Day: November 17, 2025

Manila: Malaca±ang on Monday urged Vice President Sara Duterte to first explain allegations previously raised against her and former agency, after she released a video statement criticizing the administration over corruption and governance issues. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, in a message to reporters, said the Vice President should not project purity while questions remain unresolved. According to Philippines News Agency, Castro cited issues raised regarding Duterte’s use of confidential funds and separate allegations involving ‘ghost students’ and ‘ghost food packs’ during her tenure as Education secretary. ‘Totoong Filipinos deserve better kaya ‘yung mga naunang issue sa bise presidente. ay

Manila: The combined death toll from twin typhoons Tino (international name Kalmaegi) and Uwan (Fung-wong) has now climbed to 297, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Monday. Of the total number, 269 were due to Tino with casualties reported across various regions including Cebu, Negros Occidental, and Agusan del Sur, among others. According to Philippines News Agency, 113 persons remain missing due to Tino, with the highest numbers reported in Cebu and Negros Occidental. Additionally, 523 individuals have been injured, primarily in Cebu. In contrast, Uwan, which reached super typhoon strength, has resulted in 28 deaths,

Manila: At least three members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in a firefight with government forces in the mountains of Pange village in Jaro, Leyte, early Monday, the Philippine Army reported. According to Philippines News Agency, Brig. Gen. Pompeyo Jason Almagro, commander of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, confirmed that those slain were a squad leader and two members of the squad’s medical unit. The rebels reportedly established a temporary encampment in the area to extort money from local farmers. Troops recovered two caliber .45 pistols at the encounter site and are continuing to search the

Iloilo city: Around 1,000 Christmas lanterns (parol) will illuminate Iloilo City’s major thoroughfare this Christmas season. Now on its fifth year, the Ilonggo Rising Parol project is a partnership between the Iloilo City government and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Iloilo chapter. The simultaneous lighting of lanterns will be on Dec. 1. According to Philippines News Agency, PCCI chair Felix Tiu, who is in charge of the ‘parol’ committee, stated in an interview that the project aims to beautify the city during the Christmas season and simultaneously assist persons deprived of liberty (PDL). In other cities, the

Baku: Malaysia has emerged as one of the global leaders in affordable internet connectivity, offering some of the lowest internet rates per gigabyte, according to Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. He highlighted that this achievement is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to provide inclusive digital connectivity for its citizens. According to Philippines News Agency, Datuk Fahmi Fadzil emphasized that Malaysia has also rapidly deployed its 5G network, securing the title of the fastest 5G network in Southeast Asia and the second fastest in the Asia-Pacific region, trailing only South Korea. The cost of internet in Malaysia stands at approximately