Monday, July 20, 2026


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Bangkay ng babaeng hubad, P8M halaga ng shabu natagpuan

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TANZA, Cavite. Natagpuan ng mga awtoridad sa Brgy. Tanuan sa bayang ito ang bangkay ng isang hubad na babae na may kasamang mahigit na P8 milyong halaga ng shabu.

Ayon sa ulat ng Cavite Provincial Police Office, patuloy pa nilang iniimbestigahan ang insidente habang inaalam pa ang pagkakakilanlan ng babaeng biktima.

Ang babaeng biktima, na tinatantyang nasa edad na 30-35 anyos, ay natagpuang walang saplot at wala ng buhay sa kanyang kama sa Block 27 Lot 4 Phrist Park Subd. Matapos makatanggap ng tawag mula sa mga concerned na residente, agad rumesponde ang pulisya sa nasabing lugar madaling-araw kahapon.

Sa isinagawang imbestigasyon, narekober ang humigit-kumulang na 1.2 kilo ng shabu sa kabilang kuwarto ng bahay, na tinatayang nagkakahalaga ng P8,160,000 sa street value. Ang malaking halaga ng nadiskubreng droga ay nagpapahiwatig ng malalim na ugnayan sa iligal na kalakaran ng droga sa lugar.

Kasalukuyan pa ring isinasagawa ng awtoridad ang masusing imbestigasyon upang matukoy ang mga detalye ng insidente at ang mga posibleng kinalaman ng babaeng biktima sa ilegal na droga.

How Google’s antitrust trial could impact your search habits

As the largest antitrust trial in the United States in a quarter of a century unfolds, government regulators are battling to curtail Google’s supremacy in the digital realm, with far-reaching consequences for the internet’s landscape and billions of users.

In the midst of the 10-week trial probing Google’s business practices, the fate of one of the world’s tech giants lies in the hands of U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta. If the judge finds Google guilty of running an illegal monopoly in search, the repercussions could open doors to new opportunities for consumers and businesses alike, transforming the way information, entertainment, and commerce are pursued online.

A potential outcome of this trial could see Google compelled to open up its platform to more startups and third-party competitors. Luther Lowe, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at Yelp, a vocal Google critic, believes this could foster greater competition and result in the creation of higher quality online services.

Google’s dominance in the search engine market was solidified through its ability to provide instant access to information from billions of indexed websites, dating back to its inception in the late 1990s by Stanford University graduates Larry Page and Sergey Brin. The tech giant further secures its position by investing billions each year to make its search engine the default choice in popular smartphones and web browsers.

While users have the option to change their default search engine, the process is cumbersome, leading to Google’s willingness to pay a premium for this privileged position. The focus of the Justice Department’s case is on these payments, which amount to an estimated $15 billion to $20 billion per year, with Apple being one of the prime recipients. If Google is found guilty, these payments could be prohibited.

Should such a ruling occur, experts anticipate that the most likely solution in the U.S. would be the requirement for smartphones and web browsers to present users with multiple search engine options during setup, similar to what is already implemented in Europe. However, preliminary signs suggest that users in Europe continue to opt for Google, either because they genuinely consider it the best search engine or due to a higher level of trust in the brand compared to alternatives like Microsoft’s Bing or privacy-focused DuckDuckGo.

During the trial, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella described Google’s hold on users as “hypnotic,” emphasizing that the key to altering user behavior is changing the default choice. If the ruling doesn’t prevent Google’s rivals from paying for default search engine status, Microsoft could potentially purchase the default position for Bing.

Florian Schaub, Associate Professor of Information at the University of Michigan, argues that the fairest resolution would be a comprehensive ban on all default agreements between companies to inject neutrality into the digital environment. Schaub believes this would offer consumers more choices and prevent them from sticking with defaults out of habit.

During the trial, Apple’s executive Eddy Cue defended Google as the preferred search engine on the iPhone, stating that it offers the best experience for users. However, this endorsement has led to speculation that if Apple is prevented from using Google as its default search engine, it might utilize its substantial resources to develop its own search technology.

A blanket ban on default search agreements could have unintended consequences, including potential price increases for popular products if companies like Google were no longer subsidizing their costs. David Olson, an Associate Professor at the Boston College Law School, suggests that although Google might believe it benefits from default agreements, the reality might be different, potentially leading to increased profitability and continued dominance.

The implications of the trial extend beyond Google’s search engine and could affect the broader technology industry if all default settings are deemed anti-competitive. This could result in the outlawing of all defaults in settings, impacting not only Google but also Apple and its devices, setting the stage for another potential legal battle.

The outcome of this landmark antitrust trial holds the potential to reshape the digital landscape, impacting how users interact with technology and access information on the internet.

Pamantayan sa pagbabayad ng sahod sa mga holiday, ipinaalala ng DOLE

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Pinaalalahan ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) ang mga employer na sumunod sa mga tuntunin ng tamang pagbabayad ng sahod sa kanilang mga empleyado na magtatrabaho sa mga deklaradong holiday ngayong Oktubre at Nobyembre.

Sa isang pirmadong DOLE Labor Advisory No. 24 ni Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, itinuturo ang tamang pagkalkula ng sahod para sa mga special (non-working) days sa Oktubre 30, Nobyembre 1, at 2, kasama na rin ang paparating na regular holiday sa Nobyembre 27.

Ayon sa Proclamation No. 359, series of 2023, ang Oktubre 30 ay idineklara bilang isang special non-working holiday alinsunod sa Barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan Elections ngayong taon. Samantala, ang Proclamation No. 42 Series of 2022 na sinususugan ng Proclamation No. 90 Series of 2023 ay nagtatakda ng holiday para sa buwan ng Nobyembre 2023.

Sa ilalim ng abiso, ang mga manggagawa na magtatrabaho sa mga special non-working days sa Oktubre 30, Nobyembre 1, at 2 ay dapat bayaran batay sa bilang ng oras ng kanilang pagtatrabaho. Ibig sabihin, ang mga empleyado ay dapat makatanggap ng tamang kompensasyon ayon sa bilang ng oras ng trabaho sa mga nabanggit na araw.

Sa mga kumpanya at negosyo, mahalaga na maipatupad nang wasto ang mga patakaran hinggil sa holiday pay upang masiguro ang karapatan at benepisyo ng kanilang mga empleyado. Ang DOLE ay patuloy na nagbibigay ng mga alituntunin upang mapanatili ang katarungan at proteksyon sa mga manggagawa sa mga panahong ito ng mga deklaradong holiday.

Humanitarian crisis deepens in Gaza as Israeli siege blocks aid at Egypt border

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RAFAH, Gaza Strip. As the conflict in Gaza intensifies, hospitals and shelters in the besieged Palestinian territory are struggling to cope with the influx of people seeking refuge. More than a million Gazans have been displaced from their homes in anticipation of a possible Israeli ground invasion, following the recent actions of Hamas fighters in southern Israel.

The situation in Gaza has reached a critical point, with dwindling supplies of food, water, and medicine. All eyes are now on the Rafah crossing, the only lifeline connecting Gaza to Egypt, where vital humanitarian aid is stranded. The crossing has been closed for nearly a week due to Israeli airstrikes, leaving aid trucks waiting for a cease-fire agreement to allow them access to Gaza and for foreigners to depart.

Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, confirmed that Israel has not taken a position to open the Rafah crossing from the Gaza side, while the Israeli government has yet to respond to the situation.

Inside Gaza, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians sheltering in U.N. facilities are surviving on less than a liter of water per day. Hospitals are on the brink of collapse, with emergency generators running low on fuel, threatening the lives of patients dependent on life-saving equipment like ventilators and incubators. Additionally, supplies of medicine are nearly exhausted.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the ongoing conflict has resulted in 2,750 Palestinian casualties and 9,700 injuries, surpassing the toll from the 2014 Gaza war. Meanwhile, more than 1,400 Israelis have lost their lives, primarily civilians targeted in a recent Hamas assault. The Israeli military has also announced that at least 199 hostages have been taken in Gaza, although it remains unclear whether this figure includes foreigners.

Israeli airstrikes have caused extensive damage to entire neighborhoods, while Palestinian militants continue to fire rockets into Israel. It is widely anticipated that Israel will launch a ground offensive to target Hamas leaders, recover captives, and dismantle the group’s military infrastructure, which is often located in residential areas. Such street-by-street fighting is likely to result in increasing casualties on both sides.

Israel has issued evacuation orders for over 1 million Palestinians, nearly half of Gaza’s population, primarily in Gaza City and surrounding areas. The military justifies this move as a way to clear civilians from the northern part of Gaza, where Hamas maintains extensive networks of tunnels and rocket launchers.

Despite the evacuation orders, Hamas has urged people to remain in their homes, and the Israeli military has accused the group of blocking traffic moving south.

The situation in Gaza is dire, with hospitals running out of generator fuel, and the sole power plant has ceased operations due to a lack of fuel. The World Health Organization has expressed deep concern about disease outbreaks due to mass displacement and the worsening water and sanitation conditions. Hospitals are in desperate need of water for sanitary purposes, operation rooms, and emergency departments. The WHO also stated that thousands of hospital patients are at risk due to water shortages and the lack of fuel for pumps and desalination stations.

The U.N. health agency emphasized that life-saving assistance for 300,000 patients is awaiting entry through the Rafah crossing, while Palestinians with dual citizenship anxiously wait to leave the territory. Many people feel abandoned and humiliated in front of the crossing, given the international community’s inaction.

Amid the ongoing crisis, more than 1 million people, approximately half of Gaza’s population, have been displaced from their homes within a week. Travel within Gaza remains dangerous due to destroyed roads and limited windows of opportunity to move without the threat of airstrikes.

In addition to the Gaza situation, Israel has ordered the evacuation of 28 communities near the Lebanese border due to escalating cross-border fire with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The Israeli military is preparing for possible operations on multiple fronts, emphasizing its readiness to respond forcefully to any provocations.

The United States has initiated the evacuation of American citizens from the northern Israeli port city of Haifa to Cyprus, as commercial airlines have significantly reduced flights to Israel. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has returned to the region to help mediate a peaceful resolution to the conflict, while President Joe Biden is considering a visit to Israel to address the escalating crisis.

In a recent interview, President Biden expressed his belief that reoccupying Gaza would be a “big mistake” for Israel, reaffirming his support for the country. Israeli authorities assert that their goal is to obliterate Hamas’ capabilities, rather than occupying Gaza.

As the conflict continues, Israeli forces, backed by a growing deployment of U.S. warships and mobilization of reservists, are positioned along Gaza’s border, preparing for a comprehensive campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas. Israel has already targeted numerous military installations, including command centers and rocket launchers, and has eliminated several Hamas commanders.

DFA sa mga Pinoy sa Gaza: Pumunta sa border ng Egypt at tutulungan silang tumawid

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Ipinaabot ng Pilipinas ang Alert Level 4 sa sitwasyon sa Gaza, ayon sa pahayag ng Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) kahapon, Oktubre 15.

Dahil sa pagtaas ng alert level na ito, kinakailangan na o bligahin na mag-evacuate ang mga Filipino mula sa Gaza. Dagil dito, mariing nanawagan ang DFA sa lahat ng mga Pilipino sa Gaza na agad na lumisan, at nangako itong tutulungan silang makatawid patungo sa Egypt.

Sa kasalukuyan, mayroong 131 Filipino na naroroon sa Gaza.

Noong Huwebes, itinaas ng DFA ang Alert Level 3 sa Gaza, na nangangahulugang voluntary repatriation.

Ayon sa mga ulat mula sa NBC, may mga refugees na naghihintay na makapasok sa Egypt, kabilang ang mga Amerikano. Kaakibat nito, nakikipag-usap si US Vice President Anthony Blinken sa Egypt. Bukas, inaasahan ang paglisan ng barko ng US palabas ng Israel.

Madonna’s Celebration Tour kicks off with a glittering display of her greatest hits

On the opening night of her highly anticipated Celebration World Tour, the Queen of Pop, Madonna, delivered a star-studded performance that showcased her crown jewels in a musical extravaganza for her dedicated fans.

The legendary artist took the stage, belting out over 40 of her iconic hits, including era-defining anthems like “Ray Of Light,” “Like A Prayer,” and “Holiday.” With each song, she transported the audience through the vibrant tapestry of her illustrious career, leaving no stone unturned in her musical journey.

During the concert, Madonna shared a deeply personal moment with her fans, addressing the severe infection that had brought her to the brink of death earlier in the summer. She candidly confessed, “I didn’t think I would make it – and my doctors didn’t either.” Her resilience and the crowd’s unwavering support brought an emotional depth to the performance.

The superstar also didn’t shy away from acknowledging the distressing situation in Israel and Gaza. She voiced her heartfelt sorrow, stating, “It’s so painful to witness. It breaks my heart to see children suffering, teenagers suffering, elderly people suffering. I’m sure you agree.” Her comments resonated with the audience, highlighting her commitment to both her music and her humanitarian concerns.

The Celebration Tour was billed as Madonna’s first-ever greatest hits set, and it lived up to the promise. The stage was adorned with vintage costumes and archive footage that transported fans through Madonna’s extraordinary journey – from a penniless wannabe to a global musical icon. Her immense impact on popular culture was evident throughout the performance.

Madonna set the stage on fire with her opening number, “Nothing Really Matters,” delivering an emotional connection with her fans as she sang lyrics that directly addressed them: “I’ll never be the same because of you.” Illuminated by a vast circular lighting rig, Madonna donned a black replica of the Gaultier-designed kimono, reminiscent of the song’s iconic video.

The evening continued to surprise and delight fans as every song came with an aural or visual Easter egg. At one point, the stage was graced by a breathtaking ensemble of 18 Madonnas, each showcasing a distinct look, from the iconic pink leotard of “Hung Up” to the captivating dominatrix costumes of “Erotica.” Even the three-tiered circular stage design was a deliberate nod to the “wedding cake” that served as the backdrop for her memorable performance of “Like A Virgin” at the 1984 MTV Awards.

For devoted fans, it was a deeply nostalgic journey through the remarkable career of a trend-setting, taboo-breaking pop legend. Madonna’s Celebration Tour showcased her unrivaled influence on the music industry, while for the artist herself, it was often a heartfelt family affair that celebrated her enduring legacy.

Conservative Christopher Luxon elected as New Zealand’s prime minister, ending 6-year liberal rule

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AUCKLAND, New Zealand. New Zealand has elected former businessman Christopher Luxon as its next prime minister following a decisive election victory on Saturday. The election marks a significant change in leadership after six years of liberal governance, predominantly under the leadership of Jacinda Ardern.

As ballots continue to be counted, the exact composition of Luxon’s government is yet to be determined. In his victory speech, Luxon declared, “You have reached for hope, and you have voted for change.” His supporters enthusiastically chanted his campaign slogan, which promised to steer the country “back on track.”

Outgoing Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, who took over from Ardern in January and held the position for just nine months, conceded to Luxon, expressing disappointment at the election results. “But I want you to be proud of what we achieved over the last six years,” he told supporters at an event in Wellington.

Ardern’s surprise departure from the prime minister’s office earlier this year was a pivotal moment in New Zealand’s political landscape. She cited not having “enough in the tank” to do the job justice as the reason for her resignation. Ardern had won the previous election in a landslide victory, but her popularity waned as public fatigue with COVID-19 restrictions and concerns about inflation’s impact on the economy grew.

With all regular votes counted, Luxon’s National Party secured 39% of the vote. Under New Zealand’s proportional voting system, Luxon, aged 53, intends to form an alliance with the libertarian ACT Party.

In contrast, the Labour Party, led by Hipkins, received just 27% of the vote, a little over half of the proportion it had secured in the previous election under Ardern. Approximately 20% of the total votes are yet to be counted, primarily comprising special votes.

Among the notable losses in the election was Nanaia Mahuta, the foreign minister. Additionally, the race between National and Labour remains highly competitive in Mount Albert, an electorate traditionally held by the Labour Party and a former stronghold of former Labour Prime Minister Helen Clark.

The National Party candidate for Mount Albert, Melissa Lee, expressed both excitement and nervousness about the final result, acknowledging the historical dominance of the Labour Party in the constituency. Lee shared that during her door-knocking efforts, voters expressed dissatisfaction with the current government, primarily citing economic concerns and rising living costs.

While there is a possibility that Labour may retain the seat when all votes are tallied, initial assessments indicate a challenging election for the left, according to veteran conservative pollster David Farrar.

Throughout the campaign, Luxon pledged to implement tax cuts for middle-income earners and a tougher stance on crime. In contrast, Hipkins had promised free dental care for individuals under 30 and the removal of sales taxes on fruits and vegetables.

The election also raised questions about the government’s relationship with Indigenous Māori. Luxon has vowed to eliminate the Māori Health Authority, which he argues creates a divided healthcare system. Hipkins, on the other hand, has defended the co-governance efforts and accused Luxon of tolerating racism.

Hipkins faced several crises during his brief time as prime minister, including deadly floods and a cyclone in New Zealand. To address these challenges, he swiftly abandoned some of Ardern’s more contentious policies, adopting a “back to basics” approach focused on addressing the escalating cost of living.

The election campaign, which spanned six weeks, saw both Hipkins and Luxon crisscrossing the country and engaging with the media. Luxon, a political newcomer with a background as the CEO of Unilever Canada and Air New Zealand, pledged to crack down on criminal gangs and tackle rising crime rates. He also garnered support by promising a new tunnel project to address traffic congestion in the capital.

While Luxon held his ground against the more experienced Hipkins in televised debates, he faced criticism for appearing out of touch with the cost of living after stating that he spent “about sixty bucks” ($36) per week on food during a debate. The comment was widely ridiculed on social media.

Tigil-pasada ng MANIBELA, sisimulan ngayon

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Patuloy na naghahanda ang Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers o MANIBELA para sa isasagawang transport strike ngayong araw, matapos kanselahin ang orihinal na pulong sa Malakanyang.

Sa isang pahayag mula kay MANIBELA President Mar Valbuena, ibinunyag niya na personal niyang ipinakansela ang pulong sa Malakanyang dahil sa isyu ng korapsyon na kinasasangkutan ng ilang miyembro ng gobyerno. Ayon kay Valbuena, ang kanilang layunin ay magkaroon ng linaw sa mga isyung ito upang mapanagot ang mga sangkot.

Ipinunto ni Valbuena na may ilang indibidwal na ayaw ayusin ang mga isyu dahil sa takot na mabuking ang kanilang mga gawain. Bagaman at hindi pa pinapangalanan ang mga ito sa ngayon, itinataguyod ni Valbuena ang kanyang pangako na ibubunyag ang mga sangkot sa mga tamang panahon. “Tsaka ko na sasabihin [kung sino sila], malapit na. Mga corrupt talaga ito,” ayon kay Valbuena.

Gayunpaman, wala pang opisyal na pahayag na inilalabas ang Presidential Communications Office (PCO) kaugnay sa mga alegasyon ni Valbuena.

Ang transport strike na ito ay isang protesta laban sa Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) na may takdang deadline para sa consolidation ng tradisyunal na jeepney bilang bahagi ng Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. Inaasahang magdudulot ito ng malakig na abala sa transportasyon sa kalakhang Metro Manila at mga karatig probinsya.

Website ng kongreso, binira din ng mga hacker

MAYNILA. Inatake rin ng mga hacker ang opisyal na website ng House of Representatives noong Linggo, Oktubre 15, 2023.

Sa homepage ng kongreso na congress.gov.ph, makikita ang mensahe na nagsasabing, “YOU’VE BEEN HACKED. YOU’VE BEEN HACKED. HAVE A NICE DAY.” Kasama nito ang isang troll face gif ng tumatawang lalaki. Mayroon ding isang mensahe na nagsasabibg, “HAPPY APRIL FULLZ KAHIT OCTOBER PALANG! HACKED BY 3MUSKETEERZ 15-October-2023 || 11:31:24 AM.” Dagil dito, hindi na maaring ma-access ang nasabing website.

Kinumpirma ni House Secretary General Reginald Velasco kahapon ang insidenteng ito.“We wish to inform the public that the official website of the House of Representatives experienced unauthorized access earlier today,” ayon kay Velasco.

“Immediate steps have been taken to address the issue, and we are working closely with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and law enforcement agencies concerned to investigate the matter,” dagdag pa niya.

Nanawagan si Velasco sa publiko na magpakita ng pang-unawa habang inaayos at ibinabalik ang website. “Habang kami ay naglalakbay papunta sa buong pagpapabuti ng website, humihiling kami ng inyong pasensya at pang-unawa. Kami ay may determinasyon na mapanatili ang seguridad at integridad ng aming mga digital na plataporma, at kami ay magpapatupad ng karagdagang hakbang upang maiwasan ang mga ganitong insidente sa hinaharap.”

“For the moment, we advise the public to be cautious of any suspicious emails or communications that claim to be from the House of Representatives. We will keep the public updated as more information becomes available,” pagpapatuloy ni Velasco.

Samantala, ayon kay DICT Assistant Secretary Aboy Paraiso, nakikipag-ugnayan na ang ahensya sa Kongreso ukol sa insidente. “We already are in coordination with the HOR regarding their cyber security incident and are now doing an extensive investigation on the matter with the data that’s provided to us to determine the extent of such,” ayon sa mensahe ni Paraiso sa mga reporters.

#WalangPasok ngayong araw, Lunes, Oktubre 16 dahil sa transport strike

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Dahil sa inaasahang transport strike, ilan sa mga paaralan at mga lugar sa Metro Manila at kalapit-probinsya ang nag-anunsyo na ng suspensyon ng mga klase.

Narito ang listahan ng mga paaralan at lugar na walang pasok:

  • De La Salle University – Manila
  • University of Santo Tomas
  • University of the East – Manila at Caloocan
  • San Beda University – Manila at Rizal
  • Lyceum of the Philippines University
  • Adamson University
  • Our Lady of Fatima University – Pampanga at Laguna
  • Lahat ng branch at campus ng Polytechnic University of the Philippines
  • Santa Rosa, Laguna
  • Lingayen, Pangasinan
  • Cabuyao City
  • Marikina City

Samantala, ang suspensyon ng klase ay tatagal hanggang Oktubre 17, Martes, sa mga sumusunod na lugar:

  • Pampanga
  • Angeles City

Dagdag pa rito, nagsuspinde rin ang face-to-face classes sa mga sumusunod na lugar:

  • Dagupan City, Pangasinan – Elementarya hanggang High School, pampubliko
  • Binmaley, Pangasinan – Pre-school hanggang Senior High School, pampubliko at pribado

Patuloy na i-refresh ang post na ito para sa pinakabagong impormasyon at mga posibleng karagdagang suspensyon ng klase.