Thursday, May 7, 2026


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Di ko po alam’: Beauty contestant sa noontime show, ipinatawag ng Comelec

MAYNILA. Ipinatawag ng Commission on Elections (Comelec) ang isang beauty contestant mula sa isang noontime show matapos nitong umaming wala siyang alam tungkol sa ahensya.

Ayon kay Comelec Chairman George Garcia, nakatakdang dumating bukas, Marso 4, ang 20-anyos na contestant mula Pampanga upang pag-usapan ang isyu.

Sa naturang palabas, tinanong ng host ang kalahok kung ano ang mensahe niya para sa Comelec. Sumagot naman ito ng, “I’m sorry po, hindi ako masyadong knowledgeable sa Comelec,” at inamin ding hindi pa siya nakaboboto.

Sa kabila ng negatibong reaksyon sa social media, pinili ng Comelec na tingnan ito bilang isang pagkakataon upang palakasin ang edukasyong panghalalan.

“We fully understand her. Maaaring madami pa na katulad niya na kabataan o mga Filipino. It is our solemn duty to explain who we are and what we are doing,” ani Garcia.

Dagdag pa niya, “If she is converted as a believer, then we can perhaps do the same for others. Voter education is the key.”

Aminado rin si Garcia na may pagkukulang ang Comelec sa pagpapalaganap ng tamang impormasyon tungkol sa kanilang tungkulin. “For our full understanding as to why. It is our failure. We have to immediately rectify,” aniya.

Samantala, nag-trending ang insidente sa social media, kung saan umani ito ng iba’t ibang reaksiyon mula sa publiko—may mga tumutuligsa habang ang iba naman ay nanawagan ng mas malawak na kampanya sa pagbibigay-kaalaman tungkol sa kahalagahan ng pagboto.

Gene Hackman’s death: No carbon monoxide poisoning, autopsy finds

SANTA FE, N.M. Authorities have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death for Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, who were found deceased in their Santa Fe home earlier this week, according to Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza.

At a press conference Friday, Mendoza stated that preliminary autopsy results did not determine a cause of death but confirmed that neither Hackman, 95, nor Arakawa, 65, had traces of carbon monoxide in their systems.

No Signs of Foul Play, But Questions Remain

The couple’s bodies were discovered on Wednesday, with investigators estimating their deaths had occurred several days earlier. Hackman was found in the entryway of the home, while Arakawa was discovered on her side in a bathroom, near a space heater that authorities believe was pulled down when she collapsed.

A partially open prescription bottle and scattered pills were found on a nearby countertop. Sheriff Mendoza confirmed that toxicology reports are pending, and it remains unclear whether any medications played a role in their deaths.

Authorities did not detect any gas leaks in or around the home, further eliminating carbon monoxide as a possible factor.

Hackman’s Pacemaker Stopped Days Before Discovery

One key finding came from an examination of Hackman’s pacemaker, which stopped functioning on February 17—suggesting the actor may have died nine days before his body was found. However, forensic experts caution that pacemaker failure does not always pinpoint the exact moment of death.

Dr. Philip Keen, a retired chief medical examiner in Arizona, explained:

“If your heart required a pacemaker, there would certainly be an interruption at that point—and it might be the hallmark of when the death occurred. But it’s not necessarily the cause, as some people use pacemakers to augment heart function rather than replace it.”

Investigation Continues Amid Privacy Challenges

Investigators are now reviewing the couple’s phones, monthly planners, and medical records, while also speaking with family, neighbors, and workers from their gated community.

However, Mendoza noted that Hackman and Arakawa were known to be “a very private family”, making it difficult to establish a clear timeline of their final days. Authorities also confirmed that the home lacked surveillance cameras.

A maintenance worker was the first to alert authorities after arriving for routine work at the house but was unable to gain entry. He then called a security officer, who looked through a window and saw two unmoving figures inside.

In the 911 call, the security worker stated:

“I have no idea. I am not inside the house. It’s closed. It’s locked. I can’t go in. But I can see she’s lying down on the floor from the window.”

Both the maintenance worker and security officer reported that they had not seen the couple in at least two weeks.

A Legacy in Film and New Mexico

Hackman, a five-time Academy Award nominee, was one of the most celebrated actors of his generation. He won Best Actor for The French Connection (1972) and Best Supporting Actor for Unforgiven (1992). His performance in Hoosiers remains one of his most beloved roles.

In the mid-1980s, he met Arakawa, a classically trained pianist, at a California gym. The couple later moved to Santa Fe, where Hackman became an active part of the community, serving on the board of trustees for the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum from 1997 to 2004.

Despite his Hollywood success, Hackman lived a quiet life in New Mexico, avoiding public appearances outside of major awards ceremonies.

Hackman is survived by three children from his previous marriage. He and Arakawa had no children together but were known for their love of German shepherds.

The investigation into their deaths remains ongoing as authorities await toxicology results.

Trump and Zelenskiy clash at White House, leaving Ukraine’s war efforts in limbo

WASHINGTON. A highly anticipated meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump ended in a dramatic confrontation on Friday, as the two leaders clashed in front of the media at the White House over the ongoing war with Russia.

Zelenskiy had sought the Oval Office meeting as an opportunity to strengthen ties with the United States and dissuade Trump from leaning toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, who ordered the invasion of Ukraine three years ago. Instead, tensions flared as Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Zelenskiy of showing disrespect, driving relations between Washington and Kyiv to a new low.

A U.S. official confirmed that Trump ultimately told Zelenskiy to leave the White House after the heated exchange, leaving a crucial agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. on the joint development of Ukraine’s natural resources unsigned.

A Heated Exchange

The meeting took a sharp turn when Vance emphasized the need for diplomacy to resolve the war, to which Zelenskiy, with his arms folded, responded sharply:

“What kind of diplomacy are you talking about, JD?” he asked, referencing previous failed negotiations with Russia.

Vance retorted, “I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that’s going to end the destruction of your country.”

Zelenskiy also directly confronted Trump’s stance toward Putin, urging him to “make no compromises with a killer.” Trump, visibly irritated, later took to Truth Social, posting: “I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved. He can come back when he is ready for Peace.”

Before departing for his Florida residence, Trump reinforced his belief that Ukraine must shift its approach: “What he’s got to say is, ‘I want to make peace.’ He doesn’t have to stand there and say ‘Putin this, Putin that,’ all negative things. He’s got to say, ‘I want to make peace.’”

Zelenskiy, in an interview with Fox News, expressed regret over the meeting’s outcome: “Yes, of course,” he said when asked if his relationship with Trump could be salvaged. “I’m sorry for this.”

International Reactions and Fallout

European leaders were quick to support Zelenskiy. German chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz warned, “We must never confuse aggressor and victim in this terrible war.” French President Emmanuel Macron, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and EU Council President Antonio Costa each spoke with Zelenskiy by phone to express solidarity.

Meanwhile, Britain announced plans to host a summit on Sunday to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine amid growing uncertainty over U.S. support.

The Ukrainian military, led by General Oleksandr Syrskyi, reassured the nation via Telegram: “Our strength is in our unity. We stand with our president.” However, concerns are rising among Ukrainians about the continuity of U.S. military aid, which remains essential for Kyiv’s defense against Russian forces.

Trump’s Stance and the Future of U.S.-Ukraine Relations

Trump’s hardline stance has alarmed traditional U.S. allies, as he seeks to improve relations with Russia while scaling back American support for Ukraine. The minerals deal that Kyiv had hoped would secure continued backing from Washington remains in limbo.

At the White House, Trump bluntly told Zelenskiy: “You’re not in a good position. You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards.” Zelenskiy pushed back: “I’m not playing cards, I’m very serious, Mr. President.” Trump, unimpressed, replied, “You’re playing cards. You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people. You’re gambling with World War Three.”

After the abrupt end to the talks, a White House official revealed that Trump directed aides to inform Zelenskiy that it was time to leave, even as staff were preparing to serve lunch.

Trump later made clear his position on Ukraine’s future: “You’re either going to make a deal, or we’re out. And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out. I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.”

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev mocked the incident on Telegram, calling it a “brutal dressing down” for Zelenskiy.

Ukraine’s Battle for Support

Zelenskiy’s visit had aimed to secure additional military aid and reinforce Kyiv’s standing in Washington, but Friday’s meeting underscored the growing divide. Trump’s remarks signaled a departure from the Biden administration’s steadfast support for Ukraine, raising concerns over future U.S. assistance.

Despite Trump’s stance, Ukraine continues to rely on foreign military aid, with its forces locked in a prolonged conflict with Russia. Kyiv has made territorial gains in recent years but remains at a disadvantage against a larger adversary.

With Trump keen to reposition the U.S. as a peacemaker and reduce financial commitments to Ukraine, Zelenskiy’s efforts to secure unwavering American support face significant obstacles.

The political and military stakes remain high as Ukraine navigates an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape.

Pope Francis under observation after breathing issue

VATICAN. Pope Francis remains under close medical observation after experiencing breathing difficulties on Friday, a Vatican official confirmed. The official noted that the episode did not last long, and the Pope only required light ventilation using a mask over his nose and mouth to aid his breathing.

Doctors are expected to assess the impact of the incident on the Pope’s overall health within the next 24 to 48 hours. However, he has not been in critical condition for the past two days.

On February 22, Pope Francis suffered what the Vatican described as a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis”, but there had been no similar incidents until Friday. The Pope is prone to lung infections due to a history of pleurisy, which led to the removal of part of one lung when he was a young adult.

Double pneumonia, a severe infection affecting both lungs, can cause inflammation and scarring, making breathing difficult.

Will Not Lead Ash Wednesday Mass

Due to his current condition, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis will not preside over the Ash Wednesday Mass on March 5, which marks the start of Lent’s 40-day period leading up to Easter Sunday. Instead, a senior Vatican official will lead the service in his place.

Despite his hospitalization, Pope Francis continues to perform his duties as head of the Church. The Vatican has been issuing daily announcements requiring his approval.

On Friday, the Vatican released a letter from the Pope addressed to participants in a Church training course in Rome. The letter was signed with a note stating that it was sent “from Gemelli Hospital.”

Cardinal Michael Czerny, head of the Vatican’s Development Office, told Italy’s La Stampa newspaper, “The Pope is improving, but at a slower pace than we would like.”

P1.2B bagong gawang tulay sa Isabela, gumuho matapos madaanan ng dump truck

ISABELA. Hindi pa man nagtatagal mula nang buksan sa publiko, bumagsak na ang Cabagan-Santa Maria Bridge sa Isabela nitong Huwebes ng gabi, Pebrero 27. Ayon sa Department of Public Works and Highways-Cagayan Valley (DPWH Region 2), ang tulay ay kabubukas pa lamang ngayong Pebrero at nagkakahalaga ng P1.225 bilyon.

Ayon sa DPWH, sinimulan ang konstruksyon ng tulay noong Nobyembre 2014 at opisyal na natapos noong Pebrero 1, 2025. May haba itong 990 metro at binubuo ng 12 Arch Bridge na may tig-60 metrong haba, 9 spans ng Pre-Stressed Concrete Girder (PSCG) Type IVB, at kabuuang approaches na 664.10 metro. Ang contractor ng proyekto ay ang R.D. Interior, Jr. Construction.

Matatandaang bumigay ang tulay matapos dumaan ang isang dump truck na may tinatayang bigat na 102 tonelada—higit sa kapasidad na maaaring suportahan nito. Bukod sa dump truck, nadamay rin sa pagguho ang apat pang sasakyan.

Ayon sa DPWH, patuloy pa rin ang masusing pagsusuri sa insidente. “Further analysis on the cause of failure is still on-going and DPWH Region 2 has requested experts from the Bureau of Design and Bureau of Construction in the Central Office to conduct further evaluation and assessment,” ayon sa opisyal na pahayag ng ahensya.

Patuloy na mino-monitor ng mga awtoridad ang sitwasyon at inaasahang magbibigay ng karagdagang ulat hinggil sa sanhi ng trahedya.

Katy Perry, Gayle King to Jeff Bezo’s fiancee Join Lauren Sánchez on Blue Origin Spaceflight

All-female crew set for a historic journey aboard New Shepard this spring

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. Pop icon Katy Perry, veteran journalist Gayle King, and Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez are preparing to embark on a spaceflight with Blue Origin, marking another milestone for the private space industry.

Bezos’ space company announced the six-member, all-female crew on Thursday, confirming that Sánchez, a helicopter pilot and former TV journalist, personally selected the participants. They will be launched aboard a New Shepard rocket from West Texas this spring, though an exact date has yet to be disclosed.

A Star-Studded Crew for the Historic Mission

Joining Sánchez, Perry, and King on the 10-minute suborbital flight are:
✅ Aisha Bowe – Former NASA rocket scientist and CEO of STEMBoard
✅ Amanda Nguyen – Research scientist and human rights activist
✅ Kerianne Flynn – Film producer and longtime friend of Sánchez

“This mission is about breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation,” Sánchez said in a statement.

Who’s Paying for the Trip?

Since 2021, Blue Origin has been offering spaceflights to tourists, with some passengers receiving free rides while others pay undisclosed but significant sums for the experience. It remains unclear whether the upcoming flight is sponsored or if passengers are covering their own costs.

Blue Origin’s 11th Human Spaceflight

This mission will be Blue Origin’s 11th human spaceflight and follows the company’s inaugural crewed launch in 2021, when Bezos himself flew to space alongside his brother, Mark.

As the countdown begins for this historic all-female mission, the world will be watching to see how these high-profile figures experience the wonders of space travel

Israel and Hamas enter new phase of ceasefire talks

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip. Negotiations between Israel and Hamas on the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire began on Thursday, according to Egyptian officials, preventing an immediate collapse ahead of the agreement’s first phase expiration on Saturday.

Representatives from Israel, Qatar, and the United States launched “intensive discussions” in Cairo regarding the second phase of the ceasefire, as confirmed by Egypt’s state information service.

“The mediators are also discussing ways to enhance the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, as part of efforts to alleviate the suffering of the population and support stability in the region,” the statement read.

Phase 2 of the ceasefire discussions focuses on the potential end of the war, the return of all remaining hostages in Gaza, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory. A subsequent Phase 3 would address the return of hostages who have died in captivity.

According to Israeli reports, there are currently 59 hostages remaining in Gaza, 24 of whom are believed to be alive.

However, bridging the gap between a ceasefire deal and Israel’s military objectives remains difficult. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently stated his goal of dismantling Hamas’ governing and military capabilities. Despite significant casualties, Hamas remains intact and refuses to disarm.

Hours before negotiations commenced, an Israeli official stated that Israel would not withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor, a strategic border area between Gaza and Egypt, as required under the ceasefire agreement. This decision complicates the already delicate negotiations, particularly with key mediator Egypt.

An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, justified the army’s presence in the Philadelphi Corridor, citing the need to prevent arms smuggling into Gaza. Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed he had seen tunnel entrances on a recent visit to the corridor, though he provided no evidence. Egypt has denied these claims, stating that it dismantled smuggling tunnels years ago and maintains a military buffer zone to prevent illegal activity.

Hamas, in response, warned that any Israeli effort to retain control over the corridor would constitute a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire terms.

On Thursday, Hamas released the remains of four Israeli hostages in exchange for over 600 Palestinian prisoners, marking the last planned swap under the ceasefire’s first phase.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum confirmed the identities of the four deceased as Ohad Yahalomi, Itzhak Elgarat, Shlomo Mantzur, and Tsachi Idan. Mantzur, 85, was killed during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel and taken into Gaza, while the other three were reportedly killed in captivity.

“Our hearts ache upon receiving the bitter news,” said Israeli President Isaac Herzog. “In this painful moment, there is some solace in knowing that they will be laid to rest in dignity in Israel.”

Among the Palestinian prisoners released were 445 men, 21 teenagers, and one woman. Many were detained in Gaza following the October 7 attack, held without formal charges. While some were returned to the West Bank and East Jerusalem, dozens of those convicted for attacks against Israelis were exiled.

The six-week ceasefire, brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, halted 15 months of warfare that began after Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel, which left approximately 1,200 Israelis dead and saw around 250 people taken hostage.

Since then, Israeli military operations have resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian deaths, according to health officials in Gaza. Reports indicate that more than half of the casualties have been women and children. The ongoing conflict has displaced an estimated 90% of Gaza’s population and devastated the territory’s infrastructure and healthcare system.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed to continue efforts to recover all remaining hostages and dismantle Hamas’ military structure. The U.S. has reiterated its support for these objectives.

However, with Hamas holding the remaining hostages as leverage, the path forward remains unclear. The militant group is unlikely to release its last bargaining chips without securing a lasting ceasefire, making continued negotiations critical to preventing further escalation.

2 Russian divers patay; isa natagpuang putol ang kamay sa pag-atake ng pating

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BATANGAS CITY. Dalawang Russian nationals ang nasawi habang nagsasagawa ng scuba diving sa Verde Island, Batangas noong Huwebes, ayon sa ulat ng Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Batangas nitong Biyernes.

Ayon sa PCG, apat na Russian divers ang lumangoy sa bahagi ng Pulong Bato nang bigla silang tangayin ng malalakas na alon. Dalawa sa kanila ang nakaligtas at nakalabas ng tubig, habang ang dalawa pa ay nawala.

Isa sa mga nawawalang divers ang natagpuan at agad na dinala sa ospital, ngunit idineklarang dead on arrival.

Makalipas ang ilang oras, natagpuan din ang katawan ng isa pang Russian diver. Ayon sa PCG, nawalan ito ng isang kamay sa hinihinalang pag-atake ng pating. Patuloy pang iniimbestigahan ng mga awtoridad ang insidente upang matukoy ang eksaktong sanhi ng kanilang pagkamatay.

Magpapatuloy ang masusing pagsisiyasat ng PCG sa insidenteng ito upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng mga divers at turista sa nasabing lugar.

Hollywood icon Gene Hackman and wife found dead at New Mexico home; investigation underway

SANTA FE, New Mexico. Legendary actor Gene Hackman, known for his intense on-screen presence and two Academy Award-winning performances, was found dead at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with his wife, pianist Betsy Arakawa. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the discovery on Wednesday afternoon, stating that one of the couple’s dogs was also found deceased.

The 95-year-old actor and his 64-year-old wife were located in separate rooms of their residence. While authorities do not currently suspect foul play, the exact cause of death remains undetermined.

“Foul play is not suspected as a factor in these deaths at this time; however, the exact cause of death has not been determined,” the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. Investigators are considering all possibilities as they await autopsy results and toxicology reports.

Mysterious Circumstances Prompt Investigation

A maintenance worker discovered the bodies after noticing the home’s front door ajar. The sheriff’s office obtained a search warrant Wednesday evening, citing the deaths as “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.”

The warrant application indicated no signs of forced entry or any immediate evidence of a gas or carbon monoxide leak, though these factors remain under review. Sheriff Adan Mendoza stated during a press conference that Hackman and Arakawa had “been deceased for quite a while,” though the exact timeframe is still unknown.

Deputies found Hackman’s body in the kitchen, while Arakawa and a dog, inside a crate, were discovered in a bathroom. Pills from an open prescription bottle were scattered on the bathroom counter. Neither showed signs of blunt force trauma.

Two other dogs were found alive, roaming freely through the house via a pet door.

A Storied Career in Film and Television

Gene Hackman’s Hollywood career spanned over six decades, with more than 80 films to his name. A former Marine with a distinctive raspy voice, he made his mark with roles that ranged from heroes to villains.

He received his first Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde (1967) and later won his first Oscar for Best Actor as Popeye Doyle in The French Connection (1971). His second Academy Award came in 1993 for Best Supporting Actor in Unforgiven (1992), where he played a ruthless sheriff.

Hackman also garnered acclaim for roles in Mississippi Burning (1988), Hoosiers (1986), and as the cunning Lex Luthor in Superman (1978) and its sequels. Despite his many accolades, Hackman was known for his humility. In a 2011 interview with Time, he admitted he was unsure where his Oscar statuettes were stored.

A Private Life Away from Hollywood

Born in San Bernardino, California, on January 30, 1930, Hackman endured a turbulent childhood. His father, a newspaper press operator, abandoned the family, and his mother later died in a fire. Hackman once remarked, “Dysfunctional families have sired a number of pretty good actors.”

After joining the Marines at age 16 by lying about his age, he later pursued acting at the Pasadena Playhouse, where he met Dustin Hoffman. The two, along with Robert Duvall, navigated the tough early days of acting together before breaking into Hollywood.

Hackman retired from acting in his 70s, citing the stress of the business. “I miss the actual acting part of it as it’s what I did for almost 60 years and I really loved that,” he told Reuters in 2008. “But the business for me is very stressful … and it had gotten to a point where I just didn’t feel like I wanted to do it anymore.”

Hackman lived a quiet life outside Santa Fe and was married twice. He had three children – Christopher, Elizabeth Jean, and Leslie Anne – with his first wife, Faye Maltese, who passed away in 2017. He married Arakawa in 1991.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the couple’s deaths. Further details are expected as the case unfolds.

PCO, palalakasin ang kampanya laban sa fake news ng ilang vlogger

MAYNILA. Tinututukan na ng administrasyong Marcos ang paglaban sa mga vloggers na nagpapakalat ng maling impormasyon laban sa gobyerno. Ayon kay Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Jay Ruiz, bahagi ito ng utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. upang masugpo ang lumalaganap na fake news sa bansa.

“Dapat magsabi sila ng totoo sa kanilang ipinapahayag at hindi kung anu-ano lang ang sinasabi para paniwalain ang mga tao at makakuha ng maraming viewership,” giit ni Ruiz.

Dagdag pa niya, maraming kasalukuyang kumakalat na kasinungalingan at impormasyong walang basehan, dahilan kung bakit lalo pang palalakasin ng PCO ang public information campaign upang maipabatid sa publiko kung alin ang katotohanan at kung alin ang fake news.

Ayon sa PCO, natatabunan ang mga programa at inisyatibo ng administrasyon dahil sa mga grupong patuloy na nagpapakalat ng maling impormasyon upang siraan ang gobyerno. Dahil dito, isa sa magiging pangunahing tungkulin ng PCO ang pagbabantay at pagsugpo sa fake news upang maisulong ang katotohanan sa ilalim ng administrasyong Marcos.