World

Gurdwara leader says new statue 'beautifies' site

Ranjit Singh Seehra, general secretary of a gurdwara in Derby, says the congregation are "chuffed".

Worrisome presence

Better late than never. That best describes the decision of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to implement stricter rules on the issuance of tourist visas to Chinese nationals in the wake of reports that fraudulently-obtained passports and visas had resulted in their illicit entry and overstay. Its action is long overdue in light of the crimes of human trafficking, forcible abduction, robbery extortion, and homicide that had earlier been...

UC Irvine filled with anti-Israel protestors before face off with cops

Police arrested at least a dozen anti-Israel protestors at University of California, Irvine. They arrived in riot gear on Wednesday, clashing with protestors and clearing the encampment.

DBM’s Pangandaman approves creation of over 4,000 positions for 4Ps

MANILA, Philippines — Budget Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman has approved the creation of 4,265 positions across various Field Offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to support the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). “Supporting the 4Ps is crucial in inclusive development, empowering families, and breaking the cycle of poverty in the Philippines. With this move, we are also...

INQToday: PCG deploys assets to ensure safety of Scarborough civilian convoy

Here’s a quick roundup of today’s top stories: PCG deploys assets to ensure safety of Scarborough civilian convoy The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed one of its vessels and an aircraft to Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal to ensure the safety of the civilian convoy going to the area amid the presence of the Chinese coast guard and their militia vessels. In a joint press conference with the Philippine Information Agency and other government...

Four dead in New Caledonia riots, France declares state of emergency

By Kirsty Needham, Juliette Jabkhiro and Augustin Turpin SYDNEY/PARIS (Reuters) -France declared a state of emergency on the Pacific island of New Caledonia on Wednesday after three young indigenous Kanak and a police official were killed in riots over electoral reform. The state of emergency, which entered into force at 5 a.m. local time (1800 GMT), gives authorities additional powers to ban

2 China Coast Guard ships try to block ‘Atin Ito’ convoy

WEST PHILIPPINE SEA, Philippines — Two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels on Wednesday shadowed and tried to block the Filipino civilian-led convoy sailing toward Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), a resource-rich area in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that was seized by China in 2012. At 6:15 p.m., a CCG ship, with body No. 4108, maneuvered to blocked FB Bing Bing, one of the four commercial fishing...

Laws strengthened after mortuary sex abuse case

The government says it will increase sentences for those convicted of abusing dead bodies.

Three soldiers hit by car in Haifa, motive unclear - report

A car hit three soldiers who were standing on the sidewalk by the road on Moshe Dayan Street in Haifa, Israeli media reported on Thursday. According to the report, the reason and details of the incident are still unknown. However, the police have begun investigating all possibilities. The three soldiers were injured, and the car driver fled the sce...

Embattled Tarlac mayor denies POGO link, insists fund used in 2022 polls from family business

Amid ongoing investigation that raised doubts on her citizenship and her eligibility to seek public office, embattled Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo has expressed confidence that she would be able to clear her name on the issues hounding her. READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/15/embattled-tarlac-mayor-denies-pogo-link-insists-fund-used-in-2022-polls-from-family-business Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletin Visit our website at http://mb.com.phFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletin Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/manila_bulletinInstagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletinTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin #ManilaBulletinOnline#ManilaBulletin#LatestNews

Taiwan's incoming president faces angry China, fractured parliament

By Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee TAIPEI (Reuters) - Lai Ching-te takes office as Taiwan's president on Monday, facing a China that calls him a "dangerous separatist" and has ramped up military drills, as well as a fractured parliament at home where no party has a majority. Lai, vice president for the past four years, succeeds President Tsai Ing-wen at a time Beijing has been increasing military

Russia's Putin arrives in China for state visit in a show of unity between the authoritarian allies

China’s leader Xi Jinping welcomed Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on Thursday as he began a two-day state visit, in a show of unity between the authoritarian allies as Moscow presses forward with a new offensive in Ukraine. READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/16/russia-s-putin-arrives-in-china-for-state-visit-in-a-show-of-unity-between-the-authoritarian-allies

Our Mexican connection

We have been taught that Philippine society has largely been defined by the influences of two colonial powers that ruled our islands. Referring to our occupation by Spain and the United States, we are said to have spent 300 years in the convent and almost 50 years in Hollywood. It turns out that there was a third foreign land that deeply influenced our way of life for 250 years. That country is Mexico. This was my takeaway from the exhibition...

Pagcor told to tighten up on POGOs

MANILA, Philippines — The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) on Wednesday told the Philippine Amusement Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to step up its regulatory powers and monitoring of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). PAOCC Spokesperson Winston Casio said this after the agency shut down an illegal hospital in Pasay City, allegedly catering to POGO workers. “Really the bottom-line is the Philippine Amusement Gaming...

Worry as release of Wuhan blogger remains unclear

Zhang Zhan's condition is unclear several days after her scheduled release from jail.

Why did China embark on the Path of Socialism?

BEIJING, May 16, 2024 PRNewswire -- A news report from China.org.cn on why did the Chinese accept scientific socialism? In the Columbus Park of Manhattan Chinatown, the statue of Sun Yat-sen is covered with snow on January 16, 2024 local time. The pedestal of the statue reads "All under heaven belongs to the people". The Chinese always have dreamed to make their country a Utopia. In the Confucian classic The Book of Rites, we read, "When the...

PCSO Lotto Draw Results, May 15, 2024 | Grand Lotto 6/55, Mega Lotto 6/45, 4D, 3D, and 2D

Here are the winning lotto combinations of the lotto draw results for the 9 p.m. draw on Wednesday, May 15.

Albo responds after tenant revealed he is being evicted from PM's home

Anthony Albanese has responded to his Sydney tenant who begged the Prime Minister not to make him homeless after serving him with an eviction notice.

House approves divorce bill on 2nd reading

MANILA, Philippines — House Bill No. 9348, a proposal seeking to reinstate divorce in the country as a means of dissolving marriages, was approved by the House of Representatives on second reading on Wednesday. During the plenary session, the proposal was approved via viva voce or voice voting. The bill was approved two months after it was referred to the plenary by the House committee on population and family relations. Under HB No. 9349 or the...

SC, Australia Federal Court sign MOU on judicial cooperation

The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday announced that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Court of Australia (FCA) on judicial cooperation. According to the SC, both courts shall undertake programs to promote a "deeper understanding of each other's legal and judicial cultures, common international legal standards, regional development and relevant emerging issues." Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and Chief Justice Debra...

Improving education in PH is Marcos' top priority

Improving the quality of education in the country is a top priority, President Marcos said, stressing that it is the "most important service" the government must provide. READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/15/improving-education-in-ph-is-marcos-top-priority Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletin Visit our website at http://mb.com.phFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletinTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/manila_bulletinInstagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletinTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin #ManilaBulletinOnline#ManilaBulletin#LatestNews

Senate starts review of Baguio charter

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Senate on Tuesday began correcting flaws in the modern Baguio City Charter (Republic Act No. 11689), which had upset sectors here for technically downgrading the city’s status as an independent, highly urbanized local government and for granting another agency power in the titling of city properties. The upper chamber is reviewing House Bill No. 7406 that was recently passed by the Lower House to amend erroneous...

Police called in as protesters take building at University of California, Irvine

(Reuters) - Pro-Palestinian protesters occupied a building at the University of California, Irvine, on Wednesday, leading university officials to call in multiple police agencies, cancel classes and advise people on campus to shelter in place, a university spokesperson said. No arrests or injuries were reported as several law-enforcement agencies from Orange County including Irvine police

Iloilo under state of calamity due to El Niño

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The provincial board of Iloilo on Tuesday placed the province under a state of calamity due to damage wrought by the El Niño phenomenon on agriculture, which topped P1 billion. The declaration, which was recommended by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), enables the provincial government, through the PDRRM Office (PDRRMO), to utilize P75.78 million in allocated funds for its El Niño...

Philippines-Norway MOA Paves Way for 25,000 Filipino Seafarers’ Deployment by 2029

The Philippine Embassy in Norway estimates that 25,000 Filipino seafarers can be deployed to Norwegian-owned vessels in three to five years following the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Philippines’ Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the Norwegian Maritime Authority (NMA). Philippine Ambassador to Norway Enrico T. Fos hosted and witnessed the […] The post Philippines-Norway MOA Paves Way for 25,000 Filipino...

'Kulang sa energy': Hontiveros flags power agencies over 'continued failure' to solve problems

Senator Risa Hontiveros on Wednesday, May 15 called on the Department of Energy (DOE), the Energy Regulatory Commission, and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to demonstrate the foresight and competence needed to address the power supply shortage being felt around the country. READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/15/kulang-sa-energy-hontiveros-flags-power-agencies-over-continued-failure-to-solve-problems Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletin Visit our website at http://mb.com.phFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletin Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/manila_bulletinInstagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletinTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin #ManilaBulletinOnline#ManilaBulletin#LatestNews

Speaker Romualdez seeks Coast Guard modernization plan

Speaker Martin Romualdez called on the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to submit a comprehensive and strategic "modernization plan" ahead of the deliberations on the proposed 2025 national budget. In a statement, Romualdez said the plan should outline the necessary steps and resources required to enhance the Coast Guard’s capabilities, particularly for patrolling and safeguarding the Philippine territories in the West Philippine Sea. "Our national...

‘Salamat sa katapangan’: Civilian-led coalition heading to Panatag Shoal for resupply mission lauded

“Salamat sa katapangan.” Online Filipinos saluted the civilian convoy that sailed near Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal) to deliver supplies to fishermen who ventured into the area despite the presence of Chinese militia vessels. The convoy is organized by the Atin Ito Coalition, which is composed of volunteers and some members of the following organizations: New […]

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 812

As the war enters its 812th day, these are the main developments.

Marcos dismayed over low ranking of PH universities in Asia list; says much work needs to be done

While more Philippine universities were included in the recent world rankings, President Marcos expressed disappointment over the non-ranking of any Philippine university in the top 100 Asia University Rankings. The results, he said, calls for a comprehensive strategy in order to turn the trend around. READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/15/marcos-dismayed-over-low-ranking-of-ph-universities-in-asia-list-says-much-work-needs-to-be-done Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletin Visit our website at http://mb.com.phFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletin Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/manila_bulletinInstagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletinTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin #ManilaBulletinOnline#ManilaBulletin#LatestNews

As countries tighten anti-gay laws, more and more LGBTQ+ migrants seek safety and asylum in Europe

RIETI, Italy (AP) — Ella Anthony knew it was time to leave her native Nigeria when she escaped an abusive, forced marriage only to face angry relatives who threatened to turn her in to police because she was gay. Since Nigeria criminalizes same-sex relationships, Anthony fled a possible prison term and headed with her partner to Libya in 2014 and then Italy, where they both won asylum. Their claim? That they had a well-founded fear of...

PH has no plan to militarize West Philippine Sea – PCG spokesman

The national government will not militarize the West Philippine Sea (WPS) even as a civilian group launched a mission to establish their presence in the disputed waters of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough or Panatag Shoal) on Wednesday, May 15. READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/15/ph-has-no-plan-to-militarize-west-philippine-sea-pcg-spokesman Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletin Visit our website at http://mb.com.phFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletin Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/manila_bulletinInstagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletinTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin #ManilaBulletinOnline#ManilaBulletin#LatestNews

New ‘reclamation’ just rumors, says China; PCG sneers at denial

MANILA, Philippines — China has dismissed as “sheer rumor” the recent statements of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) that Beijing may again be building artificial islands in the country’s exclusive economic zone. The PCG over the weekend reported the discovery of piles of dead and crushed corals dumped on the sandbars around Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, taking them as fresh signs of land reclamation in the West Philippine Sea. The PCG has deployed a...

Court averts water cut in Cagayan de Oro

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — A local court has temporarily eased the worries of some 40,000 households here whose taps could run dry due to an unresolved dispute between the water district and its bulk supplier. On Tuesday night, Mayor Rolando Uy announced that Regional Trial Court Branch 17 Judge Ana Candida Casiño issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against Cagayan de Oro Bulkwater Inc. (Cobi) and Rio Verde Water Consortium Inc....

Barangay ‘day care centers’ for elderly pushed

MANILA, Philippines — As more Filipinos become part of the silver generation, a party list lawmaker is proposing the setup of “senior citizen day care centers” in every barangay to help elderly Filipinos stay well and active through easy access to community recreation, education and health services. United Senior Citizens Rep. Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay filed House Bill No. 10362, or the draft Senior Citizens Day Care Center Act of 2024, to...

Over 40 Chinese ships move to block PH civilian mission in Scarborough

Forty-three Chinese vessels, including a warship, moved to Scarborough Shoal to block the Filipino civilian mission, which held fishing activities in the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Thursday. “China has finally moved the rest of its blockade into position,” former US Air Force official and ex-Defense Attaché Ray Powell said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday evening. According to him, there were one People's...

NCRPO: Roads 'generally peaceful' amid unconsolidated jeepney crackdown

The road situation in Metro Manila remained generally peaceful amid the crackdown on colorum public utility vehicles (PUV), including jeepneys, on Thursday, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said. “Sa ngayon, wala pa kaming nare-receive na nahuli pero generally peaceful pa naman po itong first day ng implementation,” NCRPO spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Eunice Salas told Dobol B TV in an interview. (So far, we have not...

Phivolcs records two 'phreatic eruptions' in Taal Volcano

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported on Thursday, May 16, that it had monitored two "phreatic eruptions" or steam-driven eruptions, at Taal Volcano. READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/16/phivolcs-records-two-phreatic-eruptions-in-taal-volcano Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBulletin Visit our website at http://mb.com.phFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/manilabulletinTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/manila_bulletinInstagram: https://instagram.com/manilabulletinTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manilabulletin #ManilaBulletinOnline#ManilaBulletin#LatestNews

PH boat convoy won't proceed to Scarborough Shoal – organizers

MANILA, Philippines – A convoy of boats carrying Philippine civilians bearing fuel and food for Filipino fishermen has abandoned plans to sail closer to a China-held reef off the Southeast Asian country, organizers said Thursday. "Atin Ito will now proceed to conduct the final leg of supply distribution in the current area, as there are no more Filipino fishers in BdM after they were reportedly sent away by various Chinese vessels," the...

Council ordered to pay family it failed to house

An ombudsman found the council only acted when the family’s situation became desperate.

Xi lauds China-Russia ties as Putin lands in Beijing

By Bernard Orr and Guy Faulconbridge BEIJING/MOSCOW (Reuters) -Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to work with counterpart Vladimir Putin to "rejuvenate" their countries as the pair started a day of talks in Beijing, saying China would "always be a good partner" of Russia, according to Chinese state media. Putin arrived earlier on Thursday for a two-day state visit that will include detailed

MMDA deputizes 10 Metro LGUs’ enforcers to issue tickets

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday said it has already deputized traffic enforcers under 10 local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region (NCR) to issue violation tickets under the single-ticketing system (STS). The enforcers were from Malabon, Mandaluyong, Valenzuela, San Juan, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig and Quezon cities, as well as the municipality of Pateros, the MMDA...

Double standards

With rising tensions over the West Philippine Sea, people have been wary about infiltration by foreign nationals. We have seen the Senate hearings with Bamban Mayor Alice Guo who apparently secured an elected government post without much of a background to speak of. We have heard public concerns over the supposed influx of Chinese students in a university in Cagayan. News reports have shown arrests of Chinese nationals found with weapons in...

Meta restores Facebook posts by Malaysian media on PM Anwar's meeting with Hamas

By Danial Azhar KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Meta Platforms has restored Facebook posts by Malaysian media covering Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's meeting this week with a Hamas leader, saying they were removed in error. The removal had drawn complaints from Malaysia's government, a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and which has warned that firm action could be taken against Meta and other

Abalos warns LGUs anew vs project fund ‘fixers’

MANILA, Philippines — Local government and barangay officials nationwide should beware of dealing with people who claim they can help facilitate the release of funding for their projects. “These incidents of poseurs claiming to be government agents pose serious threats to the integrity of government processes, and undermine the trust and confidence of the public in the administration of government funds,” Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos said in...

US soldier held in Russia pleads guilty, RIA agency reports

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Gordon Black, a U.S. soldier being held in the Russian city of Vladivostok, has pleaded guilty to theft charges and is cooperating with investigators, Russia's RIA state news agencies reported on Thursday. "He is cooperating (with the investigation), he admitted (guilt)," RIA cited a representative of the local interior ministry as saying. Black could not be reached for

P30B OKd for rehab of damaged schools

MANILA, Philippines — The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Board approved on Wednesday the P30.56-billion fund for the repair and rehabilitation of school facilities outside Metro Manila that were damaged by recent calamities. In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the amount comprised funding for the Infrastructure for Safer and Resilient Schools (ISRS) project, the bulk of which was sourced from a...

Aussies turn on tenant who blasted Anthony Albanese over eviction

Jim Flanagan, 45, has lived in one of Mr Albanese's investment properties in the inner-west Sydney suburb of Dulwich Hill for four years.

Notable People who died in 2024

A Ukrainian naval drone has done hundreds of millions in damage to Russia