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China is increasing its retirement age, currently one of the lowest among the world’s major economies

EDGARDO HERNAL
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China is increasing its retirement age, currently one of the lowest among the world’s major economies

BEIJING. Starting in 2025, China will raise its retirement age in response to its shrinking population and rapidly aging workforce, marking a significant policy shift aimed at alleviating mounting pressure on the nation’s social security system. The country, which currently has one of the youngest retirement ages among the world’s major economies, passed the new regulation through the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on Friday.

Under the new policy, the retirement age will be increased gradually over the next 15 years. By the end of the reform, men will retire at 63 years old, while women will retire at 55 or 58 years old, depending on their occupation. This is a marked change from the current retirement age of 60 for men, 50 for women in blue-collar jobs, and 55 for women in white-collar positions.

The announcement comes as China faces unprecedented demographic pressures. By the end of 2023, the country had nearly 300 million people aged 60 and above. Projections from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences indicate that this figure will balloon to 400 million by 2035, surpassing the current population of the United States. As a result, the nation’s pension fund is under immense strain, with some estimates suggesting it could run out of money by 2035.

“We have more people coming into the retirement age, and so the pension fund is facing high pressure. That’s why I think it’s now time to act seriously,” said Xiujian Peng, a senior research fellow at Victoria University in Australia, emphasizing the urgency of the reform.

The reform will take effect progressively, with retirement ages adjusted according to birth dates. For instance, a man born in January 1971 will retire at 61 years and 7 months in August 2032, while a man born in May 1971 will retire at 61 years and 8 months in January 2033.

Long Overdue Reform

Experts view the policy change as long overdue. With the dependency ratio—a measure comparing the number of retirees to the number of workers—currently at 21.8%, China faces an increasing burden as fewer young workers support the growing elderly population. This number is expected to rise sharply in the coming years.

“This is happening everywhere,” noted Yanzhong Huang, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, referring to similar challenges faced by countries like the United States. “But in China, with its large elderly population, the challenge is much larger.”

China’s demographic challenges are exacerbated by declining birth rates. In 2022, the country’s population shrank for the first time in decades, with 850,000 fewer people than the previous year. In 2023, this trend continued, with a further decline of 2 million people.

Mixed Reactions from the Public

The gradual retirement age increase has sparked mixed reactions across China. Lu, a 52-year-old Beijing resident who will now retire at 61 instead of 60, welcomed the change. “I view this as a good thing, because our society’s getting older, and in developed countries, the retirement age is higher,” he said.

On the other hand, Li Bin, a 35-year-old event planner, expressed some disappointment. “It’s three years less of playtime. I had originally planned to travel after retirement,” she said, though she acknowledged that the increase wasn’t as drastic as she had feared.

Despite the largely positive feedback from state-controlled media, social media reactions revealed some anxiety. Of the 13,000 comments on Xinhua’s announcement, only a few dozen were visible, suggesting that many had been censored.

As China grapples with the realities of an aging society, the retirement age reform is seen as a necessary but potentially painful adjustment, especially with youth unemployment already high and the economy facing challenges. The gradual implementation of the policy is intended to ease the transition while ensuring the sustainability of the nation’s pension system in the long term.

Malaysian authorities rescue 402 children from exploitation at Islamic welfare homes

Venus L Peñaflor
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Malaysian authorities rescue 402 children from exploitation at Islamic welfare homes

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia. Malaysian police have rescued 402 children from 20 welfare homes linked to Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings. The raids, which took place on Wednesday, followed serious allegations of child abuse and exploitation.

Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain confirmed that investigations into child abandonment, inappropriate teachings, and sexual abuse at these facilities prompted the police action. The children, aged between 1 and 17 years, were freed from 18 homes in central Selangor and two in southern Negeri Sembilan.

The operation led to the arrest of 171 suspects, including 66 men and 105 women, religious teachers and caretakers. “Children were subjected to severe abuse, including sexual exploitation by caretakers and forced participation in abusive acts with each other,” Razarudin reported during a televised news briefing. He also revealed that some children were denied medical care until their conditions worsened and were subjected to physical punishment.

The police investigation indicates that Global Ikhwan, an organization with a controversial history, exploited these children and used religious affiliations to solicit donations. The children had been placed in these homes by their parents, who were misled about the quality of care they would receive.

Global Ikhwan, which was founded by Ashaari Mohamad and previously led the now-banned Al-Arqam sect, has denied the allegations of exploitation but did not address the specific claims of sexual abuse in its statement. “The company will not tolerate any illegal activities, particularly those involving the exploitation of children as workers,” the statement emphasized.

The organization operates in various sectors, including food and beverage, media, medical services, travel, and property, and employs over 5,000 people across 20 countries.

The rescue operation highlights the urgent need for public awareness and vigilance regarding the welfare of children in institutional care. Authorities are supporting the rescued children and continuing their investigation into the allegations.

This case serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations and ensuring that institutions responsible for their care operate with integrity and accountability.

LTO, balak magpatupad ng psycho test para sa mga ‘kamote drivers’

Arman B. Cambe
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LTO, balak magpatupad ng psycho test para sa mga ‘kamote drivers’

MAYNILA. Plano ng Land Transportation Office (LTO) na ipatupad ang psychological tests para sa mga drayber na nasasangkot sa road rage incidents at iba pang insidente ng agresibong pag-uugali sa kalsada.

Isa sa mga pangunahing halimbawa ng ganitong insidente ay ang nangyari noong nakaraang buwan sa Taguig City, kung saan isang traffic enforcer ang kinaladkad ng isang SUV driver habang sinusubukan ng huli na tumakas. Ayon sa LTO, suspendido ang drayber habang iniimbestigahan ang kaso, at inaasahang magkakaroon ng resolusyon sa susunod na linggo.

“I want to make sure if he is penalized, and he’s allowed to drive again or continue driving, dapat psychologically fit ka rin,” ayon kay LTO Chief Vigor Mendoza sa isang panayam.

Ayon sa SUV driver, tumakas siya dahil natakot na siya ay pagkaisahan ng mga motorcycle drivers na nakaalitan niya sa kalsada, pati na rin ng mga taong nakatambay sa lugar. Hindi ito tinanggap ni Mendoza bilang makatwirang dahilan, at tinukoy niya na ang ganitong klase ng reaksyon ay nakakabahala.

“If nag-panic lang siya for that particular purpose, e kung panic siya nang panic? That’s something that we need to make sure that does not happen again. Before that license is given back or the privilege to drive is renewed, mag-psychological test ka muna,” dagdag pa ni Mendoza.

Dahil dito, isinasaalang-alang ng LTO ang pagbibigay ng psychological test para sa mga drayber na may malubhang paglabag o kilala bilang mga “kamote drivers.”

“We’ve worked with psychologists in coming out with a test that we can use to make sure na hindi lang siya physically fit to drive but also mentally and psychologically fit to drive… Pinapa double time ko na yan after all these incidents,” ani Mendoza.

Nilinaw rin ni Mendoza na hindi sakop ng naturang pagsusulit ang mga bagong aplikante ng lisensya, kundi tanging mga drayber lamang na nasangkot sa mga insidente ng road rage at iba pang hindi kanais-nais na pag-uugali sa kalsada. Dagdag pa niya, nais ng LTO na ipatupad ang ganitong patakaran na umiiral na sa ibang bansa.

“We’re trying to parallel with other countries also that have already adopted this and see what the record is. Gumanda ba ang record? Nauulit ba?” pahayag ni Mendoza.

Nais ng ahensiya na sa pamamagitan ng mga hakbang na ito ay mapanatili ang kaligtasan sa mga lansangan at matiyak na ang mga drayber ay hindi lamang pisikal na handa, kundi pati mental at sikolohikal na naaangkop sa pagmamaneho.

North Korea unveils uranium enrichment site as Kim Jong Un calls for nuclear arsenal expansion

Venus L Peñaflor
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North Korea unveils uranium enrichment site as Kim Jong Un calls for nuclear arsenal expansion

SEOUL. North Korea has revealed, for the first time, images of its uranium enrichment facility, showcasing centrifuges used in producing fuel for nuclear bombs. On Friday, state media broadcasted leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to the secretive Nuclear Weapons Institute, where he emphasized the need for more weapons-grade material to bolster the country’s nuclear arsenal.

The report, which featured rare photographs of the uranium-enriching centrifuges, provided a glimpse into North Korea’s nuclear program, which remains under multiple United Nations Security Council bans. The images show Kim walking through rows of metal centrifuges, vital machines used to enrich uranium—a key component in nuclear weapons. While the report did not disclose the location or the exact date of Kim’s visit, the facility’s existence underscores the country’s growing nuclear capabilities.

During the visit, Kim called for increased production of materials for tactical nuclear weapons, citing the need to defend against perceived threats from the United States and its allies. He stressed that North Korea’s nuclear capabilities are essential for “self-defense and the capability for a preemptive attack.”

Kim also condemned the ongoing “anti-DPRK nuclear threats” from “U.S. imperialists-led vassal forces,” which he claims have “crossed the red line.”

In response, South Korea’s unification ministry strongly criticized the unveiling of North Korea’s uranium enrichment facility. “We will never accept Pyongyang’s possession of nuclear weapons,” the ministry stated.

North Korea’s Nuclear Advancements

North Korea is believed to operate several uranium enrichment sites, with commercial satellite imagery hinting at potential expansions at the Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center. This site, home to an enrichment plant, has been observed undergoing construction in recent years, according to analysts.

Uranium, a naturally occurring radioactive element, must undergo specific processes to increase the concentration of its isotope uranium-235 to make nuclear fuel. On Monday, Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, remarked that the U.N. nuclear watchdog had detected activities consistent with reactor operations and centrifuge enrichment at Yongbyon.

Boosting Centrifuge Capacity

Kim highlighted the importance of increasing the number of centrifuges to “exponentially increase” North Korea’s nuclear arsenal. He also stressed expanding the use of a new centrifuge type to enhance the production of weapons-grade nuclear material. Photos released by state media showed smaller, more compact centrifuges compared to those previously thought to be in use, suggesting the development of more advanced machines to refine uranium.

Lee Sang-kyu, a nuclear engineering expert at South Korea’s Korea Institute for Defense Analysis, noted that the images confirmed the use of a cascade system, where numerous centrifuges are linked to achieve highly enriched uranium.

Ankit Panda, a senior fellow at the U.S.-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, emphasized that the advancements in North Korea’s fuel cycle are significant. “Kim also appears to suggest that North Korean tactical nuclear weapons designs may primarily rely on uranium for their cores,” Panda explained, pointing out that scaling up uranium stockpiles is more feasible for North Korea compared to the more complex process required for plutonium.

Impact on U.S. Relations

Friday’s broadcast marked the first time North Korea has shown photos of its uranium enrichment equipment. In 2010, some foreign scientists were invited to observe a centrifuge facility at Yongbyon, but Jenny Town of the U.S.-based Stimson Center said the new images reflect North Korea’s enhanced enrichment capabilities.

“It gives greater credibility to both their ability and commitment to increasing their nuclear weapons arsenals,” Town stated. She also speculated that the photos might be intended to send a message to the U.S., implying that denuclearization is no longer an option and urging recognition of North Korea as a nuclear state.

Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, suggested the timing of the release could also be aimed at influencing U.S. elections, positioning North Korea as a key foreign policy issue for the next administration.

Growing Ties with Russia

On Friday, top Russian security official Sergei Shoigu met with Kim in North Korea to discuss bilateral and international matters, according to Russia’s Interfax news agency. This high-level meeting is the latest in a series of military exchanges between the two countries. Analysts believe Pyongyang has been supplying weapons to Russia, including new ballistic missiles.

In a separate report, North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) stated that Kim oversaw the launch of a new 600mm multiple-launch rocket system on Thursday. A South Korean official suggested that the launch might have been a test for weapons intended for export to Russia.

North Korea’s Expanding Nuclear Arsenal

North Korea has conducted six underground nuclear tests between 2006 and 2017 and has previously released photos of what it claims to be nuclear warheads. Estimates of the country’s nuclear weapons stockpile vary, with a July report from the Federation of American Scientists suggesting that Pyongyang may have produced enough fissile material for up to 90 nuclear warheads, though it likely has around 50 operational weapons.

Movie Review: Ian McKellen dazzles as a merciless theater Critic in ‘The Critic,’ though the film stumbles

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Movie Review: Ian McKellen dazzles as a merciless theater Critic in ‘The Critic,’ though the film stumbles

The world of theater criticism has rarely been kind to its critics, often portraying them as joyless, harsh, and at times, downright cruel. “The Critic,” directed by Anand Tucker, leans into this stereotype, taking it to extravagant and often absurd heights. Set in 1930s London, the film centers on veteran theater critic Jimmy Erskine, played by the legendary Ian McKellen, whose scathing reviews have the power to make or break a production or a career.

McKellen’s Erskine is a man devoted to the truth, or at least his version of it. He is relentless in his criticism, holding nothing back as he wields his influence over the London theater scene. “The drama critic is feared and reviled for the judgment he must bring,” Erskine muses ominously in the film’s opening, noting that a critic “must be cold and perfectly alone.” His words ring true as we follow Erskine’s ruthless reign, taking down plays, performers, and anyone who dares to cross his path.

One of the more humorous and telling moments comes when an actress, Nina Land, portrayed by Gemma Arterton, confronts Erskine about his contradictory reviews of her performances. “How can I be both plump and emaciated?” she asks, but Erskine, unapologetic, shrugs her off, unwilling to admit any error. This moment encapsulates the character’s unwavering self-righteousness and serves as one of the film’s few genuine sparks.

Despite the film’s strong premise and McKellen’s delightfully sinister portrayal of Erskine, “The Critic” falters as it moves from satire to melodrama. What begins as a darkly comedic exploration of a critic’s power spirals into an overly complicated tragedy. At its core, the film attempts to juggle too many subplots, none of which are fleshed out enough to leave a lasting impact. Even talented actors like Lesley Manville, who plays Nina’s mother, are underutilized, leaving the audience wanting more from their characters.

The film, loosely based on Anthony Quinn’s novel Curtain Call and adapted by Patrick Marber, struggles to maintain the intricate web of stories it sets out to tell. Instead of focusing on Erskine’s moral decay and the lengths he’ll go to maintain his power, the plot becomes bogged down by unnecessary contrivances, losing sight of its central message. What could have been a biting critique of the critic ultimately feels superficial.

One of the more intriguing aspects of the film is Erskine’s personal life. An openly gay man, his sexuality becomes a liability as fascist ideologies rise and his new boss, David Brooke (played by Mark Strong), begins to challenge his authority. However, even this plotline fails to reach its full potential, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.

For all its faults, “The Critic” does have its moments of brilliance. McKellen’s performance as the cold, calculating Erskine is mesmerizing. He revels in the role of the monstrous critic, making the character both fascinating and repulsive. But as the story becomes more chaotic, even McKellen’s magnetic presence isn’t enough to save the film from itself.

In one of the more poignant moments, Nina, despite being repeatedly torn apart by Erskine’s reviews, admits that it was his writing that made her fall in love with the theater in the first place. It’s a fleeting moment of reflection that hints at the complexity of the relationship between critics and artists, though the film never fully dives into the subject.

Ultimately, “The Critic” offers an interesting premise but fails to deliver on its promise. With a runtime of 100 minutes, it’s a visually appealing film with solid performances, but its lack of narrative cohesion leaves it feeling hollow. As Erskine himself might say, “More beauty, less beast” would have served it well.

Verdict: Two and a half stars out of four.

“The Critic” is rated R for language and sexual content, and is set for release by Greenwich Entertainment.

Pope Francis urges Singapore to support migrant workers, highlights economic and environmental progress

Venus L Peñaflor
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Pope Francis urges Singapore to support migrant workers, highlights economic and environmental progress

SINGAPORE. Pope Francis, on his visit to Singapore, praised the nation’s economic growth and sustainability efforts, while also emphasizing the importance of caring for its most vulnerable members, especially migrant workers. As the final stop on his tour through Asia, he highlighted the need for inclusivity in the city-state, known for its skyscrapers and modernity.

During his address to Singapore’s leaders and a crowd of 50,000 at the national stadium, the Pope admired the city’s progress but reminded everyone of the value of human dignity. He said, “The most beautiful building, the most precious treasure, the most profitable investment in God’s eyes, is ourselves,” urging the nation not to forget those who have contributed significantly to its development.

Francis specifically called for fair wages and humane treatment for the country’s migrant workforce, which plays a key role in Singapore’s economy. He noted, “These workers contribute a great deal to society and should be guaranteed a fair wage,” bringing attention to the issue of labor rights and conditions.

Additionally, the Pope praised Singapore’s efforts to promote environmental sustainability, calling the country “a shining example of what humanity can achieve by working together in harmony.” He commended initiatives like the country’s greening plan, which focuses on solar energy, waste reduction, and a transition to a low-carbon economy by 2030.

Francis will continue his Singapore visit by attending events focused on interfaith unity and care for the elderly before returning to Rome.

Guarantee letters ng DSWD, tatanggapin na sa mga botika

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Guarantee letters ng DSWD, tatanggapin na sa mga botika


MAYNILA. Inanunsyo ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) na maaari nang gamitin ang mga guarantee letters (GL) mula sa kanilang ahensya upang makabili ng gamot sa mga piling botika sa bansa. Ang hakbang na ito ay bahagi ng patuloy na pagsisikap ng pamahalaan na makatulong sa mga nangangailangan, lalo na pagdating sa kalusugan.

Ayon kay DSWD Spokesperson Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao, “Under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, the DSWD has been engaging with selected pharmacies to help poor clients to purchase their medicine needs through the DSWD-issued GLs.”

Ang GL ay isang mahalagang dokumento na iniisyu ng DSWD upang garantiyahan ang pagbabayad ng mga benepisyaryo para sa kanilang mga gamot. Ito ay tumutulong sa mga nangangailangan ng tulong medikal, partikular sa pagbili ng gamot, at naka-address ito sa mga accredited na botika at service provider.

Mga Botikang Tumatanggap ng GL

Sa Metro Manila, ilan sa mga accredited na botika ang:

  • Globo Asiatico Enterprises, Inc.
  • Onco Care Pharma Corporation
  • Urology Med Care, Inc.
  • At iba pa, kabilang ang mga miyembro ng Drugstores Association of the Philippines (DSAP).

Tandaan: Ang listahan ng mga botikang tumatanggap ng GL ay maaaring magbago. Para sa mga nasa ibang rehiyon, pinapayuhan ang mga benepisyaryo na makipag-ugnayan sa kanilang local DSWD Field Office para sa kumpletong impormasyon.

Paano Makakakuha ng Guarantee Letter (GL):

  1. Magpunta sa DSWD Office: Bisitahin ang pinakamalapit na DSWD Central o Field Office, o mga satellite offices.
  2. Kumpletuhin ang Mga Dokumento: Magdala ng mga kinakailangang dokumento tulad ng:
    • Valid ID (kung walang valid ID, pwede ang barangay certification o affidavit of two disinterested persons)
    • Medical abstract o reseta mula sa doktor
    • Bill o quotation ng gamot mula sa botika
    • Proof of indigency mula sa inyong barangay o munisipyo
  3. Magpa-assess sa Social Worker: Sasailalim ka sa assessment upang malaman kung kwalipikado para sa tulong. Tatanungin ka tungkol sa iyong kalagayan at pangangailangan.
  4. Paghintay sa Approval: Kung maaprubahan, bibigyan ka ng DSWD ng GL na maaari mong gamitin sa mga accredited na botika.

Paggamit ng GL: Maaaring ipakita ang GL sa mga accredited na botika para makuha ang gamot na kailangan. Siguraduhing tumungo lamang sa mga botikang nasa listahan ng DSWD upang maiwasan ang aberya.

Paalala:

Para sa mas detalyadong impormasyon at kumpletong listahan ng mga botikang tumatanggap ng GL, mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa inyong pinakamalapit na DSWD Field Office o bisitahin ang kanilang opisyal na website.

Ang programang Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) ay isa sa mga pangunahing serbisyo ng DSWD na naglalayong tulungan ang mga nangangailangan sa iba’t ibang aspeto tulad ng medical, burial, transportation, education, at financial assistance.

Sa pamamagitan ng mga hakbang na ito, umaasa ang DSWD na mas maraming Pilipino ang matutulungan at mapagaan ang kanilang mga pinagdadaanan, lalo na sa larangan ng kalusugan.

Tech billionaire completes first private spacewalk with SpaceX

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Tech billionaire completes first private spacewalk with SpaceX

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. In a groundbreaking achievement, tech billionaire Jared Isaacman performed the first-ever private spacewalk on Thursday, venturing hundreds of miles above Earth in a daring mission typically reserved for professional astronauts.

Isaacman, founder and CEO of Shift4 Payments, partnered with SpaceX to test the company’s newly designed spacesuits during a five-day flight. This spacewalk marked a significant milestone in private space exploration, underscoring the growing role of commercial space ventures in pushing the boundaries of space travel.

“Back at home, we all have a lot of work to do. But from here, it sure looks like a perfect world,” Isaacman said as the spacecraft soared above the South Pacific. Cameras captured his silhouette framed by the vast expanse of blue Earth beneath him.

Unlike the typical spacewalks conducted by NASA astronauts, which often involve complex repairs on the sprawling International Space Station (ISS) and last up to eight hours, Isaacman’s mission was brief but significant. The hatch was open for less than two hours, and Isaacman remained attached to the capsule the entire time, flexing his arms and legs to test the durability and flexibility of the new spacesuit. His movements were monitored by SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis, who followed Isaacman in stepping out of the spacecraft to perform similar tests.

“Today’s success represents a giant leap forward for the commercial space industry,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson posted on X (formerly Twitter) after the mission.

Isaacman’s crew, which included Gillis, Scott “Kidd” Poteet, a former Air Force Thunderbird pilot, and SpaceX engineer Anna Menon, launched from Florida on Tuesday, aiming to reach an orbit higher than any other space mission since NASA’s moon landings. Their initial orbit of 460 miles (740 kilometers) was later reduced for the spacewalk.

The mission, dubbed Polaris Dawn, is part of a larger program funded by Isaacman, who has committed to a series of privately financed spaceflights with SpaceX. This particular flight focused on testing new equipment and exploring the potential for future spacewalks during longer space missions, including trips to Mars.

Despite a few minor issues, such as manually opening the hatch and slight bulges in the hatch seal, the spacewalk was completed without incident.

Isaacman’s mission is seen as a pivotal moment in the advancement of commercial space travel, a rapidly growing industry that has already seen wealthy individuals pay millions of dollars for brief trips to experience weightlessness or stay aboard the ISS. However, spacewalking remains one of the riskiest activities in space exploration, making this successful private mission all the more remarkable.

With this achievement, Isaacman joins a select group of only 263 people from 12 countries who have conducted spacewalks. The first-ever spacewalk was performed by Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov in 1965, followed shortly by NASA astronaut Ed White.

As more private missions are planned, experts predict that the desire for spacewalk experiences will increase among affluent adventurers seeking the ultimate thrill.

The success of Polaris Dawn signals a bright future for private space exploration, with SpaceX continuing to lead the charge in the development of new technologies and capabilities for space travel.

Vietnam’s typhoon Yagi ceath toll reaches 226; flood pressure eases in Hanoi

Venus L Peñaflor
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Vietnam’s typhoon Yagi ceath toll reaches 226; flood pressure eases in Hanoi

HANOI/THAI NGUYEN. The death toll from Typhoon Yagi and the subsequent landslides and flash floods in Vietnam has risen to 226, according to the government’s disaster agency. The devastating storm, which made landfall on the country’s northeastern coast on Saturday, has had a profound impact, with over 100 people still reported missing and around 800 injured.

Flooding in the capital city of Hanoi has been severe, though the weather agency reported later in the day that the flood pressure had eased. Despite this, the northern regions of Vietnam, including Hanoi, continue to experience challenges from flash floods and landslides.

Hanoi’s residents faced significant challenges as the swollen Red River reached a 20-year high, prompting the evacuation of thousands from vulnerable areas. “There’s a lot of heartbreak in the city and there was a lot of concern going into the evening,” said Skye Maconachie, co-CEO of the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation. “Many people who barely had anything have lost everything.”

The river’s level in Hanoi has now peaked and started to recede, according to the government’s weather forecast agency. However, northern areas north of the capital remain severely affected by ongoing landslides and floods.

In Thai Nguyen province, which houses Samsung Electronics’ largest smartphone manufacturing plant in Vietnam, flood waters have receded in some areas. Residents are now focused on recovery, including repairing submerged motorbikes and other personal property. “I only have this one motorbike to go to work with, but it was flooded so I have to bring it here to have it fixed,” said a local resident. “I can only go to work once it’s fixed.”

Motorbike repair shop owner Nguyen Van Truong reported being overwhelmed by the demand, stating, “We are a bit overwhelmed, very overwhelmed actually. I’m tired from the hard work but people need transport means to smoothly get everything back to normal.”

In Lao Cai province, rescue efforts are ongoing for 55 individuals missing due to a flash flood that struck Nu Village on Tuesday. The flood has claimed 46 lives and injured 17 others. More than 300 soldiers and local officials are involved in the search and rescue operations.

The typhoon has also wreaked havoc on agriculture, inundating over 200,000 hectares of rice and cash crop fields across northern Vietnam. In addition to agricultural losses, the storm has disrupted power supplies and damaged factory roofs in Haiphong and Quang Ninh provinces, leading to production halts.

International aid has started to arrive, with countries including Australia, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. offering assistance to help Vietnam recover from this catastrophic event.

Motorbike rider na nag-vlog sa SLEX, pinatawan ng show cause order ng LTO

Arman B. Cambe
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Motorbike rider na nag-vlog sa SLEX, pinatawan ng show cause order ng LTO

MAYNILA. Ipinatawag ng Land Transportation Office (LTO) legal ang isang motorista na pumasok sa South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) habang nagba-vlog gamit ang motorsiklong 250cc, na mas mababa sa itinakdang 400cc limitasyon para sa expressway. Naglabas ng Show Cause Order (SCO) ang LTO noong Huwebes, Setyembre 13.

Ayon sa ulat, alam ng rider na bawal ang kanyang motorsiklo sa expressway ngunit sinubukan pa rin niya ito at ipinahayag sa kanyang vlog, “Tingnan natin kung papapasukin ako sa expressway kahit 250cc lang ang motor ko.” Ang aksyon na ito ay na-upload sa social media at mabilis na nag-viral, na nagdulot ng matinding batikos mula sa mga netizen. Marami sa kanila ang nanawagan sa LTO na kumilos dahil sa tahasang paglabag sa batas.

Sa pahayag ni LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, agad siyang nag-utos ng imbestigasyon matapos malaman ang insidente. Ang aksyon ng vlogger ay itinuturing na iresponsable at mapanganib, hindi lamang para sa kanya kundi pati na rin sa ibang motorista sa expressway.

“Ito ay maliwanag na pambabastos sa rules and regulations ng expressways na ginawa naman para sa kaligtasan hindi lamang ng motorcycle riders kundi pati na rin ng iba pang motorista na gumagamit ng expressways,” ayon kay Assec Mendoza. Dagdag pa niya, “Ang kahambugan na ipinakita ng rider na ito ay isang pagpapatunay ng kawalan ng disiplina. Ito na ang magiging paksa ng imbestigasyon kung tatangkilikin pa rin niya o hindi ang pribilehiyong mabigyan ng lisensya sa pagmamaneho.”

Bilang resulta ng imbestigasyon, inilagay ng LTO sa ilalim ng alarma ang lisensya ng motorista at ang kanyang motorsiklong Kawasaki 250 na may Plate No. 428UDE habang hinihintay ang pinal na desisyon sa kaso. Ang ahensya ay naninindigan na ang mga patakaran sa expressway ay ipinatutupad para sa kaligtasan ng lahat ng mga gumagamit ng kalsada.

Patuloy na hinihintay ang resulta ng imbestigasyon na maaaring magdulot ng mas mabigat na parusa sa vlogger na ito, kabilang ang posibleng pagkansela ng kanyang lisensya sa pagmamaneho.

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