📰 News & Current Affairs

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

Secret surprise like Duran Duran? Questions surrounding its cash aid assistance called Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) have hounded the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This time, it was Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III who asked about the AKAP when the DSWD presented its proposed 2025 budget before the Senate subcommittee on finance. “What is that? Is that a purely ayuda (cash aid) program or also just an assistance program, which requires some return from the beneficiary?” Pimentel initially asked. Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian likened the AKAP to the DSWD’s other cash aid program, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS). “By its name, it’s para sa mga kapos...

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...

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) continues to play a key role in expanding global site blocking efforts. After helping to establish a voluntary site blocking agreement in the Philippines, the MPA also filed the first complaints under the new rule. Torrent site YTS was the first target, followed by popular pìrâ†é streaming sites SFlix and MyFlixer this week. Read the full article here: MPA Escalates pìrâ†é Site Blocking in Philippines, Targeting Sflix and Myflixer * TorrentFreak

“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

A video being circulated online shows Casio slapping the Filipino Pogo worker twice while berating him during the PAOCC raid on Central One on Oct. 31. In an interview on dzBB on Tuesday, Casio explained that he lost his cool after the Pogo worker supposedly cursed and flashed a dirty finger at a PAOCC member. He said that he offered the individual two options as penalty: to face charges or be slapped, with the latter opting for the second one. Source: PAOCC official axed after viral video shows him slapping Pogo worker

In a now deleted post, among the 23,389 flood packs distributed so far to different Naga City barangays, only 200 came from Angat Buhay. Meanwhile, the report also reflected that 2,055 came from the local government, 4,000 from the OVP, 17,584 from DSWD, and 800 from Sen. Revilla. Source: Ex-VP Leni slams Naga LGU's "irresponsible" report on donations to typhoon victims - Manila Standard

Dela Rosa said he does not even use that plate, for security reasons. "Wala. Cadillac 'yun. Mahal 'yun. Hindi ko kaya 'yun. Mahal 'yun na sasakyan," he stressed. The lawmaker said the plate can "give drug lords a chance to ambush you". "Bakit ko pa i-announce to the whole world na senador ako, na alam ko naman na senador ako," he added. Dela Rosa said getting protocol plates is optional and he prefers not to have them. Source: https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/11/5/dela-rosa-denies-owning-suv-with-7-plate-that-used-edsa-busway-1413

"The driver violated the law," Escudero said, adding the driver's actions and that of the passenger — who allegedly flashed their middle finger at enforcers — are unacceptable. Escudero said he also expects any member of the Senate involved in the incident to "come forward and instruct the person/s driving the vehicle to responsibly face the consequences of their actions." Source: https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/11/4/escudero-urges-lto-to-name-owner-of-suv-with-7-plate-in-edsa-busway-incident-1316

The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) disowned an anti-POGO police operation at the Century Peak Tower in Ermita, Manila on Oct. 29, saying it was “flawed” because foreign suspects were reportedly released. Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna “was informed of the raid as the operations got underway” but the PAOCC said it was not consulted. Source: Flawed, PAOCC says of Manila POGO hub raid | Philippine News Agency

In 2022, he ran for president but lost to Marcos. When campaigning in Marcos Jr.’s own bailiwick, the so-called Solid North, Pacquiao said that “only those who are stupid would vote for a thief.” In his fresh bid for the Senate, Pacquiao vowed to fight corruption, as he defended the Marcos family over corruption issues. “Palagi nating sinisisi ang pamilya Marcos pagdating sa korupsiyon. ‘Di ba natin nakikita na sa panahon ni Marcos Sr., ang bansa natin ay Number 1 sa ekonomiya?” Source: Former top absentee Manny Pacquiao aims for Senate return

MANILA, Philippines — Benhur Abalos officially launched his senatorial bid yesterday by filing his certificate of candidacy (COC) with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), and said he is deemed resigned as interior and local government chief. Abalos was accompanied by his father and namesake and now incumbent Mandaluyong mayor, along with two other members of their family when he submitted his COC. While lagging in surveys, Abalos E×ρréššed belief he could still win because of his strack record in public service. Abalos said he would rather ignore critics and bashers and remain focused on pursuing his goals. If elected, Abalos said he would pursue measures aimed at reducing the cost of electricity and those promoting job...

American filmmakers have E×ρréššed alarm over the popularity of video streaming site LokLok in the Philippines and its Southeast Asian neighbors. READ: Hollywood calls out LokLok: Popular streaming site deemed piracy haven in Philippines

A 24-year-old man who allegedly raped a 52-year-old lady with a disability in Valenzuela City has been arrested, said the police. Police Captain Joan De Leon, Valenzuela City Police chief public information officer, said the suspect was nabbed on Friday, September 6, after being caught in the act by responding barangay officers. The victim, she noted, has mental and intellectual disabilities. “Nahihirapan na siyang tumayo. Lagi na siyang nakahiga or nakaupo sa wheelchair. At isa pa ay hindi na siya makapagsalita (She has difficulty standing up. She’s always either lying down or seated on a wheelchair. And she also can no longer speak properly),” De Leon added. According to the police, barangay officers were alerted by a concerned...

Simula sa susunod na buwan, ang paggamit ng cellphone habang nagbibisikleta ay ipinagbabawal na ayon sa naipasang batas sa Japan. Ayon sa bagong batas, ang paggamit o pagtingin sa cellphone habang nagbibisikleta ay magbibigay sa gumagamit ng cellphone ng karampatang parusa. Kasama rin sa ipinagbabawal ang pagbibisikleta habang nakainom ng alak, o paginom ng alak habang nagbibisikleta. Nito lamang Enero hanggang Agosto sa Tokyo, umabot ng 31 na aksidente ang nangyari dahil sa paggamit ng cellphone habang nagbibisikleta. Nagkaroon din ng isang insidente kung saan nagtamo ng malaking galos ang isang naglalakad lamang na nahagip ng isang nagbibisikleta. Ayon sa isang pulis, "Kelangan natin magmaneho habang pinoprotektahan ang buhay ng tao...

Visit the Puerta Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan to discover the world’s longest underground river, which stretches across 15 miles below the mountains. The river is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it is the longest underground river you can navigate. This has earned it the name of one of the Seven Wonders of Nature. It is one of the definitive highlights for nature lovers traveling to the Philippines. You can enter the river where it reaches the sea and be mesmerized by its amazing underground cave system. The most convenient route to Palawan is a flight from Manila or Cebu. You can book cheap flights to Manila for as low as $709 and take a domestic flight to Puerta Princesa in Palawan. Source ...

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law Republic Act (RA) 12044, RA 12045, RA 12046, RA 12047, RA 12048, RA 12049, RA 12050, RA 12051, RA 12052, RA 12053, RA 12054 which creates additional court branches in various parts of the country. Source: PBBM signs laws creating new court branches across PH | Philippine News Agency

“Whereas, in order to give the members of the Iglesia ni Cristo the full opportunity to participate in the occasion, 27, July 2025, Sunday, may be declared as a special (non-working) day throughout the country,” the President said in issuing Proclamation 729. Source: Marcos declares INC anniversary as special non-working day in 2025

VICE President Sara Duterte on Tuesday said she has no plans to run for president in 2028 and does not care if the House of Representatives would impeach her. Source: Sara says she has no plans to run for president

“If the Philippines introduces the US intermediate missile system, it will create regional tension and confrontation, triggering an arms race, which is totally not in line with the interests and aspirations of the Filipino people,” Wang said, according to state news agency Xinhua. Source: China’s Wang Yi warns Philippines of ‘arms race’ if it deploys US missiles

“The enemies, whether the Zionist regime or the United States of America, will definitely receive a crushing response to what they are doing to Iran and the Iranian nation and to the resistance front," Khamenei said in video released by Iranian state media Source: Iran's supreme leader threatens Israel, US with 'crushing response' over attack

The Miss Universe Organization announced the withdrawal from the Miss Universe Panama Italy Mora competition following an evaluation from the pageant's disciplinary committee. Rumor has it that Mora allegedly fought with another candidate. Another rumor claimed that Mora reportedly went on a date with her boyfriend. But the boyfriend of the beauty queen denied the rumors. Source: Why did Miss Universe Panama 2024 Italy Mora withdraw from the competition?

Former Bayan Muna representative Neri Colmenares, one of the petitioners against the transfer of billions of pesos from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) to the National Treasury, corrected reports that the Supreme Court’s order to stop the transfer applied to only P29.9 billion of the state insurer’s so-called excess funds. He said the court’s Oct. 29 temporary restraining order (TRO) specifically pertained to the P59.9 billion that was left of the original amount of P89.9 billion, which the Department of Finance (DOF) had ordered to be transferred to the National Treasury to be used for unprogrammed appropriations this year. “If the Php 30 B has been transferred to the National Treasury, we demand that DOF should...

Israeli intelligence suggests Iran is preparing to attack Israel from Iraqi territory in the coming days, possibly before the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 5, Axios reported on Thursday, citing two unidentified Israeli sources. Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-preparing-strike-israel-iraqi-territory-within-days-axios-reports-2024-10-31/

Russian President Vladimir Putin is “testing the reaction of the west, of Nato states and the reaction of South Korea,” the Ukrainian leader said in an interview with the South Korean television channel KBS. “And if there is nothing – and I think that the reaction to this is nothing, it has been zero – then the number of North Korean troops on our border will be increased,” he added. Source: Ukraine war briefing: western allies’ response to North Korean deployment is ‘zero’, Zelenskyy says