📰 News & Current Affairs

The appointment fulfils a promise Mr Trump made to the tech billionaire after he endorsed him in the race for the White House, and poured more than $119m (£92m) into canvassing for him in the seven battleground states. In a statement, the president-elect said Mr Musk and Mr Ramaswamy "will pave the way for my administration to dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure federal agencies". Source: Donald Trump confirms Elon Musk will co-lead new department of government efficiency

Panelo announced this in a Facebook live on Monday evening, stating that Duterte changed his mind due to the remarks of some congressmen challenging him to attend, particularly Abang Lingkod Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano, who said in the hearing last November 7 that the former President might be scared to face the Quad Comm. Source: Former President Duterte to attend House EJK hearing on Nov. 13

More than 130,000 people gathered at a demonstration in Valencia on Saturday to demand Mazon's immediate resignation over the emergency management of the 29 October floods. They blamed him for the late response to the tragedy and the lack of effective coordination. Levante-EMV reported that the leading banner of the demonstrations featured an image of Mazón (Partido Popular/EPP) with his head down and wearing an emergency vest. Other signs carried slogans such as "We are stained with mud, you are stained with blood" and "Mazón, resign." Source: Valencia president refuses to resign despite pressure over flooding

Following Donald Trump's presidential win in the US, a journalist in Taiwan dubbed the President-elect as a “convicted felon”, causing an uproar in the island nation, which is facing conflict with China over its disputed political status. The video of the journalist, Louise Watt, was taken down by a state-funded English-language broadcaster in Taiwan after the Taipei government termed the incident as “very serious." Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/who-is-louise-watt-taiwan-in-panic-mode-as-journalist-stirs-uproar-with-very-serious-comments-against-trump-101731409779718.html

The poll body posted the list on its official social media accounts on Saturday. According to the Comelec, the disqualifications may still be appealed. Alexander Encarnacion, an electrician and a carpenter, was turned down for the third time by the Comelec to run as senator. During the 2019 and 2022 elections, Comelec said that he did not have the financial resources to launch a nationwide campaign. Source: Comelec declares 47 bets nuisance candidates

Harvard students Caine Ardayfio and AnhPhu Nguyen made them a reality in just four days. The glasses were able to deliver someone’s name in just under two minutes using an existing public facial recognition search engine and artificial intelligence (AI). This has raised concern about the unforeseen risks of AI and mixing of existing technologies. Source: Are face-scanning smart glasses a problem or prophecy?

The pìrâ†é Bay made its debut as a TV series on the Swedish streaming platform SVT Play earlier today. International viewers are left waiting until other services pick it up. In the meantime, some may be tempted to explore unofficial channels for pirated copies of the show. But finding a pirated copy is proving surprisingly difficult. Source: Pirating "The pìrâ†é Bay" TV Series is Ironically Difficult (Updated) * TorrentFreak

The international agency attributed the increase to rising purchases of rice by the Philippines from Vietnam to meet its growing demand for the staple. If the import forecast materializes, then it will be the first time in history that the Philippines will be importing such a volume of rice since the liberalization and deregulation of the country’s domestic rice industry in 2019. Source: Philippines to import 5 MMT rice

Defence secretary Gilberto Teodoro said in an interview with the Financial Times that his country was looking at getting mid-range capability (MRC) launchers, which the US brought to the Philippines in April for two bilateral military exercises.“We do intend to acquire capabilities of such sort,” Teodoro said. “We will not compromise with our right to acquire any such kind of capabilities in the future within our territory.” Source: Philippines aims to buy US missile launcher in move likely to anger China

Namria Administrator Peter Tiangco revealed Friday that “[we] already have the maps prepared” and that they were just awaiting the issuance of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act “in order for us to modify or revise the maps that we have prepared accordingly until its final publication.” Source: New Philippine map including West Philippine Sea out soon – Namria

Under the CREATE MORE Act, the maximum duration of tax incentives availment is extended by 10 years to 27 years from 17 years, to attract strategic and high-quality investments. Registered business enterprises (RBEs) under the enhanced deductions regime will benefit from a reduced corporate income tax rate of 20 percent. Source: PBBM inks CREATE MORE bill into law to spur more investments | Philippine News Agency

There are an estimated 11 million undocumented migrants in the US, and Trump said he could move one million out each year. "We'll be calling on the federal government to fulfil its responsibility to protect our borders," Legault said during a press conference in the wake of Trump’s victory. "The problem isn't immigrants, it's the number." But Canada’s national police force said it has contingency plans including increased border surveillance in case of a flood of migrants. Source: Canada prepares for ‘massive influx’ of migrants after Trump win | Philippine News Agency

Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said 250,000 to 300,000 Filipinos are at risk of being blacklisted or deported should President-elect Donald Trump proceed with his promise of mass deportation for undocumented immigrants. Source: Leave voluntarily, undocumented Filipinos in US told | Philippine News Agency

The program was implemented in 2018 by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to expedite study permit applications for international students from 14 countries, including Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines and Vietnam. The government of Canada said on its website that the initiative is being discontinued to "strengthen program integrity, address student vulnerability, and give all students equal and fair access to the application process". Source: Canada Discontinues Popular Student Visa Scheme: How It Affects Indians

"The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the Philippine ambassador to China to lodge solemn representations over the so-called "Maritime Zones Law" and "Archipelago Sea Lanes Law" issued by the Philippines." Beijing's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said. “China urges the Philippines to earnestly respect China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, immediately stop taking any unilateral actions that may lead to the expansion of disputes and complicate the situation, and earnestly maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. China reserves the right to take necessary measures.” Mao added. Source...

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him on his election as President of the United States. I have already said that we will work with any head of state that the American people trust,” Putin said at a plenary session of the Valdai International Discussion Club in the resort city of Sochi. He said he was "impressed" with Trump's behavior during two assassination attempts this year and described the US president-elect as a “courageous man." The Russian president claimed that Trump was "hounded" during his first presidential term which made him "afraid to take a step." He also said he is ready to hold discussions with Trump. Source: Putin congratulates Trump on presidential election victory | Philippine News Agency

Less than a year ago, Ysabel Jurado was an eviction attorney, and a tenant rights advocate hoping to make a positive change in the community. She launched a grassroots campaign from her family’s home in Highland Park, California. But as election night votes were counted, Jurado took a major leap to become part of the Los Angeles City Council. Jurado had nearly a 10-point lead over incumbent Kevin DeLeon. "I can’t believe it," she said. "It is very exciting, very promising." On Thursday (U.S. time), Jurado declared victory in the polls. Source: https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/11/8/la-sees-first-fil-am-elected-to-city-council-1205

Executive Order No. 74 states that the ban on POGOs and internet gaming licenses shall encompass îllégâl offshore gaming operations, license applications, license renewals, and cessation of operations. Source: Marcos issues EO banning POGOs

Pope Francis has encouraged Catholics in the United States to vote in the November elections, saying they should “choose the lesser evil” while criticising both of the leading candidates. “Not voting is ugly,” Francis said. “It is not good. You must vote.” “You must choose the lesser evil,” he added. “Who is the lesser evil? That lady or that gentleman? I don’t know. Everyone, in conscience, [has to] think and do this.” Source: Pope Francis tells US Catholics to choose ‘lesser evil’ in coming election

"This one is for the mums and dads... They, like me, are worried sick about the safety of our kids online. I want Australian families to know that the government has your back," he said. While many of the details are yet to be debated, the government said the ban will not apply to young people already on social media. There will be no exemptions on the age limit for children who have consent from their parents. The government says that the onus will be on social media platforms to show they are taking reasonable steps to prevent access. Source: Australia plans social media ban for under-16s

"I never lent out my official-issued license plates to anyone. The official license plate [that] is installed on my car is duly registered with the LTO (Land Transportation Office)," Gatchalian told reporters in a Viber message. The lawmaker was responding to a previous media query asking if he owns the protocol plate, but was only used by his brother. Source: Win Gatchalian: I never lent my '7' protocol plate to anyone

“Alice Guo pleaded not guilty to both cases filed against her… those cases are in connection with Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act,” Valenzuela Regional Branch 285 clerk of court Atty. Pascual Lacas Jr. said in an interview. The next hearing will be held on November 22 for presentation of evidence. Source: Alice Guo pleads 'not guilty' to graft before Valenzuela court

Perhaps the biggest consequence for China — if Trump stays true to his campaign promises — is his threat to slap blanket 60% tariffs on all Chinese exports to the U.S. A 60% duty on Chinese imports could shave off 2.5 percentage points, or about half, of China’s projected economic growth, according to an analysis published earlier this year by UBS. Source: China is bracing for fresh tensions with Trump over trade, tech and Taiwan

A Democratic official blamed "malpractice" by Biden's inner circle. "No one would tell him 'no'," the official said, criticizing the White House communications and political teams. "So it's Joe, but also Joe's core apparatus. Stunning and well documented chickens coming home to roost." One Harris aide said the vice president's campaign was doomed from the start by her loyalty to the unpopular president. Democrats could have won with someone who broke from him, offered different policies, and presented as a candidate of change. One major error was Harris' initial remark on the ABC show "The View" that she could not think of anything she would have done differently from Biden, the aide said. Source...

Chinese forces keep their distance when they see Philippine forces sailing with powerful nations in the South China Sea, a ranking Philippine Navy official shared on Wednesday, November 6. "We have noticed a slight change in the behavior of the [People's Liberation Army] Navy, with those maritime militia, each time we have a multilateral maritime activity," Trinidad said at a forum by the Stratbase Group. Source: China backing off when Philippine forces patrol with allies, says Navy official

In a chance interview with Senate reporters, Sen. Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate finance committee, admitted that the Senate adopted the House version of the cut on the OVP budget. “Yes, the Senate adopted the House version of the OVP budget cut. We reached out several times to the Office of the Vice President, requesting they submit documents to clarify issues regarding their budget, but they have not submitted them as of today. So we decided to retain the GAB (General Appropriations Bill) amount pending submission and review of these documents.” Source: Senate adopts P1.3-billion House cut in OVP budget

VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY, PRESIDENT OF UKRAINE "I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the 'peace through strength' approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer," Zelenskiy said on X. BENJAMIN NETANYAHU, PRIME MINISTER OF ISRAEL "Congratulations on history's greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory! In true friendship," Netanyahu wrote on X. BANGAG JR, PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES "President Trump has won, and the American people triumphed, and I congratulate them for their victory in an exercise which showed the...

“We would understand if the typographical errors happened once or twice. For supposedly acknowledgment receipts which came from different sources, this should be different people issuing this, right? For 158 people to commit the same mistake? Is that acceptable?” Gutierrez asked the Commission on Audit’s representative Gloria Camora. Camora replied that Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) explanation was that this was due to “inadvertently typographical errors.” She noted that this was among the reasons why COA issued a notice of disallowance to OVP. Source: 'Fabricated' receipts in Sara Duterte's confidential funds flagged

The declaration of the EDSA Revolution as a working day sparked questions from social media users who noticed its non-declaration as a non-working day, compared to past administrations. “Papunta na sa not-a-holiday ‘yung People Power Anniversary, lol,” a Filipino commented. “Holidays!! Pero Edsa nandyan ‘working day,’ inuunti-unti. Malamang, next year, wala… revision [complete],” another online user commented. “WTF is this? Why is EDSA a working holiday?” a Filipino asked. “Bakit special working day na ang Feb. 25????????? Inu-unti [unti] na talaga,” another user wrote. “Ayyyy???? ‘Di naman kayo masyadong halata, pinapapasok niyo kami ng EDSA Revolution!?” a different user exclaimed. The EDSA Revolution anniversary was not declared as a...

Upon consultation with his client, Delgra said Duterte opted to skip the probe, E×ρréššing doubt about the integrity of the quad comm and “to save the government time and taxpayer’s money” since he already attended a recent Senate hearing probing a similar matter, among others. Although Duterte “respects and recognizes the authority of the Honorable Committees to conduct inquiries, in aid of legislation,” Delgra revealed that his client “is already doubtful” of the mega panel’s integrity, as well as “independence, and probity.” Source: Former president Duterte skipping House quad comm hearing on drug war

House Bill No. 11004, or the proposed Public Health Approach to Drug Use Act of 2024, filed by Cendaña of the Akbayan party list, seeks to treat substance abuse as a health problem as opposed to treating it as a crime. Source: ‘Kian bill’ seen to protect rights of drug suspects

Currently at 98.4% vote turnout. Source: Presidential election results 2024 data | CBS News