Here are the latest news and events that happened today, Thursday, May 04, 2023.
OVP: Japan offering more jobs to FilipinosThe Japanese government, along with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is offering more jobs to Filipino nurses and skilled workers, the Office of the Vice President said. In a courtesy call on Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday, Japanese Minister for Health, Labour, and Welfare Katsunobu Kato revealed that 54.7% of Filipino caregivers who took the examination for Japan See more...
P1,000 polymer bill wins ‘Banknote of the Year Award’The P1,000 polymer banknote of the Philippines was awarded the “Banknote of the Year Award” by global non-profit organization International Banknote Society (IBS) in 2022, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Thursday. According to the BSP, the polymer banknote is the first Philippine banknote to win the award, as it bested finalists from Algeria, Barbados, Egypt, Northern Ireland, and See more...
Marcos confident young workforce will transform Philippine economyWASHINGTON — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. expressed confidence that the Philippines’ young workforce could help transform the economy. Marcos said this in his remarks before American businesses at the Blair House. “Well, the optimism, number one, comes from our workforce. I have a 107-million population and 60% of that are working. And those—we have the youngest, I don’t know See more...
Pangilinan says PLDT’s budget overrun issue ‘largely resolved’Businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan, the chairman of PLDT Inc., on Thursday said the multi-billion peso capital expenditure (capex) overrun issue which hounded the Philippines’ largest telco has been “largely resolved.” “The capex overrun issues have largely been resolved; it is time in 2023 for PLDT to face forward, and move on. We should now channel our energies towards keeping the See more...
Philippines, US to expand maritime cooperation but not limited to joint patrolsWASHINGTON —The Philippines and the United States will expand cooperation on maritime security through but not limited to joint patrols. In a fact sheet released by the White House, it was stated that under deepening interoperability, the goal is to expand cooperation on maritime security and maritime domain awareness, including through the continued conduct of combined maritime activities, including but See more...
Pilipinas pormal ng kasapi sa free trade agreement sa ASEANINDONESIA - Pormal nang itinurn-over ni Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the ASEAN Joy Quintana ang Instrument of Ratification ng Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership o RCEP Agreement kay ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn sa ASEAN headquarters sa Jakarta, Indonesia. Murang halaga ng raw materials para sa manufacturing sector at oportunidad para sa mga micro-small-and-medium sized enterprises See more...
Villanueva defends proposed creation of Department of Disaster ResilienceSenate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva on Thursday reiterated his support for the creation of the proposed Department on Disaster Resilience (DDR) as he rejected criticisms that it would be “redundant” to the existing disaster management bodies. “We feel that when you talk about disaster management, nakikita namin na ito ay napakaimportante (We see that it is very important),” Villanueva told See more...
DOH says no need to panic over rise in COVID casesMANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday sought to allay concern over a recent rise in COVID-19 cases in the country. "We don't need to panic," DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire told the House Appropriations Committee. "Ang tinitignan na natin kasi po ngayon 'yong healthcare system capacity. If it's manageable, then we are good," she said. See more...
US firms willing to see profiles of OFWs from Sudan, says OpleWASHINGTON —Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan "Toots" Ople said there are American firms that are willing to see the profiles of Filipino skilled workers who fled Sudan. Speaking to reporters, Ople said these companies include Princess Cruises, Holland American LineSeaborne all under Carnival Corporation; MedPro International; and the Magsaysay People ResourcesMagsaysay Maritime Corporation. "They’re willing na tingnan ‘yung See more...
WATCH: Ian Veneracion makes grand entrance at wedding of Cathy GarciaIan Veneracion made quite an entrance at the beach wedding of filmmaker Cathy Garcia. As seen on his Instagram update, he arrived at the event by paragliding while showering flower petals from the sky. “Showering you with love and petals from the sky,” he captioned his post. “Congratulations Direk Cathy and Brother Louie Louie Louie!” The film and TV See more...
PDEG chief wants AMLC’s help in probing bank accounts of cops in P6.7-B drug caseThe acting chief of the Philippine National Police Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) is coordinating with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) into whether they could examine the bank accounts of the police officers allegedly involved in the controversial P6.7-billion drug bust last October. “Kino-coordinate po natin sa AMLC para makita rin natin kung kailangan ang bank accounts niya na masilip natin,” See more...
Maxine Medina officially joins SparkleMaxine Medina is now a proud member of Sparkle! According to a "24 Oras" report on Thursday, the Miss Universe Philippines 2016 is full of gratitude now that she is officially a part of the GMA artist roster. "Nung nakuha ako sa 'First Yaya,' sabi ko nga, 'Sana mapansin nila ako, sana kunin na lang nila ako,'" she said. "I See more...
Converge launches fiber broadband in BoracayMALAY, AKLAN - Foreign and local tourists as well as the hospitality industry in Boracay are seen to benefit from the availability of faster reliable internet connectivity, Converge ICT Solutions Inc CEO Dennis Anthony Uy said, as he led the official launching of its services on the paradise island. Uy said firing up fiber broadband in Boracay was part of See more...
Marcos OKs creation of body for 125th PH independencePresident Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. approved the creation of an inter-agency committee for the commemoration of the 125th anniversary of Philippine independence and nationhood. Under Administrative Order No. 8, Marcos said a committee should be created to “facilitate the planning and execution of programs and projects” for the commemoration of the 125th Philippine independence anniversary. The order noted that the See more...
DOTr eyes agency-to-agency procurement of driver’s license cardsAmid the reported shortage of plastic cards used for printing driver’s license, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is exploring agency-to-agency procurement for the supply of the material. In a statement on Thursday, the DOTr said it is looking into engaging with other government agencies while there is ongoing competitive bidding for the procurement of driver’s license cards for the Land See more...
WATCH: iKON goes on fun road trip in MV for new single 'U'K-pop boy group iKON finally returned to the scene on Thursday, dropping its third full-length album along with the music video for lead single "U." The new album "Take Off" marks the six-piece act's first release since it left home label YG Entertainment and signed with current management 143 Entertainment. "Take Off" comes a year since the group of Jay, See more...
DILG bares alternative fishing areas for oil spill-affected fisherfolkMANILA — The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday identified some alternative areas that Oriental Mindoro fisherfolk affected by the MT Princess Empress oil spill can fish in. Affected fisherfolk from San Teodoro and Baco towns may fish in the waters of Paluan and Abra De Ilog in Occidental Mindoro, the DILG said in a statement. Tayabas See more...
China opposes ‘meddling’ in South China Sea amid PH-US defense guidelinesChina is opposed to what it called meddling in the South China Sea to harm its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign affairs ministry said on Thursday. Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning made the remark in a news briefing when asked about the Philippines and US' bilateral defense guidelines which spelled out how the US See more...
Austin to Marcos: We have your back in South China Sea, elsewhere in regionWASHINGTON —United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin made a commitment to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. that the US would always be ready to defend the Philippines when it comes to territorial issues in the South China Sea as well as in other regions. Austin said President Joe Biden has maintained the US' “ironclad” commitment to protect the Philippines. See more...
Salceda pushes for bill allowing gov't to block sites publishing pirated contentHouse ways and means panel chairperson Joey Salceda on Thursday called for the passage of a bill allowing government authorities to block sites committing copyright infringement online to curb online piracy. Salceda said House Bill 7600 seeks to amend the Intellectual Property Code. The bill defines pirated goods as "goods or materials or content, whether tangible and intangible, in electronic See more...
DOH admits shortage of nurses, doctorsMANILA -- Department of Health (DOH) officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire admitted Thursday that there is a shortage of nurses and physicians in the country. "We have a total demand of 159,548 for physicians and the gap would be 114,000-plus. For nurses, we have a demand of 305,708 and we have a variance or a gap of 127,000." Vergeire told the See more...
DOH tells hospitals, healthcare facilities to brace for El NiñoThe Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday ordered all hospitals and healthcare facilities to brace for the possible impact of the El Niño. One of the instructions of the Health Department is for the facilities to ensure continuous water supply to avoid hiccups in their operations, according to Lei Alviz’s report on “24 Oras”. They were also asked to store See more...
P92K on first day: New 'Showtime' segment 'Rampanalo' yields big win for lucky contestantMANILA — "Rampanalo," a game of luck and arithmetic, yielded a big win on its first day on "It's Showtime," with the randomly chosen contestant taking home P92,500. The ABS-CBN variety show, which returned last Monday to its noontime slot, introduced the new segment on Thursday. In "Rampanalo," three balls that are passed around in the audience area determine three See more...
VP Sara stresses need for better public health in PhilippinesDrawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday underscored the immediate need to strengthen the Philippines’ public health system. In her speech during the opening ceremony of the 49th Midyear Convention of the Philippine College of Surgeons in Davao City, Duterte said the country’s journey throughout the pandemic highlighted the demand to put premium priority in See more...
Over 61M PhilIDs, ePhilIDs delivered — PSAThe Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Thursday announced that over 61 million Filipinos have been issued with their Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) IDs. In a statement, the PSA said that so far 29.84 million PhilIDs or national IDs have been delivered by the Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office). The agency added that, at present, a total of 37.11 million PhilIDs See more...
SWS: 42 percent of Filipinos want 'optional' ROTC in senior highMANILA — About 4 in 10 adult Filipinos believe the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) should be optional, according to the results of Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released on Thursday. Of 1,200 adults polled in late March, 42 percent said ROTC should be optional and that one should be able to pick it as a course or choose See more...
Mega Lotto 6/45 na halos P170-M na ang premyo, wala pa ring nanaloNananatiling mailap ang buwenas sa mga tumataya sa Mega Lotto 645 matapos na wala pa ring tumama sa draw nitong Miyerkules ng gabi, Mayo 3, 2023. Sa website ng Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), nakasaad na walang mananaya ang nakahula sa mga numerong lumabas na 27-40-17-04-15-33. Ang jackpot prize sa naturang draw, umabot na sa P169,766,543.20. Huling tinamaan ng isang See more...
Sunshine Dizon joins cast of ABS-CBN and TV5's 'Pira-Pirasong Paraiso'MANILA – Sunshine Dizon will be joining the cast of “Pira-Pirasong Pangarap,” which is the first teleserye collaboration between ABS-CBN and TV5. She joins the previously announced roster of actors led by Ronnie Alonte, KD Estrada, Joseph Marco, Elisse Joson, Alexa Ilacad, Charlie Dizon and Loisa Andalio. Dreamscape Entertainment also announced that the series will feature Epy Quizon, Art Acuña, See more...
MANILA -- Bianca Gonzalez showed some skin in her fifth solo cover for the local fashion magazine Mega. The host and celebrity mom said it is a great way to mark another milestone as she recently turned 40. The May 2023 cover showed the words "nothing to hide" as Gonzalez posed topless for the camera. "This is my See more...
Publiko hindi dapat mag-panic sa pagtaas ng COVID cases: DOHIginiit ngayong Huwebes ng Department of Health (DOH) na hindi dapat mag-panic ang publiko sa kabila ng tumataas na bilang ng mga nagpopositibo sa COVID-19. "We don't need to panic. Ang tinitignan na natin kasi po ngayon 'yong healthcare system capacity, if it's manageable then we are good," sabi ni DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire. Ayon kay Vergeire, nag-a-average sa See more...
PH improves to 132nd place in 2023 Press Freedom IndexThe Philippines has climbed 14 spots higher in this year's World Press Freedom Index, placing 132nd out of 180 countries. According to global press watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF), since the Duterte administration, the Philippine media is “extremely vibrant despite the government’s targeted attacks and constant harassment… of journalists and media outlets that are too critical.” The RSF also observed See more...
56% of Pinoy SIM owners registered as of March 2023 —SWSA month before the original deadline, 56% of adult Filipino SIM card owners had registered their SIMs while 44% have yet to do so, according to a Social Weather Survey (SWS). According to the survey conducted in March, SIM card registration was highest in the Visayas at 64% and lowest in Mindanao at 50%. Metro Manila scored 62% and Balance See more...
PAGASA: Rains expected over parts of Philippines due to LPA, ITCZRains may persist over a large swath of the country due to a low-pressure area off Puerto Princesa City, Palawan embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Southern Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, state weather bureau PAGASA said Thursday. PAGASA said the LPA and the ITCZ will spur cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms in Palawan, Western Visayas, See more...
Coronation gown spotlights Queen Camilla's styleLONDON -- In just a few days' time, the eyes of Britain and millions more around the world will be on Camilla as she is crowned queen alongside her husband, King Charles III. "It'll be the dress that will be the most talked about, it will be analyzed in every detail," said Caroline Young, a writer specializing in fashion. While See more...
Smart says won't use emergency system for SIM registrationMANILA - PLDT-Smart will not use the emergency broadcast system for SIM registration purposes, the telco's top official said on Thursday. PLDT President and CEO President Al Panlilio said the company is using other ways to promote SIM registration, especially in the 90-day extension period. "We don't use the emergency channels to do that. We do not use those tactics," See more...
COA official leads Philippine chairmanship of UN program panelThe Philippines, represented by Commission on Audit (COA) Director Adela Dondonilla, will serve as the chairperson of the 63rd Session of the United Nations (UN) Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC), the main subsidiary organ of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the General Assembly for planning, programming, and coordination in the UN. The COA, citing reports from Ambassador See more...
DMW hopes UN will establish safe zones for Sudan evacueesWASHINGTON — Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan "Toots" Ople is hoping that the United Nations will step up and establish safe zones amid evacuation of individuals due to the situation in Sudan. Ople was asked by reporters when the repatriation of Filipinos from Sudan will be finished. She said a lot of Filipinos have already been repatriated while others See more...
Marcos bats for duty-free export of some PH products to USMANILA - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on the United States to again allow the Philippines into its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program so the country can export some products duty-free to the US, Malacanang said. The GSP is a US trade program that provides duty-free importation of select goods from eligible developing countries. The Philippines' eligibility for See more...
DMW says soft skills among main considerations of overseas employersMANILA — Overseas employers look at "soft skills" when considering potential hires, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said on Thursday. Aside from an applicant's work experience and qualifications, overseas employers consider work ethics or traits that have to do with empathy, creativity, resilience and communication, Migrant Workers Undersecretary Bernard Olalia said. "Iyong mga ganiyang kuwalipikasyon – iyong See more...
Solon to seek House inquiry into the US-PH bilateral defense guidelinesMANILA - Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc plan to call for a House inquiry into the bilateral defense guidelines between the Philippines and the United States, they said Thursday. The Bilateral Defense Guidelines, which seek to deepen the interoperability of Manila and Washington through enhanced bilateral planning, information sharing and collaboration on emerging security challenges, were established amid increased tension See more...
How did Gabby Eigenmann prepare for his role in 'Voltes V: Legacy'? He put on weightHow did Gabby Eigenmann prep for his role on the upcoming TV series, "Voltes V: Legacy"? He put on weight. On "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda" Thursday, Gabby talked about one of the ways he prepared to play his character, Commander Robinson. "I actually gained weight for it," he said. "Well, I was gaining weight due to pandemic, but it See more...
What is Super El Niño?PAGASA has already issued El Niño alert warnings in the country, as ocean surface exhibits higher than normal temperature. According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, the average ocean surface temperature is at 21.1C, higher than the normal 20C. Because ocean surface temperature of oceans affect the weather and climate of the entire planet, the current higher the normal See more...
Philippines' 'plastic' banknote wins global awardMANILA - The Philippines' 1000-Piso polymer or "plastic" banknote was awarded "Banknote of the Year" for 2022 by the International Banknote Society (IBNS), the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said on Thursday. The Philippine banknote won over other finalists from Algeria, Barbados, Egypt, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, the BSP said. It is also the first Philippine banknote to win the See more...
Hit play 'Reconciliation Dinner' all set for stage returnMANILA -- The stage is set for the return of the hit play "The Reconciliation Dinner" this month. Written by Floy Quintos and directed by Dexter Santos, "The Reconciliation Dinner" will run from May 13 to 28 at the Power Mac Center Spotlight in Circuit Makati. Billed as a dark comedy, "The Reconciliation Dinner" was first staged by Dulaang UP See more...
Anji Salvacion defines what she considers sexyMANILA - In today's world where society often dictates what is considered "sexy," it's refreshing to hear from celebrities who are redefining what it means to be attractive. Former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Anji Salvacion, in particular, boldly spoke about her views on beauty and sexiness. In an interview during Star Magic’s first-ever Hot Summer LaHot Sexy 2023 See more...
MIAA clarifies: Electrical audit to determine if additional budget is neededThe Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Thursday clarified that it is not immediately asking Congress for additional funds to procure electric generator sets to improve the power system at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). That's after Senate public services committee chairperson Grace Poe questioned MIAA’s “request” for a P1 billion budget for the procurement of power generators See more...
PPO to recreate debut concert for 50th anniversary galaMANILA -- The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) is celebrating its golden anniversary with a gala concert on May 12 at the Metropolitan Theater. Established in 1973, the PPO has become the country's leading orchestra, continuously honing its craft and bringing world-class performances to audiences locally and abroad. Originally intended to accompany performing artists at the CCP Theater when See more...
Survey: Pinoys prefer COD when online shoppingMANILA -- Most Filipinos prefer cash on delivery (COD) when online shopping as it provides a sense of security amid the proliferation of fake sellers and damaged products, according to a survey. The study conducted by the market research firm Agile Data Solutions showed that trust and savings are the main factors that influence the online shopping behavior of See more...
LOOK: Pia Wurtzbach's condo is up for saleMANILA -- Pia Wurtzbach is letting go of her condominium unit as she prepares to move to her new home. In an Instagram post on Thursday, the former Miss Universe invited her fans and friends to check out her 145.88-square meter condo, which is now up for sale. "This condo was my very first solo home and it See more...
LTO eyes shortening driver’s license application examThe Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Thursday announced it is looking into shortening the examination for driver’s license applicants in a bid to simplify transactions at the agency to eliminate the reliance on fixers. In a statement, LTO chief Jay Art Tugade said that the “lengthy” procedure, which takes an hour to complete, is one of the reasons why many See more...
American wanted for fraud, racketeering nabbed — BIBureau of Immigration operatives have arrested an American fugitive wanted in Florida for racketeering and financial fraud, the agency announced Thursday. Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) arrested 44-year-old Rick Lee Crosby Jr. in Puerto Princesa City on April 29. He said Crosby will be immediately deported to the United States as he was already See more...
Nasa 100 bahay sa Barangay Don Bosco sa Parañaque, nasunogTinatayang nasa 100 bahay ang natupok sa sunog sa Barangay Don Bosco sa Parañaque City madaling-araw nitong Huwebes. Sa ulat ni Bam Alegre sa Unang Balita, sinabing parehong commercial at residential areas ang naapektuhan ng sunog. Ayon sa ulat, mabilis na kumalat ang apoy sa Tropica Compound ng nasabing barangay, kaya sa pagitan ng ilang minuto lamang inakayat na See more...
HOW IT ENDS: Star swallows planet in first glimpse of Earth's likely endPARIS—Scientists said Wednesday that they have observed a dying star swallowing a planet for the first time, offering a preview of Earth's expected fate in around five billion years. But when the Sun finally does engulf Earth, it will cause only a "tiny perturbation" compared to this cosmic explosion, the US astronomers said. Most planets are believed to meet their See more...
13 aso nasawi sa sunog sa QCMAYNILA - Patay ang 13 aso matapos sumiklab ang sunog sa isang compound sa Barangay Bahay Toro sa Quezon City, pasado alas-3 ng hapon ngayong Huwebes. Ayon sa may-ari ng bahay na si Grace Hormigoso, hindi na naisalba ang mga asong nakatira sa compound na inaalagaan nila. Kabilang sa mga nawalan ng alaga ang isa sa mga nangungupahang si Fe See more...
UP Cebu reverts to online classes amid rising COVID-19 casesCEBU — The University of the Philippines Cebu campus (UP Cebu) on Thursday decided to shift classes online for the next few days due to rising "probable" COVID-19 cases. The campus would be holding classes virtually until next Thursday, May 11. UP Cebu Chancellor Leo Malagar earlier issued a memorandum saying they were “taking immediate action to protect the See more...
Group calls for surfacing of IP rights defender, companionMANILA — The Cordillera Human Rights Alliance on Thursday expressed concerned over the safety of 2 individuals feared to be under the custody of state agents. Indigenous peoples rights defender Gene Roz Jamil De Jesus and his companion Dexter Capuyan have been reported missing since April 28. CHRA spokesperson Casselle Ton said the pair's last known location was in Rizal See more...
Sa taas na tatlong talampakan, mistulang bata ang isang babaeng 15-taong-gulang sa San Remegio, Cebu na si Shaira. Ano nga ba ang kaniyang kondisyon at tila huminto ang kaniyang paglaki at pagtanda? Sa kuwentong Dapat Alam Mo! ni Sandra Aguinaldo, sinabing pangalawa sa apat na magkakapatid si Shaira, at siya lang ang mayroong ganoong kondisyon sa pamilya. Ayon kay Rufa See more...
White House to meet Microsoft, Google CEOs on AI dangersWASHINGTON — The White House will host CEOs of top artificial intelligence companies, including Alphabet Inc.'s Google and Microsoft, on Thursday to discuss risks and safeguards as the technology catches the attention of governments and lawmakers globally. Generative artificial intelligence has become a buzzword this year, with apps such as ChatGPT capturing the public's fancy, sparking a rush among companies See more...
Marcos pushes for GSP reauthorization during US visitWASHINGTON — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. called for the renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program with the aim of enjoying duty-free privileges on products exported to the United States by the Philippines. Marcos made the call during a forum organized by the US-ASEAN Business Council and US Chamber of Commerce roundtable and reception at the Blair See more...
Philippines logs 1,190 new COVID-19 cases; active tally at 8,371The Philippines posted 1,190 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, as the active tally rose to 8,371. It was the highest number of new cases in the past three days. The nationwide COVID-19 tally is now 4,097,525, according to the latest data from the Department of Health. The active tally went up to 8,371 from 7,565 on Wednesday. In the past See more...
Two trafficking victims in Myanmar now back in Philippines — BITwo trafficking victims who were recruited through social media have been rescued and are now back in the country, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced Thursday. Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the couple arrived in the country on April 25 after working as love scammers in Myanmar. "According to the victims, they were treated like people in military training, even See more...
Comelec presents TOR for an automated election systemThe Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday presented its terms of reference for an automated election system for the 2025 mid-term elections. At a press conference, Comelec chairperson George Garcia pushed for the Fully Automated System with Transparency Audit and Count (FASTrAC), saying that some of the poll body’s 98,000 vote-counting machines can no longer work. The Comelec will use See more...
BFAR: Looming El Niño may affect fish supply in PHThe Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said the country's fish supply may be affected by the looming El Niño which could result in fish kills. The BFAR said more than half of the fish production in the country came from aquaculture such as tilapia and bangus, according to Bernadette Reyes’ “24 Oras” report on Thursday. “Magkakaroon ng pagbaba See more...
BuCor requires face masks, antigen tests amid COVID-19 casesIndividuals visiting the offices of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) and the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) are required to wear face masks and present negative rapid antigen test results. This comes amid the increase of COVID-19 cases at the NBP and Correctional Institution for Women. BuCor Health and Services Acting Director Dra. Ma. Cecilia Villanueva said that out of the See more...
Comelec reveals wishlist: new voting machine tech, stamping pensMANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday presented its wishlist of sorts for the machines and Automated Election System (AES) that would be used in the 2025 National and Local Elections. In a press conference presenting the Terms of Reference for the AES, Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia said the commission would look for an automated counting See more...
Andrea Torres marks 33rd birthday with sexy photoshootAndrea Torres heated up our timelines with a sensual photoshoot to mark her 33rd birthday. The Kapuso star looked stunning as ever, where she flaunted her toned bod in a black bralette, low-rise white skirt, and a shell necklace. “Don’t ask me what I wished for. Hee hee!” Andrea said in her caption along with red heart emojis. The comments See more...
LPA, ITCZ to bring scattered rain over parts of Visayas, MindanaoAt 3 a.m. on Thursday, the Low Pressure Area (LPA) was estimated at 130 kilometers Southeast of Cuyo, Palawan and embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) that will be affecting Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, PAGASA reported. Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Palawan, Romblon, Masbate, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur will have cloudy skies See more...
DILG eyes designating 'fishing areas' in oil spill-hit Oriental MindoroThe Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday said it is planning to set fishing areas for fisherfolk who are affected by the oil spill in Oriental Mindoro. In a statement, the DILG said it will issue a joint memorandum circular with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on the sharing of fishing grounds between See more...
LTO says panel formed to shorten exam for driver's licenseMANILA — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has formed a committee to review the current exams for driver's license and shorten this, noting how the examinations became a hotspot for fixers. LTO Chief Jay Art Tugade admitted in a statement Thursday that the current examination could last up to an hour to complete. "The instruction I gave to See more...
DOLE looking into red-tagging of union members, says officialThe Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is "reviewing" issues and concerns regarding the alleged red-tagging of labor union members and activists. According to DOLE Bureau of Local Employment division chief Patrick Patriwirawan Jr., the agency is now in talks with stakeholders, and has put in place a mechanism to study and review issues and concerns of unions or workers See more...
PLDT says tightening procurement rules after capex overrunMANILA - "It's a cleanup year for us." PLDT President and CEO Al Panlilio said this to reporters following the issue on the P33 billion budget overrun that has rocked the telco giant since late last year. "It's a painful experience," added Panlilio on the issue. PLDT's target capital expenditure (capex) for the year is P80-85 billion, but a See more...
PNP says to accost minors using vapes, vows 'careful' handlingMANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it would go after minors using vapes and cigarettes, after some parents appealed for strengthened monitoring. PNP Spokesperson Col. Redrico Maranan said police would follow local ordinances and the law in enforcing the directive from Police Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. "Iyong ating Chief PNP ay may mga See more...
Vergeire: Lack of law prevents PH from procuring bivalent COVID-19 vaccinesThe Department of Health cannot buy bivalent COVID-19 vaccines, which targets Omicron COVID-19 and its subvariants, because there is no law authorizing such, DOH officer-in-charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Thursday. Vergeire made the disclosure during the House appropriations panel oversight meeting on the budgetary performance of the DOH. She said the country is counting on donated bivalent COVID-19 vaccines See more...
Umano'y fixer na nangikil sa isang negosyante sa Maynila, arestadoHindi nakapalag ang isang babaeng fixer umano nang arestuhin siya sa Maynila. Sa ulat ni Darlene Cay sa Unang Balita nitong Huwebes, sinabing inereklamo ang suspek ng pangingikil ng isang negosyanteng nagpalakad sa kanya ng permit at dokumento. Nagkasa ang operasyon ang mga tauhan ng Manila Special Mayor's Reaction Team (SMART) at hinuli ang suspek sa aktong pagbibilang ng marked See more...
Xyriel Manabat urges public to respect every bodyMANILA – Former child actress Xyriel Manabat on Thursday spoke up about body positivity, inspiring others to be confident in their own skin. In an interview during Star Magic’s Hot Summer LaHot Sexy 2023, Manabat confessed that she was initially apprehensive about joining the event, saying she wasn’t sure if she’s mentally and physically prepared. Despite this, Manabat decided to See more...
PNP to deploy more cops in crime-prone barangaysThe Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it will prioritize the deployment of personnel in barangays that are identified as prone to crimes. At a televised public briefing, PNP public information office chief Police Colonel Redrico Maranan said it is among the focus of the newly installed PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. "Na-identify na po natin yan. See more...
DOH: 12 to 23 years to address shortage of nurses, doctors under existing policiesIt would take 12 to 23 years for the country to address the shortage of nurses and doctors, respectively, under the current situation, the Department of Health (DOH) said Thursday. DOH officer-in-charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire made the admission after House appropriations panel senior vice chairperson Stella Quimbo pointed out that a lot of licensed physicians and nurses are not See more...
Indak Pilipinas celebrates Filipino folk dance groupsIndak Pilipinas: Mga Tradisyon at Interpretasyon, the bi-annual folkloric dance showcase featuring the best Filipino folk dance groups, is set to take center stage at the Metropolitan Theater on May 19 and 20. The highly anticipated event, led by overall director Generoso Caringal and artistic consultant Dr. Larry Gabao, celebrates the spirit of the Filipino culture through dance. The event See more...
Former tricycle driver Villier Villalobo secures Tawag ng Tanghalan finals slotMANILA — Villier Villalobo, a former tricycle driver whose singing talent has helped him earn a living for his family, took a step closer to his dream of pursuing a music career on Thursday via Tawag ng Tanghalan. With an emotional rendition of the OPM classic "Kapalaran," the aspirant from Quezon province secured a slot in the grand finals of See more...
PH, US set up bilateral defense guidelines to modernize allianceWASHINGTON—Defense Department officer in charge Carlito Galvez and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday established the bilateral defense guidelines between the two countries to modernize the alliance cooperation "for a free and open Indo-Pacific region." According to a fact sheet from the US Department of Defense, the guidelines "reaffirmed that an armed attack in the Pacific, including anywhere in See more...
PNP chief Acorda vows to prioritize missing ‘sabungeros’ casePhilippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the case of missing cockfighting enthusiasts would be prioritized. According to Emil Sumangil’s report on GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita on Thursday, Acorda said he is already asking for regular updates on the search for the six suspects with warrant of arrest. “They will be conducting regular meetings pa See more...
DPWH: Iloilo road closed to traffic due to floodA portion of a road in the municipality of Dingle in Iloilo was temporarily closed to traffic due to flood, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Thursday. “The road section along Pototan - Tabugon Road, K0041+800 - K0041+850, Barangay Tabugon, Dingle, Iloilo, is temporarily impassable for all types of vehicles due to rising flood waters (almost 1-meter See more...
Access to capital and loans made easier for Filipinos through GCash lending solutionsThe leading e-wallet provides Filipinos a new way to access multi-purpose loans while offering flexible payment schemes In a country where 44% of the population remains unbanked according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and high inflation pushes the prices of basic goods higher, Filipinos are finding it more difficult to achieve both their short- and long-term financial goals. Loans See more...