Malacañang withholds SALNs, FOI releases | The wRap

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

• SALN, other FOI releases on hold as Malacañang process under ‘review’

Malacañang withholds the release of SALNs and other documents requested through the Freedom of Information system due to a review of the People’s FOI Manual. The palace records office says in a letter to Rappler on Tuesday, January 6, all FOI-requested documents will be held pending the completion of the review.

• Accountability for 2025 budget mess? Up to Ombudsman, says Recto

Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto says accountability for the 2025 budget would be up to the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate. This, amid increased scrutiny about how it was crafted and how disbursements were made.

• Mayon Volcano now under Alert Level 3 amid magmatic eruption

Albay province’s Mayon Volcano is raised to Alert Level 3 on Tuesday, January 6 less than a week after being placed under Alert Level 2 on New Year’s Day.

• Maduro pleads not guilty to drug charges, saying he was ‘kidnapped’

Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pleads not guilty on Monday, January 5, to narcotics charges. This, after U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial attack of the Venezuelan capital that rattled world leaders.

• Boost for PH sports tourism as La Union hosts international longboarding event

Philippine sports tourism takes the spotlight again as the country hosts a qualifying event for the 2026 World Surf League Longboard Tour. Top longboard surfers from around the world will compete in the La Union International Pro from January 20 to 24 at Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan, La Union. — Rappler.com