House ethics panel to tackle Barzaga’s expulsion anewMANILA, Philippines — The committee on ethics and privileges of the House of Representatives is expected to reopen tomorrow the administrative case filed against suspended Rep. Francisco Barzaga, who has been accused of misconduct for saying his colleagues received bribes. Panel chairman Rep. JC Abalos told congressional reporters last week they are expecting Barzaga to attend the hearing and provide full cooperation. “The motion made by Rep. Gutierrez was approved after the personal and collective privilege speech of Rep. Valeriano,” Abalos told reporters in a news briefing. He has assured the general public that proceedings would strictly comply with House rules, as they observe due process as well. “Other NUP members who were similarly maligned are already in the process of filing their own complaints,” Puno revealed.

President Marcos to public: Suggest solutions to pressing issuesMANILA, Philippines — Citing the need to review outdated government policies, President Marcos yesterday encouraged the public to share their suggestions in addressing pressing issues. “Let us know in the comment section if you have any policy suggestions that can help solve our many problems. We look forward to your suggestions,” Marcos said. Marcos also underscored the need to fast-track digitalization to make government services more convenient and foster responsible, productive citizens. The President also cited some effective policies from other countries, such as the ban on the sale and importation of chewing gum in Singapore to maintain public cleanliness.

Makabayan bloc to refile impeach case vs VP SaraSupreme Court: VP Sara impeachment ruling 'immediately executory' In a Facebook post on Aug. 5, 2025, Vice President Sara Duterte shared photos of her administering the oath of office to newly elected officials of the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte. MANILA, Philippines — With the lapse of the Supreme Court’s one-year bar rule on filing an impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte on Feb. 6, the Makabayan bloc of the House of Representatives is gearing up to file another case against her. “The Makabayan bloc is now prepared to refile the impeachment complaint against VP Duterte because it is necessary and in the interest of the Filipino people. Upon an overwhelming vote of 215 congressmen, Duterte was impeached by the House in February 2025. This was questioned by the House leadership who elevated the case to the SC, which later unanimously ruled in favor of Duterte by making the impeachment complaint unconstitutional.

Philippine embassy in Seoul joins International Customs DayMANILA, Philippines — South Korea’s Customs Service has highlighted its use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies to improve efficiency, inspections and risk response. At the 44th International Customs Day held recently, Korea Customs Service Commissioner Myeong-ku Lee said these initiatives align with the Philippines’ customs reform efforts and ongoing collaboration with the KCS, including information exchange, capacity-building and technical cooperation to strengthen enforcement, risk management and trade facilitation. Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese Fernandez joined Lee, senior officials and members of the diplomatic corps in celebrating the 44th International Customs Day in Seoul. The event underscored the vital role of customs in securing and facilitating global trade, a field of growing cooperation between the Philippines and South Korea. Lee said that modern customs go beyond processing goods, serving as a critical function for trade facilitation, supply chain security and public safety.

House tackles President Marcos impeachment rap todayMANILA, Philippines — The House committee on justice will hold its first hearing today on the two impeachment complaints filed against President Marcos, with the four lawmakers who endorsed them expected to defend the cases. In an interview with House reporters last week, Luistro expressed full confidence about the competence of her committee colleagues in taking up more than one impeachment complaint at a time. “Before we can start the process, it really has to be consolidated because the two complaints are not possible to be heard in the justice committee. Speaker Faustino Dy III, reacting on the impeachment complaints against Marcos, said he sees no moral and legal basis for the suits. “We see no basis to justify the impeachment complaints filed against President Marcos.

Senate to discuss resolution vs Chinese diplomatMANILA, Philippines — Despite opposition from several senators now being tagged as “pro-China,” the Senate will try to adopt today a proposed resolution condemning Chinese embassy officials who criticized Philippine officials for speaking out in defense of national sovereignty and maritime rights. Ejercito clarified that the resolution does not include a provision declaring the Chinese ambassador or deputy spokesperson persona non grata. The other minority senators who did not sign were Cayetano, Imee Marcos, Rodante Marcoleta, Bong Go, Ronald dela Rosa, Francis Escudero, Robinhood Padilla and Joel Villanueva. Sen. Pia Cayetano, the sister of the minority leader, was the lone majority member who did not sign the resolution. A separate measure, Senate Resolution 267 filed by Marcos, urges government officials to exercise restraint in their criticism of China and to allow the Department of Foreign Affairs to handle diplomatic disputes through formal channels.

President Marcos on health: Nothing seriousMANILA, Philippines — President Marcos appeared in another video yesterday, where he gave the public an update about his “good” health condition after being diagnosed with diverticulitis. Marcos said he lost weight as he was restricted to a soft diet for a few days. “I’ve lost weight as I was only allowed to have soup for a few days,” the 68-year-old President said. NBI may probe vloggerMeanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said it was investigating the spread of a fake medical record of President Marcos and may summon vlogger Jack Argota in connection with the incident. It is correct that people have a right to know the public health of the President, but that does not give anyone permission to release anything and spread fake news,” he said.

Gatchalian seeks Senate probe into Cebu landfill collapseA member of the search and rescue team looks at piles of twisted metal on Saturday, two days after a landfill facility collapsed in Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City. MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a resolution seeking a Senate inquiry into the landfill collapse in Binaliw, Cebu, which left more than 30 people dead and several others injured. In Proposed Senate Resolution 277, Gatchalian said the circumstances surrounding the Jan. 8 incident raise serious concerns about landfill design standards, operational practices, compliance with regulations and the adequacy of government oversight meant to protect public safety. It also seeks to identify possible legislative and policy measures to strengthen safety standards for landfill operations and prevent similar incidents. Gatchalian noted that the Binaliw tragedy is not an isolated case.

BOC to hold third auction of Discaya carsThis photo shows a picture of the building of the Bureau of Customs. MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) will auction off eight of the luxury cars previously owned by contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya, and two other luxury vehicles, this month at the Port of Manila. The other seized Discaya cars, which were earlier found to reportedly have import entries but no certificate of payment, would also be disposed of. Last year, the bureau held two auctions for the Discaya cars and earned a total of P47,691,710. The BOC earlier said it hoped to raise P103 million from selling the initial seven Discaya cars.

DOJ: Only authorized agencies can conduct cybercrime raidsThis photo shows the Department of Justice office in Faura, Manila. MANILA, Philippines — Only authorized law enforcement agencies can conduct cybercrime raids, serve warrants and seize electronic devices, the Department of Justice’s Office of Cybercrime said. The DOJ-OC warned that evidence obtained through irregular procedures or by those without legal authorities can lead to suppression and dismissal of cases. In an advisory, the DOJ-OC said the Guidelines for Cybercrime Investigation and Prosecution serves as the “sole and uniform” standard for cybercrime investigation and forensic examination. “The intervention of personnel from administrative agencies or entities not vested with law enforcement power poses a fatal risk to the case,” the advisory read.

Senate panel seeks to shield aid distribution from politicsMANILA, Philippines — The Senate committee on social justice, welfare, and rural development is pushing to simplify access to government aid and shield its distribution from political influence, as it deliberates a measure seeking to institutionalize the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program. Tulfo also called on the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to speed up the dissemination of guidelines reiterating that elected officials are barred from intervening in aid distribution. “The 2026 General Appropriations Act clearly states that the presence of politicians in aid distribution is not allowed. Act on it quickly because elections are approaching, and our fellow citizens fear aid will be used for politicking again,” he said. The committee is expected to continue deliberations on the bill as lawmakers weigh safeguards to ensure that social assistance reaches beneficiaries without additional bureaucratic or political hurdles.

LPG prices hiked effective February 1Workers organize and inspect newly-delivered LPG tanks at a retail store along Kamias Road in Quezon City on August 1, 2023. MANILA, Philippines — Prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) increased on Sunday, February 1, after LPG firms Petron and Solane announced a price hike on Saturday, January 31. Petron implemented a P1.50 per kilogram (kg) increase in LPG prices, which took effect at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday. Meanwhile, Solane implemented a P1.55 per kg increase in LPG prices, effective 6 a.m. on Sunday. In January, Petron also raised LPG prices by P2.18 per kg, while Solane implemented a P2.18 per kg increase.

Auction set for 8 Discaya cars on February 11Bureau of Customs holds a public auction for seven seized luxury vehicles of contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya on Thursday, November 20, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — Eight cars owned by contractor couple Curlee and Sarah Discaya will be up for auction this week. In a statement on Saturday, January 31, the Bureau of Customs announced that a total of 10 cars will be auctioned, including the eight belonging to the Discaya couple. On November 20, 2025, three of their luxury vehicles were sold for P38.21 million, with two of the cars purchased by Simplex Industrial Corp. and Lesentrell Jewelries. The Department of Justice also announced on January 27 that it filed tax charges against the couple before the Court of Tax Appeals.

Bodies of 3 more boat passengers found in Basilan seasThe remains of the four-month pregnant Dernalyn Muarip and her daughter Sharfa were immediately transported to Jolo, Sulu by personnel of the Sulu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management for proper burial. COTABATO CITY — Three more passengers, including a prominent member of a large non-government organization, of the M/V Trisha Kirsten 3, which sank in the territorial seas of Basilan, were found by rescuers on Saturday, January 31. Nano, who as mayor also serves as chairperson of the multisectoral Hadji Muhtamad Municipal Peace and Order Council, reported that the recovery of the bodies of the Muarips and Abtong on Saturday brought the death toll in the sea mishap to 40. Employees of the Basilan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and local executives in Hadji Muhtamad, just two miles from where the M/V Trisha Kirsten overturned and sank, told reporters on Sunday that the bodies of the Muarips and Abtong were immediately transported to Zamboanga City by personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard. The remains of the Muarips were later shipped to Sulu, according to Basilan provincial officials.

"Magsisilbing consolidated platform ang portal na magagamit ng publiko, consumer man o nagnenegosyo, para tiyakin ang authenticity ng produkto o regulasyon nito," they added. At dito tayo pwedeng mapahamak, kapag bumili tayo ng tinatawag na unregistered medicines, unregistered na mga pagkain," he said in an interview. Once you've typed in the product, the portal will quickly show you all the certificates of product registration that they have recorded. The portal will also show a record of FDA's advisories regarding that certain product, such as warnings or safety alerts that have been issued. The improved verification site comes as the DOH previously warned against fake endorsements of thyroid disease and goiter supplements circulating online.