World

World leaders react to Labour's sweeping victory in UK election

(Reuters) -Keir Starmer will be Britain's next prime minister after his centre-left Labour Party won a huge majority in a parliamentary election, ending 14 years of often tumultuous Conservative government. Here are some reactions to the news: CHARLES MICHEL, PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL "Congratulations Keir Starmer on a historic election victory in the UK. The European Union and the UK

Philippines Two Wins Away from Historic Olympics Qualification

The Philippines’ Men’s National Basketball Team, Gilas Pilipinas, is just two wins away from a historic 2024 Paris Olympics berth after bouncing back from a 20-point deficit in their game against Georgia. Despite a close 94-96 loss, Gilas Pilipinas secured a Final Four spot at the International Basketball Federation Olympic Qualifying Tournament (FIBA OQT) in […] The post Philippines Two Wins Away from Historic Olympics Qualification appeared...

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

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.

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...

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...

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.

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...

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 […]

Bodies of 89 migrants retrieved from Atlantic

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

UK Labour Party sweeps to power in historic election win. But impatient voters mean big challenges

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s Labour Party swept to power Friday after more than a decade in opposition, as a jaded electorate handed the party a landslide victory — but also a mammoth task of reinvigorating a stagnant economy and dispirited nation. Labour leader Keir Starmer will officially become prime minister later in the day, leading his party back to government less than five years after it suffered its worst defeat in almost a century. In the...

Body of autistic girl, 7, is found in Tennessee lake

The body of a missing autistic girl has been found in a Tennessee lake just minutes after a statewide search was launched.

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 […]

Groups ask SC to stop Marcos rice tariff order

Leonard Abella, 53, has been farming rice for decades, but his toiling has yet to pay off as he remains buried in debt. He barely earns any profit from tilling the land; whatever he earns is spent immediately to pay off his loans and buy necessities for his small-scale farm in Rosales, Pangasinan, such as water, seeds, and pesticides. “The income is small, not even enough for food… We are farmers [and yet] we have almost nothing to eat,” he said...

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.

Romualdez lauds Gilas Pilipinas after win vs Latvia

MANILA, Philippines — House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez heaped praises for Gilas Pilipinas after pulling an upset against world no. 6 Latvia in the 2024 FIBA Men’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT). Romualdez in a statement on Thursday said that Gilas’ victory in the OQT is proof of the Filipino’s unwavering spirit and dedication to their craft. “It is with great pride and heartfelt congratulations that I commend...

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.

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

‘We are not criminals’: Philippines considers making divorce legal

The staunchly Catholic Southeast Asian nation is the only place other than the Vatican where divorce is banned.

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...

'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.

Liz Truss unseated in South West Norfolk as Rishi Sunak concedes to Sir Keir Starmer

Former prime minister Liz Truss has lost her seat in South West Norfolk to Labour, adding to a humiliating picture for the Conservatives after Sir Keir Starmer scored a landslide victory.

Gilas books OQT semis spot despite close loss to Georgia

It took just eight months for Gilas Pilipinas to add another compelling chapter to this basketball-crazed country’s rich history. In less than 24 hours, the team made sure to keep adding to the story. The Philippines unearthed a semifinal spot in defeat after a 96-94 loss to Georgia late Thursday evening extended its run in the Fiba Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Latvia. After winning the Asian Games gold for the first time in six...

Peterborough turns red in election night shock

The city seats were among the last to be called in the county because of a recount.

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

Alice Guo as state witness? No way, says Gatchalian

Suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo cannot be made a state witness in the ongoing probes into illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) in Pampanga and Tarlac, according to Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian. But he added that she could “reduce her culpability” by cooperating with separate special teams tasked to investigate her involvement as well as those of her family and friends. “She cannot [be made state witness] because she is not...

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...

General Election 2024: After Labour landslide, what happens next?

Sir Keir Starmer will take the keys to Downing Street after voters handed Labour a landslide victory in the General Election - and here is a look at how the handover of power will unfold in the coming days.

Taiwan reports more Chinese military activity, calls for de-escalation

TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan on Friday reported renewed Chinese military activity nearby with another "combat patrol" as the government called on Beijing not to escalate tensions after the seizure of a Taiwanese fishing boat. China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has stepped up its pressure over the past four years, both militarily and politically. On Tuesday,

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.

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.

Angara vows improved pay, work conditions for teachers

Incoming Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said on Thursday that improving the benefits of teachers would be among his priorities as he vowed to look into proposals seeking to increase their salaries. Angara added that he would also focus on simplifying the curriculum and improving the quality of teaching and working conditions of teachers. “I’m confident that under the Marcos administration, there will be an increase in our...

Protective mesh removed from controversial statue

The Cecil Rhodes figure in Oxford was covered by black netting after protesters called for it to be removed.

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.

These countries have non-violent rivalries

World peace, we all want it, but you know how life goes... War has ravaged the world for thousands of years, but some countries have taught us that there's such thing as friendly competition. From America to Tanzania, countries that once spilled each other's blood on the battlefield have moved on, becoming friendly rivals. Click through this gallery to find out which countries have a little friendly competition.

Couple who suffered house fire watched CCTV back and can't believe how it started

Don't leave boxes on the hob if you have a pet large enough to turn it on.

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.

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...

Marcos urges Angara: Teach kids about PH history

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. said on Friday that he instructed incoming Education Secretary Sonny Angara to teach Filipino children about the country's history. In an ambush interview in Sulu, Marcos said he had talked with Angara about their plans for the education sector. ''One thing I asked of him was to please teach our children Philippine history because I have seen my children's workbooks, and there's very little said about...

Eastern Samar latest partner of INQskwela

The Philippine Daily Inquirer has found one more partner, the province of Eastern Samar, for its five-year-old educational and media literacy advocacy program INQskwela. A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed on July 2 between the Inquirer Foundation, the program’s chief implementer, and the Eastern Samar provincial government led by Gov. Ben Evardone. Under the partnership, 20 public senior high schools in the province will receive...

Man who stabbed South Korea's opposition leader sentenced to 15 years in prison

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A man who stabbed South Korea’s opposition leader in the neck earlier this year was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Friday, court officials said. The knife-wielding man attacked Lee Jae-myung, head of the liberal Democratic Party, South Korea’s biggest political party, in January after approaching him asking for his autograph at an event in the southeastern city of Busan. After being detained by police, he told...

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...

Philippine flag patch now part of AFP battle dress uniform

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday said the Philippine flag patch is now part of the battle dress uniform of the military as a symbol of national pride. This was announced by AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. during a press conference after a command conference on Thursday. "Dati po hindi parte ng ating battle dress uniform yung bandila natin. We wear this only during Balikatan exercises or when we go abroad kapag lumalabas...

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...

As Europe turns right, UK voters reject Conservative populism

By Michael Holden and Andrew MacAskill LONDON (Reuters) - The centre-left Labour Party's crushing victory in the British election stands in stark contrast to recent gains by the far right across Europe. But the party's triumph was not so much a rejection of populism by voters, but rather an echo of the same disenchantment with their political leaders. Keir Starmer swept to power on Friday

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.

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...

Rishi Sunak seen for first time since explosive exit poll

Nigel Farage finally won election to the Commons at the eighth attempt today, as he became the Reform MP for Clacton amid a Tory election bloodbath. The party leader surged to victory in Essex with a majority of almost 8,000.

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...

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.