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Typhoon Jenny further intensifies; Signal No.2 in Batanes
MANILA, Philippines --- Typhoon Jenny (international name: Koinu) further intensified on Monday night, prompting the state weather bureau to raise tropical cyclone wind signal no. 2 in the island of Batanes. According to Pagasa's latest typhoon bulletin, Jenny was last spotted 410 kilometers (km) east of Basco, Batanes carrying wind speeds of 165 km per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 205 kph. Jenny continues to move northwestward at 10 kph. Signal No. 2 (gale-force winds with minor to moderate threat) prevails over Batanes while Signal No. 1 (strong winds with minimal to minor threat to life and property) is raised on the following areas: Cagaya...Keep on reading: Typhoon Jenny further intensifies; Signal No.2 in Batanes
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Mass death of Amazon river dolphins linked to severe drought, heat
MANAUS --- The carcasses of 120 river dolphins have been found floating on a tributary of the Amazon River since last week in circumstances that experts suspect were caused by severe drought and heat. Low river levels during a severe drought have heated water in stretches to temperatures that are intolerable for the dolphins, researchers believe. Thousands of fish have died recently on Amazon rivers due to a lack of oxygen in the water. The Amazon river dolphins, many of a striking pink color, are unique freshwater species found only in the rivers of South America and are one of a handful of freshwater dolphin species left in the world. Slow reproductive cycles make their popul...Keep on reading: Mass death of Amazon river dolphins linked to severe drought, heat
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Solon asks law enforcers: Stop outdated probe methods, use modern evidence gathering
MANILA, Philippines --- A lawmaker has asked law enforcement agencies to shun old and outdated methods of investigation methods and instead utilize new technologically-based means of evidence gathering, to raise the public's trust on such procedures. Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan said in a statement on Monday that certain examinations, like paraffin tests which are used to determine if a person has fired a gun, are already obsolete since a Supreme Court ruling said such tests are not conclusive after 72 hours. "Out with the old, in with the new. Our law enforcers should ditch outdated crime investigation methods and embrace technology and ...Keep on reading: Solon asks law enforcers: Stop outdated probe methods, use modern evidence gathering
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Asian Games: PH bows out of contention in baseball
MANILA, Philippines--The Philippine men's baseball team was eliminated from super round contention after being dealt a 2-0 loss by host China on Monday in the Hangzhou Asian Games at Shaoxing Baseball and Softball Center. The Filipino batters couldn't capitalize on a scoring situation before allowing China to produce a run each in the sixth and seventh innings that ultimately led to a second straight defeat in Group A. Japan's 18-0 rout of Laos in the nightcap confirmed the Philippines' relegation to the placement round where the fifth to eighth placers are going to be determined. Both teams will face the bottom two teams of Group B. But before that, the Philippines will ...Keep on reading: Asian Games: PH bows out of contention in baseball
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Trump’s civil fraud trial begins in a case he calls a ‘witch hunt’
NEW YORK --- Donald Trump went on trial on Monday for fraud, in a civil case against him and his family business that could deal a major blow to the former U.S. president's real estate empire. Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, is accused by Democratic New York Attorney General Letitia James of inflating the value of his assets by billions of dollars to secure better loan and insurance terms. "This is a continuation of the single greatest witch hunt of all time," Trump said before entering the courtroom at a state court in downtown Manhattan. "We have a great company. I built a great company. It's tremendous," he continued. "It'...Keep on reading: Trump’s civil fraud trial begins in a case he calls a ‘witch hunt’
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Gilas Women ousted by South Korea in Asian Games
MANILA, Philippines--Gilas Pilipinas Women's Asian Games campaign ended at the hands of South Korea on Monday night following a 93-71 loss in Hangzhou, China. The Koreans dealt damage from inside and out for an early lead that kept Gilas in catch-up mode for most of the game at Shaoxing Olympic Centre Gymnasium. Khate Castillo had 18 points, while skipper Jack Danielle Animam tossed in a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds. Afril Bernardino, even despite hurting her left leg the night before, chipped in 12 in the effort. Gilas, severely undersized in the continental showpiece, kept things competitive behind the efforts of Castillo and the two program fixtures, but ...Keep on reading: Gilas Women ousted by South Korea in Asian Games
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Dropout rate in universities, colleges at 35.15% in SY 2023-2024, says CHEd
MANILA, Philippines --- The projected attrition rate --- or the number of students who dropped out --- in universities and colleges in the school year 2023 to 2024 is currently at 35.15 percent, slightly lower than the 40.98 percent the previous year, the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) said Monday. CHEd chair Prospero de Vera III made the pronouncement during the Senate deliberations on the proposed 2024 budget of CHEd, where Senator Sherwin Gatchalian pointed out the increasing attrition rate in universities and colleges. According to Gatchalian, universities and colleges had an attrition rate of 15.90 percent in the school year (SY) 2020 to 2021, but jumped t...Keep on reading: Dropout rate in universities, colleges at 35.15% in SY 2023-2024, says CHEd
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Asian Games: John Tolentino, Kristina Knott barely miss podium
HANGZHOU, China---John Tolentino breezed through the qualifying heats but couldn't pull through in the medal race on Monday night. The Filipino-Spanish hurdler crossed the line in fourth place, missing the bronze by a blink in the men's 110m hurdles finale in the 19th Asian Games at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium. Tolentino, the country's record holder in the event, clocked 13.62 seconds, just a head slower than gold medalist Yaqoub Alyouha of Kuwait and second-placer Shunya Takayama of Japan, who both registered identical times of 13.41. China's Xu Zhuoyi copped the bronze in 13.50. Kristina Knott likewise punched a ticket to the finals but missed the med...Keep on reading: Asian Games: John Tolentino, Kristina Knott barely miss podium
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Seth Fedelin, Markki Stroem, Alfred Vargas share reasons behind their smiles
MANILA, Philippines --- Some of the country's hottest celebrities have surely made people smile. Now they are sharing the things that make them beam with glee. "Pokemon makes me smile. As the Pokemon Ambassador in the Philippines, I'm trying to bring the community together here, and it always makes me happy. It's one of my happy pills every morning," Markki Stroem told INQUIRER.net on the sidelines of an event mounted by a dental services clinic in Quezon City. Seth Fedelin, one of the hottest young stars in the country, fresh from the success of the mystery drama "Dirty Linen," and now also part of another crime series, "Fractured," kept it short and somewhat mysterious. W...Keep on reading: Seth Fedelin, Markki Stroem, Alfred Vargas share reasons behind their smiles
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PhilHealth: 76% of P27 billion hospital claims settled
MANILA, Philippines --- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on Monday said that it has already settled 76 percent of its P27 billion debt to hospitals. PhilHealth president and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr, in a statement, said the agency has disbursed a total of P20.651 billion in payment out of the P27 billion hospital claims. "This achievement occurred just weeks after our self-imposed 90-day deadline," said Ledesma in a statement. Ledesma was referring to the agency's vow during a House committee on appropriations hearing on the proposed 2024 budget of the Department of Health (DOH) and its attached agencies amounting to P311.3 billion...Keep on reading: PhilHealth: 76% of P27 billion hospital claims settled
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Kim Chiu says getting slapped by Maricel Soriano is a ‘dream come true’
Kim Chiu couldn't help but fangirl over Maricel Soriano, saying getting slapped by the Diamond Star onscreen is a "dream come true" for her as an actress. At a branch launch recently, Chiu happily declared that she finally got to experience what it's like to receive a smack in the face from Soriano while filming their upcoming series "Linlang," for which the latter apologized immediately. "Masasabi ko na sa acting career ko na nasampal na ako ng isang Maricel Soriano, so bucket list check. Nagso-sorry siya sa'kin agad. Sabi ko, 'Hindi po, pangarap ko po 'to bilang artista (I can finally say in my entire acting career that I was slapped by Maricel Soriano, so it's a check off my...Keep on reading: Kim Chiu says getting slapped by Maricel Soriano is a ‘dream come true’
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DOJ wants contempt case vs vloggers for interviewing fugitive ex-BuCor chief
MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Justice (DOJ) will ask local courts to cite in contempt three vloggers (video bloggers) for posting an interview with fugitive former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Gerald Bantag, who is wanted for the killing of broadcaster Percival Mabasa or "Percy Lapid." The Muntinlupa and Las Pias Regional Trial Courts issued a warrant of arrest against Bantag for the death of Lapid and Bilibid inmate Cristito Palana Villamor or Jun Villamor. Villamor was the one who managed to tap the services of confessed hitman Joel Escorial to kill Lapid. "Siya (Bantag) po ay na-interview ng ilang vloggers. Bawal po yan," Remulla told reporters Monday....Keep on reading: DOJ wants contempt case vs vloggers for interviewing fugitive ex-BuCor chief
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Asian Games: Elreen Ando bags weightlifting bronze
HANGZHOU, China---Elreen Ann Ando redeemed herself from a disastrous campaign in the continental championships by picking up a bronze medal in women's weightlifting in the 19th Asian Games. The Tokyo Olympian from Cebu lifted a total of 222 kilograms from a combined output of 96 in the snatch and 126 in the clean and jerk on Monday evening before an appreciative crowd at the Xiaoshan Sports Centre Gymnasium here. Ando's podium performance gave Philippine weightlifting its first medal in the tournament and rewarded the country an eighth bronze in these Games. "I was really upset when I lost in the Asian championships. This medal made up for that disappointment," said Ando, wh...Keep on reading: Asian Games: Elreen Ando bags weightlifting bronze
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Michael V on MTRCB’s role as ‘mediator,’ artists’ self-censorship
Michael V. underscored the need for theMovie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB)to police the ranks of artists in the wake of the suspension order on "It's Showtime," and subsequent dismissal of its appeal. Speaking to reporters during an interview on the sidelines of his awarding as honoree of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) for being one of the country'siconic Filipino comedians, Michael V said the MTRCB has the responsibility of being the "mediator" between the artists and the audiences who consume their content. "I believe na ang MTRCB, sila 'yung mediator. Kahit naman sabihin nila na, 'Huwag mong gawin ito,' pwede mo pa rin namang ...Keep on reading: Michael V on MTRCB’s role as ‘mediator,’ artists’ self-censorship
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Hungarian, US scientists win medicine Nobel for COVID-19 vaccine discoveries
STOCKHOLM - Hungarian scientist Katalin Kariko and U.S. colleague Drew Weissman, who met in line for a photocopier before making mRNA molecule discoveries that paved the way for COVID-19 vaccines, won the 2023 Nobel Prize for Medicine on Monday. "The laureates contributed to the unprecedented rate of vaccine development during one of the greatest threats to human health in modern times," the Swedish award-giving body said in the latest accolade for the pair. The prize, among the most prestigious in the scientific world, was selected by the Nobel Assembly of Sweden's Karolinska Institute medical university and comes with 11 million Swedish crowns (about $1 mi...Keep on reading: Hungarian, US scientists win medicine Nobel for COVID-19 vaccine discoveries
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CA dismisses telco’s appeal vs. NTC over frequency allocation
MANILA, Philippines-- The Court of Appeals (CA) has dismissed a petition filed by NOW Telecom Company Inc. (NOW Telecom) seeking to compel the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to abide by the order of the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) in connection with its application to operate a cellular mobile telephone service within specific frequency ranges. ARTA, in its March 2021 resolution, said that NOW Telecom's application for a provisional authority to operate in the frequency range 1970 Mhz - 1980 Mhz paired with 2160 Mhz to 2170 Mhz and 3.6 GHz to 3.8 GHz frequency ranges were automatically approved by operation of law, specifically Republic Act 11032, otherwise kn...Keep on reading: CA dismisses telco’s appeal vs. NTC over frequency allocation
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INQUIRER.net employee battling Guillain-Barré syndrome needs your help
MANILA, Philippines --- Kenn Gapac's kind demeanor and sharp skills help keep the gears of INQUIRER.net running. He works diligently in the Information Technology department to help ensure that the public is kept informed. But Guillain-Barr syndrome (GBS), a rare condition that attacks the peripheral nerves, is now threatening his life. Kenn has been in the hospital for almost 10 days. "On the sixth day, they saw on the exam that it is GBS. The first thing on my mind was fear, because some people get paralyzed, but it was a good thing that I was immediately brought to the hospital," said Kenn. Kenn is a naturally athletic person who loves to exercise. Nowadays, however, K...Keep on reading: INQUIRER.net employee battling Guillain-Barré syndrome needs your help
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Asian Games: Archer Amaya Cojuangco advances to quarterfinal
HANGZHOU, China---Amaya Cojuangco progressed to the quarterfinal after hurdling her two assignments in women's archery compound on Monday in the 19th Asian Games. Cojuangco edged Yi-Hsuan Chen in a round of 16 shoot-off after forcing a 144 deadlock in the fifth and final frame at the Fuyang Yinhu Sports Centre Qualification Field to move closer to the medal round. The two-time Southeast Asian Games champion earlier opened her campaign by defeating Hong Kong's Cheng Hung Ting, 145-140, in the 15-arrow, 50-meter contest. She will face India's Aditi Gopichand Swami on Tuesday in the quarterfinals where a victory for Cojuangco leads to another sure bronze for Team Philippines. ...Keep on reading: Asian Games: Archer Amaya Cojuangco advances to quarterfinal
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PH consulate working with Italian gov’t in probing fraud cases
MANILA, Philippines --- The Philippine Consulate in Milan on Monday said it is now working with Italian authorities in its investigation on the cases of fraud and illegal recruitment which have victimized over 200 Filipinos. Consul General Elmer Cato, in a statement said he has already met with Prefect Renato Saccone, the highest ranking Italian federal government representative in Milan on Sept. 4, and has requested the Italian official's assistance in verifying the authenticity of the Italian work permits gathered from complainants and witnesses in Italy and the Philippines. After the documents were determined to be spurious, Cato said Sacconne immediately created a task forc...Keep on reading: PH consulate working with Italian gov’t in probing fraud cases
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6 cops face murder raps for mistaken identity shooting of Navotas teen
MANILA, Philippines-- The City Prosecutor of Navotas has filed a case for murder against six police officers tagged in the death of 17-year-old Jerhode "Jemboy" Baltazar. Charged for violation of Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code or murder are the following: Police Executive Master Sergeant Roberto Dioso Balais Jr. (SWAT), Police Staff Sergeant Antonio Balcita Bugayong (Intelligence Service / IS), Police Staff Sergeant Gerry Sabate Maliban (IS), Police Staff Sergeant Nikko Pines Corollo Esquillon (SWAT), Police Corporal Edmark Jake Sorbito Blanco (Sub-Station 4 / SS4) and Patrolman Benedict Danao Mangada (SS4). The six police officers were the first to be ...Keep on reading: 6 cops face murder raps for mistaken identity shooting of Navotas teen
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Tab Baldwin disappointed over Ateneo’s ‘inexcusable’ opening day showing
MANILA, Philippines --- Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin lamented the lack of fight of his new-look defending champions after starting their title defense in the. UAAP Season 86 men's basketball tournament. The Blue Eagles couldn't stop the National University Bulldogs, especially in the fourth quarter, and fell to a 77-64 opening day loss on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena. "We are very disappointed with our performance. I think the words that mean so much to Ateneans, One Big Fight, the word fight was left out today and that is inexcusable," Baldwin said after having a long talk with his team in the locker room. Baldwin rued their 20-of-56 shooting and their defensive lapses as the...Keep on reading: Tab Baldwin disappointed over Ateneo’s ‘inexcusable’ opening day showing
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UN mission arrives in Karabakh, first visit in 30 years
Lachin, Azerbaijan ---A United Nations mission arrived in Nagorno-Karabakh on Sunday, Azerbaijan said, after almost the entire ethnic-Armenian population fled since Baku recaptured the breakaway enclave. An Azerbaijani presidency spokesman told AFP that a "UN mission arrived in Karabakh on Sunday morning" -- mainly to assess humanitarian needs. It marks the first time in about 30 years that the international body has gained access to the region. Armenian separatists, who had controlled the region for three decades, agreed to disarm, dissolve their government and reintegrate with Baku following a one-day Azerbaijani offensive last week. France has lashed out at A...Keep on reading: UN mission arrives in Karabakh, first visit in 30 years
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Gaetz says he will seek to oust McCarthy as speaker this week. ‘Bring it on,’ McCarthy says
WASHINGTON --- Rep. Matt Gaetz said Sunday he will try to remove House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a fellow Republican, from his leadership position this week after McCarthy relied on Democratic support to pass legislation that avoided a government shutdown. "Bring it on," McCarthy responded. Gaetz, a longtime McCarthy nemesis, said on CNN's "State of the Union" that McCarthy was in "brazen, material breach" of agreements he made with House Republicans in January when he ran for speaker. As a result, Gaetz said he would be filing a " motion to vacate the chair," as House rules permit. McCarthy's response: "So be it. Bring it on. Let's get over with it and let's ...Keep on reading: Gaetz says he will seek to oust McCarthy as speaker this week. ‘Bring it on,’ McCarthy says
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Warsaw ‘biggest’ rally draws ‘a million’ anti-govt protesters
Warsaw, Poland ---Around a million people gathered on Sunday at a rally in Warsaw to protest against Poland's conservative government two weeks ahead of a key general election. Called by opposition leader and former premier Donald Tusk, the "Million Hearts March" sought to mobilise the electorate ahead of the vote. "This is absolutely the biggest demonstration in Warsaw's history," Warsaw city spokeswoman Monika Beuth told AFP, adding that "around a million" people attended. Protesters gathered at the heart of Warsaw, many carrying Polish and European Union flags, and marched through the city, with the rally culminating with a speech by Tusk, the head of the centri...Keep on reading: Warsaw ‘biggest’ rally draws ‘a million’ anti-govt protesters
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Senegal navy intercepts migrant boats as more risk perilous journey
SAINT LOUIS, Senegal --- The Senegalese Navy said on Sunday it had stopped two more boats carrying 262 would-be migrants late the previous night, taking the total to five boats intercepted and over 600 people rescued by a navy patrol boat since Thursday. Those rescued included 26 women and 13 minors, the navy said in a post on social media platform X, sharing photos of dozens of people on a patrol boat and others seated in rows on a quay. The successive rescues comes during the busy summer season when thousands of migrants brave the hundreds of miles of ocean separating Africa from Europe each year in a desperate search for a better life. In August, only 37 survive...Keep on reading: Senegal navy intercepts migrant boats as more risk perilous journey
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Eumir Marcial assured of Asian Games bronze with KO win over Thai
HANGZHOU, China---Eumir Marcial is on a major mission to earn a return trip to next year's Paris Olympics. Marcial moved closer to realizing that goal after knocking out Southeast Asian Games champion Weerapon Jongjoho on Sunday night in the 19th Asian Games. The Filipino Olympic bronze medalist bludgeoned Jongjoho with a booming right after a brief exchange on the corner that decked the Thai 14 seconds remaining in the second round. Dazed from the heavy blow, the 22-year-old Jongjoho was waived off by the referee, sending Marcial to the semifinals opposite Syria's Ahmad Ghousoon at the Hangzhou Gymnasium on Wednesday. Although Marcial, forced to go up to a heavier di...Keep on reading: Eumir Marcial assured of Asian Games bronze with KO win over Thai
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Asian Games: PH bets Janry Ubas, William Morrison finish far from podium
HANGZHOU, China---Janry Ubas sought for the lucky jump that he badly needed throughout and yet it never came. Southeast Asia's long-jump king leaped way short of bagging a medal in the 19th Asian Games, ending up seventh in his pet event on Sunday night at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium. Ubas registered a best attempt of 7.80 meters on his sixth and final try, but it wasn't enough for the Filipino record-holder to reach the podium. China's Jianan Wang clinched the gold on the strength of his first attempt in 8.22m and India's Sreeshankar jumped 8.19 for the silver. China's Shi Yuhao took the bronze in 8.10. In the men's shot put final, William Morrison lik...Keep on reading: Asian Games: PH bets Janry Ubas, William Morrison finish far from podium
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The ‘Taylor Swift effect’ brings spending boost to football
NEW YORK --- The "Swift Effect" will be in full force when the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs travel to New York on Sunday, as a connection between pop music phenomenon Taylor Swift and NFL tight end Travis Kelce has sent fans into a frenzy. The rumored relationship marks a collision between two of the most powerful forces in American pop culture, the juggernaut Swift in the middle of her record-breaking "Eras Tour", and the National Football League. The pairing seemed all but confirmed when Swift showed up in Travis Kelce's suite at Arrowhead stadium on Sunday, where she cheered wildly as the tight end caught a three-yard touchdown pass in a 41-10 drubbing of the Chica...Keep on reading: The ‘Taylor Swift effect’ brings spending boost to football
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Russian regions hit by Ukrainian drones and shelling
MOSCOW, Russia - Russia was targeted by another wave of Ukrainian drones and shelling on Sunday, wounding three people and forcing an airport to divert flights, officials said. Since Ukraine launched its counteroffensive in early June, Russian regions have accused Kyiv's armed forces of almost daily drone strikes and shelling on civilian targets. "On Sunday morning, the armed forces of Ukraine shelled the area of the central market in Shebekino," said Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of Russia's Belgorod region bordering Ukraine. "According to preliminary information, there are three victims -- a woman suffered shrapnel wounds to the neck... Two other men suffered shra...Keep on reading: Russian regions hit by Ukrainian drones and shelling
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Gilas Women dealt with first loss in Asian Games by Japan
MANILA, Philippines--Gilas Pilipinas suffered its first loss in the 19th Asian Games women's basketball tournament, running into a well-oiled Japan side, 96-59, on Sunday night. Saddled by an error-filled first quarter, Gilas hardly stood a chance against pretty much the same Akatsuki Five that finished 2nd in the Women's Asia Cup in Sydney, Australia, earlier this year. The Nationals were also unable to come up with a response to the Japanese' early torrid shooting that gave them a massive 35-14 cushion in the first period which eventually proved handy as the game at Hangzhou Olympic Centre Gymnasium plodded along. Janine Pontejos had 13 points while Chack Cabinbin and ...Keep on reading: Gilas Women dealt with first loss in Asian Games by Japan
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