Day: August 13, 2025

Manila: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has stated that affidavits purportedly signed by former employees of Julie Patidongan, a key whistleblower in the case concerning the disappearance of ‘sabungeros’ (cockfight enthusiasts), hold little evidentiary value. This announcement was made amidst ongoing discussions about the reliability of these documents. According to Philippines News Agency, DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano communicated to reporters that even if the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) submitted the affidavits, they would not be heavily weighted due to their origin from the defense team. Clavano noted the awkwardness of the situation, particularly for the

Manila: The Australian Embassy in Manila on Wednesday expressed ‘serious concern’ over the collision of two Chinese vessels near Bajo de Masinloc, stating that the incident underscores the urgent need for ‘restraint’ in the area. ‘Australia is seriously concerned by the dangerous and unprofessional conduct of Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal involving the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG),’ the embassy said in a statement posted on X. According to Philippines News Agency, this incident highlights the need for de-escalation, restraint, and respect for international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Australia joined several foreign

Incheon: Transpacific venture partners Korean Air and Delta Air Lines have launched the International Remote Baggage Screening (IRBS) on their Incheon-Atlanta route. This initiative is set to facilitate faster and more seamless travel for passengers. According to Philippines News Agency, the launch event was attended by representatives from South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Incheon International Airport Corporation, and the two airlines. The IRBS system allows checked baggage to be X-ray screened at departure in Korea, with images securely transmitted to the US Customs and Border Protection for remote review before the

Batanes: Tropical Cyclone Gorio, internationally known as Podul, has officially exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) confirmed this development in its 5 p.m. bulletin on Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, Gorio has slightly weakened, with maximum sustained winds recorded at 140 kilometers per hour near its center and gustiness reaching up to 230 kilometers per hour. As of 4 p.m., the cyclone was positioned 325 kilometers northwest of Itbayat, Batanes. Currently, no tropical cyclone wind signal is in effect. However, the southwest monsoon, enhanced by Gorio, is expected to

Manila: Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday reiterated his proposal to make public the proponents of all amendments, including insertions, in the budget process. Lacson emphasized that this approach would hold proponents accountable for flood control and other infrastructure projects that may be substandard or non-existent. According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson stressed that without transparency in identifying the proponents of amendments, Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 4, which was discussed in plenary on Tuesday, would not fulfill its objective of ensuring transparency in the deliberations for the 2026 budget. In a post on X, he stated, “To truly ensure transparency in