PHOwnership & classification
Founded: 1985
Ownership
The Philippine Daily Inquirer was founded in 1985 and was long controlled by the Rufino-Prieto family through Inquirer Holdings, Inc. In 2017 the family divested, and tycoon Ramon S. Ang (head of conglomerate San Miguel Corporation) acquired roughly an 85% majority stake, with Manny V. Pangilinan's group holding about 15%; the paper has since been restructured (publishing moved to Inquirer Interactive, Inc.). Editorial control thus now sits with Ang, a businessman with extensive government and corporate ties.
Funding
The paper is financed commercially through advertising and circulation/subscription revenue. It has historically been vulnerable to advertising pressure (e.g., a months-long pro-Estrada ad boycott), and is now backed by the deep pockets of its conglomerate owners rather than by state or party money.
Affiliation & stance
Once a fiercely independent, centre-left title, the Inquirer is now majority-owned by tycoon Ramon Ang, whose San Miguel empire is closely entwined with successive Philippine governments and large state-linked contracts. Because editorial control rests with a politically connected oligarch rather than independent commercial management, it is best classed as DEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 1272
81/100
Factual
82/100
Objective
1547
Articles
1547
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Oriental Mindoro town bans live hog entry due to ASF
The municipal government of Naujan in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, has implemented a temporary ban on the entry of live hogs to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF). This measure was enacted through Municipal Executive Order No. 26-040, signed by Mayor Henry Joel Teves on September 29. The decision aims to safeguard the local swine industry from potential outbreaks of ASF, which can lead to significant economic losses for farmers. The ban applies to all live hogs being brought into the area for sale, reflecting efforts to control disease transmission within livestock populations.
609 crown-of-thorns starfish removed from Buyayao Island reef
Volunteers and environmental organizations conducted a two-day reef conservation effort in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro, removing 609 crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) from the waters near Buyayao Island. The COTS, while naturally part of coral reef ecosystems, can become harmful when their population grows excessively. The removal was aimed at protecting the local marine environment and maintaining ecological balance.
FACT CHECK: No, Malabon congressman Oreta did not slam Sara Duterte’s travels
A claim circulating online falsely attributes a statement to Malabon City Congressman Antolin 'Lenlen' Oreta III, suggesting he criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for traveling frequently to The Hague while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. works on modernizing the Philippines. However, Oreta's office confirmed through an email to Rappler that he never made such a statement. The original post containing the quote was shared on Facebook by 'Malabon Standard,' but Oreta has not officially flagged it as false. The article notes that Oreta did vote for Sara Duterte's second impeachment and had prior conflicts with her family. Meanwhile, another lawmaker, Bienvenido Abante Jr., criticized Duterte's recent international travels during her ongoing impeachment trial.
2 farmers clash in Pangasinan brawl
In Calasiao, Pangasinan, a 51-year-old farmer suffered a head injury after being attacked by a 67-year-old farmer using a bolo. The incident occurred following a dispute over a mistaken harvest of the victim's rice crop by the suspect's employee. Police were informed of the altercation and are investigating the matter.
Parañaque defers NCAP implementation
Parañaque City has postponed the implementation of its no-contact apprehension policy (NCAP), according to a statement from the city’s public information officer, Erel Cabatbat. The decision was announced on Tuesday, and the local government has not provided specific reasons for the delay at this time. The NCAP was intended to reduce the risk of violence during arrests by prohibiting direct contact between law enforcement and suspects. While the policy was previously planned for rollout, its implementation has been delayed indefinitely. No further details were given regarding future plans or potential revisions to the policy.
AMLC: Suspicious transaction reports do not prove illegal activity
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) in the Philippines stated that suspicious transaction reports (STRs) alone cannot confirm illegal activity. AMLC secretariat Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura emphasized that STRs require further analysis and investigation to determine if any wrongdoing has occurred. This clarification comes amid ongoing discussions around financial transparency and regulatory compliance. The statement underscores the need for due process before concluding that illicit activities have taken place.
Sara Duterte expects NBI to file charges vs Gracioso
Vice President Sara Duterte stated that she anticipates the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will file charges against former police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. for falsely accusing her. Duterte mentioned she has received a copy of Gracioso's affidavit from the NBI, along with his identification. The situation arises from allegations made by Gracioso, which Duterte claims were untrue. The NBI's potential action reflects the ongoing legal and political tensions surrounding these accusations.
2 PMA senior cadets are now civil engineers
Two senior cadets at the Philippine Military Academy have become registered civil engineers after passing the licensure examinations held on September 26 and 27. The achievement was confirmed by the academy's public information officer. The cadets, Daniel F. Castro III from Dumalag, Capiz, and Carls S. Borja from Callao Norte in Lasam, successfully completed the required exams, marking a significant milestone in their academic and professional careers.
4 rehabilitated wild animals set free in Aurora protected area
Four rehabilitated wild animals, including a Philippine serpent eagle, two Philippine cobras, and a reticulated python, were released into the Aurora Memorial National Park by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources office in Central Luzon. The release took place in Iba, Zambales, as part of wildlife rehabilitation efforts. The animals were reportedly in good health and had undergone rehabilitation processes before being reintroduced to their natural habitat. This event highlights ongoing conservation initiatives aimed at protecting native species and restoring ecological balance.
Sara Duterte lawyer apologizes to senator-judges over ‘intimidating’ remarks
Lawyer Mark Vinluan, representing Vice President Sara Duterte, publicly apologized to senator-judges for remarks made during a cross-examination of an Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) official. The comments were perceived as intimidating toward the witness and media. Vinluan referenced penalties under the Anti-Money Laundering Act during the questioning, which led to concerns about courtroom conduct. The apology suggests acknowledgment of potential procedural impropriety, though the broader implications for legal proceedings remain unclear.
3 new frogs discovered in Mindanao, Visayas after 100 years
Filipino and international scientists have identified a new frog species and reclassified two previously unrecognized species in the southern and central regions of the Philippines. These findings, made after a century of confusion, reveal that these frogs were mistakenly considered a single species due to their similar appearance. The research highlights genetic differences that distinguish them, offering new insights into biodiversity in the region.
Zamboanga del Norte town extends class suspensions amid rains
Classes in both public and private schools in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte, remained suspended on Tuesday due to ongoing heavy rains and poor weather conditions caused by the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The local mayor, Joel Ventura, decided to extend the suspension to prioritize the safety of students and staff. The decision follows continued rainfall that has affected the area, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures. No specific timeline for the resumption of classes was provided in the report.
Rainy season over for 2026 as southwest monsoon ends
The southwest monsoon, known as 'habagat,' has ended, concluding the 2026 rainy season in the western regions of Luzon and the Visayas. According to PAGASA, there has been a gradual shift in weather patterns, marked by weaker winds, reduced rainfall, and the strengthening of a high-pressure system over East Asia. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is now the dominant weather system, bringing scattered rain showers and thunderstorms to specific regions. The transition to the northeast monsoon or 'amihan' period begins, characterized by cooler and drier conditions. However, PAGASA warns that a strong El Niño event could intensify in the fourth quarter of 2026, leading to higher temperatures and lower rainfall, increasing drought risks. Despite these conditions, tropical cyclones may still impact the country. PAGASA provides monthly forecasts for the next six months, indicating varying chances of rainfall and other weather systems that might contribute to precipitation.