Claire Castro Dismisses Duterte’s Dictatorship Claims as Baseless

Claire Castro on Rodrigo Duterte

Newly appointed Palace press officer, lawyer Claire Castro, has strongly refuted former President Rodrigo Duterte’s claims that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is heading toward dictatorship. In her first media interview as Palace press officer, Castro called Duterte’s allegations “baseless” and urged the public not to believe in mere speculation without solid proof. “Hindi tayo … Read more

Fr. Gregory Gaston Warns Against Fake News on Pope Francis’ Health

Fr. Gregory Ramon Gaston

Amid reports regarding Pope Francis’ health, Fr. Gregory Ramon Gaston, rector of the Pontificio Collegio Filippino in Rome, has urged the public to be cautious and refrain from spreading fake news. According to Fr. Gaston, some individuals have been using the Vatican News logo to spread false information and deceive others. He emphasized the importance … Read more

Phivolcs Warns of Lahar, Flooding Risks Near Mayon Volcano

Mayon Volcano

On Friday, February 21, 2025, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a critical warning concerning the increased risk of lahar flows and flooding around Mayon Volcano. This advisory comes in response to persistent heavy rainfall in the Bicol Region, attributed to the shear line, as highlighted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and … Read more

Dr. Willie Ong Officially Withdraws from 2025 Senatorial Elections

Doc Willie Ong

Dr. Willie Ong has officially withdrawn his candidacy for the 2025 senatorial elections in the Philippines. On Friday, February 21, 2025, his wife, Dr. Liza Ong, personally submitted his withdrawal papers to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) main office in Manila. A renowned cardiologist and social media health advocate, Dr. Ong announced his decision to … Read more

59-Year-Old Housewife Wins P314.591-M Ultra Lotto Jackpot

Lotto Bettor Wins Ultra Lotto Jackpot

A 59-year-old housewife from Metro Manila has become an instant multimillionaire after winning the P314.591-million Ultra Lotto 6/58 jackpot on January 5, 2025. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) confirmed that the lucky bettor claimed her prize at the PCSO central office in Mandaluyong on February 5. According to PCSO, the woman purchased her winning … Read more

PhilHealth Covers Outpatient Emergency Services

Philhealth on OPD

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has announced an expansion of its coverage to include all outpatient emergency services in accredited Level 1, 2, and 3 hospitals. This initiative is part of the Facility-Based Emergency (FBE) benefit under the outpatient emergency care benefit package, aiming to provide comprehensive healthcare access to Filipinos. In its recent … Read more

School Principal Jailed 11 Years for Faking Documents

Taytay Elementary School in Virac Catanduanes

In a significant legal decision, the Sandiganbayan has upheld the conviction of Anchelita Sicio, the principal of Taytay Elementary School in Virac, Catanduanes. Sicio was found guilty of malversation and falsification of public documents, resulting in an 11-year prison sentence. The case originated from a ruling by the Virac Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 42, … Read more

Pasig Court Orders Quiboloy to Explain Video Broadcast

Apollo Quiboloy

A Pasig City court has directed detained televangelist and senatorial candidate Apollo Quiboloy to explain the unauthorized airing of his pre-recorded video message during a gathering of his followers. The video was played at a prayer service organized by the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) on February 9 and posted on the SMNI News Channel’s … Read more

Boracay’s White Sands Turn Green: Seasonal Algae Bloom Returns

Boracay Beach

As of February 19, 2025, Boracay Island’s iconic white-sand beaches are experiencing a significant presence of green algae, locally known as lumot. This seasonal phenomenon typically occurs from February to May, coinciding with the island’s dry season. Netizen Ronny Francisco Saron recently shared photos on social media, highlighting the extent of the algal bloom. Observations … Read more

Pope Francis Diagnosed with Pneumonia, Vatican Cancels Events

Pope Francis

Pope Francis, 88, has been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia while undergoing treatment at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, the Vatican announced Tuesday. Despite his condition, the pontiff remains in good spirits and is grateful for the widespread prayers and support from the faithful. According to a statement from the Holy See, laboratory tests and a chest X-ray … Read more