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Background: Two verified impeachment complaints against Ferdinand Marcos Jr. were formally referred to the House Committee on Justice, triggering the Constitution’s one-year ban on filing new impeachment cases against the same official. The first was filed on Jan. 19 by lawyer Andre de Jesus, followed by a second complaint on Jan. 26 from leaders of progressive groups.

Big picture: The justice panel will begin hearings today (Feb. 2) to test whether the complaints are sufficient in form and substance. This is the first time impeachment raps against Marcos reached this stage, though it remains an early hurdle.

What’s happening: Lawmakers will hear opening statements and may consolidate the two complaints. Members say decisions will be based on evidence and constitutional grounds like graft or betrayal of public trust.

Between the lines: Analysts expect a slow, technical process. With Marcos allies dominating Congress, delay can drain public attention without the backlash of outright dismissal.

What to watch: The committee has up to 60 session days to decide whether the case moves forward or quietly ends.

The story: Viber launched in 2010 as a simple promise: free calls and messages built for smartphones. . Founded by Talmon Marco and Igor Magazinnik, the app grew fast, reaching about 300M registered users before being acquired by Rakuten for roughly $900M in 2014.

Viber gained early traction in the Philippines as users looked for cheaper alternatives to SMS and calls. Strong VoIP quality, group chats, and cross-device use made it popular for families, overseas workers, and small online sellers. Over time, the country became one of Viber’s most active markets and a launch site for new features.

The smart moves:

The lesson: Own daily behavior first. Platforms are built on habits.

Metrobank will cut its InstaPay transfer fee to ₱8 per transaction starting Feb. 1, 2026, down from ₱25. Transfers between Metrobank accounts will remain free. The bank said the move aims to encourage daily digital payments as more Filipinos shift to cashless transactions through its mobile banking platforms nationwide wide.

The Philippines is waiving visas for Chinese tourists to help revive casinos and tourism. Chinese arrivals remain far below pre-pandemic levels due to tensions, money transfer limits, and strong competition from nearby countries. Analysts say easier entry may lift visits, but resort revenues are unlikely to return to 2019 levels.

JTI Philippines topped the 2026 Top Employer rankings, named No. 1 by the Top Employers Institute after a global audit of HR practices. The company earned near-perfect scores for strategy, work environment, and values, marking its fifth straight year on the list and 12th year as a Global Top Employer.

Grab Philippines and Move It have expanded emergency insurance with Cocolife, giving riders and passengers access to over 700 accredited hospitals nationwide. Coverage provides up to ₱50,000 per year for accident-related medical expenses, including ER, inpatient, and outpatient care, with a streamlined claims process for faster emergency treatment.

Kathryn Bernardo and Lucena Mayor Mark Alcala were seen together at Power Plant Mall in Makati, fueling dating rumors. Photos showed them shopping and using the escalator with a chaperone. (Read More)

Over 130 players, including top international and Filipino golfers, will compete at Wack Wack Golf Club in Mandaluyong from Feb. 5-8, marking the Asian Tour’s 2026 season opener. (Read more)

The 2026 Grammys kick off Sunday in Los Angeles, with Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Rosé, and Olivia Dean vying for top awards and show-stopping performances from music’s biggest stars. (Read More)

Researchers at OIST found that allowing AI to use inner speech with short-term memory improves learning speed and flexibility, helping systems adapt to new tasks using much less data. (Read More)

Chinese researchers are using hawk and dove behavior to train AI drones to attack and evade enemies, as Beijing pushes swarming drone technology for future unmanned warfare. (Read more)

Researchers built a tiny quantum refrigerator that uses, rather than fights, noise to cool quantum circuits, controlling heat at tiny scales to act as a fridge, engine, or energy amplifier. (Read more)

Sphere Entertainment plans a 6,000-seat arena in National Harbor, Maryland, marking its second U.S. location after the success of its Las Vegas Sphere, the company said. (Read more)

Researchers found a gum disease bacterium may damage DNA and push breast cells to grow and spread faster, suggesting oral health could play a role in breast cancer risk overall.

New company Gestala plans to treat chronic pain using ultrasound instead of brain implants, with clinic devices first and a wearable helmet later for home use under doctors’ guidance.

Scientists found Jupiter likely contains much more oxygen than the Sun, with slower-moving gases than expected, offering new insights into the planet’s composition and the formation of the solar system.

Researchers analyzing nearly 21,000 U.S. adults found frequent AI use is associated with higher risks of depression, anxiety, and irritability, highlighting potential mental health impacts of emerging technology.

Players from Cebu and Quezon City won PHP51.8 million and PHP5.94 million in Grand Lotto 6/55 and Lotto 6/42. (Read more)

Police arrested John Mollenido, suspected in the disappearance and deaths of his wife, Diane Marie, a policewoman, and their five-year-old son. (Read more)

Travel advocates say improving airports, roads, ferries, and guide training will attract more visitors than constant tourism slogans. (Read more)

Authorities urge the public to verify online investments, avoid high-return promises, and report suspicious cryptocurrency or online investment schemes. (Read more)

Bill seeks increased monthly education, health, and nutrition grants, boosting support for low-income Filipino families nationwide. (Read more)

Pokemon canceled a card game event at Tokyo’s Yasukuni Shrine after criticism from China, apologizing for posting the notice and citing lack of understanding of the shrine’s historical sensitivity.

At least 200 people died after heavy rains caused a collapse at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Congo, a key source of minerals used in mobile phones, officials said.

High ammonia pollution in the Yamuna River forced water plants to close, cutting water to millions in Delhi and exposing long-term pollution threatening the city’s main water source.

📝 14°C greets floats, kids at 30th Baguio Flower Festival parade.

📝 Top 10 must-see movies hitting screens this February.

📝 Two-year-old prodigy smashes world record with snooker trick shots.

📝 Dust devil briefly whirled through a Zamboanga City school. (Watch)

📝 Scientists discover new mammal smaller than an ice cube.

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