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By Tracy Cabrera  ERMITA, Manila — Amidst initial findings that former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Maria Catalina ‘Cathy’ Cabral committed suicide, forensic pathologists disclosed that the ex-public works official has tested positive for the antidepressant citalopram.  Last week, Cabral was found unconscious near the Bued River on December 19, at the bottom of a 20-meter cliff along Kennon. …

Government aims to render economic growth tangible by becoming an upper middle-income economy by 2026. Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Frederick Go said vigorous job generation efforts will enable government to achieve significant economic growth by next year. Go explained that economic growth should translate into more jobs, subsequently improving Filipino workers’ incomes. Go said “Our strategy is to grow …

Two of the country’s Transport Network Companies (TNCs) announced they will not deduct any commission from their partner drivers after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) started implementing a reduction in surge pricing during the holiday season. Lalamove announced a zero percent commission on fares charged by its Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers. “In support of the …

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) expects the number of air passengers flying during the Christmas travel rush to breach the one million mark. CAAP said in a statement they project at least 960,000 passengers this year, a seven percent increase from the 895,000 passengers counted last year. To cope with the traditional airport congestion throughout the country, …

Acting Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., directed the entire police force to maintain enhanced security measures and increased police visibility at all transport hubs – airports, seaports, bus terminals, etc. – across the country during the traditional Christmas holiday travel exodus. A nationwide deployment of more than 100,000 police officials – higher than last …

Local air passengers should expect no increase in airfares at the beginning of 2026 as fuel surcharge remain stable, according to the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). The CAB maintained a Level 4 status on passenger and cargo fuel surcharge for domestic and international flights in January 2026. Under Level 4, fuel surcharge ranges from P117 to P342 per passenger on …

In the early hours of December 17, operatives from the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) Special Division together with other units of the Philippine National Police (PNP) intercepted two trailer trucks at G. Araneta Avenue in Quezon City while about to transport a shipment of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth more than ₱143-million. According to HPG director Brigadier General Hansel Marantan, the …

Defense lawyers of former president Rodrigo Duterte want the findings of a team of doctors appointed by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to be voided, after determining that Duterte is medically fit to participate in his trial. The lawyers said the medical report is filled with contradictions and failed to address the claim that he is unable to meaningfully interact …

The International Criminal Court (ICC) Registry has received a total of 303 applications for victim participation in the trial of former president Rodrigo Duterte, which the ICC considered way below the number of drug war victims. According to the report submitted to Pre-Trial Chamber I dated December 19, 2025, the low number of applications was largely due to the absence …

The Department of Health (DOH) plans to expand the zero balance billing program to include semi-private rooms in government accredited hospitals for the benefit of barangay health workers. DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa said they plan to admit barangay health workers in semi-private wards of its hospitals for free. This would convey DOH’s gratitude “for their dedication in delivering health programs …