Thursday, May 7, 2026


Your Daily News Update About CALABARZON and Beyond.
ISSN 2799-1911

Home Blog Page 116

US backs Philippines, rejects China’s plan for Scarborough Shoal, Rubio says

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
US backs Philippines, rejects China’s plan for Scarborough Shoal, Rubio says

WASHINGTON. The United States reaffirmed its support for the Philippines on Friday, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio denouncing China’s reported plan to declare Scarborough Shoal a nature preserve in the South China Sea.

“Beijing claiming Scarborough Reef as a nature preserve is yet another coercive attempt to advance sweeping territorial and maritime claims in the South China Sea at the expense of its neighbors,” Rubio said in a statement.

Scarborough Shoal, located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, has been under China’s control since 2012. The area is closely monitored by Chinese vessels, and Filipino fishermen have raised concerns that Beijing’s plan could further restrict their operations.

China asserts sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea, a vital maritime route through which more than $3 trillion in trade passes annually, despite overlapping claims by the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

Rubio stressed that China’s moves undermined regional stability and urged Beijing to comply with the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which found that China had unlawfully barred Filipino fishermen from Scarborough Shoal.

On Saturday, the Philippine government said its navy conducted operations with the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and Japan’s maritime forces near islands in Zambales province, about 120 nautical miles from Scarborough.

Meanwhile, China’s state-run Global Times reported that Manila had engaged in a “joint patrol” in the South China Sea with unnamed nations from outside the region.

Suspect in Charlie Kirk killing awaits charges, Utah governor confirms

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
Suspect in Charlie Kirk killing awaits charges, Utah governor confirms

OREM, Utah. The 22-year-old student accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah is in custody and expected to face formal charges next week, officials said Saturday.

Tyler Robinson, a third-year student at Dixie Technical College, was arrested Thursday night after relatives and a family friend reported that he had implicated himself in the killing. “We got him,” Governor Spencer Cox told reporters at a press conference on Friday, announcing the end of a 33-hour manhunt.

Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA and a close ally of former President Donald Trump, was shot dead on Wednesday by a single rifle round fired from a rooftop during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University in Orem attended by about 3,000 people.

A bolt-action rifle believed to be the murder weapon was recovered nearby. Surveillance images released by police showed a “person of interest” in dark clothing and sunglasses. The breakthrough came when Robinson’s relatives informed the sheriff’s office that he had “confessed to them or implied that he had committed” the shooting, Cox said.

Robinson was arrested at his parents’ home in St. George, about 260 miles southwest of the crime scene, and police later searched his apartment nearby. Evidence collected included shell casings engraved with messages, some of which referenced internet memes and video games. One casing, according to the arrest affidavit, read: “If you read This, you are GAY Lmao.”

Robinson is being held on suspicion of aggravated murder and related offenses. Charges are expected to be formally filed early next week, Cox confirmed.

The killing, which Trump denounced as a “heinous assassination,” has heightened concerns about political violence in the United States. Cox described it as a “watershed in American history,” likening it to the political assassinations of the 1960s.

Kirk’s supporters have announced a memorial service for September 21 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Meanwhile, his death has sparked both outrage and widespread condemnation of political violence across the ideological spectrum. Allies of Kirk have also launched online campaigns urging employers to dismiss individuals who mock or downplay the murder; at least 15 suspensions or firings have been linked to such comments, according to Reuters.

Investigators have not disclosed a clear motive. While state records show Robinson was a registered voter without party affiliation, a relative told authorities that he had expressed growing political views in recent years and voiced dislike for Kirk.

Rachel Kleinfeld, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, cautioned against focusing solely on ideology. “The ideological beliefs of the shooter don’t matter. What matters is how they’re taken by society,” she said, warning that finger-pointing could fuel further violence regardless of the attacker’s background.

Trump, speaking to NBC News on Saturday, blamed his political opponents. “I’d like to see it heal. But we’re dealing with a radical left group of lunatics, and they don’t play fair and they never did,” he said.

Kirk’s death comes amid what experts describe as the most sustained wave of political violence in the United States in decades. Since the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, Reuters has documented more than 300 politically motivated violent acts across the ideological spectrum.

Trump has himself survived two assassination attempts in the past year, while Democrats have also been targeted, including the April arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence and the June shooting in Minnesota that killed state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband.

Singson, Fajardo itinalaga ni Marcos bilang ICI members

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Singson, Fajardo itinalaga ni Marcos bilang ICI members

MAYNILA. Inanunsyo ng Malacañang nitong Sabado ang ilang opisyal na itinalaga ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. bilang bahagi ng Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), na mag-iimbestiga sa mga iregularidad sa flood control projects ng pamahalaan.

Ayon kay Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro, kabilang sa mga kasapi ng komisyon si dating Public Works secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson at si Rossana Fajardo, country managing partner ng auditing firm na SGV and Company.

Itinalaga naman si Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong bilang special adviser at investigator ng ICI, ngunit hindi kabilang bilang miyembro ng tatlong-kataong komisyon.

Hindi pa inanunsyo ang magiging chairperson ng komisyon. Ayon kay Castro, si Marcos mismo ang magtatalaga rito sa mga darating na araw.

“To lead this task, the President has appointed individuals of proven competence, integrity, and deep familiarity with infrastructure, finance and institutional reform,” ani Castro.

Binigyang-diin niya ang malawak na karanasan ni Singson sa pagpapatupad ng malalaking proyekto ng pamahalaan, gayundin ang expertise ni Fajardo bilang Certified Public Accountant na may higit tatlong dekada sa auditing, internal controls, at risk management.

Tungkol naman kay Magalong, sinabi ni Castro na napatunayan na nito ang kakayahan sa paghawak ng sensitibong imbestigasyon at pagpapatupad ng transparency at accountability sa lokal na pamahalaan.

Batay sa Executive Order No. 94 ni Marcos, inaatasan ang ICI na mag-imbestiga at magsuri ng ebidensya laban sa mga opisyal at kawani ng pamahalaan, pati na rin sa ibang indibidwal, na may kinalaman sa mga anomalya, iregularidad, at maling paggamit ng pondo sa flood control at iba pang proyektong pang-imprastruktura sa buong bansa.

Ayon kay Castro, boluntaryo ang pagtanggap ng mga naitalagang opisyal. “Boluntaryo ang pagtanggap nila sa tungkulin na ito. Hindi sila hinihirang para ipagtanggol ang sistema kung hindi para harapin ito,” aniya.

Si Singson ay nagsilbing kalihim ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) mula Hulyo 2010 hanggang Hunyo 2016 sa ilalim ng administrasyong Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III. Nitong Agosto, inamin niyang inalok siyang muling pamunuan ang DPWH sa kabila ng mga kinahaharap na isyu noon ng incumbent secretary na si Manuel Bonoan.

Samantala, si Fajardo ay mula sa pribadong sektor at kamakailan lamang, nitong Hulyo 1, ay itinalaga bilang country managing partner ng SGV, kung saan pinamumunuan niya ang mga inisyatiba para sa sustainable growth ng kumpanya.

Giit ni Marcos, walang politiko ang magiging kasapi ng komisyon. Ipinaliwanag ni Castro na bagama’t si Magalong ay isang halal na opisyal, adviser lamang ang kanyang papel.

Tungkol naman sa timetable ng imbestigasyon, sinabi ni Castro na wala pang tiyak na panahon ngunit target na matapos ito sa loob ng ilang buwan. “Mas mainam po matapos po ito sa loob lamang ng ilang buwan,” aniya.

Ayon sa EO, uunahin ng komisyon ang pagbusisi sa mga flood control at iba pang proyekto sa nakalipas na sampung taon mula nang maging epektibo ang kautusan.

Michael V ipakikilala si Ciala Dismaya sa Bubble Gang, mapapanood bukas

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
-
0
Michael V ipakikilala si Ciala Dismaya sa Bubble Gang, mapapanood bukas

MAYNILA. Muling bibida sa pinakabagong spoof ng Bubble Gang si Michael V., na magpapakilala ng bagong karakter na pinangalanang Ciala Dismaya, na malinaw na parodiya sa kontratistang si Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya na nasasangkot sa isyu ng maanomalyang flood control projects ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Sa Instagram, nagbigay ng pasilip ang Bubble Gang sa bagong sketch kung saan makikitang suot ni Michael V. ang puting blazer, gray top, bob cut wig, at may nunal na pamoso sa kanyang karakter. Sa isa pang post ng GMA Network, makikita rin siya na may hawak na asul na payong, na tumutukoy sa kontrobersyal na panayam kay Discaya tungkol sa pagbili ng mamahaling sasakyan na dahil sa isang payong.

“Ang pinag-uusapan ng lahat, pinangalanan na!” ayon sa caption ng Bubble Gang sa teaser post nito.

Sa panayam ng GMA News Online, ikinuwento ni Michael V. o Direk Bitoy kung paano siya napaisip na gampanan si Discaya matapos mapansin ang kanilang pagkakahawig.
“Actually una kong napansin kaagad ‘yan sa Senate hearing. Ako mismo napansin ko na. Parang kamukha ko siya. Parang konting effort na lang magagaya ko na siya,” ani Michael V. “Hindi ko muna inisip na gayahin right away. Pero dahil sa dami ng messages na nagpa-flood sa feed ko, binato ko na agad sa creative team ng Bubble Gang. And they had the same idea rin pala.”

Nagulat umano ang Bubble Gang team sa dami ng reaksyon mula sa netizens nang ilabas nila ang teaser noong Setyembre 8. “Nagulat ako dahil nakatalikod pa lang, ‘di pa nga nila nakikita ‘yung mukha, na-excite na agad ‘yung mga tao. Abangan ninyo this Sunday, mas lalo kayong matutuwa sa inihanda namin,” dagdag ni Michael V.

Samantala, sinabi ni Atty. Cornelio Samaniego III, abogado ni Sarah Discaya, sa panayam ng Super Radyo DZBB na hindi na-offend ang kanyang kliyente sa parody.
“Pero wala siyang violent reaction [or] whatever, wala. Nire-respeto natin si Michael V., idol natin ‘yan sa Bubble Gang. Trabaho niya ‘yan, parang ako abogado, trabaho ko ‘to, di ba?” ani Samaniego.

Mapapanood ang espesyal na episode ng Bubble Gang na tampok si Ciala Dismaya bukas, Setyembre 14, ganap na 6:10 p.m. sa GMA Network.

Sushila Karki named Nepal’s first woman prime minister amid protests

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Sushila Karki named Nepal’s first woman prime minister amid protests

KATHMANDU, Nepal. President Ram Chandra Poudel on Friday appointed former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister, making her the first woman to lead Nepal’s government after days of violent unrest forced the resignation of the previous administration.

Karki, 73, was sworn in during a small ceremony at the presidential residence, broadcast on state television. Politicians, officials, and foreign diplomats were present and offered their congratulations.

Known for her firm stance against corruption during her tenure as the country’s only female chief justice in 2016 and 2017, Karki survived an impeachment attempt in April 2017. Lawmakers at the time accused her of bias, but the effort was widely condemned as an attack on the judiciary.

Her appointment follows widespread demonstrations in Kathmandu that began Monday over a government ban on social media platforms, including Facebook, X, and YouTube. Although the ban was quickly lifted, the protests escalated into violent confrontations fueled by broader frustrations among young people.

Thousands of demonstrators attacked and set fire to government buildings, including the parliament and presidential residence. Businesses were also destroyed, while police opened fire on crowds. Authorities confirmed that many of those killed were protesters, along with inmates attempting to escape from a prison in the capital. Three police officers were also among the dead.

Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli resigned Tuesday and fled his official residence amid the violence. The army took control of Kathmandu the same night, enforcing a curfew and facilitating negotiations between protesters, the military, and the president over the formation of an interim government.

Residents are currently allowed only a few hours each day to leave their homes for food and supplies as soldiers continue to patrol the streets.

The demonstrations, dubbed the “protest of Gen Z,” have tapped into deep discontent with Nepal’s political elite. Many young protesters accuse the children of political leaders—derided as “nepo kids”—of living in luxury while most youth face widespread unemployment and economic hardship.

‘Per page racket’ sa DPWH, ibinulgar ni Lacson

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
‘Per page racket’ sa DPWH, ibinulgar ni Lacson

MAYNILA. Isiniwalat ni Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson ngayong Biyernes, Setyembre 12, ang umano’y bagong raket sa Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) na kinasasangkutan ng mga junior personnel na naniningil ng libo-libong piso kada pahina ng dokumento mula sa mga kontratista.

Ayon kay Lacson, ang mga dagdag na “requirements” na ipinapataw ng mga junior staff sa antas ng District Engineering Office ay bukod pa sa regular na komisyon at obligasyong karaniwang sinisingil sa mga kontratista.

“Naging systemic na kung saan nag-evolve sa sobrang katakawan nagdagdag ng nagdagdag ng nagdagdag ng pagkakagastusan, pagkakakitaan, pati per page ng bidding documents, pati per page ng material testing report, pati per page ng kung anong documentary requirements, pinepresyuhan na,” sinabi ni Lacson sa panayam ng NET25.

Batay sa kanyang impormasyon, kabilang sa umano’y mga singil ng junior officials ang:

  • Variation order technical notes: P10,000 bawat dokumento at P2,000 bawat pahina kada request
  • Planning and Design Section: P50,000 para sa soft copy, depende sa region
  • Materials testing report: 1% ng contract cost, walang resibo
  • Bid documents: P50,000, depende sa region
  • Inspection per initial billing: P5,000 bawat inspector, dagdag na P10,000 at P5,000 kada pipirma ng taga-DPWH
  • Final billing: P75,000 at P5,000 bawat project engineer
  • Quality assurance mula sa Central Office: P50,000 na ipapatawag ng District Engineer
  • Construction Performance Evaluation System (CPES): P50,000 hanggang P200,000

Bilang chair ng Senate Blue Ribbon Committee na nag-iimbestiga sa katiwalian sa flood control projects, sinabi ni Lacson na malinaw na malalim na ang ugat ng korapsyon sa DPWH.

Matatandaan na sa kanyang mga privilege speech noong Agosto 20 at Setyembre 9, ibinunyag din ni Lacson ang umano’y organisadong katiwalian sa DPWH, kabilang ang paggamit ng ilang engineer ng daan-daang milyong piso ng pondo ng bayan sa pagsusugal sa casino.

Dagdag niya, naging masama ang impluwensiya ng mga tiwaling opisyal sa kanilang mga junior personnel. “Siyempre nakikita nila ang mga DE nila ang lalaki ng kita. Itong mga nasa ilalim ng DE, teka muna, maghahanapbuhay din kami,” wika ni Lacson.

Binigyang-diin niya na ang tunay na naaapektuhan ng mga dagdag na gastusin ay hindi ang mga kontratista, kundi ang karaniwang mamamayan. “Ang mas mababa, magdadagdag ng requirement, parusa sa contractor. Pero ang talagang pinaparusahan ang taxpayer kasi ang contractor di magpapalugi yan. Babawasin yan sa gagawin nilang substandard,” paliwanag niya.

Duterte hindi na fit humarap sa paglilitis, ayon sa abogado

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
-
0
Duterte hindi na fit humarap sa paglilitis, ayon sa abogado

MAYNILA. Hinihiling ng kampo ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa International Criminal Court (ICC) ang indefinite adjournment ng kaso laban sa kanya, matapos igiit ng kanyang abogado na hindi na ito fit upang dumalo sa paglilitis.

Ayon kay Nicholas Kaufman, abogado ni Duterte, wala na umanong malinaw na alaala ang 80-anyos na dating pangulo tungkol sa mga pangyayari sa kanyang buhay at maging sa mga miyembro ng kanyang pamilya.

Batay sa public redacted na bersyon ng Defense Request for an Indefinite Adjournment na inilabas ng ICC noong Setyembre 11, sinabi ni Kaufman na hindi na kayang ipagtanggol ni Duterte ang sarili at hindi rin umano nito nauunawaan kung bakit siya nakakulong.

“With his impaired memory and concomitant inability to retain new information or to recall events, places, timing or even members of his close family and defense team, Mr. Duterte is unable to fully understand the nature and implications of the proceedings conducted against him,” pahayag ni Kaufman.

Dagdag pa ng abogado, kahit pa sumailalim si Duterte sa medical o psychiatric intervention, mananatiling “static” o posibleng lumubha pa ang kanyang kondisyon.

“[REDACTED] Mr. Duterte’s pathology clearly suggests that ‘a trial and continued detention… would also not serve the interests of justice’. In these circumstances, the pursuit of legal proceedings against a [REDACTED] incapacitated individual must be terminated,” ani Kaufman.

Matatandaang ipinagpaliban ng ICC ang nakatakdang pagdinig sa kaso ni Duterte ngayong Setyembre 23, matapos igiit ng depensa na hindi na siya fit humarap sa paglilitis.

Charlie Kirk shooting suspect in custody, family says he had become ‘more political’

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
Charlie Kirk shooting suspect in custody, family says he had become ‘more political’

OREM, Utah. A 22-year-old Utah man accused of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a university forum has been arrested following a 33-hour manhunt, as investigators probe his background and possible motives.

The suspect, identified as Tyler James Robinson of Washington, Utah, was taken into custody Thursday night after relatives and a family friend alerted authorities that he had confessed or implied involvement in the killing. “I want to thank the family members of Tyler Robinson who did the right thing in this case and were able to bring him into law enforcement,” Utah Governor Spencer Cox said.

Kirk, 31, was shot dead Wednesday evening while speaking before a crowd of about 3,000 at Utah Valley University in Orem. Authorities said a single bullet fired from a rooftop struck him as he stood onstage. A bolt-action rifle believed to be the murder weapon was later recovered nearby.

Robinson was booked on suspicion of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm causing serious injury, and obstruction of justice, according to court filings. A judge ordered that he be held without bail. FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators received more than 11,000 tips in the case, the most since the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

Authorities said Robinson appeared to have acted alone. His family told investigators that he had become “more political” in recent years and expressed dislike for Kirk’s views. At a recent dinner, Robinson mentioned Kirk’s upcoming Utah Valley appearance, sparking a discussion in which a relative described Kirk as “full of hate and spreading hate.”

Despite his alleged political shift, state voter records show Robinson was not affiliated with any party and had not voted in recent general elections. He lived with his parents, who run a granite countertop business and are registered Republicans. Neighbors and acquaintances described him as quiet and unremarkable, though a former classmate recalled him as a high-achieving student who once earned a scholarship to Utah State University. He later enrolled at Dixie Technical College, where he was studying electrical work.

Robinson had no prior criminal history. Social media posts from past years depicted him as part of an active family that enjoyed travel, outdoor activities, and target shooting.

Court documents noted that when Robinson was arrested, he was wearing clothing matching surveillance images of the gunman. Ammunition recovered from the scene carried engravings referencing meme culture and fascism. One casing bore the words, “Here fascist! CATCH.” Another bullet that struck Kirk was inscribed with an online role-play meme: “Notices Buldge OWO what’s this?”

The killing drew swift condemnation across the political spectrum. Former President Donald Trump, a close ally of Kirk, called it a “heinous assassination,” while Cox described it as “an attack on the American experiment” and compared it to the wave of U.S. political assassinations in the 1960s.

Kirk, co-founder and president of Turning Point USA, was known for his sharp and often provocative commentary on race, gender, immigration, and gun laws. He was in Utah as part of his “American Comeback Tour” of college campuses, following a speaking trip to South Korea and Japan.

“It is an attack on all of us,” Cox said. “We will never be able to solve the violence problems that people are worried about if we can’t have a clash of ideas, safely and securely. That’s why this matters so much.”

Kamote riders hindi isasali sa zero billing – DOH

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
-
0
Kamote riders hindi isasali sa zero billing – DOH

MAYNILA. Pinag-aaralan ng Department of Health (DOH) na hindi isama sa sakop ng Zero Balance Billing ang mga tsuper at rider na nasangkot sa aksidente dahil sa paglabag sa batas trapiko, tulad ng pagmamaneho nang nakainom ng alak o hindi pagsusuot ng helmet.

Kinumpirma ni Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa na patuloy na nakakapagtala ang DOH ng mataas na bilang ng mga kaso ng road traffic injuries na kinasasangkutan ng mga lumalabag sa safety regulations.

Batay sa datos mula sa Online National Electronic Injury Surveillance Data nitong Hulyo 2025, umabot sa 5,083 ang naitalang road traffic injuries, kung saan 3,382 ay kinasasangkutan ng motorsiklo. Sa naturang bilang, 3,197 ang walang suot na helmet habang 205 naman ang nakainom ng alak. Tatlumpu’t walo sa kanila ang binawian ng buhay dahil sa malubhang pinsala sa ulo at katawan.

Ayon kay Herbosa, kasalukuyang sinasagot ng DOH ang lahat ng gastusin ng mga biktima ng aksidente sa ilalim ng Zero Balance Billing kung ang pasyente ay nasa basic accommodation. Saklaw nito ang mga medical procedure, operasyon, gamot, laboratory tests, at iba pang gastusin sa ospital.

Gayunman, inihayag ng kalihim na pinag-aaralan ng DOH ang pagpapatupad ng polisiya na hindi isasama sa Zero Balance Billing ang mga pasyenteng nasangkot sa drunk driving o sa anumang traffic violation.

“Kailangang may pananagutan ang drayber o motorista na nasangkot sa aksidente dahil sa hindi pagsunod sa batas trapiko,” ani Herbosa, na iginiit na ang Zero Balance Billing ay para lamang sa mga pasyente na walang nilabag na batas.

US to provide Philippines $250M for health programs, Rubio announces

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
US to provide Philippines $250M for health programs, Rubio announces

WASHINGTON. The Trump administration will allocate an additional $250 million to the Philippines to support tuberculosis prevention, maternal health, and responses to emerging diseases, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Thursday.

The funding comes after $63 million was pledged during U.S. President Donald Trump’s meeting with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House in July. Rubio said the assistance reflects Trump’s new foreign aid model following the closure of USAID and other traditional aid channels.

The new support underscores “the comprehensive bond between the United States and the Philippines” and highlights “the efficient, time-limited, and narrowly targeted approach of this new era of America First foreign assistance,” Rubio stated.

The Philippine embassy in Washington welcomed the announcement, saying it appreciates the aid but declined to issue further comments.

The Trump administration has been moving to scale back foreign assistance as part of its “America First” policy, withholding billions in aid previously approved by Congress. Despite this, lawmakers, largely Republicans, have budgeted billions in foreign aid, including $11 billion that must be spent before a September 30 deadline.

After a legal challenge, the administration confirmed it intends to release $6.5 billion of the funds. Its effort to block another $4 billion in allocations is currently pending before the U.S. Supreme Court.

1...115116117...818Page 116 of 818




Tutubi Digital News will shape up the way you stay up to date with the goings-on around Calabarzon, and the world. Tutubi is committed to keep you socially active. Tutubi updates on the Go!


Contact us:

info@tutubi.ph

Popular Posts

Popular category

PH News3499World News3410Asia1438Curiosity1013War Reports and Updates628

Developed by Tutubi News Magazine |Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions of Use | Cookie Policy | All rights reserved