Philippine News

MANILA, Philippines, December 6 ------ Nineteen warships of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) were monitored roaming the country’s exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea last month, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported. At a press briefing, Philippine Navy spokesman for the WPS Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the PLAN warships were among the 14,972 different vessels monitored in the country’s territorial waters in November. “Of

December 6 ------ MQuest Ventures brings yet another notable cinema masterpiece to the Metro Manila Film Festival with the much-anticipated action-drama “Manila’s Finest.” Headlined by Piolo Pascual and an ensemble cast of the finest Phili­ppine actors today, the film promises a bold fusion of powerhouse performances, stunning cinematography, and a story that immerses viewers in the gritty yet vibrant streets of Manila. Manila’s Finest marks Piolo Pascual’s third consecutive

NEW DELHI, December 6 ------ India’s telecoms ministry has directed smartphone manufacturers to pre-install a government-run cybersecurity app on all new devices, according to a government order, raising concerns of data privacy and user consent in one of the largest handset markets in the world. The Ministry of Communications' order issued Monday asked smartphone makers to pre-install the government’s “Sanchar Saathi” app on all new devices within 90 days and to prevent user

December 6 ------ “Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins” is Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin’s second Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) project, as well as their reunion with Regal Entertainment — a feat that they do not want to take for granted. Diaz and Fedelin are the lead stars of the MMFF 2024 entry “My Future You,” a fantasy romance that tells the story of Karen (Diaz) and Lex (Fedelin), who meet at an online dating app and eventually fall in love. However, it turns out tha

SANTIAGO, Chile, December 6 ------ Chile's parliament approved a law banning the use of smartphones by pupils on school premises, the latest country to restrict such access over concerns for children's mental and physical health. Singapore to toughen ban on smartphones, smartwatches in schools The law was approved by a large majority in Chile's Chamber of Deputies and is expected to be enacted soon by President Gabriel Boric, who had supported the initiative. It will come int

December 6 ------ The Philippines will sign at least three free-trade agreements (FTAs) next year, including a historic deal with the European Union (EU), as part of the government’s bid to boost the country’s exports, which remain robust despite global headwinds. Speaking at the National Exporters’ Week 2025, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque confirmed that the country will seal FTAs with the EU, Chile, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) next ye

MANILA, Philippines, December 6 ------ From regional and Continental supremacy, jiu-jitsu ace Annie Ramirez brought her dominance to the global stage. The Filipina warrior struck gold at the JJIF World Championships in Bangkok with a smashing run capped by a 2-0 victory over Astrid Scholin of Sweden in the adult -57kg Gi division then annexed the mint in the -57kg No-Gi event for a rare double-triumph for Team Philippines. This feat at the worlds completed the former UST judo

December 6 ------ Continuing to look to the future with remote ship management, shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries and Evergreen have opened the first remote monitoring center jointly developed by a shipyard and shipowner. It is the next step in a continuing project between the two companies that anticipates the era of remote autonomous navigation. The Samsung Remote Operation Center was established at Evergreen’s headquarters in Taipei, Taiwan. The companies report that th

The IMMAJ-PJMCC Foundation, Inc. (FINC) hosted a special luncheon to honor the 84 midshipmen from the Second batch of Valhareans Class 2025 who were proudly sponsored by IMMAJ member-principals. The celebration was held at the Mess Hall of the Capt. Gregorio S. Oca Building at the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) campus in Mariveles, Bataan on December 5, 2025. The program opened with MAAP’s Director for Shipboard Training, CE Cleto Del Rosario introducing the

The Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) held a graduation ceremony at Kamaya Point in Alas-Asin, Mariveles, Bataan, honoring the second batch of the Valhareans Class of 2025. A total of 179 students received their degrees with 81 midshipmen graduating in Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation and 98 midshipmen earning Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering degrees. Fr. Joseph P Santiago, OSJ led the invocation to start the festivities. Dr. Conrado F. Oca

MANILA, Philippines, December 5 ------ The low pressure area inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility developed into a tropical depression. It was given the local name Wilma, as the country’s 23rd tropical cyclone for 2025. It is also the first tropical cyclone for December. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Wilma was located 625 kilometers east of Catarman, Northern Samar. The tropical depression is moving wes

December 5 ------ EU lawmakers and European member states have agreed on a deal to ban all imports of Russian gas into the European Union by autumn 2027, they announced. The accord marks a compromise between the member states and the European Parliament, which wanted the ban to apply sooner. The ban on long-term contracts will apply on November 1, 2027, at the latest. The Council presidency and the European Parliament’s representatives reached a provisional agreement on the r

December 5 ------ The West must draw clear red lines for responding to gray-zone aggression by China and Russia. Both adversaries have mastered operating below the threshold of open conflict to achieve their strategic aims with little consequence from Western governments. This ambiguity has eroded Western deterrence and emboldened authoritarian states to keep testing the limits of restraint. Western leaders must define where provocation ends and aggression begins. And they mu

December 5 ------ At the Proscenium Theater, Rockwell Center in Makati, the holiday season has gone into full swing with the opening weekend of 9 Works’ A Christmas Carol, The Musical. This show runs until Dec. 21; book your tickets now and watch with the family and the children. It’s the classic Charles Dickens tale brought to life via the music of Alan Menken, with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. Historically, this was the Christmas production that Madison Square Garden in New York

December 5 ------ Last week, a container barge parted its tow wire and ran aground on a reef in the Bahamas, reportedly attracting looters from nearby communities. According to the operator, the barge Brooklyn Bridge broke away from its towing vessel due to severe winds while en route from Florida to Puerto Rico. The barge then drifted aground on a reef off Abaco, at the northern end of the island chain. The operator commissioned a dive inspection and confirmed that there was

SEOUL, December 5 ------ South Koreans are expected to take to the streets or a rally marking the first anniversary of ousted president Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law that plunged the deeply divided country into political turmoil. On Dec. 3, 2024, Yoon suspended civilian rule for the first time in more than four decades, prompting massive protests and a showdown in parliament. A year on, the country remains riven by political polarization as it faces a slowing eco

LOS ANGELES, United States, December 5 ------ Jamal Murray poured in 52 points to propel Denver to a 135-120 NBA victory over the Indiana Pacers as the Nuggets continued to thrive on the road. Denver, losers of their last four home games, have now won eight in a row on the road. Murray, who was questionable to start after spraining his right ankle on Monday, was lethal from three-point range. He connected on 10 of 11 from beyond the arc and made 19 of his 25 attempts overall

December 5 ------ Four of today’s most-streamed OPM solo acts — Rob Deniel, Arthur Nery, Amiel Sol, and Adie — strongly believe that the genre’s renewed rise reflects a shift in how Filipino listeners champion homegrown music. Each artist offered a clear view of why the scene is stronger than ever as they prepare for their joint show, “RAAA!” happening today at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Sol — known for his breakout single “Sa Bawat Sandali” and “Ikaw Lang Patutunguhan — said th

MANILA, Philippines, December 5 ------ The Department of Health (DOH) has once again warned the public against fake medicines and vaccines sold online or by unauthorized sellers. This DOH reminder is in line with Consciousness Week Against Counterfeit Medicines, which is an annual observance held during the third week of November, as declared by Presidential Proclamation No. 2082. “Report immediately to the FDA [Food and Drug Administration] if you notice any suspicious medic

December 5 ------ US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says talks with Ukraine over a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war were productive, but there's "more work to be done". The talks, held in Florida, were attended by a Ukrainian delegation led by national security council secretary Rustem Umerov, Ukraine's new chief negotiator. Also at the meeting were President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Witkoff is expected to travel to Moscow on