Thursday, May 7, 2026


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

Home Blog Page 139

Ex-governor ng Palawan, hinatulan ng 66 na taon dahil sa anomalya sa Malampaya Fund

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
-
0
Ex-governor ng Palawan, hinatulan ng 66 na taon dahil sa anomalya sa Malampaya Fund

MAYNILA. Hinatulan ng Sandiganbayan si dating Palawan Governor Mario Joel Reyes ng hanggang 66 na taong pagkakakulong kaugnay ng maanomalyang paggamit ng pondo mula sa Malampaya natural gas project.

Sa isang 625-pahinang desisyon na isinulat ni Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg, napatunayang nagkasala si Reyes at ang kanyang mga kapwa akusado na sina dating Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Samuel Madamba II, dating Quality Control Division Chief Alfredo Padua, at mga engineer na sina Rolly Matudio at Bayani Buenaventura. Sila ay napatunayang lumabag sa Section 3 ng Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Ayon sa Sandiganbayan, guilty si Reyes sa 11 bilang ng kasong graft na may kaugnayan sa maling paggamit ng ₱1.53 bilyong royalties mula sa Malampaya Gas Field noong 2009. Ang mga proyektong pinondohan ay kinabibilangan ng mga school building, San Vicente Airport Development Project, road projects, solar home systems, at mga day care center.

May kabuuang 159 criminal charges ang isinampa laban sa kanila, kabilang na ang kasong katiwalian at pamemeke ng mga pampublikong dokumento kaugnay ng humigit-kumulang 39 na proyektong pang-imprastruktura sa Palawan.

Sinentensiyahan si Reyes ng anim hanggang sampung taong pagkakakulong para sa bawat bilang ng kasong graft na kanyang kinakaharap, na may kabuuang sentensiyang 66 taon.

Batay sa desisyon ng korte, lumabag si Reyes sa mga alituntunin ng tamang paggawad ng kontrata sa pamamagitan ng pagkiling sa isang contractor, kung saan paulit-ulit nitong iginiit at inaprubahan ang mga kontrata kahit pa hindi dumaan sa tamang pagsusuri ang mga bid proposal.

Ang hatol ng Sandiganbayan ay bahagi ng nagpapatuloy na kampanya laban sa katiwalian sa paggamit ng pondo ng bayan.

South African scientists inject Rhino horns with radioactive isotopes to deter poaching

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
South African scientists inject Rhino horns with radioactive isotopes to deter poaching

MOKOPANE, South Africa. A groundbreaking anti-poaching initiative has been launched in South Africa, where scientists are injecting rhino horns with radioactive isotopes to make them detectable at international borders. The method, developed by the University of the Witwatersrand in collaboration with nuclear energy experts and conservationists, is part of the newly launched Rhisotope Project.

On Thursday, five rhinos were injected in a new phase of the campaign. The university hopes this marks the beginning of a large-scale rollout across South Africa, which is home to the majority of the world’s remaining rhino population.

The radioactive material used in the injections is non-toxic to the animals, according to researchers at the university’s Radiation and Health Physics Unit. James Larkin, the project’s chief scientific officer, stated that extensive trials have proven the technique to be safe and effective.

“We have demonstrated, beyond scientific doubt, that the process is completely safe for the animal and effective in making the horn detectable through international customs nuclear security systems,” Larkin said.

He added that even horns with low levels of radioactivity successfully triggered radiation detectors, and that tests showed they could be detected even when hidden inside full 40-foot shipping containers.

The method aims to curb the illegal trade in rhino horns, which are highly valued on the black market, particularly in Asia. The International Union for Conservation of Nature reports that the global rhino population has plummeted from around 500,000 in the early 1900s to just 27,000 today.

South Africa holds approximately 16,000 of the remaining rhinos, but faces serious poaching threats, with an estimated 500 rhinos killed each year. Last year, trials were conducted on 20 rhinos at a private sanctuary to test the safety and effectiveness of the isotope injections.

The University of the Witwatersrand is now urging national conservation authorities and private game reserve owners to consider adopting the Rhisotope Project in their efforts to protect rhinos from extinction.

Trump raises tariffs on Canadian goods to 35 percent, cites Fentanyl concerns

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
Trump raises tariffs on Canadian goods to 35 percent, cites Fentanyl concerns

WASHINGTON, TORONTO. U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order increasing tariffs on Canadian goods to 35 percent from the previous 25 percent for all products not covered by the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), the White House announced Thursday.

According to a White House fact sheet, goods transshipped through other countries to evade the new tariff structure will face a 40 percent transshipment levy. The White House said the decision is partly due to Canada’s “continued inaction” on stopping the flow of fentanyl into the United States, a claim Canadian officials have repeatedly pushed back on.

The move marks another escalation in the months-long tariff dispute initiated by Trump shortly after taking office. Trump warned that any country failing to reach a trade deal with the U.S. before the August 1 deadline would face increased duties. He said Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had reached out before the deadline, but no direct talks occurred.

Canadian officials maintain that only a very small portion of fentanyl entering the U.S. originates from Canada. Nonetheless, measures have already been taken to strengthen border control and enforcement. Carney stated earlier this week that trade negotiations with the U.S. had been constructive, but were unlikely to conclude before the deadline. He also noted that a deal removing all U.S. tariffs remains improbable.

Canada, a key trading partner of the U.S., sends approximately 75 percent of its exports south of the border. Economists say the Canadian economy has remained resilient despite ongoing trade pressures and is not expected to slip into recession.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, whose province contributes around 40 percent of Canada’s GDP, called for a strong response. “Canada shouldn’t settle for anything less than the right deal. Now is not the time to roll over. We need to stand our ground,” Ford wrote on social media, urging Ottawa to impose a 50 percent counter-tariff on U.S. steel and aluminum imports.

Trump, in a separate statement, said he “loved Canada” but accused it of treating the United States “very badly” for years. U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggested the president could reconsider the tariffs if Carney changes his approach and reduces retaliatory measures.

Meanwhile, Trump granted Mexico a 90-day window to finalize a trade deal, temporarily avoiding a threatened 30 percent tariff. Mexico will still face a 25 percent tariff on non-USMCA-compliant exports to the U.S., which Trump linked to concerns about drug and human trafficking.

Canadian government data shows that the share of exports going to the U.S. declined from 78 percent in May 2024 to 68 percent in May 2025. The decrease was largely due to a drop in automobile, steel, and aluminum exports. Still, around 90 percent of Canadian goods entering the U.S. in May were USMCA-compliant, as more companies adapt to avoid penalties.

Carney said in June that if a deal was not reached by August 1, Canada would likely impose additional retaliatory tariffs targeting U.S. steel and aluminum products.

Tatlong pasilidad sa Liliw, Laguna pinasinayaan para sa kalamidad at serbisyong bayan

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Tatlong pasilidad sa Liliw, Laguna pinasinayaan para sa kalamidad at serbisyong bayan

LILIW, Laguna. Pormal nang binuksan sa publiko ang tatlong bagong imprastruktura sa bayan ng Liliw na layong palakasin ang kahandaan ng komunidad sa panahon ng sakuna at palawakin ang serbisyong pampubliko. Kabilang sa mga pinasinayaang proyekto ang dalawang evacuation center na may kasamang covered court sa Barangay Dagatan at Barangay Daniw at Ilayang San Roque, at isang multi-purpose building.

Ang sabayang inagurasyon ay pinangunahan ni Engr. Carlos C. Muere, Officer-in-Charge ng Office of the District Engineer ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Laguna 3rd District Engineering Office, katuwang si Cong. Loreto “Amben” S. Amante ng Ikatlong Distrito ng Laguna.

Ang kabuuang pondo para sa mga proyektong ito ay tinatayang nasa ₱328 milyon, na ipinagkaloob sa ilalim ng inisyatibo ni Cong. Amante sa pakikipagtulungan kay Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Ayon sa DPWH Region IV-A, bahagi ito ng mas malawak na programa ng pamahalaan upang mapalakas ang disaster preparedness at mapabuti ang access sa mga pangunahing pasilidad sa mga lalawigan.

Sa kanyang talumpati, binigyang-diin ni Cong. Amante na ang mga nasabing proyekto ay bunga ng masusing konsultasyon at pagtukoy sa mga prayoridad na pangangailangan ng distrito. “Hindi ito basta-bastang proyekto lamang. Bawat isa ay may layuning paglingkuran ang ating mga kababayan sa panahon ng sakuna at sa araw-araw nilang pangangailangan,” aniya.

Dagdag pa ng kongresista, bukas ang kanyang tanggapan sa lahat ng uri ng tulong na makatutugon sa kapakanan ng mga residente. “Ang serbisyo publiko ay hindi natatapos sa pasinaya ng mga gusali. Patuloy tayong maglilingkod sa abot ng ating makakaya,” dagdag niya.

Dumalo rin sa programa ang mga barangay opisyal, Barangay Health Workers, at iba pang kinatawan mula sa iba’t ibang sektor ng komunidad. Ipinahayag ng mga residente ang kanilang pasasalamat, lalo na’t matagal na nilang kinakailangan ang mga ganitong pasilidad para sa emergency response at community programs.

Ayon sa datos mula sa Office of Civil Defense, isa ang Laguna sa mga lalawigang madalas tamaan ng malalakas na bagyo at pagbaha, dahilan upang ituring na mahalagang bahagi ng local disaster risk reduction strategy ang pagtatayo ng evacuation centers.

Ang sabayang pagbubukas ng mga pasilidad sa Liliw ay itinuturing na konkretong halimbawa ng maayos na koordinasyon sa pagitan ng pambansang pamahalaan at lokal na pamahalaan tungo sa mas ligtas at progresibong pamayanan.

Report contributed by Roy Tomandao

Panukalang P1,200 minimum wage inihain sa Kamara

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
-
0
Panukalang P1,200 minimum wage inihain sa Kamara

MAYNILA. Inihain ng Makabayan bloc sa Kamara ang panukalang batas na naglalayong itaas sa P1,200 ang minimum wage ng mga manggagawa sa pribadong sektor sa buong bansa.

Ang House Bill 2599 o ang National Minimum Wage Act ay inihain nina ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. Antonio Tinio at Kabataan Partylist Rep. Renee Co. Layunin nitong amyendahan ang Labor Code, buwagin ang Regional Wage Boards at magtatag ng isang National Wages and Productivity Board bilang kapalit.

Kasunod ito ng kabiguang maipasa sa 19th Congress ang panukalang P200 umento sa sahod.

Kapag naisabatas, awtomatikong magiging P1,200 ang minimum wage sa lahat ng rehiyon. Ayon sa paliwanag ng panukala, ang halagang ito ay dapat sapat upang matustusan ng isang manggagawa ang mga pangunahing gastusin ng kanyang pamilya, kabilang ang physiological, social at iba pang pangangailangan, upang mapanatili ang isang marangal na pamumuhay na lampas sa antas ng subsistence at may sapat na probisyon para sa social security.

“It shall be of such amount which is sufficient for a worker to provide their family the basic and necessary expenditures that take into consideration all of their ­family’s physiological, social and other needs, so as to enable them to live and maintain a decent standard of living beyond mere subsistence, with adequate allowance for social security,” ayon sa panukala.

Thailand and Cambodia reaffirm ceasefire after China-brokered talks in Shanghai

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Thailand and Cambodia reaffirm ceasefire after China-brokered talks in Shanghai

BANGKOK, Thailand. Thailand and Cambodia reaffirmed their ceasefire agreement on Wednesday following a diplomatic meeting in Shanghai brokered by China, aimed at halting days of violent border clashes.

The ceasefire, initially reached in Malaysia and scheduled to take effect Monday at midnight, was immediately tested by renewed accusations. The Thai army claimed Cambodia launched attacks early Tuesday in multiple areas, while Cambodia denied any hostilities. Gunfire reportedly continued into Wednesday morning, although heavy artillery was not used.

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry released a statement Wednesday accusing Cambodia of violating the ceasefire and acting in bad faith. The Thai military later detailed seven alleged ceasefire breaches and warned that if violations persisted, “Thailand will take appropriate and decisive measures.”

Despite these tensions, both countries publicly reiterated their commitment to peace during a meeting in Shanghai with Chinese Vice Minister Sun Weidong. Cambodia and Thailand expressed appreciation for China’s role in easing the conflict. China described the meeting as its latest diplomatic effort to stabilize the region and called its involvement a “constructive role” in resolving the dispute.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, had agreed earlier this week to an unconditional ceasefire during talks hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The meeting was part of Malaysia’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Anwar called the ceasefire a “vital first step” toward restoring peace.

The United States also played a role in encouraging the ceasefire, with President Donald Trump reportedly warning that trade talks would be frozen if the conflict continued. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the agreement and called for both governments to fully uphold their commitments.

Meanwhile, at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Cambodian and Thai ambassadors exchanged accusations regarding the border situation. Cambodia’s envoy said peace had been disrupted by “hostile acts,” while Thailand’s representative urged Cambodia to honor the truce and stop spreading misinformation.

The conflict was sparked by a land mine explosion along the border last Thursday that injured five Thai soldiers. Tensions had already been high following the death of a Cambodian soldier in May, which strained diplomatic relations and stirred political unrest in Thailand.

The border fighting has displaced more than 260,000 people. Although some have started returning home as calm begins to return, many remain in evacuation centers.

Kanchana Sukjit, a 33-year-old vendor who fled her home near the disputed Ta Muen Thom temple, expressed fear and uncertainty as she waited for updates. “I was afraid my home would get caught in the crossfire,” she said, recounting her experience fleeing with a few belongings and her dog, Nam Khaeng.

Despite continued reports of skirmishes, regional and international diplomatic efforts appear to have slowed the escalation for now.

Powerful earthquake strikes Kamchatka, triggers tsunami alerts across Pacific

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
Powerful earthquake strikes Kamchatka, triggers tsunami alerts across Pacific

A massive magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Wednesday, July 30, prompting widespread tsunami warnings that extended across the Pacific, including Japan, Hawaii, Chile, Philippines and French Polynesia.

The shallow quake caused damage to buildings and left several people injured in Russia’s Far Eastern region. Authorities ordered evacuations in parts of eastern Japan and Hawaii, both of which later downgraded their tsunami alerts as wave threats diminished. The same warnings were eventually lifted in many other affected areas.

In French Polynesia, however, officials ordered residents of some Marquesas Islands to move to higher ground. Waves as high as 2.5 meters were expected, with initial surges already reaching Nuku Hiva, the largest island in the group. Local authorities reported that five to ten additional waves were anticipated.

The United States Geological Survey recorded the quake’s depth at 19.3 kilometers and located the epicenter 119 kilometers southeast of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, a city of about 165,000 people. Residents described intense shaking lasting up to three minutes. “It felt like the walls could collapse any moment,” said Yaroslav, a 25-year-old resident.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed there were no fatalities in Russia, crediting sturdy infrastructure and effective alert systems. In Severo-Kurilsk, tsunami waves reached heights of up to 5 meters, causing flooding in the port area and damaging a fish processing plant. Verified drone footage showed the shoreline completely submerged.

Hours after the quake, the Klyuchevskoy volcano, located about 450 kilometers north of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, began erupting. Lava flowed down its western slope accompanied by explosions and glowing clouds, according to Russia’s United Geophysical Service.

Elsewhere in the Pacific, waves of up to 1.7 meters reached Hawaii, and 1.3 meters were recorded in Japan. California and British Columbia experienced wave heights under half a meter, and tsunami advisories in those areas were later lifted. Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands also issued precautionary evacuations.

In Japan, tsunami alarms sounded across coastal towns, and thousands were evacuated. Workers at the Fukushima nuclear plant were temporarily moved as a precaution, but no damage or irregularities were reported, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi.

Kamchatka sits along the Pacific Ring of Fire, a highly active seismic zone. Scientists confirmed the quake occurred along a megathrust fault where the Pacific Plate is sliding beneath the North American Plate. They also warned that more aftershocks could follow.

In a remarkable video from Kamchatka’s health ministry, medics were seen continuing a surgery as the quake struck, stabilizing the patient and medical instruments with their hands inside a shaking operating room.

9 Pilipinong tripulante na bihag ng Houthis, sinisikap palayain ng DFA

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
9 Pilipinong tripulante na bihag ng Houthis, sinisikap palayain ng DFA

MAYNILA. Gumagawa ng hakbang ang Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) upang mapalaya ang siyam na Pilipinong tripulante ng barkong MV Eternity C na kasalukuyang bihag ng grupong Houthi sa Yemen.

Ayon kay Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega, may indikasyon na ang mga tripulante ay nasa Sanaa, Yemen at hawak ng mga militanteng Houthi.

“Our Honorary Consul in Yemen has been assured they are well. He is working to see them, we are working for their release, with the help of friendly governments,” ayon kay De Vega.

Ang MV Eternity C ay may sakay na 22 tripulante, kabilang ang 21 Pilipino, nang ito ay salakayin ng mga drone at rocket-propelled grenade ng mga Houthi sa baybayin ng Yemen. Noong Hulyo 16, walo sa mga Pilipinong tripulante ang naibalik na sa bansa.

Sa unang bahagi ng taon, pinalaya rin ng Houthis ang 17 Pilipinong seafarer mula sa barkong MV Galaxy Leader matapos silang bihagin nang mahigit 14 na buwan. Ang pagpapalaya ay isinakatuparan sa tulong ng pamahalaan ng Oman, kasunod ng ceasefire agreement sa pagitan ng Hamas at Israel, na siya umanong kondisyon ng mga Houthi noon para sa pagpapalaya ng mga bihag.

Tsunami threat after powerful earthquakes strike Russia’s Kamchatka coast

EDGARDO HERNAL
-
0
Tsunami threat after powerful earthquakes strike Russia’s Kamchatka coast

A tsunami threat has been declared over following three powerful undersea earthquakes, including a magnitude 7.4 tremor, off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula on Sunday, according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC).

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the quakes — with magnitudes of 7.4, 6.7, and 5.0 struck within 32 minutes of each other, around 140 kilometers east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the capital of Kamchatka, with a population of over 160,000.

The strongest quake occurred at a depth of 20 kilometers. No casualties or damage have been reported as of this writing.

The PTWC initially warned of potentially hazardous tsunami waves in the region but later downgraded and eventually canceled the alert. Russia’s Emergencies Ministry also issued a tsunami warning, advising coastal residents to avoid the shoreline.

A tsunami watch issued for Hawaii was similarly lifted.

Germany’s GFZ monitoring agency initially recorded one of the earthquakes at magnitude 6.7 before updating it to 7.4. Tsunami warnings were issued not only for Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula but also for northern Japan, the Kuril Islands, and Hawaii, though all alerts were later lifted as the threat subsided.

Kamchatka, located at the intersection of the Pacific and North American tectonic plates, is one of the world’s most seismically active regions. Since 1900, the area has experienced at least seven earthquakes of magnitude 8.3 or higher.

A magnitude 9.0 quake in the same region in 1952 caused damage and sent 30-foot waves to Hawaii, although no fatalities were recorded.

Ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia holds despite fresh clash reports

Venus L Peñaflor
-
0
Ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia holds despite fresh clash reports

SURIN, Thailand. A ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia remained intact Tuesday despite sporadic reports of renewed skirmishes along their disputed border, as international pressure, particularly from the United States, pushed both nations toward de-escalation.

The truce, brokered in Malaysia, was scheduled to take effect at midnight Monday following days of deadly clashes that have killed at least 41 people and displaced more than 260,000 residents. But tensions flared early Tuesday when Thailand accused Cambodia of fresh attacks, which Cambodia denied.

Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap said fighting resumed in the disputed Phu Makhuea mountain area in Sisaket province. “The Thai military is currently responding and controlling the situation,” he said in a statement to reporters.

Military officials on both sides later held emergency talks along the border and agreed to halt troop movements and establish coordination teams ahead of a joint border committee meeting in Cambodia on August 4, according to Thai army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree.

Cambodian Defense Minister Tea Seiha acknowledged “incidents” during the truce’s implementation but insisted Cambodian forces were observing the ceasefire. He said Cambodian officials would lead foreign diplomats and military attachés to assess the situation.

Thailand also lodged formal complaints with Malaysia, the U.S., and China, accusing Cambodia of violating the ceasefire agreement.

Despite scattered hostilities, signs of calm returned to some affected areas as displaced families began returning home. “I really don’t want to see any new fighting happen,” said Soklang Slay, a resident of Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchay province, who had fled with his family after building a makeshift bunker.

Residents on the Thai side shared similar sentiments. “We are still cautious. We still don’t totally believe it will stop,” said Kritsada Jindasri, village chief of a border community in Surin province.

The ceasefire followed a high-level meeting in Kuala Lumpur hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the current ASEAN chair. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai pledged to halt all military activity unconditionally.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the truce and said the U.S. expected both governments to honor their commitments. “President Trump and I are committed to an immediate cessation of violence,” Rubio said in a statement.

Hun Manet later said Trump called to congratulate him and assured U.S. participation in monitoring the truce, alongside Malaysia. Trump also spoke with Phumtham and reportedly hinted that trade negotiations with Thailand could now resume, with tariff reductions under consideration.

The ceasefire comes just days ahead of the U.S. announcement on new tariffs. Both Cambodia and Thailand have been affected by a 36% U.S. import tariff, set to take effect Friday. Trump had previously warned that trade talks could collapse if fighting continued.

Analysts remain skeptical about the long-term stability of the ceasefire. “It is risky and will require clear markers to build traction,” said Bridget Welsh, a Southeast Asia political expert. “A proper border survey should begin immediately. Right now, it’s on pause because the roots of the conflict have yet to be addressed.”

The conflict reignited Thursday after a land mine explosion wounded five Thai soldiers. The two countries have long disputed parts of their 800-kilometer border, especially areas around ancient temples. Tensions had also risen in May after a Cambodian soldier was killed during a separate incident.

Despite cautious optimism, residents and observers agree that a lasting resolution will depend on political will and effective international oversight.

1...138139140...818Page 139 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