A news and information service for Filipino seafarers sponsored by the All Japan Seamen's Union, International Mariners Management Association of Japan and Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council, Inc.
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January 12, 2026
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HEADLINES
EU Weighs Ban on Filipino Seafarers Due to Training Issues
DOTr chief orders 15 work days lead time for traffic tickets
P2 billion fund to help stabilize chili pepper supply
1st MSTR Awards: Benedix Ramos named Emerging Talent honoree
A future-ready Philippines through trabaho at negosyo
FULL NEWSPAPER
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Oil climbs, intensifying unrest in Iran spark supply concerns
SINGAPORE, January 12 ------ Oil prices extended gains on growing concerns that intensifying protests in Iran could disrupt supply from the OPEC producer, although efforts to quickly resume oil exports from Venezuela are limiting price gains.
Brent crude futures climbed 31 cents, or 0.49%, to $63.65 a barrel by 0006 GMT while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $59.42 a barrel, up 30 cents, or 0.51%. Both contracts rose more than 3% last week to clinch their biggest weekly rise since October as Iran's clerical establishment intensified its crackdown on the biggest demonstrations since 2022.
The civil unrest has killed more than 500 people, a rights group said on Sunday. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene if force is used on protesters. The president is expected to meet senior advisers on Tuesday to discuss options for Iran, a U.S. official told Reuters on Sunday. "There have also been calls for workers in the oil industry to down tools amid the protests," ANZ analysts led by Daniel Hynes said in a note. "The situation puts at least 1.9 million barrels per day of oil exports at risk of disruption," they added.
Still, Venezuela is expected to resume oil exports soon, following the ouster of President Nicolas Maduro, as Trump said last week, the government in Caracas is set to turn over as much as 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to the United States. That has set off a race among oil companies to find tankers and assemble operations to ship the crude safely from vessels and dilapidated Venezuelan ports, four sources familiar with the operations said. Trafigura said in a meeting with the White House on Friday that its first vessel should load in the next week.
Source: msn.com
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As protests rage, Iran pulls the plug on contact with the world
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, January 12 ------ Iran's theocracy pulled the plug and disconnected the Islamic Republic's 85 million people from the rest of the world. Following a playbook used both in demonstrations and in war, Iran severed the internet connections and telephone lines that connect its people to the vast diaspora in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere. Until now, even while facing strict sanctions over the country's nuclear program, Iranians still could access mobile phone apps and even websites blocked by the theocracy, using virtual private networks to circumvent restrictions.
Thursday's decision sharply limits people from sharing images and witness accounts of the nationwide protests over Iran's ailing economy that have grown to pose the biggest challenge to the government in years. It could also provide cover for a violent crackdown after the Trump administration warned Iran's government about consequences for further deaths among demonstrators.
As the country effectively goes dark, loved ones abroad are frantic for any scrap of news, especially as Iran's attorney general warned on Saturday that anyone taking part in protests will be considered an "enemy of God," a death-penalty charge. "You can't understand our feelings. My brothers, my cousins, they will go on the street. You can't imagine the anxiety of the Iranian diaspora," said Azam Jangravi, a cybersecurity expert in Toronto who opposes Iran's government. "I couldn't work yesterday. I had meetings, but I postponed them because I couldn't focus. I was thinking of my family and friends." Her voice cracked as she added: "A lot of people are being killed and injured by the Islamic Republic of Iran, and we don't know who."
Even Starlink is likely being jammed
This is the third time Iran has shut down the internet from the outside world. The first was in 2019, when demonstrators angry about a spike in government-subsidized gasoline prices took to the streets. Over 300 people reportedly were killed. Then came the protests over the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini following her arrest by the country's morality police over allegedly not wearing her hijab, or headscarf, to the liking of authorities. A month-long crackdown killed more than 500 people.
While the connectivity offered by Starlink played a role in the Amini demonstrations, the deployment of its receivers is now far greater in Iran. That's despite the government never authorizing Starlink to function, making the service illegal to possess and use. A year ago, an Iranian official estimated tens of thousands of Starlink receivers in the Islamic Republic, a figure that Los Angeles-based internet freedom activist Mehdi Yahyanejad said sounded right. While many receivers likely are in the hands of business people and others wanting to stay in touch with the outside world for their livelihoods, Yahyanejad said some are now being used to share videos, photos, and other reporting on the protests. "In this case, because all those things have been disrupted, Starlink is playing the key for getting all these videos out," Yahyanejad said.
Amir Rashidi, director of digital rights and security at the Miaan Group and an expert on Iran, said that since Thursday, he had seen about a 30% loss in packets being sent by Starlink devices — basically units of data that transmit across the internet. In some areas of Iran, Rashidi said there had been an 80% loss in packets. "I believe the Iranian government is doing something beyond GPS jamming, like in Ukraine, where Russia tried to jam Starlink," Rashidi said. He suggested Iran may be using a mobile jammer, as it did in previous decades, to disrupt satellite television receivers.
Help 'needs to come soon'
It appears that the majority of information coming out of Iran since Thursday night is being transmitted via Starlink, which is now illegal. That carries dangers for those possessing the devices. "It's really hard to use it because if they arrest a person, they can execute the person and say this person is working for Israel or the United States," Jangravi said.
Not using it, however, means the world knows even less about what's happening inside Iran at a pivotal moment. "This sort of nonviolent protest is not sustainable when the violence (by security forces) is so extreme," Yahyanejad said. "Unless something changes in the next two or three days, these protests can die down, too. If there's any help, it needs to come soon."
Source: mb.com.ph
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MARITIME NEWS
EU Weighs Ban on Filipino Seafarers Due to Training Issues
January 12 ------ The European Commission is deliberating a potential ban on Filipino seafarers working on EU-flagged vessels, according to a report by Deutsche Welle. This consideration stems from longstanding concerns regarding the maritime training standards provided to Filipino seafarers, which are reportedly inadequate in meeting international safety criteria.
The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) has highlighted deficiencies in the training offered by Philippine maritime institutions, specifically citing failures to comply with guidelines set by the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. Since 2006, EMSA has pointed out these shortcomings, and despite the Philippine government’s pledges to remedy these issues, critics argue that insufficient funding has been allocated to upgrade educational facilities.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of the Philippines recently engaged in discussions with EU officials, reaffirming his country’s dedication to addressing the concerns raised and complying with European maritime regulations. The Philippines stands out as the largest global supplier of seafarers, with estimates indicating that between 380,000 and 400,000 Filipinos are employed in a variety of maritime roles. Furthermore, Filipino seafarers represent approximately a quarter of all personnel aboard merchant ships.
Should the Commission ultimately endorse EMSA’s report and implement the ban, it would cease to recognize the competency certificates currently issued to Filipino seafarers. Existing certificates would remain valid until their expiry, but no new or renewed applications would be accepted for jobs on EU-flagged ships. The European Commission is expected to reach a decision by the end of the first quarter of 2026, with an analysis underway of the detailed replies the Philippines provided in response to EMSA’s audit.
This potential ban emerges during a period when the maritime industry is grappling with manpower shortages and other challenges. Russia and Ukraine, the second-largest sources of seafarers according to UN data, have also faced disruptions due to ongoing conflicts, further complicating manpower availability. The industry is additionally struggling to attract younger individuals to a career at sea.
In summary, the future of Filipino seafarers in the EU maritime sector hangs in the balance as the European Commission evaluates crucial training standards and potential implications for one of the Philippines’ key professions.
Source: maritimefairtrade.org
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Piracy Surged in 2025 Around Singapore, but ReCAAP Sees Positive Indicators
January 12 ------ After multiple warnings throughout the year about the dramatic increase in piracy around Singapore, the monitoring operation ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre, in its year-end report, highlights that the surge peaked at mid-year with the arrest of some perpetrators. It cautions that the rate remains high, however, while it is mostly low-level thefts.
Overall, there was a 74 percent increase in reports of piracy and robbery in the area around the Singapore Strait and the Straits of Malacca (SOMS), according to ReCAAP’s 2025 data. It says the 108 incidents reported (104 actual and four attempted) were concerning, noting that it is “the highest number of incidents recorded” for the area in the 19-year period that began tracking incidents in 2007. Across the tracking region in South East Asia, ReCAAP recorded a total of 132 incidents of piracy and robbery in 2025. That was up 23 percent from 2024, but most of the increases were in the area of the Singapore Strait and the Straits of Malacca.
The report highlights fewer incidents in ports and anchorages in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines. There was a marginal increase in India’s anchorages. It also emphasizes that for the fifth consecutive year, there were no reports of abductions of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and off Eastern Sabah. The last abductions were reported in January 2020. “While the increase in sea robbery incidents in the SOMS highlights the continuing security challenges faced by ships transiting the busy waterway, the decline in incidents following the arrest of perpetrators by the Riau Islands Regional Police illustrates the deterrent effect of effective enforcement,” said ReCAAP ISC Executive Director Vijay D. Chafekar.
ReCAAP also highlights that 87 percent of the incidents reported in the Singapore-Straits of Malacca area happened in the first seven months of 2025. It recorded a significant decline from August to December following the arrests of perpetrators by the Indonesian authorities.
Most of the incidents are low-level crimes and specifically attempts at stealing items such as engine spare parts, scrap metal, and ship stores. In half the reports, ReCAAP reflects that nothing was reported stolen. Most of the perpetrators are unarmed, and frequently they flee when discovered. Interactions with crew are low, and there were no serious reports in 2025 of injuries to crewmembers by armed perpetrators. It notes that the proportion of the lowest level crimes increased to 53 percent versus 44 percent in 2024.
It says, however, the declines in the second half of 2025 do not indicate the end of the dangers in the region. Ships continue to be warned to take measures to protect their crews and prevent boardings. They also urge prompt reporting and call on local authorities to respond quickly.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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U.S. Tanker Boardings Appear Consistent with International Law
January 12 ------ Recent US boardings of oil tankers linked to Venezuela have prompted claims of piracy and illegality under international law. In reality, many of these boardings rest on a sound legal basis. Boarding vessels at sea is a routine naval activity permitted in limited circumstances under international law. This explainer outlines the international law governing maritime boardings and how it applies to the Venezuela cases.
Boarding operations on the high seas, beyond the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone, are governed by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). While the US has not ratified UNCLOS because of domestic concerns over its deep seabed provisions, it recognizes the Convention as reflecting customary international law and complies with it.
Recent commentary has described US boardings as piracy, a term often used loosely. In law, piracy has a narrow definition under UNCLOS; it is limited to violent acts carried out for private ends by private vessels on the high seas. Whatever view one takes of the broader US campaign, these boardings do not meet the legal definition of piracy.
Under UNCLOS, primary legal authority over a vessel rests with its flag state, the country where the ship is registered, which is responsible for what occurs on board. There are, however, limited exceptions. Article 110 sets out five circumstances in which a warship from any state may board a foreign vessel on the high seas: where there are reasonable grounds to suspect the vessel is engaged in piracy, the slave trade, unauthorized broadcasting, is stateless, or is falsely claiming a nationality. These exceptions exist because piracy and slavery are treated as offenses of universal concern, allowing any state to intervene regardless of the vessel’s flag.
The question of statelessness is central to the recent US boardings. Under UNCLOS, any warship may board a vessel on the high seas if it is stateless, meaning it is not lawfully registered with any country or is falsely claiming a nationality. This is particularly relevant to shadow fleet vessels used to move sanctioned oil. They often operate outside normal maritime regulatory frameworks, including safety, insurance, and reporting requirements.
This appears to have been the case with several recent boardings linked to Venezuela. In one instance, a vessel falsely claimed it was Guyana-flagged. Where a vessel cannot demonstrate a genuine flag state, it may be treated as stateless and boarded under international law.
Another common feature of shadow fleet operations is the use of flags of convenience. In such cases, the flag state retains jurisdiction but, in my experience, will commonly authorize a boarding by another state’s warship, because they have no real connection with the vessel. This appears to have occurred in the boarding of the tanker Centuries on 20 December 2025, when the US intercepted the vessel with the authorization of Panama, its flag state.
A more complicated case study is the 7 January 2026 boarding of the vessel formerly known as Bella 1, now operating as Marinera in the Atlantic near Iceland, which was initially treated as stateless. When approached for boarding, the vessel refused consent and began crossing the Atlantic. During the transit, it painted a Russian flag on its hull and claimed to be registered as a Russian vessel.
This is precisely the scenario anticipated by the drafters of UNCLOS. Article 92 makes clear that a ship may not change its flag during a voyage except in cases of a genuine transfer of ownership or formal change of registry. Simply repainting a flag or asserting a new nationality mid-voyage has no legal effect. However, as technology has allowed for the registration of vessels online at sea, there is an open question about whether it was formally registered to Russia at the time of boarding. This is in many ways a new consideration for UNCLOS and may set a precedent. On the available information, when the vessel was boarded by the US on 7 January, that boarding was likely lawful under the international law of the sea, because it was not lawfully registered.
Other aspects of the US pressure campaign on Venezuela raise serious and legitimate questions under international law. The tanker boardings, however, rest on a different international legal footing. Their lawfulness does not derive from unilateral US sanctions or from the existence of a blockade. The US has not established a lawful naval blockade, and what is occurring is better understood in legal terms as a form of quarantine, a distinction that warrants separate and more detailed discussion.
Instead, the boardings are grounded in the law of the sea itself. UNCLOS permits the boarding of stateless vessels and allows boardings with the consent of a vessel’s flag state where jurisdiction exists. Where applicable, US sanctions and arrest warrants may follow these actions as a matter of domestic law, but they do not themselves provide the international legal basis for the boardings. The tanker boardings appear consistent with international law, although the Bella 1 episode and its attempted reflagging at sea will likely be debated by maritime lawyers for years to come.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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PHILIPPINE NEWS
Phivolcs logs 256 rockfall events at Mayon Volcano
MANILA, Philippines, January 12 ------ State volcanologists recorded 256 rockfalls amid ongoing lava flow at Mayon Volcano, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.
In its latest observation, Phivolcs reported that Mayon Volcano in Albay also generated 41 pyroclastic density currents, along with the 256 recorded rockfall events. The sulfur dioxide flux emitted also reached 777 metric tons per day on January 10. This was further corroborated by ground deformation data, which indicate that the volcano remains swollen or inflated.
Meanwhile, the volcano continues to emit moderate steam plumes reaching up to 200 meters, drifting toward the northeast, according to Phivolcs. As of writing, Mayon Volcano remains under Alert Level 3, which has been in effect since January 6. Authorities continue to enforce a strict ban on entry into the six-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone due to the constant threat of rockfalls, avalanches and explosions.
Source: philstar.com
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‘Super flu’ cases in PH now 63 - DOH
January 12 ------ The number of “super flu” cases in the country has reached 63, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Sunday, noting that all patients have already recovered. “Meron na tayong datos ngayon, all the way until December, 63 yung naibilang natin. Lahat po sila ay buhay, lahat sila ay gumaling na,” DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.
The DOH clarified that “super flu” is a variant of influenza A and is not a new disease. “Yung super flu kasi, sa totoo lang, hindi naman po siya bago. Siya po ay variant ng Influenza A, trangkaso po ‘yan sa madaling salita. Matagal na po ‘yan umiikot,” Domingo said. “Wala pong pinagkaiba yung sintomas niya sa pangkaraniwang trangkaso—ubo, sipon, lagnat, pananakit ng katawan,” he added.
However, the health department noted that while respiratory infections tend to increase during this season, symptoms such as a runny nose and sore throat may also be caused by changes in the weather. “Ang mahalaga pong tandaan, lalo na sa ganitong panahon—Enero sa Pilipinas—kapag nagbago ang panahon, maaaring mairita ang ilong at lalamunan. Kaya nagkakaroon ng sipon at sore throat. Hindi naman nangangahulugan na flu agad,” Domingo said. Domingo added that symptoms such as itchy eyes or skin without fever could indicate allergies. “Kapag hindi naman tayo naglagnat tapos nangangati yung mata natin, pati ibang bahagi ng katawan, maaaring allergy po ‘yan,” he said. He also noted that a runny nose accompanied by throat pain or itchiness may still not be “super flu.” “Kung ang sipon natin ay may kasabay na pananakit o pangangati ng lalamunan, maaaring hindi pa rin ‘yan super flu. Baka iba po ‘yan, dahil may ibang virus na umiikot na mild lang,” Domingo said.
The DOH official also stressed that while wearing face masks is highly encouraged, it does not mean the situation has worsened. “Huwag nating isipin na dahil sinasabi ng DOH na magsuot ng face mask ay may malaking problema na naman. Ito ay pag-iingat lamang,” Domingo said.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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DOTr chief orders 15 work days lead time for traffic tickets
MANILA, January 12 ------ Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez ordered the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to change the lead time for settling traffic violations to 15 days and suspend the confiscation of driver’s licenses of erring motorists.
In a statement, Lopez said the order is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to streamline and clarify procedures in apprehending erring motorists. In a memorandum dated Jan. 9, Lopez ordered the LTO to suspend the confiscation of apprehended drivers and to “revisit all pertinent issuances to ensure consistency across all existing policies.” “The new memorandum circular shall take effect immediately,” he said.
Instead of immediate license confiscation, apprehended motorists will have their licenses placed under alert and will automatically be suspended or revoked if the driver fails to settle their violation. On the other hand, the new timeline for settling traffic violations —from 15 calendar days to 15 working days—aims to “afford both the government and the public sufficient time to resolve cases.” “Ibig sabihin po nito, hindi kasama ‘yung mga holiday at long weekend sa bilang ng araw kapag magse-settle ng violation ‘yung driver,” he said.
The change comes after vlogger James Deakin called out the LTO in a media interview for alleged inflated charges against his son and for difficulties in settling traffic tickets during the holiday season due to the 15-calendar day deadline. In a post on social media on Friday, Deakin said Lopez called him to apologize and laid out the new changes for traffic apprehensions. In a separate post on the same day, he uploaded a video of a show-cause order (SCO) delivered to his home by an LTO personnel. On Wednesday, the LTO said Deakin’s son was apprehended for “reckless driving” due to an illegal lane change on the Skyway and for driving an unregistered vehicle.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Senate flood control probe resumes January 19
MANILA, Philippines, January 12 ------ The Senate Blue Ribbon committee will resume its flood control hearings next week to address alleged witness retractions, enforce attendance through subpoenas and begin scrutinizing public works documents known as the “Cabral files,” its chairman Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said.
Lacson said the resumption is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 1 p.m., subject to a quorum. “I already informed colleagues in the majority through our chat group and I already asked Senate President (Tito) Sotto for permission to have a quorum on Jan. 19 at 1 p.m.,” Lacson told radio dzBB. He said the committee would first tackle reports that former public works engineers Henry Alcantara and Brice Hernandez had supposedly retracted their sworn statements before the panel – claims that the Department of Justice has publicly denied.
Despite the DOJ’s denial, Lacson said the Blue Ribbon would still examine the issue to clarify whether any counter-affidavits were submitted and to spell out the legal consequences if any witness attempts to recant sworn testimony. Lacson said recantations of their sworn affidavits could expose Alcantara and Hernandez to criminal liability for perjury, citing Republic Act No. 11594, which increased the penalties for the offense to up to 12 years in prison, a P1 million fine and perpetual disqualification from public office for government officials.
Even if the pair would recant their affidavits implicating government officials and lawmakers in the flood control mess, Lacson stressed that any attempt to retract testimony would not automatically derail the case, as the statements given before the committee are not standing alone. He said the testimonies of Alcantara, Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza are supported by documentary and circumstantial evidence, including official budget records. “If there is a money trail or paper trail accompanying their testimony, the DOJ or the Ombudsman will consider those,” Lacson said.
Source: philstar.com
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Record-long Traslacion 2026 'generally peaceful' - NCRPO
MANILA, January 12 ------ The 2026 Traslacion of the Jesus Nazareno was “generally peaceful” despite the massive turnout and extended procession, as it concluded after nearly 31 hours, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said.
Police Maj. Hazel Asilo, NCRPO spokesperson, said no major peace and order incidents were recorded during the annual religious event, noting that most of the reported cases were medical-related and minor injuries. The NCRPO said it will hold planning sessions to assess the need for more personnel and tighter coordination. “Pwede naman po ‘yun i-suggest ng PNP… ‘Yung ruta po baka pwedeng hindi na dumaan sa maliliit na kalsada, dun sa maluwang na kalsada na po natin idaan,” Asilo said, adding the design of the carriage carrying the image could be revised to discourage people from climbing on it.
She also noted a change in the behavior of some participants, saying younger devotees tend to be more “mapusok” or aggressive compared to veteran devotees. Four deaths were recorded, including that of a photojournalist, which were all counted within the overall Traslacion activities that included the “Pahalik” and the procession itself, according to Asilo. Of the four fatalities, two were reported by hospitals to the police. One, a male devotee, was believed to have died of a heart attack, although authorities are still verifying whether he collapsed within the procession route before being brought to a hospital.
Another victim remains unidentified, and police are still checking if he was directly involved in the Traslacion, while the other one was reportedly trampled and run over by the andas after he reportedly lost his balance while holding the rope. More than 1,700 individuals received medical assistance from the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Red Cross, and the Department of Health. Some police personnel deployed during the event also required medical attention for minor injuries and complaints.
The NCRPO reminded the public to follow official announcements and safety rules, and urged those with existing health conditions to refrain from joining the physically demanding procession. “Alalahanin po natin ‘yung ating kaligtasan at ‘yung kalusugan. Maghintay na lang tayo sa simbahan,” she said. Meanwhile, Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines - Commission on Public Affairs, said the Church has done its part in educating and guiding devotees, but stressed that discipline must also come from the faithful themselves. “Hindi naman pinagbabawal na humalik ka, pumunas ka ng panyo dun sa imahen, sa karosa, sa lubid, ang nakita natin dito na hindi maganda sa paningin ay yung nag-aagawan tapos nagbabalyahan,” he said. Fr. Secillano urged devotees to practice orderly and solemn devotion, suggesting that lining up properly in churches would be a safer and more respectful way to express faith.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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P2 billion fund to help stabilize chili pepper supply
MANILA, January 12 ------ A P2 billion allocation for high-value crops under the 2026 national budget is expected to help stabilize the supply of siling labuyo (small chili pepper) and address recurring price spikes, Sen. Francis Pangilinan said.
In a statement, Pangilinan said the surge in chili prices, with siling labuyo reportedly reaching as high as P1,000 per kilo, is largely due to supply constraints during the rainy season. “It’s basic: during rainy season supply becomes limited, which is why prices go up,” he said.
Pangilinan said more than P2 billion has been earmarked in the 2026 budget to support the production of high-value crops such as chili, noting that the allocation backs Department of Agriculture (DA) measures to curb price volatility. He said these interventions include expanding planting areas beyond traditional producing regions such as Bicol, protecting crops from weather disruptions through greenhouses and proper storage facilities, and improving the timing of planting and harvesting. “We support DA’s solutions —plant in more areas, use greenhouses and proper storage, and properly time planting and harvesting,” he said.
Pangilinan said a more deliberate approach to planning in seeds, infrastructure and crop programming, coupled with regular public updates on supply and prices, would help temper volatile food costs and protect consumers.
Source: manilatimes.net
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Some areas to see rain as 3 weather systems persist
MANILA, January 12 ------ Parts of the country will experience rain due to three prevailing weather systems. Scattered rains and isolated thunderstorms caused by the shear line are forecast in Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, and Quezon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.
Moderate to heavy rains in those areas could result in flash floods or landslides. The northeast monsoon or "amihan" will prevail across the Cordillera Administrative Region and the rest of Cagayan Valley bringing light rains. "Amihan" will also bring isolated light rains in Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, and the rest of Central Luzon.
The rest of the country will experience isolated rain showers or thunderstorms due to the easterlies. Moderate to strong winds and moderate to rough seas will prevail across Luzon, and the eastern sections of the Visayas and Mindanao. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate with slight to moderate coastal waters. Meanwhile, PAGASA said that as of 2 a.m., no low pressure area is being monitored for possible tropical cyclone formation, PAGASA said.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Nearly all Filipinos say corruption in gov’t is widespread - Pulse Asia
MANILA, January 12 ------ Practically every Filipino adult believes that corruption in government is widespread, according to a Pulse Asia survey released amid a scandal on bogus flood control projects. 3
Out of 1,200 adults polled in December 2025, 94 percent described corruption in government as widespread. Five percent expressed indecision on the matter, while only one percent believed that corruption in government was not widespread. The view that government corruption is widespread was “shared by most adults across geographic areas and socioeconomic classes (93% to 96% and 88% to 96%, respectively),” Pulse Asia noted.
The same survey found that 74 percent believed corruption in the government increased in the last 12 months. Seven percent said it decreased, while 19 percent said it had stayed the same. Most Filipino adults consider accepting or giving bribes (74 percent), misusing public funds or company resources (66 percent), and offering or receiving kickbacks for contract or services (64 percent) as corrupt whether these take place in the public or private setting, Pulse Asia added.
Public opinion on this matter was essentially constant between September 2025 and December 2025. The survey also found 41 percent of Filipinos see corruption as a “normal” part of politics in the country, compared with 43 percent who disagreed and 17 percent who were undecided on the matter. Tricia Zafra, a psychologist and social science lecturer, said corruption becomes normalized when Filipinos see that corrupt practices are often rewarded instead of punished. “Supposedly, dapat merong consequences ‘yung ganung [corrupt] behavior. So ang issue ay nasa implementasyon talaga. Yung behavior ba ay napaparusahan? Yung consequence ba na intended for doing this behavior ay nai-implement? Sadly, hindi, so nakakadagdag yun kung bakit nano-normalize yung corrupt practices,” Zafra said.
She added that normalized corruption breeds apathy and complicity. “Isang consequence ‘yun kapag nakikitang normalized ang isang behavior tulad ng corruption sa paligid natin, tinotolorate. Hindi kumikibo, kunwari hindi nakikita. Pero ang mas malala doon, yung tao naiimpluwensyahan siya na gawin din yung ganung bagay.”
May Pepito, a carenderia owner, said she worries about her son’s future if corruption continues to persist. “Ang korapsyon talaga ngayon parang normal na lang sa mga tao kasi wala namang solusyon eh… ‘yung mga anak natin, papaano na ito pag lumaki… naaawa lang ako sa anak ko kasi syempre magkakaroon ng anak ‘yan, hindi pa siya nanganganak, may utang na. Sana maayos naman ng ating presidente yan bago siya bumaba,” Pepito said. She added that despite corruption being widespread, she would not engage in it, no matter how difficult life gets. “Hindi na bale maghirap kami basta sariling sikap, pawis, pagod. Di na bale maging mayaman basta at least yung karangalan ng tao ay madadala mo yan sa kamatayan,” Pepito said.
Romy Jisto, 60, lost his home to a fire and has been living in a tent for a year. He acknowledged that corruption is a recurring problem, but said he remains hopeful that change is possible. “Normal lang yan na meron nung bata pa ako hanggang ngayon, wala namang nahuhuli sa ganong bagay… sa lahat ng namumulitiko sana magbago na ang lahat para umayos ang ating ekonomiya… para may matirahan na kami na hindi na kami mababasa.”
The Pulse Asia survey had a ± 2.8 percent error margin at the 95 percent confidence level.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
SB19’s 1Z Entertainment opens auditions for male, female trainees
January 12 ------ Aspiring P-pop stars have a chance to showcase their singing and dancing prowess, as SB19’s 1Z Entertainment opened auditions for male and female trainees with the potential to make it in the industry. 1Z announced that it’s looking for a new set of trainees on its social media platforms and website, saying that aspiring “dancers, singers, rappers, or visual artists” are open to join.
“Are you ready to unleash your creativity and take your artistic self to the next level? 1Z Entertainment is thrilled to announce that we are now actively seeking the next set of talented individuals to join our trainee pool! This is your chance to work closely with experienced artists and mentors, participate in exciting workshops and training sessions!” its website reads.
The audition is open to applicants aged 15 to 25, with no restrictions on gender, ethnicity, or talent. It also added that they’re also looking for trainees with “artistic ability and passion,” as well as willingness to “engage in workshops and training.”
Aspirants are required to complete an online form and submit two one-minute clips in landscape orientation showcasing their dancing, singing, and rapping skills, respectively. The company is accepting applications until January 23. An initial and second screening will be held afterwards, and those who advanced to its trainee program will be contacted by a company representative.
1Z is the management company built by SB19 and trusted colleagues, with Pablo serving as the CEO. According to the quintet, the agency is put together with the purpose of serving as an ecosystem that creates a new breed of artists and setting new standards in the entertainment industry.
In a 2024 interview with Inquirer Entertainment, Pablo and 1Z COO Yani de Dios said the company is in the process of creating a girl group with a drive to be “self-sufficient.” “We do have a blueprint, but we don’t want to close our doors. We value collaborative work and the input of our artists. For now, we want to see the auditionees and how the process goes. That’s where we’ll build the core concept revolving around the members,” Pablo said of their upcoming girl group.
Source: inquirer.net
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SexBomb Girls announces rAWnd 5 concert with new ticket selling set-up
January 12 ------ Just days after announcing the return of the SexBomb Girls for rAWnd 3 and rAWnd 4 of their GET GET AW! The SexBomb Concert, the iconic OPM girl group, has added yet another show to their growing list. Responding to the nonstop clamor from fans, rAWnd 5 has officially been confirmed.
The announcement was made by SexBomb’s powerhouse leader, Rochelle Pangilinan, through her social media accounts, immediately igniting excitement among longtime supporters of the group. “MGA PINALAKI NG SEXBOMB!! Dahil ayaw nyo tumigil at ayaw nyo kaming pagpahingahin… rAWnd 5 IS OFFICIALLY ON!!” Rochelle wrote.
The newly added show is set to take place on February 8 at 8 p.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, extending the SexBomb Girls’ highly anticipated concert run. Along with the announcement, Rochelle also shared details about the new ticket-selling measures. Physical ticket sales will begin on January 11 at 12 noon, available at SM Cinema outlets and the MOA Arena Box Office. Meanwhile, online ticket sales will start at 6 p.m. on the same day through SM Tickets.
Rochelle took time to explain why the group decided to adjust the ticket-selling process this time, emphasizing that the new setup is meant to protect genuine fans from scalpers and automated buying systems. “Bakit ganito ang setup? Kasi gusto naming makabili ang tunay na pumipila, yung hindi scalper, hindi bot, yung pawis muna bago AWW,” she explained. She also reminded fans to take it easy and prepare for the ticket-selling day. “Kalma lang. Kain muna, tulog muna, tapos pila na bukas. Get Get Aww — rAWnd 5 na ’to.”
Similar to rAWnd 3 and rAWnd 4, which are scheduled for February 6 and 7, respectively, rAWnd 5 will feature a 360-degree stage. The setup is designed to bring the audience closer to the performance, allowing fans to fully experience the music, choreography, and high-energy presence of the SexBomb Girls from every angle of the arena.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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1st MSTR Awards: Benedix Ramos named Emerging Talent honoree
January 12 ------ The gripping performances of Benedix Ramos in “Bar Boys: The Musical,” “Next to Normal,” and “Dagitab” were recognized by the inaugural Manila Society of Theater Reviewers (MSTR) Awards, where he brought home the Emerging Artist plum.
The MSTR Awards, composed of reviewers from the local theater scene and was founded in 2025, announced the winners chosen from 66 eligible productions that were held in the past year.
According to the awards-giving body, winners were chosen by a “minimum of three voting members” based on its “established criteria.” Aside from the winners, the ceremony also recognized the honorable mention awardees.
Source: inquirer.net
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SPORTS NEWS
Scottie triple-double sparks Ginebra's series-tying win over SMB
January 12 ------ SCOTTIE Thompson came up with a triple double to lead Barangay Ginebra to a 105-91 win over San Miguel and forge a 2-2 deadlock in their PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup semifinal series at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Thompson put together the PBA's first 30-point triple double in 33 years, rescuing the Gin Kings after a flat start that saw them trail by as many as 16 points in the first quarter to equalize the best-of-seven semifinal series at 2-2.
Thompson finished with a career-high 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists as Ginebra avoided falling into a 1-3 hole heading to Game 5 on Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. "It was a legendary performance," said Ginebra coach Tim Cone on the effort of Thompson. Johnny Abarrientos, who is now Barangay Ginebra's assistant coach, was the last PBA player to register a 30-point triple double when he had 30 points, 15 rebounds, and 14 assists in Alaska’s 115-103 win over Swift in the 1993 All-Filipino Conference. Thompson also fueled a 12-3 run that got Ginebra the lead for good, 91-83, after trailing, 36-26, against a Beermen side that shot 9-of-13 from three-point range in the first quarter.
Ginebra got back to the ballgame by outscoring San Miguel, 30-19, in the second quarter. Japeth Aguilar had 14 points and six rebounds, while Norbert Torres added 13 points while going 3-of-8 from three-point range. Cjay Perez had 22 points for the Beermen, but June Mar Fajardo was limited to nine points although he grabbed 20 rebounds in the loss.
The scores:
Barangay Ginebra 105 – Thompson 35, J. Aguilar 14, Torres 13, David 12, Abarrientos 11, Cu 7, Rosario 6, Holt 4, Pinto 3, R. Aguilar 0.
San Miguel 91 – Perez 22, Ross 20, Cruz 15, Fajardo 9, Trollano 8, Brondial 7, Tautuaa 5, Cahilig 3, Rosales 2, Lassiter 0, Tiongson 0, Teng 0.
Quarters: 26-36; 56-55; 72-75; 105-91.
Source: spin.ph
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NBA: Wembanyama shines late as Spurs down Celtics
LOS ANGELES, January 12 ------ Victor Wembanyama stepped it up in the second half drilling a go-ahead jump shot with 1:33 to play and adding the final dagger in the San Antonio Spurs' 100-95 NBA victory over the Boston Celtics.
The French star, who again came off the bench as the Spurs ease him back into action in the wake of a knee injury, scored 16 of his 21 points in the second half, adding six rebounds and three blocked shots. "My mindset was just, I have to close out the game," Wembanyama said of his pivotal jumpers, adding that the victory showed the Spurs' character. "It felt like they were playing better basketball than us, but we stayed in there," he said.
De'Aaron Fox scored 21 points for San Antonio and Keldon Johnson added 18 points and 10 rebounds as the Spurs kicked off a three-game road trip with victory in the clash of East and West second-placed teams. Derrick White scored 29 points and grabbed nine rebounds and Jaylen Brown added 27 points, eight rebounds and seven assists for Boston.
In Detroit, the Los Angeles Clippers erased a double-digit deficit to hand the Eastern Conference leading Pistons a 98-92 defeat. Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points and John Collins added 25 for the Clippers, who trailed by as many as 19 in the first half and were down 14 early in the fourth quarter. Collins made a pair of free throws to give the Clippers a 93-92 lead with two minutes remaining and James Harden fed Ivica Zubac for a dunk and the Clippers held on for the win. They out-scored the Pistons 30-16 in the fourth quarter, Detroit coughing up 12 of their 25 turnovers in the final frame. Duncan Robinson scored 20 points to lead the Pistons, who were without key contributors Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and Tobias Harris as well as ailing Isaiah Stewart.
Elsewhere, Donovan Mitchell scored 28 points and passed off eight assists to spark the Cleveland Cavaliers over Minnesota 146-134. Two nights after losing at Minnesota, the Cavs also had 24 points on 11-of-16 shooting from Evan Mobley and 23 points off the bench from Jaylon Tyson to rally past the Timberwolves. "They got up 12 and we responded, did what we had to do and got the win," Mitchell said, noting the improvements from Thursday's loss. "We made adjustments," he said. "We locked in, dialed in and did a good job. We kept our foot on the gas, they made some runs and we continued like always."
Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 25 points while Julius Randle had 22 and reserve Naz Reid contributed 23, hitting 5-of-6 three-point attempts. Andrew Nembhard scored 29 points to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 123-99 blowout win over the Miami Heat. The lowly Pacers led by double digits most of the night and won a second straight game for just the third time this season.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Alex Eala gears up for Kooyong Classic ahead of Australian Open
January 12 ------ There will be little rest for Alex Eala as she continues her preparations for her debut in the main draw of the Australian Open. Fresh off a solid run at the WTA ASB Classic in New Zealand, where she reached the third semifinal of her young career, the 20-year-old Eala will fly to Melbourne to compete in the Kooyong Classic 2026, scheduled from January 13 to 15 at the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club.
The Kooyong Classic is a premier tune-up tournament ahead of the Australian Open. Although it does not offer ATP or WTA ranking points, the invitation-only exhibition has long served as a final preparation event for top players, with the Australian Open set to begin the week after the Kooyong Classic. Eala will face three other players in Kooyong in a non-elimination, round-robin format. Representing the home side is Priscilla Hon, the sixth-highest-ranked Australian in the world. The 27-year-old, currently ranked No. 121, reached a career-high No. 95 in 2025 after advancing to the third round of the US Open.
One familiar opponent for Eala is world No. 69 Donna Vekic of Croatia. The two faced off at the ASB Classic last Tuesday, with the Filipina tennis ace prevailing in a hard-fought three-set match. A spot has also been allocated to a guest player in Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia, who has been inactive for several years. It has yet to be confirmed whether the 42-year-old is staging a comeback or if her appearance at the Kooyong Classic is a one-off engagement.
Hantuchova was once ranked as high as No. 5 in the world in singles, reaching the semifinals of the Australian Open and the quarterfinals of Wimbledon and the US Open. She also achieved a career-high No. 5 ranking in doubles, finishing runner-up at both the Australian Open and the French Open. In mixed doubles, Hantuchova owns a career Grand Slam, having won titles in all four majors. Eala herself could potentially crack the top 50 of the WTA rankings by Monday after earning 98 points from her semifinal finish in Auckland.
Source: tiebreakertimes.com.ph
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FEATURED ARTICLE
A future-ready Philippines through trabaho at negosyo
In a developing nation’s economy, two gears must turn in perfect sync to generate real, inclusive prosperity: the spirit of entrepreneurship and the dignity of labor. As an advocate for the Filipino entrepreneur for more than 20 years now, and now one who is tasked with the private sector’s commitment to jobs, I am fortunate to have the vantage point at the intersection of policy and practice. Here, I can see that the path forward for our nation is not just more jobs, but a robust ecosystem of job creators. We need more than workers; we need a future-ready workforce. At the heart of this transformation lies Trabaho at Negosyo – Jobs and Enterprise.
For decades, the traditional economic narrative was that employment is a byproduct of large-scale industrialization or foreign outsourcing. While these remain vital, we have often overlooked the most potent engine of growth sitting right in our neighborhoods: the MSMEs. They comprise almost all of business establishments in the Philippines and employ more than 60 percent of our workforce. Time and again, they have proven to be not just the bedrock of our communities, but also the primary shock absorbers of our economy during global crises.
With this in mind, I think it is time to treat entrepreneurship not merely as an alternative to employment, but as a primary driver of high-value job creation. When we empower a Filipino to start a business, we are not just helping one person; we are creating a fountain of opportunity for dozens, and eventually hundreds, of others. This is the essence of Trabaho at Negosyo. One cannot thrive without the other. A business without a skilled workforce is a ship without a crew; a workforce without a vibrant business sector is a crew without a ship.
Its success hinges on the cooperation between the public and private sectors. No government can create lasting prosperity in a vacuum, and conversely, no private sector can flourish in an environment of uncertainty or bureaucratic friction.
I am thankful to the President for declaring the government’s commitment to creating a fair, transparent and enabling business environment. I am also thankful to the past administrations for increasing efforts to streamline processes, reduce the cost of doing business and eliminate the “red tape” that has historically stifled Filipino ingenuity. By fostering an entrepreneur-friendly climate, the government sends a clear signal that the Philippines is open for business, and the rules of the game are fair.
This enabling environment is the “soil” in which our enterprises grow. When the government ensures transparency and the rule of law, it lowers the risk for the private sector to invest, innovate and expand. This partnership allows us to move beyond temporary “band-aid” solutions for unemployment and toward the creation of sustainable, long-term industries.
But as we build this environment, we must address a critical challenge: the rapidly changing nature of work. The global economy is undergoing a seismic shift driven by digital technology, AI and automation. The jobs of yesterday are disappearing, and the jobs of tomorrow require a level of technical proficiency and creative problem-solving that our educational system must try to address.
That means we need to upskill and reskill the Filipino workforce: transition from being a “source of labor” to a “source of talent.” Filipino workers must be equipped to move up the value chain: from low-skill, low-wage roles to high-value, high-paying positions, no matter what industry they are in.
Upskilling is the bridge between Trabaho at Negosyo. When our workers are highly skilled, our businesses become more competitive on the global stage. When our businesses are competitive, they generate higher revenues, which in turn allow for higher wages and better benefits. This virtuous cycle is the only way to ensure that the Filipino worker is not left behind by the digital revolution.
The private sector will hold up its end, working alongside academic institutions and government agencies like DOLE, TESDA, DepEd and the DTI. We need “industry-led” training programs where businesses define the skills they need, and the educational system delivers them. This ensures that our graduates are job-ready and future-proof professionals.
Imagine a Philippines where migration is a choice, not a necessity. For too long, our greatest export has been our people. While the remittances of our OFWs have kept our economy afloat, the social cost of separated families and the “brain drain” of our brightest minds is a price too high to pay if this goes on indefinitely. Building a strong local economy anchored on a robust MSME sector and a tech-savvy workforce creates a “Homecoming Economy” where a Filipino engineer, nurse or programmer can find a job at home that offers the same dignity, growth and compensation as a job in Dubai, Singapore or London.
When we promote entrepreneurship, we encourage our overseas Pinoys to bring their skills and capital back home to start their own businesses. We want them to transition from being employees abroad to being employers here. This is how we build a resilient domestic market that can withstand global economic shifts – by ensuring that our best and brightest have a reason to stay and a platform to succeed.
Global economic shifts, inflation and the rapid pace of technological change will continue to be challenges. But once we pair the Filipino never-say-die spirit with a strategic framework that prioritizes the synergy of Jobs and Enterprise; when we continue to advocate for policies that provide MSMEs with better access to credit, mentorship and global markets; and when we push for an education system that teaches our children not just how to follow instructions, but how to identify problems and create solutions – even enterprises – I believe that yes, the Filipino can.
Source: Go Negosyo - www.philstar.com
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