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House members who signed a resolution seeking a stronger response to recent remarks of Chinese Embassy officials.
Laila De Lima
Krisel Lagman
Dadah Kiram Ismula
Arlene Bag-ao
Chel Diokno
Percival Cendaña
Adrian Amatong
Jaime Fresnedi
Edgar Erice
Alfonso Umali
‘Pinoys see China as top threat’
OCTA survey also shows 6 in 10 Filipinos distrust China • Senators eye persona non grata for some China embassy officials • ASEAN-China on track to finish COC this year
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 348 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2026
PBBM’s health ‘improving, stabilizing’—Palace By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is showing steady improvement after being diagnosed with diverticulitis, Malacañang said Wednesday, dismiss-
ing claims online about severe deterioration in his health as unverified and false. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Mr. Marcos skipped public events on doc-
China accuses Tarriela of making trouble
tors’ advice to rest for a week but continued to perform key duties, including administering the oath of office to Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. as the 32nd chief of the Philippine National Police
CHINA on Thursday accused Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Commodore Jay Tarriela of engaging in “provocative” actions over his public statements and social media posts.
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By Katrina Manubay, Charles Dantes and Maricel Cruz
M
AJORITY of Filipino adults distrust China and consider it the greatest external threat to the Philippines, according to the latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM) survey conducted by OCTA Research. As this developed, some senators are considering filing a resolution to recommend to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to declare certain Chinese Embassy officials persona non grata following heated exchanges with Philippine officials, Senator Erwin Tulfo said. Next page
House justice committee sets impeach hearing on Feb. 2 By Maricel V. Cruz THE House Committee on Justice has set February 2 for its first meeting to conduct the initial consideration of verified impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., according to a formal notice issued by the panel.
In a Notice of Meeting dated January 28, 2026, the committee said the hearing will be held at 10 a.m. at the People’s Center, House of Representatives, marking the start of deliberations on the complaints. The agenda includes two verified impeachment complaints. Next page
VP Sara to discuss with Rody talk about changing legal team VICE President Sara Duterte has yet to consult with her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, regarding questions about his legal team, which is managing his defense against crimes against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Vice President, who is currently in The Hague, Netherlands, was questioned
regarding suggestions for her family or her father to replace his attorneys following recent updates in his case. “Right, I mentioned that I would ask about that earlier, but I forgot. My apologies, I will pose that question to former president Duterte tomorrow. I forgot that inquiry earlier,” the Vice President, in Next page
EALA GETS BACK AT SAKATSUME, ENTERS QUARTERS SPORTS / A8
TOURISM GLITZ IN CEBU. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos together with Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and ASEAN Tourism officials pose for a group photo symbolizing yesterday’s official opening of the ASEAN TOURISM FORUM 2026 held at Mactan Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. Norman Cruz
ASEAN Tourism Forum to launch strategic plan By Katrina Manubay CEBU CITY — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Tourism Forum (ATF) has, for over four decades, strengthened
Abante takes on Tiangco, asks if he is the next ‘meow-meow’ By Maricel V. Cruz MANILA Rep. Bienvenido Abante on Tuesday took a swipe at Rep. Tobias Tiangco on Tuesday, asking if the latter wants to be the “next meow-meow” and labeling the Navotas congressman’s recent remarks as “a pattern of noise and
JOEL, BATO OUT OF ETHICS BODY
ZALDY CO IN SWEDEN, ASKS SC FOR TRO
NEWS / A2
NEWS / A2
regional cooperation by advancing partnerships and policies that drive economic growth and community development through tourism. In a letter delivered by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco, President Marcos emphasized that tourism
intrigue without proof.” Abante blasted Tiangco as the latter, according to the Manila lawmaker, “continues to peddle” what he called “baseless intrigues” against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez over an alleged Next page
Speaker reiterates commitment to pass anti-dynasty measure By Maricel V. Cruz and Charles Dantes THE House of Representatives is committed to passing the proposed measure banning political dynasties, Speaker Faustino Dy III said on Wednesday. Malacañang said the government is eyeing the passage of the said that could take effect before the filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2028 elections. Next page
in the Philippines not only uplifts destinations but also improves lives. “Here in the Philippines, tourism continues to uplift not only destinations but also lives. It supports Filipino farmers, fisher folk, creatives, transport Next page
MST OpEd editor is San Beda Awardee HONOR Blanco Cabie, Opinion-Editorial Page editor of Manila Standard, has been named 2026 Distinguished Bedan Awardee in Media/Communication by the San Beda Alumni Association. The awards to outstanding San Next page