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MRT-7 construction suffers another delay

MANILA, Philippines — The Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) is facing right of way (ROW) troubles in its Bulacan leg, causing another round of delay in the construction, the completion of which is now expected by 2027 at the earliest. Thus, there is now the possibility that San Miguel Corp. (SMC), the developer of MRT-7, may realign the Bulacan segment of the railway upon the request of the local government of San Jose del Monte. Last week,...

2024-05-19T16:44:33Z

Time capsule opened as old village hall demolished

The old village hall was demolished to make way for HS2, but the time capsule was rescued.

2024-05-19T18:25:27Z

US to complete withdrawal from Niger by Sept. 15

NIAMEY/WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Niger and the United States have reached an agreement on the withdrawal of American troops from the West African country, a process that has already begun and will be finished by Sept. 15, they said in a joint statement. Niger's ruling junta last month told the U.S. to withdraw its nearly 1,000 military personnel from the country. Until a coup last year Niger had been

2024-05-19T21:12:21Z

Powerball winning numbers for May 18 drawing: Jackpot rises to $88 million

Powerball jackpot rises to $78 million for Saturday night's drawing. Check here to see if you have the winning ticket.

2024-05-19T01:06:46Z

MIAA gives red lightning alert Sunday, suspends NAIA flights, ground ops

MANILA, Philippines — Flight and ground operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City were temporarily suspended on Sunday afternoon due to a red lightning alert. “The MIAA Airport Ground Operations and Safety Division (AGOSD) has issued a Red Lightning alert at 1404H / 2:04 PM. Flight and ground operations are temporarily suspended,” said the Manila International Airport Authority in an advisory. A red lighting Alert is a...

2024-05-19T08:07:15Z

Israel seeks bipartisan US support against establishment of a Palestinian state

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel called for bipartisan support on Sunday from the United States against the establishment of a Palestinian state, which it said would be a reward for Hamas and its backer Iran. European Union members including Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and Malta have said they could recognise a Palestinian state this month, seeing a two-state solution as essential for lasting peace.

2024-05-19T17:31:30Z

US troops to leave Niger by mid-September

The US says its soldiers will be out by 15 September, after the junta-led government asked them to leave.

2024-05-19T18:10:19Z

Tingog tops party-list survey

MANILA, Philippines — The lawmakers of Tingog party-list are the top performing party-list representatives in the country, based on a survey by the RP-Mission and Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD). Tingog Representatives Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre had a performance rating of 90.3 percent in the survey conducted from March 18 to 24. "We are deeply honored and humbled by this acknowledgment, which underscores our unwavering commitment...

2024-05-19T11:59:00Z

Hontiveros: PH may be forced to sue China due to new rule vs trespassers

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines may be forced to sue China if it pushes through with its new rule of detaining foreigners deemed “illegally crossing” its borders without trial, Senator Risa Hontiveros said. “Should Beijing dare push through with this illegitimate regulation, the Philippines’ hand may be forced to sue them again in the Hague Tribunal,” the senator said in a statement on Saturday. READ: China Coast Guard: We can detain...

2024-05-19T04:45:30Z

Dead Olive Ridley sea turtle found in Quezon

LUCENA CITY — An Olive Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), locally known as “pawikan,” was found dead along the coast of Tayabas Bay in Agdangan, Quezon on Friday, May 17. “The marine turtle had wounds around the neck area, signs of another victim of stationary fish traps sunk into the bottom of the bay,” Jay Lim, project officer of Tanggol Kalikasan (TK), a public interest law office that advocates environmental protection, posted on his...

2024-05-19T04:51:43Z

‘Malice should not undermine the system, social order,’ says HYBE’s Bang

In a petition filed with the court Friday, HYBE chairman Bang Si-hyuk made public for the first time his stance on the ongoing feud over ADOR CEO Min Hee-jin’s alleged breach of trust. The Seoul Central District Court on Friday, May 17, convened a hearing on the preliminary injunction filed by Min against HYBE to prohibit the parent company from exercising voting rights in favor of a proposal to dismiss her at an extraordinary shareholders’...

2024-05-19T08:19:26Z

Taiwan swears in new president as China pressure grows

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. The inauguration ceremony will begin at 09:00 am (0100 GMT) at the Japanese colonial-era Presidential Office Building in Taipei, where Lai and his vice president-elect Hsiao Bi-khim will be sworn into office.

2024-05-19T21:12:25Z

Man dies after car enters water at Buncrana pier

Emergency services were alerted at 07:30 local time on Sunday and the body of a man in his 80s was recovered from the car.

2024-05-19T17:25:10Z

Man charged with firearms offences after crash

A teenager, who was injured in the Balsall Heath, has also been arrested.

2024-05-19T11:24:08Z

Palace declares special holidays

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has declared May 21 a special non-working day in Malabon City for the commemoration of its 425th founding anniversary. It also declared May 30 a special non-working day in Escalante City, Negros Occidental for the celebration of the Manlambus Festival. The declaration of special holidays in the cities of Malabon and Escalante were specified in Proclamations 548 and 549, both signed by Executive Secretary Lucas...

2024-05-19T16:44:40Z

French forces clear New Caledonia roadblocks as official vows to end unrest

Dozens of barricades dismantled along key road linking airport to capital Noumea, French officials say.

2024-05-19T20:51:27Z

Pedestrian in critical condition after car crash

The man in his 60s was taken to hospital after a collision involving a Fiat Punto, police say.

2024-05-19T11:24:15Z

‘PFP-NPC alliance not marriage of convenience’

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos yesterday clarified that his party, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, and the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) merely formalized their alliance as both political parties have been helping each other for a long time. “What makes this alliance durable is (it) is a partnership of equals and one anchored on a set of principles. It is not a marriage of convenience as we often find in politics, but it is borne...

2024-05-19T16:44:23Z

Snatcher steals bag through car’s open window

Two men stole a bag from a moving car along the southbound C-5 Road in Taguig past 7 p.m. last week. In a report by Vonne Aquino on “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday, the snatchers were seen running through slow-moving traffic up to a white car. While one of them was seen running to the driver’s side, the other man went up to the passenger’s seat window, reached in and snatched the bag, then hastily fled. “Yung takbo lang nila kasi mabagal pa eh tapos...

2024-05-19T18:01:54Z

Georgia president vetoes controversial ‘foreign influence’ law

TBILISI — Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili on Saturday put a mostly symbolic veto on the “foreign influence” law which has sparked unprecedented protests and warnings from Brussels that the measure would undermine Tbilisi’s EU aspirations. Ruling Georgian Dream party lawmakers voted through the legislation this week in defiance of protesters concerned the ex-Soviet republic is shifting away from a pro-Western course back toward Russia. The...

2024-05-19T03:15:16Z

Over one million Filipinos get P3-B aid on Saturday

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, alongside President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., launched the Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) on Saturday, an initiative that will distribute P3 billion in cash aid to more than one million beneficiaries in a single day. The AKAP Program, spearheaded by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) under Secretary Rex Gatchalian, aims to provide immediate...

2024-05-19T05:49:54Z

Hundreds of Tunisian president's supporters protest against 'foreign interference'

TUNIS (Reuters) - Hundreds of people demonstrated in Tunis on Sunday in support of President Kais Saied amid widespread criticism at home and abroad after a wave of arrests that included journalists, activists and lawyers. The European Union, France and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed concern at the arrests and at a police raid on the headquarters of the bar association this

2024-05-19T17:51:48Z

Spain recalls ambassador after Argentina's Milei calls PM's wife 'corrupt'

MADRID (Reuters) - Spain recalled its ambassador to Buenos Aires for consultations on Sunday after Argentina's President Javier Milei made derogatory comments about Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's wife during a far-right rally in Madrid. Milei had called Sanchez's wife Begona Gomez "corrupt" during a rally in Madrid organised by the far-right Vox party and attended by many of its

2024-05-19T17:46:10Z

Pinoys to continue fishing in Panatag

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino fisherfolk will not be cowed and will continue to fish in Panatag Shoal despite China’s empowering of its coast guard to detain for 60 days without trial anyone or any vessel found trespassing in what it considers its territorial waters. In a radio interview at the weekend, New Masinloc Fishermen’s Association president Leonardo Cuaresma maintained that Panatag Shoal is part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic...

2024-05-19T16:44:25Z

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.

2024-05-19T20:14:40Z

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...

2024-05-19T11:50:53Z

No winners of Ultra Lotto 6/58, Superlotto 6/49 on Sunday, May 19, 2024

There were no winners of either of the big lotto draws held on Sunday, May 19. No one hit the right combinations for the Ultra Lotto 6/58 and the Superlotto 6/49, drawn by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). The winning numbers for the Ultra Lotto 6/58 were 02-56-44-24-27-40. The jackpot is at P49,500,000.00. The winning numbers for Superlotto 6/49 were 16-18-17-44-37-45. The prize is at P15,865,493.40. — BM, GMA Integrated News...

2024-05-19T16:01:26Z

Roads closed after two motorcycles crash

Police, ambulance and Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service are all in attendance.

2024-05-19T15:24:54Z

Protest continues vs crackdown on unconsolidated jeepneys

MANILA, Philippines — Protests will continue today amid the ongoing crackdown against colorum or unauthorized public utility jeepneys (PUJ), transport group Manibela said. Manibela chairman Mar Valbuena yesterday criticized the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for being selective in impounding PUJs that failed to consolidate. At least three PUJs were impounded on Friday. These were not part of Manibela and Pagkakaisa...

2024-05-19T16:44:26Z

Ombudsman suggests DILG file a complaint against Guo

After the Department of the Interior and Local Government recommended that the Office of the Ombudsman issue a preventive suspension order on Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, Ombudsman Samuel Martires said that the DILG had written to him, but what his office received was a fact-finding report which said nothing about what needed to be done. According to Jonathan Andal's Sunday 24 Oras Weekend report, Martires also said the copy of the DILG report they...

2024-05-19T14:01:06Z

Israeli army steps up attacks across Gaza as top US official visits Israel

Air and ground attacks kill dozens across besieged enclave as US adviser Jake Sullivan holds talks with Israeli leaders.

2024-05-19T19:42:28Z

DRC army says it stopped attempted coup involving US citizens

By Ange Kasongo and Sonia Rolley KINSHASA (Reuters) -The leader of an attempted coup on Sunday in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been killed and some 50 people including three American citizens arrested, a spokesman for the Central African country's army told Reuters. Gunfire rang out around 4 a.m. in the capital Kinshasa, a Reuters reporter said. Armed men attacked the presidency in

2024-05-19T19:02:00Z

Ukraine’s divisive mobilization law comes into force

KYIV, Ukraine — A divisive mobilization law in Ukraine came into force on Saturday, as Kyiv struggles to boost troop numbers after Russia launched a new offensive that some fear could close in on Ukraine’s second-largest city. The legislation, which was watered down from its original draft, will make it easier to identify every conscript in the country. It also provides incentives to soldiers, such as cash bonuses or money toward buying a house...

2024-05-19T04:15:27Z

Dominican Republic voters head to polls, incumbent Abinader the favorite

SANTO DOMINGO (Reuters) -Voters in the Dominican Republic head to the polls on Sunday to cast ballots for the next president and members of parliament in an election widely seen as a referendum on the hugely popular incumbent and anti-corruption crusader, Luis Abinader. Up to 8 million eligible voters will decide which candidate is best suited to take on the fallout from the humanitarian crisis

2024-05-19T18:01:34Z

Foreign students could be barred from taking 'low quality' courses

Rishi Sunak is considering the move amid concern that the so-called 'graduate route' is being exploited as a back door route to a new life in the UK.

2024-05-19T21:29:12Z

Cacdac, military officers to face CA

THE Commission on Appointments (CA) will hold on Tuesday separate confirmation hearings for Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac and 33 top military officers. Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel, an assistant minority leader of the commission, said that Cacdac will be vetted by the CA's Committee on Labor, Employment, Social Welfare and Migrant Workers chaired by Negros Occidental 6th District Rep. Mercedes Alvarez. President...

2024-05-19T16:14:49Z

Prayers and concern in Iran as Raisi's helicopter remains missing

Fear and worry weighed on Iran Sunday as the Islamic republic waited for news on the fate of President Ebrahim Raisi after his helicopter went missing in a foggy mountain area. Rumours and speculation quickly swirled around social media in Iran over the fate of Raisi and his companions.

2024-05-19T20:18:38Z

Eruption of Indonesia's Mt Ibu forces seven villages to evacuate

JAKARTA (Reuters) - A volcano on the remote Indonesian island of Halmahera has spectacularly erupted, spewing a grey ash cloud into the sky, and people from seven nearby villages have been evacuated, authorities said on Sunday. Mt. Ibu erupted on Saturday evening, sending ash 4 km (2.5 miles) high, as streaks of purple lightning flashed around its crater, according to information and images

2024-05-19T17:51:50Z

Tunisians protest as number of stranded in transit to Europe grows

JEBENIANA, Tunisia — Hundreds of Tunisians marched through the streets of Jebeniana on Saturday to protest the presence of sub-Saharan migrants who have found themselves stranded as the country ramps up border patrol efforts. Anti-migrant anger is mounting in impoverished towns like Jebeniana along the Tunisian coastline that have emerged as a launchpad for thousands of people hoping to reach Europe by boat. Chanting slogans to oppose settling...

2024-05-19T08:31:08Z

Over 300 Mangyan students benefit from OMCPC project

OCCIDENTAL Mindoro Consolidated Power Corp. (OMCPC) formally turned over the four makeshift classrooms and two units of complete solar systems to Taganop Elementary School on March 19, 2024. This was in response to the request for sponsorship by the teachers of the school, led by Gener Trabucon. This project was orchestrated by OMCPC Chief Operating Officer Calvin Luther Genotiva and supported by OMCPC President and Chief Executive Officer Luis...

2024-05-19T17:06:36Z

Audit of Kaliwa Dam project asked

A CONSUMER group wants Malacañang to do a full audit of the Kaliwa Dam project and hold accountable those behind the release of P1.828 billion in advance payments to the project's foreign contractor. The United Filipino Consumer and Commuters-Water for All Refund Movement (UFCC-WARM) also questioned the payments to the contractor, China Energy Engineering Corp. (CECC), of standby costs and other costs amounting to P309.840 million. The call was...

2024-05-19T16:14:49Z

BARMM political parties endorse Tan for chief minister

MANILA, Philippines — Warring political groups in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have set aside their differences to support a common candidate for chief minister in the BARMM elections in 2025. The four most influential political blocs in BARMM endorsed over the weekend as common bet for chief minister of the 80-member regional parliament Sulu Gov. Hadji Abdusakur Tan Sr. The four major political parties that make...

2024-05-19T11:44:00Z

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.

2024-05-19T20:06:24Z

HEADLINES: Chinese ships swarm Julian Felipe Reef | May 20, 2024

Good day. Here are the top stories of The Manila Times for Monday, May 20, 2024. Today's podcast is brought to you by Wilcon Depot, the Philippines' leading home improvement and construction supplies retailer -- your trusted building partner. READ: Chinese ships swarm Julian Felipe Reef CHINA is poised to take effective control of Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef, a large boomerang-shaped shallow coral reef that is within the Philippines' exclusive...

2024-05-19T17:43:42Z

2 cops allegedly serving as bodyguards of Chinese nat’l arrested after fight in posh subdivision

Two policemen supposedly deployed to Zamboanga who were instead serving as bodyguards to a Chinese national were arrested after an altercation inside an exclusive subdivision in Alabang, Muntinlupa City. According to police, the two suspects were members of the Philippine National Police- Special Action Force ( PNP-SAF) who admitted they were working as personal bodyguards of a Chinese national residing in a subdivision in the Ayala Alabang...

2024-05-19T13:01:04Z

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

2024-05-19T17:31:28Z

Why growing China-Russia military ties worry the west

For two years, Chinese backing for Russia's war in Ukraine has been western governments' biggest concern about the two countries' burgeoning relationship. But two weeks ago, US officials raised alarm over their co-operation in another key security theatre: the seas around Taiwan. "We see them, China and Russia, for the first time exercising together in relation to Taiwan," Avril Haines, director of national intelligence, told US lawmakers. "[We...

2024-05-19T16:15:37Z

Number of migrants arriving in UK in small boats nears 10,000 mark

Some 103 people came across in two boats yesterday, it has been revealed - bringing the total so far this year, not including Sunday's arrivals, to 9,803.

2024-05-19T12:43:05Z

France says will quell New Caledonia riots 'whatever the cost'

French forces smashed through dozens of barricades in a bid to retake the main road to New Caledonia's airport and a top official said Sunday that Paris would reclaim all of the Pacific territory from pro-independence militants "whatever the cost". Le Franc said security forces would now stage "harassment" raids to reclaim other parts of the territory held by pro-independence groups.

2024-05-19T11:15:46Z

Russian attacks on Ukraine’s Kharkiv region kill at least 11 people

Dozens of people also wounded, Ukrainian officials say, as Moscow continues offensive in Ukraine’s northeast.

2024-05-19T18:12:43Z