COA flags P300-M road, bridge works by Discaya firm | The wRap

Here are today’s headlines – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world:

• COA flags Discaya firm over P300-M Ilocos Norte road, bridge works

State auditors raise concerns about two Duterte-era road and bridge projects in Ilocos Norte, valued at over P300 million combined, traced to the controversial Discaya couple-owned St. Gerrard Construction.

• ‘Slam dunk’ case? The brutal killing of a female cop and her son

Policewoman Diane Marie Mollenido and her eight-year-old son John Ysmael were killed in Novaliches, Quezon City, over what police believe was a car scam.

• Unemployment stays at 4.4% in December 2025 amid construction job losses

National Statistician Dennis Mapa says the flood control corruption scandal led to historic lows in construction activity, leading to 550,000 construction jobs lost year-on-year.

• UN chief calls New START expiration ‘grave moment’

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calls the expiration of the New START Treaty a grave moment for international peace and security.

• FACT CHECK: Aphelion not linked to cold weather, health risks – PAGASA

A social media post claiming the ‘aphelion phenomenon’ will cause colder-than-usual weather in the Philippines until August is false. – Rappler.com