian data analytics firm RepSense analyzed 287,487 traditional media mentions and 786,691 social media comments between January and October 2025. Where Moscow pushed "proxy war" narratives in Ukraine, Katkus said China-aligned accounts frame the Philippines as "Asia's Ukraine" or a "U.S. puppet state." "Almost each of these checkboxes, it checks for Philippines," Katkus said. I find it very difficult to believe that the platforms don't know about the existence of such accounts," Katkus said.

EDITORIAL — Lessons from BinaliwTen days after a mountain of garbage collapsed at the Binaliw landfill in Cebu City, the last missing person was found on Sunday. Environmental groups, on the other hand, want a deeper probe to determine if the dump was operating properly as a landfill. Still, there are ways of minimizing risks from working in hazardous environments, and there is always room for improving safety in garbage dumps. Cebu has declared a day of mourning for the victims of Binaliw and prayers continue to be offered for the victims and their bereaved relatives. At the same time, the government can work with landfill operators to turn garbage into energy.

Marcos inaugurates Antique Airport facilitiesPresident Ferdinand Marcos Jr. officiates the opening of the Antique Airport Development Projects in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique on January 19, 2026MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday ordered the immediate completion of all airport modernization projects in Western Visayas to boost tourism and economic activities in the region. Marcos issued the directive during the inauguration of a new passenger terminal building and other facilities at the Antique Airport in San Jose de Buenavista. The upgrade of the terminal building, which is part of the Antique Airport Development Project, is intended to increase passenger capacity to 360 from 64 previously. Marcos said the immediate completion of the Antique Airport Development Project would boost tourism, improve passenger experience and enhance economic activity in Wetern Visayas. The airport’s passenger terminal building, escalators, flight information display system and baggage handling system are being upgraded, he said.

PNP probing cops who helped Atong evade arrestAccording to PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, Ang has no officially recorded police security detail, leading authorities to presume that his protection came from private guards. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, Ang has no officially recorded police security detail, leading authorities to presume that his protection came from private guards. The chief PNP has ordered the study of possible administrative and criminal cases,” he said, adding that even senior officers are included in the probe. “We will not tire, stay awake and spend resources just to search for Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang if this were scripted.

Navy’s newest offshore patrol vessel arrives in PhilippinesPhoto shows the Rajah Sulayman, the Philippine Navy’s newest offshore patrol ship, at a launching ceremony at Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea on June 11, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy’s newest offshore patrol vessel, the future BRP Rajah Sulayman, arrived in the country last Jan. 17 from South Korea, adding to the Navy’s growing modern fleet. The vessel was met in waters off Zambales last Saturday by BRP Jose Rizal, the Navy’s first missile-capable frigate, as part of standard naval protocols upon entering Philippine waters. “After completing coordination and meeting procedures at sea, the future BRP Rajah Sulayman will begin post-delivery activities and technical checks,” (PN) public affairs office chief Commander Marie Angelica Sisican said. COA flagged the AFP over its unauthorized maintenance of six bank accounts and unliquidated cash advances amounting to P201.86 million as of end 2024.

Gunman kills one, wounds six others in Czech town hall before killing self

‘CARS incentives to be funded from DPWH budget savings’MANILA, Philippines — The government yesterday assured investors it would settle incentives under the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program with savings from the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) budget last year as the funding source. Earlier this month, President Marcos vetoed the P4.32-billion allocation for the CARS program under this year’s budget. The CARS program was launched in 2015 to encourage investments in local vehicle manufacturing by providing incentives. For its part, TMP welcomed the Philippine government’s clarification on its fiscal means and commitment to honor its obligations under the CARS program. It also said it remains committed to working with the government in revitalizing the Philippine automotive industry.

Improved weather seen as Ada moves awayThe center of Ada, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph, was found at 465 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora at 4 p.m. yesterday. MANILA, Philippines — Most parts of the country may see generally fair weather today, as Tropical Depression Ada continues to move away, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). PAGASA noted the new surge of the northeast monsoon that brings “dry air entrainment” may cause the further weakening of Ada. The trough or extension of Ada will bring “cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms” over Camarines Sur and Catanduanes. The regions of Cordillera and Cagayan Valley may see “cloudy skies with light rains” and “partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains” over the Ilocos Region and the provinces of Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Zambales.

China's population drops for fourth year as fewer babies bornA woman and a child sit in a park in Beijing, China January 12, 2024. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang

Security officers tagged in illegal cigarette tradeThe HPG made the statement yesterday following the arrest of seven Chinese nationals and the confiscation of P129.06 million worth of illegal cigarettes in Quezon City and Valenzuela on Jan. 14. MANILA, Philippines — Some high-ranking members of the security forces are allegedly involved in the multibillion-peso illegal trade of cigarettes, according to the police Highway Patrol Group. The real financiers include some members of the security forces,” Marantan said at a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City. Marantan said the illegal cigarette trade is worth billions of pesos, making it difficult to dismantle due to alleged protection and profit-sharing. Authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify the financiers and other people involved in the illegal trade of cigarettes.