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Ex-president Duterte being fed wrong info on Cha-cha, says solon

MANILA, Philippines — House of Representatives Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David Suarez believes former president Rodrigo Duterte is being served with wrong information on many issues and and still insists that Charter change is about extending the term limits of officials. Suarez, in a press briefing in Makati on Wednesday, said this after being asked about Duterte’s latest tirades, where he said that the 1987 Constitution would only be...

2024-05-08T12:04:05Z

Hontiveros urges release of Ayungin ‘new model’ pact evidence

MANILA, Philippines – The “evidence” allegedly proving that a Philippine army official reached an agreement with China regarding a “new model” on Ayungin Shoal should be made available to the government, Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Wednesday. “Kung meron talaga silang recording at kung meron talaga silang transcript, they should at the least make it available to the government — to the Executive, dahil seryosong claim na naman nila yan ng...

2024-05-08T06:21:59Z

Cop chief in P9.6 billion drug haul transferred

MANILA, Philippines — The police official behind the confiscation of 1.4 tons of shabu valued at P9.68 billion in Alitagtag, Batangas last month has been transferred to another post. Maj. Luis de Luna Jr., former Alitagtag police chief, was reassigned to protect him from drug syndicates involved in smuggling large quantities of shabu into the country, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil. “We have to...

2024-05-08T16:35:24Z

Kenya inks deal to end doctors' strike

Kenya's government has signed a deal with striking doctors, the health ministry announced Wednesday, after almost two months of industrial action that left thousands of patients struggling to find medical care. The eight weeks of industrial action threw Kenya's public hospitals into crisis, running with a skeleton crew as patients scrambled to find treatment in the absence of doctors.

2024-05-08T15:06:55Z

Policy changes backed by legislature needed to transform gov’t – Marcos

MANILA, Philippines— President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said that policy changes are needed to transform the government. During the alliance signing of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) and Marcos’ Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) in Makati City, Marcos said that the executive branch would not be able to change everything on its own. “Kailangan palitan natin talaga ang patakbo ng pamahalaan. Kailangan natin palitan...

2024-05-08T07:03:17Z

DOJ to brief Marcos on ICC arrest options

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) is preparing a brief on the legal options available to President Marcos on the arrest warrants that the International Criminal Court (ICC) may issue. DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano said all options will be discussed in the briefer, including the Philippines’ possibly rejoining the ICC, “with an awareness that policy frameworks may evolve.” “The briefer will be an objective analysis of the pros...

2024-05-08T16:35:25Z

Men robbed after talking to woman online

Police say the two victims were confronted by a man with a baseball bat and robbed.

2024-05-08T14:30:48Z

Expel Chinese embassy execs over phone wiretap – Gibo

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. called on the Department of Foreign Affairs yesterday to investigate how unnamed people in the Chinese embassy in Manila allegedly recorded a supposed phone conversation between a Chinese diplomat and a top Armed Forces official discussing a so-called new model agreement on rotation and resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea last January. He said if proven true,...

2024-05-08T16:35:23Z

Marcos’ Partido Federal, Lakas-CMD forge alliance for 2025 elections

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas and Speaker Martin Romualdez’ Lakas-CMD political parties sign an agreement on Wednesday, May 8, formalizing an alliance for the 2025 midterm elections. Full story: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/marcos-partido-federal-pilipinas-lakas-cmd-forge-alliance-2025-midterms/

2024-05-08T16:24:42Z

Russia ramps up attacks on Ukraine’s power plants

BBC Verify has been tracking Russia's attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

2024-05-08T16:16:25Z

Subway project equipment movement to affect 7 NCR roads on May 10-12

MANILA, Philippines — Traffic in several Metro Manila roads from May 10 to 12 will be affected by the transportation of the Metro Manila Subway Project’s (MMSP) tunnel boring machine (TBM) the vicinity of the Camp Aguinaldo Station. The Department of Transportation, in a social media post on Wednesday, said the following roads would be affected from May 10 to May 11, 2024 (10 p.m. to 4 a.m.) and May 11 to May 12, 2024 (10 p.m. to 4 a.m.): Port/...

2024-05-08T08:48:37Z

A woman accused of killing her Boston police officer boyfriend was framed, her attorneys say

BOSTON (AP) — A highly anticipated trial began in Massachusetts last week involving a woman accused of striking her Boston police officer boyfriend with her SUV and leaving him for dead in a snowbank. John O’Keefe died in the Boston suburb of Canton on Jan. 29, 2022. The case has garnered national attention because the defense alleges that state and local law enforcement officials framed Karen Read and allowed the real killer to go free. A look...

2024-05-08T19:03:59Z

Go calls on govt to solve drug problem

SEN. Bong Go urged the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to continue the fight against illegal drugs to ensure a safer future for Filipinos."Whatever the approach or attack of the administration now, I support it as long as the important thing is to solve the problem of illegal drugs completely," said Go, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, during a committee hearing on Tuesday.The Senate...

2024-05-08T16:17:29Z

Interloper joins ‘Made in China’ mock enemy ship sinking drills

LAOAG CITY, Philippines — A surprise guest joined Wednesday’s sinking exercise here where a “made in China” ship was made the target of naval missiles and airstrikes as part of Manila and Washington’s war games. However, the marine interloper appeared to have no sinister intention, according to Lt. Col. Omad Abdullah Al Assaf, the maritime strike lead planner for this year’s Balikatan. READ: US, PH begin striking ‘Made in China’ mock target ship...

2024-05-08T06:52:03Z

'I'm a drug dealer, not a murderer' - defendant

Israar Shah tells a jury he had nothing to do with a shooting outside a house party.

2024-05-08T18:46:05Z

Cops tagged in PNP exec’s slay positive for gunpowder

MANILA, Philippines — The two police officers tagged in the killing of a police official in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte early this month have tested positive for gunpowder, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday. M/Sgts. Aladdin Ramalan and Shariff Balading had traces of gunpowder on their hands, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said, citing paraffin test results. Capt. Roland Moralde, an administrative officer of the...

2024-05-08T16:35:25Z

Hong Kong court bans protest song ‘Glory to Hong Kong’

HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s appeal court on Wednesday banned “Glory to Hong Kong,” a protest song that emerged during the city’s massive democracy demonstrations in 2019. Penned anonymously, its lyrics include the slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times”, and the song has been all but illegal to sing or play it since authorities crushed the protests and Beijing imposed a national security law quelling dissent in 2020. Wednesday’s...

2024-05-08T08:22:25Z

Man wanted for 72 child abuse, sex raps falls

MANILA, Philippines — The third most wanted fugitive in Quezon City, who is facing at least 72 child abuse and sex-related offenses, was arrested by police on Tuesday. Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said Delfin Dolatre was arrested in Barangay Del Monte at around 2:30 p.m. Dolatre was collared based on a warrant of arrest for violating Republic Act 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse,...

2024-05-08T16:35:26Z

Today's headlines: China's claims, massive gathering in BSP, Bianca Bustamante | The wRap | May 9, 2024

Here are today's headlines – the latest news in the Philippines and around the the world: - China ups ante, says it has audio recording of ‘new deal’ arrangement with PH Wescom chief - Marcos’ Partido Federal, Lakas-CMD forge alliance for 2025 elections - Finally, Supreme Court defines red-tagging as a threat - Hundreds flock to Bangko Sentral to claim ‘hidden wealth’ - Steadily improving, Bianca Bustamante earns maiden podium finish in 2024 F1 Academy https://www.rappler.com/video/daily-wrap/may-8-2024/

2024-05-08T16:54:35Z

Ask Duterte to ‘gentleman’s agreement’ probe? Best to get info from horse’s mouth, says Risa

For Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, it would be best to hear from Rodrigo Duterte himself about the supposed "gentleman's agreement" allegedly brokered by the former president with China. The lawmaker, who has sought a Senate inquiry into the matter, was asked in a press conference if the former president should be invited as a resource person in the hearing. "Hindi ko naman masabing gusto ko silang makita, pero ang trabaho po ng...

2024-05-08T11:04:48Z

Filipinos want military action to resolve sea row

(UPDATE) SEVEN out of 10 Filipinos favor military action and diplomacy in resolving the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue, an OCTA Research survey said. Results of the first quarter Tugon ng Masa survey conducted from March 11–14, 2024 showed that 73 percent of respondents wanted the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expand naval patrols and troop presence in the disputed waters. Seventy-two percent said they wanted the dispute...

2024-05-08T16:32:12Z

Sunak handing migrants a 'Tory amnesty', says Starmer as MP defects to Labour

The Government is handing migrants a "Tory amnesty", Sir Keir Starmer said as a Conservative MP defected to Labour while criticising Rishi Sunak's attempts to tackle small boats crossings.

2024-05-08T16:53:10Z

Truth of China's 'new model' claims must be laid bare

ON Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in Manila presented what it claimed was a recording of a telephone conversation between an unidentified embassy official and Western Command (Wescom) chief Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos, wherein the latter purportedly agreed to China's "new model" for operations to supply the Philippine outpost on Ayungin Shoal, and confirmed that Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and Armed...

2024-05-08T16:11:20Z

US police break up Gaza protest encampment at George Washington University

Police say arrests made as US-wide crackdown continues on student-led demonstrations in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

2024-05-08T14:58:36Z

AFP on China claim: Audio can be forged with deep fakes

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Wednesday said it wouldn't dignify China's claims that it agreed to "a new model" for conduct in the Ayungin Shoal, saying audio recordings could be manufactured with deep fake technology. In a statement, AFP chief of staff General Romeo Brawner said China's claim of an audio recording allegedly between Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos and a Chinese diplomat did not merit significant concern "as it appears to be...

2024-05-08T16:00:37Z

P60B in emergency allowances given to COVID-19 frontliners – Marcos

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said that his administration was able to release nearly P60 billion in health emergency allowances (HEA) to COVID-19 frontliners. In a Facebook post late Tuesday night, Marcos said the government made the move to show how it values its frontliners. READ: Frontliners in some gov’t hospitals finally get COVID-19 incentive “Alinsunod sa ating pangako, naipamahagi na ng ating...

2024-05-08T09:18:39Z

1,000 march to BSP to claim ‘hidden wealth’

MANILA, Philippines — Around 1,000 people trooped to the main office of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas in Manila yesterday to claim what they described as P100 trillion in “hidden wealth” supposedly kept in the BSP. Members of the Democratic and Republican Guardians Philippines – who came from Pangasinan, Antipolo City, Iloilo and other areas – marched to a gate of the BSP head office at the corner of Mabini and P. Ocampo streets at past 9...

2024-05-08T16:35:27Z

Malaysia plans to introduce ‘orangutan diplomacy’–minister

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia intends to gift orangutans to palm oil-purchasing countries as part of an initiative similar to China’s panda diplomacy, the commodities minister said on Wednesday. Johari Abdul Ghani said the “orangutan diplomacy” strategy would gift the endangered great apes to palm oil trading nations, especially major importing territories like the EU and India. Orangutans are critically endangered, according to the WWF, with habitat...

2024-05-08T07:07:07Z

Wife of detained foreigner nabbed for alleged extortion

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Anti-Organized and Transnational Crime Division arrested the wife of a detained Cameroon national after allegedly extorting money from a relative of another detainee in exchange for the latter's release. According to a "24 Oras" report by John Consulta on Wednesday, the suspect was caught after receiving a bag with P1 million marked money in an entrapment operation in Parañaque. Based on the report, the...

2024-05-08T17:05:50Z

Arrests after gates damaged at drone factory protest

Seven people are detained after a van damages gates and protesters climb onto the factory roof.

2024-05-08T15:00:43Z

Accused Canadian serial killer trial opens in Winnipeg

Jeremy Skibicki is accused of sexually assaulting and murdering four indigenous women in Winnipeg in 2022.

2024-05-08T15:39:43Z

SC: Red-tagging threat to life, liberty, security

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has declared that red-tagging and guilt by association threatens a person’s constitutional right to life, liberty and security. In a 39-page decision, the SC noted that red-tagging has been acknowledged by international organizations as a form of harassment and intimidation. Being labeled as “red” often comes with frequent surveillance, direct harassment and, in some instances, eventual death,...

2024-05-08T16:35:22Z

Teodoro: DFA to probe recorded phone call between Chinese diplomat, PH military official

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will take the lead in investigating the veracity of the alleged recorded conversation between a Chinese diplomat and a Filipino military general regarding the supposed agreement on a “new model” in the conduct of resupply missions for soldiers assigned at the Ayungin Shoal, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said on Wednesday, May 8. READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/8/teodoro-dfa-to-probe-into-recorded-phone-call-between-chinese-diplomat-ph-military-official Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletin Visit our website at http://mb.com.ph Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletin Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/manila_bulletin Instagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletin Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin #ManilaBulletinOnline #ManilaBulletin #LatestNews

2024-05-08T15:29:05Z

Pinoys back ‘dual approach’ in West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos continue to support a dual approach of diplomacy and military action in asserting the country’s territorial rights in the West Philippine Sea, according to a survey conducted by the OCTA Research group. The survey, conducted from March 11 to 14 and released yesterday, showed seven in 10 respondents want the Marcos administration to prioritize both diplomacy and military action in addressing issues related to...

2024-05-08T16:35:22Z

7 BuCor officers axed over NBP strip searches

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) yesterday relieved seven officers who are under investigation for conducting strip cavity searches on female visitors of inmates at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa. The Department of Justice (DOJ), which supervises the BuCor, has ordered an investigation into the allegations of “abusive” strip searches by prison guards. Acting NBP Superintendent Ruben Formoso signed the order for...

2024-05-08T16:35:27Z

Dela Rosa warns Trillanes: Ex-PNP chief tagged in ‘ouster plot’ might beat you up

MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has been warned after linking a former police chief in an alleged plot to oust President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. “Sabihan mo si Trillanes na yung former PNP chief na kinausap nya, baka mabugbog pa sya noong former PNP chief na yun. Galit na galit sa kanya,” Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said in an interview over ANC’s Headstart on Wednesday. (Tell Trillanes that the former PNP...

2024-05-08T06:48:23Z

48 hours waiting time? Senators seek better port access for PH Navy ships

MANILA, Philippines — Making the Philippine Navy vessels wait up to 48 hours before allowing access to the country’s seaports is “unacceptable” and “alarming” for some senators. According to Senator Robin Padilla, naval vessels need to wait four to 48 hours before being given access to ports. It also is up to the private sector, he said, to determine how long they can stay. “Ang resulta po nito: mga delays sa kanilang mga misyon dahil sa tagal...

2024-05-08T08:03:28Z

Thai pro-democracy leader jailed over royal defamation

BANGKOK — A court in Thailand on Wednesday sentenced a prominent pro-democracy activist to three years in jail for royal defamation. Critics say the government has used the strict lese-majeste laws to silence dissent, prosecuting scores under the tough legislation that protects King Maha Vajiralongkorn and his family. Panupong Jadnok, 27, was among the leaders of 2020’s youth-led demonstrations, which saw tens of thousands take to the streets to...

2024-05-08T08:07:21Z

Mandaluyong City adjusts LGU office hours

MANILA, Philippines — The city government of Mandaluyong announced on Wednesday that it will implement a modified work schedule in all its offices. In an order released by the Mandaluyong City Public Information Office (PIO), and signed by Mandaluyong City Mayor Benjamin Abalos, the local government unit offices will have a 7:00 am to 4:00 pm work schedule starting May 14. “All departments and offices of the City Government of Mandaluyong shall,...

2024-05-08T11:03:56Z

DepEd to shorten next school year by 15 days

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) will cut the prescribed minimum of 180 school days for the coming school year 2024-2025 by 15 days to ensure that students and teachers are not in classrooms during extreme summer heat by April and May 2025. DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas said the agency plans to start SY 2024-2025 on July 29 and end it on March 31, 2025, with 165 school days or 15 days short of the 180 to 220...

2024-05-08T16:35:23Z

Man guilty of manslaughter over cyclist's death

Ryan Willicombe was found guilty of the manslaughter of Sheldon Lewcock, but was cleared of murder.

2024-05-08T16:30:52Z

Man on bike with machete spotted by police drone

A PCSO saw the man and was able to monitor him before officers arrived, police say.

2024-05-08T15:15:46Z

PFP, Lakas-CMD alliance is ‘the most powerful political force’ – Romualdez

MANILA, Philippines — Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) President and House Speaker Martin Romualdez called their political party’s new alliance with the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) “the most powerful political force” in the country. PFP — led by Romualdez’s cousin, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.— consists of a sizable number of local leaders in its party. Lakad-CMD, on the other hand, comprises one-third of the members of the House...

2024-05-08T07:33:22Z

Seven villagers die in DR Congo attack blamed on rebels

M23 rebels have bombed a village in DR Congo's South Kivu province killing seven people and wounding six more, local officials said Wednesday. "A bomb launched by the rebels from Masisi territory fell on Kisongati village in Kalehe territory", on Tuesday said Archimed Karhebwa, the local deputy administrator.

2024-05-08T19:08:37Z

Woman in critical condition after being hit by car

A man is arrested after a woman in her 40s suffers serious injuries in the collision.

2024-05-08T17:01:26Z

Iranian Filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison and Flogging, Lawyer Says

Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof has been sentenced to eight years in prison, according to his lawyer. In a post on X, the filmmaker’s lawyer Babak Paknia wrote that Iran’s Islamic Revolution Court sentenced Rasoulof to eight years of imprisonment, flogging, a fine and confiscation of property. The judgment was confirmed in a Court of Appeal […]

2024-05-08T16:42:48Z

Jaja Santiago says Japanese citizenship bid still ‘in process’

MANILA, Philippines — Jaja Santiago said her Japanese citizenship remains in process and she relished her fruitful experience training as part of Japan’s national women’s volleyball pool. The 6-foot-5 middle blocker, who started her Japanese naturalization bid last year, said her citizenship is still ongoing while receiving help from Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Tats Suzara. “Actually, walang nakakaalam kung nasaan na...

2024-05-08T11:24:17Z

Quiboloy camp surrenders 5 guns

MANILA, Philippines — The camp of fugitive Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy has surrendered five of the 19 firearms registered under his name. Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said Quiboloy’s representatives turned over four handguns and a long firearm. “Iba-ibang kalibre ito... Sana itong gesture na ito na pakikiisa sa batas ay tuloy-tuloy na,” Abalos said in an interview at Camp Crame. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen....

2024-05-08T16:35:23Z

China says Philippines' denial of deal in alleged phone call 'misled the international community'

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian dismissed a report that China would soon release audio of a call with a Philippine military official that Beijing claims is evidence of a secret deal between the two sides over the disputed islands in the South China Sea. The Philippines’ denial of the deal only “misled the international community, undermined its own credibility and jeopardized peace and stability in the South China Sea,” Lin said, without detailing the conversation of the alleged call. Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletin Visit our website at http://mb.com.ph Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletin Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/manila_bulletin Instagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletin Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin #ManilaBulletinOnline #ManilaBulletin #LatestNews

2024-05-08T14:59:03Z

Migrant charity defies Italy over surveillance plane restrictions

ROME (Reuters) - A German rescue charity on Wednesday launched a fresh aerial surveillance mission from Italy to track down migrant boats in difficulty in the central Mediterranean, defying restrictions by Italian authorities. The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) this week said it was banning small planes used by migrant charities from airports on the islands of Sicily, Pantelleria and

2024-05-08T16:50:23Z