Day: October 20, 2025

Tokyo: Japanese Empress Emerita Michiko, wife of Emperor Emeritus Akihito and mother of Emperor Naruhito, marked her 91st birthday on Monday. The Empress Emerita, who suffered a fracture to her right thigh bone last October, has made significant strides in her recovery, reaching a condition nearly as robust as before her injury. Her routine now includes supporting the daily life of Emperor Emeritus Akihito, who is also 91 and undergoing cardiac treatment. According to Philippines News Agency, the Empress Emerita dedicated herself to rehabilitation at the Sento Imperial Residence in Tokyo’s Minato Ward following her hospital discharge. Her commitment enabled

Paris: “Priceless” jewelry was stolen from Paris’ iconic Louvre museum in what has been described as a “major robbery,” the French interior minister announced on Sunday. The theft led to the museum’s closure earlier that day, disrupting its normal operations. According to Philippines News Agency, French Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed that no injuries were reported in connection with the incident. She communicated via the US social media platform X, stating that she was present at the scene alongside museum staff and police. An investigation into the robbery is currently underway. The Louvre museum further informed the public on X

Manila: Tropical Storm Ramil has exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), with all wind signals lifted across the country, the state weather bureau announced in its 11 a.m. bulletin on Monday. Ramil was last tracked 440 km west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur, and is moving northwestward at 25 kilometers per hour (kph), according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). According to Philippines News Agency, the cyclone has maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 105 kph. PAGASA reported that the trough and outer rainbands of Ramil, along with

Iloilo city: Over PHP3.2 million in humanitarian assistance has been initially disbursed to assist families affected by Tropical Storm Ramil in Western Visayas. The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office in Western Visayas (DSWD-6) reported that, as of 4 a.m. Monday, the adverse weather conditions have impacted 42,963 families or 154,664 individuals across 332 barangays in the region. According to Philippines News Agency, 2,310 families, or 8,435 individuals, are currently taking refuge in 142 evacuation centers throughout the region. Additionally, 2,635 families, equating to 9,690 persons, have sought temporary shelter with friends or relatives. The DSWD still has

Manila: Malaca±ang on Monday downplayed calls to abolish the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) over alleged corruption in multi-billion-peso flood control projects, stating that the government prefers to weed out erring officials rather than dismantle the entire agency. According to Philippines News Agency, the proposal was raised by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who earlier cited long-standing irregularities in the department, including reports of rigged bidding and collusion between contractors and project engineers. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro conveyed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s stance against scrapping the DPWH, emphasizing that the agency still has career officials and personnel who