News

Metro Manila, Philippines – Deaths from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that devastated a portion of southern Mindanao are now at 78, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported on Thursday, June 18. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said it recorded 7,461 aftershocks ranging in intensity from magnitude 1.2 to 6.4. Official data put the injuries at over 1,300, while at least 30 people are missing.  The quake affected over 346,400 families and left over 13,600 houses totally damaged. Nearly 61,000 shelters were partially damaged.  The state of calamity covers 14 cities and municipalities.  The OCD said infrastructure damage was over ₱1.2 billion.

Metro Manila, Philippines –  House private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan expressed confidence that Vice President Sara Duterte will be convicted in her impeachment trial, saying the evidence gathered by the prosecution is strong enough to sustain each of the four articles of impeachment. In an interview on The Newsmaker, Kapunan said the prosecution panel is entering the trial phase with confidence after relying on evidence and witnesses previously presented during hearings at the House Committee on Justice. “With the quality and the strength of our evidence, conviction is not far behind,” Kapunan said. Kapunan, a veteran trial lawyer with 48 years of courtroom experience, is among at least 10 private prosecutors tapped to assist the House prosecution panel in the impeachment proceedings against Duterte. She said private prosecutors will operate under the supervision of the House prosecutors and may be assigned to assist in witness presentation and cross-examinations, depending on the…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Several Russian airlines are seeking to launch direct flights to the Philippines, a development that Philippine officials hope will boost tourist arrivals and strengthen economic ties between the two countries. Philippine Ambassador to Russia Igor Garlit Bailen said Russian travelers have shown growing interest in Philippine destinations such as Boracay and El Nido, prompting airlines to explore direct air links. “Alam nila ang Boracay, alam nila ang El Nido. So interesado sila,” the envoy told Palace Press Officer Claire Castro in an interview.  [Translation: They know Boracay, they know El Nido. So they are interested.] Bailen said the government is awaiting action from the Civil Aeronautics Board on an application by S7 Siberian Airlines to resume flights from the Russian cities of Irkutsk, Vladivostok and Khabarovsk to Manila and Cebu. “And this year nga, naghihintay lang tayo ng development mula sa Civil Aeronautics Board of the…

(Reuters) – The U.S. and Iran released the text of an interim agreement their presidents have signed to end their war on Wednesday, with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to resume attacks and kill Iranian officials if they failed to honour their commitments. Trump, attending the G7 with other leaders in France, also withdrew at least one of his stated rationales for attacking Iran in the first place, saying it would be “unfair” for Tehran not to have ballistic missiles, having previously vowed to obliterate them. “We’re going to bomb the hell out of them if they violate the agreement,” Trump said of Iran at a press conference. “I don’t want them to. I want them to honor the agreement.” He also called Iranians “smart people” as U.S. and Iranian negotiators work on a permanent truce over the coming 60 days, which Trump said he hoped would usher in peace in the Middle East and…

Metro Manila, Philippines – House leaders on Wednesday, June 17, expressed optimism that the election of Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate president would strengthen cooperation between the two chambers and help advance key reforms and legislative priorities.  House Speaker Bojie Dy III said Gatchalian’s election comes at a crucial time as both houses carry out constitutional responsibilities and address issues that directly affect Filipinos. “The House remains committed to working with the Senate in advancing priority legislation, strengthening the economy, and delivering meaningful reforms that benefit our people,” said Dy in a statement. He noted the importance of cooperation between the two houses as reforms for the public can be delivered faster. House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos likewise cited Gatchalian’s leadership and temperament. “I have worked with him during my time as a congressman and I know how level-headed he can be. So, I think that’s exactly what this current political…