Monday, May 11, 2026


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Villa Tomasa-Alona Kew Hotel Resort takes action against Panglao mayor

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BOHOL CITY. The management of Villa Tomasa-Alona Kew Hotel Resort has initiated legal proceedings against Panglao, Bohol Mayor Edgardo “Boy” Arcay and his associates. The resort alleges harassment and other charges related to the forced cessation of its operations on April 16, 2024.

The resort’s legal team wasted no time in filing criminal and civil cases against the accused, submitting the lawsuits to the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Bohol City of Tagbilaran on April 26, merely a week after the troubling takeover incident.

According to the resort’s legal representatives, the victims of these alleged illegal actions have taken a firm stand for justice. They emphasize that any attempt to enter into agreements concerning the resort without their knowledge will be met with legal action.

Furthermore, the management asserts that individuals considering purchasing the property should beware, as they maintain a valid option to buy with a right of first refusal. Any cooperation with the dispossession could result in criminal liability.

Expressing profound dismay, the management of Villa Tomasa-Alona Kew Hotel Resort condemns the use of excessive force during the takeover, which left nearly 300 employees traumatized and countless tourists shocked.

Despite repeated attempts to secure a business permit, the resort faced continual denial, exacerbating their plight. They now appeal to government agencies such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to intervene in this matter urgently.

The management’s plea for justice extends beyond the resort owners; they seek to safeguard the livelihoods of their employees, emphasizing that four years remain on their five-year lease agreement.

The sudden closure of one of Bohol’s premier resorts has sent ripples of disappointment throughout the local community and the broader tourism industry. Panglao, known for its tranquil ambiance, is now fraught with uncertainty, leaving both businesses and patrons disheartened.

As legal proceedings unfold, the spotlight remains fixed on this contentious dispute, underscoring the challenges faced by businesses in navigating the complex landscape of local governance and property rights.

25 lugar dadanas ng mapanganib na heat index ngayong Biyernes!

Nagbabala ang PAGASA hinggil sa delikadong heat index na posibleng maranasan sa 25 na lugar sa bansa ngayong Biyernes.

Batay sa heat index forecast ng weather bureau, maaaring umabot sa 42°C hanggang 45°C ang init sa mga sumusunod na lugar:

45°C

  • Virac (Synop), Catanduanes

44°C

  • Dagupan City, Pangasinan
  • Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
  • Roxas City, Capiz

Nasa 43°C ang inaasahang temperatura sa mga sumusunod na lugar:

  • San Jose, Occidental Mindoro
  • Guiuian, Silangang Samar

Samantalang sa 42°C naman ang init sa:

  • NAIA, Pasay City, Manila
  • Iba, Zambales
  • CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija
  • Cubi Point, Subic Bay, Olongapo City
  • Sangley Point, Cavite
  • Infanta, Quezon
  • Alabat, Quezon
  • Aborlan, Palawan
  • Cuyo, Palawan
  • Legazpi, Albay
  • Masbate City, Masbate
  • CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur
  • Mambusao, Capiz
  • Iloilo City, Iloilo
  • Dumangas, Iloilo
  • Catarman, Northern Samar
  • Catbalogan, Samar
  • Tacloban City, Leyte
  • Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte

Ang Baguio City at Benguet State University, La Trinidad sa Benguet ay nananatiling may pinakamababang heat index na 27°C.

Ayon sa PAGASA, ang heat index mula 42°C hanggang 51°C ay nasa danger level na. Ito ay nagdudulot ng panganib ng heat exhaustion, heat cramps, at heat stroke para sa mga taong labis na nae-expose sa init.

Dahil dito, pinayuhan ng ahensya ang publiko na bawasan ang panlabas na aktibidad, uminom ng sapat na tubig, at magsuot ng light-colored na damit upang maiwasan ang mga sakit na dulot ng sobrang init ng panahon.

Philippine military chief alleges China of ‘covert manipulation campaign’

MANILA. The Philippines’ military chief, Romeo Brawner, leveled serious allegations against China on Wednesday, following reports in a local newspaper suggesting a clandestine agreement between a Filipino vice admiral and Beijing aimed at easing tensions in the South China Sea.

The Manila Times published what it claimed to be a transcript of a phone conversation wherein a Philippine admiral purportedly acquiesced to China’s proposal for a “new model” of operations, involving reduced Philippine naval presence in resupply missions to troops stationed at the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, along with prior notification to Beijing about such missions.

While Reuters has not independently verified the contents of the reported phone conversation, The Manila Times cited January as the date of the conversation and attributed the transcript to a “ranking Chinese official,” whose identity remains undisclosed.

The Second Thomas Shoal has remained a focal point of tensions, witnessing numerous confrontations between China’s coast guard and Philippine vessels over the past year, exacerbating strained relations between the two nations. Despite China’s calls for the Philippines to avoid the area, Manila has steadfastly maintained its presence.

In response to the allegations, Military Chief Romeo Brawner dismissed the reported transcript as part of a “malign influence effort” orchestrated by the Chinese Communist Party. He cautioned against placing undue significance on such claims, emphasizing the ease with which transcripts can be manipulated and audio recordings falsified, particularly with advancements in technology such as deep fakes.

The Chinese embassy in Manila has not issued any official response to the transcript published by The Manila Times, nor to Brawner’s statement.

The unfolding situation underscores the ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, with both regional and global implications, as neighboring countries navigate complex territorial disputes in one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime regions.

Trump’s lawyer grills Stormy Daniels in trial over denial of sexual encounter

NEW YORK. Donald Trump’s defense attorney pressed adult film actress Stormy Daniels on Thursday regarding statements she made in 2018, denying any sexual relations with the former U.S. president. This pivotal moment unfolds at the heart of the first criminal trial involving a former American head of state.

Daniels’ vivid testimony earlier in the week detailing a sexual encounter with Trump in a Lake Tahoe hotel suite in 2006 held jurors spellbound, reigniting public interest in the more salacious aspects of Trump’s presidency from 2017 to 2021, as he pursues a White House comeback bid this year.

Defense attorney Susan Necheles presented jurors with two signed statements from 2018 in which Daniels denied engaging in an affair with Trump. These statements were made while Daniels was bound by a non-disclosure agreement brokered by Trump’s former attorney, Michael Cohen, in exchange for $130,000 to remain silent about the alleged encounter prior to the 2016 election.

Daniels, under cross-examination, disavowed these statements, asserting, “Let’s be clear, I did not write this. It was given to me, and I was told that I had to sign it.”

Keith Davidson, Daniels’ attorney at the time, testified earlier in the trial, suggesting that the statements were carefully crafted to technically deny an affair while not specifically addressing individual encounters.

Trump, aged 77, faces 34 counts of falsifying business records related to Cohen’s payment to Daniels. He maintains his innocence, vehemently denying any sexual liaison with the adult film star.

As a Republican contender vying to unseat Democratic President Joe Biden in the upcoming November election, Trump portrays the trial as a politically motivated attack aimed at derailing his campaign.

During Tuesday’s proceedings, Trump’s legal team challenged Daniels’ credibility, eliciting admissions of past falsehoods from her, including her refusal to pay Trump over $500,000 resulting from a failed defamation lawsuit.

Necheles questioned Daniels on Thursday about her decision to accept Cohen’s payment in exchange for silence, despite her prior assertions of a desire to publicly share her story. Daniels cited safety concerns, asserting that preserving a paper trail offered better protection for herself and her family.

Prosecutors argue that Trump’s efforts to conceal the payment tainted the 2016 election by withholding crucial information from voters.

While Daniels’ testimony provides insight into the case, its impact on voters already familiar with allegations of Trump’s sexual impropriety remains uncertain. Trump’s legal team attempted to downplay its significance, claiming Daniels’ testimony was needlessly inflammatory.

Trump’s reaction to Daniels’ testimony on Tuesday, characterized by frustration and an outburst in court, resulted in a warning about potential witness intimidation from Justice Juan Merchan, who has since fined Trump $10,000 for discussing trial details outside the courtroom.

This trial, perceived as the least significant of Trump’s legal battles, faces uncertainty, with other cases delayed for various reasons, including legal challenges and court proceedings.

A federal case in Washington alleging Trump’s attempt to overturn the 2020 election results remains stalled by the Supreme Court, while another federal case in Florida accusing Trump of mishandling classified information awaits resolution of legal objections raised by his defense team. Additionally, a state case in Georgia accusing Trump of election interference is on hold pending an appeals court decision regarding prosecutorial conduct.

As the trial progresses, it continues to draw intense scrutiny, offering a glimpse into the legal challenges confronting a former U.S. president.

14-anyos na anak, 2 taon na halos araw araw ay ginagahasa ng ama

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Arestado ang isang ama na isinumbong na halos araw-araw ay nagpapahirap at umaabuso sa kanyang 14-anyos na anak sa loob ng dalawang taon.

Nabigyan ng hustisya ang inabusong anak matapos niyang ireklamo ang kanyang ama sa National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) Violence Against Women and Children Division. Tinukoy lang ang ama na si alyas “Jay.”

Ayon kay Yehlen Agus, hepe ng NBI-VAWCD, matapos ang medical examinations, lumabas na may mga sugat sa ari ng biktima na siyang ebidensya ng pag-abuso.

Sa salaysay ng biktima, nabunyag na una siyang ginahasa ng kanyang tiyuhin noong 2022. Ngunit, kahit na ito ay isinumbong niya sa kanyang ama, hindi raw siya tinulungan. Sa halip, ang ama mismo ang sumunod na umabuso sa kanya at tuwing umaalis ang kanyang ina ay ginagawa ito sa kanya.

Walang pangamba, inamin ni “Jay” ang kanyang mga kasalanan. “Natukso rin ako sa ginawa niya… Ginaya ko po,” aniya.

Kasalukuyang nakapiit si “Jay” at nahaharap sa kaso ng statutory rape na isinampa ng NBI sa Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office. Samantala, iniimbestigahan na rin ang kanyang bayaw dahil sa kaugnay na pang-aabuso.

Sa pangangalaga ng Department of Social Welfare and Development, nasisiguro ang kapanatagan ng biktima habang sumasailalim sa kinakailangang counseling.

Ang insidenteng ito ay nagbibigay-diin sa kahalagahan ng pagpapatupad ng batas at pagpapalakas ng proteksyon para sa mga kababaihan at kabataan laban sa anumang anyo ng karahasan at pang-aabuso.

Ukrainian gymnast leads the EU team in carrying the Paris Olympic torch, in a sign of support

MARSEILLE, France. Ukrainian gymnast Mariia Vysochanska took center stage in Marseille on Thursday, leading a contingent of European athletes carrying the torch for the Paris Olympics through the vibrant streets, in a poignant gesture of solidarity for her war-torn homeland.

The torch relay in Marseille marked the commencement of an 11-week odyssey across France leading up to the Olympic Games’ opening ceremony on July 26. The atmosphere crackled with excitement as the bustling streets of Marseille erupted in cheers for the procession of torchbearers, including renowned athletes like basketball star Tony Parker and former soccer player Basile Boli.

The pinnacle moment for Ukraine unfolded at noon when a group of 27 athletes and para-athletes representing each EU member state joined the relay in honor of Europe Day on May 9. Forming a guard of honor, they welcomed Vysochanska, a decorated athlete who clinched two gold medals at the 2020 European Championships and competed in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

“It is very hard to put all the emotions I experience into words,” expressed the 21-year-old athlete. “I feel pride and incredible happiness that Ukraine became the 28th country to carry the flame with EU countries, and that the captain has honored me by letting me carry the Olympic flame.”

Following the torch handover, the European collective received a warm welcome from French Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, underscoring France’s increasing support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.

“We are doing a lot to make sure that they (Ukrainian athletes) can prepare in the best possible conditions at a time where they face that terrible war of aggression, and we want to really express that we support them the best we can,” stated Oudéa-Castéra.

For Vysochanska, the event carries personal significance as her father has been engaged in combat since 2015, amid Russia’s aggression and the subsequent armed conflict in eastern Ukraine. Her father’s participation in the prolonged battle for Donetsk airport, where he sustained a head injury, resonates deeply with Ukraine’s resilience.

Moreover, Vysochanska’s involvement reflects Ukraine’s aspirations to align with the European Union, with accelerated talks on accession underway since last year.

The International Olympic Committee’s decision in March to bar Russian and Belarusian athletes from the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony due to the ongoing conflict further underscores the geopolitical tensions surrounding the games. Any athletes from these countries are required to undergo a stringent vetting process to compete under a neutral banner.

Lalaki pinatay ng ka-eyeball sa Cavite

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BACOOR CITY, Cavite. Iniimbestigahan ngayon ng pulisya ang insidente ng pamamaril na ikinamatay ng isang lalaki sa Daungan, Brgy. Talaba 2, lungsod na ito, kamakalawa ng umaga.

Ayon sa mga ulat, ang biktima na kilala lamang sa alyas na Mac, ay binaril at agad namatay sa lugar. Siya ay tubong Brgy. Zapote 3, Bacoor City. Nagpaalam sa pamilya ang biktima na may kakatagpuing kausap.

Nangyari ang insidente bandang alas-10:30 ng umaga habang papunta sa takdang tagpuan ang biktima. Bigla na lamang umanong dumating ang suspek at walang anu-ano’y pinagbabaril ang biktima.

Matapos tiyakin na patay na ang biktima, agad na tumakas ang suspek na dala ang armas na ginamit sa krimen.

Hanggang sa kasalukuyan, patuloy ang imbestigasyon ng pulisya upang matukoy ang motibo at mahanap ang salarin sa likod ng krimen na ito.

Israel strikes eastern Rafah as US warns of weapon withholding threat

RAFAH, Gaza Strip/WASHINGTON. Israeli military forces launched airstrikes and tank bombardments in the eastern part of Rafah on Thursday, according to Palestinian residents, following a warning from U.S. President Joe Biden that major military action by Israel in the southern Gaza city could result in the withholding of weapons.

As ceasefire negotiations continued in Cairo, Palestinian militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad reported firing anti-tank rockets and mortars at Israeli tanks positioned on the outskirts of Rafah.

Reports from residents and medics in Rafah indicated that an Israeli attack on a mosque in the eastern Brazil neighborhood resulted in the deaths of at least three people and left others wounded. Video footage from the scene depicted the destruction of the mosque’s minaret, as well as casualties being attended to.

Residents also reported helicopter gunfire and drone activity in several areas of Rafah, heightening fears of an imminent invasion.

Israel has asserted that Hamas militants are using Rafah as a hideout, necessitating military action to ensure its security. The influx of hundreds of thousands of Gazans seeking refuge in Rafah has further complicated the situation.

Mohammad Abder-Rahman, a displaced resident, expressed concerns that the Israeli bombardments could precede a full-scale invasion of the city, drawing parallels with previous military actions in Gaza City.

Meanwhile, ceasefire talks in Cairo showed some progress, although no agreement has been reached yet, according to Egyptian security sources. The Hamas delegation has departed for Doha for consultations, blaming Israel for the lack of consensus.

President Biden’s warning against a potential ground invasion of Rafah marked a significant shift in U.S. policy. He emphasized the need for Israel to present a viable plan to protect civilians in the region.

Recent developments have led to a humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations reporting that 80,000 people have fled Rafah this week alone, following Israel’s seizure of the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.

The United States, a major weapons supplier to Israel, has paused the delivery of a shipment of bombs due to concerns about civilian casualties in Gaza. Israeli officials have criticized this decision, arguing that it undermines their ability to combat Hamas.

In response, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to its military objectives in Gaza, signaling a continuation of the standoff.

As the conflict escalates, with ongoing airstrikes across Gaza, the plight of civilians trapped in the violence continues to worsen, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.

Swifties flock to Europe for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour after finding tickets are less costly there

LONDON. Thousands of devoted fans are embarking on a transatlantic journey to catch the pop sensation live as Taylor Swift gears up to kick off her highly anticipated Europe leg of the Eras Tour in Paris. With tickets to her U.S. shows either scarce or overly expensive, many fans are finding Europe a more affordable and enticing option to experience Swift’s magic.

Planeloads of Swifties are set to follow the trail of Miss Americana as she dazzles audiences across the continent. Reports from the arenas hosting Swift’s concerts reveal that Americans have snapped up a significant portion of tickets, with expectations of a substantial influx of concertgoers from across the Atlantic.

While some may find it unconventional to travel abroad solely for a concert, online travel company Expedia has identified a growing trend it terms “tour tourism.” Similar patterns emerged during Beyoncé’s Renaissance world tour, indicating a broader shift in fan behavior towards seeking unique experiences.

For many North American fans, the allure of catching Swift overseas lies in the comparative affordability facilitated by tighter restrictions on ticket fees and resales in Europe. Melanie Fish, an Expedia spokesperson, noted that for some fans, the cost of a European excursion to see Swift can be on par with or even cheaper than attending a domestic concert.

Take Jennifer Warren, for example, who hails from St. Catharines, Ontario. Faced with exorbitant ticket prices in the U.S., Warren opted for a European vacation centered around Swift’s concert in Hamburg, Germany. Despite subsequent announcements of tour dates closer to home, the allure of combining travel with a once-in-a-lifetime concert experience was too enticing to resist.

The phenomenon of fans traveling to catch their favorite artists in concert is not new, with historical precedents like the Grateful Dead’s devoted following and the rise of music festivals attracting global audiences. Analysts attribute this trend to a broader cultural shift towards prioritizing experiences over material possessions, a sentiment amplified by the pandemic.

As Swift’s tour traverses Europe, economists predict a ripple effect on local economies, mirroring observations made during her U.S. tour. From increased retail spending to heightened tourism activity, Swift’s presence is expected to leave a lasting impact on the cities she visits.

For Stockholm, where Swift’s concerts are expected to draw crowds from over 130 countries, the economic windfall is significant. With hotels sold out and local businesses gearing up for Swift-themed events, the city anticipates a substantial boost to its tourism sector.

While the trend of “tour tourism” may see fluctuations in the future, for now, Swift’s Eras Tour serves as a catalyst for travel enthusiasts and music lovers alike to embark on unforgettable journeys across the globe in pursuit of their favorite artist.

Showdown unfolds inside New York courtroom where Trump was forced to listen to Stormy Daniels

NEW YORK CITY, NY. Former President Donald Trump faced off against adult film actress Stormy Daniels on Tuesday in a New York courtroom in a riveting courtroom drama that blended the weight of history with tabloid intrigue. The encounter marked a significant moment in Trump’s legal battles, as he listened to Daniels recount their alleged sexual encounter nearly two decades ago.

The atmosphere inside the courtroom crackled with tension as Daniels, accompanied by her lawyer Clark Brewster, took the stand to deliver her testimony. Trump, seated at the defense table, appeared visibly uncomfortable, his reactions ranging from scowls to muttered disapproval.

For years, speculation had swirled around when Daniels would finally have her day in court. As the trial resumed on Tuesday, anticipation reached a fever pitch. The courtroom, packed with reporters and onlookers, became the stage for a confrontation that had been years in the making.

In a scene reminiscent of high-stakes legal dramas, Daniels described her encounter with Trump in vivid detail, recounting her path from aspiring veterinary student to adult film star. Despite attempts by Trump’s lawyers to undermine her credibility, Daniels remained steadfast, forcefully denying any allegations of extortion.

As Daniels spoke, the courtroom buzzed with activity. Reporters furiously typed away, jurors scribbled notes, and onlookers strained to catch every word. Even the judge, Juan M. Merchan, found himself drawn into the spectacle, at one point admonishing Trump’s lawyers to rein in their client’s audible cursing.

The tension between Trump and Daniels was palpable, with neither acknowledging the other’s presence. Yet, amidst the legal wrangling, moments of unexpected levity emerged. Jurors chuckled at mentions of beauty contests and raised eyebrows at Trump’s social media posts disparaging Daniels’ appearance.

As the day drew to a close, Daniels left the witness stand, her gaze fixed forward. Trump, meanwhile, huddled with his legal team before exiting the courtroom. Outside, he offered brief remarks to journalists, constrained by a court order limiting his comments on the case.

For those present, it was a day of high drama and historic significance. As they filed out of the courtroom, they carried with them the weight of witnessing a clash between two figures whose lives had become entwined in a legal saga that captured the nation’s attention.

For non-USA residents, the hush money case involving former President Donald Trump and adult film actress Stormy Daniels revolves around allegations of an extramarital affair and the subsequent efforts to conceal it. In 2018, Daniels publicly claimed that she had a sexual encounter with Trump in 2006, while he was married to his current wife, Melania Trump. Daniels alleged that she was paid $130,000 in hush money just weeks before the 2016 presidential election to remain silent about the affair. This payment, reportedly facilitated by Trump’s then-lawyer Michael Cohen, raised legal and ethical concerns, particularly regarding campaign finance laws and transparency.

The case has garnered international attention due to its implications for Trump’s presidency and the broader issues of transparency, integrity, and accountability in public office. While the specific legal proceedings may vary by country, the overarching themes of personal conduct, misuse of funds, and the potential impact on political processes are relevant to audiences outside the United States. The case underscores the complexities of navigating personal and professional responsibilities in the public eye and highlights the global interest in the intersection of politics, law, and ethics.