NEWS
Get updates on Pokémon Scarlet, Pokémon Violet; hop on Legendary Pokémon Koraidon or Miraidon, and race across Paldea Region
August 5, 2022 3:45 p.m.
The Pokémon Company is pleased to share the latest news about the Nintendo Switch software titles Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.
You can watch the latest trailers for Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet by simply clicking on these links: https://youtu.be/3TgxKhyk3bk (Welcome to the Paldea region! | Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet), https://youtu.be/eBFh6Ze3n_w (World Overview | Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet).
The Sprawling Landscapes and Vibrant Towns Woven into the Paldea Region
Your adventure takes place in the Paldea region, a land of vast open spaces dotted with lakes, towering peaks, wastelands, and perilous mountain ranges. Along the way, trainers continue with their adventures and hone their skills with Pokémon battles. You can find lots of people and Pokémon live together in a variety of locations, ranging from a farming village with bountiful harvests to a port town with a bustling marketplace. There are also Pokémon living in treetops, rivers, and all sorts of other locations in the wilderness—and they’re all just waiting to meet you
New Forms Discovered for the Legendary Pokémon Koraidon and Miraidon
During your adventure, you will meet a Legendary Pokémon—either Koraidon or Miraidon—and it will join you on your journey. Koraidon and Miraidon are full of mysteries and said to have powers that far surpass that of other Pokémon.
It seems Koraidon and Miraidon have even more forms than those we’ve already discovered. These Pokémon are capable of changing their forms to better suit what they’re doing or what terrain they’re traveling over.
■Ride these Legendary Pokémon and embark on an unrestricted adventure
Ride your Legendary Pokémon to traverse the expansive Paldea region and explore every nook and cranny together. Sprint through plains and deserts, move across water, scale cliffs, cross hills, and glide off peaks. Enjoy a fresh and liberating adventure that only an open world can provide.
Meet a variety of people and Pokémon alongside your Legendary Pokémon, and seek out the mysteries that await you in Paldea.
■Sprinting Build / Drive Mode
Traveling through Paldea on foot can be quite a hassle. If you learn how to ride a Sprinting Build Koraidon or Drive Mode Miraidon, you’ll be able to traverse the expansive Paldea region more freely and at full speed.
■Swimming Build / Aquatic Mode
On your adventure, you’ll be able to jump into rivers, lakes, and vibrant oceans as you approach the Pokémon that live there, or cross perilous waters in a snap by riding a Swimming Build Koraidon, or Aquatic Mode Miraidon.
■Gliding Build / Glide Mode
You can jump from mountains, towering cliffs, or tall buildings and glide toward your destination.
Not only does this offer you more options when choosing what to do, but you can also freely glide around and enjoy a view that you can see only from the Paldean skies.
Pokémon Shine and Glimmer like Gems, thanks to the Terastal Phenomenon
■What is the Terastal phenomenon?
This phenomenon is found only in the Paldea region and makes Pokémon shine and glimmer like gems.
When a Pokémon terastallizes, a Tera Jewel appears above the Pokémon’s head like a crown, and the Pokémon’s body glistens like a cut gemstone. It’s said that the terastal energy that seeps from the ground of the Paldea region is involved in the phenomenon. Many details remain unclear, but Professor Sada and Professor Turo are researching this mystery.
■Master Terastallizing and dominate Pokémon battles!
Terastallizing holds the key to victory or defeat in battles in the Paldea region. All Pokémon in Paldea can terastallize to gain a special power.
Each Pokémon has a Tera Type and there are 18 types, meaning there are countless combinations of Pokémon and Tera Types. For example, some Eevee will have a Normal Tera Type, but some other Eevee has a Water Tera Type. A Pokémon’s Tera Type is inactive until the Pokémon terastallizes, at which time the Pokémon’s type will change to its Tera Type.
Terastallizing a Pokémon allows you to enhance your battle strategies by increasing the power of any moves that have the same type as your Pokémon’s Tera Type, or by changing your Pokémon’s weaknesses. When to activate this special transformation and the combination of Pokémon and Tera Types you choose to use are all up to you. Find what works best for you to gain the upper hand in battle!
The Story Unfolds the Way You Want It To
Weave three grand stories into your adventure as you meet the Pokémon you’ve never seen and unique characters.
These titles have the hallmark Pokémon story of going to Gyms and aiming to become a Champion, but there is no set path, so you can go to whichever Gym you want to challenge in the order you desire. There are two other grand stories besides your pursuit of becoming a Champion, and many trials and tribulations await you in those stories as well. Please look forward to finding out what kinds of stories they are.
In addition, you can freely go back and forth between all three stories, allowing your adventure to develop in the order you want it to. Some may want to reach the rank of Champion and rush through the Gyms, while others might want to go an adventure at their leisure—at times searching for Pokémon or meeting all sorts of people. Everybody can experience the game the way they want to.
Being able to make your very own story is one of the hallmarks of Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.
New Pokémon and People you can encounter
■ In the Paldea region, you can meet Pokémon for the first time.
In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, there are many never-before-seen Pokémon waiting for you to discover.
Fidough
This Pokémon Has a Moist, Smooth Feeling to It
Fidough’s moist, smooth skin has elastic qualities and is both firm and soft at the same time. When this Pokémon is excited, they intimidate their opponents by puffing up their bodies to appear bigger.
Their Breath Contains Useful Yeast
Fidough ferments things in its vicinity using the yeast in its breath. Said yeast is useful for cooking, so this Pokémon has been protected by people since long ago.
Pokémon with Paldean Forms
Paldean Wooper
They Live on the Land and Cover Their Bodies with a Poisonous Film
In ancient times, Wooper lived underwater in the Paldea region. But it seems after losing in a struggle for territory, they began living in bogs on land. While living on land, they began to cover their bodies with a poisonous film to keep them from drying out.
Powerful Poisonous Liquid Emits from Their Tough Gills
The Wooper’s gills have hardened thanks to living on the land for so long. Their bodies are heavy and they move slowly, but they can protect themselves by shooting powerful poisonous liquid from their gills. You may see poisoned Pokémon in areas where these Woopers live.
Cetitan
The Horn on the Upper Jaw Freezes the Surroundings
A Cetitan has five hard horns. Among them, the horn on the upper jaw is able to gather ice energy, making the surrounding temperature extremely low and freezing the area around the Pokémon.
Strong Muscles and Thick Blubber
Cetitan needs to have tough muscles to be able to support their immense bodies. They also use their bodies and their incredible power to fend off physical attacks. They can migrate around the snowy regions because they are protected by a thick layer of subcutaneous fat.
■People at the academy
In the center of Paldea sits the largest city in the region: Mesagoza. It is here that you’ll find a school boasting a history that few other schools do, where people from all sorts of regions come to hone their skills against each other, be it through academics or Pokémon battles.
Clavell
He acts as the director of the academy, and since you’re a new student, he will teach you many things about your school. He can be strict, but he can also be kind. He seems to be a friend of Professor Sada and Professor Turo.
Jacq
Mr. Jacq is your homeroom teacher, and he teaches biology. He is very knowledgeable about Pokémon biology and is the developer of the Pokédex app for the Rotom Phone. He has a slightly airheaded side to him, and he sometimes loses himself in his research.
Arven
Arven is an upperclassman at the academy. He’s good at cooking and researching healthy recipes that can help Pokémon feel better. He will be asking you to help him out, since he isn’t good at Pokémon battles.
Penny
Penny is in the same grade as you. She has a bit of a shy personality, and for some reason, she doesn’t seem to come to the academy very often. She is especially fond of her fluffy Eevee bag and always has it on her back.
■Aim for the Champion Rank!
The Paldea region has a Pokémon League and a special class of pro-rank Pokémon Trainers who have achieved the Champion Rank. These Trainers have grown with their Pokémon to be able to dazzle audiences with their skills in battle.
There are facilities called Pokémon Gyms in many towns, and the leaders of these Gyms are waiting to challenge Trainers like you and your friends.
There is no set path to the Gyms. You can purposefully seek out a stronger Gym Leader, or you can simply stop by a Gym that happens to be located in a town you came across on your journey. This time, you get to plot your very own path along Victory Road.
Gym Leader of the Glaseado Gym, Grusha
Grusha used to be a professional snowboarder, but he is now the Gym Leader of the Glaseado Gym full-time. He is an ice-type specialist who has Cetitan as his partner. He is usually coolheaded, but when battles get heated, he starts showing the emotions he usually keeps pushed down.
For more information, please go to their official Webpage athttps://scarletviolet.pokemon.com/en-us/
For more information, please go to their official Webpage athttps://scarletviolet.pokemon.com/en-us/
NEWS
COA files 4 fraud audit reports worth over ₱275 million for Bulacan flood control projects
9:19 p.m. February 13, 2026
THE Commission on Audit (COA) has filed four Fraud Audit Reports (FARs) before the Office of the Ombudsman involving more than ₱275 million worth of flood control projects in Bulacan, citing alleged ghost projects, unauthorized site relocations, payments for pre-existing structures, and serious documentation deficiencies.
The projects were implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)–Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office and awarded to SYMS Construction Trading and Wawao Builders.
COA said the filing of the cases underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability to ensure that public funds intended for flood mitigation are properly used.
Based on physical inspections, geotagged photographs, and historical satellite imagery, state auditors reported recurring irregularities:
Ghost projects: No flood control or riverbank protection structures were found at approved project sites, despite reports that the projects were completed or substantially accomplished.
Unauthorized relocation of sites: In several instances, DPWH representatives allegedly led inspectors to locations different from those specified in approved plans and contracts, without revised plans or written authority.
Payments for pre-existing structures: Satellite imagery showed that some riverbank protection structures already existed prior to contract effectivity, raising the possibility that payments were made for works not newly constructed.
Documentation deficiencies: Required documents, including as-built plans, detailed cost breakdowns, Statements of Work Accomplished, and approved master plans, were either incomplete or missing, undermining the credibility of reported accomplishments and payments.
Audit Coverage
The fraud audit stemmed from a directive issued on Aug. 12, 2025 by COA Chairperson Gamaliel A. Cordoba ordering an immediate review of DPWH flood control projects in Bulacan covering July 1, 2022 to May 30, 2025, following public concerns over alleged ghost projects and corruption.
Disputed Projects
Hagonoy, Bulacan (SYMS Construction Trading)
The ₱67.55-million project involved the construction of a reinforced concrete flood control structure at Barangay Santa Monica (Purok 6 to Purok 7). COA reported that no such structure was found at the designated site despite the project being declared 100 percent complete as of June 11, 2024 and fully paid by June 19, 2024. Auditors also noted indications of unauthorized site changes and missing required documents.
Pandi, Bulacan (SYMS Construction Trading)
The ₱39.60-million riverbank protection project at Barangay Malibong Bata was allegedly built at a location different from that specified in approved engineering plans, without documented authority for relocation. Structures found at both the approved and identified sites could not be conclusively linked to the contract. Several key documents were also missing.
Baliuag, Bulacan (Wawao Builders)
The ₱72.37-million Phase IV riverbank protection project at Barangay San Roque was reportedly constructed at a site different from that indicated in the approved bid plans. The structure bore markings corresponding to another project. Geotagged progress photos used to support payments were taken before the issuance of the Notice to Proceed and pointed to a different barangay. COA also cited overlapping project locations with another flood control contract and incomplete documentation.
Plaridel, Bulacan (Wawao Builders)
The ₱96.50-million flood control structure along the Angat River in the Lumang Bayan section was found to have existing structures at the site at least 90 days before contract effectivity, based on satellite imagery and inspection. The structures bore markings of different contract IDs and differed in design from approved plans. Despite this, the project was reported 100 percent complete within 65 days from contract effectivity. Auditors again noted missing supporting documents.
Possible Violations
COA said those involved may face charges for violations of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, as well as malversation and falsification of documents under the Revised Penal Code. Possible violations of COA Circular No. 2009-001 were also cited.
The audit body said additional reports may be filed with the Ombudsman as investigations continue, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for transparency and accountability in government spending.
NEWS
ILO study says TNVS drivers earn way above minimum wage
8:49 p.m. February 11, 2026
Transport network vehicle services (TNVS) riders and drivers receive above the mandated minimum wage in the Philippines, according to a recent study commissioned by the International Labor Organization (ILO).
In the “2025 Platform Work Survey: Philippines” presented during the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) 2026 National Tripartite Conference, it also noted that digital platforms are a major source of livelihood in the country because of the flexible working arrangements they offer.
According to the survey that covered 12 out of 17 regions in the country, the average net earnings of a TNVS rider or driver per week reach P6,704.00, net of costs, as opposed to the average minimum wage of approximately P498 to P695 per day or P4865 weekly set by the government.
The survey was conducted from June to December 2025 and interviewed 400 respondents from nine platforms providing food delivery, logistics and parcel delivery, and ride-hailing services. It has a margin of error of 5 percent.
The ILO commissioned a comprehensive survey on platform work, including delivery and TNVS riders and drivers, to analyze the working conditions of workers in the platform economy, document labor practices, assess the impact of digital platforms on employment, and inform enterprise formalization and social protection strategies.
Based on the ILO study, nearly 90 percent of the riders and drivers indicated that they have access to social protection provided by the platform, including health insurance, insurance for workplace injury, and pension plan or retirement benefit.
Among the top reasons the TNVS riders considered for choosing this industry are flexibility, which allows them to select their schedules and attend to family and personal matters, and decent earnings, which they deemed better than other available jobs.
According to riders and drivers, there are platform initiatives to improve their working conditions, such as increasing earnings and incentives, enhancing training and safety, and improving operational support and communication channels.
The study also noted that ride-hailing app platforms are specifically focusing on facilitating mandatory government benefits—Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG—to their drivers.
NEWS
DigiPlus deepens investments in Customer Care across BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone
6:12 p.m. February 10, 2026
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the pioneer and leading digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, continues to strengthen its investments and capabilities in customer care, reinforcing its commitment to providing reliable, player-first support across its platforms.
The company reports that its 24/7 customer service operations are now backed by a 450-strong workforce, reflecting sustained investment in high-caliber talent, intensive training, and rigorous service standards. These investments underpin DigiPlus’ efforts to build a scalable customer support organization that champions service quality and upholds Responsible Gaming for players.
“As a leader in digital entertainment, we recognize our responsibility to build and sustain a customer-first service culture,” said Carlos Feliciano, Customer Service Director at DigiPlus. “By designing a scalable, future-ready framework and streamlining processes for simplicity and speed, we aim to make support effortless and intuitive—and elevate the overall customer experience for BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone players.”
A more robust training framework to build a high-caliber, human-centered team
Great service starts with a strong training foundation. In 2025 alone, the DigiPlus customer service team collectively logged over 87,000 training hours. DigiPlus has since expanded its customer care training programs to ensure teams are equipped to thrive in fast-paced and complex business operations. Recognizing the need for more immersive learning beyond traditional classroom instruction, the company enhanced its training framework to better prepare customer service teams for real-world scenarios.
The updated approach blends foundational learning with guided, hands-on experience, allowing frontliners to apply skills early while receiving structured coaching from senior team members over an extended, progressive training period. This ensures that BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone customer-facing teams are confident, capable, and ready to deliver consistent, high-quality service.
Alongside capability-building, DigiPlus emphasizes human-centered service. Customer care teams are trained to prioritize meaningful conversations over scripted responses, respect players’ time, and resolve concerns more effectively by viewing each interaction as part of a broader customer journey.
Readiness to provide Responsible Gaming support for players
Responsible Gaming remains a key pillar of DigiPlus’ customer care strategy. Customer service teams also undergo a dedicated Responsible Gaming training module that equips them to recognize potential indicators of gaming-related concerns among customers and respond with professionalism, empathy, and appropriate support.
As part of this approach, customer care teams are trained to guide players through available Responsible Gaming tools and safeguards on the platforms, such as options to manage gaming duration or schedule, set limits on deposits or spending, or request self-exclusion or temporary account deactivation. These Responsible Gaming tools are designed and pioneered by DigiPlus to help protect players and encourage more mindful and balanced gameplay.
Where customers require additional well-being support, customer frontliners may also direct players to further resources, including the EmbracePLUS mental health helplines (Smart: 0908-235-2351, Globe: 0956-392-1924; open daily from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM), which provide Psychological First Aid, and other independent support organizations.
Scaling customer engagement efficiencies in 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, DigiPlus aims to further strengthen customer service operations by driving greater efficiency through innovation. The company plans to continue enhancing processes and responsibly leveraging technology to streamline workflows, improve response times, and enable smarter, more personalized customer support—laying the groundwork for a scalable and future-ready service experience.
COA files 4 fraud audit reports worth over ₱275 million for Bulacan flood control projects
inDrive is 4th most downloaded travel app in PH
ILO study says TNVS drivers earn way above minimum wage
