Money

The UK can cut taxes AND increase defence spending, Rishi Sunak says

The Prime Minister dismissed claims from Labour that his dramatic pledge to spend an extra £75 billion on defence by the end of the decade was not fully funded.

My thoughts are with those who have been hurt, says James Cleverly

Home Secretary James Cleverly speaks to the media as a teenage girl has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two teachers and a pupil were stabbed at a Welsh school.

Chinese student gets US prison term for threatening pro-democracy activist

By Nate Raymond BOSTON (Reuters) - A Chinese music student was sentenced on Wednesday to nine months in a U.S. prison for harassing an activist who posted fliers at the Berklee College of Music in Boston supporting democracy in China and threatening to report her activities to Chinese law enforcement. Prosecutors had urged U.S. District Judge Denise Casper in Boston to sentence Xiaolei Wu, 26,

VP Sara thanks President for his continued trust in her

MANILA, Philippines — Vice-President Sara Duterte expressed her gratitude on Wednesday to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for his continued trust in her as the secretary of education. “Maraming salamat, Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., sa patuloy na pagtitiwala sa akin bilang Kalihim ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon,” Duterte said in a message posted on her official Facebook page. (Many thanks, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos...

Cold case suspect makes deathbed confession in murders of child and her mother 24 years ago

Larry Webb, who was found to have murdered Susan and Natasha "Alex" Carter in 2000, died in prison hours before the victims' bodies were found, ending a cold case.

Teachers begin strikes over pensions

It comes after staff paused previous action to consider, but subsequently reject, a new offer.

Rene Saguisag: Human rights defender, moral compass, fierce critic

MANILA, Philippines — In the Philippine political scene where politicians often jump from their party to the ruling bloc, loyalty is regarded as a noble trait. Loyalty to a party and a cause has been used to gauge whether a candidate is worthy of people’s votes, while turncoats are frowned upon. But some were able to maintain their integrity without really banking on loyalty — some, who, despite changes in administration, were able to command...

Man arrested in alleged plot to assassinate Zelensky

More suspended classes on Thursday, April 25

MANILA, Philippines — Several local governments suspended in-person classes on Thursday, April 25, amid “dangerous” peak heat indexes. According to the state weather bureau, high heat indexes exceeding 42 degrees Celsius may cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke during continued exposure. READ: Heat index in 30 areas, including Naia, to reach ‘danger’ level Below is a list of suspended face-to-face classes on Thursday: Metro...

Remember when Ukraine blew up millions in Russian equipment hiding in a warehouse?

852 aspiring lawyers to take 2024 Shari’ah Bar Exam

MANILA CITY, Philippines — Out of 906 applicants, 852 have been allowed to take the Shari’ah Bar Examination on April 28 and May 2. Supreme Court Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh, chairperson of the Shari’ah Bar Examinations Committee, said the 852 have completed the examination requirements. Of the 852, 575 will take the computerized examination at the Ateneo de Davao, and 200 will take the tests at the Economics Building of the...

Moldova brings criminal case against pro-Russian Gagauzia leader to court

By Alexander Tanas CHISINAU (Reuters) -A criminal case against the governor of Moldova's region of Gagauzia has been sent to court, prosecutors said on Wednesday, setting up the prospect of the Kremlin ally being tried on charges of channelling funds from Russia to a pro-Moscow party. Evgenia Gutul, who emerged out of obscurity last year to win election to head the autonomous region of Gagauzia,

Home Secretary speaks from Italy reacting to Welsh school stabbing

Home Secretary James Cleverly speaks from Italy reacting to Welsh school stabbing as a schoolgirl is arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, following the stabbing of two teachers and a pupil, in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire.

Defence Sec 'much more minded' to send older equipment to Ukraine

Defence Secretary Grant Shapps says he is 'much more minded' to send older equipment to Ukraine as the country continues to defend itself against Russia. He says this is a 'turning point' in UK defence.

Troopers in helmets arrest Palestine protesters in latest college demo

Police have arrested several demonstrators.

PCO: Marcos deepfake a ‘serious’ matter; foreign policy may be affected

MANILA, Philippines — The viral deepfake of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. could have affected the Philippines’ foreign policy, said an official from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) on Wednesday. On Tuesday night, the PCO released a statement debunking a viral video that simulated Marcos commanding the Armed Forces of the Philippines to act against another country. “It’s a big news because it’s foreign policy that’s affected there,”...

Grand jury indicts man for murder in shooting death of Texas girl during ATM robbery

HOUSTON (AP) — A man accused of fatally shooting a 9-year-old girl when he was robbed at a Houston ATM in 2022 has been indicted for murder in her death. Tuesday’s indictment against Tony Earls comes nearly two years after another grand jury declined to indict him in the death of Arlene Alvarez. “We have a duty to see that justice is done, and that meant asking a new grand jury to look at new evidence,” Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg...

Ex-senior officer barred after 'bullyish' behaviour

The former chief superintendent would have been dismissed for gross misconduct.

Girl arrested as three injured in school stabbing

A teenage girl has been arrested after two teachers and a pupil were stabbed.

Three arrested after woman dies at hotel

A man and two women are arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug.

‘US authorities secure documents vs Bautista’

MANILA, Philippines — Representatives of the United States Justice Department and Homeland Security arrived in the Philippines three weeks ago to acquire documents for the prosecution of former poll chief Andres Bautista, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia disclosed yesterday. US authorities interviewed some poll officials and secured copies of procurement papers and bidding and anti-graft laws, Garcia recalled during the...

PH Red Cross QC gets new building from city govt

A NEW building for the Philippine Red Cross Quezon City (PRCQC) Chapter was recently inaugurated as the humanitarian organization celebrates its 77th founding anniversary. Construction of the new building was funded by the local government of Quezon City. The city government turned over a fully furnished three-story building to the PRCQC. Located inside the compound of the Quezon City Hall, the building has a blood center, command center and...

Spanish PM Sanchez shocks country again putting his continuity on the line

By Belén Carreño and Jesús Aguado MADRID (Reuters) - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is no stranger to high octane political battles and has successfully fought for his career in public life several times. On Wednesday evening, Sanchez said he would suspend public duties until next week to decide whether he wants to continue leading the government. The shock announcement came after a

Cemetery at centre of stabbing investigation

An area around Broadway cemetery has been cordoned off.

Manila Water, partners run for Mother Earth

MANILA, Philippines – Runners from different organizations and the general public took part in a run organized by Manila Water and its Non-East Zone subsidiary Clark Water to mark Earth Day which is commemorated every third week of April. The LAKBAY KALIKASAN: EARTH DAY FUN RUN 2024 was held at the CDC Parade Grounds in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga to demonstrate support for environmental protection and leading a healthy and sustainable...

Man admits murdering wife with skateboard

Olobunmi Abodundee, 48, unexpectedly pleads guilty to the killing during his trial.

Woman sentenced over £12,000 fake scratchcard 'wins'

Police say over time, Emma Grimes became more "brazen" about stealing from her employer.

Houthis say they targeted US, Israeli cargo ships, US naval vessel

The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen claimed that they targeted a US cargo ship called the MAERSK Yorktown in the Gulf of Aden on Wednesday, as well as an American naval destroyer and a cargo ship they say was linked to Israel called the MSC Veracruz. The MSC Veracruz was registered under the flag of Portugal, while the MAERSK Yorktown was registered u...

Rwanda's Hope Hostel once housed young genocide survivors. Now it's ready for migrants from Britain

KIGALI, Rwanda (AP) — Rwanda says it's ready to receive migrants from the United Kingdom after British Parliament this week approved a long-stalled and controversial bill seeking to stem the tide of people crossing the English Channel in small boats by deporting some of them to the East African country. There is even a place ready and waiting for the migrants — a refurbished Hope Hostel in the vibrant upscale neighborhood of Kagugu, an area of...

Two men charged over violent attack in York

The men, aged 26 and 29, are due to appear before magistrates in York and Thursday, police say

4 minors rescued from alleged trafficking attempt at Davao Airport

Four minors were rescued from being trafficked to Manila to work as waitresses and helpers, according to a 24 Oras report by Marisol Abdurahman on Wednesday. The victims—a 14-year-old, two 16-year-olds and a 17-year-old—were rescued while trying to catch a flight to Manila at the Davao International Airport with a companion. Their two alleged recruiters were arrested. According to the PNP , the four intended to work upon arriving in Manila....

Hammer attack boy 'stored weapons for apocalypse'

The jury in the trial in Devon hears a victim say the boy underwent "complete change" over a summer.

Chief Justice on Anti-Terror Law: Balance needed in handling terror cases

MANILA, Philippines – Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo on Wednesday stressed the importance of a balance between safeguarding the state and upholding the fundamental rights of individuals in resolving cases for violation of the Anti-Terrorism Law. “It becomes imperative that in responding to threats of terrorism, the State cannot be overzealous and casually disregard these rights. On the other hand, our courts cannot be overcautious and allow...

Pro-Palestinian protesters urge universities to divest from Israel. What does that mean?

College students calling for a cease-fire in Gaza are also urging their colleges to divest. Here's what that means.

Illegal migrant cannot stay in UK after 2 decades trying to deport him

Even though he racked up a string of criminal convictions, including actual bodily harm, the Home Office has been unable to deport the man who arrived in the UK in 1998 aged 21.

Past, present solons cite Saguisag’s role, contribution to PH democracy

MANILA, Philippines — Past and present members of the House if Representatives on Wednesday mourned the death of former senator Rene Saguisag, with one saying that he hopes younger generations of Filipinos emulate and get to know the lawyer and lawmaker’s importance and contribution to Philippine democracy. Former Agusan del Sur 1st District Rep. Lawrence Fortun said that Saguisag’s death marks a “generational time shift in our contemporary...

Teen terrified to tell teacher about abuse - court

In the case of Neil Foden a court is told: "She said she didn't want him to, but he just kept on."

DBM Usec. Libiran named 2023 top government communicator

MANILA, Philippines – The RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD) recently completed its “Boses ng Bayan” nationwide job performance assessment titled “Top Communicators of Government Agencies-Philippines” for 2023. This detailed annual review showcased the exceptional communication leaders in Philippine government agencies. Goddes Hope Libiran of the Department of Budget and Management was a standout performer, securing an impressive...

Gov't pressed to release PH's 'oldest political prisoner'

A rights group pressed the government anew to free 85-year-old Gerardo Dela Peña, the 'oldest political prisoner' in the country. “We ask President Marcos to promptly free him as he has freed many other PDLs (persons deprived of liberty) to decongest prison facilities. Tatay Gerry’s advanced age and declining health make his release not just a matter of justice, but also a humanitarian imperative," said Fides Lim, spokesperson of the support...

No10 says asylum returns deal with France 'is not possible'

Any such agreement is 'not on the table' because the Government 'would not agree to any kind of deal that would require quotas in return', a No10 spokeswoman said.

Two boys arrested after fire at derelict school

Police confirm two 16-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of arson following the blaze.

Son 'shocked' after step-dad's arrest over murder

Son speaks of his shock after his step-father was arrested in relation to his mother's murder.

Quiet community left in shock after stabbing in school

A teenage girl has been arrested after two teachers and a pupil were hospitalised with stab wounds.

Hontiveros: Why is gov’t having a hard time taking action vs Pogos?

MANILA, Philippines — Perplexed by the continued presence of illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (Pogos) in the country, Senator Risa Hontiveros can’t help but question why the national government still has yet to take decisive action against the firm. “Pogos are a hotspot of fugitives. Lungga ng mga kriminal. Hindi ko maintindihan kung bakit hanggang ngayon, hindi mapalayas nang tuluyan ang industriyang ito. Sino ba protektor ng mga...

Man, 65, critical after attack by two teenagers

Detectives believe potential witnesses were in the area.

JV Ejercito: PH needs to establish more power plants

MANILA, Philippines — Senator JV Ejercito on Wednesday pressed the national government to “focus on the energy sector,” emphasizing the need to establish more power plants in the country. In a press conference, Ejercito said the country’s power plants should be proportionate to the growing number of Philippine population and businesses. “The administration really has to focus on the energy sector. We need to establish new power plants because...

Iran sentences rapper Toomaj Salehi to death over 2022-23 unrest, lawyer tells paper

DUBAI (Reuters) -An Iranian revolutionary court has sentenced well-known Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi to death for charges linked to Iran's 2022-23 unrest, his lawyer told Iranian newspaper Sharq on Wednesday. Salehi in his songs supported months of protests in Iran in 2022 sparked by the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman arrested for allegedly wearing an

Cagayan gov ordered disqualified in latest Comelec ruling

TUGUEGARAO CITY — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) — First Division has ordered Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba disqualified in the May 9, 2022 elections. In its 23-page ruling on Wednesday, April 24, in a separate complaint-petition filed by lawyer Victorio Casauay, Comelec First Division Presiding Commissioner Socorro Inting and Commissioners Aimee Ferolino and Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr. declared the gubernatorial post in Cagayan vacant....

Man takes fatal plunge into Ilocos Sur waterfall

A man died after jumping into the Kagutungan Falls in Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur, according to a 24 Oras report on Wednesday. Authorities said the 43-year-old victim climbed a balete tree before diving from a height of about 25 feet into the water below. After landing into the water, witnesses said the victim managed to surface but immediately sank. The victim's nose was bleeding as he was taken out of the water. Rescuers said that there is a...

PNP to ICC: We only recognize PH’s justice system

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday stood firm that it would only recognize the country’s justice system even as International Criminal Court (ICC) investigators reportedly contacted its former and incumbent officials implicated in ex-President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody drug war. PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo stressed that the country has a working judicial system, noting that there were police personnel...