Arkipelago News

21/12/2024

ANOTHER UNFORGETTABLE PASKUHAN!

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) concluded its much-loved Paskuhan tradition yesterday, December 20, at the university's Grandstand and Open Field.

The event drew a crowd of over 42,000 attendees and showcased performances by various Thomasian artists and OPM bands, including December Avenue, Sponge Cola, SUD, and more.

📷 The Varsitarian

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21/12/2024

Atty. Vidzfar Julie, the provincial election supervisor for Sulu, survived a shooting attack early this morning in Villa Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City. His sibling, who was driving the car at the time, was wounded and remains in critical condition.

FULL STORY: https://arkipelagonews.com/sulu-election-supervisor-survives-shooting-incident-in-zamboanga-city-sibling-critical/

20/12/2024

The Mass, held at the Chancery Office of the Diocese of Kalookan, San Roque Cathedral, brought together families who have suffered the loss of loved ones in the wake of the controversial "War on Drugs."

CALOOCAN CITY — Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David, the newly appointed 10th Filipino cardinal, presided over a solemn Christmas Mass on Thursday, December 19, for the widows, scholars, and families affected by extrajudicial killings (EJK). The Mass, held at the Chancery Office of the Dioces...

20/12/2024

TOLL FEES WAIVED ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND NEW YEAR'S EVE

San Miguel Corporation Infrastructure (SMC) will waive toll fees at its expressways, including the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Skyway System, NAIA Expressway (NAIAX), STAR Tollway, and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX). This will apply from 10:00 PM on December 24 to 6:00 AM on December 25, and again from 10:00 PM on December 31 to 6:00 AM on January 1, 2025.

20/12/2024

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is under fire for its decision to remove national heroes from the country’s new polymer banknotes, sparking outrage among historians, activists, and citizens who argue that the move erases vital symbols of the nation’s struggles and triumphs.

FULL STORY: https://arkipelagonews.com/critics-slam-new-bsp-polymer-banknotes-for-removing-national-heroes/

19/12/2024

The Philippine government plans to reduce its reliance on foreign borrowings to minimize exposure to foreign exchange risks, according to Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph Recto.

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine government plans to reduce its reliance on foreign borrowings to minimize exposure to foreign exchange risks, according to Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph Recto. In a recent press briefing, Recto explained that while the government is considering va...

18/12/2024

Former President Rodrigo Duterte should face charges for crimes against humanity in connection with the killings of approximately 30,000 people during his war on drugs. This recommendation was made by the House Quad-Committee.

MANILA, Philippines – Former President Rodrigo Duterte should face charges for crimes against humanity in connection with the killings of approximately 30,000 people during his war on drugs. This recommendation was made by the House Quad-Committee. In a plenary speech, Surigao del Norte 2nd Distri...

18/12/2024

BREAKING: House quad-committee recommends the filing of crimes against humanity charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte, Senators Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa and Christopher "B**g" Go, former PNP chiefs Oscar Albayalde and Debold Sinas, former PCSO official PCol. Royina Garma, PCol. Edilberto Leonardo, and Ermina "Muking" Espino.

Full story to follow on arkipelagonews.com.

18/12/2024

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stated that "certain items and provisions of the national budget bill will be vetoed in the interest of public welfare, to conform with the fiscal program, and in compliance with laws."

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will not sign the General Appropriations Act as scheduled to allow more time for a “rigorous and exhaustive review.” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stated that the P6.352 trillion national budget plan for 2025 was initially set to be ...

18/12/2024

Enrico Roque, the Mayor of Pandi, Bulacan, was arrested on Tuesday on charges of ra**ng a minor. The arrest took place during a party at Amana Waterpark, a resort owned by Roque, and was carried out by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

PANDI, Bulacan – Enrico Roque, the Mayor of Pandi, Bulacan, was arrested on Tuesday on charges of ra**ng a minor. The arrest took place during a party at Amana Waterpark, a resort owned by Roque, and was carried out by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-...

17/12/2024

In her explanation, Sen. Risa Hontiveros expressed disappointment over the drastic changes made to the Senate-approved version of the budget, particularly the “zero state subsidy” allocated to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros cast a decisive “No” vote against the ratification of the bicameral conference committee report on the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) on December 16, citing severe cuts to critical sectors such as health, education, and social protection. In her explana...

17/12/2024

17/12/2024

The former senator made it clear that attending and supporting government efforts aligned with his advocacies should not be misconstrued as compromising his principles.

MANILA — Former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Tuesday explained his attendance at a concert held in Malacañang Palace, emphasizing his support for the Philippine film industry and clarifying that his presence did not equate to compromising his long-held principles. Pangilinan, who was ...

16/12/2024

UP LIGHTS BONFIRE TO CELEBRATE UAAP TRIUMPHS

The University of the Philippines (UP) community gathered at the Sunken Garden on Monday evening to mark a historic UAAP season with a bonfire and concert.

The event honored UP’s championship in men’s basketball, along with gold-medal victories in women’s badminton and men’s track and field. Students, alumni, and supporters joined the celebration.

📷 Screenshot from Tinig ng Plaridel, nowhere to go but UP

16/12/2024

Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop on Sunday urged Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to provide concrete evidence disputing the House investigation’s findings on the Duterte administration’s drug war, instead of resorting to “emotional outbursts and theatrics.”

FULL STORY: https://arkipelagonews.com/counter-drug-war-findings-with-evidence-not-emotional-outbursts-acop-to-bato/

16/12/2024

San Rafael Mayor Mark Cholo Violago announced on Saturday that the town has officially set a new Guinness World Record for the category "Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Angels."

SAN RAFAEL, Bulacan – Mayor Mark Cholo Violago announced on Saturday that the town has officially set a new Guinness World Record for the category “Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Angels.” A total of 2,000 individuals dressed as angels participated in the record-breaking attempt, which ...

14/12/2024

“In this world, there are too many walls. I think we should demolish the walls that divide us and build more bridges of goodwill among ourselves,” Cardinal David said in his homily, calling for unity and solidarity among people.

CALOOCAN CITY — Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David, the 10th cardinal from the Philippines, marked his return to the country by celebrating a thanksgiving Mass at San Roque Cathedral on the morning of Saturday, December 14. More than 1,800 people gathered at San Roque Cathedral to witne...