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Ecuador weighs security, international arbitration in latest referendum

President Daniel Noboa aims to rally support for a military crackdown on gang violence as he considers reelection.

Ecuador president declares state of emergency over energy crisis

QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa declared a second state of emergency on Friday over an energy crisis that has already led to rationing in the South American country. Noboa, who took office in November, had declared an energy emergency and instituted power cuts earlier this week, but the cuts will be suspended on Sunday for a referendum he looks set to win on a raft of security

USC scraps outside speakers at commencement after canceling Muslim student's speech

By Kanishka Singh (Reuters) - The University of Southern California announced there will be no outside speakers and honorees at this year's main commencement ceremony after canceling its valedictorian speech from a Muslim student who said she was silenced by anti-Palestinian hatred. "Given the highly publicized circumstances surrounding our main-stage commencement program, university leadership

These are history's multilingual US presidents

The President of the United States is used to talking tough. But how many presidents in US history were able to do so in another language besides English? Not many people realize that there are 21 former White House incumbents who could converse in at least one foreign language. Some, in fact, were multilinguists. And did you know that there was one American president who didn't speak English as his first language. Intrigued? Click through and discover the presidents who could communicate in foreign tongues.

China to US: Respect our sea rights, sovereignty

MANILA, Philippines — The Chinese defense minister reportedly talked with his US counterpart early this week to relay Beijing’s appeal to Washington that it respect China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea, saying President Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden have a shared commitment to improving bilateral relations. The Chinese embassy said the video conversation between Chinese defense minister Admiral Dong...

Croatia top court bars president from becoming next PM

Zagreb, Croatia — Croatia’s top court said on Friday that the country’s president, who had campaigned to become prime minister ahead of this week’s parliamentary election, could not head the new government. “The president has been warned in time that he cannot participate in the campaign, but that he must (first) resign. Now it is over. He can no longer be a prime minister-designate,” Constitutional Court President Miroslav Separovic told a...

ONE BILLION people set to vote in six-week Indian election

Nearly 970 million voters - more than 10 per cent of the world's population - will elect 543 ­members to the lower house of parliament over staggered rounds of voting, with polls opening on Friday.

The Opium Wars that devastated China

The Opium Wars of the mid-19th century were fought between the Western powers and the Qing dynasty, which ruled China from 1644 to 1912. Two wars took place, both fought essentially over the illegal trade of opium and the expansion of territory claimed by the British in the region. In the eyes of many scholars, the conflict marked the end of China's isolation and the beginning of modern Chinese history. But the price paid was heavy. So, what exactly were the Opium Wars? Click through for an explanation and timeline of events.

Benefits to be axed after a year if jobseekers fail to find work

Unveiling the biggest shake-up of the welfare system for a generation, the Prime Minister said he was determined to prevent people staying on benefits as a 'lifestyle choice'.

‘No reclamation allowed within Laguna de Bay’

MANILA, Philippines — Reclamation activities within Laguna de Bay have not been issued any permits or clearances, according to the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) yesterday after photos were taken showing the extent of ongoing reclamation in the lake. “We are actively engaged in legal actions contesting ownership claims in the area, particularly where reclamation and backfilling activities have been reported,” the LLDA said in a...

What you need to know about world’s largest democratic election in India

NEW DELHI — The world’s largest democratic election could also be one of its most consequential. With a population of over 1.4 billion people and close to 970 million voters, India’s general election pits Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an avowed Hindu nationalist, against a broad alliance of opposition parties that are struggling to play catch up. READ: In Modi’s India, opponents and journalists feel the squeeze ahead of election The 73-year-old...

Two hurt in fire in residential area in Brgy. Sto. Niño, QC

Two people were injured after a fire hit a residential area in Barangay Sto. Niño, Quezon City on Saturday morning. One of the victims was a fire volunteer whose hand was wounded. The other victim was a resident who got a minor burn after moving his vehicle while evacuating, according to a report by Christian Maño on Super Radyo dzBB. The fire broke out at 6:18 a.m. in a compound on Barangay Buhay Street. The compound had five houses. The Bureau...

‘Non-opposition’ Duterte: If Vice President Sara becomes president…

MANILA, Philippines — After lambasting President Marcos in several Hakbang ng Maisog prayer rallies, former president Rodrigo Duterte has declared that he does not oppose the Marcos administration. “I am not an opposition. I am also not against Marcos,” Duterte said in his speech at the founding anniversary of Brgy. Pandaitan, a former rebel infested barangay in Davao City. Duterte explained that he did not support Marcos during the last...

Luzon, Visayas power grids under red, yellow alert

MANILA, Philippines — For the fourth consecutive day, the Luzon and Visayas power grids were placed on red and yellow alerts on Friday, according to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines. According to the NGCP advisory posted on Facebook, the Luzon grid was under red alert from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday. Yellow alert was raised from noon to 3 p.m., 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. Available capacity was 13,594...

South Africa man convicted in deaths of 2 Alaska Native women faces revocation of U.S. citizenship

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Federal prosecutors want to revoke the U.S. citizenship of a South Africa man convicted of killing two Alaska Native women for allegedly lying on his naturalization application for saying he had neither killed nor hurt anyone. Brian Steven Smith, 52, was convicted earlier this year in the deaths of the two women, narrating as he recorded one woman dying. That video was stored on a phone that was stolen from his pickup....

901 ARBs sa region II, binigyan ng DAR ng 1,140 emancipation patents, CLOAs, at e-titles

901 ARBs sa region II, binigyan ng DAR ng 1,140 emancipation patents, CLOAs, at e-titles Paggawa ng farm-to-market road sa bayan ng ng Ayungon, Negros Oriental, sinimulan na

Ukraine downs Russian strategic bomber after airstrike kills eight, Kyiv says

By Tom Balmforth and Anastasiia Malenko KYIV/DNIPRO, Ukraine (Reuters) -Ukraine shot down a Russian strategic bomber on Friday after the warplane took part in a long-range airstrike that killed eight people including two children in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, Kyiv said. Missiles rained down on the city of Dnipro and the surrounding region in the early hours, damaging residential

‘Sari-sari’ store incubator project rolled out

MANILA, Phillippines — The Rotary Club of San Juan Supreme has launched its Supreme Store Project, which provides seed grants to enable deserving individuals to set up sari-sari stores at strategic locations across the country. The seed grant of P25,000 is used to build the store and buy initial stocks. The club will also provide financial education and business mentoring, while building beneficiaries’ supply chain to ensure cost-effective...

Canadian tagged in Batangas drug haul

MANILA, Philippines — A manhunt is underway for a Canadian linked to 1.4 tons of shabu with an estimated street value of P9.68 billion seized at a police checkpoint in Alitagtag, Batangas on Monday. Joint police teams raided yesterday a house rented by the foreigner in Barangay Natipuan in Nasugbu, but the suspect was not around. The operation was based on a search warrant issued by a local court for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the...

Moment baby is found not breathing shown to jury

Kate Roughley denies she caused the death of nine-month-old Genevieve Meehan.

Man who won primary election while charged with murder convicted on lesser charge

LEBANON, Ind. (AP) — A central Indiana man who won a primary election for a township board position while charged with killing his estranged wife has been found guilty of the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter. A Boone County jury convicted Andrew Wilhoite, 41, of Lebanon on Thursday, local news outlets reported. Wilhoite was charged with murder in the death of his wife, 41-year-old Elizabeth “Nikki” Wilhoite, who was reported missing by...

Rumbling sounds not from Mt. Pinatubo, Zambales townsfolk told

SAN MARCELINO, Zambales — The local government here reassured residents on Friday, April 19, that the deep rumbling sounds they have been hearing the past two days were not from Mt. Pinatubo. The San Marcelino Public Information Office (PIO) clarified that the noises were not related to any blasting or mining activities in the town. It said the municipal disaster risk reduction and management office had reached out to the authorities from Capas...

Russia quietly exits Karabakh, ceding its clout 'for good'

When Russian troops deployed to Nagorno-Karabakh four years ago, their task was clear: keep the peace between bitter foes Armenia and Azerbaijan and prevent another war in the volatile region. The Kremlin deployed almost 2,000 troops in 2020 as part of a ceasefire deal that halted six weeks of brutal fighting between the arch-foes over the Karabakh region.

HEADLINES: Chinese 'swarm' forming in WPS | Apr. 20, 2024

Good day. Here are the stories for The Manila Times for Saturday, April 20, 2024. Today's episode is brought to you by Wilcon Depot, The Philippines' leading home improvement and construction supplies retailer—your Trusted Building Partner. READ: Chinese 'swarm' forming in WPS CHINA'S maritime militia has been repositioning its ships in preparation for "swarming" maneuvers in the West Philippine Sea. Ray Powell, director of SeaLight, a maritime...

Labour is blasted for 'misogynistic' social media meme about housing

The meme was posted at 12.30pm and quickly got spread around Twitter with elected Labour MP as well as members of the public condemning it for making women appear as 'thoughtless creatures'.

Mega Millions winning numbers for April 19 drawing: Jackpot climbs to $178 million

The Mega Millions jackpot climbed to $178 million after the April 19 drawing. Did anyone win Friday's prize?

Iran says it will respond at 'maximum level' if Israel acts against its interests

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Friday that Iran will respond at an immediate and "maximum level" if Israel acts against its interests. "If Israel wants to do another adventurism and acts against the interests of Iran, our next response will be immediate and will be at the maximum level," Amirabdollahian said, speaking through a translator, in an

Land row hits NGCP project

MANILA, Philippines — Grid operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) hit a legal roadblock in undertaking one of the critical transmission projects in the provinces of Batangas and Cavite. In a statement on Friday, NGCP said it had filed expropriation cases against E. M. Ramos and Sons Inc. and several other defendants “who claim interest over the properties” affected by the construction of its 500-kilovolt Tuy-Dasmariñas...

Only 400 Chinese students in Cagayan – BI

MANILA, Philippines — There are only 400 Chinese students in Cagayan province, contrary to reports that 4,600 had enrolled in a local private school, possibly to serve as spies for the Chinese military. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) made the clarification in response to calls from some lawmakers for an investigation on the “influx” into Cagayan of thousands of Chinese to study in St. Paul University in Tuguegarao City. Cagayan Gov. Manuel...

Togo parliament approves contested constitutional reforms

By Alice Lawson LOME (Reuters) - Lawmakers in Togo approved changes to its constitution on Friday linked to presidential term limits and how presidents are elected, which some opposition politicians and civil society groups have denounced as a constitutional coup. Parliament passed the amendments in a vote in March, but further consultations and a second parliamentary vote were scheduled, and

Revealed: Mailman's key role in Operation Mincemeat spy plot

The paper's then editor Bob Prew instructed correspondent Cedric Salter to position himself near the Balkans in 1943 to mislead the enemy.

Ukraine has created a new unit dedicated to demining the country

President Marcos to PNPA graduates: Nation first before self

MANILA, Philippines — Police officers should put the nation above self, President Marcos said yesterday. “Taumbayan bago ang sarili,” Marcos told new graduates of the Philippine National Police Academy in his address before Layag-Diwa Class of 2024 at the PNPA. He also told the graduates that being digital natives, they should do “smart policing” and take advantage of technology to combat crime and protect communities. “Most of you were born...

US military strategy tested as Iran-Israel warfare comes out of shadows

By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. military's success helping Israel stop a massive wave of Iranian missiles and drones last weekend might suggest Washington is well prepared militarily for whatever comes next as Iran and Israel move from shadow warfare to direct confrontation. But current and former U.S. officials say U.S. forces are not positioned for a major,

Week of Iran-Israel Strikes Marks a Mideast ‘Game Changer’

One of the most incendiary weeks in the decades-long shadow war between Iran and Israel ended with relief Friday after Tehran declared it had defeated what it said was a small attack on its territory by Israeli drones.

'Predator' sexually assaulted woman walking home

Alazar Yohans attempted to kiss the victim in a bar before following her across town, police say.

Ministers working to counter risk of Chinese interference

Correspondence from Cabinet Office minister John Glen reveals the UK is conducting 'significant work related to national security' after concerns were raised about Chinese genomics company BGI.

Sudan's horrific war is being fueled by weapons from foreign supporters of rival generals, UN says

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The year-old war in Sudan between rival generals vying for power has sparked “a crisis of epic proportions” fueled by weapons from foreign supporters who continue to flout U.N. sanctions aimed at helping end the conflict, the U.N. political chief said Friday. “This is illegal, it is immoral, and it must stop,” Undersecretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo told the U.N. Security Council. Sudan plunged into chaos in mid-April 2023,...

What if Quiboloy declines to answer questions at the Senate on grounds of self-incrimination?

[email protected]"NO person shall be compelled to be a witness against himself." — Art III, Sec 17, 1987 Constitution First word WHAT will Sen. Risa Hontiveros do then? What will happen to the Senate's arrest order issued against Quiboloy? With no desire to worship with the Kingdom of Jesus Christ or to lawyer for Pastor Quiboloy, I will put my two cents on the constitutional right to due process against the implied power of the Senate...

Pro-China PM retains his seat in Solomon Islands election

Honiara, Solomon Islands — Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare was set to retain his seat in elections Saturday, local media reported, paving the way for the pro-China leader to try to form a government. Sogavare is one of China’s most loyal friends in the South Pacific and has vowed to deepen ties with Beijing further if he returns to power. He will soon travel to the capital Honiara, where his team will begin bartering with other...

INQToday: PDEA, prosecutor blame media for conflicting shabu haul data

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories: PDEA, prosecutor blame media for conflicting shabu haul data An anti-narcotics official and the provincial prosecutor preparing cases related to the government’s biggest-ever drug bust have blamed the media for the conflicting data on the amount of shabu seized, claiming that police officers would not have released estimates if they were not pressured. In a press briefing hosted by the Department of...

Live video of man who set himself on fire outside court proves challenging for news organizations

NEW YORK (AP) — Video cameras stationed outside the Manhattan courthouse where former President Donald Trump is on trial caught the gruesome scene Friday of a man who lit himself on fire and the aftermath as authorities tried to rescue him. CNN, Fox News Channel and MSNBC were all on the air with reporters talking about the seating of a jury when the incident happened and other news agencies, including The Associated Press, were livestreaming...

First Lady on Imee: I am just the ‘out-law’

MANILA, Philippines — After admitting her relationship with Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte has soured, First Lady Liza Marcos also hinted at tension with her sister-in-law Sen. Imee Marcos. In an hour-long interview with broadcaster Anthony Taberna aired on YouTube early yesterday, the First Lady said the last time she talked to the senator was last Christmas. Asked why the senator seemed not to be defending her brother...

Romualdez, other solons hail Marcos’ Time magazine citation

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s inclusion in Time magazine’s list of the world’s most influential people for 2024 shows how much the country’s interests have advanced under the current administration, House of Representatives lawmakers, including Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez himself said. Romualdez on Friday congratulated his cousin Marcos on being included in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People...

US agrees to pull troops from key drone host Niger: officials

The United States agreed Friday to withdraw its more than 1,000 troops from Niger, officials said, upending its posture in West Africa where the country was home to a major drone base. They agreed that a US delegation would head within days to the capital Niamey to arrange an orderly withdrawal, the officials said.

NATO secretary-general says some allies have air defense systems they could give to Ukraine

BRUSSELS (AP) — NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Friday pressed member countries to give more Patriot missile systems to Ukraine as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy repeated Kyiv's almost daily appeals for more Western air defense equipment. “NATO has mapped out existing capabilities across the alliance and there are systems that can be made available to Ukraine,” Stoltenberg told reporters after an online meeting of defense ministers...

Man sets himself on fire outside Donald Trump hush money trial in New York

Man sets himself on fire outside Donald Trump hush money trial in New York - People rushed to douse the person with a fire extinguisher and try to bat the flames away, according to reports

Britain's 'strictest teacher' slams Braverman for 'political' comments

Katharine Birbalsingh, head of Michaela Community School, hit out at Ms Braverman after she congratulated the establishment on winning its legal battle against a Muslim schoolgirl.

No ‘fight’ anymore? Duterte-led PDP officially drops ‘Laban’ from name

MANILA, Philippines — Political party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) under the leadership of former president Rodrigo Duterte has decided to officially drop the second part of its name — Laban, which stands for Lakas ng Bayan — during a meeting of its members in Cebu City. During the celebration of the party’s 42nd anniversary on Friday which was streamed on their official Facebook page, a motion — which was said to have been deliberated...

When words, actions speak loud: Duterte’s honeymoon with China

MANILA, Philippines—“I would say ‘this is ours and do what you want with me’.” This was the declaration of Rodrigo Duterte in 2016, less than a month before he was elected as president of the Philippines. At that time, he said that should China disregard the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), which was still pending then, he would ride a jet ski to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to assert what is “ours”. It came on as a strong...