Supreme Court urges Congress to act on same-sex couples’ rightsMANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court urged Congress to take a more active role in addressing the rights of same-sex couples. “Thus, this Court does not have the monopoly to assure the freedom and rights of homosexual couples. The high court said that property relations between same-sex couples are governed by Article 148 of the Family Code. A same-sex relationship is a normal relationship and therefore should be covered by Article 148 of the Family Code. RELATED: Supreme Court: Same-sex couples can be recognized as property co-owner

Marcos wants travel tax repeal, dynasty bill by JuneMANILA, Philippines — President Marcos is pushing for the passage of 21 priority measures by June, including bills banning political dynasties, abolishing the travel tax and penalizing disinformation, as his administration seeks to rebuild public trust and improve the daily lives of Filipinos. Marcos endorsed the measures during yesterday’s meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), which consists of key executive officials and congressional leaders. Marcos also backed the abolition of the travel tax, a bill filed by his son, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, saying the move would help reduce travel costs and boost tourism. Castro said the President recognized that people travel not only for leisure but also for work or emergencies. Aside from the 21 priority measures, LEDAC also discussed 31 other bills under its common legislative agenda, covering land use, taxation, health, education, governance reforms, digitalization, economic regulation and other key policy areas.

Last segment of Cavitex-C5 link opening in MarchMotorists are seen taking the Cavitex C5 Link Sucat Interchange on July 1, 2024. MANILA, Philippines — Travel time from Parañaque to Bonifacio Global City in Taguig will be reduced to 15 minutes with the opening next month of a segment linking the Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) and C5 Road. Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez said Segment 3B of the Cavitex-C5, a six-lane expressway spanning two kilometers, would open to motorists in March. This will provide relief to commuters who normally travel between 1.5 and two hours,” Olivarez added. Segment 3B started construction in 2024 under a P3.3-billion deal between Cavitex Infrastructure Corp. and DM Consunji Inc.

House kills impeach bid vs President Bongbong MarcosThe House of Representatives holds a plenary session before the Christmas break on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. MANILA, Philippines (Updated 5:40 p.m.) — The House of Representatives on Tuesday effectively killed the first impeachment bid against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., adopting a justice committee resolution that dismissed the complaints for being insufficient in substance. The three-member Makabayan bloc that endorsed the second complaint also opposed the House's junking of a Marcos impeachment bid. "The killing of the impeachment complaint does not end the search for accountability. Some members in support of the Dutertes, specifically Reps. Paolo Duterte, Harold Duterte, Omar Duterte and Isidro Ungab, chose to withhold their vote.

Vonn crashed heavily just 13 seconds into her run after hitting a gate on the piste, her skis remaining attached to her ski boots as she uncomfortably slid to a halt. “I sustained a complex tibia fracture that is currently stable but will require multiple surgeries to fix properly,” she said. She has already had two surgeries to stabilize the fracture of her left leg, according to reports in Italy. Vonn won the Olympic downhill at the 2010 Vancouver Games but retired in 2019. She had resumed her career in late 2024 and was considered a strong favorite for the downhill at these Olympics after recording seven World Cup podium finishes.

Gandler, Santos deliver message for CignalMANILA, Philippines — There’s reason why Cignal went for chemistry and familiarity instead of star power. Vannie Gandler, an Alas Pilipinas standout, and Erika Santos, the PVL on Tour MVP, reciprocated by uncorking 25 and 15 points, respectively. “We know we have a chance if we work harder and keep believing in ourselves,” said Cignal coach Shaq delos Santos. But they were just no match against Gandler and Santos, who delivered the most decisive blows for red-hot Cignal. I’m happy I was able to help the team get this win,” added Gandler.

EDITORIAL - Free of distractionsBy an overwhelming plenary vote of 284 in favor, with only eight against and four abstaining, the House of Representatives junked yesterday the two impeachment complaints against President Marcos. The plenary adopted Resolution 746, with the House committee on justice recommending the junking of the impeachment complaints based on insufficiency of substance. Impeachment is a political process, and the dismissal of the complaints by the pro-administration super majority was not unexpected. Last week, Malacañang had welcomed the junking of the complaints at the committee level, also by an overwhelming vote. Last week, after the House committee tossed out the impeachment complaints, President Marcos said he was happy to be free of “distractions.” Beyond his gratitude for the dismissal, he should focus on reforms, and prod investigators and state prosecutors to pursue corrupt officials relentlessly and swiftly, sparing no sacred cows.

Classroom shortage may worsen by 2028EDCOM 2 revealed that the education sector is facing a dual crisis: a growing backlog in classroom construction and the deterioration of existing school facilities. MANILA, Philippines — The country’s classroom shortage of 165,443 could further worsen as around 51,000 aging classrooms are projected to be condemned by 2028, the Second Congressional Commission on Education has warned. EDCOM 2 revealed that the education sector is facing a dual crisis: a growing backlog in classroom construction and the deterioration of existing school facilities. “Within this aging inventory, 51,222 classrooms are projected to be condemned by 2028 once they reach 50 years of age. This looming replacement challenge threatens to compound the existing shortage, as thousands of structures face inevitable condemnation due to wear, tear and exposure to natural disasters,” EDCOM 2 said.

‘Unmask agricultural smuggling financiers, be a state witness’Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan presides over the public hearing of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform at the Senate in Pasay on February 10, 2026MANILA, Philippines — Suspecting a conspiracy involving high-ranking officials, Sen. Francis Pangilinan yesterday urged resource persons in the ongoing agricultural smuggling inquiry to consider becoming state witnesses and unmask financiers behind multibillion-peso schemes. Believing that the masterminds hold government positions, Pangilinan likened the smuggling probe to the flood control controversy, wherein former public works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo turned state witness. San Andres is currently detained after being cited in contempt last year for supposedly lying to the committee. Despite the company paying P1.6 billion in duties and taxes, Lumbang denied any knowledge of the firm or signing any documents. Agriculture Assistant Secretary Willie Ann Angsiy has confirmed that a draft joint memorandum circular is under review by food safety regulatory agencies.

Blue Ribbon flood report softens wording vs senatorsMANILA, Philippines — The newly released draft report of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee on the alleged anomalies in flood control projects has softened its wording linking senators to anomalies in flood control projects. We never deviated from the original intent of our committee report that they undergo PI,” he added. Blue Ribbon vice chair Sen. Erwin Tulfo earlier said at least 11 senators would like to introduce amendments on the floor. In Baguio City, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the Senate report can help advance other investigations on the issue. Remulla said the inquiries conducted by the Senate Blue Ribbon committee have been very helpful in uncovering those involved in the flood control scandal.

House throws out Marcos impeach casesThe House of Representatives votes on the justice committee’s recommendation to junk the two impeachment complaints against President Marcos, during plenary session at the Batasan on February 10, 2026. 284-8-4 in plenary votingMANILA, Philippines — Efforts to impeach President Marcos are now dead. Voting 284-8-4, House lawmakers yesterday upheld the dismissal of two impeachment complaints filed against the President. No impeachment complaints against Marcos will be accepted for a whole year. The plenary vote affirms the House justice committee’s dismissal of the two impeachment complaints accusing Marcos of betrayal of public trust, graft and corruption and culpable violation of the 1987 Constitution, among others.

3rd impeach complaint vs VP sent to SpeakerMANILA, Philippines — The third impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte has been transmitted to the office of Speaker Faustino Dy III. “I emphasize that the role of the Office of the Secretary General in impeachment proceedings is strictly ministerial. My office is tasked only with the receipt, verification and transmission of impeachment complaints and their endorsements,” Garafil said. Madriaga had claimed to have personally delivered huge sums of money to her chief security aide during the May 2022 presidential elections. Duterte did not comment on the filing of the third impeachment case against her.

Oriental Mindoro governor testifies vs DPWH execsMANILA, Philippines — Oriental Mindoro Gov. Humerlito Dolor is among key witnesses in the government’s case against nine public works officials in Mimaropa charged with graft and malversation of funds in connection with substandard flood control projects in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. Dolor, appearing as a prosecution witness before the Sandiganbayan, affirmed that the P289.5 million flood control project used substandard materials and failed to meet specifications. In November 2025, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure issued a subpoena to Naujan Mayor Henry Joel Teves, requiring the submission of construction permits for flood control projects. The commission estimates that at least P63 million in funds were wasted due to ghost projects, substandard construction and overpriced flood control initiatives in Oriental Mindoro.

Meralco rates up P0.22/kWh this monthElectric linemen work on power posts along Road 10 in Tondo, Manila on January 12, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — Meralco customers can expect higher electricity bills this month following a P0.2226 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) increase in the overall power rate. At a press conference yesterday, Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga attributed the adjustment to higher power transmission charges, which climbed by P0.1975 per kWh. Helping to ease these increases was a P0.1073 per kWh drop in generation charges, or the cost of power procured by Meralco from its suppliers. The distribution charge, the only portion that goes to Meralco, has not changed since the P0.036 per kWh reduction in August 2022.

Child bride rescued in South CotabatoPNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said the girl was supposed to marry a 19-year-old man when police rescued her on Saturday. MANILA, Philippines — A 14-year-old girl allegedly forced into an illegal marriage has been rescued in T’boli, South Cotabato, the Philippine National Police reported yesterday. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said the girl was supposed to marry a 19-year-old man when police rescued her on Saturday. Nartatez said the parents agreed to place the girl under the custody of the local social welfare and development office after police told them that the law prohibits child marriage. The girl will be provided psychosocial support, intervention programs and reintegration services.