News

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...

Philippines says China should allow scrutiny of disputed shoal

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines challenged China on Monday to open Scarborough Shoal to international scrutiny after it accused Beijing of destroying the shoal's marine environment. "We are alarmed and worried about the situation that's happening there," National Security Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya told a press conference. Malaya said there was a growing consensus within the Philippine

PH calls on other countries to ignore China's threat vs SCS 'trespassers'

The Philippines on Monday urged other countries to ignore the threat of China to arrest foreigners who will enter the South China Sea (SCS). “We call on all maritime states particularly our neighbors like Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia to ignore these illegal regulations and sail in these waters to the extent that international law allows,” National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTF WPS) spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said in a press...

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

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...

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

Old guards to vie for top BARMM posts vs MILF execs in 2025

COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines — With barely a year before the elections in May 2025, the political pot in the Bangsamoro region has started to roil, with traditional powerful clans forming its own alliance to vie for parliament seats against the newly formed party composed mostly of leaders of the former rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The Bangsamoro Grand Coalition (BGC), composed of several parties of ruling political...

Russia’s visually confirmed tank losses reach a new staggering number

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

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...

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.

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

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

‘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...

Raisi and Foreign Minister travel in helicopter prior to accident

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian pictured in helicopter prior to crash.

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...

Notable People who died in 2024

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,

'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

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

Marcos says farmers foundation of PH economy

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Monday emphasized that the farmers have been the foundation of strengthening the Philippine economy. ''Nawa'y maging inspirasyon ang mga titulo at tulong na ito upang lalo pa ninyong pag-ibayuhin ang inyong pagsisikap sa sarili para sa inyong mga pamilya at kasama na rin para sa ating bansa,'' Marcos said in his speech during the distribution of land titles in Dumaguete City. (I hope the land titles...

Zubiri ousted as Senate president

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri is expected to step down today as some senators reportedly succeeded in removing him. Zubiri's office said the senator will give a speech this afternoon. He assumed the Senate presidency in July 2022. Senate Majority Leader Emmanuel Joel Villanueva has confirmed the leadership change in a text message to reporters. "Agenda for today: change of leadership. Thank you guys for your trust and...

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...

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.

Scarborough Shoal civilian convoy safely returns to Subic, Zambales | INQToday

WATCH: The civilian convoy to Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea returns safely to Subic fishing port early Friday morning despite several encounters with Chinese vessels during the two-day trip.

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.

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...

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....

Man dies after fire breaks out in flat

The fire service says it will investigate the cause of the fire.

Factbox-What happens in Iran when a president dies in office?

(Reuters) -Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash, an Iranian official and Mehr news agency reported on Monday. Below is a brief outline of what Iran's constitution says happens when a president is incapacitated or dies in office: * If a president dies in office, article 131 of the Islamic Republic's constitution says that the first vice president - who is Mohammad

New Caledonia separatists defy French efforts to unblock roads

Separatists in riot-hit New Caledonia refused Monday to abandon road blocks that have paralysed much of the Pacific archipelago and halted commercial air traffic, defying a major security operation by French forces. AFP journalists said some road blocks that had been taken down by the French security forces were being rebuilt by pro-independence forces, sometimes larger than before.

Japan says Saudi crown prince visit postponed over King Salman's health

TOKYO — Japan's top government spokesman said Monday a planned visit this week by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been postponed "due to the health condition of King Salman." The announcement came hours after the Royal Court in Riyadh said Prince Mohammed's 88-year-old father had a lung infection and was undergoing treatment involving antibiotics. Prince Mohammed had been due to meet Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and the...

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi killed in helicopter crash

By Parisa Hafezi and Yomna Ehab DUBAI (Reuters) - Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, a hardliner and potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in a helicopter crash in mountainous terrain near the Azerbaijan border, officials and state media said on Monday. The charred wreckage of the helicopter which crashed on Sunday carrying Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein

Islanders debate assisted dying ahead of vote

People in Jersey share their views on assisted dying before politicians vote on how it could work.

Senate panel cites ex-PDEA agent Morales for contempt, orders detention

The Senate public order and dangerous drugs committee on Monday cited former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agent Jonathan Morales in contempt for "continuously lying" before the panel about his personal data sheet (PDS) when he was applying in the anti-drug agency. Morales was the one who claimed to have signed the supposed leaked PDEA pre-operation report in 2012 which linked now President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and actress...

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...

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

Pet sanctuary overwhelmed by support after eviction notice

Celandine Wood Animal Rescue say they had been allowed to use land for free but it was now being sold.

Gov’t agencies discuss anti-flood measures

MANILA, Philippines — A party list lawmaker on Sunday called on the public to practice the basics of proper waste disposal in preventing floods, which are expected to be brought by the La Niña phenomenon. In a statement 1-Rider party list Rep. Roman Rodrigo Gutierrez highlighted the importance of proper garbage disposal, stressing it was among key solutions to prevent and mitigate flooding in most parts of the country. READ: Romualdez will meet...

Slovakian prime minister had predicted an assassination attempt

A chilling video has emerged of Robert Fico making the prophecy of his own assassination attempt last month.

Six fire crews fight fire near Helston

Firefighters are sent to a blaze at a property in Breage at 01:30 BST on Monday.

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...

Taiwan swears in new president as China pressure grows

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te will be sworn into office Monday, putting him at the helm of the self-ruled island as China ramps up military and political pressure on Taipei. China claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and has branded 64-year-old Lai a “dangerous separatist” who will bring “war and decline” to the island. READ: Taiwan new president inherits strong foreign policy, political gridlock Lai will...

China launches anti-dumping probe into EU, US chemical imports

BEIJING — China’s commerce ministry on Sunday said it had launched an anti-dumping investigation into imports of an important engineering chemical from the European Union, the United States, Taiwan, and Japan. Beijing said it would probe imports of polyoxymethylene copolymer, a thermoplastic used in everything including phones, car parts, and medical equipment. The investigation will take a year but could be extended by six months, the commerce...

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

PCSO Lotto Draw Results, May 19, 2024 | Ultra Lotto 6/58, Super Lotto 6/49, 3D, and 2D

Here are the winning lotto combinations of the lotto draw results for the 9 p.m. draw on Sunday, May 19.

SC not an enemy of doctors

By upholding the acquittal of Dr. Henry Daz, an anesthesiologist, and by freeing him from paying damages, the Supreme Court (in Nuñez v. Daz, Jan. 29, 2024, per J Maria Filomena D. Singh, Third Division) has shown it is not an enemy of medical doctors though in an earlier case (Agbayani v. People, June 23, 2021, an unsigned extended resolution or UER, Third Division), it affirmed the conviction of the late Dr. Benigno Agbayani Jr. on a similar...

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...

Chinese ships block convoy\'s mother boat from reaching Scarborough | INQToday

WATCH: The mother boat of a civilian convoy aiming to bring supplies to Filipino fishermen could not reach Scarborough Shoal due to being shadowed by China Coast Guard vessels.

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....