News

Protestors block New Caledonia roads as French police pour in

By Kirsty Needham SYDNEY (Reuters) -A thousand police arrived in New Caledonia from France and streets were relatively calm, the French High Commission said on Monday, but roads were blocked and the airport remained shut, stranding tourists on the Pacific island after a week of riots. The activist group organising the protests in the French-ruled territory, Field Action Co-ordination Cell (CCAT)

Zubiri: New China policy on 'trespassers' illegal under UNCLOS

China's new regulation ordering the detention of any foreign nationals 'trespassing' the South China Sea is illegal under the United Nation Convention on the Law of the Seas and might further escalate the tension in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said Monday. "Illegal po 'yan, bawal po yan under the UNCLOS, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas. Nakapirma d'yan 'yung China, they are signatory....

'No sign of life' at crash site of helicopter carrying Iran's president, others

Rescuers on Monday found a helicopter that was carrying Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the country’s foreign minister and other officials that had apparently crashed in the mountainous northwest reaches of Iran the day before, though “no sign of life” was detected, state media reported. READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/20/no-sign-of-life-at-crash-site-of-helicopter-carrying-iran-s-president-others Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletin Visit our website at http://mb.com.phFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletin Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/manila_bulletinInstagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletinTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin #ManilaBulletinOnline#ManilaBulletin#LatestNews

Gatchalian wants SHS teachers trained by Tesda

MANILA, Philippines — To teach, they must learn. Senior high school teachers under the technical-vocational livelihood (TVL) track must first receive training and certification from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) to be able to impart needed skills to their students, according to Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian. The chair of the Senate basic education committee said the training and certification of TVL teachers were...

Yoga teachers threaten legal action as beachside classes are shutdown

Several yoga instructors in San Diego are pursuing legal action against the city over a ban on their free beachside classes because updated vendor laws include recreational activities like yoga,

Ignorance as power?

According to Alice Leal Guo, the 37-year-old mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, she cannot remember anything from the early parts of her life—from the house where she was born to the last name of the teacher who homeschooled her every day for 17 years. At least, this was what she claimed during the Senate hearing about Guo’s alleged involvement in illegal Philippine offshore gaming operations in her town. Feigning ignorance is a manipulation tactic that...

Parts of Quezon City, Taytay to experience power interruptions on May 20, 21

Parts of Quezon City and Taytay, Rizal will experience power interruptions on May 20 and 21 due to scheduled maintenance activities in their areas. In an advisory posted on its website, Manila Electric Company (Meralco) said there will be line reconductoring works and replacement of facilities along Sto. Niño, San Antonio, and Capillan Streets in Barangay San Antonio, Quezon City. The affected areas between 11 p.m., Monday, May 20, and 5 a.m.,...

‘Why should we vote?’ India’s jute workers blame politicians for woes

Jute, a major Indian export, is in a crisis. The vote of millions of industry workers in Bengal state is up for grabs.

Taiwan's new President Lai in his inauguration speech urges China to stop its military intimidation

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te in his inauguration speech has urged China to stop its military intimidation against the self-governed island Beijing claims as its own territory. “Fellow compatriots, we have the ideal of pursuing peace, but we must not have illusions," Lai said after being sworn into office. "As China has not yet given up its use of force to invade Taiwan, we should understand that even if we fully...

Duterte must be summoned to 'gentlemen’s agreement' probe, Castro insists

Makabayan bloc member ACT Teachers Party-list. France Castro has reiterated the need to summon former president Rodrigo Duterte in the House inquiry on the alleged 'gentleman's agreement' between the latter and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/20/duterte-must-be-summoned-to-gentlemen-s-agreement-probe-castro-insistsSubscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletinVisit our website at http://mb.com.phFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletinTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/manila_bulletinInstagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletinTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin#ManilaBulletinOnline#ManilaBulletin#LatestNews

Who is Mohammad Mokhber, the man set to become Iran's interim president?

(Reuters) - Here are some key facts about Mohammad Mokhber, 68, Iran's first vice president who, based on the country's constitution, is expected to become interim president following the death of Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. * As interim president, Mokhber is part of a three-person council, along with the speaker of parliament and the head of the judiciary, that will organise a new

Ex-ES Paquito Ochoa denies blocking PDEA ops vs Marcos, Maricel Soriano

Former Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. on Monday categorically denied during a Senate hearing that he ordered to stop a 2012 Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) surveillance operation against then-senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and actress Maricel Soriano, among others. Testifying during the fourth Senate public order and dangerous drugs committee hearing on the supposed "PDEA leaks," Ochoa said he does not know former PDEA...

New Taiwan president takes office as Chinese state media warns of 'provocative' behaviour

By Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard TAIPEI (Reuters) -Lai Ching-te took office as Taiwan's new president on Monday, facing an angry and deeply suspicious China that believes he is a "separatist", and a fractious parliament with an opposition champing at the bit to challenge him. Lai was sworn in at the Japanese-colonial-era presidential office in central Taipei, taking over from Tsai Ing-wen, having

Angat Dam water down to minimum operating level —PAGASA

The water level in Angat Dam dipped to its minimum operating level on Sunday, according to the update of state weather bureau PAGASA. From 181.20 meters on Saturday, Angat Dam’s water level dropped to 180.95 m on Sunday. The minimum operating of Angat Dam is at 180 meters. The dam's water level further went down on Monday at 8 a.m., registering 180.73 meters. Angat Dam in Bulacan supplies around 90% of the water needs of Metro Manila, Rizal, and...

Ship that caused deadly Baltimore bridge collapse to be refloated and moved

BALTIMORE (AP) — The container ship that caused the deadly collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge is scheduled to be refloated on Monday and moved to a nearby marine terminal. The Dali has remained at the collapse site since it lost power and crashed into one of the bridge’s supporting columns on March 26, killing six construction workers and snarling traffic into Baltimore Harbor. High tide Monday morning is expected to bring the best...

3 Indian warships in Manila on goodwill visit

MANILA, Philippines — Three Indian Navy ships on a regional deployment docked in the port of Manila on Sunday for a four-day goodwill visit. The ships—guided missile destroyer INS Delhi, fleet tanker INS Shakti and ASW corvette INS Kiltan—belong to the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet that also made prior stops in other Southeast Asian countries as part of the current deployment. “We are visiting friendly foreign countries to share our experiences...

No Filipino hurt in latest Houthi attack

MANILA, Philippines — All 23 Filipino crewmen on-board an unspecified vessel attacked by Houthi rebels on Saturday are “safe and unharmed,” the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said in a statement on Sunday. READ: 11 Filipino survivors of Houthi attack on ship back in PH “Their vessel, which sustained slight damage was sailing close to the Yemeni port city of Hodeida when it was attacked. The vessel is continuing on its journey to its next...

Iran's President Raisi took hard line with national protests and nuclear talks

(Reuters) - Ebrahim Raisi, who died aged 63, rose through Iran's theocracy from hardline prosecutor to uncompromising president, overseeing a crackdown on protests at home and pushing hard in nuclear talks with world powers as he burnished his credentials to position himself to become the next supreme leader. Raisi died when a helicopter carrying him back from a visit to the Azerbaijani border

Factbox-What happens if an Iranian president dies in office?

(Reuters) - Rescuers in Iran were racing on Sunday to find the crash site of a helicopter that was carrying President Ebrahim Raisi to find out the fate of all those on board. Below is brief outline of what Iran's constitution says happens if a president is incapacitated or dies in office: * According to article 131 of the Islamic Republic's constitution, if a president dies in office the first

DoH execs to attend Senate hearing on 'pyramiding'

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DoH) on Sunday expressed its readiness to attend the hearing of the Blue Ribbon Committee hearing this week on the alleged Bell-Kenz pyramiding controversy. Health Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said the agency "will present its positions and answer all questions at the hearing itself." The Blue Ribbon committee chaired by Sen. Pia Cayetano calendared the hearing last May 15 as a follow up to...

‘Forceful’ BSP defense seen if peso slides to 58:$1

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is expected to “forcefully” defend the peso from hitting the 58-per-dollar level, continuing its track record of soothing volatility to mitigate the pass-through effect of a weak currency on inflation. In a commentary, Lenny Jin, global foreign exchange strategist at HSBC, explained that the BSP’s readiness to support the local unit is one of the reasons why “upside in spot rates is limited.” “PHP...

Deadline for BARMM exploration bids extended

The government is extending up to May 27 the deadline for proposals to explore and develop indigenous conventional energy resources, including oil and coal, in some parts of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). In a joint advisory, the Department of Energy (DOE) said the new deadline for submitting application documents or bids is adjusted to May 27 at 11 a.m. from the original schedule of April 26 “in observance of the...

Australia, NZ unable to send evacuation flights to New Caledonia

By Kirsty Needham SYDNEY (Reuters) - A thousand police arrived in New Caledonia from France and street clashes had calmed, the French High Commission said on Monday, but Australia and New Zealand were unable to send in evacuation flights for tourists stranded on the Pacific island. Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said "the situation there is deeply concerning", as damage to roads and

Philippines says China should allow scrutiny of Scarborough Shoal

The Philippines challenged China on Monday to open Scarborough Shoal to international scrutiny after it accused Beijing of destroying the shoal's marine environment. “In order for the world to find out if China indeed has fulfilled its obligations under international law, buksan natin yung (let us open) Bajo de Masinloc to international scrutiny,” National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya told a press conference. “We can ask third...

Senators warn of new maritime case vs China

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines may file another case against China if it implements its new policy of detaining for up to 60 days without trial foreigners, particularly Filipinos, crossing waters it claims are under its jurisdiction, two senators said on Sunday. “Should Beijing dare push through with this illegitimate regulation, the Philippines’ hand may be forced to sue them again in the Hague Tribunal,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros said in a...

Prayer rally vs charter change set outside Senate on May 22

Opponents of the proposed Charter change are bringing their message to the Senate. Church and civil society organizations have scheduled a prayer march Wednesday outside the Senate building in Pasay City. Caritas Philippines said it has extended invitations to dioceses in Metro Manila to join the protest, which will be conducted from 3 to 5 […]

Migrant rescuers defiant in face of Italy crackdown

Saving lives is more difficult than ever, but rescuers are adamant that the Italian government's crackdown on charity ships will not stop them from helping migrants who run into trouble crossing the Mediterranean. But none of that will stop David from answering what he sees as "an ethical call" to save lives. cmk/ide/nmc/bc

Partido Federal inks unity pact with NPC

MANILA, Philippines — Stressing that it is not a “marriage of convenience” in politics but a “need to unite for the greater good,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the signing of a pact between his political party and the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) ahead of the much-anticipated 2025 midterm elections. Marcos, chair of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), witnessed the signing of the “alliance for a new Philippines” at the Makati...

Who Would Benefit From Ebrahim Raisi’s Death?

If the Iranian president turns out to have lost his life in a helicopter crash, it will set off a fierce scramble for power.

'There are lies, damned lies and Tory Party statistics designed to make you not vote Labour'

When the truth really hurts the Conservatives will lie harder about Labour. No general election is a clean fight and all 14 I recall were dirty, mud-slinging scraps. Yet this one is shaping up to be worse, woke wars and social media injecting fresh

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 816

As the war enters its 816th day, these are the main developments.

Dominican Republic incumbent Abinader takes strong lead in preliminary results

SANTO DOMINGO (Reuters) -The Dominican Republic's hugely popular incumbent and anti-corruption crusader, Luis Abinader, was leading the presidential election in preliminary results by a wide margin on Sunday, paving the way for a swift victory With about 38% of votes counted, Abinader held 59.24% of the vote, followed by three-time former President Leonel Fernandez with 26.97%, according to

Pope calls anti-migrant attitudes at US border 'madness'

Pope Francis made a foray into the US election season with a rare television interview Sunday, calling harsh anti-migrant attitudes "madness" and criticizing right-wing US Catholic figures for overly conservative stances against his social teachings. - 'A human fact' - Francis, 87, also addressed criticisms by conservative US bishops who oppose his efforts to revisit certain teachings and traditions.

Luzon educators raise concern over entry of foreign schools

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Luzon educators expressed reservations about easing constitutional restrictions on foreign investments in Filipino education, because of the specter of small and medium-sized schools being displaced by elite schools from abroad. Removing the cap on foreign participation in education as well as land ownership could be tantamount to treason, said Dr. Gudelia Samson, who read the position paper of Pangasinan State...

P29 rice sold at Kadiwa stores, says DA

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is rolling out Kadiwa Centers through the Kadiwa Program in Metro Manila bannered by its sale of rice at P29 a kilo, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Sunday. The DA said Kadiwa centers offer rice at P29 per kilo in certain areas, along with other basic necessities and prime commodities such as fish, eggs, onions, garlic, fresh vegetables and fruits at lower prices....

Poverty real; single-digit rate still a target, DSWD says

Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday said that poverty is a real problem in the country, adding that reducing the poverty rate to a single digit is still a target of the agency. “[A]lam namin dito sa DSWD na totoo ang kahirapan (we know here in the DSWD that poverty is real),” Gatchalian said in a press briefing. Gatchalian recalled that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered all agencies of government to...

London court to decide whether WikiLeaks founder Assange is extradited to the US

LONDON (AP) — WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange faces a hearing Monday in the High Court in London that could end with him being sent to the U.S. to face espionage charges, or provide him another chance to appeal his extradition. The outcome will depend on how much weight judges give to assurances U.S. officials have provided that Assange’s rights won’t be trampled if he goes on trial. In March, two judges rejected the bulk of Assange's arguments...

Teodoro preps task force amid La Niña watch

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has warned that the government will crack down hard on hoarders and price manipulators as the country braces for the coming La Niña weather phenomenon that could wreak havoc on agriculture and disrupt transportation and services. Teodoro, who also chairs the government’s Task Force El Niño, issued the warning after the fifth meeting of the presidential task force for the preparations...

Pag-IBIG releases P101.5M for housing program

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said on Sunday the Home Development Mutual Fund or Pag-IBIG Fund has released another P101.5 million in developmental loans for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s flagship “Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH)” affordable housing program. The funds will finance the construction of the Bocaue Bulacan Manor Housing Project in Barangay Batia, Bocaue, Bulacan...

500 PDLs from Bilibid transferred to Davao, says BuCor

Around 500 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) were transferred to the Davao Prison and Penal Farm over the weekend, according to the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor). The agency said this is part of its program to decongest the national penitentiary. Among those transferred, 250 were from the maximum security compound, 50 from the medium security compound, and 200 were from the Reception and Diagnostic Center...

No supermarket for Castlemilk despite promises

Campaigners in the area have spent years fighting for a major store serving affordable fresh food.

'Vital' food bank relocating to new home

St Ives Food Bank is moving into its new home in the Edward Hain Centre.

Notable People who died in 2024

Nearly half of Russia’s North Korean missiles failed official claims

DSWD raises alarm on illegal adoption, sale of babies on social media

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday raised the alarm on the illegal adoption and sale of babies over social media, saying this is a cruel form of child exploitation and human trafficking. Gatchalian issued the warning after the Philippine National Police apprehended a woman and her agent for selling her 8-day old child for P50,000 up to P90,000. “We will not tolerate such acts of cruelty. We will use the fullest...

The causes, effects, and solutions to the global homelessness crisis

Homelessness has been a problem around the world for hundreds upon hundreds of years, and while it has been successfully fought in some countries, it remains a pressing issue in many parts of the world. Lack of government intervention, social stigma, and the countless effects of homelessness that can turn into a vicious and unbreakable cycle all contribute to the persistent struggle of millions of people. Homelessness is rarely as talked about as it should be, which is a significant reason why these issues persist. There are many aspects of being unhoused that aren't fully known or understood by a large amount of the general public, only further alienating those who are struggling. Intrigued? Read on to learn about the the world's homelessness crisis, what contributes to it, and what can be done to fix it.

Labour 'will make changing gender easier' by simplifying process

Labour is looking at ways to 'simplify' the process of legally changing gender in a bid to 'strip out the dehumanising parts', says shadow women and equalities secretary Anneliese Dodds.

Marcos, VP Sara's trust and performance ratings declined — OCTA survey

Though majority of Filipinos continue to trust President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, declines in their ratings were shown in the latest survey results of OCTA Research. The survey, conducted from March 24 to 27, 2024, indicated that most adult Filipinos continue to trust (69%, -6) and approve (65%, -6) the performance of Marcos in the first quarter of this year. The 69% trust rating of Marcos, however, was...

Colleges on strike as national pay dispute continues

Hundreds of lecturers are taking part in the first of nine national strikes over the next three weeks.

Flaws exposed in Labor's tradie training scheme

Industry experts say this well-meaning initiative hasn't actually been as successful in practice as the government would have voters believe.