News

Metro Manila, Philippines – Mayon Volcano on Sunday remains under alert level 3, according to the 24-hour observation from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). Phivolcs recorded lava effusion with lava flow in the Basud (3.8 km), Bonga (3.2 km), and Mi-isi (1.6 km) gullies, with episodic minor strombolian activity and short-lived fountaining. It also reported 32 volcanic earthquakes, along with 25 volcanic tremors. Entry into the 6-kilometer radius permanent danger zone and flying aircraft close to the volcano are not allowed. Phivolcs reminded residents to be wary of rockfalls, landslides, avalanches, and ballistic fragments, among others. Meanwhile, Camalig, Albay Municipal Mayor Caloy Baldo said on social media that all affected families from Saturday afternoon’s lava flow and heavy ashfall may seek assistance from his office.

Metro Manila, Philippines – Bea Millan-Windorski, a Filipino-American from La Union, was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2026 on Saturday night, May 2. The 23-year-old succeeds Ahtisa Manalo, who placed 3rd runner-up at Miss Universe 2025, and will represent the country at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico in November. Millan-Windorski won the crown after delivering a passionate response to the question of why it is still worth representing the Philippines on the global stage despite the frustrations many Filipinos feel about the country. “The Philippines is something and a place I fell in love with my whole life. Growing up in a predominantly non-diverse part of the United States, I was identified as Filipina first and foremost. I often had to point where the Philippines was on a map to my peers, and I always felt a sense of belonging and home. I chose to pack my life…

Metro Manila, Philippines – A House justice committee member said a one-third vote to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte is “within reach.” At a news forum in Quezon City on Saturday, May 2, panel member Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon noted that the justice panel alone already gathered 53 votes to find probable cause to unanimously move the impeachment.  Out of more than 300 House members, Ridon said reaching the constitutional one-third vote threshold is “well within reach.” “Tingin ko naman (I do think so), that is a number that will not be difficult to surmount,” he said. Ridon said the Justice panel is set to approve on Monday its committee report containing the final consolidated Articles of Impeachment, as well as the corresponding resolution. He said the first order of business is to secure approval at the plenary before any move to constitute the prosecution panel. “As soon as…

Metro Manila, Philippines – The Supreme Court has scrapped the order that dismissed Overall Deputy Ombudsman Melchor Arthur Carandang from office right after his probe on then President Rodrigo Duterte’s wealth.  In the decision made accessible to the public on Saturday, May 2, the SC Third Division affirmed the Court of Appeals decision that also dismissed Carandang’s removal for “lack of jurisdiction.” The court nullified the Office of the President’s decision in 2018. The order stated that Carandang was sacked from office as he was administratively liable for graft and corruption and betrayal of public trust The decision also overturned the June 14, 2019 order of Ombudsman Samuel Martires that commanded Carandang to cease and desist from performing powers and functions of his post as it was declared vacant from his removal. “Carandang is entitled to all retirement benefits effective upon the expiration of his term. He is likewise entitled…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Lava flow from Mayon Volcano in Albay has reached nearly four kilometers down one gully in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Saturday, May 2.. In its bulletin, the agency said there were 39 volcanic earthquakes. It said the volcano also emitted intermittent bursts of lava early Friday morning. Phivolcs said Mayon spewed more than 2,000 tons of sulfur, while moderate plumes rose to 200 meters above the crater. Mayon Volcano remains active under Alert Level 3, defined as intensified unrest/magmatic unrest).  Under this status, Phivolcs said entry into the six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone and flying aircraft close to the volcano is prohibited.