Category: News
La Niña Emerges Late: What It Means for the Philippines and the World
A weak La Niña climate pattern has finally emerged in the Pacific Ocean, arriving months later than anticipated. This development brings the potential for disruptive weather patterns worldwide—raising risks of drought in some regions and intensifying rains in others—even as it temporarily cools global average temperatures. The phenomenon, part of the El Niño Southern Oscillation
Footbridge Boosts Farming Prospects for Blaans in Sultan Kudarat
Cotabato City, Philippines — Ethnic Blaan farmers in the highlands of Datalblao, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, are optimistic about improving their livelihood following the completion of a footbridge over the Dalol River, which previously hindered their access to the town market during rainy days. The Blaans, an indigenous group in Mindanao known for their rich culture,
Group Condemns Financial Terrorism Charges Against Zamboanga Sibugay Pastors
A human rights group has denounced the financial terrorism charges filed against two pastors of the United Methodist Church (UMC) in Zamboanga Sibugay. The pastors had extended sanctuary to individuals claiming their lives were in danger—a fundamental act of compassion they say is being unjustly criminalized. Grecian T. Asoy, spokesperson for Karapatan Southern Mindanao, called
Trump’s Sentencing Remarks Leave Courtroom in Frustration
During Friday’s sentencing for 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records, former President and now President-elect Donald Trump delivered a disjointed statement via video feed, leaving many in the courtroom visibly frustrated. The case stems from allegations that Trump orchestrated hush-money payments during the 2016 presidential campaign to conceal damaging information. These payments were
Fish, Fires, and Falsehoods: How Misinformation Fanned the Flames of LA’s Wildfires
At first glance, fish and wildfires seem to have little in common. But as winds reaching 100 miles per hour fueled catastrophic blazes across Los Angeles, incoming President Donald Trump placed the blame on a tiny, endangered fish that lives hundreds of miles away. In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused California Governor Gavin
Overfished and Under Threat: BFAR Fights to Protect Municipal Waters from Commercial Exploitation
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is raising alarms over the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision to allow commercial fishing in municipal waters, pointing to a growing body of evidence that overfishing is threatening the sustainability of the nation’s marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of small-scale fishermen. Recent studies have painted a grim picture
SWS: 4 in 10 Filipinos Support Impeachment of VP Duterte
A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey reveals that four in ten Filipinos, or 41%, support the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. Conducted between December 12 and December 18, 2024, and commissioned by Stratbase, the survey highlights the nation’s divided stance on Duterte’s controversial tenure. The survey found that 35% of respondents oppose the
Meta’s Decision to End Fact-Checking Sparks Concerns Ahead of Philippine Elections
Meta Platforms, Inc.’s decision to scrap its fact-checking program across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp has alarmed experts. They warned that Meta’s decision could amplify disinformation ahead of the Philippines’ midterm elections in May. Karl Patrick R. Mendoza, associate professor at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ Department of Communication Research, believes the decision exacerbates the
Trump Eyes Sweeping Tariff Strategy, Weighs Declaring National Economic Emergency
President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering invoking a national economic emergency to justify an expansive tariff regime targeting both allies and adversaries. According to CNN report, sources familiar with internal discussions, the strategy could redefine global trade dynamics during Trump’s second term, marking a dramatic pivot in U.S. economic policy. At the heart of the
Giant Crocodile Captured in Tawi-Tawi
Residents captured an 18-foot crocodile along the coast of Barangay Kiniktal in Languyan, Tawi-Tawi, creating a buzz in the community. This massive reptile is among the largest of its kind ever reported in the Philippines, a country known for its diverse crocodilian population. According to an Unang Balita report on Wednesday, some residents spotted the
Sibuco Mayor Embroiled in Alleged Party-List Scam
A controversial video call recording has thrown Sibuco town Mayor Joel Ventura into the spotlight, with claims that he may have been duped into paying P5 million for a party-list nomination for his wife. The incident raises questions about his personal judgment. It also casts a shadow over how public officials manage their resources and
Trump’s Tariff Proposal Sparks Trade Tensions with Canada
Washington, D.C. — President-elect Donald Trump’s proposal to impose a 25% tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico has ignited strong reactions from Canadian officials, shaking the foundation of North American trade relations. Citing concerns over the flow of drugs and unauthorized migrants into the U.S., Trump’s plan has drawn sharp criticism and warnings
