TODAY’S TOP STORIES - Thursday, 15 January 2026

TODAY’S TOP STORIES (from online monitoring)

As of 15 January 2026, Thursday, 5:00 p.m.

1. Recto faces new plunder complaint for illegal transfer of PhilHealth funds; Recto: Government has complied with SC ruling

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, DZBB, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler]

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/recto-ledesma-face-criminal-complaint-philhealth-fund-transfer/

2. Marcos promises aid, accountability after Cebu landfill collapse; death toll rises to 23

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld,  DZRH, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH, SunStar]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2168230/marcos-on-binaliw-landfill-collapse

3. Lacson says Bonoan gave Malacañang 'wrong' flood control data; Palace verifying alleged fake data

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Malaya, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH, NewswatchPlus, Philstar, Rappler]

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2168371/palace-on-bonoan

4. Contractor, 3 ex-DPWH officials now state witnesses in flood control cases

[ABS-CBN News, BusinessWorld, DZBB, GMA News, News5PH, NewsWatchPlus]

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/15/contractor-3-ex-dpwh-officials-now-state-witnesses-in-flood-control-cases-1438

5. PH, Japan sign military logistics pact amid growing defense ties

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Inquirer, Interaksyon, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH, NewsWatchplus, Philstar, Rappler]

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/305683/ph-japan-sign-military-logistics-pact-amid-growing-defense-ties

6. PH announces 2-week visa-free policy for Chinese nationals

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Manila Bulletin, News5PH, Rappler]

https://mb.com.ph/2026/01/15/ph-announces-2-week-visa-free-policy-for-chinese-nationals

7. Philippines launches world’s first blockchain-based national budget

[ABS-CBN News, Daily Tribune, GMA News, Manila Standard, News5PH]

https://manilastandard.net/business/314691632/philippines-launches-worlds-first-blockchain-based-national-budget.html

8. DILG announces P10M bounty on Atong Ang; PNP requests Interpol red notice

[ABS-CBN News, Cebu Daily News, DZBB, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Manila Standard, News5PH]

https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/01/15/news/p10m-bounty-placed-on-atong-ang/2259389

9. Radioactive zinc shipment in Philippines onshore in 'safe' location

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Manila Standard, Manila Times, Philstar]

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/climate-and-environment/2026/01/15/2501157/radioactive-zinc-shipment-philippines-onshore-safe-location

10. Fire hits DPWH records room in Baguio

[ABS-CBN News, GMA News, Inquirer, Manila Standard, News5PH, Philstar, Rappler]

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/luzon/fire-hits-dpwh-records-room-baguio/

11. Tropical Depression Ada maintains strength; 12 areas under Signal No. 1

[GMA News, ABS-CBN News, Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Philstar, News5PH, NewsWatchplus]

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/weather/content/972923/ada-maintains-strength-as-12-areas-placed-under-signal-no-1/story/

© Philippine Information Agency Monitoring Unit