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Policy changes backed by legislature needed to transform gov’t – Marcos

MANILA, Philippines— President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said that policy changes are needed to transform the government. During the alliance signing of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) and Marcos’ Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) in Makati City, Marcos said that the executive branch would not be able to change everything on its own. “Kailangan palitan natin talaga ang patakbo ng pamahalaan. Kailangan natin palitan...

Go calls on govt to solve drug problem

SEN. Bong Go urged the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to continue the fight against illegal drugs to ensure a safer future for Filipinos."Whatever the approach or attack of the administration now, I support it as long as the important thing is to solve the problem of illegal drugs completely," said Go, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, during a committee hearing on Tuesday.The Senate...

Korea mulls $3 billion financing facility

MANILA, Philippines — The Korean government is looking at establishing a $3-billion funding facility for the Philippines to finance various projects. Finance Secretary Ralph Recto recently met with Ambassador of Korea Lee Sang-hwa to strengthen economic and investment cooperation between the two countries. In particular, Korea plans to establish a $3 billion Economic Development Promotion Facility (EDPF) through the Export-Import Bank of Korea...

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...

Finally, Supreme Court defines red-tagging as a threat

The Supreme Court finally defines red-tagging. This was the first time that a Philippine court has explicitly defined red-tagging – providing a legal basis for individuals who will challenge the act. Full story: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/supreme-court-defines-red-tagging-as-threat/

Arrests after gates damaged at drone factory protest

Seven people are detained after a van damages gates and protesters climb onto the factory roof.

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...

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...

Kamuning Bakery donates classroom building to Calasiao elementary school

KAMUNING Bakery Cafe (KBC) owner and noted media practitioner Wilson Lee Flores handed over the keys to a brand-new four-classroom public school building to Dinalaoan Elementary School in Barangay Dinalaoan, Calasiao City, Pangasinan, on May 3. The donation underscores KBC's unwavering dedication to education and community enrichment, made possible through a fruitful partnership with the "Operation Barrio Schools" civic initiative spearheaded by...

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...

Migrant charity defies Italy over surveillance plane restrictions

ROME (Reuters) - A German rescue charity on Wednesday launched a fresh aerial surveillance mission from Italy to track down migrant boats in difficulty in the central Mediterranean, defying restrictions by Italian authorities. The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) this week said it was banning small planes used by migrant charities from airports on the islands of Sicily, Pantelleria and

7 BuCor officers axed over NBP strip searches

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) yesterday relieved seven officers who are under investigation for conducting strip cavity searches on female visitors of inmates at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa. The Department of Justice (DOJ), which supervises the BuCor, has ordered an investigation into the allegations of “abusive” strip searches by prison guards. Acting NBP Superintendent Ruben Formoso signed the order for...

Amsterdam police break up pro-Palestinian student protest

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -Dutch riot police broke up a pro-Palestinian protest at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) on Wednesday, battling demonstrators who had vowed to stay put until the institution severed all ties with Israel. Protesters on barricades made of desks, fences, wooden pallets and bricks used fire extinguishers to keep the police at bay, images on the local TV station AT5 showed.

DepEd to shorten next school year by 15 days

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) will cut the prescribed minimum of 180 school days for the coming school year 2024-2025 by 15 days to ensure that students and teachers are not in classrooms during extreme summer heat by April and May 2025. DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas said the agency plans to start SY 2024-2025 on July 29 and end it on March 31, 2025, with 165 school days or 15 days short of the 180 to 220...

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...

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/

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...

House panel OKs P89 billion for seniors’ universal social pension

MANILA, Philippines — A universal social pension measure has gained a foothold after a House of Representatives committee yesterday approved the budget allocation for the benefit. The proposed measure would include all senior citizens nationwide, not just indigents, in the current social pension program. Some P89 billion in the annual budget was earmarked by the House committee on appropriations. “We have been pushing for the universal social...

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...

Cops tagged in PNP exec’s slay positive for gunpowder

MANILA, Philippines — The two police officers tagged in the killing of a police official in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte early this month have tested positive for gunpowder, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday. M/Sgts. Aladdin Ramalan and Shariff Balading had traces of gunpowder on their hands, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said, citing paraffin test results. Capt. Roland Moralde, an administrative officer of the...

Marcos oversees PFP, Lakas-CMD alliance

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday oversaw the signing of an alliance between his political party, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), and the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD). READ: PFP not aiming to dominate political arena, unity is still key – Marcos Lakas-CMD is the largest faction in the House of Representatives, with 100 members out of the 300-strong lower chamber. On the other hand, PFP boasts a...

Wife of detained foreigner nabbed for alleged extortion

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Anti-Organized and Transnational Crime Division arrested the wife of a detained Cameroon national after allegedly extorting money from a relative of another detainee in exchange for the latter's release. According to a "24 Oras" report by John Consulta on Wednesday, the suspect was caught after receiving a bag with P1 million marked money in an entrapment operation in Parañaque. Based on the report, the...

Murderer's release rejected days before death

Victor Farrant was given a whole-life sentence for the murder of Glenda Hoskins in 1996.

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.

PM 'deeply concerned' about a full military incursion into Rafah

The Prime Minister says he is 'deeply concerned' about a full Israeli military incursion into Rafah. Rishi Sunak also clarifies that the United Kingdom 'does not directly provide or ship arms' to Israel.

Iranian Filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison and Flogging, Lawyer Says

Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof has been sentenced to eight years in prison, according to his lawyer. In a post on X, the filmmaker’s lawyer Babak Paknia wrote that Iran’s Islamic Revolution Court sentenced Rasoulof to eight years of imprisonment, flogging, a fine and confiscation of property. The judgment was confirmed in a Court of Appeal […]

Filipinos want military action to resolve sea row

(UPDATE) SEVEN out of 10 Filipinos favor military action and diplomacy in resolving the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue, an OCTA Research survey said. Results of the first quarter Tugon ng Masa survey conducted from March 11–14, 2024 showed that 73 percent of respondents wanted the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to expand naval patrols and troop presence in the disputed waters. Seventy-two percent said they wanted the dispute...

'Significant arrest' after chop shop inquiry raid

West Midlands Police carried out two raids on Wednesday, in relation to suspected "car cannibalism."

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...

Armed police seen in hospital after stabbing

A man in his 30s was rushed to Royal Berkshire Hospital with stab wounds.

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...

Britain to expel Russian spy amid new fears over Kremlin espionage

James Cleverly told MPs that an 'undeclared' Russian military intelligence officer had been posing as Moscow 's defence attaché and had been told to leave the country.

Malaysia plans to introduce ‘orangutan diplomacy’–minister

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia intends to gift orangutans to palm oil-purchasing countries as part of an initiative similar to China’s panda diplomacy, the commodities minister said on Wednesday. Johari Abdul Ghani said the “orangutan diplomacy” strategy would gift the endangered great apes to palm oil trading nations, especially major importing territories like the EU and India. Orangutans are critically endangered, according to the WWF, with habitat...

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.

Spanish minister's letters to firms in Israel drive wedge in ruling coalition

MADRID (Reuters) - The Spanish government has distanced itself from letters written by a minister from the left-wing junior coalition partner urging Spanish companies in Israel to ensure they did not abet human rights violations against Palestinians. The disavowals underscored the differences between the two partners in their approach to the war in Gaza. The centre-left Socialist Party led by

Bataan lotto player wins P51.9 million jackpot

MANILA, Philippines — A lotto player in Bataan won the jackpot in the Super Lotto 6/49 drawn on Tuesday night. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office said the bettor guessed the winning numbers 40-18-07-06-24-27, which had a total jackpot of P51,964,353.60. The ticket was bought from a lotto outlet in Balanga. Fifteen other lotto players won P50,000 each for hitting five of the winning numbers. The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion or...

Cyclist, 37, dies following crash with car

The police say officers are supporting the cyclist's family and are asking witnesses to come forward.

Man on bike with machete spotted by police drone

A PCSO saw the man and was able to monitor him before officers arrived, police say.

Taiwan offers STEM scholarships to PH students

MORE than 2,000 students and officials from various schools in Luzon trooped to the SMX Convention Center Manila in Pasay City recently to check on available scholarships offered by 15 Taiwanese universities. Spearheaded by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), the Taiwan Ministry of Education (MOE), and the International Talent Circulation (Intact) Base Taiwan-Philippines, the academic program for Filipino students and professionals...

Truth of China's 'new model' claims must be laid bare

ON Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in Manila presented what it claimed was a recording of a telephone conversation between an unidentified embassy official and Western Command (Wescom) chief Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos, wherein the latter purportedly agreed to China's "new model" for operations to supply the Philippine outpost on Ayungin Shoal, and confirmed that Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, and Armed...

48 hours waiting time? Senators seek better port access for PH Navy ships

MANILA, Philippines — Making the Philippine Navy vessels wait up to 48 hours before allowing access to the country’s seaports is “unacceptable” and “alarming” for some senators. According to Senator Robin Padilla, naval vessels need to wait four to 48 hours before being given access to ports. It also is up to the private sector, he said, to determine how long they can stay. “Ang resulta po nito: mga delays sa kanilang mga misyon dahil sa tagal...

Ailing Cuban migrants rescued after weeks at sea

CIUDAD VICTORIA, Mexico — Four emaciated and dehydrated migrants were rescued by Mexican fishermen more than a month after leaving Cuba on a flimsy raft with several others who died at sea, authorities said. Two of the survivors remained hospitalized Tuesday in Mexico’s northeastern state of Tamaulipas due to what immigration authorities called “severe dehydration.” According to testimonies given to Mexican officials and a Cuban diplomat, who...

Ukraine responds to Russia adding Zelensky to its wanted list

Russian court says US soldier charged with theft causing 'significant' damage

MOSCOW (Reuters) - U.S. soldier Gordon Black, who has been detained the Russian city of Vladivostok until July 2, has been charged with theft causing significant damage, a Russian court said. The detention of Black, who the Pentagon said travelled to Russia without authorization, presents yet another diplomatic headache for the United States, which has warned U.S. citizens against all travel to

Men robbed after talking to woman online

Police say the two victims were confronted by a man with a baseball bat and robbed.

Kagame critic Rwigara unveils election bid

Diane Rwigara, a vehement critic of Rwanda's iron-fisted President Paul Kagame, announced Wednesday she planned to run against him in this year's elections. Join me as I run for President," Rwigara posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Sunak handing migrants a 'Tory amnesty', says Starmer as MP defects to Labour

The Government is handing migrants a "Tory amnesty", Sir Keir Starmer said as a Conservative MP defected to Labour while criticising Rishi Sunak's attempts to tackle small boats crossings.

Killer's sentence should include jail, court told

Valdo Calocane was given a hospital order after admitting manslaughter by diminished responsibility.

Hong Kong court bans protest song ‘Glory to Hong Kong’

HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s appeal court on Wednesday banned “Glory to Hong Kong,” a protest song that emerged during the city’s massive democracy demonstrations in 2019. Penned anonymously, its lyrics include the slogan “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times”, and the song has been all but illegal to sing or play it since authorities crushed the protests and Beijing imposed a national security law quelling dissent in 2020. Wednesday’s...

Egypt probes shooting of Israeli-Canadian man

A group claiming responsibility for the attack says it was in response to Israel's actions in Gaza.