Category: Philippines Daily Inquirer

Youth groups and students from various universities in Manila converge at Mendiola on Friday afternoon to protest against corruption.

University groups from Intramuros, Taft Avenue, University Belt, and Katipunan demanded accountability from the government in relation to the alleged misuse of public funds, particularly on the flood control project anomalies nationwide.

They chanted, ‘Ikulong na ‘yan, mga kurakot,’ the same calls made from the series of anti-corruption protest by multi-sectoral groups since early September this year.

Universities have organized their very own rallies and academic walkouts in the past few weeks, voicing out the same demands.

In late August, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. revealed that only 15 out of over 2000 contractors were awarded P100 billion in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood-control projects.

In investigations held by the House and Senate, testimonies by contractors linked DPWH officials, members of the House, and senators in the alleged anomalies.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) was formed by Marcos in the middle of September, where witnesses and personalities named during the House and Senate probes were invited.

However, the proceedings of ICI remain closed to the public.

One motorist was killed and three more were injured after a UV Express van rammed 14 motorcycles along Commonwealth Avenue late Friday morning, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said.

In a statement, the QCPD explained that the driver ‘lost control of his vehicle’ along the northbound segment of Commonwealth Avenue in front of the Commission on Human Rights office.

‘The said vehicle rammed into a group of motorcycle riders and continued to accelerate forward before making a u-turn at Tandang Sora Avenue, where it collided with several other vehicles and injured four individuals,’ the police added.

The QCPD Public Information Office later confirmed, in a message to reporters, that one of the four victims succumbed to injuries.

QCPD public information chief Maj. Jennifer Gannaban added that the district police’s Traffic Sector 5 unit arrested the UV express van driver.

The police did not identify the driver nor the victims.

‘The case is now under thorough investigation by the QCPD Traffic Enforcement Unit to determine the cause of the incident and to file the appropriate charges against the driver,’ the police further noted.

The Department of Education (DepEd) Caraga Regional Office announced a work-from-home (WFH) arrangement for all its personnel on Friday as a precautionary measure following the strong earthquake that affected Surigao del Norte and other nearby provinces.

In an advisory issued by Regional Director Maria Ines Asuncion, DepEd Caraga emphasized that the arrangement aims to ensure the safety and well-being of teachers, learners, and staff.

‘All Schools Division Offices and public schools in the region are likewise advised to exercise due prudence and make appropriate decisions in their respective localities to safeguard learners, teachers, and personnel,’ Asuncion’s memorandum read.

Meanwhile, classes in both public and private schools across the provinces of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Dinagat Islands in the Caraga region were suspended on Friday following the magnitude 6 earthquake that struck General Luna, a town in Siargao Island, earlier in the morning.

The suspension was implemented under local declaration per school, in line with the DepEd Caraga Memorandum Circular issued on the same day, which authorized school heads to suspend classes based on their local situation and safety assessments.

DepEd also urged school heads to conduct safety assessments of school facilities and implement necessary precautionary measures before resuming face-to-face classes or office operations

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the municipalities of San Remigio and Bogo City in northern Cebu on Friday to oversee the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts for families affected by the recent 6.9-magnitude earthquake.

Accompanied by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, and other local officials, the President went first to San Remigio to inspect the Bayanihan Village, a relocation site designed to provide temporary housing for displaced residents.

Under the Bayanihan Village Project, a total of 67 prefabricated modular shelter units are being installed to replace makeshift tents and provide safer, more comfortable living spaces for families whose homes were destroyed or are situated in danger zones.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD)-7 Regional Director Eva Marie Marfil said that out of the 67 planned ‘Smart Houses,’ 45 units are now ready for occupancy. A total of 22 families have already moved into the site. The project benefits some of the 254 families affected by the recent earthquake in northern Cebu.

The President also visited the Tent City in Bogo, where 176 tents have been set up to accommodate 162 displaced families. He reported that DHSUD has begun providing construction materials to help affected residents rebuild their homes.

‘We will keep working to make sure everybody is okay, everybody is healthy, everybody has what they need, ‘he said.

BBM: MAGANDA NAMANG MAKITA NA MALAKI ANG PROGRESO

WATCH: President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. gives an update on the situation at the Tent City in Bogo City, northern Cebu, where more than 160 families are temporarily housed after the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck. pic.twitter.com/7mB818ZPfq

Mr. Marcos assured the public that the government remains steadfast in its commitment to extend immediate and long-term support to quake-hit communities./coa

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and the Independent Committee for Infrastructure (ICI) has ‘peak performative transparency behavior,’ Kabataan Partylist Rep. Renee Co said on Friday, explaining the anger of youth groups toward the ongoing investigation on flood-control projects.

Co told the Inquirer that youth groups are coming out of their classrooms out of anger, saying ‘we cannot accept that our operations are back to normal while the billions stolen from the public treasury are being revealed.’

‘We cannot accept the reality that that is still there, while ICI has peak performative transparent behavior, President Marcos Jr. by releasing his SALN (Statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth), but ICI hearings remain non-public, remain closed,’ Co pressed.

She also pointed out that meanwhile, insufficient fiscal space has been the reason behind the lack of funding for social services, such as pensions, and additional budget for schools.

Co also shared that she supports the calls for an independent committee made up of private citizens, adding that this was always their demand prior to the formation of the ICI.

‘In the first place, that’s what we want to happen. NGOs, people’s organizations are empowered and given the capacity to reveal and interfere in our search for truth and accountability,’ Co explained.

She cited the works of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) as proof that the initiative could work.

The PCIJ has previously reported on the campaign donations received by Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte, and other elected officials from contractors who allegedly received more government projects in the current administration.

Co then emphasized that there are efforts to uncover the truth behind the flood-control mess from several communities.

These efforts, according to Co, ‘need to be given attention and funding, instead of the ICI now that we see are only doing peak performance transparent behavior.’

Last Wednesday, Marcos said he will provide access to his SALN, after Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla opened public access to SALN of government officials.

Meanwhile, the ICIs proceedings remain behind closed doors from the public eye, despite several demands from citizens, including government officials to make them open.

Business leaders welcomed the Philippine government’s move to resume the electronic visa (eVisa) program for Chinese nationals, describing it as a ‘low-hanging fruit’ that could boost the country’s tourism, trade, and investment prospects.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the country’s largest business group, threw its support behind the initiative, which is set to resume in November after a yearlong suspension.

‘We are very supportive of this move because tourism’s potential is quite high,’ said PCCI Chairman George Barcelon in an online interview with INQUIRER.net. He pointed out that other countries in the region, such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan, have long welcomed Chinese tourists.

Barcelon said China remains the Philippines’ biggest trading partner, especially in terms of imports of raw materials and electronic components vital for manufacturing. But beyond trade, he stressed the economic windfall from tourism.

‘Let’s say, on average, other countries get 3 to 4 million Chinese tourists. If they each spend $1,000-a very low figure-that’s already $3 to $4 billion in income,’ he said. ‘If we allow maybe 1 to 2 million, you’re talking about $1 to $2 billion of additional revenue, particularly for the MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises).’

He called the move ‘a low-hanging fruit’ that the country must now fully tap.

eVisa revival

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) temporarily suspended the China eVisa system in November 2023. But the Philippine Embassy in Beijing recently announced that it would begin issuing eVisas again in November to qualified applicants from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

The eVisa will allow 14-day stays for tourism or business, with entries only via the Ninoy Aquino International Airport or Mactan-Cebu International Airport. Longer stays would require a conventional visa through one of several visa centers across China.

Ambassador Jaime FlorCruz said the revival of the eVisa system was timely, as the embassy marks the 50th anniversary of bilateral ties with China and works to expand ‘people-to-people exchanges.’

China has consistently been among the Philippines’ top sources of foreign visitors, with tourist arrivals peaking at 1.7 million in 2019. But arrivals have since dipped, with only 202,738 recorded between January and September 2025.

Investment confidence

Barcelon said easier entry into the country may encourage more Chinese businesses to invest.

‘Before, it’s not that they didn’t want to come here-our visa issuance was just very restrictive,’ he said. ‘Now, if you allow it, they can see that there’s good intent in our country. It goes without saying there will be more chances for investments.’

PCCI Vice President for Trade and Industry Bryan Ang echoed this, calling tourism ‘the gateway to further economic cooperation.’

‘Once word of mouth spreads from tourists that the Philippines is safe and open for business, more attention will be given by Chinese manufacturers and traders to our country,’ Ang said.

He emphasized the need for first-hand experiences: ‘Right now, all they see about the Philippines is limited to what is shown by international media. They must experience our country first hand-to see it is full of potential.’

Ang added that the resumption of eVisas is a ‘significant step’ in the government’s efforts to revive lagging tourist numbers. ‘Before the pandemic, we had almost 2 million Chinese arrivals. I see no reason why we cannot return to these levels,’ he said.

‘The Philippines has the best destinations in ASEAN, and we must continue to promote it to all Mandarin-speaking countries,’ he added.

According to Ang, Chinese tourists spend an average of $1,800 to $2,000 each, higher than most travelers.

‘This sends a clear message that amidst our territorial disputes, we can separate cultural and economic issues for cooperation,’ he said.

Addressing POGO concerns

The revival of eVisas has raised some concerns that it might open new avenues for illicit activities, particularly those linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), which were recently banned by the Philippine government.

While acknowledging concerns about potential abuse, Barcelon and Ang stressed that both the Philippine and Chinese governments are now more vigilant.

Barcelon said concerns over POGOs were ‘very minimal,’ adding that the Chinese government itself has been cracking down on those involved in illegal online gaming operations.

‘Our government is also quite strict about this,’ he said. ‘I don’t think they’ll be interested in coming here to be apprehended.’

Ang added, ‘We have learned our lesson from illegal POGOs. Our government agencies are prepared now to look out for illicit activities.’

He said agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Board of Investments (BOI), and Department of Finance (DOF) must take the lead in screening potential investors, in coordination with the Chinese embassy.

‘We cannot welcome Chinese POGO, Chinese crypto, Chinese call center-type of operations. But legitimate investments in manufacturing, tourism, and services should be welcome,’ Ang said.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has deferred the mandatory registration for the e-Commerce Philippine ‘Trustmark’ after weighing concerns raised by digital entrepreneurs who considered it another expense and an unnecessary burden.

‘Taking their feedback into account means we can improve the trustmark system to be more useful, fair and helpful for both businesses and consumers,’ said Trade Secretary Cristina Roque.

‘After all, our shared goal is to make e-commerce in the Philippines safer and more trustworthy for everyone,’ the trade chief added.

Voluntary registration, however, will continue until the end of the year.

By next year, the DTI said it would review whether registration would remain voluntary.

The DTI said last month it was considering extending the registration deadline for obtaining the e-commerce trustmark to address numerous complaints about the digital badge, including the registration fee of P1,130.

The digital badge, valid for one year, certifies that online merchants are compliant with fair e-commerce practices, consumer protection rules and applicable standards.

The DTI had said it helps consumers identify legitimate online merchants and assures them that they are transacting with a business that adheres to fair, transparent and safe online practices.

It also gives certified businesses a competitive advantage in a marketplace where reputation matters.

Barangay micro business enterprises are exempted from paying the trustmark fee. INQ

So here we are again, on a slow Friday afternoon, exploring a ‘what if’ scenario, a dream face-off, and the philosophical implications of a fictional movie fight between the two most fan-favorite fictional assassins on the big screen of the last 25 years. It’s a seemingly trivial question, yet one that calls for a serious, semi-thesis-like approach through an analytical and hypothetical lens, because, let’s be honest, we’re talking about Keanu Reeves as ‘John Wick’ and Jason Statham as ‘Frank Martin,’ and anything less would do a disservice to these modern-day action heroes, who have almost single-handedly kept the action genre alive since the early 2000s.

For the longest time, the internet has weighed in, action buffs have given their two cents on the matter, forums have exploded, and countless YouTube videos have meticulously broken down every punch, every bullet shot, and every car chase to the point of absurdity. Haha. However, I have not yet given my take on this. Hehe.

First, let’s break down this cinematic action battle

The Assassins

John Wick, the Baba Yaga, the Boogeyman: A man whose rage is so profound it brings an entire criminal syndicate to its knees over a dog and a car. His fighting style is a lethal ballet of judo throws, precision marksmanship, and an unwavering commitment to poetic, artsy, and visceral violence. He is a man of action and many headshots.

Frank Martin, the Transporter, the Best in the Business: A man who lives by a simple set of rules-never change the deal, no names, and never open the package. His combat style is brutal, efficient, and often improvised, using anything from an oil slick to a fire hose to neutralize his enemies. He is a man of few words; in fact, his lines are minimal at best, and yet he has made many perfectly executed ‘deliveries.’

The methodology of a movie fight

Now, if this were a real-life fight, the answer would be simple. A punch to the face, a bullet to the head, and it’s all over in seconds. But this isn’t real life; this is movie life. And in movie life, the rules are different, because we live by their rules. The victor is determined by the script, the director’s vision, and, most importantly, the fan’s desire for an epic cinematic experience based on who is the best of the best in this category.

Round 1: Hand-to-hand combat in a warehouse

We gotta go with this one. Visualize the scene as a dimly lit, rain-slicked warehouse, filled with the usual assortment of steel beams, empty boxes, cargo containers, and conveniently placed chains. In this scenario, Frank Martin has the edge. Statham’s real-life martial arts background gives his on-screen brawls a grounded, surreal, bone-crunching realism. John Wick, while a master of close-quarters combat, often relies on his superior martial arts skills to take down multiple opponents in one go. However, in a pure, ‘mano a mano’ grappling match, Frank Martin’s raw strength, natural cunningness, and brutal efficiency would likely prevail. Imagine the iconic, oily fight scene from The Transporter, but with John Wick as the opponent. It would be a cinematic action masterpiece, but Frank Martin would have the upper hand.

Round 2: Vehicular combat in the streets of Miami

Frank Martin and his signature Audi A8 vs. John Wick and his signature Mustang Boss 429. This car-driven round is a no-brainer. Frank Martin is not just a driver; he is an artist behind the wheel. The Transporter’s skill is in tactical, defensive driving, turning his vehicle into an extension of his will. John Wick, while an excellent driver in his own right, uses his car more as an instrument of destruction, a blunt force object similar to a battering ram in his quest for revenge. Frank Martin, with his precise and calculated driving, would outmaneuver Wick, turning the chase into a game of vehicular chess that John Wick was not equipped to win. The Transporter wins this vehicular round.

Round 3: The gunfight

This is where the tide turns. John Wick is, for lack of a better term, a gun-fu master. Haha. Get it? You combine his martial arts skills and expert marksmanship with any gun, and you get that. Why so? His seamless blend of martial arts and tactical shooting is unlike anything we’ve seen on screen. John Wick can dispatch a room full of highly trained assassins with a single-minded, almost supernatural focus. Frank Martin, while proficient with a firearm, is a pragmatist. He uses his gun when necessary, but it’s a tool, not a part of his very soul, as it is with John Wick. In a one-on-one gunfight, especially at close range, John Wick’s marksmanship would overwhelm Frank Martin’s more traditional, tactical approach. John Wick wins this round by a bullet.

The conclusion

So, who wins?

In a straightforward, cinematic battle for the ages, the outcome depends entirely on the setting. In a warehouse or behind the wheel, Frank Martin has the advantage. But in the grand scheme of things, John Wick’s world, with its personal stakes, high tables, and unbreakable rules, is a more dangerous, unpredictable, and ultimately more cinematic universe befitting of his victory.

Frank Martin operates with a certain professional detachment, a code of honor or ethics, should I say. Hehe. John Wick, on the other hand, operates on pure, unrestrained, and unadulterated rage. And as we’ve seen time and time again, there is no greater fighting force in a movie fight than a man who has lost everything multiple times.

So, in the ultimate fight to the finish, an all-out battle where the rules are broken and the stakes are personal, John Wick wins. Not because he’s a more all-around physical fighter, but because he’s a more broken one. And in the world of action movies, the most broken man always wins. Haha. Seriously, though, that’s the way it’s been for the better part of this decade.

Final footnoteIf we were to pit Keanu Reeves and Jason Statham against each other in real life, a hypothetical, one-on-one, no-frills, no-scripts fight? Well, that’s another pop culture entertainment article for another time. But let’s just say it would be a clash of two very different fighting styles, and the outcome would be, for lack of a better word, totally awesome. Nonetheless, for now, let’s just re-watch John Wick and The Transporter movies and dream of the day this crossover happens. Because that is what we do as movie fans. We dream.

Some of the biggest names in the K-pop industry will go head-to-head in the 2025 iteration of the MAMA Awards, where Seventeen, Twice, and the solo acts of Blackpink and BTS are included in the running for the highest honors.

The nominees are based on music released between Oct. 1, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2025. Winners of the Artist of the Year and Artist Category awards will be determined based on a 40% judging, 30% streaming/downloads (20% from Korea and 10% from global markets) and 30% physical album sales.

The Song of the Year and Genre Category awards will be based on 40% judging and 60% streaming/downloads (40% from Korea and 20% from global audiences). The Album of the Year will be selected through 40% judging and 60% physical album sales (of albums that sold at least one million copies).

The 2025 MAMA Awards will be held at the Kai Tak Stadium in Hong Kong on Nov. 28 and 29. Here is the full list of nominees:

Best Male Group

BoyNextDoor

Enhypen

RIIZE

Seventeen

Stray Kids

Tomorrow X Together (TXT)

ZEROBASEONE

Best Female Group

aespa

BabyMonster

I-dle

IVE

LE SSERAFIM

Twice

Best New Artist

AHOF

AllDay Project

Baby DONT Cry

Close Your Eyes

CORTIS

Hearts2Hearts

IDID

Izna

KickFlip

KiiiKiii

Best Male Artist

Baekhyun

G-Dragon

j-hope

Jin

Mark

Best Female Artist

Jennie

Jisoo

Rosé

Taeyeon

Yuqi

Best Dance Performance Male Solo

‘Too Bad (feat. Anderson .Paak)’ by G-Dragon

‘Mona Lisa’ by j-hope

‘Wait On Me’ by Kai

‘HUNTER’ by Key

Mark – ‘1999’

Best Dance Performance Female Solo

‘body’ by Dayoung

‘like JENNIE’ by Jennie

‘earthquake’ by Jisoo

‘UP’ by Karina

‘HER’ by Minnie

Best Dance Performance Male Group

‘IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU’ by BoyNextDoor

‘WHEN I’M WITH YOU’ by NCT Dream

‘poppop’ by NCT WISH

‘Dash’ by PLAVE

‘Fly Up’ by RIIZE

‘THUNDER’ by Seventeen

‘Countdown’ by TWS

Best Dance Performance Female Group

‘Whiplash’ by aespa

‘DRIP’ by BabyMonster

‘JUMP’ by Blackpink

‘Cherish (My Love)’ by ILLIT

‘Rebel Heart’ by IVE

‘HOT’ by LE SSERAFIM

Best Vocal Performance Solo

‘Memory’ by Doyoung

‘Coming of Age Story’ by Lee Mu-jin

‘toxic till the end’ by Rosé

‘If You Ask Me What Love Is’ by Roy Kim

‘Letter to Myself’ by Taeyeon

Best Vocal Performance Group

‘Stitching’ by Davichi

‘Endless Ending’ by Highlight

‘Drop Top’ by MEOVV

‘Yellow’ by Treasure

‘Doctor! Doctor!’ by Zerobaseone

Best Band Performance

CNBLUE – ‘A Sleepless Night’

DAY6 – ‘Maybe Tomorrow’

N.Flying – ‘Everlasting’

QWER – ‘Dear’

Xdinary Heroes – ‘Beautiful Life’

Best Rap and Hip Hop Performance

‘MUSIC (feat. Lee Chanhyuk)’ by BIG Naughty

‘Take Care’ by Dynamic Duo and Gummy

‘Skrr (feat. Giselle)’ by Haon

‘Life Is a Movie (feat. Jung Zi-so)’ by pH-1

‘Stop the Rain’ by Tablo and RM

Best Collaboration

‘Too Bad (feat. Anderson .Paak)’ by G-Dragon

‘ExtraL’ by Jennie and Doechii

‘Fraktsiya (feat. Lee Young-ji)’ by Mark

‘APT.’ by Rosé and Bruno Mars

‘Winter Ahead (with Park Hyo-shin)’ by V

Best OST

‘Never Loved This Way Before’ (‘Odd Girl Out’ OST) by BoyNextDoor

‘Golden’ (‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ OST) by HUNTR/X

‘Hero’ (‘Firefighters’ OST) by Park Hyo-shin

‘Soda Pop’ (‘K-Pop Demon Hunters’ OST) by Saja Boys

‘When the Day Comes’ (‘Resident Playbook’ OST) by Tomorrow X Together (TXT)

Best Music Video

‘Dirty Work’ by aespa

‘FAMOUS’ by AllDay Project

‘Jump’ by Blackpink

‘Zen’ by Jennie

‘Vivid LaLa Love’ by Lee Chanhyuk

Best Choreography

‘Whiplash’ by aespa

‘Wicked’ by AllDay Project

‘GO!’ by CORTIS

‘Too Bad (feat. Anderson .Paak)’ by G-Dragon

‘like JENNIE’ by Jennie

Artist of the Year (nominees for the artist categories are automatically nominated)

aespa

AHOF

AllDay Project

Baby DONT Cry

BabyMonster

Baekhyun

BoyNextDoor

Close Your Eyes

CORTIS

Enhypen

G-Dragon

Hearts2Hearts

i-dle

IDID

IVE

izna

j-hope

Jennie

Jin

Jisoo

KickFlip

KiiiKiii

LE SSERAFIM

Mark

RIIZE

Rosé

Seventeen

Stray Kids

Taeyeon

TWICE

Tomorrow X Together (TXT)

Yuqi

ZEROBASEONE

Song of the Year (nominees for the song genre categories are automatically nominated)

‘Dirty Work’ by aespa

‘Whiplash’ by aespa

‘Famous’ by AllDay Project

‘Wicked’ by AllDay Project

‘Drip’ by BabyMonster

‘Music (feat. Lee Chanhyuk)’ by BIG Naughty

‘Jump’ by Blackpink

‘IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU’ by BoyNextDoor

‘Never Loved This Way Before’ by BoyNextDoor

‘A Sleepless Night’ by CNBLUE

‘GO!’ by CORTIS

‘Stitching’ by Davichi

‘Maybe Tomorrow’ by DAY6

‘body’ by Dayoung

‘Memory’ by Dayoung

‘Take Care’ by Dynamic Duo and Gummy

‘Too Bad (feat. Anderson .Paak)’ by G-Dragon

‘Skrr (feat. Giselle)’ by Haon

‘Endless Ending’ by Highlight

‘Golden’ by HUNTR/X

‘Cherish (My Love)’ by ILLIT

‘Rebel Heart’ by IVE

‘Mona Lisa’ by j-hope

‘like JENNIE’ by Jennie

‘ZEN’ by Jennie

‘ExtraL’ by Jennie and Doechii

‘earthquake’ by Jisoo

‘Wait on Me’ by Kai

‘UP’ by Karina

‘Hunter’ by Key

‘HOT’ by LE SSERAFIM

‘Vivid LaLa Love’ by Lee Chanhyuk

‘Coming of Age Story’ by Lee Mu-jin

‘1999’ by Mark

‘Fraktsiya (feat. Lee Young-ji)’ Mark

‘DROP TOP’ by MEOVV

‘HER’ by Minnie

‘Everlasting’ by N.Flying

‘When I’m With You’ by NCT Dream

‘poppop’ by NCT WISH

‘Hero’ by Park Hyo-shin

‘Life Is a Movie (feat. Jung Zi-so)’ by pH-1

‘Dash’ by PLAVE

‘Dear’ by QWER

‘Fly Up’ by RIIZE

‘toxic till the end’ by Rosé

‘APT.’ by Rosé and Bruno Mars

‘If You Ask Me What Love Is’ by Roy Kim

‘Soda Pop’ by Saja Boys

‘Thunder’ by Seventeen

‘Stop the Rain’ by Tablo and RM

‘Letter to Myself’ by Taeyeon

‘YELLOW’ by Treasure

‘Countdown’ by TWS

‘When the Day Comes’ by Tomorrow X Together (TXT)

‘Winter Ahead (with Park Hyo-shin)’ by V

‘Beautiful Life’ by Xdinary Heroes

‘Doctor! Doctor!’ by ZEROBASEONE

Album of the Year (only albums that sold over 1 million copies are eligible)

‘Whiplash’ by aespa

‘GOLDEN HOUR : Part.2’ by ATEEZ

‘DRIP’ by BabyMonster

‘Essence of Reverie’ by Baekhyun

‘No Genre’ by BoyNextDoor

‘DESIRE : UNLEASH’ by Enhypen

‘Übermensch’ by G-Dragon

‘We are’ by i-dle

‘IVE EMPATHY’ by IVE

‘Happy’ by Jin

‘DREAMSCAPE’ by NCT Dream

‘COLOR’ by NCT Wish

‘Caligo Pt.1’ by PLAVE

‘Odyssey’ by RIIZE

‘Spill the Feels’ by Seventeen

‘KARMA’ by Stray Kids

‘The Star Chapter: TOGETHER’ by Tomorrow X Together (TXT)

‘NEVER SAY NEVER’ by ZEROBASEONE

Fans’ Choice Male

10CM

82MAJOR

8TURN

AB6IX

AHOF

AMPERSandONE

ARrC

ASTRO

ATEEZ

Baekhyun

BoyNextDoor

BTOB

Close Your Eyes

CNBLUE

CORTIS

Cravity

D.O. (Doh Kyung-soo)

Daesung

DAY6

Doyoung

ENHYPEN

Epik High

EVNNE

G-Dragon

GOT7

IDID

j-hope

Jay Park

Jin

Kai

KickFlip

Lee Mu Jin

N.Flying

NCT DREAM

NCT WISH

NEXZ

P1Harmony

PLAVE

RIIZE

Seventeen

SHINee

Stray Kids

Super Junior

TIOT

Treasure

TWS

Tomorrow X Together (TXT)

WayV

Xdinary Heroes

ZEROBASEONE

Fans’ Choice Female

aespa

AllDay Project

Apink

ARTMS

AtHeart

Baby DONT Cry

BABYMONSTER

BIBI

Billlie

BLACKPINK

BoA

BOL4

Chungha

Chuu

Davichi

FIFTY FIFTY

fromis_9

H1-KEY

Hearts2Hearts

Hwasa

Hyolyn

i-dle

ILLIT

Irene

ITZY

IU

IVE

izna

Jeon Somi

Joy

KARD

Kep1er

KiiiKiii

KISS OF LIFE

LE SSERAFIM

MEOVV

NiziU

NMIXX

OH MY GIRL

QWER

SAY MY NAME

Seulgi

STAYC

Taeyeon

tripleS

TWICE

UNIS

VIVIZ

Wendy

Yen

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Friday said it deported two Japanese fugitives wanted for robbery.

The BI identified the two Japanese nationals as Hoshino Takuya, 24, and Kunio Aihara, 62, who were arrested in separate operations in April and June.

‘Both were deported via Japan Airlines flight bound for Tokyo on the morning of October 16,’ the BI said in a statement.

‘Their names have been included in the BI’s blacklist, permanently barring them from re-entering the country,’ it added.

Hoshino was arrested in Las Piñas City on April 22 after the Japanese government reported him as a wanted criminal.

The 24-year-old Japanese was reportedly a member of the notorious ‘Luffy’ gang and is accused of stealing ATM cards and targeting elderly victims by impersonating law enforcement officers.

He and his cohorts also allegedly staged fake police investigations to deceive victims into surrendering their bank cards.

Meanwhile, Aihara was arrested on June 3 after the BI received information from Japanese authorities that he is wanted in Tokyo for robbery resulting in injury, in violation of the Japanese Penal Code.

He and his group allegedly stole a victim’s wallet containing about 700,000 yen in cash which caused multiple injuries requiring several weeks of medical treatment.