National

Escudero sworn in as Senate president

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Francis Escudero was sworn in as Senate president on Monday, replacing Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri who said his failure to follow instructions from poweful blocs led to his ouster. Zubiri's ouster triggered a major reorganization as his "team" also resigned from their respective posts. Zubiri, who led the Senate since July 2022, confirmed the coup d'etat against him in a chance interview minutes before the start of the...

Bato owes PBBM a public apology, says solon

Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa must issue a public apology to President Marcos in case the whole "PDEA leaks" investigation ends up achieving nothing but besmirching the latter's name, House Assistant Majority Leader Zambales 1st district Rep. Jay Khonghun said. READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/20/bato-owes-pbbm-a-public-apology-says-solon 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

Taiwan swears in new president as China pressure grows

TAIPEI, Taiwan — 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. China claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and has branded 64-year-old Lai a “dangerous separatist” who will bring “war and decline” to the island. READ: Taiwan new president inherits strong foreign policy, political gridlock Lai will...

Investigation into Angela Rayner will be done 'fairly' says police

Stephen Watson - who has been hailed for his 'back to basics' approach to bringing Greater Manchester Police out of special measures - pledged it would 'go where the evidence leads us'.

Greek PM urges EU to tackle high prices ahead of elections

ATHENS (Reuters) - Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged the European Union to bring down prices as soon as possible, which he labelled a crucial political challenge ahead of European parliamentary elections. Anger at falling living standards is shared by millions of Europeans and is expected to dent support for mainstream parties in the June 6-9 vote for the 720 lawmakers of the EU

Amid opposition protests, Nepal PM wins parliamentary vote of confidence

By Gopal Sharma KATHMANDU (Reuters) - Nepal's prime minister won a parliamentary vote of confidence on Monday amid protests by the opposition demanding a parliamentary probe into allegations that his home minister illegally took money from several companies before he entered politics. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, a former Maoist rebel chief in the Himalayan nation sandwiched between China and India,

Nearly half of Russia’s North Korean missiles failed official claims

Poverty real; single-digit rate still a target, DSWD says

Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday said that poverty is a real problem in the country, adding that reducing the poverty rate to a single digit is still a target of the agency. “[A]lam namin dito sa DSWD na totoo ang kahirapan (we know here in the DSWD that poverty is real),” Gatchalian said in a press briefing. Gatchalian recalled that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered all agencies of government to...

PH calls on other countries to ignore China's threat vs SCS 'trespassers'

The Philippines on Monday urged other countries to ignore the threat of China to arrest foreigners who will enter the South China Sea (SCS). “We call on all maritime states particularly our neighbors like Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia to ignore these illegal regulations and sail in these waters to the extent that international law allows,” National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTF WPS) spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said in a press...

Migrant rescuers defiant in face of Italy crackdown

Saving lives is more difficult than ever, but rescuers are adamant that the Italian government's crackdown on charity ships will not stop them from helping migrants who run into trouble crossing the Mediterranean. But none of that will stop David from answering what he sees as "an ethical call" to save lives. cmk/ide/nmc/bc

NHS Blood and Transplant chief medical officer apologises to infected blood victims

NHS Blood and Transplant's chief medical officer Dr Gail Miflin apologises for the role the service played in the Infected Blood Scandal. Officials are preparing to release the final report of the Infected Blood Inquiry. Statisticians have estimated that around 27,000 people were infected with contaminated blood as a result of blood transfusions.

Scarborough Shoal civilian convoy safely returns to Subic, Zambales | INQToday

WATCH: The civilian convoy to Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea returns safely to Subic fishing port early Friday morning despite several encounters with Chinese vessels during the two-day trip.

Luzon educators raise concern over entry of foreign schools

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Luzon educators expressed reservations about easing constitutional restrictions on foreign investments in Filipino education, because of the specter of small and medium-sized schools being displaced by elite schools from abroad. Removing the cap on foreign participation in education as well as land ownership could be tantamount to treason, said Dr. Gudelia Samson, who read the position paper of Pangasinan State...

Senators warn of new maritime case vs China

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines may file another case against China if it implements its new policy of detaining for up to 60 days without trial foreigners, particularly Filipinos, crossing waters it claims are under its jurisdiction, two senators said on Sunday. “Should Beijing dare push through with this illegitimate regulation, the Philippines’ hand may be forced to sue them again in the Hague Tribunal,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros said in a...

Pet sanctuary overwhelmed by support after eviction notice

Celandine Wood Animal Rescue say they had been allowed to use land for free but it was now being sold.

Firefighter who died in blaze 43 years ago remembered

Roderick MacLeod, 25, died while battling a blaze at a guest house near Invergarry.

EA suggests parents cover special school strike

Thousands of non-teaching staff, including bus drivers and classroom assistants, are striking on Monday.

Postmaster 'couldn't be prouder' at Welsh honour

Noel Thomas, who was wrongly jailed in the Post Office scandal, has been honoured by the Gorsedd.

Ex-ES Paquito Ochoa denies blocking PDEA ops vs Marcos, Maricel Soriano

Former Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. on Monday categorically denied during a Senate hearing that he ordered to stop a 2012 Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) surveillance operation against then-senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and actress Maricel Soriano, among others. Testifying during the fourth Senate public order and dangerous drugs committee hearing on the supposed "PDEA leaks," Ochoa said he does not know former PDEA...

Infected Blood Inquiry: Police should look into prosecutions, says Labour MP

Labour MP Dame Diana Johnson speaks to BBC Breakfast ahead of the final report of the public inquiry into the Infected Blood Scandal. Dame Diana, who has been campaigning on behalf of victims for almost two decades, says she hopes the police will be looking into whether prosecutions are possible.

Old guards to vie for top BARMM posts vs MILF execs in 2025

COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines — With barely a year before the elections in May 2025, the political pot in the Bangsamoro region has started to roil, with traditional powerful clans forming its own alliance to vie for parliament seats against the newly formed party composed mostly of leaders of the former rebel group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The Bangsamoro Grand Coalition (BGC), composed of several parties of ruling political...

DILG orders probe to revoke Mayor Guo’s authority over police

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Monday said he ordered a probe on Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo for possible revocation of her authority over the police. In a press conference, Abalos said the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) will conduct the investigation. “I instructed NAPOLCOM to initiate proceedings for the withdrawal of the mayor's deputization,” he said. “Ibig sabihin nito, pagkatapos namin ng imbestigasyon...

Philippines urges China to allow scrutiny of disputed South China Sea shoal

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines challenged China on Monday to open Scarborough Shoal to international scrutiny after it accused Beijing of destroying the shoal's marine environment. Maritime tension has been rising in the South China Sea between Manila and Beijing, as the Philippines has accused China of using water cannon and blocking manoeuvres through disputed shoals and reefs. Control of

What next for Iran after President Raisi's death?

Raisi's death will test a system where hardliners dominate all branches of power, Lyse Doucet writes.

Teodoro preps task force amid La Niña watch

MANILA, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has warned that the government will crack down hard on hoarders and price manipulators as the country braces for the coming La Niña weather phenomenon that could wreak havoc on agriculture and disrupt transportation and services. Teodoro, who also chairs the government’s Task Force El Niño, issued the warning after the fifth meeting of the presidential task force for the preparations...

Man dies after fire breaks out in flat

The fire service says it will investigate the cause of the fire.

WikiLeaks' Julian Assange faces US extradition judgment day

By Michael Holden and Sam Tobin LONDON (Reuters) -Hundreds of protesters gathered at London's High Court on Monday to hear if WikiLeaks' founder Julian Assange would be extradited to the United States over the mass leak of secret U.S. documents - the culmination of 13 years of legal battles. Two judges are set to declare whether they are satisfied by U.S. assurances that Assange, 52, would not

Vatican releases new norms on alleged supernatural phenomena

VATICAN— A new document from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith published on Friday, May 17, has updated the norms for discerning alleged supernatural phenomena. The norms come into force on Sunday, May 19, the feast of Pentecost. The document is preceded by a detailed presentation by Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the […]

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

Iran's Supreme Leader approves Mokhber as interim president, declares 5 days mourning

DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on Monday that First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber is in charge of the executive branch and has a maximum period of 50 days to hold elections following the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported. Five days of national mourning have been declared by Khamenei. (Reporting by Dubai

South Korea bans viral North Korea propaganda video praising Kim

By Hyonhee Shin SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's media regulator said on Monday it was banning access to a North Korean propaganda music video that it said idolised and glorified leader Kim Jong Un as a "friendly father" and "great leader." South Korea's National Security Act blocks access to the North's government websites and media to restrict exposure to the efforts by Kim's autocratic regime

Vietnam parliament elects new speaker amid leadership reshuffle

HANOI (Reuters) - Vietnam's National Assembly on Monday elected Tran Thanh Man as its new chairman, one of several key changes in an ongoing reshuffle of the country's top leadership. Man, 61, who had served as deputy speaker of the house since 2021, replaces Vuong Dinh Hue, who resigned last month over unspecified "violations and shortcomings", one of three top party officials to exit since

Yoga teachers threaten legal action as beachside classes are shutdown

Several yoga instructors in San Diego are pursuing legal action against the city over a ban on their free beachside classes because updated vendor laws include recreational activities like yoga,

Pair jailed over violent bus stop robbery attempts

One teenage victim had to go to hospital with head and face injuries after being targeted.

Marcos: We won\'t allow agents within PH to destabilize gov\'t | INQToday

WATCH: President Bongbong Marcos says his administration would not let \"agents within the country to destabilize our government.\"

Protestors block New Caledonia roads as French police pour in

By Kirsty Needham SYDNEY (Reuters) -A thousand police arrived in New Caledonia from France and streets were relatively calm, the French High Commission said on Monday, but roads were blocked and the airport remained shut, stranding tourists on the Pacific island after a week of riots. The activist group organising the protests in the French-ruled territory, Field Action Co-ordination Cell (CCAT)

Luzon and Visayas grids on yellow alert on May 20

MANILA, Philippines — National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has placed Luzon and Visayas grids under yellow alert on Monday as more than 30 power plants are unavailable. According to NGCP, a yellow alert is issued “when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement.” READ: Luzon, Visayas grids under yellow alert on April 30 — NGCP Based on its 8 a.m. advisory, the grid operator has...

Marcos confident insurgency will end in Eastern Visayas under his term

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Monday expressed confidence that the communist insurgency in Eastern Visayas would end under his term, noting the ''sufficient'' progress in the region. ''Yes I am very... because I've seen the progress report, it’s getting better and better hindi na gaano hindi na masyadong magulo kagaya noong dati, mayroon pa ring mga encounter pero hindi na kasing laking large number at saka 'yung organization ay...

Angat Dam breaches 180-meter minimum operating water level

MANILA, Philippines — The water level of Angat Dam, which supplies 97 percent of Metro Manila’s water needs, has reached its minimum operating level of 180 meters, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said on Monday. According to its latest bulletin, Pagasa said that Angat Dam’s water level decreased to 180.73 meters as of 8 a.m. READ: DILG instructs all LGUs to conserve water amid effects of...

Ship that caused deadly Baltimore bridge collapse to be refloated and moved

BALTIMORE (AP) — The container ship that caused the deadly collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge is scheduled to be refloated on Monday and moved to a nearby marine terminal. The Dali has remained at the collapse site since it lost power and crashed into one of the bridge’s supporting columns on March 26, killing six construction workers and snarling traffic into Baltimore Harbor. High tide Monday morning is expected to bring the best...

Marcos, VP Sara's trust and performance ratings declined — OCTA survey

Though majority of Filipinos continue to trust President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, declines in their ratings were shown in the latest survey results of OCTA Research. The survey, conducted from March 24 to 27, 2024, indicated that most adult Filipinos continue to trust (69%, -6) and approve (65%, -6) the performance of Marcos in the first quarter of this year. The 69% trust rating of Marcos, however, was...

Factbox-What happens in Iran when a president dies in office?

(Reuters) -Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi was killed in a helicopter crash, an Iranian official and Mehr news agency reported on Monday. Below is a brief outline of what Iran's constitution says happens when a president is incapacitated or dies in office: * If a president dies in office, article 131 of the Islamic Republic's constitution says that the first vice president - who is Mohammad

DSWD raises alarm on illegal adoption, sale of babies on social media

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday raised the alarm on the illegal adoption and sale of babies over social media, saying this is a cruel form of child exploitation and human trafficking. Gatchalian issued the warning after the Philippine National Police apprehended a woman and her agent for selling her 8-day old child for P50,000 up to P90,000. “We will not tolerate such acts of cruelty. We will use the fullest...

Rescuers say ‘no sign of life’ as wrecked helicopter of Iran’s Raisi found

The helicopter, which was also carrying Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, went down in poor weather.

Gatchalian wants SHS teachers trained by Tesda

MANILA, Philippines — To teach, they must learn. Senior high school teachers under the technical-vocational livelihood (TVL) track must first receive training and certification from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) to be able to impart needed skills to their students, according to Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian. The chair of the Senate basic education committee said the training and certification of TVL teachers were...

Ignorance as power?

According to Alice Leal Guo, the 37-year-old mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, she cannot remember anything from the early parts of her life—from the house where she was born to the last name of the teacher who homeschooled her every day for 17 years. At least, this was what she claimed during the Senate hearing about Guo’s alleged involvement in illegal Philippine offshore gaming operations in her town. Feigning ignorance is a manipulation tactic that...

Modi's Hindu nationalist politics face a test as India holds fifth stage of national election

AYODHYA, India (AP) — When Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened a Hindu temple on the site of a razed mosque in the holy city of Ayodhya in early 2024, he was making a bet on mixing Hindu nationalism and politics ahead of a national election in which he's seeking a rare third term. On Monday, that bet faced a test as the northern city swarmed with voters, many of them Hindu devotees, lining up in scorching heat as India began the fifth...

House starts probe on 'gentleman's agreement'

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives started its probe Monday on the alleged "gentleman's agreement" between former president Rodrigo Duterte and China concerning the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Resource persons from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of National Defense (DND), the National Security Council (NSC) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) attended the probe jointly conducted by the Committee on National...

No inquest held into death of Radio 2 broadcaster Steve Wright

No inquest held into death of Radio 2 broadcaster Steve Wright - Police previously said his death ‘was unexpected, but is not being treated as suspicious’

Leisure centre changing rooms close for Raac repairs

Work on the facilities at Leisure at Cheltenham is expected to take about 11 weeks to complete.