News

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...

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...

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

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 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.

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

Three Black Sea countries launch new minesweeping force

America explodes into riot of color as July 4 fireworks light up skies

In celebration of 248 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, millions celebrated with parades, cookouts and the anticipated splashes of color in the evening sky.

Labour wins Glasgow as party retakes heartlands

Labour's performance in Glasgow is emblematic of its success in winning back its traditional seats.

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.

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/

Sunak stays as MP as Labour make county gains

While Rishi Sunak keeps his seat, two other Tory MPs lose out to Labour and the Lib Dems.

Rishi Sunak quits as Prime Minister after conceding defeat to Keir Starmer

'I take responsibility for the loss'

‘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.

'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.

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...

Spain PM's wife testifies before judge in graft probe

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's wife arrived at a Madrid court to testify before a judge Friday as part of a preliminary corruption probe into her business ties in a case that has infuriated the Socialist leader. Last month, a Madrid court summoned Begona Gomez to testify on July 5 "as an investigated party" as part of a judicial inquiry into "the alleged offences of corruption in the private sector and influence peddling".

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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/

DoJ starts preliminary probe into trafficking case vs Guo, 13 others

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DoJ) conducted on Friday its first preliminary investigation into the case of suspended Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and several others for qualified trafficking in persons. The case stemmed from the complaint filed by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) before the DoJ last June 21 alleging that Guo and 13 other...

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

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...

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...

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 […]

Sir Keir Starmer: still an enigma to many

Sir Keir Starmer's victory in the General Election marks the end of 14 years of governance by the Conservative Party.However, the Labour leader and his life still remain an enigma to many as he enters Downing Street.

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.

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.

Labour sweeps to victory in Scotland in a 'catastrophic' night for SNP

The SNP suffered the biggest loss of MPs in its history yesterday after the party surrendered 38 seats.

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...

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.

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.

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...

Heroes of World War II: Thrilling stories of courage and sacrifice that saved lives

As persecution of Jews in Europe mounted in the years prior to and during World War II, many people desperately sought visas and other ways to escape the Nazi regime. With that, heroes emerged to stand up to the terror. Many fought quietly, like a Swiss diplomat who took advantage of Nazi officers' respect for paperwork, or the Polish nurse who smuggled thousands of Jewish kids from Warsaw's ghetto. And some of these heroes would survive the war; others, however, weren't as fortunate. Click on to discover the brave individuals who saved thousands of Jews from the Nazis.

PH-Japan troop access pact for signing July 8

The Philippines and Japan are expected to sign on Monday, July 8, a historic pact that would allow the two allies and former wartime enemies to deploy troops on each other’s soil. After seven months of negotiations, top diplomatic and defense officials from the two countries will meet in Manila on July 8 for the 2+2 meeting, a venue to discuss bilateral defense and security issues affecting the region, and the signing of the Reciprocal Access...

Education reform: Old as history

The continuing deterioration in Philippine Education is crystal clear from the Philippines’ dismal scores in the Programme for International Student Assessment. We ranked 78/78 in 2018. We improved a bit in 2022, ranking 77/81 besting Uzbekistan, Kosovo, the Dominican Republic, and Cambodia. I am surprised that there seems to be no visible urgency on this national crisis, we go on with our days afflicted by traffic, and social media feeds...

Tug-of-war team loses training ground

Worcester Themmadi are left "basically homeless" after equipment is removed from a community centre.

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.

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

Shapps among losers as Labour dominates in Herts

Who is your new MP? A rundown of all the winners from the 12 constituencies across Hertfordshire.

DepEd-Mandaue conducts conference for Palaro delegates

MANDAUE CITY, Philippines — The Department of Education in Mandaue City (DepEd-Mandaue) conducted a conference for athletes and coaches who will participate in Palarong Pambansa 2024 to provide final instructions and address other concerns. DepEd-Mandaue Superintendent Dr. Bianito Dagatan said that the conference was held to guide the student-athletes and coaches. During the conference, Dagatan encouraged the athletes to enjoy, unleash their...

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...

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-Philippines turned down US help amid South China Sea tensions - military chief

By Karen Lema MANILA (Reuters) - 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 a finger in the latest June

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

National Rally to fall short of absolute majority in French parliamentary elections, poll shows

By Dominique Vidalon PARIS (Reuters) -France's far-right National Rally (RN) party looked set to fall short of an absolute majority in parliamentary elections, recent polls showed on the last day of campaigning on Friday, though some politicians and pollsters urged caution. An OpinionWay poll for business daily Les Echos saw the RN winning 205-230 seats in Sunday's vote, ahead of the leftwing

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