General

Manila: As the world celebrates Earth Day on Tuesday, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga called on all Filipinos to take an active role in shaping a cleaner and greener future. According to Philippines News Agency, Loyzaga emphasized that environmental protection and climate action begin with collective responsibility. “Earth Day offers a moment to reflect on the responsibilities we share – as Filipinos, and as stewards of a fragile planet,” she said. “This year’s theme, ‘Our Planet, Our Power,’ speaks to a profound truth: that we hold the power to shape a future anchored

Bangkok: Filipino International Master Paulo Bersamina defeated Ukrainian Grandmaster Vitaliy Bernadskiy in the final round to finish second in the 22nd Bangkok Chess Club Open at Royal Orchid Sheraton Riverside Hotel in Thailand on Monday. Bersamina triumphed in 67 moves of the Sicilian Defense to garner 7.5 points. According to Philippines News Agency, Bersamina expressed his happiness over his runner-up finish and also topped the Makruk or Thai chess category. Meanwhile, GM Evgeny Romanov of North Macedonia led the tournament, defeating Malaysian FIDE Master Ern Jie Anderson Ang in 38 moves of the Catalan Opening to register 8.0 points. Filipino

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed Rafael Calinisan as the new Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer (VCEO) of the National Police Commission (Napolcom). Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed Calinisan’s appointment to reporters at the Palace on Tuesday. According to Philippines News Agency, Calinisan was initially appointed as a Napolcom commissioner in November 2024. Prior to his involvement with the commission, Calinisan held the position of chief at the Quezon City People’s Law Enforcement Board for four years. He is an alumnus of the Ateneo de Manila University, where he completed his law degree, and he furthered his education

Manila: A lawyers’ group on Tuesday denounced the plan of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) host Jeffrey Celiz to seek political asylum in Canada over alleged safety concerns. In a statement, the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) pointed out that Celiz is not a dissident seeking refuge from political persecution. According to Philippines News Agency, the NUPL criticized Celiz, describing him as a military asset and paid propagandist attempting to evade accountability for years of systematic red-tagging, disinformation, and public vilification of activists and rights defenders. Celiz, a self-confessed former New People’s Army rebel and known supporter of former

Albay: The provincial government of Albay, through the Albay Provincial Persons with Disability Affairs Office (APPDAO), is urging persons with disabilities (PWDs) to exercise their right to vote during the May 12 mid-term polls. According to Philippines News Agency, APPDAO head Annecita Abion emphasized the importance of voting to ensure that PWDs’ voices are heard and their needs addressed. She stated, “We encourage everyone to vote if they want their voices to be recognized. It is essential to exercise the right to suffrage; otherwise, if they do not participate, the conditions for our sector will remain unchanged.” Abion highlighted that