Remove economy class travel tax – TulfoTulfo’s Senate Bill 88 highlights how the travel tax places an undue financial burden on economy-class passengers. MANILA, Philippines — Travel taxes imposed on Filipinos flying economy should be removed, according to Sen. Raffy Tulfo. Tulfo’s Senate Bill 88 highlights how the travel tax places an undue financial burden on economy-class passengers. “This is compounded by the already heavy tax obligations imposed on Filipino citizens, including income and consumption taxes,” he pointed out. Tulfo clarified that his proposed measure does not seek to abolish travel tax, but “merely introduces a more equitable structure by retaining the imposition of travel tax on passengers traveling through business class or higher, whose financial standing affords them greater capacity to contribute to national development.”“The government shall continue to secure the necessary resources for TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority), the CHED (Commission on Higher Education) and NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts), ensuring the sustainability of essential programs and projects, while alleviating the financial strain on the average Filipino traveler,” Tulfo said.

DOE seeks P24 billion penalties over canceled Solar Philippines contractsEnergy Secretary Sharon Garin said Solar Philippines’ terminated deals account for more than 11,400 megawatts (MW), or about 64 percent of the total capacity of all renewable power service contracts terminated in 2024 and 2025. MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) is pursuing roughly P24 billion in penalties from Solar Philippines, founded by Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, following the termination of its 33 contracts over the past two years. Garin said Solar Philippines, along with other developers whose contracts were terminated, failed to meet their contractual obligations and did not comply with the agreed project timelines. Of the total capacity covered by Solar Philippines’ contracts, 1,370 MW had been awarded during the government’s first two green energy auction rounds. For those noncompliant, the agency is considering filing civil, criminal or administrative cases against the developers behind these contracts, Garin said.

A trial in the lawsuit brought by Elon Musk against OpenAI CEO Samuel Altman and other defendants—including tech giant Microsoft—is scheduled to begin April 27, according to a federal court order issued Tuesday, Jan. 13. The legal showdown will center on Musk's claim that OpenAI and Altman abandoned the startup's original nonprofit, public-benefit mission and misled him while turning the lab into a highly lucrative, Microsoft-linked for-profit enterprise. OpenAI went on to release ChatGPT in 2022 and Musk eventually launched a rival, xAI. Microsoft, a major investor in OpenAI since 2019, has poured billions into the firm and become its biggest shareholder after a restructuring last year. The trial, to be held before a jury, will be presided over by US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California.

LPA enters PAR, may develop into tropical depressionPAGASA said the LPA is expected to bring rain over parts of Mindanao and the Visayas in the coming days. MANILA, Philippines — A low-pressure area (LPA) entered the Philippine area of responsibility yesterday afternoon and may develop into a tropical depression, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. PAGASA said the LPA is expected to bring rain over parts of Mindanao and the Visayas in the coming days. If the LPA develops into a tropical storm, it will be given the local name Ada. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon are expected to experience generally fair weather, with only isolated light rains or localized thunderstorms.

‘Corruption to drag GDP growth to below 4% in Q4’Aris Dacanay, ASEAN economist at HSBC, said the ongoing investigation into flood control and other public works projects has introduced a level of uncertainty that is already spilling over into fiscal execution and private sector behavior. Yet “as we speak, consumption growth is below five percent in real terms,” Dacanay said. “The intent is to basically boost domestic demand,” Dacanay said, citing the downtrend in confidence indicators and the need for monetary policy to offset weaker fiscal spending. Still, Dacanay cautioned that the fiscal drag from stricter scrutiny of public spending could persist. Looking ahead, Dacanay said 2026 would be a critical year as the Philippines begins its ASEAN 2026 chairship and faces closer international scrutiny.

DILG urges public to report ‘epal’ politiciansMANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) yesterday urged the public to report politicians who violate anti-epal rules, warning that repeat offenders could face administrative and even criminal charges. “If the politicians commit violations, we call on the people to take photos, post them on Facebook and we can investigate,” Remulla said at a press briefing. “If the local chief executive’s attitude is recidivist, we can refer it to the ombudsman for administrative and criminal cases.”The public may use the Sumbong sa Pangulo portal to report any epal or credit-grabbing politicians. Pargas said PhilHealth monitors the performance of accredited providers but relies on public reports to promptly address violations. PhilHealth reiterated that members must be registered with their chosen PhilHealth YAKAP Clinic to avail themselves of GAMOT benefits.

Ex-DPWH exec Alcantara’s license revokedFormer Bulacan 1st Disrtict engineer Henry Alcantara attends the House Infra Comm's first hearing on anomalous flood control projects on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — The license of former public works Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara, who is allegedly involved in anomalous flood control projects, has been revoked by the Professional Regulatory Board of Civil Engineering (PRB-CE). After finding him guilty of gross unprofessional and unethical conduct, the PRB-CE ordered the revocation of Alcantara’s license, according to the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC). Alcantara is one of the DPWH engineers linked to “ghost” flood control projects in Bulacan. Alcantara refused to answer questions from the media, particularly on his supposed recantation of statements regarding the flood control controversy.

Festive moments, grateful heartsVicky and Joe Zubiri with their children Joey Zubiri, Allana Montelibano, Manuel and Ana Zubiri, Bea and Scott Bannon, Miduel and Audrey Zubiri, Stephanie Zubiri, Scott Woodward, Asun Zubiri, Dette Tan and grandchildrenHoliday celebrations bring out the best in everyone. Above all, thankfulness for past blessings and good health tops everyone’s wish list for 2026. “I look forward to whatever new growth experiences and challenges lie ahead for us. Alice Eduardo with her children Jacqueline, Jameson and JessicaALICE EDUARDO: “In 2025, I was grateful for good health, purposeful work, and the people beside me —family, team, and communities served. MAUREEN DISINI TEICHERT: “Catching up with my brother Michael is always something I look forward to.

BFP chief, 19 others face corruption rapsBFP OIC chief Jesus Piedad Fernandez leads the flag-raising ceremony in the BFP National Headquarters in 2024. MANILA, Philippines — Twenty officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection, including BFP director Jesus Fernandez, will face charges for alleged involvement in bid rigging, kickbacks and other forms of corruption, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said yesterday. The police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group is looking into the allegations against Fernandez, Remulla said. Owners of commercial establishments and condominium buildings cannot operate without fire inspection clearance certificates from the BFP, Remulla noted. The BFP, for its part, said it views Remulla’s corruption allegations as a challenge for the bureau to cleanse its ranks of misfits.

Police officer stabs fellow cop at CrameMANILA, Philippines — A police officer was arrested yesterday after he allegedly stabbed a colleague at Camp Crame in Quezon City. Michael Camilo brandished a kitchen knife at two police officers who were witnesses in the cases filed against them. During the scuffle, Camilo allegedly stabbed Castro in the back. Camilo and Castro were among the six police officers accused of stealing P13.45 million of the P141 million seized during an anti-trafficking operation in Bataan in 2024. They were under restrictive custody at Camp Crame while being probed for violating the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

Coordinated response ongoing at collapsed landfillAerial view of the Binaliw landfill in Cebu City, which collapsed and caused a landslide yesterday afternoon, January 8. Rescue operations are still ongoing to locate the remaining missing persons. MANILA, Philippines — Coordinated response operations are ongoing at a landfill facility in Cebu City where a mountain of trash collapsed last week, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The DILG said the city government is leading the search and rescue operation with the help of members of the Bureau of Fire Protection and police. Police handle security on the ground and ensure proper tagging and identification of bodies retrieved from the rubble, the agency said.

Tropang 5G go for killMANILA, Philippines — Qualifying for the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup finals as early as possible would offer extra time for the players to recover and recharge while waiting for their opponent. The Beermen and the Gin Kings are locked in a 2-2 standoff and would need until Friday, at the earliest, or Sunday, at the latest, to settle the score. “And I’ve said this since Game 1, we have no illusion this is going to be an easy series. Meanwhile, the Beermen and the Gin Kings dispute control at 7:30 p.m. The Gin Kings are on a high after bringing the series to square one and avoiding a 1-3 deficit with a dominant 105-91 victory Sunday.

P105.7 billion PPP scheme OK’d to ease classroom shortageAngara said the Economic Development Council, chaired by the President, approved Phase 3 of the Public-Private Partnership for School Infrastructure Project (PSIP), which forms part of broader reforms to speed up classroom construction and improve governance in school infrastructure. MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has approved a P105.7-billion public-private partnership (PPP) scheme aimed at addressing the country’s 165,000-classroom shortage, Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced yesterday. Angara said the initiative is aligned with President Marcos’ directive to fast-track or “green lane” Department of Education (DepEd) PPP projects, with technical support from the economic team, the PPP Center and the Asian Development Bank. The DepEd plans to build 105,000 classrooms from 2026 to 2031 under a build-lease-and-transfer PPP scheme. TransparencyAs the government accelerates efforts to expand education infrastructure through public-private partnerships, private education stakeholders are also moving to safeguard the integrity of existing education support programs amid concerns flagged by state auditors.

FDI net inflows fall to $642 millionMANILA, Philippines — Foreign direct investments (FDI) inflow to the Philippines plunged by nearly 40 percent year-on-year in October, although the month saw a rebound from September’s five-year low as investors remained largely cautious amid political and policy uncertainties. Preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed net FDI inflow fell by 39.8 percent to $642 million in October 2025 from $1.07 billion in the same month in 2024. “Foreign direct investments into the Philippines posted net inflows of $642 million in October 2025,” the BSP said. Nonresidents’ net investments in equity capital, excluding reinvestment of earnings, rose by 17.1 percent to $117 million from $100 million a year ago. Equity capital placements increased by 10.7 percent to $135 million, while withdrawals declined by 17.4 percent to $19 million.

Profit taking snaps market’s three-day runThe bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) slipped by 0.17 percent or 11.2 points to finish yesterday’s session at 6,408.76. MANILA, Philippines — The local stock market took a breather following a three-day rally, but still managed to stay above the 6,400 territory. The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) slipped by 0.17 percent or 11.2 points to finish yesterday’s session at 6,408.76. Analysts attributed the decline to profit taking, with investors waiting for fresh leads. RCBC chief economist Michael Ricafort said that yesterday’s correction was considered a healthy profit taking after the PSEi advanced for three straight trading days.