General

Tacloban: The administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas is optimistic about gaining the support of Leyte voters in the forthcoming elections, with the province recognized as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s stronghold in the Visayas. In a grand rally at Plaza Libertad, located across from the old provincial capitol building, thousands of supporters assembled Friday night as candidates presented their platforms aligned with the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ agenda, emphasizing economic growth, infrastructure, and social welfare initiatives. According to Philippines News Agency, the President spearheaded the rally alongside nine of the 12 senatorial candidates endorsed by his administration. President Marcos addressed the

Tacloban City: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pledged to improve internet speed and connection in Eastern Visayas, especially in far-flung areas. According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos made the commitment during a meeting with the Regional Development Council (RDC) in Tacloban City on Friday, as per the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) news release on Saturday. Marcos stated that the government has developed a new system to ensure reliable broadband connectivity in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) in the region. ‘I took note of the issues on the internet. We have decided on the system that we are going to

Manila: Winning senators and party-list groups in the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE) are expected to be determined a week after the elections, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec). According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia stated in a press briefing that the process involves transferring results from the Municipal and Provincial Boards of Canvassers to the National Board of Canvassers (NBOC). The canvassing at the national level is estimated to take between five to seven days. The Commission en banc will convene as the NBOC to oversee this process. Garcia highlighted that this

Washington: Global sea levels rose 0.23 inches (0.59 centimeters) in 2024, surpassing the expected 0.17 inches, according to NASA. According to Philippines News Agency, a NASA-led analysis published Thursday found that thermal expansion, the process of ocean water expanding as it warms, played a significant role in the ‘unexpected’ rise. Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, director of physical oceanography programs at the US space agency, stated, “With 2024 as the warmest year on record, Earth’s expanding oceans are following suit, reaching their highest levels in three decades.” NASA confirmed in January that Earth’s average surface temperature in 2024 was the warmest on

Manila: Former president Rodrigo R. Duterte made his first appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) via a video link on Friday (Manila time), with the next hearing for confirmation of his charges set for Sept. 23. ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I Presiding Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc, speaking French, allowed Duterte to attend and follow the hearing virtually considering the ‘long journey involving a considerable time difference’ that he made from the Philippines. According to Philippines News Agency, Duterte, wearing a blue blazer and tie, listened through headphones to hear the interpreter, and spoke in English to confirm his full name,