Groups hit proposed MAIFIP increase, seek bigger PhilHealth budget

Inquirer.net - Oct 6, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — A House budget panel’s move to increase funding for the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program drew criticism on Tuesday, with several groups saying the additional funds should instead be used to strengthen the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth). Healthcare professionals, budget watchdogs, labor groups and basic sector

Read full article

More News

House OKs 30-year national infra master plan on 2nd reading

Oct 6, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives on Tuesday approved on second reading a bill that would institutionalize a 30-year national infrastructure master plan to ensure projects are implemented consistently, regardless of political changes. Lawmakers approved House Bill No. 11597, or the Masterplan for Infrastructure and National Development (MIND) Act, by voice vote. Designed as

Pangilinan notes Cale88 ownership change after P1.25B in transactions

Oct 6, 2026

MANILA, Philippines —Senator-Judge Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan questioned on Tuesday the change in Cale88 Foods Corp.’s ownership after Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) records allegedly showed over ₱1.25 billion in transactions from 2022 to 2025. Pangilinan recalled Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) testimony that lawyer Manases “Mans” Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara Duterte, held 47.5 percent

Rising HIV cases recorded in Bukidnon

Oct 6, 2026

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — Despite local government efforts to curb human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections, cases continue to rise, with 24 newly confirmed patients recorded from January to September this year. Dr. Juniver Flores, head of the infectious disease unit at the Valencia City Health Office, told the Inquirer on Tuesday that those diagnosed are

Police intercept P2.6M ‘smuggled’ cigarettes in Zamboanga del Sur

Oct 6, 2026

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Police intercepted a vehicle loaded with over P2.6 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes and arrested two male suspects during an operation in Barangay Lantian, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, on Oct. 5. Captain Derf Jay Maquinta, spokesperson for the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office (ZSPPO), reported that personnel

Matibag dares Sara Duterte to reveal alleged ‘conflict of interest’

Oct 6, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag has challenged Vice President Sara Duterte to disclose what she is referring to as his “conflict of interest” regarding the bureau’s probe into the “cash delivery” allegations of dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. Duterte, in a press conference earlier Tuesday, first challenged Matibag

Prosecution eyes records of VP-linked group over China donations

Oct 6, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — The House prosecution in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial is considering seeking financial records involving Tapang at Malasakit Alliance for the Philippines after Senator-Judge Bam Aquino raised possible donations from China on Tuesday. Aquino asked House prosecution counsel Mae Divinagracia whether prosecutors would move to obtain the group’s records after the

Top defense officials rush to Basilan after convoy ambush

Oct 6, 2026

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Nafarrete rushed to Basilan on Tuesday to map out security measures and check on wounded troops following a military convoy ambush in Tipo-Tipo on Monday. Teodoro and Nafarrete convened a security conference

Philippines, Poland sign pact on mutual legal assistance in criminal cases

Oct 6, 2026

The Philippines and Poland on Tuesday signed an agreement strengthening mutual legal assistance in criminal matters during Polish President Karol Nawrocki"s first state visit to the country.

Primary suspect in murder of 2 retired teachers arrested in Cotabato

Oct 6, 2026

COTABATO CITY — Police arrested Tuesday the primary suspect in the murder of a couple in Banisilan, North Cotabato province, and recovered a large amount of cash and some of the victims’ jewelry, police said. Brig. Gen. Alan Manibog, regional director of the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12), said the suspect, alias “Meroy,” 53, a

House OKs on 2nd reading bill banning social media for children under 13

Oct 6, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed on second reading a bill prohibiting children aged 13 and below from creating social media accounts while restricting access for those under 18. The measure aligns the Philippines alongside a global shift enacting digital guardrails to shield minors from online harms. Lawmakers approved House Bill

DENR urges golf courses to save water amid El Niño

Oct 6, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said it is planning to issue a directive urging golf courses in Metro Manila to use recycled water, among other conservation measures, to help mitigate the effects of El Niño. Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna made the statement during a Palace press briefing on

MMDA to build 3 rainwater facilities in Manila to curb flooding

Oct 6, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will build three rainwater impounding facilities (RIFs) in Manila to help mitigate flooding in the capital. MMDA Chair Atty. Don Artes and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso signed a memorandum of agreement for the implementation of nature-based solutions in the city. The agreement covers the

Groups hit proposed MAIFIP increase, seek bigger PhilHealth budget

More News

House OKs 30-year national infra master plan on 2nd reading

Pangilinan notes Cale88 ownership change after P1.25B in transactions

Rising HIV cases recorded in Bukidnon

Police intercept P2.6M ‘smuggled’ cigarettes in Zamboanga del Sur

Matibag dares Sara Duterte to reveal alleged ‘conflict of interest’

Prosecution eyes records of VP-linked group over China donations

Top defense officials rush to Basilan after convoy ambush

Philippines, Poland sign pact on mutual legal assistance in criminal cases

Primary suspect in murder of 2 retired teachers arrested in Cotabato

House OKs on 2nd reading bill banning social media for children under 13

DENR urges golf courses to save water amid El Niño

MMDA to build 3 rainwater facilities in Manila to curb flooding

Recommended

Duterte’s issues beyond SALN, now a national security concern

Highlights: Day 34 of Sara Duterte impeachment trial | Oct. 6, 2026

Legarda calls for stronger protection for environmental defenders

Bangsamoro group urges Marcos, MILF to complete peace process

US seeks US$100 million bail each for Chinese-born couple in surrogacy child abuse case

Bohol crop losses climb to P173M as drought worsens

No jackpot winners in Oct. 6 PCSO lotto draws

Ombudsman dares BOC to share data; agency to back ‘lawful’ requests

BSP Piso Caravan brings currency exchange services to Ilocos Sur