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‘Persona non grata a last resort’ DFA: Sort out issues thru dialog, not public discourse
• Chinese exec says ready to leave if PBBM gives notice • Kalayaan LGU declares China envoy persona non grata By Charles Dantes and Maricel V. Cruz
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ECLARING officials of the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines persona non grata remains a last resort option, Malacañang said Thursday after the embassy said the President needs only to send notice and Beijing’s ambassador and his 12-member public diplomacy team will leave the country immediately. Next page
VOL. XXXIX • NO. 349 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 2026
‘KAPITBISIG.’
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teresa Lazaro leads her counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in a traditional ‘kapit-bisig’ at the opening of the ministerial conferences held in Cebu City. DFA
ASEAN sets monthly meet for COC negotiations By Katrina Manubay CEBU CITY—Technical working groups of ASEAN member-states will meet face-to-face every month to hasten negotiations on a binding Code of Conduct which the bloc aims to finish
this year under the Philippine chairmanship, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro said Thursday. “We, the Philippines, now as chair, will have monthly face-to-face meetings of the technical working group. And that has been a commitment,” she
said in a press conference ASEAN Foreign Ministers (AMM) Retreat. She said discussions with China are ongoing as she expressed optimism about Beijing’s participation. Lazaro said contentious points – reNext page
SC affirms 2025 ruling vs. VP Sara impeach bid By Pot Chavez THE Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday announced its decision denying the motion for reconsideration filed by the House of Representatives, declaring the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte unconstitutional even as militant groups readied plans to file a fresh impeachment complaint against
SC junks restrictive requirements in decision NEWS / A2 the Vice President once the one-year ban expires on February 6. “Next week magfa-file kami, o magre-refile ng impeachment com-
plaint laban kay Vice President Sara Duterte,” former Bayan Muna representative Liza Maza said. Duterte has described the move a “fundraising” effort of House lawmakers. In a press briefing, SC spokesperson lawyer Camille Ting said the decision was unanimous, noting that the denial of the July 2025 decision is with finality. Next page
Gov’t sets key reforms in educ sector By Charles Dantes
PLAYTIME WITH OREO. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. plays with his dog Oreo during a visit by Palace spokes Claire Castro yesterday to belie reports that he is not well. He assured the public that he continues to work to ensure the smooth running of the government. Mr. Marcos also expressed his gratitude to everyone who sent their prayers and well wishes, saying he draws strength from the concern and support of the Filipino people as he remains focused on his duties and responsibilities.
NBI to probe fake bulletin on PBBM’s health—Palace By Charles Dantes MALACANANG on Thursday said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is expected to look into the circulation of a fake medical document allegedly detailing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s health, calling the matter serious and should not be taken lightly. Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the falsified document, which cir-
culated online earlier this week, warranted investigation even without a formal request from the Palace. In a statement issued earlier, the PCO said the alleged medical document did not come from any legitimate examination and does not reflect the President’s actual health condition “This must be looked into because joking about the President’s condition and health is not something to be taken lightNext page
PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. yesterday accepted the final report of the Second Congressional Commission on Education, calling it a “turning point” for long-term reforms and unveiling a 10-year plan to address the country’s learning crisis Speaking at Malacañan Palace during the ceremonial submission of the EDCOM II Final Report and the turnover of the National Education and Workforce Development Plan, President Marcos said the findings underscore the need for reforms that extend beyond his term and require sustained cooperation among government, educators, industry and communities. “These documents reveal where we have fallen short and what we must do to improve our educational system,” Mr. Marcos said, stressing the Next page
PNP DAY. On the first-ever Philippine National Police Day, Executive Secretary Ralph
G. Recto is escorted by PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. during the traditional trooping of the colors. PCO
Jonvic off to Sweden to hunt for Zaldy Co, red flags passport By Vince Lopez and Pot Chavez DEPARTMENT of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla on Thursday-
said that the government will coordinate with Swedish authorities to arrest former lawmaker turned fugitive Elizaldy Co in connection with a warrant against him for anomalous flood Next page
Palace, DoTr in talks to make air travel affordable By Charles Dantes THE government is exploring ways to make air travel more affordable for tourists, particularly for destinations like Siargao, amid concerns that high airfare is affecting the country’s tour-
ism competitiveness in Southeast Asia. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro on Thursday said discussions are ongoing between Malacañang and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to address the issue, following observations
by Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco about the relatively high cost of domestic flights compared with neighboring ASEAN countries. “Indeed, this is being discussed,” Castro told reporters. “The issue is parNext page