🇵🇭 PhilStar

About PhilStar

The Philippine Star is operated by PhilStar Daily, Inc., which is majority owned by Hastings Holdings, Inc. (50.998% shares). Hastings Holdings, Inc. is part of MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., the media arm of PLDT, chaired by business tycoon Manuel 'Manny' V. Pangilinan, who acquired a majority stake in 2014. The Belmonte family retains a 20% stake and management and editorial control.

Media Bias/Fact Check rates The Philippine Star as left-center biased, noting a left-leaning editorial bias and the use of loaded words to favor liberal causes, though it is generally fact-based. Ground News, aggregating multiple sources, assigns a 'Lean Left' bias and 'Very High factuality' rating. While the outlet states a commitment to accuracy, independence, and transparency, and is involved in fact-checking, Media Bias/Fact Check notes a lack of hyperlinked sourcing in some reports. The Philippines has a 'partly-free' and 'vibrant but threatened press' where journalists face violence, legal harassment like 'red-tagging,' and economic fragility, as highlighted by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Freedom House. Recent editorials from Philstar.com demonstrate a critical stance on government actions and corruption.