A news and information service for Filipino seafarers sponsored by the All Japan Seamen's Union, International Mariners Management Association of Japan and Philippine-Japan Manning Consultative Council, Inc.
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June 12, 2025
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HEADLINES
PH, Japan defense forces to see more interactions via RAA
Filipino publicist Josh Yugen now VP of Mister International Organization
FULL NEWSPAPER
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Chinese aircraft carriers seen in Pacific for first time
TOKYO, June 12 ------ Two Chinese aircraft carriers were operating in the Pacific for the first time, said Japan, whose defense chief said the move revealed the expansion of Beijing's military activities. China's Shandong and Liaoning carriers its only two currently in operation, with a third undergoing sea trials — were both spotted with their fleets in recent days, Tokyo said. "We believe the Chinese military's purpose is to improve its operational capability and ability to conduct operations in distant areas," a defense ministry spokesman told Agence France-Presse (AFP).
Defense Minister Gen Nakatani told reporters the sightings show that the Chinese military's "activity area is expanding." "Japan has expressed its position that the Chinese activities should not threaten Japan's safety" through diplomatic routes to Beijing, Nakatani said. The Japanese military would continue to closely monitor and patrol the operations of Chinese naval warships, he added.
China's use of naval and air assets to press its territorial claims has rattled the United States and its allies in the Asia-Pacific region. When asked about the moves at a regular news briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian reiterated a statement given the previous day about the Liaoning's trip. "The activities of Chinese warships in the relevant sea areas are fully in line with international law and international practice," he said, adding that Japan should "take an objective and rational look at this issue."
Island chains
On Monday, the Shandong sailed inside the Japanese economic waters surrounding the remote Pacific atoll of Okinotori, Tokyo's defense ministry said. It was accompanied by four other vessels, including a missile destroyer, and fighter jets and helicopters conducted takeoffs and landings there, having also been seen sailing through Pacific waters on Saturday. The ministry previously said China's other operational carrier, Liaoning, and its fleet entered Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Pacific over the weekend, before exiting to conduct drills involving fighter jets.
Japanese and US defense officials say China wants to push the American military out of the "first island chain," from Japan down through the Philippines. Eventually, its strategy is to dominate areas west of the "second island chain" in the Pacific between Japan's remote Ogasawara Islands and the US territory of Guam, they say.
The Liaoning's recent cruise eastward marked the first time the Japanese defense ministry has said a Chinese aircraft carrier had crossed the second island chain. Daisuke Kawai from the University of Tokyo's economic security research program told AFP these activities represented "a highly significant strategic escalation." "China's naval incursions into Japan's EEZ are unquestionably provocative, strategically designed to test Japan's reaction thresholds without crossing the legal line into outright illegality under international law," he said.
Third carrier
In September, the Liaoning sailed between two Japanese islands near Taiwan and entered Japan's contiguous waters, an area up to 24 nautical miles (NM) from its coast. At the time, Tokyo called that move "unacceptable" and expressed "serious concerns" to Beijing. Under international law, a state has rights to the management of natural resources and other economic activities within its EEZ, which is within 200 NM (370 km) of its coastline.
Kawai said the anticipated commissioning of Beijing's third aircraft carrier, named Fujian, later this year meant that "China's maritime operational tempo and geographic scope of influence will significantly increase." And the timing of the sailings could be linked to the broader context of US-China economic tensions.
"Senior US policymakers, including President [Donald] Trump himself, have shifted their focus from strategic containment of China toward securing economic compromises," Kawai said. "Thus, Beijing calculated that the US would be less willing or able to respond militarily at this precise moment, seeing it as an opportune time to demonstrate its expanding military capabilities," he added.
Source: manilatimes.net
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Mpox is still a health emergency, WHO says
June 12 ------ The mpox outbreak is still a public health emergency, the World Health Organization (WHO) said, with the health body's director-general issuing a revised set of temporary recommendations.
The WHO first declared the emergency in August last year, when an outbreak of a new form of mpox spread from the badly-hit Democratic Republic of Congo to neighboring countries.
A public health emergency of international concern is WHO's highest form of alert.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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MARITIME NEWS
NGOs urge countries to include shipping emissions in national Paris climate plans
June 12 ------ Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) Opportunity Green, Seas at Risk, and Transport & Environment have called on states to include their shipping emissions in their national climate plans under the Paris Agreement. This comes as world leaders and maritime stakeholders gather at the UN’s Oceans Conference (UNOC) in Nice on June 9-13, to debate steps to strengthen ocean protection and sustainability.
As explained, in the lead-up to COP30 in Brazil, including shipping in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) would give countries a stronger mandate to take action to tackle the industry’s emissions, including introducing new national and regional policies and accelerating shipping’s energy transition. Several legal analyses agree that shipping falls under the Paris Agreement’s scope of “economy-wide emission” coverage, and that this is a “glaring gap” in most countries’ climate plans.
The recent approval of the draft International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Net-Zero Framework at the 83rd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) is said to represent “a historic milestone”. The framework, if adopted in October, will introduce the first-ever, legally binding global measure for shipping to generate revenues through penalties on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, integrated within a marine fuel’s standard, aiming to achieve the IMO’s 2023 Revised Strategy emission reduction targets.
While the IMO’s agreement is a significant step for decarbonizing the shipping sector, it falls seriously short of achieving the IMO’s agreed climate and equity commitments. Additional and complementary policy action at national and regional level is urgently needed to close this gap, the NGOs believe. Incorporating shipping in a systematic way in NDCs would provide a legislative mandate for countries to introduce and enforce regulatory measures to curb shipping’s significant climate impacts. This would also provide the urgently needed confidence and certainty to the industry and stakeholders to invest in real zero-emission solutions today, as per the three NGOs. “Including maritime shipping in NDCs aligns with UNOC’s broader goals to accelerate action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean,” Opportunity Green, Seas at Risk and T&E said.
Specifically, the NGOs have called upon all nations to:
• Integrate their international shipping emissions into their NDCs, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all major emission sources;
• Implement national and regional policies that support the IMO’s Net-Zero Framework, including incentives for zero-emission technologies and infrastructure development;
• Promote industry innovation by investing in research and development of zero-emission fuels and technologies;
• Support developing countries, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), in building capacity to meet new maritime environmental standards.
“For too long, states have ignored their international legal obligations to regulate the dirty greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping and the damage being done to our oceans. International courts are starting to shine a light on this glaring gap, and states need to respond by bringing international shipping into their NDCs and properly addressing these emissions. Accountability is the first step to meaningful action,” Aoife O’Leary, CEO of Opportunity Green, commented.
“Each year, 10 billion tons of toxic waste is dumped into the sea from ships, which then feeds into our food chains. Some food for thought as decision makers gather in Nice to enjoy the local seafood during the United Nations Ocean Conference. Shipping’s impact is mostly invisible but the damage is real: One of the most meaningful steps countries can take is to recognize shipping emissions in their NDCs, putting the ocean at the heart of climate action,” Anaïs Rios, Seas at Risk, said.
“As the world descends on Belem on the banks of the largest inland waterway on earth, it is crucial that states finally take responsibility for the shipping emissions that carry the international trade they so cherish. Contrary to industry claims, legal analysis has shown that shipping and aviation are in fact part of the Paris Agreement. Countries must revise their NDCs to take into account all their shipping emissions into their ‘economy-wide’ national contributions as required by the Paris Agreement and price all the maritime carbon emissions, which the IMO preliminary deal will not,” Faig Abbasov, Transport & Environment, highlighted.
“As the global community gathers in Nice, we urge governments to seize this opportunity to take concrete actions that will ensure the maritime sector contributes its fair share to combating climate change,” the NGOs concluded.
Shipping emissions have been rising steadily, representing around 3% of all greenhouse gas emissions, and are expected to increase by up to 50% by 2050 if no action is taken. The growing volume of global shipping is one of the main spreaders of invasive species, damaging ecosystems around the world.
Countries are expected to submit their next round of climate action plans (NDCs) which will outline how they plan to achieve their commitments to keep global temperature rise below 1.5°C as agreed under the Paris Agreement. Including ocean-based climate action in NDCs can significantly scale up emission cuts and raise ambition. In the previous NDC cycle, 25 countries included ocean transport mitigation in their NDCs, though few specified whether actions targeted domestic or international shipping. While the IMO regulates international shipping emissions, countries still play a key role in driving decarbonization across the sector domestically.
Source: offshore-energy.biz
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Bulker Safety Improves as Sector Continues Strong Growth
June 12 ------ A new report looking at the trends in bulker operations and causalities over the past decade points to what the trade group INTERCARGO calls “encouraging progress” in safety, vessel losses, and fatalities. The group points out that with over 12,500 bulk carriers in service globally and demand for dry cargo trade growing, the industry must continue to focus on safety improvements.
Over the past decade, the sector has recorded 20 causalities on vessels of 10,000 or greater dwt. While the number is down dramatically, INTERCARGO calculates it still resulted in 89 seafarers losing their lives or an average of nine fatalities per year, and many more put in harm’s way. By comparison, it however highlights that the losses have been on a steady decline since the 1980s and 1990s into the 2000s. Between 1990 and 2000, INTERCARGO reports the sector experienced annual losses of between five and 26 vessels and fatalities ranging between 23 and 186 per year.
The report attributes the decline in casualties to elements including better crew training, improved ship design, new technology, and stronger regulatory compliance. Yet it sees three factors as the most dangerous to the industry. It says cargo liquefaction is the greatest risk to lives having accounted for nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of the seafarers killed while the similar challenge of cargo shifting sank two other vessels and cost 12 lives. The greatest risk to vessels however is grounding, which accounted for nearly half (45 percent) of the vessels lost in the past decade.
While it notes there were several high-profile large vessel causalities, such as the Wakashio and Stellar Banner, each lost in 2020, most of the casualties come among the smaller (50,000 to 59,000 dwt) sector or smaller vessels under 35,000 dwt and over 80,000 dwt.
INTERCARGO however emphasizes that significant risks persist, particularly those related to improperly declared cargoes, navigational failures, and delays in the submission of accident investigation reports by flag States. It notes that the average reporting time remains over two years, which it says is severely hindering the industry’s ability to learn and implement timely corrective actions.
It also cites the fact that three of the vessels lost in the attacks by the Houthis were bulkers. It notes that four seafarers were lost in those attacks which it says also had a broader impact on the sector and shipping in general. It notes the safety concerns raised by the Houthi attacks led to difficulties in recruiting seafarers. As a trade group, it commits to working with international bodies and others to continue the progress in the sector. It also reiterates its call for a collective industry commitment to achieving zero loss of life and ships.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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U.S. Car and Container Imports Plummeted in May as Tariffs Impact Volumes
June 12 ------ Newly released data shows the depth of decline both for car and container imports into the U.S. in May. The uncertainties and back and forth on tariffs have taken a toll but the expectation is that importers will rush to bring goods in before the short-term pause on tariff increases is due to expire.
Car volumes were among the most impacted during May according to a report from Automotive News using information from logistics productivity data provider Descartes. Motor vehicle imports were off 72.3 percent in May as car companies paused shipments waiting for more favorable tariff conditions. The well-known car industry reporter Kelly Blue Book writes that the auto industry’s pattern has been to have 60 days of inventory on hand and 15 days’ worth in transit. Automakers’ inventory was down to 66 days at the end of April according to the report. It however highlighted in May that brands Jaguar and Land Rover had restarted U.S. shipments after a pause due to the tariffs.
Descartes released similar container import data that shows that monthly imports fell nearly 10 percent from April to May and were down over seven percent versus the year earlier. It notes that this was the first time May container volumes were down in the last seven years except for 2020 during the pandemic.
Volumes from China were off more dramatically where its share of U.S. imports fell to just over 29 percent. Containers coming from China were off more than 20 percent month-over-month and 28.5 percent year-over-year. It was the steepest monthly decline in five years and contributed to 30 percent volume declines for both the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. “After several months of import growth and following a wave of front loading of shipments in April, the impact of new tariffs began to materialize in May,” said Jackson Wood, at Descartes. “The effects of U.S. policy shifts with China are also now clearly visible in monthly trade flows.”
The retailers’ trade association National Retail Federation agrees highlighting that with front loading April’s volume was 2.21 million TEU which was up three percent over March and nearly 10 percent year-over-year.
The retailers note that the pause in tariffs on reciprocal tariffs is due to last till July 9, and for Chinese imports it is due to last until August 12. Donald Trump however infers that a deal is being finalized for the Chinese trade. U.S. and Chinese trade representatives were meeting again on Monday to go over the points the White House announced. However, unless that deal is reached the NRF highlights in the rush to get merchandise into the U.S., the peak for the winter holiday imports will come early and be simultaneous with the peak end of summer/fall season imports creating a rush on the ports.
The NRF is raising its forecasted container volume for June up 17.5 percent to 2.01 million TEU and up 20 percent in July to 2.13 million TEU. This reflects the lead time to get shipments moving and the rush to beat the scheduled tariff increases. “This is the busiest time of the year for retailers as they enter the back-to-school season and prepare for the fall-winter holiday season,” said NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold. “Retailers had paused their purchases and imports previously because of the significantly high tariffs. They are now looking to get those orders and cargo moving in order to bring as much merchandise into the country as they can before the reciprocal tariff and additional China tariff pauses end in July and August.”
Retailers are forecasting without trade agreements that volumes are expected to drop sharply for the remainder of 2025, with larger year-over-year decreases. The NRF points out that retailers last year rushed shipments due to concerns about longshore workers going on strike at U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports. The NRF however expects this year volumes could be down around 20 percent per month in September and October. The NRF is urging the administration to reach agreements with trading partners to restore predictability and stability to the supply chain. Port officials, longshore workers, and others share the same concern as the fluctuations and drops in volumes take a toll on operations and members.
Source: maritime-executive.com
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PHILIPPINE NEWS
Meralco power rates down in June
MANILA, June 12 ------ Meralco electricity rates are going down in June. The power distributor said power costs were going down by P0.11/kwh this month as electricity prices fell in the spot market.
This means electricity bills may go down by the following amounts:
Consumption Cost
200 kwh P22
300 kwh P32
400 kwh P43
500 kwh P54
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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PH, Japan defense forces to see more interactions via RAA
MANILA, June 12 ------ The Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) will provide a basis for a greater interaction between the Filipino and Japanese defense forces, a ranking Philippine Navy (PN) official said. "The RAA provides a basis for interaction between the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines). Details of that will have to be further ironed out at the Defense Department for the AFP to execute. This is just the legal reference or legal basis for both countries to be able to engage militarily. But details will have to be ironed out further," PN spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a press briefing Tuesday afternoon when asked how the agreement will help the Philippines in its territorial defense efforts.
He added that they are looking forward to the implementation of the RAA as this will allow the AFP to interact with a first world country in terms of military-to-military activities. "It will afford our men and women the opportunity to be able to have hands-on training with modern weaponry. And it would also be an eye-opener to us on what there is as a way ahead for the Armed Forces (of the Philippines) modernization program," Trinidad said.
Japan's Diet ratified the RAA on June 6. The agreement was signed in Manila on July 8, 2024, ratified by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Nov. 5, 2024 and ratified by the Senate on Dec. 16, 2024. The RAA allows joint military operations, training and humanitarian missions between the Philippine and Japanese forces.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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41 Chinese coast guard, navy ships monitored in West Philippine Sea in May
MANILA, June 12 ------ A total of 41 ships of the China Coast Guard (CCG) and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy were monitored in some features in the West Philippine Sea in May, the Philippine military reported.
From May 1 to 31, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through the Philippine Navy, spotted 15 CCG and 11 PLAN vessels in Bajo de Masinloc or Scarborough Shoal; 6 CCG and 1 PLAN vessels in Ayungin Shoal or Second Thomas Shoal; and 4 CCG and 4 PLAN vessels in Pag-asa Island or Thitu Island. “Additional Chinese vessels were sighted intermediately throughout various features in the Kalayaan Island Group and other Philippine maritime zones consistent with patterns of maritime swarming and grey zone activities,” AFP spokesperson Colonel Franincel Margareth Padilla told reporters in a press briefing at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. “These figures represent vessels monitored at various times throughout the reporting period. They were not permanently positioned but may have passed through designated monitoring areas as part of their transit,” she added.
During the same period, the AFP monitored 15,765 vessels across the archipelago. Of the number, 12,608 were foreign vessels while 3,157 were domestic vessels. A total of 1,349 vessels did not respond to the Philippine Navy’s radio challenges. Most of the incidents were recorded in Pag-asa Island (665 vessels), Tubbataha Reef (184 vessels) and Ayungin Shoal (125 vessels) areas of high interest due to their proximity to other maritime zones. “Despite the number of non-responsive vessels, no challenges resulted in interceptions or confrontations with friendly forces underlining the Navy’s effective and measured approach in conducting its operations,” Padilla noted. “As part of continued maritime surveillance, Chinese government-affiliated vessels remain persistently present in key areas in the West Philippine Sea,” she said.
Padilla said the AFP’s sustained presence and active monitoring in the West Philippine Sea serve as a testament to the military’s operational readiness and strategic resolve in safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and maritime domains. “These efforts support the Philippines’ enhanced external defense posture and affirm our steadfast commitment to a rules-based regional order in the WPS,” the official said. “We do not chase shadows. We map their direction. While others see noise, we see navigation.”
Tensions continue as China claims almost the entire South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. Its claims have been effectively invalidated by the 2016 arbitral award, a decision that Beijing does not recognize.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Philippines grants visa-free travel for Indian nationals to boost tourism
June 12 ------ The Philippines is offering visa-free travel privileges to Indian nationals to enhance tourism arrivals in the country, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.
According to the DFA, the following visa policies applicable to Indian nationals starting 08 June 2025:
1. Indian nationals may enter the Philippines without a visa for a non-extendible and non-convertible period of 14 days for tourism purposes, upon presenting a passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated stay, confirmed hotel accommodation / booking, proof of financial capacity, and return or onward ticket to the next country of destination.
2. Indian nationals holding valid and current American, Japanese, Australian, Canadian, Schengen, Singapore or United Kingdom (AJACSSUK) visas or residence permits may enter the Philippines without a visa for a non-extendible period of 30 days for tourism, upon presenting a passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated stay, and return or onward ticket to the next country of destination.
The DFA said the said visa-free privileges for Indian nationals may be availed of at any Philippine port of entry, but are not convertible to a visa-based stay or other admission status categories. The government department also said that the visiting Indian nationals must also not have any derogatory record with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in order to be admitted into the country without a visa. Meanwhile, Indian nationals transiting in the Philippines or entering the country for long-term visits and non-tourism activities are required to apply for an appropriate Philippine visa at a Philippine Embassy or Consulate in their country or origin, place of legal residence, or any country that requires entry visas for Indian nationals.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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DA to extend access to P20/kg rice to minimum wage earners
MANILA, June 12 ------ The Department of Agriculture is set to expand its P20 per kilo rice program to minimum wage earners beginning next month.
Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel and Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma agreed “in principle” to expand the program to minimum wage earners. An initial 120,000 workers have been identified as program beneficiaries, De Mesa said in an interview with state TV's "Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon". He said agencies are still studying how the subsidized rice will be distributed but assured the public it will be done in the "best and most efficient" way.
The agriculture official said there is enough rice supply to allocate around 1.2 million kilograms to minimum wage earners. “So, iyong supply natin galing sa National Food Authority, sinisigurado natin na sapat at makakaabot iyan hanggang sa matapos iyong December ngayong taon,” De Mesa stated.
Aside from identifying beneficiaries, the labor department will also help in coordination and logistics for faster distribution of low-cost rice to beneficiaries nationwide.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Travelers urged to observe precautions vs. mpox
MANILA, June 12 ------ With more travelers expected to fly for back-to-school season, AirAsia Philippines urged them to observe precautions against mpox. "AirAsia Philippines is reminding all passengers to observe proper hygiene amid ongoing health precautions related to mpox," it said in a statement.
Travelers are encouraged to wash their hands frequently, practice proper coughing and sneezing etiquette, and use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, especially upon disembarkation. On June 7, the Department of Health (DOH) advised the public to heed health advisories through the DOH’s official social media accounts.
The DOH made this call as it denied information circulating online claiming a lockdown is in place in the country due to mpox. In an advisory, the department said it does not see the need to impose a lockdown as mpox is “not airborne.” The DOH said last week that all cases of mpox in the country belong to Clade 2 and not the fatal Clade 1B strain that caused the 2024 outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Meanwhile, AirAsia said 20 percent of its market in 2024 is young individuals aged 2 to 24. "It is important to make journeys meaningful, especially when it concerns education. Any savings on travels can be used for other purposeful school-related requirements or plan for another trip," said Steve Dailisan, AirAsia's head of Communications.
The carrier's ongoing seat sale, which includes a one-way base for as low as PHP208, can be availed of until June 15 for travel until Nov. 30, 2025. AirAsia said the sale applies to all domestic routes from Manila.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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'Habagat' rains to ease this weekend - PAGASA
June 12 ------ The effects of the southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat,” may weaken this weekend - a reprieve from the rains that have affected parts of the country over the past few days, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja said that before it weakens, the habagat may continue to bring moderate to heavy rainfall (between 50 to 100 millimeters) over Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, and Occidental Mindoro on Independence Day, June 12 (Thursday). He explained that 50 to 100 millimeters of rainfall is roughly equivalent to four to eight pails of water poured over one square meter of land in a single day.
This volume can trigger flash floods and landslides in high-risk areas, thus the public is advised to remain vigilant, especially during periods of heavy rainfall, Estareja pointed out. Meanwhile, scattered light to moderate rains and thunderstorms will prevail over Metro Manila, as well as the rest of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and Visayas.
By Friday, June 13, Estareja said the habagat is expected to gradually weaken but may still bring scattered light to moderate rains over the northern and western sections of Luzon.
From Saturday to Sunday, June 14 to 15, improved weather is expected across Luzon, although brief rain showers and thunderstorms may still occur, particularly in Visayas and Mindanao, mostly in the afternoon or evening. Estareja also noted that PAGASA is monitoring a cloud cluster over the Philippine Sea, east of the country, for possible development into a low-pressure area within the next two days.
As of Wednesday, the cloud cluster is not expected to develop into a tropical cyclone, though PAGASA will continue to monitor it for any potential changes, he added.
Source: mb.com.ph
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Marcos: 911 emergency hotline to launch nationwide in July
June 12 ------ President Marcos announced that the government will launch a unified national 911 emergency hotline by July, calling it a major step in his administration’s efforts to keep Filipinos safe from crime. In his latest vlog, the President said the launch of a state-of-the-art national emergency hotline is an integral part of his administration’s campaign against criminality. “Ginagawa na rin itong emergency hotline natin at sigurado ako in just a few weeks baka sa Hulyo ay ma-launch na namin ito,” he said.
According ot the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the system will initially go live in Metro Manila, the Ilocos Region, Central Visayas, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The DILG added that the 911 system utilizes advanced technology to connect emergency calls directly to frontline responders, such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), while minimizing prank or nuisance calls through enhanced screening mechanisms.
More police, faster response
The emergency hotline rollout complements the administration’s “Cops on the Beat” initiative, which aims to increase police visibility in public spaces and cut emergency response time to five minutes. President Marcos said the program reflects his marching orders to PNP Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III to deploy more officers and improve immediate police assistance.
“Sinimulan natin ang pagde-deploy ng mas maraming pulis o ‘yung tinatawag nating ‘Cops on the Beat’,” he said.
‘Public feels safer’
In his vlog, the President also shared public feedback highlighting the impact of visible police patrols on people’s sense of safety. A college student shared that people feel more comfortable walking alone, knowing there are police nearby, while another resident said they feel secure when they approach police officers for help.
President Marcos said these safety measures are part of his broader governance goal of making everyday life more bearable and dignified for ordinary citizens. “Iyan naman ang pangunahing direksyon na inilatag natin sa ating Gabinete: paano ba natin pagiginhawain ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.
The national emergency hotline initiative follows the recent appointment of Gen. Torre as PNP chief and is among a series of measures aimed at modernizing law enforcement, improving public trust, and promoting a more responsive government. The 911 emergency hotline was officially launched in the Philippines on Aug. 1, 2016, during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte, making it the first country in Asia to adopt 911 as a nationwide emergency number, similar to the system used in the United States.
Before this, the national emergency hotline was 117, operated under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the PNP. The 117 hotline was introduced in the early 2000s but faced challenges such as limited scope, slower response times, and inconsistent operations across regions.
Source: mb.com.ph
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
CJ Opiaza's perks as Miss Grand International 2024 revealed
June 12 ------ A generous contract, international travel, and the option to reside in the MGI penthouse in Bangkok — these are among the perks which Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza will enjoy as she begins her whirlwind reign as Miss Grand International 2024. While her tenure lasts only five months, her impact as the first Filipina winner of the coveted "Golden Crown" will surely be enshrined in the annals of pageantry.
“I have to be based in Bangkok,” CJ explained in an interview before her homecoming motorcade at the Mall of Asia grounds. “Every time I travel, it will be from Thailand to another country. But I can return to the Philippines for previously booked events—I’ve already sent MGI my schedule.”
The beauty queen from Zambales shared that she’s still deciding between staying in a hotel or making the MGI penthouse her home base. Yet beyond these luxuries, CJ emphasized that the crown represents purpose. “It’s a big platform. We’ll be able to tap more people,” she said.
MGI founder and president Nawat Itsaragrisil has pledged full support, promising CJ extensive opportunities within and beyond Thailand. Nawat flew to Manila for CJ’s homecoming event, organized by Arnold Vegafria’s ALV Pageant Circle, and expressed confidence that CJ could make history in her short reign. “"Five months is not a short time. She can make a good history and enjoy the victory of the winner of Miss Grand International from the Philippines, first and ever. "And also, I promise all Filipinos that I will try to put her in every way that she wants. In the beauty queen, like our coaching manager, or any event. Now, a lot of events in Thailand and some countries want to book her," he stated in his Thai English.
CJ, who is known in Manila as a pasarela coach, is excited to assume her duties on a more global scale. For her first month as MGI, she’s scheduled to perform her MGI role with visits to Spain, the Netherlands, and Myanmar. Nawat also revealed plans to send her to Latin America and refugee communities as part of MGI’s charitable programs.
He even hinted at the possibility of extending her reign. “If she wants, I can prolong her time so she can earn more commission,” he quipped. Nawat called CJ’s win “destiny” and part of God’s will. He encouraged the Philippines to aim for back-to-back titles, saying that everything depends on who Arnold Vegafria and the Miss Grand Philippines judges choose next. "I know you will have the winner again if you choose the right person. It depends on you if you choose the real beauty queen," he said, addressing Mr. Vegafria.
Source: mb.com.ph
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Dianne Medina, Rodjun Cruz secure land investment for their kids
June 12 ------ Dianne Medina and Rodjun Cruz are committed to securing their children’s future, as they purchased two separate residential lots, one for each of their young kids.
On Instagram, the celebrity couple offered a glimpse of the properties they bought for their four-year-old son, Joaquin, and their one-year-old daughter, Isabella. Medina shared that Joaquin’s lot is located across from their house, which they bought in 2022 and currently serves as the family’s garage for the meantime.
Isabella’s newly purchased lot, on the other hand, is located beside Joaquin’s. The celebrity parents regarded the new lot investment as a “dream come true.” “Anything is possible with my Lord Jesus! In the year 2022, we acquired the lot across our house for Joaquin. There was a lot next to it, and we thought about it for Isabella, but they didn’t want to sell it for the longest time—every day, Rodjun and I prayed over the lot and manifested that Daddy RJ and I would get it. Now we have it. Thank you, Jesus; you truly are all this. We are nothing without you! Thank you, Jesus, for blessing us more than we deserve,” she wrote in the caption.
Medina emphasized that they did not post about the new lot investment “to brag” but only to inspire others. “Teamwork makes the dream work! Keep working hard! More, more work! In Jesus’ name! Looking forward to our next investment! Claiming it! Posted this not to brag but to inspire and remind everyone that—WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. Matthew 19:26,” the actress-host concluded the post.
Source: inquirer.net
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Filipino publicist Josh Yugen now VP of Mister International Organization
June 12 ------ Another Filipino personality has assumed an executive role in a global pageant organization as Dubai-based publicist and publisher Josh Yugen officially joins one of the longest-running male competitions in the world. “The Mister International Organization is pleased to announce the appointment of [Yugen], founder and CEO of House of Yugen and publisher fo internationally-renowned publication [Xpedition Magazine], as an official board member and Vice President for Global Partnership,” the male pageant posted on social media.
Pawee Ventura, the Filipino CEO of online pageant portal Missosology, is the chief operating officer of the Mister International Organization based in Bangkok, Thailand.
In the Miss Universe Organization, California-based Filipino entrepreneur Olivia Quido-Co serves as VP for Global Partnerships, while the Miss International pageant’s Executive Director is Japan-based Filipino Stephen Diaz. Yugen’s scope of function in the Mister International Organization covers “strategic planning, global partnership development, international media relations, and creative direction,” the post added. He was one of the three Filipino personalities who served as judges in the 16th Mister International pageant held in Thailand in December last year. The other two were actress Arci Muñoz and international shoe designer Jojo Bragais.
“I am deeply honored to be appointed as Vice President of Mister International. As a proud Filipino, I believe our nation continues to rise as a global leader—driven by resilience, heart, and excellence,” Yugen said in a statement. “My journey as National Director of Miss Universe Pakistan, Bahrain, and Egypt has instilled in me the discipline, passion, and perseverance needed to shape new frontiers in pageantry,” he continued.
The Mister International Organization has also designated House of Yugen as the “official and exclusive” public relations, advertising, and sales agency for the 2025 competition. “Founding Yugen PR taught me the value of purposeful leadership, while Xpedition Magazine unlocked the power of creativity and storytelling. I look forward to bringing all these experiences into Mister International—to inspire, to elevate, and to create a legacy that celebrates men of substance, vision, and impact,” Yugen shared.
The Mister International pageant was founded in 2006, and has become one of the most prestigious competitions for men in the world. Reigning king Nwajagu Chinemerem Samuel recently visited the Philippines to attend the Mister Pilipinas Worldwide contest, where the country’s delegate to the search was chosen.
Source: inquirer.net
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SPORTS NEWS
Mikee Romero rises to No. 6 in US Polo rankings for April
June 12 ------ FILIPINO businessman and lawmaker Mikee Romero has achieved again a new milestone in his sporting career, earning the No. 6 overall ranking in the United States Polo Rankings for April 2025. Romero also rose to No. 20 overall with 205 points, tied with 10-goaler and 2024 US Open champion Poroto Cambiaso for the entire January-May 2025 Winter Polo Season, placing him firmly among the top-performing amateur and professional players in America.
This latest feat comes on the heels of Romero’s recognition by the World Polo Tour, where he was named the No. 24 amateur polo player in the world, making him the highest-ranked Southeast Asian player on the global circuit. The April rankings are led by some of the world’s most dominant 10-goal professionals: Tomas Panelo at No. 1, Juan Martín Nero at No. 2, Adolfo Cambiaso at No. 3, and Barto Castagnola at No. 4. Romero’s placement at No. 6 among such icons is a testament to his competitive performance and elite campaign throughout the U.S. polo season.
Romero’s top-rated polo pony, ‘Niki’, also earned national recognition, tying for the No. 1 polo horse ranking in the United States. Niki shares the prestigious top spot with ‘Catwoman’ (Juan Martín Nero), ‘La Dolfina Binter’ and ‘La Dolfina Jetcost’ (Adolfo Cambiaso), and ‘Oriental Oklahoma’ (Tomas Panelo)—each scoring a perfect 30-point rating.
Romero’s climb was fueled by his strong performance in the 2025 Gauntlet of Polo, the U.S.’s most prestigious series composed of the C.V. Whitney Cup, USPA Gold Cup, and the U.S. Open Polo Championship. Competing with his GlobalPort Polo Team, Romero made history as part of the first Asia-based team in decades to complete the Gauntlet. The team reached the semifinals of the C.V. Whitney Cup and the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open, matching up against the sport’s most elite squads. “This is a deeply meaningful moment,” said Romero. “To stand among the best players in the U.S. and to see Niki recognized beside the finest horses in the world is a tribute to the effort, preparation, and heart that went into every game.”
With these achievements, Romero continues to establish himself as one of the most respected figures in international polo — on and off the field.
Source: spin.ph
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Boisson soars 296 places in rankings; Sinner keeps top spot despite French Open finals loss
PARIS, June 12 ------ Loïs Boisson, the revelation of the French Open, has rocketed 296 places up the WTA rankings after her fairy-tale run at Roland-Garros. The Frenchwoman, who was 361st before making it to the semifinals at the clay-court Grand Slam last week, jumped to 65th in the latest edition of the rankings.
Coco Gauff defeated Boisson in the semifinals en route to her first French Open title. There was no change at the top of the rankings, with Aryna Sabalenka leading the pack ahead of Gauff and her fellow American Jessica Pegula.
Sabalenka lost to Gauff in the Roland-Garros final. A wild-card entry in Paris, Boisson upset the third-seeded Pegula to reach the quarterfinals, then defeated sixth-ranked Mirra Andreeva before Gauff ended her unexpected run.
After retaining his title on Sunday in the longest ever final at Roland-Garros against top-ranked Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz remained in second spot in the men's ATP rankings behind his Italian rival. Despite the loss, Sinner increased his lead to 2,030 points because Alcaraz, as the defending champion, was unable to add any points. Sinner gained 500 points by reaching the final, having lost in the semifinals last year. Third-ranked Alexander Zverev dropped 900 points after his loss to Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals. Djokovic moved up to fifth place behind fourth-ranked Jack Draper.
Source: mb.com.ph
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Manny Pacquiao enshrined in Hall of Fame ahead of comeback
June 12 ------ Manny Pacquiao’s fighting days aren’t finished yet, as he’s coming out of retirement at 46 for a shot at another title next month. No matter what happens in the remaining stage, it’s hard to find many better resumes than the one he already assembled in a career that landed him in the International Boxing Hall of Fame. “And now, when I look back,” Pacquiao said, “eight-division world champion, world titles in four different decades, oldest welterweight world champion in history, those are not just opinions. They are facts.”
Pacquiao was the headline name in the class of 2025 that was enshrined during a ceremony at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York. He won’t be able to celebrate too long, as then it’s back to training for his July 19 bout in Las Vegas against WBC champ Mario Barrios. Pacquiao didn’t mention that during his speech at the end of a lengthy induction ceremony. Instead he focused on the record-setting accomplishment of winning titles in eight weight classes, a fighter who made his pro debut in the 106-pound class and rose all the way to win a title at the 154-pound limit. “From flyweight to junior middleweight, eight divisions,” Pacquiao said. “Every fight, every victory was a step further from poverty. It was not just for me but for my family, for the Filipino people.”
Vinny Paz, the three-division champion formerly known as Vinny Pazienza who overcame a broken neck sustained in a car crash to resume his career, and Michael Nunn, a champion at middleweight and super middleweight, were the other top men fighters in the class. Women in the class included Yessica Chavez, Anne Sophie Mathis, Mary Jo Sanders and Cathy “Cat” Davis, who after filing a sex discrimination suit against New York State Athletic Commission became one of the first women to be granted a pro boxing license by the organization in 1978.
Pointing to the jewelry the inductees received, Davis said: “I’ve got this beautiful ring here and I asked them to make it big enough for my middle finger, because if I ever see those old white stupid men who kept us out, you know what I’m going to do.” Kenny Bayless, who worked some of Pacquiao’s biggest fights including his loss to Floyd Mayweather and knockout of Ricky Hatton, and fellow referee Harry Gibbs were enshrined, along with cut man Al Gavin. Broadcaster Randy Gordon, HBO producer Ross Greenburg and late boxers Rodrigo Valdez and Owen Swift rounded out the class.
Pacquiao retired in 2021 with a record of 62-8-2 with 39 KOs, fighting in some of the biggest blockbusters of the 2000s. He said he always sought the toughest opponents so he could continuing testing himself. That made him far richer than he could have imagined when he was raised in poverty in the Philippines. He went on to serve his country as a senator from 2016-22 and ran unsuccessfully for president, and his voice broke a bit as he thanked his fans from home along with his family. “This is our victory,” Pacquiao said. “This is our story and the best is yet to come.”
Source: inquirer.net
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