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Speaker Romualdez seeks probe on POGO-linked crime

Speaker Martin Romualdez on Friday called for a congressional probe on crimes linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). Romualdez, in a statement, said a House probe shows the government's commitment to curbing illegal activities and ensuring that existing regulations are effectively enforced. “We cannot allow these rogue POGO operators to persist. It is imperative that we identify and unmask the masterminds and protectors behind...

Wales elects its first MP of colour

History is made as Labour's Kanishka Narayan becomes the first MP of colour in Wales.

Marcos to issue EO on enforcing nomad visas without tax incentives

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. is set to issue an executive order that will enforce nomad visas immediately without tax incentives. During the meeting with the Private Sector Advisory Council for Tourism (PSAC-Tourism), the group recommended the issuance of an EO that will implement nomad visas immediately without tax incentives, which can be added once a related bill is passed. Marcos supported the interim solution and has tasked...

UK PM Sunak concedes election defeat, says Labour has won

LONDON (Reuters) -British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conceded defeat in the national election on Friday, saying the opposition Labour Party had won. "The Labour Party has won this general election and I have called Sir Keir Starmer to congratulate him on his victory," Sunak said after winning his parliamentary seat in northern England. "Today, power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly

Marcos: K to 12 program didn't improve employability of graduates

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Friday that the K to 12 program was unable to achieve its goal of raising the employability of graduates in the Philippines. Marcos said he discussed the program with incoming Education secretary Sonny Angara, noting that they were looking into having short courses to improve graduates' employability. "There are two elements we paid attention to specifically... No. 1, ginawa natin 'yung K to 12...

'We did it!' Jubilant Keir says 'change begins now' at victory party

Keir Starmer boasted 'we did it' today after Rishi Sunak conceded he has lost the election - and said 'sorry' to vanquished Tories. Sir Keir trumpeted his victory at a rally in central London after the party formally crested the 325 seats needed.

Find out who Vladimir Putin really is

As the world reacts in horror and disbelief to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the man who ordered the military attack, President Vladimir Putin, is being widely condemned for what's been described as a dangerous and unprovoked act of aggression. But who is this man from Leningrad who grew up to become one of the most powerful men in recent history? Click through and find out more about Vladimir Putin's life and career.

Pangasinan-Nueva Vizcaya row over village still raging

SAN NICOLAS, PANGASINAN — Firmly asserting its territorial jurisdiction over Malico against claims made by Nueva Vizcaya, the Pangasinan provincial government allocated P200 million worth of projects and services to this town which will benefit the mountain village. “We know there is a dispute over this territory. If Nueva Vizcaya claims it is theirs, we respect their point of view. My question is, do Malico residents believe it is part of...

PNP to adjust checkpoint ops amid ‘discrimination’ vs motorcycles

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said it will change its approach in conducting checkpoint operations amid the supposed discrimination against motorcycle riders. “Ito po kasi naging stigma 'yung dati na riding-in-tandem. So kaya po nagiging ano kasi wala naman pong riding-in-tandem in vehicles e. So ito po yung nangyari,” PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil said in an ambush interview during a shootfest in Camp Karingal. (This...

UK left-wing maverick Galloway loses his parliamentary seat

LONDON (Reuters) - Veteran left-wing political maverick George Galloway lost his parliamentary seat in Britain's election on Friday, defeated by the Labour candidate in the northern English town of Rochdale. Galloway had served for just four months after winning a by-election triggered by the death of the town's previous lawmaker. Back in March, Galloway's pro-Palestinian campaign helped him win

Migrants face 'unimaginable horrors' crossing Africa says UN

Refugees and migrants face extreme violence, abuse and exploitation on land routes crossing Africa to get to the Mediterranean, with far more believed to be dying there than at sea, a UN-backed report said Friday. Despite the "unimaginable horrors people face in some countries along the route", the report highlighted an increase in the number of people attempting the perilous land crossings.

PCG challenges China's 'monster ship' anchored off Escoda Shoal

The Philippine Coast Guard says it challenged China's "monster ship" at Escoda Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

Philippines turned down US help amid South China Sea tensions — AFP chief

MANILA —The Philippines has turned down offers from the United States to assist operations in the South China Sea, after a flare-up with China over missions to resupply Filipino troops on a contested shoal, its military chief said. Tensions in the disputed waterway have boiled over into violence in the past year, with a Filipino sailor losing […]

Post-communist generation is hoping for a new era of democracy in Mongolia

ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia (AP) — Tsenguun Saruulsaikhan, a young and newly minted member of Mongolia's parliament, is unhappy with below-cost electricity rates that she says show her country has yet to fully shake off its socialist past. Most of Mongolia’s power plants date from the Soviet era and outages are common in some areas. Heavy smog envelops the capital Ulaanbaata r in the winter because many people still burn coal to heat their homes....

Cebu Daily Newscast: China hypersonic missile attack: 25 areas in PH possible targets

Listen to Cebu Daily Newscast and get the latest stories in and around Cebu. Here’s what you need to know on Thursday, July 4, 2024. China hypersonic missile attack: 25 areas in PH possible targets 25 areas in the country could be possible targets of hypersonic missile attack from China according to Senator Imee Marcos as she warned about this due to the increase in Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) sites and the brewing tensions in...

Michelle Troconis, convicted for helping her boyfriend murder his wife, claims to be a ‘scapegoat’

Kinshasa, a megacity of traffic jams, potholes, transit chaos

Cable car, urban rail link or ring road -- Kinshasa has big plans for alleviating its traffic chaos but for now, travelling into the megacity remains a daily headache for millions of people. The cable car could provide a "small solution" to the city's traffic woes, Ndaka added -- but there is still one problem with the idea.

Russia jails US citizen Robert Woodland for 12-1/2 years in drug trafficking case

MOSCOW (Reuters) - A Russian court on Thursday sentenced U.S. citizen Robert Romanov Woodland to 12-1/2 years in a maximum security penal colony after finding him guilty of attempting to sell drugs, Woodland's lawyer and Moscow prosecutors said. Stanislav Kshevitsky, his lawyer, told Reuters that Woodland, who was detained in Russia in early January, had partially admitted his guilt. Video

Japan, Philippines defense pact negotiations nearing conclusion, ambassador says

MANILA — Negotiations between Japan and the Philippines for a Reciprocal Access Agreement on defense and security are close to conclusion, Tokyo’s ambassador to Manila said on Thursday. The role of the Philippines in maintaining regional stability and security was undoubtedly important, ambassador Kazuya Endo said in a speech. A significant development can be expected on defense […]

Former UK PM Liz Truss loses her seat at election

LONDON (Reuters) - Former British prime minister Liz Truss, who became the country's shortest-serving leader ever when she sparked a bond market meltdown and a collapse in sterling, lost her parliamentary seat in the election on Friday. Truss secured 11,217 votes in her South West Norfolk constituency in eastern England, behind 11,847 votes for Labour candidate Terry Jermy. Taking over from the

Bodies of 89 migrants retrieved from Atlantic

Coastguards say nine people - including a little girl - are rescued, but dozens more are missing.

Gov’t rolls out ‘P29 per kilo’ rice program for low-income folk

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is rolling out on Friday a program that offers rice at only P29 per kilo in select Kadiwa stores in Metro Manila and neighboring Bulacan province. But the rice will be sold not to the general public but to “vulnerable” segments of the population: senior citizens, single parents, persons with disabilities, and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the government’s conditional cash...

Labour dominate West Yorkshire but Gaza "an issue"

Labour won all but two seats in West Yorkshire in what has been a historic night for Keir Starmer.

Moment Jeremy Hunt leaves Downing Street with his wife and children

Jeremy Hunt has left Downing Street with his family for the final time this morning following Labour's victory in the General Election.

PNP bent on finding Pampanga couple

MABALACAT CITY — The Philippine National Police has identified a former police officer as among the seven persons of interest in the disappearance of a Pampanga beauty pageant contestant and her Israeli boyfriend in Central Luzon, according to the chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). Geneva Lopez, 27, a former Mutya ng Pilipinas Pampanga candidate, and her Israeli boyfriend Yitshak Cohen, 37, have been reported missing...

SNP faces 'slaughter' says former leader Salmond

The SNP is on course to be 'slaughtered' in the General Election with its biggest loss of MPs in history. John Swinney's party looked set to lose 38 seats compared to the 2019 election.

Court clears IFI bishop, NDFP exec of grenade possession rap

OZAMIZ CITY — After more than seven years, the Regional Trial Court (RTC) here has acquitted the prelate of Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) and a consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) of illegal possession of explosives charge. In a 33-page ruling promulgated on July 2, RTC Branch 15 Presiding Judge Grace Yulo said the prosecution failed to prove the guilt beyond reasonable doubt of IFI Bishop Carlo Morales...

PNP to open gun permit renewal offices in Visayas, Mindanao

Offices for the renewal of permit to carry firearms outside of residence (PTCFOR) will be opened in the Visayas and Mindanao this July and August, respectively, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday. “We will be opening yung PTC, doon sa sinasabi ko, not only in Metro Manila, sabi ko bakit wala bang threat doon sa [Mindanao] and Visayas?” PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil said in an ambush interview during a shootfest in Camp...

SNP set for election humiliation leaving nationalists with SIX seats

John Swinney's scandal-ravaged nationalists could left with just six MPs, down from the high of 48 the party achieved in 2019.

Labour's reaction as explosive exit poll predicts huge majority

Mr Streeting, lined up to be the country's new Health Secretary, 'welled up' as the exit poll was revealed at 1pm - tipping Sir Keir Starmer's party for a majority of 170.

Andrew George reclaims St Ives for Lib Dems

Andrew George has been elected MP for St Ives , nine years after he last represented the Cornish constituency.

UK’s Labour on course for landslide election win – exit polls

LONDON, United Kingdom — Britain’s main opposition Labour party looks set for a landslide election win, exit polls indicated on Thursday, with Keir Starmer replacing Rishi Sunak as prime minister, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. As polling stations closed at 10:00 p.m., the survey for UK broadcasters suggested centre-left Labour would win 410 seats in the 650-seat House of Commons, with the right-wing Tories managing only 131. In another...

Rishi Sunak, the stopgap prime minister who failed to turn around Tory fortunes

Rishi Sunak, the stopgap prime minister who failed to turn around Tory fortunes - During his 20 months in No 10, the premier grappled with a toxic inheritance.

Tragic update after little girl died in crocodile attack

The girl was last seen swimming with family members at Mango Creek near the remote Aboriginal community of Palumpa south-west of Darwin.

Congratulations for Keir Starmer start pouring in from world leaders

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau labelled it a 'historic UK election victory' and told Keir Starmer 'let's get to it, my friend'. Congratulations also came from Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris.

Ukraine navy chief says Russia is losing Crimean hub in Black Sea

By Tom Balmforth ODESA, Ukraine (Reuters) - The Russian navy's Black Sea Fleet has been forced to rebase nearly all its combat-ready warships from occupied Crimea to other locations, and its main naval hub is becoming ineffectual because of attacks by Kyiv, Ukraine's navy chief said. Vice-Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa said Ukrainian missile and naval drone strikes had caused heavy damage to the

UK's Labour sweeps to power as leader Starmer vows to bring change

By Andrew MacAskill, Elizabeth Piper and Alistair Smout LONDON (Reuters) - Keir Starmer vowed to bring change to Britain as its next prime minister after his Labour Party surged to a comprehensive win in a parliamentary election on Friday, ending 14 years of often tumultuous Conservative government. The centre-left Labour was set to win a massive majority in the 650-seat parliament with Rishi

Three Black Sea countries launch new minesweeping force

Almost 600 inmates released in June — BuCor

A total of 562 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) were released by the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) in June, the agency announced Friday. According to BuCor, this brings the total number of released PDLs to 14,657 from June 2022 to June 2024. Corrections Director General Gregorio Catapang Jr. said that of the 562 PDLs, 321 served their maximum sentence, 121 were acquitted, 98 were paroled, 21 were granted probation, while one was granted...

Marcos to Angara: We have to take care of teachers

''We have to take care of teachers.'' This was among the directives of President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. to incoming Education Secretary Sonny Angara, noting that teachers are behind the success in the Department of Education. In an ambush interview in Sulu on Friday, Marcos said he already talked to Angara and he emphasized to the outgoing senator that the government should financially support teachers who have families to feed. ''The...

Who was Lord Mountbatten and why was he assassinated?

Lord Mountbatten was a close relative of the British royal family, an officer in the British Royal Navy, and later in life the British Viceroy of India and its first Governor-General. He was the father of Patricia Knatchbull and Lady Pamela Hicks, as well as a mentor to Prince Phillip and then-Prince Charles. On August 27, 1979, Lord Mountbatten was killed by an IRA (Irish Republican Army) bomb, which accelerated growing tensions between England and Northern Ireland. If you're curious about the life of this British noble and are keen to discover why he was targeted by the IRA, click through the gallery to find out.

Today's headlines: Gilas Pilipinas, Binay & Cayetano, health workers' pandemic allowance | The wRap | July 4, 2024

Here are today’s headlines – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world: - Gilas Pilipinas drops close loss to Georgia but still marches on to FIBA OQT semis - DBM to release P27-B overdue health allowance for pandemic workers on July 5 - Taiwan says China seizure of trawler may be act of psychological warfare - Biden rejects growing pressure to abandon his campaign, vows to stay ‘to the end’ - Binay mulls ethics complaint after Cayetano calls her crazy, ‘Marites’ https://www.rappler.com/video/daily-wrap/july-4-2024/

Marcos: Gov't pushing for development of Jolo airport

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Friday assured Sulu residents that the government has been pushing for the immediate implementation of the P100-million Jolo Airport Development Project. During the distribution of presidential aid to farmers and fisherfolks in the province, Marcos said all aspects of the development project are being mapped out so that the construction can start sooner. “Kasabay ng pagbibigay namin ng ayuda ay ang...

Taiwan says China seizure of trawler may be act of psychological warfare

Taiwan says China’s seizure of a Taiwanese trawler that was operating close to the Chinese coast might be an act of psychological warfare by Beijing. Full story: https://www.rappler.com/world/asia-pacific/taiwan-says-china-seizure-trawler-psychological-warfare/

Why the SNP was left shocked by Labour's surge

There was surprise at the party's victories in seats beyond its traditional heartlands in the central belt.

Separate panel probe into cost of new Senate building sought

MANILA, Philippines — A separate probe into the cost of the Senate’s new building in Taguig City, this time by the chamber’s panel on public information and mass media, is being sought by Sen. Robinhood Padilla. Panel head Padilla, in his Senate Resolution No. 1063, said there is a need to maintain the public’s trust in the Senate as an institution amid issues hounding the costs of the new Senate building. “Informing the public of the processes...

Exclusive-ICC prosecutor opted for warrants over visit to Gaza

By Anthony Deutsch, Stephanie van den Berg and Humeyra Pamuk THE HAGUE/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - On May 20, the same day International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan made a surprise request for warrants to arrest the leaders of Israel and Hamas involved in the Gaza conflict, he suddenly cancelled a sensitive mission to collect evidence in the region, eight people with direct knowledge of the

At least 89 people dead as boat capsizes off Mauritania

Dozens missing after fishing vessel left from border of Senegal and Gambia with 170 believed to have been on board.

BOC, PDEA seize P8.52M worth of liquid cocaine; consignee arrested

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) seized millions of pesos worth of liquid cocaine in Pampanga, which led to the arrest of its consignee. In a statement on Friday, the BOC said its operatives from the Port of Clark along with PDEA agents arrested the consignee, a 32-year old Colombian, for possession of 1,608 grams of liquid cocaine with an estimated value of P8,522,400. The arrest was made during a...

PNP to deploy around 22K personnel for SONA 2024 security

Around 22,000 police personnel will be deployed to secure the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. scheduled on July 22, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday. “Ang nakikita po natin last time po mga 22,000 na-deploy, ganun pa rin po. Unless we see may mga threats po, there will be more,” PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil said in an ambush interview during a shootfest in Camp Karingal in...