August 19, 2025

Philippines

LIKE BEES TO HONEY This photo shows Chinese fishing vessels swarming off the Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal, south of the oil- and gas-rich Recto Bank in the West Philippine Sea. This was taken from an air patrol by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on June 30, 2023. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WESTERN COMMAND OF THE AFP

Philippines to Sue China Over Environmental Damage in Disputed Waters

Jefferson025 mins

The Philippine government is preparing an environmental lawsuit against China for alleged destructive activities in the West Philippine Sea. The case will be presented to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, aiming to address severe environmental damage confirmed by the Philippine Coast Guard, including lifeless marine ecosystems and potential deliberate modifications to underwater terrain. This lawsuit emphasizes the global significance of protecting marine environments.

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Comelec Plans Reforms to Prevent Party-List Abuses

Jefferson025 mins

Learn more about the proposed reforms by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to prevent abuses in the party-list substitution rule. Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia suggests increasing the number of official nominees from five to ten to curb exploitation and enhance the integrity of the party-list system. Pending legal issues before the Supreme Court also play a crucial role in the future of party-list nominations. These changes aim to ensure a cleaner and fairer election process in the Philippines.

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UNDER ARREST Gerard Raymond Talusan Yu (middle), the prime suspect in the Edsa- Ayala shooting incident on May 28, 2024 was presented to the media at Camp Crame on May 29. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

Suspension of License in Makati City Road Rage Incident

Jefferson024 mins

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has initiated the 90-day preventive suspension of Gerrard Raymund Yu, the driver involved in the fatal road rage incident in Makati City. Yu faces charges of reckless driving and being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle. If found guilty, his driver’s license could be canceled. The incident at the EDSA-Ayala tunnel resulted in the death of 65-year-old Aniceto Mateo. The LTO is also investigating discrepancies in the vehicle’s license plates, adding another layer to the ongoing legal proceedings.

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Philippine Health Insurance Corp. Photo from Philhealth

Investigation Sought for PhilHealth’s COVID-19 Reimbursement Program

Jefferson024 mins

Several lawmakers are calling for an investigation into the advanced payments made by PhilHealth to hospitals and private clinics under the IRM program during the COVID-19 pandemic. Allegations of fund misappropriation by top officials have surfaced, leading to resignations and ongoing investigations. Questions about the legality and transparency of the IRM program have been raised, with concerns about the selection process for fund allocation. Read more about the controversy surrounding PhilHealth’s COVID-19 reimbursement program.

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Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo at the Senate hearing. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN

Concerns Over Foreign Influence in Local Governance

Jefferson024 mins

Explore the rising concerns over foreign influence in local governance, highlighted by Senator Loren Legarda. The investigation into Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo and her connections with Chinese businessmen involved in illegal activities reveals significant national security threats. Learn about the broader implications of this issue, including the manipulation of local elections and the infiltration of government agencies by foreign syndicates. This crucial investigation aims to protect the rights of all Filipino citizens and ensure the integrity of national security.

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These images taken on April 24, 2024 show the Dolores substation of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) in Taytay, Rizal. The NGCP raised a red alert this Wednesday due to the shortage of power supply and power reserves in its Luzon power plants. PHOTOS BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

Luzon Grid Experiences Temporary Yellow Alert

Jefferson025 mins

Learn more about the recent yellow alert issued for the Luzon grid due to unexpected outages in several power plants. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has indicated that although the reserve electricity is low, it is not at a critical state. The alert was active during specific hours, with ongoing issues from power plant outages and suboptimal operations contributing to this situation. Understand the implications and challenges in maintaining a stable power supply in Luzon.

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