A private citizen, John Santander, a cultural and peace advocate, has formally urged the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate the alleged connections between First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and billionaire businessman Maynard Ngu, citing possible conflicts of interest and political influence in government appointments and projects. In a letter submitted to the ICI office on Tuesday, Santander commended the commission for requesting the Department of J

Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV filed plunder and graft charges against former President Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go before the Office of the Ombudsman on Tuesday. According to Trillanes, Senator Go’s father, who owns CLTG Builders, and his brother, who owns Alfrego Builders, allegedly obtained billions of pesos worth of government contracts during the Duterte administration. Trillanes claimed that CLTG Builders entered into a joint venture

It’s a back-to-back win for the Philippines! Pageant veteran turned broadcast journalist Emma Mary Francisco Tiglao has been crowned Miss Grand International 2025, continuing the country’s winning streak at the prestigious beauty pageant held in Thailand. The stunning Pampanga native succeeds Christine Julian Opiaza, who took over the Miss Grand International 2024 title after the previous winner was dethroned. With her win, Tiglao cements her place in Philippine pageant histo

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. has refuted a viral social media post claiming that the United States government will begin a “crackdown” on dual citizens starting October 2025, calling the information false and misleading. In an official statement, the Embassy clarified that the U.S. government has not announced nor implemented any policy changes concerning dual citizenship. Officials emphasized that the United States continues to recognize ind

The Philippines’ Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) has denied reports that the United States interfered in its ongoing probe into alleged irregularities in government-funded infrastructure projects. ICI Executive Director Atty. Brian Keith Hosaka clarified that the visit of U.S. Embassy Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Kelleher last week was a routine diplomatic courtesy call, not an attempt to influence or participate in the investigation. He said the U.S

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla announced that he is ready to create a fact-finding team to gather information and evidence related to the investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte’s use of confidential and intelligence funds. The move follows the petition filed by Akbayan Partylist and Tindig Pilipinas, urging the Office of the Ombudsman to look into Duterte’s handling of public funds. Remulla confirmed that his office is monitoring the petition and that the Ar

The U.S. Department of State has released the Visa Bulletin for November 2025 (Number 8, Volume XI), outlining the availability of immigrant visa numbers for the upcoming month. The bulletin sets “Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” which determine when individuals may file for adjustment of status or begin visa processing through the National Visa Center. For November, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that applicants in bo

NEW YORK — The Filipino American Press Club of New York (FAPCNY) was recently recognized with a special proclamation and citation from New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards for its exemplary contributions to journalism, public service, and community empowerment. The recognition ceremony, held in Queens, celebrated the organization’s ongoing efforts to promote truth, ethics, and cultural awareness in media. Both the New York

Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, chair of the House Committee on Public Accounts, slammed calls for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to cancel the passports of former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and ex-presidential spokesman Harry Roque, saying the agency has no power to do so without a court order! “Kahit sino pa ‘yan — si Zaldy Co man o si Harry Roque — bawal basta-basta mag-cancel ng passport ang DFA!” Ridon declared. “Wala sa Konstitusyon, wala sa Passport Act!”

NEW YORK — The Song of the Fireflies (directed by King Palisoc and written by Sarge Lacuesta) captivated a sold-out crowd during its U.S. East Coast premiere at the Soho International Film Festival on Saturday, October 11, 2025. The heartwarming film, chronicling the humble beginnings of the world-renowned Loboc Children’s Choir, drew quiet tears from the audience as it celebrated the power of music, community, and perseverance. It portrayed how two extraordinary Filipino w

The Department of Health (DOH) is conducting an internal investigation into the status of more than 300 Super Health Centers across the country that remain non-operational despite being declared completed. Health Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa disclosed the development during his appearance before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Friday, following his recent revelation that 297 facilities were found to be idle. “Yesterday, I said 297, thinking the numbe

Vice President Sara Duterte has blasted the proposal to turn former House Speaker and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez—a cousin of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.—into a state witness in the ₱1.6-billion flood control scandal, calling it an affront to the law and a possible sign of political cover-up. “Under the law, a principal in a crime cannot be made a state witness,” Duterte declared, in a sharp rebuke of Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro’s statemen

NEW YORK — The Filipino American Democratic Club of New York (FADCNY) has released its list of endorsed candidates for the 2025 general elections, reaffirming its commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and community empowerment across New York City and beyond. Many of the endorsed leaders previously gained the club’s support during the primaries and are now moving on to the general election, joined by several new candidates who align with FADCNY’s vision for a more just

Leyte 1st District Representative and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has named several personalities during his appearance before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) as a resource person amid the ongoing investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects nationwide. According to ICI Executive Director Atty. Brian Hosaka, Romualdez discussed his role during his time as House Speaker and mentioned some of his colleagues who participated in cra

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has disqualified Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan from handling the case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte due to a potential conflict of interest arising from his past involvement with a human rights body that previously named Duterte as a suspect. According to a Reuters report, the ICC Appeals Chamber granted the motion filed by Duterte’s defense on October 2, citing Khan’s earlier role as a representative of the Philippi

MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte has accused Sunwest Construction and Development Corp., owned by resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, of being involved in the Department of Education’s (DepEd) controversial ₱2.4-billion “overpriced” laptop procurement scandal first exposed by the Commission on Audit (COA) in 2021. In a press conference on Tuesday, Duterte disclosed that during her term as Education Secretary, she ordered an internal probe into the quest

NEW YORK — In celebration of Filipino American History Month (FAHM) 2025, the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) Metro New York Chapter honors outstanding Filipino Americans whose achievements reflect the strength and spirit of the community. With the theme “Rooted in History, Rising in Legacy,” this year’s honorees include educators, artists, and community leaders shaping the Filipino American story across generations. Rena Pedaria, an educator from Cebu

MANILA — Philippine authorities are investigating two apparent execution-style killings after the bodies of two men were discovered in separate provinces on Sunday, October 12. The first victim was found early in the morning in Barangay San Rafael, a village in Rodriguez, Rizal, about 15 miles east of Manila. The man, who had several tattoos and was wearing a gray T-shirt and light green jacket, was discovered with his hands tied and his head wrapped in black plastic. Police

MANILA — The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading the ₱6.793-trillion 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), or House Bill 4058, marking the completion of the lower chamber’s deliberations on next year’s proposed national budget. The measure secured 287 affirmative votes, 12 negative votes, and two abstentions after nearly two months of plenary deliberations following the submission of the National Expenditure Program (NEP) by the Departmen

The International Criminal Court (ICC) may order the arrest of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa if the prosecution requests it while awaiting the results of the medical examination of former President Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte, according to ICC-accredited Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti. Conti explained that the prosecution could proceed independently of any warrant of arrest against Dela Rosa or others, noting that the ICC is currently consulting medical experts to determi