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Laguna solon calls for probe into local police leadership

MANILA, Philippines — San Pedro City (Laguna) 1st Dist. Rep. Ann Matibag has called for a “comprehensive Congressional inquiry” into the local police leadership in every city and municipality, particularly the San Pedro City Police Force. In a statement on Wednesday, Matibag said that she fears the “anomalous assignments and unjust actions coming from a directive given to the police force in her city.” Matibag mentioned a series of “troubling...

Bombshell as Tory MP Natalie Elphicke defects to Labour

Tory MP Natalie Elphicke has defected to Labour, hitting out at the 'broken promises of Rishi Sunak 's tired and chaotic government'.

UK PM Sunak to call on university bosses to protect Jewish students

LONDON (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will call on university bosses at a meeting on Thursday to protect Jewish students, saying a vocal minority of those protesting on campuses were propagating harassment and antisemitic abuse. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT Pro-Palestinian student protests over the war in Gaza have become a flashpoint in the United States, where some demonstrations have

Pennsylvania man who pointed gun at pastor during sermon now charged with cousin's murder

Bernard Junior Polite is charged with his cousin's murder after pointing at gun at a pastor during a church service in North Braddock, Pennsylvania.

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...

Today's headlines: China's claims, massive gathering in BSP, Bianca Bustamante | The wRap | May 9, 2024

Here are today's headlines – the latest news in the Philippines and around the the world: - China ups ante, says it has audio recording of ‘new deal’ arrangement with PH Wescom chief - Marcos’ Partido Federal, Lakas-CMD forge alliance for 2025 elections - Finally, Supreme Court defines red-tagging as a threat - Hundreds flock to Bangko Sentral to claim ‘hidden wealth’ - Steadily improving, Bianca Bustamante earns maiden podium finish in 2024 F1 Academy https://www.rappler.com/video/daily-wrap/may-8-2024/

'Death of Zelensky was supposed to be gift for Putin's inauguration'

Vladimir Putin (71) took the oath of office as president of Russia on Tuesday. It marks the start of his fifth six-year term at the head of the Kremlin. In his speech, Putin emphasized that Russians as a "great and united people" would emerge stronger together from this "difficult period". "Together we overcome these obstacles (...), together we will overcome," the 71-year-old Russian politician said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky, for...

Ukraine responds to Russia adding Zelensky to its wanted list

'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.

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...

Malawians who abandoned Israeli farms deported

They went to Israel as part of a deal to provide agricultural workers after the 2023 Hamas attacks.

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,...

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...

Stowaway migrant risk on ferries sailing from British ports to Ireland

Undocumented asylum seekers are paying thousands of euros to enter the country via cruise ships from the UK, according to some of the new arrivals living in tents in Dublin.

Woman in critical condition after being hit by car

A man is arrested after a woman in her 40s suffers serious injuries in the collision.

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...

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

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...

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/...

Nursery worker treated baby who died 'no different'

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

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...

Senedd approves 'shameful' £120million Welsh Labour 'power grab'

The assembly in Cardiff tonight backed a proposal to increase membership from 60 to 96, an increase of more than 60 per cent.

Abalos says Northern Samar barangays now free from communists

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos on Wednesday said all barangays in Northern Samar are now free from guerilla fronts and communist groups. “These barangays are now CTG-influenced free, wala nang mga guerrilla fronts dito ayon sa Philippine Army (PA),” Abalos said in a press release, noting that the barangays no longer support communist groups. Abalos recently led the distribution of over P160,000 worth of livelihood and financial assistance...

Man burned 'carpet of waste' at illegal site

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

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...

Dela Rosa warns Trillanes: Ex-PNP chief tagged in ‘ouster plot’ might beat you up

MANILA, Philippines — Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has been warned after linking a former police chief in an alleged plot to oust President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. “Sabihan mo si Trillanes na yung former PNP chief na kinausap nya, baka mabugbog pa sya noong former PNP chief na yun. Galit na galit sa kanya,” Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said in an interview over ANC’s Headstart on Wednesday. (Tell Trillanes that the former PNP...

National Museum, Cebu archdiocese to discuss terms of return of Boljoon church panels

The National Museum of the Philippines (NMP) is set to discuss with Cebu church officials the conditions that would be included in an agreement on the return of the panels of Boljoon church. "The Board of Trustees of the National Museum of the Philippines, in its regular meeting held today in Manila, approved a set of recommendations with the objective of returning the Panels to the pulpit of Boljoon church subject to certain terms which are...

Man guilty of manslaughter over cyclist's death

Ryan Willicombe was found guilty of the manslaughter of Sheldon Lewcock, but was cleared of murder.

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...

Russia unleashes ‘massive’ barrage targeting Ukraine energy infrastructure

Ukraine continues to call for more weapons as Russia seeks to batter industry and resistance.

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...

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...

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)”...

Jersey road opens 17 months after fatal explosion

The section of Pier Road had been closed since the blast in Jersey on 10 December 2022.

Russia ramps up attacks on Ukraine’s power plants

BBC Verify has been tracking Russia's attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

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...

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...

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...

Russia slams British claims it was involved in London 'arson attack'

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the accusation that her country was involved was part of an information war against Moscow amdi Putin's on-going war in Ukraine.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...