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Firework-related injuries topped 600 days before the government ends its monitoring of the new year revelry, the Department of Health (DOH) said. 

The Miss Universe Organization reaffirmed that it “remains under its current ownership and leadership” after Filipino businessman and former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson talked about possible acquisition talks.

Metro Manila, Philippines – Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla is not hospitalized and remains in good health, said his younger brother, who dismissed social media speculation that the anti-graft chief had been admitted to a hospital. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said in a text message to NewsWatch Plus that reports circulating online were false and that his brother was well. “He just finished playing golf and had a hearty lunch with his family. We are going to have breakfast tomorrow,” Jonvic said. Unverified online posts stated that Boying has been hospitalized. Boying said he had a bout with leukemia after a quintuple bypass heart surgery in 2023, when he was justice secretary. He went through chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant from one of his children and has since said his prognosis is good. The Office of the Ombudsman has not announced disruption in operations, and officials said Remulla continues to…

Metro Manila, Philippines –   The Department of Health reported on Friday the number of firework-related injuries recorded over the New Year could still increase as officials continue to validate late reports. Health spokesperson Albert Domingo said more than 300 additional cases may be added to the 235 incidents reported on early Thursday, Jan. 1. The DOH’s epidemiology bureau is still collecting and verifying data, Domingo said, noting that the final tally could exceed initial figures as delayed reports are consolidated. Earlier, the DOH reported at least 235 firework-related injuries nationwide from Dec. 21, 2025, to 4 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026, a 42% decrease from the 403 cases recorded during the same period last year. The agency said the most common causes of injuries were unidentified firecrackers, homemade cannons known as boga, and 5-Star firecrackers. Domingo urged the public to seek immediate medical attention for fireworks-related injuries and said tetanus…

The Land Transportation Office announced it will begin penalizing e-trike drivers who ply major roads in Metro Manila on Friday, Jan. 2, as authorities move to strictly enforce the ban.