• Marcos won’t pick full-time DA chief soon: You’ll just have to put up with me

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. isn’t saying goodbye to the Department of Agriculture any time soon. In a chance interview, Marcos says he won’t be leaving the department unless there are already ‘systems in place to guarantee the food supply’ of the country.

• Judge handling De Lima’s remaining drug charge inhibits from case

The judge handling former senator Leila de Lima’s remaining drug case voluntarily inhibits himself from the case in an order made public on Friday, June 16.

• PH media landscape remains ‘largely grim’ despite change in leadership, says report

The annual Digital News Report by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism or RISJ finds, the Philippines media landscape, despite the change in leadership in 2022, remains ‘largely grim.’

• Cebu Pacific passengers decry ‘arbitrary’ flight cancellations, Senate probe set

With the increasing complaints about Cebu Pacific in viral posts, the Senate committees on tourism and on public services will begin an investigation on Wednesday, June 21.

• Carlos Yulo nails all-around silver in Asian Gymnastics Championships, earns spot in worlds

Filipino gymnastics star Carlos Yulo claims the men’s individual all-around silver in the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Singapore securing his place in the World Championships in Belgium in September.

• ‘LOONA is free’: All 12 members leave BlockBerry Creative after winning lawsuits

All 12 members of K-pop group LOONA have left their agency BlockBerry Creative. This, after Haseul, Yeojin, Yves, Go Won, and Olivia Hye win their respective injunctions to suspend their exclusive contracts with BlockBerry.

• Dylan Sprouse and Barbara Palvin are engaged

Disney child actor Dylan Sprouse and Victoria’s Secret model Barbara Palvin are getting married after almost five years of dating. — Rappler.com

• DILG chief Abalos says ‘powerful syndicate’ behind P6.7-B shabu mess

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos reveals a ‘powerful syndicate’ is said to be the brains behind the P6.7-B shabu mess hounding the Philippine National Police.

• Magnitude 6.3 earthquake strikes off Calatagan, Batangas

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake strikes off Calatagan, Batangas, at 10:19 am on Thursday, June 15. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warns damage and aftershocks are expected.

• Hong Kong protest anthem disappears from iTunes, Spotify, others as government seeks total ban

Versions of the pro-democracy protest anthem ‘Glory to Hong Kong’ are  unavailable on the iTunes Store, Spotify, KKBOX, Facebook, and Instagram’s Reels on Wednesday, June 14, after the government sought an injunction banning the song outright.

• ‘Last’ Beatles record to be released this year thanks to AI, Paul McCartney says

Paul McCartney says a ‘last’ Beatles song, featuring the voice of late member John Lennon, will be released this year thanks to the use of artificial intelligence.

• Filipino Roland Abante receives standing ovation in ‘America’s Got Talent’ audition

Filipino singer Roland Abante wows America’s Got Talent judges and audience members when he auditioned for the reality talent competition. 

• Song Joong-ki, Katy Louise Saunders welcome 1st child

South Korean star Song Joong-ki is now a dad! Joong-ki’s agency announces his wife, Katy Louise Saunders has given birth to a baby boy in Italy. 

• Andrea Brillantes says her heart’s okay: ‘Nagmahal ako nang totoo’

Following speculations that her relationship with basketball player Ricci Rivero has ended, Andrea Brillantes opens up on her current emotional state, saying her heart’s ‘okay.’ — Rappler.com

• DNA from crime scene matches samples from 4 Degamo slay suspects

The National Bureau of Investigation says DNA samples from crime scenes in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo match those of four suspects in the massacre.

• China rebukes US in phone call ahead of Blinken’s planned Beijing trip

China’s foreign minister Qin Gang urges the United States to stop meddling in its affairs and harming its security in a phone call with his U.S. counterpart Antony Blinken.

• Most Filipinos feel safe in homes, communities, says Octa Research survey

Most Filipinos feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods with 91% of surveyed residents in NCR and Balance Luzon feeling safe. Safety is measured through people’s perceptions of whether their neighborhoods are safe from drugs, thieves and whether it’s safe to walk these neighborhoods at night.

• White House bans LGBTQ activists for going topless at Pride event

The White House bans three attendees from its Pride Month celebration after they went topless on the South Lawn on Saturday, June 10. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre says the behavior is ‘simply unacceptable.’

• Pokwang files petition to deport ex-partner Lee O’Brian

Filipina host and actress Pokwang files a petition for the deportation of her ex-partner Lee O’Brian and the cancellation of his visa. In an Instagram post, Pokwang shares a photo of the complaint affidavit, saying ‘This is it!’ — Rappler.com

• Leila de Lima’s 3 co-accused want Muntinlupa judge to stop handling their case

Former senator Leila de Lima’s co-accused in her third drug case, ask Muntinlupa Judge Romeo Buenaventura to inhibit from the case due to a conflict of interest.

• 50 cops, including generals, face criminal complaints over P6.7-B shabu mess

The National Police Commission and the Philippine National Police file criminal complaints against 50 policemen, including police generals over the P6.7-billion shabu mess hounding the national police.

• Local politicians take lead in filing libel cases against journalists – NUJP study

A study commissioned by the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines shows local politicians take the lead in filing criminal cases of libel and cyber libel against journalists.

• Golden Globe Awards sold, Hollywood Foreign Press group shut down

The Golden Globe Awards is sold to a new owner shutting down the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. Eldridge Industries buys the Golden Globe assets, which will continue to manage the awards telecast.

• Leren Bautista on ‘romantic involvement’ with Ricci Rivero: ‘Entirely false’

Beauty queen-turned-politician Leren Bautista comments on her ‘alleged romantic involvement’ with basketball player Ricci Rivero. In a statement, Leren’s camp says ‘These claims are entirely false and have no basis in reality.’

• Fans celebrate K-pop supergroup BTS’ 10-year anniversary

Fans of K-pop powerhouse BTS gather in Seoul, South Korea to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the boy band’s debut. Although the group is on hiatus with two members in military service, their loyal fanbase called ARMY still gather in Seoul.

• Looking for underrated beaches? A travel guide to Leyte and Biliran

Calling all beach lovers! Looking for an underrated island getaway? The islands of Leyte and Biliran could be for you! Travel to Tacloban City is easily accessible by plane or bus. — Rappler.com

• SWS survey puts Sara Duterte, Raffy Tulfo as 2028 presidential front-runners

A commissioned survey shows Vice President Sara Duterte is the ‘best leader to succeed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2028.’

• Marcos tells Filipinos to ‘assert liberty day by day’

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in a message on Monday, June 12, tells Filipinos to ‘assert our liberty day by day,’ in an ‘age where battles remain but occur in places the eyes cannot see.’

• Ex-senator Rodolfo Biazon dies at 88

Former senator Rodolfo ‘Pong’ Biazon dies at the age of 88 on Monday, June 12. The Biazon family says it is ‘perfectly fitting’ that Biazon passed on Independence Day, adding he ‘dedicated his life and laid it on the line in defending freedom and democracy.’

• NLEX to hike toll rates starting June 15

The North Luzon Expressway Corporation (NLEX) will implement higher toll rates starting June 15. Rates will be hiked by an additional P7 in the open system, and P0.36 per kilometer in the closed system.

• Eldrew Yulo vaults way to junior silver in Asian Gymnastics Championships

Rising gymnast Eldrew Yulo bags the vault silver in the men’s junior division of the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Singapore on Monday, June 12.

• Kaladkaren becomes first transgender Philippine news anchor

Actress and comedian Kaladkaren joins TV5’s Frontline Pilipinas, becoming the first transgender news anchor in the Philippines. She will present the latest entertainment news and trivia for Frontline Pilipinas. 

• ‘Holy grail’: Juan Luna’s lost masterpiece revealed after 132 years

After 132 years, Juan Luna’s missing masterpiece Hymen, oh Hyménée! has been found and returned to the Philippines for the first time.

• Coldplay headed to PH in 2024; EXO drops teaser for ‘EXIST’

British rock band Coldplay is coming back to the Philippines. Meanwhile, K-pop boy group EXO is set to make its highly-anticipated comeback on July 10 with the release of its new album EXIST. — Rappler.com

• Debris recovered in Bataan likely from Chinese rocket – PH Space Agency

The Philippine Space Agency says debris found in waters off Morong, Bataan earlier this week may be from a Chinese Long March 7 rocket. This rocket was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan on May 11.

• Albay declares state of calamity due to Mayon Volcano unrest

The provincial government of Albay on Friday, June 9, places the province under a state of calamity after Mayon Volcano’s status was raised to Alert Level 3. Mayon Volcano has been under Alert Level 3 since Thursday, June 8, which means it is ‘in a relatively high level of unrest.’

• Power outage hits NAIA Terminal 3 again amid airport privatization talks

Another power outage strikes the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, barely a month since the last incident. This time, it was a ‘procedural lapse’ that caused the power outage.

• Marcos: We’re not shifting away from China

Commenting on Beijing’s rhetorics and maritime actions newly-minted Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro says China must earn the trust of Filipinos.

• Court acquits Kerwin Espinosa in another drug trade charge

A Makati court acquits alleged drug lord Kerwin Espinosa and another accused in a drug trade charge filed in 2018. In a 21-page decision, the court orders the release of Espinosa and his fellow accused Marcelo Adorco from detention, ‘unless they are confined for any other unlawful cause.’

• SB19 releases ‘I Want You’ music video following ‘Pagtatag!’ EP release

P-Pop star SB19 releases the music video of its song ‘I Want You’, heralding the start of a new era for the P-pop pioneers. The music video comes after the release of their highly-anticipated new EP Pagtatag!, which dropped early in the morning on Friday.

• Ricci Rivero hints at split with Andrea Brillantes

Basketball player Ricci Rivero hints he and actress Andrea Brillantes had split up after a year of dating. In a tweet, Rivero says ‘Please respect our decision to keep it to ourselves so that we can preserve what’s left of our friendship.’ — Rappler.com

• Martin-Sara Duterte rift: House leaders back Romualdez, decry ‘political bickering’

Leaders from the House of Representatives come to Speaker Martin Romualdez’s defense, amid Vice President Sara Duterte’s comments which seemingly take a swipe at the speaker.

• Leila de Lima after her bail denial: ‘I cannot and will not lose hope’

Former senator Leila de Lima calls the denial of her petition for bail ‘most unfortunate’ but says she will remain strong as she continues to face her remaining drug charge.

• Albay’s Mayon Volcano placed under Alert Level 3

Just three days after placing Mayon Volcano under Alert Level 2, state volcanologists raise Alert Level 3 on Thursday, June 8. Alert Level 3 means there is a ‘increased tendency towards a hazardous eruption.’

• Raging Canada wildfires threaten critical infrastructure, force evacuations

Uncontrolled forest fires blaze across Canada on Wednesday, June 7, threatening infrastructure, forcing evacuations and sending a blanket of smoky air over U.S. cities.

• ‘Internal’ affairs: Isaw, bopis, dinuguan among Best Offal Dishes in the World – Taste Atlas

Taste Atlas includes isaw, proben, dinuguan, bopis, and papaitan in 2023’s list of Best Offal Dishes in the World! Isaw, a barbeque and street staple made up of grilled chicken or pork intestines, places 16th on the list.

• Sandara Park, DINDIN, WINNER’s Jinu, NU’EST’s JR, and ARON spotted in Pampanga

Filipino K-pop fans go into a frenzy as several South Korean celebrities were seen filming in Pampanga, Philippines.

• ‘I’m going to Miami’: Messi confirms move to MLS

Lionel Messi announces he intends to join Major League Soccer side Inter Miami as a free agent after parting ways with French champions Paris St Germain and snubbing a lucrative contract offer in Saudi Arabia. — Rappler.com

• Court denies Leila de Lima’s bid for temporary freedom

Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court Branch 256 denies former senator Leila de Lima’s petition for bail, blocking a chance for her temporary freedom. In its resolution, the court says De Lima’s plea for bail on ‘humanitarian considerations is untenable.’

• Philippines hosts US, Japan coast guards in ‘unprecedented’ joint exercise

Vessels from the Philippine, US, and Japan coast guards participate in a ‘unprecedented’ joint exercise between the three nations. This, amid the growing aggressiveness of China in the West Philippine Sea.

• Canada opens limited visa-free travel to Filipinos

Filipinos can now enter Canada visa-free, with certain conditions. Travelers must either have had a Canadian visa in the last 10 years or currently hold an active United States non-immigrant visa.

• Taal volcanic smog hits parts of Batangas as sulfur dioxide spikes

‘Significant’ volcanic smog hit areas surrounding the Taal Volcano in Batangas since Tuesday, June 6, due to the volcano’s ongoing gas emission.

• Gearing up for Paris Olympics qualification, EJ Obiena bags bronze in Poland tilt

Filipino pole-vault star EJ Obiena posts an outdoor season-best mark and finishes third in the Irena Szewinska Memorial in Poland, Tuesday, June 6. Obiena clears 5.72m to share the bronze with Sam Kendricks of the United States, as he gears up for the qualification period for the 2024 Paris Games.

• Dua Lipa wins dismissal of ‘Levitating’ copyright lawsuit

British pop star Dua Lipa and music label Warner Records convince a Los Angeles federal court to dismiss a lawsuit accusing Dua’s hit ‘Levitating’ of copying one of its songs.

• From Kapuso to Kapatid: Tito, Vic, Joey move ‘Eat Bulaga’ to TV5

The showbiz trio of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon and other Eat Bulaga mainstays are moving to TV5, after signing a deal with Manny Pangilinan’s MediaQuest Holdings. — Rappler.com

• NBI, Pola mayor file complaint vs Princess Empress shipowner

The National Bureau of Investigation Environmental Crime Division and Mayor of Pola, Oriental Mindoro Jennifer Cruz file a criminal complaint against sunken MT Princess Empress ship owner RDC Reield Marine Services.

• Car battery explosion caused Manila Central Post Office fire – BFP

The Bureau of Fire Protection concludes a car battery explosion in the southern part of the basement caused the fire that gutted the historic Manila Central Post Office.

• ‘Colorum’ vehicles cannot be apprehended, impounded by LTFRB – DOJ

The Justice Department says the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board cannot apprehend, impound, and dispose of colorum vehicles.

• PH rules Mobile Legends in ASEAN Para Games, improves to 12 golds with athletics triumph

The Philippines bags an esports gold in Mobile Legends and clinches another one in para athletics, as it improved to 12 golds in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

• Paolo Contis, Alexa Miro, Legaspi twins headline ‘Eat Bulaga’ minus TVJ and Dabarkads

After four days of Eat Bulaga! replays, the show’s producer, TAPE Incorporated, finally airs a live show on GMA Network on Monday, June 5, with actor Paolo Contis, singer-actress Alexa Miro, and the Legaspi twins, Cassy and Mavy, as the main celebrities on the noontime show.

• LOOK: Super Junior headed to Manila in July

Mark your calendars, Filipino ELFs, because K-pop boy group Super Junior is coming back to the Philippines!

• Taylor Swift and Matty Healy break up – reports

Pop superstar Taylor Swift and The 1975 frontman Matt Healy have reportedly called it quits, a month after they were first rumored to be dating. U.S. media reports the split on Tuesday, June 6. — Rappler.com

• Marcos names Gibo Teodoro, Ted Herbosa as Defense, Health secretaries

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appoints losing 2022 senatorial candidate Gibo Teodoro as defense chief and pandemic national task force adviser Ted Herbosa as health secretary.

• PLDT suffers backlash as subscribers encounter intermittent connection, access to services

Filipinos turn to social media to express frustration over connectivity issues encountered with service provider PLDT on Monday, June 5.

• Metro water pressure lowered by June 16 as El Niño looms

The National Water Resources Board agrees to keep the current water allocation of 52 cubic meters per second for Metro Manila until June 15, as the Philippines faces a possible prolonged dry spell due to the El Niño phenomenon.

• Mayon, Taal volcanoes under Philvolcs monitoring

Mayon Volcano in Albay province, is now under Alert Level 2 due to increasing unrest. Meanwhile, residents of Balete, Laurel, and Agoncillo in Batangas province report volcanic smog on Sunday morning, June 4, coming from Taal Volcano.

• UN rapporteur seeks to provide insights on Maria Ressa’s pending libel case

United Nations special rapporteur Irene Khan asks the Supreme Court that she be allowed to sit as an expert in the pending libel case of Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa.

• Lea Salonga says all-Filipino cast makes ‘Here Lies Love’ their own story

Here Lies Love will be the first Broadway production to have an all-Filipino cast when it debuts on July 20.

• Beyoncé, Rihanna, Taylor Swift among America’s richest self-made women – Forbes 

Singers Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift make it to America’s Richest Self-Made Women of 2023. On Thursday, June 1, Forbes releases the list of the USA’s ‘most successful women entrepreneurs, executives, and entertainers.’

• ‘I am technically still married’: Jason Marvin Hernandez addresses relationship rumors

Singer Jason Marvin Hernandez denies rumors of a new romance and addresses the current status of his annulment with estranged wife, singer Moira Dela Torre. — Rappler.com