Here are the latest news and events that happened today, Friday, May 26, 2023.
TikTok tests AI chatbot 'Tako' in the PhilippinesHONG KONG - Social media platform TikTok said on Thursday it is in the early stages of exploring a chatbot called "Tako" that can converse with users about short videos and help them discover content, and is conducting tests with select users in the Philippines. OpenAI, backed by Microsoft Corp, last year launched chatbot ChatGPT, offering arguably the most natural See more...
Green Pastures, known for its healthy eats, is set to close after 10 yearsMANILA -- After 10 years of serving customers with healthy eats, Green Pastures is closing its doors. The restaurant, known as a "sustainable dining" establishment, made the announcement in a social media post on Thursday. It said that the remaining Green Pastures branch at Shangri-La Plaza's East Wing in Mandaluyong will be open until May 31 only. "End of See more...
Exhibit pays tribute to National Artist Vicente ManansalaMANILA -- Multi-channel creative platform Art House pays tribute to National Artist and cubist painter Vicente Manansala through its latest exhibit. "Alab" was launched last May 25 and will run until Sunday, May 28, at the North Court of Power Plant Mall in Makati. It showcases paintings, sculptures, and objets d’art inspired by Manansala, dubbed as the father of transparent See more...
APEC ministers begin meeting in Detroit amid war riftDETROIT - Trade ministers from the Asia-Pacific region began a two-day meeting in Detroit on Thursday to discuss ways to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth, even as the rift over Russia's war on Ukraine hampers efforts to boost regional cooperation. The United States, chair of this year's APEC forum, aims to compile a joint statement at the conclusion of the See more...
PLDT says equipment, personnel on standby ahead of MawarMANILA — PLDT Inc said on Friday it has reinforced its 247 monitoring of super typhoon Mawar as it heads to the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR.) In a statement, PLDT and Smart said the telco is also in close coordination with pre-positioned response teams that may be deployed in the areas expected to be hit by the typhoon. “The See more...
DBP nets P1.23 billion in Q1, up 17%State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) saw double-digit growth in its bottom line in the first three months of 2023 due to increased lending activities during the period. In a statement on Friday, DBP reported a net income of P1.23 billion during the January to March period, up 17% from P1.05 billion in the same period last year. DBP See more...
Romnick Sarmenta thankful for new roles after Summer MMFF winMANILA — After his Best Actor win in the recently concluded Summer Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for his performance in "About Us But Not About Us," Romnick Sarmenta is thankful for his new roles with the Kapamilya network. In a press conference for the series "Unbreak My Heart" on Thursday, Sarmenta said his win is proof that he is See more...
Kiray Celis on bashers: 'Hindi naman ako nagkakapera sa kanila'Not only did Kiray Cells give hilarious answers to Boy Abunda's questions on Friday's episode of "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," the comedienne also gave honest and straightforward answers. When asked about bashers, Kiray said she doesn't really care about them because "hindi naman ako nagkakapera sa kanila." "At tsaka, ang mga nangba-bash na yan, updated sila. At saka hindi See more...
Kiray Celis, nasasaktan kapag idinadamay ng bashers ang mga magulang niyaHindi napigilang umiyak ni Kiray Celis nang ilahad na maging ang kaniyang pamilya ay hindi nakaiwas sa mga basher, partikular na ang kaniyang mga magulang. Sa episode ng "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda" nitong Biyernes, sinabi ni Kiray na napipikon siya noon kapag idinadamay sa pambabatikos sa kaniya ang kaniyang pamilya. “Kapag tungkol sa family. Kapag binabastos ‘yung mama ko, See more...
Philippines’ rainy season may start next week — PAGASAThe start of the Philippine rainy season may be declared next week, state weather bureau PAGASA said Friday. At a press conference, PAGASA Deputy Administrator for Research and Development Esperanza Cayanan said the rainy season would be declared when the rainfall criteria in PAGASA’s reference station are observed and fulfilled. "Nandito na yung criteria ng rainfall sa mga reference See more...
Ilang OFWs na pa-Kuwait pero hindi natuloy, problemadoTinutulungan ng Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) ang mga apektadong overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) na hindi natuloy ang pagbiyahe sa Kuwait matapos suspindehin ang entry at work visa ng mga Pinoy workers sa nasabing bansa sa Gitnang Silangan. Sa ulat ni JP Soriano sa GMA News "24 Oras" nitong Huwebes, sinabi ng DMW na nagkakaloob sila ng P30,000 sa mga See more...
Another suspect-witness in Degamo slay recants testimonyJoven Javier, another suspect in the killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, has recanted his testimony implicating Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo "Arnie" Teves Jr. to the crime — the fifth suspect-turned-witness to do so. In an interview, Atty on Friday. Danny Villanueva, Javier's legal counsel, said his client recanted four statements — one made on March 5 before policemen See more...
Poor families may get up to P50,000 business capital under revived DSWD programMANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday relaunched a program that could grant up to P50,000 in assistance for poor but enterprising families to put up small businesses. Revived in partnership with SM Supermalls, the Sustainable Livelihood Program is one of DSWD's core poverty reduction programs that provides business opportunities. The SLP has two See more...
Kiray Celis, may basbas na ng kaniyang ina para magpakasalMasayang ikinuwento ni Kiray Celis na pumayag na ang kaniyang ina na magpakasal sila ng nobyong si Stephan Estopia. “Bago ko bigyan ng P1 million ang mama ko, ‘Bawal kayong maglabas ah, kayong dalawa. Bawal.’ Noong nabigyan ko ng P1 milyon sabi niya, ‘Kelan kayo magpapakasal?’” natatawang kuwento ni Kiray sa “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” nitong Biyernes. “Iba ang See more...
Piolo Pascual to star in new films from Brillante Mendoza, Paul SorianoMANILA -- Kapamilya actor Piolo Pascual is set to star in upcoming movies from directors Brillante Mendoza and Paul Soriano. In ANC's "Headstart" on Friday, Pascual said he is currently dubbing four movies that have not yet been released. "I am just doing the dubbing. Before I started rehearsing for ('Ibarra') I did the dubbing," Pascual said, referring to the See more...
Showtime’s Imogen Cantong drops debut single ‘Da Da Da’MANILA – “It’s Showtime!” has found a new gem in its kiddie panel. Six-year-old Imogen Cantong of the noontime show’s “Batang Cute-po” has released her debut track “Da Da Da” that highlights the unique joys of Filipino childhood. The upbeat track was inspired by the melody Imogen used to sing when she was only two years old. Her See more...
How Puey Quiñones designs for the First FamilyMANILA -- Fashion designer Puey Quiñones kicked off a series of events at the Goldenberg Mansion near Malacanang with a fashion show spearheaded by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. "It's called 'Filipino' because we are trying to promote the Filipino culture, fashion, textile and our Filipino owned aesthetic," Quiñones told ANC's "Headstart" on Friday "it's the First Lady's project together See more...
Meralco braces for possible Mawar impactMANILA — Meralco said on Friday its personnel is on alert to respond to power outages that may occur due to typhoon Mawar. Mawar or Betty locally, is expected to enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) late Friday. "As a 24-hour service company, we are ready to respond to these types of emergency. Our crews are on standby to See more...
Pinoys' priorities shift for Mother's Day purchases: studyMANILA -- Priorities have shifted for Filipinos when it comes to spending for Mother's Day, according to research. Data analytics platform Packworks conducted a study with the socio-cultural research firm Fourth Wall to compare consumer behavior on Mother's Day in 2021 and 2023. They looked at purchases in over 200,000 sari-sari stores in the country through Packworks' business intelligence tool, See more...
69% of Pinoys find job hunting ‘hard’ —SWSSixty-nine percent of adult Filipinos find it “hard” to land a job these days, according to a March survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS). Conducted from March 26 to 29, the survey also shows that only 11% of respondents said finding a job is “easy” these days while 16% said it is “neither easy nor hard” and 4% said See more...
LOOK: Ryza Cenon’s new home nears completionMANILA -- Actress Ryza Cenon is starting to shop for furniture and appliances now that her new home is nearing its completion. According to a snap she shared on Instagram, the multi-level house sports a contemporary design based on the tarpaulin outside the construction. “Yey!!! Malapit lapit na!! Time na maghanap ng gamit sa bahay,” she said in the caption. See more...
5 fun facts we learned about Ysabel Ortega after a Twitter Q&A sessionYsabel Ortega spent some time with her fans on Twitter on Thursday night. As she was live-tweeting the latest episode of “Voltes V: Legacy,” fans got to know the rising Kapuso star when she hosted a quick Q&A session with them. Here are five fun facts we learned about Ysabel: 1. This Filipino delicacy is her comfort food: See more...
Suspect in Gov. Adiong ambush nabbed in South Cotabato —militaryAuthorities have arrested the “principal suspect” in the February ambush on the convoy of Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr., the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) said Friday. In a statement, the military said the suspect, identified as Lomala Baratumo, 42 years old, was arrested at a checkpoint in Sitio Morales, Barangay Centrala in Surallah town on See more...
Cagayan braces for Super Typhoon MawarResidents of Cagayan are bracing for the possible onslaught of Super Typhoon Mawar. According to GMA One North Central Luzon's Jasmin Gabriel Galban's report on GTV Balitanghali on Friday, the red alert status may be raised tonight. As part of the preparations, Cagayan fishermen no longer went out to sea as a precautionary measure. The area's ferry boats and See more...
DTI: Avoid hoarding groceries amid looming super typhoonMANILA — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has urged consumers to avoid hoarding groceries as super typhoon Mawar continues to approach the Philippines and is expected to bring rains and trigger floods. The agency found that some buy large amounts of products to benefit from future price rises, especially when there is a calamity. “Hindi natin maiiwasan na See more...
Why Christian Bables keeps on accepting LGBT rolesMANILA — "Kasi kung walang tanggap ng mga ganito, sino?" This is actor Christian Bables' response when asked why he keeps on accepting LGBT roles. In a press conference for his upcoming series "Drag You and Me," Bables said he is not afraid to be typecasy, stressing that the members of the LGBT deserve to be seen in shows and See more...
Musk's Neuralink says cleared for human test of brain implantsSAN FRANCISCO — Elon Musk's start-up Neuralink on Thursday said it has approval from US regulators to test its brain implants in people. Neuralink said clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its first in-human clinical study is "an important first step" for its technology, which is intended to let brains interface directly with computers. "We are See more...
Nililibot ng isang binata mula pa sa Bayawan City, Negros Oriental ang lahat ng tourist destinations sa Luzon gamit ang kaniyang bamboo bike o “bambike.” Sa ulat ng GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon, na iniulat din sa unang Balita nitong Biyernes, sinabing sinimulan ni Antonio o "Tony" Tinga, Jr. ang kaniyang travel noong Marso. Nabisita na ni Tinga See more...
Batanes prepares for MawarIVANA, Batanes — The Philippines’ northernmost province is preparing for the possible effects of Super Typhoon Mawar, as the weather disturbance is expected to bring strong winds over Northern Luzon. In an interview on Friday, Ivana Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head Marvin Pama said the town has activated its evacuation center to accommodate evacuees from high-risk communities. See more...
Comelec: BSKE candidates can voluntarily give drug test resultsThough the Commission on Elections (Comelec) cannot mandate candidates in the 2023 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) to undergo drug tests, candidates may voluntarily give their test results to the poll body, its spokesperson said Friday. This came after Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos challenged candidates to undergo a drug test. “Wala naman po makakapigil sa ating See more...
BFP revokes fire safety certificate of QC orphanageThe Bureau of Fire Protection revoked the fire safety inspection certificate (FSIC) of the Gentle Hands Inc. (GHI) orphanage in Quezon City after it allegedly violated the provisions of the Fire Code. “GHI was found to have violated pertinent provisions of the revised implementing rules and regulations of R.A. 9514 or the Fire Code of the Philippines during said inspection See more...
Southwesterly windflow, thunderstorms to affect countryThe southwesterly windflow will continue to affect the western sections of Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, according to the weather bureau PAGASA on Friday. Cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms are expected in Western Visayas, the Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, and BARMM because of the southwesterly windflow. Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms may See more...
For Jodi Sta. Maria, 'Unbreak My Heart' signals end of rivalry between ABS-CBN, GMAMANILA — For actress Jodi Sta. Maria, the airing of the upcoming teleserye "Unbreak My Heart" signals the end of the heated rivalry between media giants ABS-CBN and GMA 7. In a press conference, Sta. Maria also said the collaboration seeks to give more opportunities for people in the industry. "Many years ago po kasi, no one thought, not even See more...
Marcos: Nat'l gov't ready to assist LGUs in Mawar responsePresident Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Friday that the national government is ready to assist local government units (LGUs) as Super Typhoon Mawar threatens to bring heavy rains in several parts of the country. PAGASA's 11 am bulletin showed that Mawar "slightly intensified" and may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Friday night or Saturday morning. “We See more...
After PH, China too defends placement of buoys in West Philippine SeaChina on Friday defended its placement of buoys in the Nansha Islands, also known as Spratly Islands, saying it is just “exercising its sovereignty in accordance with the law.” “It aims to ensure the safety of maritime navigation and operations, and provide public goods for passing ships and countries in the region,” a brief statement issued by the China Embassy See more...
Anti-poverty commission backs Maharlika Investment FundThe state-run National Anti Poverty Commission (NAPC) threw its support behind the passage of the Maharlika Investment Fund Bill which seeks to use government assets for investment. NAPC Vice Chairperson and South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. clarified the commission's position a day after Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri called on his House of Representatives counterparts to adopt the Senate See more...
PNP monitoring over 430 barangay officials possibly involved in illegal drugsThe Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said it is monitoring more than 430 barangay officials who are possibly linked to illegal drugs. “Meron tayong minomonitor na mahigit 430 na barangay officials na maaaring nasasangkot sa ilegal na droga (We are monitoring over 430 barangay officials who are possibly involved in illegal drugs),” PNP public information office chief Police Brigadier See more...
DOH reports 2,001 new COVID-19 cases as active tally drops to 16,314The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday reported 2,001 new COVID-19 cases as the active tally went down to 16,314. This came after five days straight of less than 2,000 fresh COVID-19 cases were reported. The fresh cases brought the nationwide caseload to 4,135,645, according to the DOH’s latest data. The DOH said the active cases went down to 16,314 See more...
Telcos ordered to speed up repair of services in areas to be affected by MawarThe National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) on Friday ordered all public telecommunications entities to expedite the repair and restoration of services in areas that will be affected by the incoming Super Typhoon Mawar. The NTC said public telecommunication entities must also ensure a sufficient number of technical and support personnel and standby generators with extra fuel, tools, and spare equipment. “Further, See more...
PH, Japan ink ¥17.4B loan for MRT-3 rehab phase 2The Philippine and Japanese governments inked a loan deal for the second phase of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 Rehabilitation project, the Department of Finance (DOF) said Friday. Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative in the Philippines Sakamoto Takema signed the loan agreement for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 Rehabilitation Project See more...
Almost 8 out of 1,000 Filipinos are modern slaves –global indexAlmost eight out of 1,000 Filipinos were “modern slaves,” according to international human rights group Walk Free Foundation's 2023 Global Slavery Index. The global index, which measures the extent of modern slavery in 160 countries, reported that 7.8 per 1,000 Filipinos, or 859,000 people live in modern slavery. It said that modern slavery refers to situations of “exploitation that a person cannot See more...
Anti-poverty commission: Food stamps temporary but necessary aid for poorThe Marcos administration’s plan to distribute food stamps to the poorest one million households next year is a temporary but necessary step in stamping out poverty, the National Poverty Commission (NAPC) said Friday. NAPC Vice Chairperson and South Cotabato Governor Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. was referring to the Walang Gutom 2027 - a food stamp program that assists targeted households to See more...
Marcos to sign amended IRR for Magna Carta of the Poor next month —NAPCPresident Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will sign an amended Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Magna Carta of the Poor, a measure which mandates the government to ensure that the poor are granted ready access to government services, by next month, the National Anti Poverty Commission (NAPC) said Friday. NAPC Lead Convenor Lope Santos III made the announcement as the See more...
Comelec says okay for BSKE candidates to submit drug test resultsMANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Friday it was okay for candidates running for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) to voluntarily submit their drug test results, after the interior department challenged them to do so. Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said while they are not encouraging candidates to undergo drug tests, they would not reject See more...
MMDA: 19 roads in NCR closed for weekend repairs, reblockingA total of 19 roads in Metro Manila will be temporarily closed to traffic for the scheduled weekend repairs and reblocking, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced Friday. Reblocking and repairs will be undertaken on the following roads from 11 p.m. on May 26 to 5 a.m. on May 29: 1. C-5 Road (NB), J. Vargas St., to C5-Ortigas Flyover See more...
PH, Japan ink $130M loan deal to finance MRT-3 rehab projectMANILA -- The government on Friday signed loan agreement with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 Rehabilitation Project. Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno and JICA Chief Representative in the Philippines Sakamoto Takema signed the pact at the Department of Finance (DOF) office in Manila. The rehabilitation project was originally approved by the National Economic See more...
Marcos bucks total deployment ban vs. KuwaitPresident Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday rejected the idea of imposing a total deployment ban against Kuwait, saying the Philippine government will continue to negotiate with the gulf state to improve the situation. “I’m never very comfortable ‘yung nagba-ban na ganun dahil parang ang pag-ban sinasabi mo forever na yan, hindi na pwede… Sometimes, overreaction yung ban. Basta’t ban See more...
PH monitoring Chinese buoys in Spratlys, will 'avoid any physical confrontation': AñoMANILA — The Philippines will seek to "avoid any physical confrontation" while keeping an eye on China's recent deployment of navigational buoys around the Spratly islands in the West Philippine Sea, an official said on Friday. China this week placed 3 beacons close to Balagtas (Irving) Reef, Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef, and Gaven Reef of the Spratly islands, which See more...
Jayda thankful for support of parents in acting careerMANILA — Jayda Avanzado, the daughter of celebrity couple Dingdong Avanzado and Jessa Zaragoza, is grateful for the support of her parents in her acting career. "I would say, especially in terms of my career po, I would say na I'm very thankful na napaka-supportive ng mga magulang ko po. They give me the freedom to make my own decisions See more...
SSS allows online filing of disability benefit claimsMANILA — The Social Security System on Friday said members can now file their disability benefit claim applications online through the My.SSS portal. The online application for disability benefit claims has been in effect since January 2023 in line with the government's Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Services Delivery Act of 2018, the state-run pension fund said in See more...
PANOORIN: Lee Seung-gi dumating na sa PilipinasMANILA – Nakarating na sa bansa ang Korean actor-singer na si Lee Seung-gi para sa kaniyang concert sa Quezon City sa Sabado. Dumating sa Pilipinas ang Korean star lulan ng isang private jet mula sa Seoul, South Korea para sa kaniyang palabas sa New Frontier Theater na bahagi ng kaniyang “The Drewamer’s Dream” Asian concert tour. Tumatak si See more...
Navel piercing o paglalagay ng hikaw sa pusod, ligtas bang gawin?Confident sa kaniyang angking kagandahan at kaseksihan, isang dalaga ang nagdesisyong magpalagay ng hikaw sa kaniyang pusod. Ngunit sa gitna ng proseso, bigla na lang siyang hinimatay. Ano kaya ang posibleng dahilan? Sa isang episode ng “Pinoy MD,” sinabi ni April Joy Guerra, na nagpalagay siya ng hikaw sa pusod para sa kaniyang “April 2.0” version. “Naka-experience po ako ng See more...
NAIA operations resume after being disrupted by 'lightning red alert'Operations have resumed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after a "lightning red alert" halted its flight and ground operations Friday afternoon. According to Jhomer Apresto's report on DZBB, flight and ground operations were paused at around 1:25 p.m. NAIA said this is a safety measure to avoid any untoward incident while the "lightning red alert" is raised. Light See more...
Marcos: Philippines to use new Navy vessels for WPS patrol, disaster responseThe two newly-commissioned Navy vessels will be used for patrolling the West Philippine Sea (WPS)and for disaster response, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Friday. “Lahat ‘yan ginagamit talaga natin pang patrolya--hindi lamang sa West Philippine Sea kung hindi pagka dun sa civil defense. Kagaya ngayon, maraming pinaguusapan at pinaghahandaan e bagyo,” Marcos said in an ambush interview after gracing See more...
The super typhoon with an international name of Mawar slightly intensified late Friday morning as it moved westward over the Philippine Sea, state weather bureau PAGASA said. In an 11 a.m. advisory, PAGASA said Mawar now has maximum sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour (kmh) near the center, gustiness of up to 260 kmh, and central pressure of 905 See more...
SWS: 69 percent of Filipinos say it's hard to find jobsSurvey also says 19 percent of adult Filipinos jobless MANILA — At least 69 percent of adult Filipinos said it is hard to find a job, according to a recent survey by the Social Weather Stations which was released on Thursday. This contrasted with official government data which showed improvements in the labor market with the unemployment rate going See more...
Joshua Garcia still open to work with Julia BarrettoMANILA — Kapamilya actor Joshua Garcia said Thursday that he is still open to work with his ex-girlfriend Julia Barretto. "Kung meron man, siya 'yung unang pumapasok sa isip ko ngayon," he told reporters. Garcia also expressed his support for Barretto's relationship with Gerald Anderson but admitted that they are no longer in touch with each other. "Kung saan sila See more...
Manila street kids spotted begging using QR CodeStreet children in Sampaloc, Manila went viral after they seen were asking for money using a QR code. Their photo went viral on social media after the children showed the QR codes, according to Mark Salazar’s “24 Oras” report on Friday. “Nagsabi kami na wala kaming barya tapos biglang naglabas ng ganun ng QR code kaya natawa muna kami, chineck See more...
Rising number of HIV cases alarming, health advocates sayThe rising number of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) cases, especially among Philippine youth, is cause for alarm, according to health advocates. Based on the 2022 Global AIDS Monitoring Report, the Philippines has shown a 327% increase in new infections, and a 401% increase in AIDS related deaths from 2010-2021 across all age groups. UNAIDS data reveals that from 1984 to See more...
QR code payment option, puwede na ring gamitin sa pagsakay sa LRT1Maaari nang magbayad ng pamasahe sa LRT1 sa tulong ng QR code. Sa ulat ni James Agustin sa Unang Balita nitong Biyernes, inilahad kung paano ang pagbabayad sa pamamagitan ng QR code payment option: Matapos ito, lalabas na kung magkano ang babayaran, kasama ang convenience fee na P2. Kapag nabayaran na gamit ang debit card o e-wallet, lalabas na ang See more...
PAGASA: Super Typhoon Mawar stronger as it approaches PARSupertyphoon Mawar has become stronger as it approached the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), PAGASA said on Thursday evening. In its 11 p.m. tropical cyclone advisory, the state weather bureau said the center of the eye of Mawar was estimated at 1,840 kilometers east of southeastern Luzon at 10 p.m. It was moving westward at 20 kilometers per hour (kmh) See more...
DBM: Available calamity fund stands at P18.3B as PH braces for MawarThe Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Friday said the government has available funds in its coffers for disaster relief operations for the entirety of the year as the country prepares for Super Typhoon Mawar. In a statement, the DBM said the government still has about P18.3 billion in calamity fund, which includes the P1.5-billion carry over from last See more...
DSWD's food stamp program a 'band-aid solution,' says anti-poverty bodyMANILA — The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) on Friday backed the "food stamp program" of the national government, but admitted that the initiative alone could not reduce poverty in the Philippines. “Totoo naman, ito ay band-aid solution, sa tingin naman natin ay temporary solution while waiting doon sa pag-integrate ng mga solusyon para mabigyan ng sustainable solution na ang mga See more...
Kawatan na sumalakay sa dormitoryo, mga panty lang ang tinangayNahuli-cam sa Dagupan City, Pangasinan ang pagsalakay ng isang lalaking kawatan sa isang dormitoryo. Ang kaniyang pinuntirya, mga panty lang ng mga boarder at inisnab ang mga alahas. Sa ulat ni Russel Simorio sa GMA Regional TV "One North Central Luzon" nitong Biyernes, nakuhanan sa CCTV camera ang suspek na nagawang makapasok sa gate ng compound ng dormitoryo sa Barangay See more...
'Vaping is not cool': DepEd, advocates strengthen campaign vs tobacco productsMANILA -- The Department of Education (DepEd) is increasing efforts to discourage the youth from smoking and vaping. DepEd Asec. Dr. Dexter Galban, who is also a physician, said the youth have become the marketing targets of tobacco companies as they need more young people to get into the habit through so-called "replacement smokers and vapers." Galban said the agency See more...
At least 20 malls to participate as voting sites in barangay, SK elections: ComelecMANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday said it hoped to partner with more malls that could serve as voting sites for the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections. Comelec Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said at least 20 malls were expected to participate as voting sites in the October polls. The official did not mention the See more...
Anti-poverty body discourages giving alms to beggars: 'May sindikato sa likod nito'MANILA -- The National Anti-Privacy Commission (NAPC) is discouraging the public from giving alms to beggars on the streets, saying that there may be criminal gangs behind them. NAPC Vice Chair for the Government Sector Reynaldo Tamayo, in a press briefing on Friday, was asked for comment on a viral photo on social media showing a kid allegedly presenting See more...
No expected water release from dams ahead of Mawar –PAGASAThere was no expected water release from the country’s dams ahead of the heavy rains from the incoming Super Typhoon Mawar, state weather bureau PAGASA said. The National Power Corporation said the water level at the dams was still low, according to Bernadette Reyes’ “24 Oras” report on Friday. However, PAGASA warned the public of possible flash floods. “Sa Cagayan, See more...
Eric 'Eruption' Tai shares tips on becoming a viral digital celebrityCelebrity influencers can earn a good amount of money from social media but they need to be consistent, hardworking and unique, former "It's Showtime" host Eric "Eruption" Tai said on Friday. Tai, who went viral in a TikTok video while dancing on a train in Singapore in October 2022, said influencers need to reinvent themselves consistently to sustain viewership as See more...
P2.7M halaga ng umano'y shabu, nasabat sa mag-asawang suspek sa MaynilaNasabat ng mga awtoridad ang aabot sa P2.7 milyong halaga ng umano'y shabu mula sa isang mag-asawa sa Maynila. Sa ulat ng Unang Balita nitong Biyernes, sinabi ni Darlene Cay na nagpositibo ang drug buy-bust operation laban sa mag-asawang suspek. Isinagawa ang anti-drug operation sa panulukan ng Madre Ignacia Street at Quirino Avenue. "Sa tulong ng ating pamayanan, nakakuha po See more...
Signal no. 3 looms over extreme N. Luzon as Mawar nears PHMANILA — Batanes and Babuyan Islands could be placed under storm wind signal number 3 as super typhoon Mawar approaches the Philippines' northernmost tip, state weather bureau PAGASA said Friday night. PAGASA weather specialist Ana Clauren-Jorda told a briefing that signal no. 2 to 3 could be raised over the areas while the super typhoon makes a close passage to See more...
PPA: Some sea trips in the Visayas suspended in light of MawarSome sea trips in the Visayas have been suspended to give way to the preparation of the shipping lines for Super Typhoon Mawar, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said Friday. In separate advisories, the PPA said the suspended trips of Grand Ferries’ Seacat One as well as ALD Sea Transport’s LCT Poseidon 17 at LCT Poseidon 35 are the following: See more...
Pres. Marcos, tutol sa total deployment ban vs. KuwaitInihayag ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. na hindi siya pabor na magpatupad ng total deployment ban ng overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) laban sa Kuwait, kahit sinuspinde ng naturang bansa sa Gitnang Silangan ang pagkakaloob ng visa sa Pinoy. Sa panayam ng mga mamamahayag nitong Biyernes, sinabi ni Marcos na patuloy siyang makikipagnegosasyon sa Kuwait para resolbahin ang isyu ng See more...
NSC chief Año defends placement of buoys in West PH SeaThe placement of buoys in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) was done for navigational safety and is justified under international laws, the National Security Council (NSC) said Friday. In a statement, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said the installation of the buoys in the WPS is an act of a sovereign nation and pursuant to the Philippines' obligations under international See more...
Anti-poverty commission seeks Marcos nod for amended IRRMANILA -- President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is expected to sign the amended implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Magna Carta of the Poor before the end of June, National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) lead convenor and Secretary Lope Santos III said Friday. Santos said this would coincide with the commission’s 25th anniversary on June 30, 2023. NAPC crafted the IRR See more...
South Korea says homegrown space rocket put satellites into orbitSEOUL - South Korea's domestically made space rocket delivered a commercial grade satellite into orbit for the first time on Thursday, the country's science minister said, a breakthrough in its ambitions to compete in a space race with its Asian neighbors. The Nuri rocket lifted off from Naro Space Center on the southern coast of South Korea at 6:24 p.m. See more...
Mela Habijan speaks up on criticisms vs 'Sparks Camp'MANILA — "Sparks Camp" host Mela Habijan spoke up on the criticisms faced by the queer dating show for the supposed lack of diversity among the cast. Habijan said she intentionally engaged with the critics in order to know their side and listened to them, changing the label of the show from a boys' love (BL) series to a queer See more...
Authorities now evaluating possible election areas of concerns — PNPAuthorities are now assessing possible areas of concerns ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in October, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday. At a televised public briefing, PNP public information office chief Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan said they are conducting the evaluation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Commission on Elections See more...
34,000 PNP, AFP personnel ready for Mawar rescue opsA total of 34,000 personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are ready to conduct search, rescue, and retrieval operations for possible victims of Super Typhoon Mawar. At a televised public briefing, PNP public information office chief Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan said nearly 22,000 police personnel were trained for such operations. “Naka-ready See more...
Protecting India's tigers also good for climate: studyPARIS—India's efforts to protect its endangered tigers have inadvertently helped avoid a large amount of climate change-causing carbon emissions by preventing deforestation, a study said on Thursday. Three-quarters of the world's wild tigers live in India, but the destruction of their natural habitat has seen their numbers plummet. The number of tigers roaming the country's forests fell from 40,000 when See more...
First Philippine Holdings completes acquisition of MSA-PhilippinesMANILA (UPDATE) - The Lopez-led First Philippine Holdings Corp said it has completed the acquisition of the local unit of the Medical Services of America Inc or the MSA-Philippines. In a statement, the FPH said both parties have signed the Deed of Absolute Assignment (DOAA) on May 25. MSA-Philippines supplies hospitals with medical device services including medical personnel. FPH said See more...
Submarine acquisition 'still part of our plan,' says MarcosThe Philippines is planning to acquire submarines after the development of its anti-submarine capabilities, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Friday. The acquisition "is still part of our plan," Marcos said in an ambush interview during the celebration of the Philippine Navy's 125th Anniversary. "But right now, we are in the middle of developing mostly our anti-submarine capabilities," he added. See more...