Mariah Carey shakes off boycott calls for her Saudi concert

      DUBAI, United Arab Emirates --- Mariah Carey, one of the world's most celebrated artists, is performing in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for the first time, but there's a growing chorus of Saudi women calling on her to cancel the concert to show support for detained women's rights activists. Carey is the highest-profile star to perform in the kingdom since it began loosening decades of restrictions on entertainment, music and fun as part of a push by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to overhaul the economy and transform society. But activists say her concert is an attempt by the government to polish its image after the Oct. 2 killing of Saudi critic Jam...

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American tagged in pyramiding scam busted in Davao

  MANILA, Philippines -- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Thursday said its operatives arrested the other day an overstaying American national who is an alleged leader of a notorious pyramiding and financial scam syndicate in Davao City. The synidcate has reportedly victimized residents in Davao City and other parts of Mindanao, the BI said in a statement on Thursday. According to BI Commissioner Jaime Morente, the arrest of James Edward Booyer III, 36, stemmed for the request of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte,"whose office has received numerous complaints from victims of the syndicate that defrauded them of large sums of money." "We also received a report from the anti-...

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Korean students nabbed while trying to raid US Embassy

SEOUL ---Police on Thursday arrested a group of progressive college students who tried to rush through the front gate of the US Embassy in Seoul in protest of Washington's demand for a sharp increase in Seoul's share of the upkeep costs for US troops stationed in the country.   "Five members from the Progressive Union of University Students were taken (by the police) at around 1:20 p.m. as they attempted to run in through the embassy's front gate," an officer at Jongno Police Station said.   Earlier, the students held a news conference near the embassy, denouncing the US call for a hike in South Korea's financial burden for the US troop presence.   Th...

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LOOK: Runner carries lost puppy for 30km in marathon

One runner in Thailand crossed a marathon finish line with a furry hitchhiker that she picked up along the way. Khemjira Klongsanun was 12 kilometers into her run at the Chombueng marathon in western Thailand last Jan. 20 when she spotted a puppy by the road, as per her social media post on the same day. While other runners avoided it, Klongsanun stopped to check on the little pup. She noticed that there were no houses around and concluded it might have been abandoned. She decided to carry it along on her race over the next 30 kilometers, she told local media outlets as quoted by Runners World yesterday, Jan. 29. A video of her on Facebook shows the puppy appearing calm as s...

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Korean beef jerky dreams to be charcuterie for the world

SEOUL ---Beef jerky is a very basic form of preserving meat, needing just sun, wind and time.   Depending on the regional characteristics, the details may vary, resulting in different flavors and textures. The most well-known products are probably strong-flavored Singaporean and American beef jerky.   But although it is not widely known to younger people, Korea has its own kind of beef jerky, yukpo, that was served at important events in the past. Even these days, it is offered at traditional wedding ceremonies.   Then, what is important in making a good traditional Korean beef jerky? According to Kim Jung-ja, the CEO of Ban Ga Won which runs an artis...

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Korean woman starts fire after breakup, calls ex for help

SEOUL ---A 20-year-old who set her house on fire last year was apprehended Thursday.   According to Gwangju Bukbu Police on Thursday, the suspect, surnamed Baek, set fire to her home on Nov. 22 after breaking up with her boyfriend.   The suspect is believed to have started the fire by turning on the gas stove with a plastic object on it. As the fire spread, Baek escaped into the bathroom and called her boyfriend.   The suspect, then 19, was rescued by firefighters, while some 10 other tenants had to evacuate from the building. Some 12 million won ($10,783) of properties were damaged.   Through the investigation, the police found the suspect...

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Opposition bet Gutoc slams Locsin, Duterte

  MANILA, Philippines - Opposition senatorial candidate Samira Gutoc on Thursday lashed back at Foreign Affairs Sec. Teodoro Locsin Jr. who commented on her criticisms against President Rodrigo Duterte. It a tweet, Locsin shared an Inquirer report and captioned that Gutoc "doesn't know what she is talking about." In her response, Gutoc chided Locsin for apparently thinking that "rape jokes and violence quips have nothing to do with peace." "And between you and me, sir - ikaw naka aircon at ako isang bakwit at naranasan ang epekto ng gyera sa pami-pamilya, I definitely know what I am talking about, sir," she quipped. https://twitter.com/SamiraGutoc/status/1090858354581...

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Seungri’s reputation in peril over alleged assault at his club

SEOUL ---Despite continued silence from Big Bang's Seungri over allegations that an unlawful assault had occurred at his club, subsequent revelations about him continue to threaten his already-tarnished reputation. Local broadcaster KBS on Wednesday evening reported a testimony by an alleged former employee of the Burning Sun club, suggesting that illegal drug use occurred at its VIP rooms.   A 28-year-old man named Kim Sang-kyo had recently claimed to have been physically abused by the security guards at the club and wrongfully arrested by the police, revealing CCTV image of him being assaulted. The club claimed that he was dragged out for sexually harassing a woman. ...

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Man belatedly discovers $75,000 second win in same lottery

Luck struck twice for aman in Kansas, United States, with the guy winning$75,000 (almost P4 million) after he won $1,000 (around P52,000) from the same lottery game, weeks apart. Justin Wagoner told Kansas lottery officials on Wednesday, Jan. 30, that he first won $1,000 from a $20 High Roller instant ticket game a few weeks ago. He tried betting again when he bought five tickets on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 27. "I kind of forgot about them until I was leaving, and I didn't have time to scratch all of them off before leaving the house," he said. Wagoner only scratched off four of the five tickets, which were not lucky when he had these checked at a convenience store. When he sc...

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Ailing Asian black bear captured in Thailand

BANGKOK --- An ailing Asian black bear was captured for rehabilitation in Prachin Buri's Prachantakham district on Wednesday night after it came out of a forest to search for food. Officials of the forest reserve management zone 1 of Prachin Buri rushed to Moo 13 village in Tambon Pho Ngam after a local villager spotted the black bear in his banana plantation. The villager, Boonchuay Simprasert, 60, said he tried to scare the bear to return to a nearby mountain but it would not leave his plantation and it appeared to stagger while walking. Officials used a tranquilizer dart to put the bear to sleep before it was carried out of the plantation in an iron cage. The male bear...

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In Malaysia, cops to work closely with airlines to screen crew members

KOTA KINABALU --- Police are set to work closely with local airlines to see if any of their crew members are involved in drug smuggling overseas, says Bukit Aman Narcotics Crime Investigations Department director Comm Datuk Seri Mohmad Salleh.   He said the recent spate of arrests of crew members overseas gave the country a bad image, as well as raised embarrassing questions.   "Their (airline crew arrested) actions made it look like Malaysia did not have any laws to combat the drug problem.   "That is why we are taking the initiative to work with airlines to overcome any shortcomings, and ensure that such activities do not recur," Comm Mohmad Salleh ...

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Malaysian student who robbed Tinder date sentenced to 6 years’ jail

PETALING JAYA --- A 24-year-old college student who was found guilty of robbing her Tinder date by using a knife, was sentenced by a Sessions Court here to six years in jail.   Sessions Court judge Mohammed Mokhzani Mokhtar passed the sentence against Mizan Qistina Razali on Thursday (Jan 31), after ruling that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.   The court ordered for the jail time to run from the date of sentencing.   According to the charge sheet, Mizan Qistina, together with a man still at large, had gang robbed Foong Wei Chieh, 34, using a knife.   Foong's handphone and RM1,500 cash were taken.   The of...

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Chinese ambassador to donate P38M to Jolo bombing victims — Locsin

MANILA, Philippines --- Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua will donate RMB 5 million or P38 million to the victims of the explosions that rocked Jolo Cathedral, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy Locsin Jr. said on Thursday. In a tweet, Locsin acknowledged Jianhua for the donation, noting that "a friend in our grief is a friend indeed." "CHINESE Amb Zhao is donating 5 million RMB to the families of the blast victims in the Jolo Cathedral. Thank you so much. A friend in our grief is a friend indeed," Locsin said. https://twitter.com/teddyboylocsin/status/1090809916430868480 On Sunday, twin blasts rocked the Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Jolo, Sulu which killed at le...

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Drilon: DSWD needs P2.5 B for Bahay Pag-asa Centers

MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) needs P2.5 billion from the proposed 2019 national budget for the establishment and maintenance of Bahay Pag-asa Centers for youth offenders nationwide, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said on Thursday. "This is to propose the inclusion of P2.5 billion capital outlay and MOOE (Miscellaneous and Other Operating Expense) allocations for the establishment and operation of Bahay Pag-asa Centers under the Department of Social Welfare and Development budget in the Bicameral Committee Report of the 2019 National Budget," Drilon said in a letter to Senator Loren Legarda, who is also the chairperson ofSenate ...

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FDA, DOH vow to stop distribution of fake anti-rabies vaccine

MANILA, Philippines --- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Health (DOH) have given assurances thatthey will stop the distribution of counterfeit anti-rabies vaccine called the Verorab Vaccine. "The FDA and DOH will make sure that the distribution of counterfeit vaccines is stopped," lawyer Michelle Lapuz, director of FDA's legal support service center, said in Filipino in an interview over DZMM. Lapuz said they received the complaint about the vaccine from The Medical City in Pasig City, and they had investigated whether the samples were indeed counterfeit. "Ang pinagmulan ng complaint from The Medical City. Inihain nila sa amin yung third party complai...

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Ang kapal, Hilbay says of Revilla for keeping ‘stolen public funds’

  MANILA, Philippines --- Opposition senatorial candidate and former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay has slammed former Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla, saying that it takes a thick face to keep government funds which have been stolen from the public.   "Ibang klaseng kakapalan ng mukha ang ipagdamot sa mga kababayan natin ang perang ninakaw sa kanila, kahit Korte na mismo ang nagpapabalik noon," Hilbay said in a statement.   "Iyong perang pinapabalik ay pera ng bayan.Perang dapat ginamit upang pagandahin ang buhay ng ordinaryong mamamayan - pondong maaaring gamitin sa pag-aaral, pabahay, pangkalusugan, at pangkabuhayan," he added.   Hilbay's com...

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LOOK: Giant panda cubs get in festive mood

              ...

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Jeff Horn lets Manny Pacquiao know he’s ready for a May 2019 bout

MANILA, Philippines---Jeff Horn is ready to step up and face Manny Pacquiao for a potential rematch, if it what he teases comes to fruition. The Australian teacher-turned-prize fighter expressed through Instagram his willingness to fight the legendary Filipino with Pacquiao eyeing another match potentially in May. "That's a coincidence because May suits me perfectly also," said Horn (19-1-1) in his Instagram account. http://bit.ly/2HFGVSI Horn does have the upper hand against Pacquiao (61-7-2) albeit through a controversial unanimous decision win to take the WBO World welterweight title back in July of 2017. Pacquiao has since bounced back from that ...

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3 slain in Bulacan anti-criminality operation

CAMP GEN. ALEJO SANTOS, BULACAN --- Three people were killed in an anti-criminality operation in the province this week, police said on Thursday. Senior Supt. Chito Bersaluna, Bulacan police director, said an unidentified motorcycle thief was killed after he fired at policemen at Barangay Maguinao in San Rafael town about 2:45 a.m. on Thursday. Also killed during separate buy-bust operations in City of Malolos and City of San Jose Del Monte were Marlon Dalubatan and Mark Anthony Tesoro alias Mac-mac. Police said the two drug suspects engaged lawmen in a gunfight after resisting arrest. At least 39 others were also arrested during anti-illegal drugs operations and implementati...

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DILG: Metro Manila mayors support Manila Bay rehab

      MANILA, Philippines --- The Metro Manila Council, composed of mayors in the metropolis, passed a resolution on Thursday supporting the rehabilitation of the Manila Bay, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said.   Interior Secretary Eduardo Ao and Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu met with all mayors of Metro Manila at the office of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to seek their support in closing business establishments found to be violating environmental laws and polluting the bay.   "The mayors are 100 percent behind our effort to clean up and rehabilitate the Manila Bay. They also committ...

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China’s fastest subway train to run in September

  BEIJING ---Subway trains designed to run on Beijing's new airport subway line, which links the Beijing Daxing International Airport and Caoqiao subway station in downtown Beijing, made its debut on Tuesday. The trains are capable of fully automated driverless operation, and with a designed speed of 160 kilometers per hour, they are the fastest subway trains in China. The 40-km journey from Caoqiao station to the capital's new airport will only take 19 minutes. Currently, the travel speed of most subway trains is 80 km/h. The trains each have a business class carriage, a first in the country. The eight-carriage train, which is about 22.8 meters long and 3.3 meters wide, wi...

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Loss in fourth ODI is a reality check for us: Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Outplayed in the fourth cricket one-dayer, Indian pace spearhead Bhuvneshwar Kumar on Thursday said the eight-wicket loss to New Zealand is a "reality check" for the team ahead of the remainder of the series.

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In China, nearly 3 billion train passengers expected for holiday rush

BEIJING ---China's railways are expected to transport 2.99 billion passengers during the Spring Festival travel rush this year, up 0.6 percent year-on-year, according to the National Development and Reform Commission. The country's railways saw an over 5 percent increase in total passenger transport capacity compared with a year earlier, while high-speed electric multiple unit trains hit more than 17 percent. Several newly opened lines at the end of last year also eased pressure for the travel rush, China Securities Journal said. The nation's total operation length for the railways extended to over 131,000 kilometers, with more than 29,000 km for high-speed rails, official data...

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Did police arrest ‘Elsa’ for freezing temperatures in Chicago?

Did the authorities just apprehend the root cause of Chicago, Illinois' current battle with freezing temperatures? Not exactly. At first, it would appear that the McLean Police Department arrested a woman dressed as Elsa, a character from the hit Disney movie "Frozen", as per the police's Facebook post last Wednesday, Jan. 30. "ATTENTION: Due to the EXTREME COLD weather, all criminal activity and acts of stupidity and foolishness has been cancelled," the police department's post read. "Even Elsa has been placed under arrest with NO BOND until further notice." The post has been a hit with netizens, already with 2,600 likes and reactions and 5,100 shares, as of this writing....

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Ex-NBA exec joins ONE Championship as new VP International

MANILA, Philippines---ONE Championship appointed a former NBA officer to become its new Vice President International. Meghan Jenkins,a former Vice President and Head of Strategy for NBA Asia, will now work side by side with ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong in extending the mixed martial arts promotion's global reach. "As a seasoned leader Meghan will work alongside myself and the rest of our leadership team to help scale markets," said Sityodtong in a statement. A seasoned marketing executive,she has a masters degree in Business Administration from Columbia Business School and a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Carolina at Chapel Hill. The former NBA of...

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Big revamp to turn Singapore’s Orchard into a more lively street

SINGAPORE ---Traveling from one end of Orchard Road to the other will eventually be a very different experience, as plans are afoot to transform the 2.4km stretch into a more lively street with different offerings in each of its four sub-precincts. Part of the road may also go car-free to connect green spaces at the Istana Park, Dhoby Ghaut Green and the open space at Plaza Singapura, and turn it into a garden oasis. These were among the proposed plans to rejuvenate Singapore's shopping belt unveiled yesterday, following a six-month study and consultations with stakeholders. In a joint statement, the Singapore Tourism Board, Urban Redevelopment Authority and National Parks B...

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Student given aid after push-up punishment over unpaid tuition

JAKARTA ---The Depok administration in West Java has pledged to provide financial aid to a Bogor elementary school student who was allegedly forced to do100 push-ups as a punishment forunpaid tuition. Depok secretary Hardiono said the administration would pay off the Bina Mujtama Integrated Islamic Elementary School student's unpaid school fees, which was 10 months in arrears. "Depok mayor [Mohammad Idris] will pay off the school fees and has recommended that the student be moved to a school in Depok," Hardiono said on Tuesday after visiting the student's house in Depok, as reported bykompas.com.The Bina Mujtama schoolis located in Bogor. The student's parents reportedly fai...

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Mighty Sports jumps right into action in Dubai tilt

MANILA, Philippines---Mighty Sports will have its wits immediately tested just day after its arrival in the United Arab Emirates for the Dubai International Basketball Championships. The Philippine representatives to the 10-team tournament in the diverse metropolis will face American University in Dubai in the Group A matches on Friday 7 pm (11 pm in Manila), a team that Mighty knows little to nothing about. "We barely have any scouting report on who we will be facing right on the opening day but I am optimistic that we are more than ready to do well for our kababayans here proud," said Mighty Sports owner Alex Wongchuking ahead of their game at Shabab Al Ahli. Mighty Sports...

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Enrile: Martial law helps instill order in Mindanao

http://bit.ly/2GacOAG   Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile believes that martial law has been a critical factor in ensuring peace and order in the entire Mindanao region.   If it weren't for martial law, the situation would have been more serious, according to Enrile who has also served as Defense Minister during the terms of Presidents Ferdinand Marcos and Cory Aquino.   This was Enrile's reaction in response to the recent bombing incident in Mount Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu that resulted in the deaths of 21 people and the wounding of several others.   During his program "Itanong mo kay Ma...

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Muslims demand Nike recall sneakers with design that resembles Arabic word for ‘Allah’

JAKARTA ---Muslimshave lambasted Nike for selling a brand of Air Max sneakers with a design on its sole that resembles the Arabic word for"Allah". The sports giant is being asked to recall thesneakers, withMuslims saying they have "insulted Islam". The outrage began when Muslim customer Saiga Noreen noticed what she believed was the Arabic word for Allahon the shoe. She immediately launched anonline petition, demanding that thecompany remove the popular shoe from its worldwide market. Noreen accused Nike of having a disrespectful attitude towardIslam, stating in the petition's description: "It is outrageous and appalling of Nike to allow the name of God on a shoe. This is di...

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Makabayan bloc to House: Condemn ‘cold-blooded’ murder of Malayao

MANILA, Philippines --- The House Makabayan opposition bloc filed on Thursday a resolution urging the chamber to condemn the cold-blooded murder of National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultant Randy Felix Malayao.   Malayao, a Bayan Muna regional coordinator and a human rights defender, was shot dead while sleeping inside a bus in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya, before dawn Wednesday. READ:NDFP consultant-columnist shot dead in Nueva Vizcaya Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao,ACT Teachers Reps. Antonio Tinio and France Castro, Gabriela Reps. Emmi de Jesus and Arlene Brosas, and Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago filed House Resolution No. 2...

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Come together in luxury with Avara’s introductory Elite Club Platinum membership

Lovers of sea and surf in the lap of amusement and high living have found their mecca in Avara, a leisure nature and yacht club situated in Calauag Bay, Taytay, Palawan's first capital. This premium deluxe club is established by Seaside Premier Development Corporation and is operated by a roster of big-name board of advisors, all experts in the field of maritime management and seaside recreation, delivering the promise that Avara's clientele receive only topnotch service. Families who want to create moments that matter can enjoy Avara's luxurious offers through its introductory Elite Club Platinum membership. Elite Club Platinum members will have access to Avara Nature Club fo...

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Dengue death toll in Indonesia climbs to 132, eight regions declare emergency

JAKARTA ---The Health Ministry has recorded a sudden spike in dengue fever cases in the last four weeks,with the death toll rising to 132 byJan. 29. Peak dengue transmission typically occurs during the rainy season,when the dengue-bearing Aedesaegyptimosquitoismost active. The figures have increased rapidly in the fivedaysfrom Jan. 25 to 29, from the 9,634 cases and 110 dengue-related deaths theministry recorded across 372 municipalities and regencies up until Jan. 25. The ministry's data shows a total of 13,683 reported dengue fever cases from Jan. 1 to 29, withthe highestnumber of dengue-related deaths recorded in East Java (47 deaths), followed by East Nusa Tenggara ( 14 ...

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MMDA eyeing exclusive motorcycle lane on Edsa

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is considering designating an exclusive lane for motorcycles along Edsa once the "road diet" initiative pushes through, MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia said on Thursday. The proposed road diet seeks to fit more vehicles on Edsa by reducing the width of existing lanes to create a new one. READ:MMDA eyes 'road diet' solution to heavy traffic on Edsa Garcia said the MMDA is looking at the possibility of converting the extra lane into an exclusive motorcycle lane, next to the yellow lanes for public utility buses. The existing motorcycle lane or blue lane along Edsa is not exclusive, meaning that private veh...

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Poe seeks Senate panel inquiry on ‘exorbitant’ fees collected by PMVICs

MANILA, Philippines --- Senator Grace Poe is seeking an investigation on what it called "exorbitant" fees collected by private motor vehicles inspection centers (PMVICs). In filing Senate resolution 1003 dated January 28, 2019, Senator Grace Poe has ordered the Senate public service committee to inquire on the P1,800 fee being collected by the PMVICS "for the purpose of assessing the roadworthiness of vehicles." Poe, who chairs the said committee, also said that the Senate panel should recommend the suspension of such fees, "so as not to double the fees and charges to be paid by motor vehicle owners." The senator, in her resolution, noted that a provision under Memorandum Circul...

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14 Indonesian fishermen repatriated from Myanmar

JAKARTA ---More than a dozen Acehnese fishermen have returned homeafter being detained for almost three months in Myanmar over allegations ofillegal poaching, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry has announced. Ministry officials completed the repatriationof 14 fishermen who worked on the Bintang Jasa fishing vesseland handed them over to actingAceh governor Nova Iriansyah on Wednesday. They wereheld for two months and 17 days in Kawthaung township, on the southernmost tip of Myanmarjust off the Andaman Sea, after beingaccused of illegally fishing in the country'swaters, IndonesianAmbassador to MyanmarIza Fadrisaid. A team from theembassy in Yangon, which is a 38-hour drive from ...

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‘Crazy Rich Asians’ actors slam ‘People’ for identity mix-up

JAKARTA ---Crazy Rich Asiansactor Ronny Chienghaspublicly called outPeoplefor misidentifying his co-stars in last week's Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards coverage. TheUS weekly magazine misidentified two actors as part of theCrazy Rich Asianscast, when they "were not even in the movie", reportedNylon. Chieng shared the blunder on social mediaafter he was mistakenly identified as Randall Park in a photo round-up of the red carpet event. His wife, Hannah Pham(who was not in the film), was misidentified as Jae W. Suh. "@people Jae W Suh is not in this photo. I'm not Randall Park. And that's Tan Kheng Hua not Michelle Yeoh," Chieng wrote on his Twitter page. AnotherCrazy Rich...

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Young mother holding baby in stroller dies after falling down subway stairs

A woman died on the New York subway after she fell down the stairs while carrying her one-year-old daughter's stroller on Monday,Jan. 28, The victim, identified as 22-year-old Malaysia Goodson, was found unconscious at the southbound platform of the 7th Avenue BDE station of the subway. She was pronounced dead on arrival when rushed to the hospital, as per WNBC New York. Meanwhile, Goodson's daughter Rhylee was found unhurt and was left to her father. The New York Police Department (NYPD) said it is still unclear if Goodson had a medical episode or if she accidentally fell down the stairs. Goodson's mother, Tamika, expressed grief and shock over the sudden death of her da...

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Dirk Nowitzki, Luka Doncic help Mavericks rout Knicks at Madison Square Garden

NEW YORK --- Dirk Nowitzki scored a season-high 14 points in what might have been his final appearance at Madison Square Garden, Luka Doncic warmed up after an airball on his first shot in the arena to score 16, and the Dallas Mavericks routed the New York Knicks 114-90 on Wednesday night. Dennis Smith Jr. had his second career triple-double, and Harrison Barnes led the Mavericks with 19 points, but most of the focus was on the team's star rookie and 21-year veteran, who may be in his final season. Doncic also grabbed eight rebounds and made two 3-pointers, both in the fourth quarter after the game was long secured. He shot airballs on two of his first four attempts and wasn...

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PDEA, BOC to block entry of illegal drugs into PH with new task group

    MANILA, Philippines --- The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and Bureau of Customs (BOC) have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to create a joint drug task group that would strengthen its partnership in curbing the entry of illegal drugs in the Philippines.   "Under the agreement, PDEA and BOC agree to observe utmost transparency to fulfil the conditions stated in the MOA, to create a drug interdiction Task Group to promote a closer working relationship between the parties, and exchange best practices and knowledge concerning smuggling, importation, transportation, and transshipment of dangerous drugs through seminars and workshops," PDEA ...

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Floods sweep pythons into residential areas in Jakarta

JAKARTA ---Floods have swept pythons into residential areas in Greater Jakarta in the last three days, with two appearing in Koja, North Jakarta, on Wednesday morning. Koko, a resident of neighborhood unit RT 01, community unit RW 03, in Koja, North Jakarta, said he found two pythons on Jl. Lorong Z Timur. "[The pythons] might struggle with the flooding, so they leave their nests," Koko said as quoted bykompas.com. https://youtu.be/yD28oZY1o6E He recalled that the snakes were found in different places at different times. The first was found inside a water channel, while the other was found by the river. Koko claimed he was able to tame the pythons when locals tried to cat...

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US calls for compliance with nuclear treaties

BEIJING --- The US has called for other permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to adhere to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The call Thursday by Undersecretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs Andrea Thompson in Beijing comes as the U.S. is preparing to withdraw from a separate pact, the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty between the United States and the former Soviet Union. Thompson says some countries are violating non-proliferation and developing new weapons programs, a likely reference to Russia, Iran and possibly North Korea. The NPT aims to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. The 1987 treaty bans productio...

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Early Ateneo-La Salle clash spices up UAAP Season 81 volleyball opening weekend

MANILA, Philippines---De La Salle's title reign is off to a tough start as it begins the UAAP Season 81 women's volleyball tournament against rival Ateneo on Feb. 17 at Mall of Asia Arena. The matchup between the Lady Spikers,who are gunning for their fourth straight, and two-time champion Lady Eagles headline the opening weekend of the biggest event in the UAAP's second semester. Ateneo and La Salle share a storied history together, having squared off in six straight finals in the last decade with the Lady Spikers winning four championships to the Lady Eagles' two. University of Santo Tomas looks to get a quick turnaround from its disappointing Season 80 campaign when it ta...

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Parole recommended for Manson follower Leslie Van Houten

LOS ANGELES --- A California panel on Wednesday recommended that Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten be paroled after serving more than four decades in prison. After a hearing at the women's prison in Corona, California, commissioners of the Board of Parole Hearings found for the third time that the 69-year-old Van Houten was suitable for release. If her case withstands a 150-day review process, it will rest in the hands of California's new Gov. Gavin Newsom. Van Houten was recommended for parole twice previously, but then-Gov. Jerry Brown blocked her release. Van Houten was among the followers in Manson's murderous cult who stabbed to death wealthy grocer Leno LaBianc...

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Request for solons’ SALNs may soon need House plenary approval

MANILA, Philippines --- The public may soon face stricter rules in accessing the statements of assets, liabilities, net worth (SALNs) of House members after the chamber adopted on second reading a resolution providing new rules on releasing the public document.   Under House Resolution No. (HR) 2467, plenary approval or approval of the majority of the 292 district and party-list representatives is needed before any SALN could be released. This is a rule that is non-existent now, ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio said. "First time 'yan," he added.   The resolution was filed on Wednesday and was adopted on second reading on the same day as HR 00176, according to its leg...

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Nintendo’s quarterly profit rises on hit Switch games

TOKYO --- Nintendo, the Japanese video game maker behind the Super Mario and Pokemon franchises, is reporting a 25 percent jump in its fiscal third quarter profit, boosted by the popularity of games for its Switch console. Nintendo Co. reported on Thursday that its October-December profit was 104.2 billion yen ($956 million), up from 83.7 billion yen a year earlier. Quarterly sales totaled 608.4 billion yen ($5.6 billion), up 26 percent. Among the hit software for Switch was "Super Mario Bros. Ultimate," whose sales have totaled 12 million units since it went on sale in December. The popularity of such games helped drive Switch machine sales during the holiday shopping season...

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Bank reserve cuts loom as BSP sees moderating January inflation

MANILA, Philippines -- Prices of consumer goods and services are expected to have risen at a more moderate pace in January due to easing rice prices, although the impact of the second consecutive year of excise tax increases will continue to exert upward pressure on the inflation rate. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), its economists expect consumer price index in the first month of 2019 to settle within the 4.3--5.1 percent range. The inflation rate for the previous month of December 2018 stood at 5.1 percent and the annual average at the end of last year came in at 5.2 percent, overshooting the central bank's target range of 2-4 percent due to the combined effec...

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Amid complaints of theft, BI says detained foreigners’ belongings properly accounted for

MANILA, Philippines --- The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has given an assurance that gadgets and cash confiscated from detained foreigners would be returned to their owners as they are deported out of the country. BI Spokesperson Dana Mengote Sandoval on Thursday said the items recovered inside the bureau's detention facility for undesirable foreigners at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City last January 23 are properly accounted for and kept by authorities. "Lahat naman po ng kinuha was accounted for and properly naka-safekeep po siya, and naka-account lahat (Everything was accounted for and stored for safekeeping). Those things would be returned to them," Sandoval said in a phone interv...

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2nd Test: Sri Lanka look to shrug off injuries, off-field dramas against Australia

Sri Lanka were working to shrug off a series of injuries and off-field dramas, captain Dinesh Chandimal said Thursday, as they look to avoid a series defeat against Australia.

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Cemex gets incentives for new cement production line

MANILA, Philippines -- Cement-maker Cemex Holdings Philippines Inc. has bagged a set of fiscal incentives, including income tax holiday, for its 1.5-million metric ton new integrated cement production line in Antipolo City. Cemex Holdings' wholly-owned subsidiary Solid Cement Corp., operator of the Antipolo cement factory, obtained from the Board of Investment (BOI) "pioneer" status as a new producer of cement but with "non-pioneer incentives." Solid Cement primarily produces cement products that carry the Island and Rizal cement brands. This expansion program will jack up the total capacity of its Antipolo plant to 3.4 million metric tons yearly. The "pioneer" status with "non-...

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Hontiveros gets award for social justice work from EU civil society, parliamentarians

  MANILA, Philippines --- Senator Risa Hontiveros was bestowed with the Silver Rose Award bya European network of civil society organizations and European Union (EU) parliamentarians in recognition of her contributions "to social justice and solidarity."     SOLIDAR, a European network of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), invited Hontiveros to receive the award at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium on Tuesday, Jan. 29.   "There is so much work that needs to be done, and a fight for my country's soul and my country's future looms large.I will take this award as a reminder and a challenge. It is a reminder that victory can be achiev...

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Chinese manufacturing improves but activity sluggish

    BEIJING - China's manufacturing improved in January but activity was sluggish, a survey showed Thursday, as U.S. and Chinese negotiators wrangled in Washington over a tariff war. A measure of factory activity issued by the government statistics agency and an industry group rose 0.1 points on a 100-point scale but stayed below a level that shows activity expanding. Measures for employment and domestic demand weakened. China's economic growth sank to a three-decade low of 6.6 percent in 2018 after activity in the final quarter of the year dipped to its lowest level since the 2008 global crisis. "We see economic growth remaining sluggish" through mid-...

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Manila Bay rehab: LGUs to go after erring establishments

MANILA, Philippines - Local government units in Metro Manila have agreed to cancel the business permit of establishments around Manila Bay that will disregard the cease and desist orders (CDOs) issued by concerned government agencies, Interior Secretary Eduardo Ao said Thursday. In an effort to rehabilitate Manila Bay, the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) has issued CDOs to a total of seven establishments for polluting the bay. These establishments were ordered to shut down their water sources and wastewater discharging facilities. READ:3 restos face closure for polluting Manila Bay   READ:4 more establishments ordered closed for polluting Manila Bay   ...

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Duterte appoints retired police general as OP Assistant Secretary

MANILA, Philippines --- President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed retired police general Gilbert Sosa as the new Assistant Secretary of his office.   Duterte signed Sosa's appointment paper on Tuesday. A copy of the said document was shared to the media on Thursday.   Prior to his appointment, Sosa served as chief of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) Northern Luzon. He also served the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) chief.   Sosa retired from service last August 2018.   Duterte also nominated former Manila congressman and lawyer Ramon Bagatsing Jr. as Ambassador to India, while Noe Wong, who serve...

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DOF opposes move to remove VAT from fuel

The Department of Finance (DOF) is opposing a bill at the Senate that aims to make fuel cheaper by removing the value added tax (VAT) on petroleum products. Senator Aquilino "Kiko" Pimentel filed early this month Senate Bill No. 2163, which DOF noted would essentially be a "tax break" for those who have cars. The proposed measure is meant to cushion the impact of the second hike in fuel excise tax that started January, according to Pimentel in a statement. The latest fuel excise tax increase was based on the Duterte administration's Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Act. DOF Undersecretary Karl Chua, however, said Pimentel's proposal would only benefit the rich. ...

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WATCH: Claudia Barretto featured in music video for Thai film

Claudia Barretto represented the Philippines in a music video for an upcoming Thai movie. The video, released today, Jan. 31, by Thai media company Workpoint Entertainment, features artists from Asia singing in their respective local languages. http://bit.ly/2Uuy7k6 Barretto sang her parts in Filipino in front of a group of young musicians. Other artists hail from Laos, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar and, of course, Thailand. The singer shared the happy news today on Instagram with a clip of her part. She wrote, "So honored to have been a part of FriendZone, a Thai movie, coming out in theaters soon!" Scenes from the movi...

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Palace hails House OK of medical marijuana bill

  MANILA, Philippines - Malacaang on Thursday hailed the passing on third and final reading by the House of Representatives of a bill that would legalize and regulate the use of medical cannabis or marijuana.   "That's good for those who are sick. The President has always said that he is in support of marijuana being used as a healing mechanism or medicine," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing.   READ: House green lights bill to legalize medical marijuana   Voting 163-5, the House gave its final nod to House Bill (HB) No. 6517. Only three lawmakers abstained during nominal voting.   Panelo said there was ...

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‘Pope’ is a peek into the life of a powerful man

His words transcend borders, his decisions echo even in the most far-flung areas. To hold a position such as his, looked up on by multitudes, the Pope is almost equal to being one of the most powerful men in the world. A new series of Pop Life TV, "Pope" goes through the twists and turns of the spiritual leader's journey, from the time of Jesus and his 12 disciples, to the massive and global Catholic church we now know. The series showcases historic events, holy documents, personal interviews and in-depth insights on the life and role of the Pontiff. Viewers will see the massive power, position and influence that he wields in the church, the Vatican, and the entire Catholic rel...

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Diverse, international flock awaits Pope Francis’ UAE trip

          DUBAI, United Arab Emirates --- At St. Mary's Catholic Church in Dubai, an effort to transcribe the Bible in the native tongue of its flock saw the holy book presented in 52 languages --- a sign of the cosmopolitan welcome awaiting Pope Francis' upcoming visit to the United Arab Emirates. The diversity among its parishioners can be seen in its pews and heard in the sermons of St. Mary's priests, who celebrate Mass and offer prayers in Arabic, English, French, Tagalog, Tamil, Urdu and other languages. The church, they say, offers an anchor for the Roman Catholics among the UAE's vast foreign labor force, many of whom live in this...

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One of our worst batting performances, says Rohit Sharma

"One of our worst performances with the bat for a long time. Something we didn't expect. You got to give credit to the New Zealand bowlers. It was a magnificent effort by them," said Rohit Sharma after a disappointing outing on his 200th ODI. India's much-vaunted batting was dismissed for 92 in 30.5 overs with pacer Trent Boult (5/21) bowling a deadly opening spell.

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4th ODI: New Zealand demolish India for consolation win

India seemed shorn of their aura in the absence of talismanic skipper Virat Kohli as New Zealand pulled off a stunning eight-wicket win in the fourth cricket one-dayer to halt the visiting side's domination on Thursday.

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'Premature to compare India with WI of the past'

The West Indies legend dwelt upon a range of issues, including on the Virat Kohli phenomenon and rather premature comparisons between the Indian team and the West Indies side of the past.

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Rahul Dravid bats for alternate careers for young cricketers

Life after retirement is one of the biggest anxieties facing professional sportsmen the world over. In India, with youngsters today being encouraged to take up sports as a career, and the simultaneous drying up of public sector employment, the drop-out rates, particularly in cricket, continue to remain high. Dravid emphasized the need to enhance life skills of young cricketers outside of the sport.

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Don't consider IPL form for World Cup spots: Amarnath

Former India cricketer Mohinder Amarnath on Thursday said that the performance in Indian Premier League (2019) should not be taken into consideration when the team is picked for the ICC World Cup 2019, to be held in England and Wales.

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Boxers sparring without doctor at national camp

Injury is part and parcel of a sportsperson’s life. More so in contact sports like boxing or wrestling, where athletes live in fear of getting grievously hurt. In such a scenario, the association of a full-time doctor with a sportsperson or the national team becomes even more important – to tend to them in case of an illness or injury during training sessions and competitions.

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Shuttlers' Olympic preparation hits a roadblock

The preparation of the Indian players for the Olympic Games has run into a roadblock. The Pullela Gopichand Academy, the nerve centre of Indian badminton, is struggling for want of shuttles and so are the players.

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Rohit Sharma pockets another 200 in ODIs

The fourth ODI between India and New Zealand in Hamilton marked the 200th appearance for Rohit Sharma's in 50-over internationals for India. It's an exclusive club with only 79 international players, including 14 Indians, reaching the milestone. Sachin Tendulkar leads the pack with 463 matches.

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2nd Test: Australia stick with winning combination against Sri Lanka

Australia opted Thursday to stick with a winning combination for the second Test against Sri Lanka, meaning all-rounder Marcus Stoinis and young batting prospect Will Pucovski miss out on making their debut.

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Chahal and Kuldeep have been brave: VVS Laxman

Former India cricketer VVS Laxman heaped praise on Indian wrist spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Kuldeep Yadav, saying the duo have been sensational in India's victorious run.

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Musheer Khan's father appeals review of ban

Musheer Khan’s father Naushad Khan has appealed to the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to review the three-year ban on his son, slapped by the cricket body after the youngster allegedly ‘flashed’ at a teammate during the (U-16) Vijay Merchant Trophy in December last year.

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Davis Cup: Left-right combo a dream, says Bhupathi

For Mahesh Bhupathi, it's a dream to have a left-right combination in singles for the Davis Cup Qualifier against Italy, starting at South Club on Friday.

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Berrettini a great talent, watch out for him: Leander Paes

The man who surpassed Italian legend Nicola Pietrangeli’s record of the most number of doubles wins in Davis Cup last year, made special mention of 22-year-old Matteo Berrettini, the youngest member of this Italian team. “He is a great talent, watch out for him,” Paes warned.

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Leaders Liverpool slip up in Leicester draw

Liverpool failed to make the most of title rivals Manchester City's defeat 24 hours earlier in a 1-1 draw with Leicester at Anfield on Wednesday.

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Barcelona demolish Sevilla in Copa comeback

Philippe Coutinho struck twice as Barcelona mounted a comeback to thrash Sevilla 6-1 and sweep into the Copa del Rey semi-finals 6-3 on aggregate on Wednesday.

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Chelsea collapse to 4-0 defeat at Bournemouth

Chelsea's top-four hopes suffered a huge dent as Maurizio Sarri's side collapsed to a humiliating 4-0 defeat at mid-table Bournemouth on Wednesday -- a result that dropped them down to fifth in the table.

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5th ODI: De Kock assault sinks Pakistan in decider

Opening batsman Quinton de Kock launched an assault on Pakistan's bowlers to set up a series-clinching win for South Africa in the fifth and final one-day international at Newlands on Wednesday.

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Umesh Yadav: Big brother in Vidarbha Ranji line-up

Yadav’s presence has made Vidarbha attack look more lethal. Not only he has led the Vidarbha attack from the front, the India pacer has also guided the youngsters.

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Confessed as police threatened to implicate my family: Sreesanth

Banned cricketer S Sreesanth claimed in the Supreme Court that he had made the confession about his involvement in the alleged crime as Delhi Police had threatened that his family members would be implicated and tortured. The apex court observed that the conduct of Sreesanth, facing a life ban, in the entire episode was "not good".

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The success mantra behind India's improved fielding

A 'blindfold technique' to increase reaction time, leather balls of various weights to gauge trajectory in breezy conditions and a simulation machine for slip-catching have made the Indian team a remarkably improved catching unit, fielding coach R Sridhar said on Wednesday.

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LRT-2, MRT-3 prohibit bottled water at rail premises for security measures

        MANILA, Philippines -- Train managements have started to implement a ban on bottled water and other liquid materials as a security measure following the recent bombing incidents in Mindanao. Managements of Light Rail Transit line 2 (LRT-2) and Metro Rail Transit line 3 (MRT-3) told INQUIRER.net on Thursday that they started to implement the said ban following the directive of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) "Banned na po ang mga ito starting today. This is in cooperation to the directive of the PNP and NCRPO amid their heightened alert," LRT-2 management said in an email. As fo...

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‘Manila Bay reclamation projects to generate income for gov’t, generate jobs’

MANILA, Philippines -- Possible reclamation projects in Manila Bay would generate income for the government and would benefit the public, Malacaang said Thursday. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo issued the statement after the Makabayan bloc lawmakers pushed for the suspension of the Manila Bay rehabilitation program, saying the "rehabilitation program could be a prelude to 43reclamation projects covering more than 32,000 hectares in the bay." "When you clean up Manila Bay, certainly all of us will benefit. With respect to reclamation, even government will benefit from that because we get, if I understand correctly, it's 65-35. We get 65 [percent] there, that's huge," Pane...

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Bombings won’t dent voter turnout on Feb. 6 BOL plebiscite – Palace

MANILA, Philippines - Citing the "overwhelming" participation in the first referendum, Malacaang on Thursday expressed optimism that the recent bombings in Mindanao would not affect voter turnout in the second Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) on February 6. "Filipinos cannot be cowed by terroristic acts. For a while medyo kakabahan lang sila pero pag nakita nila tuloy na naman, ganun naman tayong mga Pilipino e. We always manage to stand up in times of distress," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing. Panelo's assurance came after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said that it was expecting a decrease in the participation of voters in the second BO...

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University of Iowa student found dead amid chilly weather

  CHICAGO --- The body of a University of Iowa student has been found on the campus in Iowa City, and officials said they believe his death was weather-related. Television station KCRG reported the body of 18-year-old Gerald Belz was found behind an academic hall just before 3 a.m. Wednesday by campus police. He was taken to a hospital, where he died. While officials believe his death was related to dangerously low temperatures at the time he was found, officials have not given a specific cause of death. Belz's family told KCRG that doctors did not find alcohol in his system. The National Weather Service said the wind chill around 3 a.m. was -46 C (-51F). The deat...

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QC gov’t now offers P5M bounty for arrest of village exec’s killers

MANILA, Philippines --- The Quezon City government has raised to P5 million its cash reward offer for the arrest of those behind the brazen murder of Barangay Bagong Silangan Captain Crisell Beltran.   This was revealed Thursday by Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Chief Supt. Joselito Esquivel Jr., a day after the local government said it would be offering P3 million cash reward in a bid to expedite the resolution of the case.   Beltran and her driver Melchor Salita were aboard an SUV and traversing a street in Barangay Bagong Silangan when motorcycle-riding suspects cut their path and shot them to death on Wednesday, January 30.   Esquivel...

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PDEA: Average price of shabu now P3,500 per gram

  MANILA, Philippines --- The prices of shabu (crystal meth) have increased from P1,200 per gram to P3,500 per gram, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino said on Thursday.   "Tumaas na nga yung shabu. Most likely 1.6 percent. It is about P3,500 per gram from P1,200 per gram," Aquino said in a press conference on Thursday.   READ: 'Shabu' costs P25k per gram   While the average price of shabu is P3,500 per gram, Aquino said shabu was more expenses in some places such as in Davao City.   "Hindi lahat pare-pareho may P3,500. Meron pa rin P6,800 per gram and average is still the same in Davao it's P11,000 ...

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4 more establishments ordered closed for polluting Manila Bay

MANILA, Philippines -- Four more commercial establishments were shut down for dumping wastewater into the Manila Bay, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu announced on Thursday. Cimatu said thecease and desist order (CDO) was issued by the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) after it was established that the firms did not conform with the Effluent Standards for Class 'SB' waters. The following establishments were ordered to shut down their water sources and wastewater discharging facilities: 1.) Billion Building or the Philippine Billion Real Estate Development Corporation ( Roxas Blvd, Pasay City) 2.) HK Sun Plaza (Roxas Blvd., Pasay City) 3.) Tramway Bayview Buffet Rest...

Keep on reading: 4 more establishments ordered closed for polluting Manila Bay

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2 Filipinos among accused in 4-year-old Emirati boy’s drowning

Two Filipinos were among the six accused of negligence in the drowning of a 4-year-old Emirati boy. A Filipino woman and a Filipino shadow teacher, along with an Arab physical education instructor, an Italian swimming instructor, an Australian teacher, and a Sharjah school owner were named responsible for accidentally causing the boy's drowning, as cited during the court hearing last Jan. 17, per Khaleej Times on Jan. 19. The tragedy occurred on Nov. 14, 2018. The young boy apparently did not know how to swim and his father asked the school to put this information on his son's file. The father received a call from the school on the day of the incident, informing him that his son was...

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Filipinos spend the most time on internet, social media worldwide — study

MANILA, Philippines --- The Philippines is the top country worldwide for the most time spent on the internet. The latest Digital 2019 report from Hootsuite and We Are Social shows that users from the Philippines spend an average of 10 hours and 2 minutes on the internet daily via any device. Trailing behind the Philippines is Brazil, with internet usage time averaging 9 hours and 29 minutes; and Thailand, who was 2018's top internet user, with 9 hours and 11 minutes. The 2019 report reveals a modest increase in the worldwide average of internet use to 6 hours and 42 minutes from last year's estimate of 6 hours. Meanwhile, internet users from Japan spend the least amount o...

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Palace: No need to expand martial law outside Mindanao, PH still a safe haven

MANILA, Philippines---Despite the recent bombings in Jolo and Zamboanga City, Malacaang still believes that there is no need to expand martial law beyond Mindanao as the country remains a "safe haven." Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo insists that there was no "spillover" of terrorist attacks to other parts of the country that may warrant the expansion of martial rule. "We would like to assure the general public that they can go about their normal activity life. Our country is still a safe haven," Panelo said Thursday in a Palace briefing.   "There is no necessity for any expansion of martial law, as the President has repeatedly declared," he added.   ...

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Palace brushes off Catholic bishops’ ‘no-el’ warning

MANILA, Philippines -- Malacaang on Thursday dismissed the concern of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) for ano-election scenariothis 2019 due to the draft federalism charter passed at the House of Representatives.   In a statement, CBCP warned the public against moves to cancel the midterm elections this May, citing the "vague" House version of a federal constitution.   "Its version of federalism is vague and it will do away with the 2019 elections," CBCP said following their plenary assembly in Manila over the weekend.   Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo downplayed this cautionary of Catholic bishops.   "There...

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LOOK: Jodi Sta. Maria is a consistent dean’s lister

Jodi Sta. Maria showed how consistent she is when it comes to being a model student. The "Sana Dalawa Ang Puso" actress was once again recognized for being one of the top students in her class at the Southville International Schools and Colleges in Las Pias City. This she shared with fans through Twitter last Wednesday, Jan. 30. "Sharing with you this achievement and I give back all the glory to the One who made it all possible," Sta. Maria expressed as she showed her certificate of recognition. https://twitter.com/JodiStaMaria/status/1090451488265125889 She also shared her latest achievement via Instagram, this time taking a selfie of herself, with her certificate in han...

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Carpio: PH must protest China’s new rescue center on Kagitingan Reef

MANILA, Philippines --- The Philippine government should protest China's establishment of a maritime rescue center on Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef) in the Spratly Islands, Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said Thursday.   Not responding to this latest activity, he said, means China has a right to occupy and use the disputed reef.   "We should protest because Fiery Cross Reef is part of the geologic features we claim in the Kalayaan Island Group. If we do not protest, then we impliedly consent to China's act of putting up a maritime rescue center there," Carpio said in a statement to the media.   Early this week, China announc...

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Comelec narrows down Senate bets from 76 to 63

  MANILA, Philippines --- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has narrowed down the list of official senatorial candidates from 76 to 63.   The Comelec on Thursday released the "final certified" list of candidates for the May 2019 midterm elections.   https://twitter.com/jabjimenez/status/1090850941010509825?s=21   Sixty-three senatorial electorates composed the final roster of candidates while 143 partylist organizations were also included in the list.   Former Senator Sergio Osmena III and re-electionist Senator Koko Pimentel, who both have pending cases, are also included in the list.   "Final in the sense na we're going...

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Canada condemns Netflix for using rail disaster images in ‘Bird Box’

  OTTAWA, Ontario --- Canada's Parliament passed a motion Wednesday sayingNetflixshould compensate the people of Lac-Megantic, Quebec, for using footage of the 2013 rail disaster in the post-apocalyptic survival film "Bird Box."   The footage involved the disaster created when an unattended train carrying crude oil rolled down an incline, went off the tracks and exploded into a massive ball of fire, killing 47 people in the Quebec town.   The motion is non-binding but is a stern rebuke from Canada's Parliament for the use of footage from the rail explosion in "Bird Box" and in the series "Travelers."   Members of Parliament voted to demand tha...

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You can’t find time to work out? ‘You’re lying to yourself,’ says Chris Hemsworth

Chris Hemsworth is not here for excuses on your lack of exercise. The buff "Thor" star, 35, revealed lessons on his fitness journey to Men's Health United Kingdom as the magazine's March cover star. http://bit.ly/2CWlCqF Hemsworth did not mince words in telling those who skip workouts. "So, are you telling me you can't find 20-30 minutes a day to work out? You're lying to yourself. You just chose to watch TV instead," he said. He admitted that there is a struggle to get moving, "but that first step is the hardest. Get up, move, then it will follow." Hemsworth revealed the downside to gaining his large muscles. "I used to be able to get up and sprint. But I'...

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Clay Cleansing: The Secret To An Effective Skincare Routine

Being selfie ready with a face alike to some green existential creature is nothing new. From pampering nights to girlfriend bonding sessions, or simply as part of our regular skincare routine, clay masks have turned into a massive cult-favorite, taking the skincare world by storm. But the truth is, relying on mask application doesn't equate to instant skin goals. More so, sticking by a typical skincare regimen doesn't mean guaranteed results. The answer? Mineral clay cleansing (yup, it exists). Focusing at the very core of skincare's most essential step of deep cleansing is extremely crucial and by including clay right at the get-go, it allows deep absorption and enriches your ski...

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Why it took Toni Gonzaga and Paul Soriano 8 years before going on an overnight trip

MANILA, Philippines --- Actress Toni Gonzaga opened up about why it took eight years before she and husband Paul Soriano were able to go on an overnight trip. http://bit.ly/2B6ihFl In a video blog posted on her Youtube channel on Wednesday titled "Why it pays to wait," she shared moments from her trip to Amanpulo with Soriano and their son Seve. She then opened up about how envious she was of couples who were able to go on out-of-town trips. When she asked for permission from her parents, she said they would always shot the idea down. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sya_4aC6pjU "Pag magpapaalam ako, alam na alam ko na agad ang sasabihin ni mommy, 'Wag ka...

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Palace condoles with family of OFW executed in Saudi Arabia

      MANILA, Philippines---Malacaang on Thursday extended its condolences to the bereaved family of a 39-year-old Filipina household service worker in Saudi Arabia who was executed after being found guilty of murder. "We would like to express our condolences to the bereaved family of the OFW (overseas Filipino worker) who has been executed," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing. Panelo noted that the government extended legal assistance to the OFW, whose case does not apply the use of blood money under the Sharia Law or Islamic Law. "We provided lawyers or a lawyer for her, and we gave regular updates to the family. It'...

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Sylvia Sanchez appeals to AlDub fans sending son Arjo death threats: ‘Ako na lang’

Sylvia Sanchez made an appeal to die-hard fans of AlDub, the love team of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza: stop the bashing, particularly the death threats. A lot of hate has apparently been coming Arjo Atayde's way, after he finally admitted that he and the Dubsmash Queen are "exclusively dating," adding that he is at his "happiest" right now. READ:Why Arjo Atayde is at his 'happiest' right now Sanchez said that she and her family have been receiving hate from AlDub fans since September last year, but she did not bother to reply since she thought it would eventually go away. This she said during a press conference for her upcoming film "Jesusa", which was documented and po...

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Our execution has been off, need to take wickets in middle overs: Santner

New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner feels his team's inability to take wickets in the middle overs has proved costly in the ongoing ODI series against India and the hosts will be aiming to reverse the trend in the fourth game here on Thursday.

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Jerie Pingoy forgoes final year in UAAP as he embarks on ‘next journey’

Adamson will miss another key cog next season after point guard Jerie Pingoy has decided to forego his final year of eligibility. Pingoy on Wednesday bid farewell to his collegiate career in a social media post. "Adamson U, thank you for being with me during the short period of time. You never knew how grateful I am and to be once called a Soaring Falcon. I fell short but this is not the end," Pingoy wrote. READ:Jerie Pingoy shows best form since ankle injury The 5-foot-9 Pingoy played two seasons for the Falcons, who had back-to-back Final Four appearances. But before finding a home at Adamson, Pingoy, a sought-after recruit out of Far Eastern University in high schoo...

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Robredo hits lower criminal liability age threshold, weak justice system

  MANILA, Philippines --- A weak justice system would put children in conflict with the law (CICL), especially those coming from poor families at a disadvantage if the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) is lowered, Vice President Leni Robredo said on Wednesday. "Sa akin po, malaking concern pa iyong kahinaan ng ating justice system. Alam po natin na luging lugi iyong mahihirap sa current set-up natin, at ayaw natin na dahil sa kahirapan napaparusahan nang walang dahilan," Robredo said in an interview in Kiangan, Ifugao (A big concern is the weak justice system. Under the current set-up, children from poor families will be at a disadvantage, and we don't like to s...

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Iran capital bans dog-walking in public places

Iran's capital city Tehran has banned the taking of dogs for a walk in public places, as well as being seen with them when driving. "[W]e have received permission from the Tehran Prosecutor's Office, and will take measures against people walking dogs in public spaces, such as parks," Tehran Police ChiefHossein Rahimi was quoted in a report by Iranian news group Young Journalists Club via the BBC on Wednesday, Jan. 29. He added that it has also been forbidden to be publicly seen with dogs while driving. "If this is observed, serious police action will be taken against the car owners in question," Rahimi added. Rahimi said that the ban was imposed because the animals were "...

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PBAL: Torrid 2nd half comeback lifts Meralco past TNT

It was a tale of two halves between two sister teams in Wednesday's 2019 PBA Philippine Cup curtain-raiser at Cuneta Astrodome. Trailing by as many as 21 points in the first half, Meralco returned from the halftime intermission with guns blazing to put TNT in the back seat en route to an 88-77 victory. "We've been getting off to bad starts this conference that's why I tried to switch up my starting lineup today," said Meralco coach Norman Black. Chris Newsome, Baser Amer and Nico Salva conspired in the Bolts' second half turnaround highlighted by a 33-19 third quarter run to wrest the advantage from the KaTropa. A sustained effort by the same trio in the payoff period snu...

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French ‘Spider-Man’ released on bail after spending night at Makati detention cell

MANILA, Philippines ---French urban free climber Alain Robert, who was earlier arrested for scaling a 47-storey tower in Makati City without permit, was released by the police after posting bail on Wednesday. Robert posted bail amounting to P3,000 after spending the night at the detention cell of the Makati City Police Station. He was earlier charged with alarm and scandal and other forms of trespass for climbing the712.93-foot GT International Tower on Ayala Avenue on Tuesday, Jan. 29. https://twitter.com/CGonzalesINQ/status/1090565102359654401 READ: French 'Spider-Man' scales Makati skyscraper READ: French 'Spider-Man' arrested after climbing 700-ft Makati City tower Rob...

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Funding for May polls, gov’t workers’ pay hike assured – Loren

MANILA, Philippines -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has assured funds for the May midterm elections and the fourth tranche of the salary hike for government workers, amid the 2019 budget impasse in Congress, Senator Loren Legarda said on Wednesday. "We would like to assure the voting public and the government personnel that the DBM will source the necessary funds for the midterm elections and salary adjustments," Legarda said, adding that such was personally assured to her by the DBM. The funding for the midterm elections would come from the P10 billion unutilized fund of the Commission on Elections as well as from the contingency fund, while the fourth and last tr...

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‘Lesson learned’: Early setbacks in 2019 won’t deter Team Lakay

Team Lakay head coach Mark Sangiao isn't the type who dwells on the past especially if it involves his fighters losing two world titles in just a six-day span. Instead, Sangiao would rather focus on the present and future of his prized warriors. "Things happen, it's been done. We can be mad, but doing so could only lead to losing ourselves. There is no going back so the best thing to do is to work hard again. My only plea is to give the athletes what they deserve. It's painful," Sangiao said. "Like I said, what they do is not easy. They have to go through so many sacrifices and what they do is something that ordinary people can't do. The hardship they go through each day is unreal. ...

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PRC: 1,120 examinees hurdle Architecture Licensure exam

MANILA, Philippines -- One thousand one hundred twenty out of one thousand nine hundred ninety examinees hurdled the January 2019 Architecture Licensure examination, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced on Wednesday. The overall passing rate for the board exam is 56.28 percent, PRC said. Justine Lei Germino Ramos of Cebu Institute of Technology-University topped the exam with a rating of 83.80%, followed by Carlo Martin Lovete Llanto of the University of the Philippines-Diliman (83.50%). PRC released the results three working days after the last day of the Architecture Board Exams./gsg        ...

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Dani Ravena has had enough of bashers saying her family paid for spot in Ateneo roster

Dani Ravena has had enough of her bashers and let's them know what she thinks on social media. Ravena, the youngest among the Ravena siblings, put her haters in place with a series of tweets on Tuesday. https://twitter.com/ravenadani/status/1090061845996625920 https://twitter.com/ravenadani/status/1090062612509863936 https://twitter.com/ravenadani/status/1090063187804704768 Many came to the Ateneo Lady Eagles libero's rescue including her brothers Kiefer and Thirdy. https://twitter.com/ThirdyRavenaaa/status/1090171062350897152 https://twitter.com/kieferravena/status/1090155231088803840 Contrary to what her bashers are claiming, Dani, 19, said that being a Ravena isn't i...

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Makabayan bloc: We’re not against Manila Bay rehab

MANILA, Philippines --- Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc clarified on Wednesday that they are not against the rehabilitation of Manila Bay. However, they said they are concerned about the "seemingly hidden projects" in the rehabilitation efforts. "For the record, Makabayan's position is we are for Manila Bay rehabilitation," Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao said in a press briefing inside the House of Representatives. He explained that what they are against is the fact that the plan is not clear, there is no blueprint, and it's not clear who are behind the rehabilitation and the big businessmen who will benefit from it. Casilao also pleaded to the people to look at their request...

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Senior citizens’ protection bill hurdles second reading

MANILA, Philippines - A House bill which will protect senior citizens from abuse was passed on the second reading on Wednesday. House Bill 7030 or the "Anti-Elder Abuse Act" advanced after some amendments were introduced, specifically in defining terms and the abuses committed against the elderly. If the bill is signed into law, abuses against senior citizens that range from physical, psychological, economic, sexual, and neglect and abandonment may be penalized by jail time and fines in accordance with the Revised Penal Code. The government will also be mandated to protect the elderly, as complainants will be given legal assistance and support from the Department of Social Wel...

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Four ‘persons of interest’ in Jolo church bombings clear their names

MANILA, Philippines --- Four persons of interest in the Jolo cathedral bombings have turned themselves in to authorities on Wednesday to deny their involvement in the incident. Alshaber Arbi, 18, a student from Caluang National Highschool; and Gerry Isnajil, a teacher from Kalingalan Caluang Highschool were accompanied by Gov. Sakur Tan and Mayor Peping Halun to the local police in Sulu on Wednesday morning, said Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Col. Gerry Besana. Twin explosions rocked Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cathedral in Jolo last Sunday, leaving 21 killed and over a hundred injured. The two personalities were featured in the CCTV footage during the actual blasts. The milita...

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