National

Trending:

Expel Chinese embassy execs over phone wiretap – Gibo

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. called on the Department of Foreign Affairs yesterday to investigate how unnamed people in the Chinese embassy in Manila allegedly recorded a supposed phone conversation between a Chinese diplomat and a top Armed Forces official discussing a so-called new model agreement on rotation and resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea last January. He said if proven true,...

2024-05-08T16:35:23Z

Landlord found guilty of sexual offences

A man has used his position as a landlord to prey on vulnerable women.

2024-05-08T14:45:50Z

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.

2024-05-08T17:01:26Z

Marcos’ Partido Federal, Lakas-CMD forge alliance for 2025 elections

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s Partido Federal ng Pilipinas and Speaker Martin Romualdez’ Lakas-CMD political parties sign an agreement on Wednesday, May 8, formalizing an alliance for the 2025 midterm elections. Full story: https://www.rappler.com/philippines/marcos-partido-federal-pilipinas-lakas-cmd-forge-alliance-2025-midterms/

2024-05-08T16:24:42Z

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...

2024-05-08T16:11:20Z

Arrests after gates damaged at drone factory protest

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

2024-05-08T15:00:43Z

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...

2024-05-08T12:48:11Z

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...

2024-05-08T06:48:17Z

Ask Duterte to ‘gentleman’s agreement’ probe? Best to get info from horse’s mouth, says Risa

For Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, it would be best to hear from Rodrigo Duterte himself about the supposed "gentleman's agreement" allegedly brokered by the former president with China. The lawmaker, who has sought a Senate inquiry into the matter, was asked in a press conference if the former president should be invited as a resource person in the hearing. "Hindi ko naman masabing gusto ko silang makita, pero ang trabaho po ng...

2024-05-08T11:04:48Z

PFP, Lakas-CMD alliance is ‘the most powerful political force’ – Romualdez

MANILA, Philippines — Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD) President and House Speaker Martin Romualdez called their political party’s new alliance with the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) “the most powerful political force” in the country. PFP — led by Romualdez’s cousin, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.— consists of a sizable number of local leaders in its party. Lakad-CMD, on the other hand, comprises one-third of the members of the House...

2024-05-08T07:33:22Z

Philippine military chief accuses China of 'malign influence effort'

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines' military chief accused China of a "malign influence effort" on Wednesday, after a local newspaper reported a Filipino vice admiral had made a deal with Beijing to de-escalate tensions in the South China Sea. The Manila Times published what it said was a transcript of a phone conversation during which it said a Philippine admiral had agreed to China's proposal

2024-05-08T15:45:17Z

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...

2024-05-08T08:22:25Z

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...

2024-05-08T06:21:59Z

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...

2024-05-08T10:03:46Z

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

2024-05-08T16:50:28Z

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...

2024-05-08T16:17:29Z

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.

2024-05-08T13:23:07Z

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...

2024-05-08T13:00:06Z

Man guilty of manslaughter over cyclist's death

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

2024-05-08T16:30:52Z

Cop chief in P9.6 billion drug haul transferred

MANILA, Philippines — The police official behind the confiscation of 1.4 tons of shabu valued at P9.68 billion in Alitagtag, Batangas last month has been transferred to another post. Maj. Luis de Luna Jr., former Alitagtag police chief, was reassigned to protect him from drug syndicates involved in smuggling large quantities of shabu into the country, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil. “We have to...

2024-05-08T16:35:24Z

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...

2024-05-08T17:05:50Z

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...

2024-05-08T08:03:28Z

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...

2024-05-08T16:35:25Z

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...

2024-05-08T16:35:22Z

Malawians who abandoned Israeli farms deported

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

2024-05-08T17:10:01Z

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

2024-05-08T13:06:32Z

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...

2024-05-08T16:35:20Z

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...

2024-05-08T16:35:25Z

More schools targeted by paint scammer

At least seven further schools have reported being approached by a fake workman.

2024-05-08T17:45:49Z

No winners of Grand Lotto 6/55, Megalotto 6/45 on Wednesday, May 8, 2024

There were no winners of either of the big lotto draws held on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. No one hit the right combinations for the Grand Lotto 6/55 or the Megalotto 6/45, drawn by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). The winning numbers for the Grand Lotto 6/55 were 01-39-28-20-07-27. The jackpot is at P39,164,426.00. The winning numbers for Megalotto 6/45 were 04-39-14-20-28-41. The prize is now at P25,542,939.80. There were,...

2024-05-08T18:00:40Z

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...

2024-05-08T07:03:17Z

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...

2024-05-08T18:06:43Z

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.

2024-05-08T15:15:46Z

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.

2024-05-08T16:25:31Z

Teodoro: DFA to probe recorded phone call between Chinese diplomat, PH military official

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will take the lead in investigating the veracity of the alleged recorded conversation between a Chinese diplomat and a Filipino military general regarding the supposed agreement on a “new model” in the conduct of resupply missions for soldiers assigned at the Ayungin Shoal, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said on Wednesday, May 8. READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/8/teodoro-dfa-to-probe-into-recorded-phone-call-between-chinese-diplomat-ph-military-official Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletin Visit our website at http://mb.com.ph Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletin Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/manila_bulletin Instagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletin Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin #ManilaBulletinOnline #ManilaBulletin #LatestNews

2024-05-08T15:29:05Z

Abalos denies destabilization plot vs Marcos admin

MANILA, Philippines — “Walang (No) credible threat as of now.” Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. made the statement on Wednesday to dismiss reports of an alleged destabilization plot against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration. In a radio interview, Abalos said he was surprised to learn about the alleged destabilization move, adding that the President has the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) “solid” support. READ:...

2024-05-08T06:48:35Z

Quiboloy camp surrenders 5 guns

MANILA, Philippines — The camp of fugitive Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy has surrendered five of the 19 firearms registered under his name. Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said Quiboloy’s representatives turned over four handguns and a long firearm. “Iba-ibang kalibre ito... Sana itong gesture na ito na pakikiisa sa batas ay tuloy-tuloy na,” Abalos said in an interview at Camp Crame. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen....

2024-05-08T16:35:23Z

Men robbed after talking to woman online

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

2024-05-08T14:30:48Z

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...

2024-05-08T08:07:21Z

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...

2024-05-08T07:07:07Z

Ombudsman suspends Cebu City Mayor Rama

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered a six-month preventive suspension of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and seven other city government officials in connection with the administrative cases they are facing for the alleged illegal reassignment and withholding of salaries of four city hall employees. In a 10-page order approved by Ombudsman Samuel Martires on Tuesday, the anti-graft agency said it found sufficient grounds...

2024-05-08T16:35:26Z

Marcos touts release of COVID-19 frontliners’ emergency allowance

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos highlighted the distribution of the bulk of the pandemic emergency allowance to frontliners in his message for Health Workers’ Day, assuring members of the sector that the government values their service to the nation. “Consistent with our promise, the administration has distributed P59.8 billion or 78.92 percent of the COVID health emergency allowance for our hero frontliners,” Marcos said in a Facebook...

2024-05-08T16:35:21Z

Cyclist, 37, dies following crash with car

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

2024-05-08T14:45:54Z

UP Mindanao to offer medicine program in 2025

The University of the Philippines (UP) Mindanao announced on Tuesday that it would open its medical school in 2025. With this development, UP will be the first state university to offer a Doctor of Medicine program in Davao City. UP ranked in the 401–450 bracket in the life sciences and medicine area in the latest Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings by Subject. Aside from the medicine program, the university would also add programs in...

2024-05-08T14:06:22Z

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.

2024-05-08T15:06:55Z

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...

2024-05-08T16:32:12Z

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...

2024-05-08T16:35:25Z

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...

2024-05-08T16:35:27Z

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...

2024-05-08T16:35:23Z

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...

2024-05-08T06:52:03Z