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Pagasa issues BARMM flood alert

MANILA, Philippines — Parts of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao may experience flooding, the state weather bureau said on Wednesday. According to the flood advisory of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the following areas may experience flooding: Maguindanao – Rivers and its tributaries particularly Nituan, Mindanao, Dalican, Allah, Buluan, Matuber, Mlang and Lower Mlang...

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.

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...

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...

Imee Marcos on ‘ouster plot’ vs brother: ‘Wag masyadong praning

MANILA, Philippines — The alleged destabilization efforts against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. do not bother Senator Imee Marcos much, branding them as “old rumors.” Instead of dwelling on unverified reports, the president’s older sister advised the public not to be “praning,” which translates to being paranoid or overthinking. “Nababaduyan na ako sa mga chismis na ganyan. Lumang chismis na, no? Nakakasuya na,” said Marcos in an ambush...

Major earthquake strikes close Australian neighbour

A major earthquake has triggered chaos in Vanuatu, one of the small islands neighbouring Australia.

Putin's latest plan to kill Zelensky failed

China embassy’s ‘barking’ violates wiretapping law if claims true — Teodoro

LAOAG CITY, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday said he does not want to dignify China’s “barking” about the purported “new model” on Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal situation. However, if the Chinese embassy’s claim of holding audio evidence of the “new model” is true, Teodoro said its officials violated the country’s wiretapping law. The Republic Act 4200 prohibits recording any private conversation without the...

Bill seeking e-registration, voting for Filipinos overseas OK’d in 2nd reading

MANILA, Philippines — A bill that seeks to allow Filipinos staying overseas to register as voters and ultimately, cast their vote electronically has been approved on second reading at the House of Representatives. During the session on Wednesday, House Bill (HB) No. 10178 which proposes amendments to Republic Act No. 9189 or the Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003 was approved on second reading via viva voce or voice voting. If approved by...

Chinese ships left after PCG radio challenge off Batanes

LAOAG CITY, Philippines — Two Chinese ships left the vicinity waters off Batanes recently following the radio challenge of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in an unusual move seen by a maritime security expert as a way for Beijing to test Manila’s “strategic patience.” On Wednesday, the PCG said that around 10:45 a.m. on May 1, the BRP Melchora Aquino spotted a People’s Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN) vessel of China and two other Chinese-flagged...

Filipino X (Twitter) user criticizes activism in the Philippines, sparks online debate

Due to the recent events brought about by Labor Day, talks of socio-economic issues, activism, and politics have taken over social media. Many Filipinos called out those who feel indifference toward what is going on in the country to touch some grass. A user took to X (formerly known as Twitter) his thoughts on how politics is associated with statistics, stating success often depends on having sufficient support, whether it’s for boycotts or...

Filipino visual artist, journalist among the finalists for this year’s Pulitzer Prize

The Pulitzer Prize is one of the most prestigious awards that can be given to a distinguished work. It is awarded by Columbia University to acknowledge achievements in journalism, literature, and public service, among others. In 2024, the Philippine flag was raised proudly by visual artist Ren Galeno and journalist Nicole Dunga. Nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in Illustrated Reporting and Commentary, “Searching For Maura (Paghahanap Kay Maura)”...

How they celebrated VE Day, almost 80 years ago

Victory in Europe Day, or VE Day, marks the formal acceptance by the Allies of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces on May 8, 1945. On that day almost 90 ago, grand celebrations took place in Britain, France, the United States, and other countries as nearly six years of war ended. The numbers of those who took part in the festivities are fast dwindling. Fortunately, a comprehensive photographic record exists of that momentous occasion, images that capture the overwhelming joy, delight, and relief on that extraordinary day. Click through the following gallery and relive VE Day, when the war in Europe ended.

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...

Ukraine responds to Russia adding Zelensky to its wanted list

Britain cracking down on Russian spies as 'Putin's Palace' shut down

James Cleverly unveiled plans to 'target and dismantle Russian intelligence gathering operations' in what may be one of the most significant steps of its kind since the end of the Cold War.

Putin sends assassins to eliminate Zelensky

The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has announced the arrest of 2 agents accused of involvement in a Russian-coordinated plot to assassinate President Volodymyr Zelensky and other senior officials. The SBU has dismantled a network of Russian FSB agents who planned to assassinate the Ukrainian president, the agency said in a statement. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) arrested two colonels of the State Protection Department for their alleged...

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...

Nursery worker treated baby who died 'no different'

Kate Roughley said she had thought about Genevieve Meehan "every day".

Britain and NATO allies must spend more, be tougher, UK's Cameron to say

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's foreign minister, David Cameron, will urge its fellow NATO members to meet their pledge to spend 2% of GDP on defence, and to be tougher and more assertive with adversaries, in a speech to be delivered on Thursday. In what is billed as his first major pronouncement as foreign secretary, Cameron will say NATO must "out-compete, out-cooperate and out-innovate", and that

North Korea's Kim expresses support for Putin in Victory Day message, KCNA says

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed "firm support and solidarity" for Russia in his congratulatory message to Russian President Vladimir Putin over Victory Day, which marks the 79th anniversary of the end of World War Two, state news KCNA agency said on Thursday. Russia on Thursday marks the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two as relations with

Russia's biggest airstrike in weeks piles pressure on Ukraine power grid

By Anastasiia Malenko and Pavel Polityuk KYIV (Reuters) -Russian missiles and drones struck nearly a dozen Ukrainian energy infrastructure facilities on Wednesday, causing serious damage at three Soviet-era thermal power plants and blackouts in multiple regions, officials said. Ukraine's air force said it shot down 39 of 55 missiles and 20 of 21 attack drones used for the attack, which piles

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,...

Some LGUs suspend face-to-face classes due to intense heat

MANILA, Philippines — Some local government units have suspended the face-to-face classes for Thursday, May 8 due to extreme heat. In separate advisories, the following areas announced the suspension of face-to-face classes and the shift to online or asynchronous mode: Pasay City – all level (public and private) Angeles City, Pampanga – all level (public and private) Santa Rosa, Laguna – elementary to high school, public (until May 10) Umingan,...

Hontiveros, Marcos on inviting Duterte to Senate probe on ‘pact’ with China

MANILA, Philippines — Should former President Rodrigo Duterte be invited once the Senate begins its investigation on his so-called gentleman’s agreement with China? Senator Risa Hontiveros said it would be up to the chair of the Senate committee on foreign relations on who to invite. “I can’t say that I want to see them, but the committee and the Senate’s job is to get information, as much as possible, straight from the horse’s mouth, so to...

'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.

Comelec close to registering 3M new voters

MANILA, Philippines — With still four months left before voter registration closes, the poll body is already close to achieving its goal of three million new voters for the 2025 midterm elections. In a data sent to reporters on Wednesday evening, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said that there are already 2,725,089 new voter registrants as of May 7. READ: Comelec expecting 3 million new voters ahead of 2025 polls The voter registration for...

Bato: I’m no destabilizer, not persecuting Marcos Jr.

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate probe on the leak of purported documents from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is not part of destabilization efforts against President Marcos, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa said yesterday. And despite being a party-mate of former president Rodrigo Duterte, Dela Rosa maintained that he is not in favor of calls to oust Marcos from office. In an interview with “Storycon” on One News, Dela Rosa described...

Supreme Court: Red-tagging threatens one’s right to life, security

MANILA CITY, Philippines — The practice of red-baiting or red-tagging is connected to the use of threats and intimidation, putting the labeled individual at risk of enforced disappearance or extrajudicial killing, the Supreme Court said Wednesday. In this situation, the Supreme Court said in a 39-page decision that a writ of amparo becomes necessary. A writ of amparo is a remedy available to any person whose right to life, liberty, and security...

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...

Five rescued after getting cut off on sandbank

The alarm was raised by a fisherman who reported that people were trapped, rescuers say.

Gov’t prepares briefer in case ICC issues warrant vs Duterte, others

MANILA CITY, Philippines—The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Solicitor General are preparing a legal briefer so President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. can weigh in on several options in case the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues a warrant against former President Rodrigo Duterte and several others. “The Department is now preparing a legal briefer for the President, which will describe to him yung mga options na available sa...

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...

Admin allies observe Trillanes’ ouster claims now sound like evidence

MANILA, Philippines — The speculations raised by former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV on a possible destabilization plot have started to appear as corroborating evidence if the actions of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s critics are considered, a lawmaker said on Wednesday. In a press briefing in Makati, 1-Rider party-list Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez said that while Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson Khonghun may have tagged Trillanes as a...

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...

Poe pushes bill that aims to purge electronic vote buying, selling

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe has filed a bill seeking to purge vote buying, specifically buying and selling of votes electronically. Poe’s Senate Bill No. 2664 was filed on Wednesday ahead of the 2025 midterm polls and in time for the 20th anniversary of the “Hello Garci” scandal. READ: WHAT WENT BEFORE: ‘Hello Garci scandal’ investigation To recall, the scandal involved a series of recorded phone calls between then presidential...

Hong Kong court bans protest anthem, says it can be used as weapon

By Jessie Pang HONG KONG (Reuters) -Hong Kong's Court of Appeal on Wednesday granted an application by the government to ban a protest anthem called "Glory to Hong Kong", overturning a lower court judgment that had rejected such a ban because of its possible "chilling effects" on free speech. The ruling comes amid what critics say is an erosion in Hong Kong's rule of law and individual rights

Man burned 'carpet of waste' at illegal site

Lawrence Crossling is fined £800 after teams saw 'multiple fires' on land in Shotton Colliery.

Philippines in position to seek 2nd arbitration, says think tank

HONOLULU, Hawaii —The Philippines has the advantage of seeking a second arbitration opposing China’s claims in the South China Sea, according to the Hawaii-based foreign policy think tank Pacific Forum. It should also rally its fellow claimant Vietnam to file a United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) violation case against Beijing, “I think that the Philippines is in a position where it should reintroduce something through...

Trucker acquitted in deadly crash asks for license back, but state says he contributed to accident

CONCORD (AP) — A commercial truck driver who was acquitted of causing the deaths of seven motorcyclists in New Hampshire testified at a hearing Wednesday on his request to reinstate his suspended license, while a lawyer for the state said he still played a role in the 2019 crash. A jury in 2022 found Volodymyr Zhukovskyy not guilty of multiple manslaughter and negligent homicide counts stemming from the collision in Randolph that killed seven...

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...

Hope dwindles in S.Africa two days after deadly building collapse

Rescuers raced against time to find more survivors amid the rubble of a deadly building collapse in South Africa on Wednesday, as search operations entered their third day. Operations were to enter the "body recovering" phase over the next day "as opposed to rescue", Van Wyk told national broadcaster SABC. Twenty-nine of the 75 workers who were at the site when the incident occurred have been pulled out of the rubble alive.

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...

Advancing in Ukraine, Russia to mark victory in World War Two

By Guy Faulconbridge MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia on Thursday marks the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two as relations with the West spiral deeper into crisis over the advance of Russian troops against Ukraine's Western-backed forces. Vladimir Putin, who rose to power just eight years after the Soviet Union broke up, will speak at the Victory Day parade on Red Square though

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...

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/...

MoD censured over soldier's 'preventable' death

Pte Conor McPherson was shot dead during a night-time training exercise in Northumberland in 2016.

Hontiveros: Could Bamban Mayor Guo be Chinese?

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday questioned the identity of Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, and went as far as to ask whether the local official was a Chinese citizen. At a news conference a day after a Senate inquiry on the raided Philippine offshore gaming operation (POGO) in Bamban, Hontiveros said Guo lied when the mayor denied any connection with Hongsheng Gaming Technology, Inc. "There were several questions where she lied. 'Yung...

Severe floods in Brazil kills at least 100 people and strands animals

Brazilian authorities confirmed Wednesday that 100 people have been confirmed dead and 128 are still missing due to the storm that flooded the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul last week,

Filipinos won’t benefit from plot to destabilize Marcos admin, solons say

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos have nothing to gain from the alleged destabilization plot against the Marcos administration as claimed by former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, several members of the House of Representatives said on Wednesday. 1-Rider party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez explained that there is a possibility that attempts to sow discord may be coming from outside the country – or something international “Perhaps we should look...