Stocks tumble as investors see weak growthThe benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) shed 0.94 percent or 59.39 points to end yesterday’s session at 6,273.87. MANILA, Philippines — The local stock market opened the week in negative territory as investors decided to stay on the sidelines while waiting for the upcoming gross domestic product (GDP) growth announcement later this week. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) shed 0.94 percent or 59.39 points to end yesterday’s session at 6,273.87. The broader All Shares index likewise declined by 0.52 percent or 18.88 points, settling at 3,580.43. Ricafort said investors are expecting a relatively weaker expansion due to slower government spending amid the anomalous flood control projects.

Tourism is often cited as one of the low-hanging fruits that can quickly energize our economy and have widespread multiplier effects, especially in the provinces where most of our tourist sites are located. 2024 data showed 6.75 million people were employed in the tourism industry, which generated revenues of $13.1 billion (around P760.5 billion) from foreign visitors, led by those from South Korea, the US and Japan. Tourism as an income generator, jobs creator and nationwide development effort must go beyond slogans, beautiful photos and promotions. Tourism is a business, so accessibility, logistics and price-price-price must be rationalized and improved. The tourism industry, in fact the whole of government – from infrastructure to security to bureaucracy down to the local governments – must work together to make the tourist experience safe, pleasant, hassle- and scam-free.

GatekeepingThe call for reforms in the regulation of health products sold online and in physical stores struck a strong chord among ordinary Filipinos. We need stronger gatekeeping by the FDA. Making and marketing these so-called health products has now become an immensely profitable business. Defective or totally fake health supplements can cause irreversible damage on those who consume them. The proliferation of unregulated and unsafe health products has reached epidemic proportions.

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Megaworld taps Samsung to build AI-powered homesThrough the initiative, Megaworld is combining its expertise in real estate innovation with Samsung’s global leadership in AI-powered living. MANILA, Philippines — The future is here for property giant Megaworld Corp. with the rollout this year of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered homes in partnership with global technology company Samsung. Through the initiative, Megaworld is combining its expertise in real estate innovation with Samsung’s global leadership in AI-powered living. Megaworld said the AI-powered homes are precision-engineered living spaces that integrate functions like intelligent climate control, adaptive lighting and voice-activated command centers. Buyers of Megaworld residential condominiums can opt to have their spaces transformed into AI-powered homes by integrating various Samsung devices such as televisions, washing machines and air-conditioning units, as well as other AI-powered devices into the SmartThings platform.

Toyota opens new Antipolo dealershipIn a statement yesterday, TMP said it has started the development of a new dealership with Toyota Taytay Rizal Inc. as part of its aim to provide quality service to its growing customers. MANILA, Philippines — Leading automotive firm Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) is set to open a new dealership in Antipolo, Rizal to further expand its reach in the country. In a statement yesterday, TMP said it has started the development of a new dealership with Toyota Taytay Rizal Inc. as part of its aim to provide quality service to its growing customers. TMP president Masando Hashimoto said the Antipolo dealership “is set to strengthen our network.”In addition, he said the dealership is expected to enable TMP to serve customers with greater convenience. Toyota Antipolo president Zellyn Lim Diaz said the dealership is expected to contribute to the local economy.

Sara lying about Madriaga – LawyerVice President Sara Duterte shares breakfast with personnel from the Office of the Vice President—Central Office and Pangasinan Satellite Office—after Mass at the Our Lady of the Rosary of Manaoag Church in Pangasinan in October 2025. Invitations, videos, screenshots, testimonies and public statements show prior interaction between Madriaga and Duterte, the law firm stressed. Lachica filed a case against Madriaga, but not against state officials who testified on the same matters, the law firm pointed out. As for claims circulating online, the law firm clarified that Madriaga never claimed to be the Vice President’s classmate. Madriaga welcomed all investigations and was prepared to cooperate fully, the law firm said.

MANILA, Philippines — The two verified impeachment complaints filed against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. were referred to the justice committee during Congress' plenary session on Monday, January 26. Deputy Speaker Yevgeny Vicente "Bambi" Emano (Misamis Oriental, 2nd District) presided over the session and announced the complaints' referral to the Committee on Justice, effectively initiating the impeachment proceedings against the president. Under the House rules, the justice committee evaluates whether the complaints are sufficient in substance and form, allowing both sides to submit affidavits and evidence. Marcos faces complaints alleging constitutional violations, betrayal of public trust, and graft, including alleged involvement in infrastructure budget insertions and kickback schemes. With the impeachment case against Marcos now underway, any future complaints are barred for one year.

Fuel prices climb for fifth straight weekA gas station attendant fills up cars at a station in Paco, Manila on January 12, 2026. MANILA, Philippines — Pump prices are set to jump once more today, extending the streak of hikes for diesel and kerosene to five weeks. Jetti president Leo Bellas, meanwhile, said oil prices remained volatile due to lingering concerns over potential US military intervention in Iran. With these latest movements, the year-to-date net increase for gasoline, diesel and kerosene prices stands at P1.60, P3.80 and P2.70 per liter, respectively. Last week, oil firms implemented a per-liter price hike of P1 for gasoline, P2 for diesel and P1.50 for kerosene.

CIDG gets numerous tips on Atong locationMANILA, Philippines — The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has received at least 40 pieces of information on the possible location of businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang since the manhunt began, an official said yesterday. Some tips suggested Ang may have fled abroad, possibly to Cambodia or Thailand, following statements by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. Guiagui said police attachés have been alerted, but stressed that the manhunt in the Philippines remains intensified. The CIDG has also served a subpoena on notaries involved in documents related to firearms surrendered by Ang’s group, including an affidavit of loss for a missing firearm. This is our mandate, not only to enforce the law but to give justice to those seeking answers,” Guiagui said.

Senate resumes session; Bato remains AWOLMANILA, Philippines — The Senate of the 20th Congress resumed session yesterday after the holiday break, but the continued absence of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa was a mystery the Senate leadership has yet to resolve. While Dela Rosa broke his public silence last week when he marked his 64th birthday, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said he has not received any formal, personal communication from the senator. “Hindi pa eh… I have not heard any information from Senator Bato,” Sotto told reporters before opening the session. Dela Rosa had reportedly been carrying out his duties remotely, through most of his staff at the Senate. Despite his absence, Dela Rosa was able to sign the so-called minority report related to the flood control controversy, which further confounded Sotto.

LTFRB to deploy ‘mystery riders’ vs dilapidated PUVsTraditional jeepneys ply EDSA near the LRT–Taft Avenue station in Manila on September 16, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — Cracking down on dilapidated public utility vehicles, “mystery riders” monitoring PUVs will be deployed nationwide, according to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). Mystery riders, typically young people employed and trained by the LTFRB, will ride PUVs incognito to monitor and report substandard service, including dirty interiors, broken seats, defective lighting or excessively loud sound systems. The phaseout of dilapidated PUVs is being implemented by region, with each area setting its own timeline. Mendoza said vehicles with minor defects, such as paint or cosmetic issues, would be given a chance to comply before removal from service.

Basilan ferry sinking is Aleson’s second major tragedy in 3 yearsAleson Shipping Lines (logo) is the company that owns and operates MV Trisha Kerstin 3 (right), which sunk in the waters off Basilan early Monday, January 26. MANILA, Philippines — The sinking of an Aleson Shipping Lines ferry off Basilan early Monday, January 26, is the shipping company's second major tragedy in less than three years. Following the 2023 fire, Aleson Shipping Lines had issued a public apology stating it had "never had a tragedy like this" in nearly five decades of operations. Philstar.com has also reached out to Aleson Shipping Lines and is awaiting its response. In an official statement released Monday, Aleson Shipping Lines said it "immediately activated our quick response measures" after receiving the distress call.

"Panahon na para malaman talaga natin kung sino ang kumikikita, sino ang nag-aamplify, at sino ang mistulang megaphone ng China dito sa Pilipinas. Sen. Erwin Tulfo also criticized China, saying it must respect the Philippines' right to free speech. "To the Chinese Embassy officials: You do not have the moral authority to lecture Filipinos about freedom of speech—because freedom of speech does not exist in your country. Tulfo called the statement unacceptable, saying China cannot police the free speech of Filipinos. 256 condemning the recent statements of the Chinese Embassy.

‘Cargo liquefaction may have caused Devon Bay’s sinking’Fifteen Filipino crewmembers who survived the capsizing of Singaporean-flagged cargo ship M/V Devon Bay arrive at Pier 13 in Port Area, Manila yesterday, along with the remains of two crewmembers recovered at sea. “The initial statements of the crew suggest that the cargo – it was carrying around 55,000 tons of nickel ore and there was liquefaction. The ill-fated cargo ship had 21 officers and crewmembers. The China Coast Guard helped in the rescue of officers and crew of the Singaporean-flagged Devon Bay. “At this point, actually, what I want to highlight is the heroism of the captain of M/V Devon Bay, Captain Elimar Jucal from Negros Occidental.