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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As of May 25, 2026
May 23, 2026
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HEADLINES
Tourists in Thailand plan for coming cuts to visa-free stays
IMO Annual Piracy Report: 171 incidents during 2025
Dela Rosa still in Philippines - CIDG
ABS-CBN Music to reimagine OPM classics with CAT Records
Dennis Trillo, Ruru Madrid to reunite in new GMA series ‘Hari ng Tondo’
Knicks go 2-0 vs Cavs after second-half surge
Ronaldo strikes twice to end long wait for Saudi title
FULL NEWSPAPER
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Oil Prices Rise as Iran Talks Stall and Inventories Shrink
May 23 ------ Oil prices edged higher as investors monitored peace talks between the United States and Iran, while supply tightness and U.S. inventory drawdowns provided some support. Brent crude futures LCOc1 rose 40 cents, or 0.4%, to $105.42 a barrel by 0809 GMT, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures CLc1 were up 50 cents, or 0.5%, at $98.76.
Both benchmarks dropped around 5.6% on Wednesday to their lowest in more than a week after President Donald Trump said talks with Iran were in the final stages. "Prices came under pressure when markets priced lower immediate escalation risk in the Middle East, but the rebound shows traders are not ready to remove the supply-risk premium while the Strait of Hormuz remains central to global energy flows," said Naeem Aslam, chief investment officer at Zaye Capital Markets.
Tehran said it was reviewing Washington's latest responses and Trump suggested he could wait a few days for "the right answers" from Tehran but was also willing to resume attacks on the country. "We’ve been in this situation multiple times before, which ultimately led to disappointment," ING analysts said in a note on Thursday, forecasting an average Brent price of $104 a barrel in the current quarter.
Iran warned against further attacks and unveiled steps entrenching its control of the crucial Strait of Hormuz, which remains mostly closed. Before the war, it had carried oil and liquefied natural gas shipments equal to about 20% of global consumption. Iran announced a new "Persian Gulf Strait Authority", saying there would be a "controlled maritime zone" in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran effectively closed the strait in response to the U.S. and Israeli attacks that started the war on February 28. Most of the fighting has stopped since an April ceasefire, but while Iran is limiting traffic through Hormuz, the U.S. has blockaded its coastline.
Supply losses from the key Middle Eastern producing region because of the war have forced countries to tap their commercial and strategic inventories at a rapid rate, raising concerns about draining them. The U.S. Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday the country withdrew nearly 10 million barrels of oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve last week for its biggest drawdown on record.
U.S. crude inventories also fell by more than expected last week, according to EIA data. "The drawdown in oil inventories will make it difficult for oil prices to remain low," said Mingyu Gao, chief researcher for energy and chemicals at China Futures. "With the Strait of Hormuz blocked, global refined-product and onshore crude inventories are expected to fall below their lowest levels for this time of year in the past five years by late May and late June."
Source: marinelink.com
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Tourists in Thailand plan for coming cuts to visa-free stays
May 23 ------ The backpackers on Khao San Road, a Bangkok thoroughfare famous for its wild nightlife, are waking up this week with an extra headache: the Thai government is set to shorten the length of visa-free stays. Near the capital Tha Tian pier, where tourists catch ferries to the landmark Wat Arun, Irishman Alex Brady said the forthcoming one-month limit would have affected his plans a lot -- because he and his friends "initially came here with no plan at all".
Brady and his travel companions were visiting for about five weeks, and the flexibility of the current 60-day visa-free scheme allowed them to see more of Thailand at their leisure, the 24-year-old said. The new limits -- announced Tuesday for tourists from more than 90 countries in a bid to curb crime -- would "really restrict you in what you can see", said Brady.
After Bangkok, he and his group planned to get a bus and ferry to the diving hotspot of Koh Tao for about a week before travelling north to the mountains of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. "If you're paying for an expensive flight ticket out here, you want to spend a good amount of time out here," said Brady, a digital engineer. Tourism accounts for more than 10 percent of Thailand's GDP, but foreign arrivals are yet to return to their pre-pandemic highs. The 60-day visa-free stay was introduced two years ago to encourage more visitors and for them to stay longer. But a recent series of high-profile arrests of foreigners, including cases linked to drug offences, sex in public and foreigners operating businesses such as hotels and schools without proper permits, has sparked public backlash. Now officials say they will limit how long visitors can stay on a country-by-country basis to try to prevent foreigners committing crimes.
EXTENDED STAYS
Exactly how the new policy's reduced timing will prevent visa overstayers, public indecency and illegal businesses has not been disclosed, nor when the fresh rules will go into effect. Tourists will still be able to renew 30-day visas once an additional 30 days -- at the discretion of an immigration officer -- before needing to leave the country, officials said. Visitors can make one "visa run" a year and stay for up to another 60 days but would then need to leave again and could only return on a different visa status, such as a work, education or retirement visa. Another traveler, Elin Ovrebo, director of a US university study abroad program, said she has brought students to Thailand for 28-day trips almost every year for more than a decade -- and she likes to stay a week longer herself.
VISA RUNS
Sitting on a stool outside a Bangkok shopping mall, Anna Heindrich waited for a minibus for a lightning round trip to Laos to re-enter Thailand on a new stay. At 80, the German does not fit the typical customer profile for services provided by the Bangkok Buddy agency, which charges 5,500 baht ($170) per client -- mostly younger backpackers. But Heindrich has been in Thailand for three months and wants to stay two weeks longer. "I spoke with the agency, and it sounded easy on paper. Not necessarily very comfortable, but easy," she told AFP before setting off on a nearly 16-hour round trip.
Bangkok Buddy manager Tanya Chansuwan said the new visa rules could help her business but may also complicate travel plans for tourists. "It will be tougher for the clients, and some might choose to go somewhere else," she said. "Vietnam, because it's cheaper."
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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MARITIME NEWS
Strait of Hormuz closure disrupts global bunker fuel supply
May 23 ------ An AP report says the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran war has disrupted global supplies of bunker fuel, causing headaches to shipping operators.
According to the Associated Press (AP), the disruption is being felt first in Asia, especially Singapore, the world’s largest marine refueling hub, where inventories are tightening and prices have jumped from about $500 per metric ton before the conflict to more than $800 in early May. Henning Gloystein, analyst at the Eurasia Group consultancy firm, told AP that the shortage could lift shipping costs and eventually feed into higher consumer prices, with some companies under severe strain if conditions persist.
Natalia Katona, analyst at OilPrice, explained to AP that the cutoff of heavier crude from Iraq and Kuwait is pushing Singapore prices “up, up, up.” June Goh, oil analyst at Sparta Commodities, said shipping firms are absorbing costs for now but will likely pass them on. Meanwhile, Oliver Miloschewsky, Head of Shipping, Asia, at Aon, explained that bunker fuel shortages tend to transmit quickly into freight rates and wider supply chain costs.
Clarksons Research reported that the average speed of bulk carriers and container ships has fallen by about 2% since Feb. 28 as operators reduce fuel use by slowing voyages and adjusting schedules. In addition, Transport and Environment has estimated the crisis is costing the global shipping industry about 340 million euros ($400 million) per day.
Finally, Håkan Agnevall, CEO of Wärtsilä stated that higher fossil fuel prices are improving the business case for alternative fuels, though production and infrastructure remain limited. An AP report says the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran war has disrupted global supplies of bunker fuel, causing headaches to shipping operators.
According to the Associated Press (AP), the disruption is being felt first in Asia, especially Singapore, the world’s largest marine refueling hub, where inventories are tightening and prices have jumped from about $500 per metric ton before the conflict to more than $800 in early May.
Henning Gloystein, analyst at the Eurasia Group consultancy firm, told AP that the shortage could lift shipping costs and eventually feed into higher consumer prices, with some companies under severe strain if conditions persist.
Natalia Katona, analyst at OilPrice, explained to AP that the cutoff of heavier crude from Iraq and Kuwait is pushing Singapore prices “up, up, up.” June Goh, oil analyst at Sparta Commodities, said shipping firms are absorbing costs for now but will likely pass them on. Meanwhile, Oliver Miloschewsky, Head of Shipping, Asia, at Aon, explained that bunker fuel shortages tend to transmit quickly into freight rates and wider supply chain costs.
Clarksons Research reported that the average speed of bulk carriers and container ships has fallen by about 2% since Feb. 28 as operators reduce fuel use by slowing voyages and adjusting schedules. In addition, Transport and Environment has estimated the crisis is costing the global shipping industry about 340 million euros ($400 million) per day.
Finally, Håkan Agnevall, CEO of Wärtsilä stated that higher fossil fuel prices are improving the business case for alternative fuels, though production and infrastructure remain limited.
Source: safety4sea.com
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IMO Annual Piracy Report: 171 incidents during 2025
May 23 ------ The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has published its Annual Piracy Report for 2025, revealing a 17% increase in global piracy and armed robbery incidents against ships, driven largely by a sharp rise in attacks in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.
According to information received and made available in IMO’s GISIS module on piracy and armed robbery, 171 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported to the Organization as having occurred or been attempted in 2025. In 2024, 146 incidents were reported, whereas the number was 150 incidents in 2023. This, therefore, constitutes an increase of about 17% at the global level compared to last year.
Regional distribution of incidents
The areas affected by acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships in 2025 were:
• The Straits of Malacca and Singapore area (122 incidents),
• West Africa (21 incidents),
• Indian Ocean (10 incidents),
• South China Sea (6 incidents),
• East Africa (5 incidents),
• South America (Caribbean) (4 incidents),
• Arabian Sea (2 incidents),
• and South America (Pacific) (1 incident).
Straits of Malacca and Singapore area
In particular, the number of incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore area increased to 122 from 91 incidents reported in 2024. This represents an increase of 34%. About 89% of the incidents reported in 2025 were targeting a steaming ship in this area, compared to approximately 74% of incidents worldwide in 2025.
Indian Ocean
Meanwhile, the number of incidents in the Indian Ocean decreased to 10 from 19 incidents reported in 2024. All incidents occurred in port areas.
Gulf of Guinea (West Africa)
Similarly, the number of incidents that took place in the Gulf of Guinea (West Africa) increased in 2025 by 4 compared to 2024, when 17 incidents were reported. This constitutes an increase of about 24%. The number of incidents involving hostage/kidnapped crew is four, one less than in 2024, with a total of 27 crew members reported as hostage/kidnapped. Approximately 38% of incidents occurred in international waters, and 62% occurred in port areas.
South China Sea
By contrast, the number of incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships reported in the South China Sea decreased by 4 from 10 incidents reported to the Organization in 2024. This represents a decrease of 40%.
Arabian Sea
Likewise, the number of incidents in the Arabian Sea decreased from seven (2024) to two incidents reported in 2025. This constitutes a decrease of about 71%. In one incident, the ship was attacked while steaming in territorial waters; in the other incident, a ship was attacked while at anchor in a port area.
South American regions and the Caribbean
In addition, the number of incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the South American regions and the Caribbean region has increased overall by three from two incidents reported in 2024. This constitutes an increase of 150%. This total includes incidents in the Caribbean region, which increased to four from one incident reported in 2024, whereas in the South America Pacific region, one incident was reported (no incidents were reported for this region in 2024). No incidents were reported for the South America Atlantic region, while one incident was reported in 2024.
Crew taken hostage or kidnapped
Moreover, the data reveals that the total number of crew reported as taken hostage/kidnapped in 2025 remains at 69 crew members, and this is a decrease from 132 crew members held hostage/kidnapped in 2024. The number of crew taken hostage/kidnapped in West Africa decreased to 27 from 42 crew members reported in 2024. However, in the Caribbean region, two crew members were reportedly taken hostage/kidnapped in one incident in 2025, while no such incidents were reported in 2025.
Cumulative incidents since 1984
Finally, the total number of incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships reported to the Organization as having occurred or having been attempted from 1984 to the end of December 2025 has risen to 9,185.
Source: safety4sea.com
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UAE Oil Pipeline to Bypass Hormuz Reaches 50% Completion
May 23 ------ The UAE's new crude pipeline bypassing the Strait of Hormuz is about 50% complete, the head of ADNOC said on Wednesday, adding that global oil flows may take at least four months to recover to 80% of pre-conflict levels after the Iran war ends.
Tehran has largely kept the waterway critical for global oil and gas supplies shut to all ships other than its own since U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, sending energy prices and inflation surging and fanning fears of an economic downturn.
The Abu Dhabi Media Office revealed the existence of the new West-East Pipeline project last week, saying Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed directed state-owned oil giant ADNOC to fast-track its construction in order to double export capacity via the port of Fujairah by 2027. "Today, it's already almost 50% complete, and we are accelerating its delivery toward 2027," Sultan Al Jaber said during a live-streamed Atlantic Council event, among his most extensive public remarks since the war began. "Right now, too much of the world's energy still moves through too few choke points. That is exactly why the UAE made the decision more than a decade ago to invest in infrastructure that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz."
The existing Abu Dhabi Crude Oil Pipeline (ADCOP), which carries up to 1.8 million barrels per day, has proved crucial as the UAE seeks to maximize exports from the Gulf of Oman coast just outside the Strait. Iran, which has attacked vessels to assert control over the Strait, has expanded its definition of the waterway to include the UAE's Gulf of Oman coastline. The U.S. has imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports and attempted an aborted operation to reopen the chokepoint.
UAE TARGETED
Gulf Arab countries, which host U.S. military bases, have come under attack during the conflict, even since the fragile ceasefire that began on April 8.
The UAE was targeted by more than 3,000 missiles and drones aimed at civilian infrastructure, including ADNOC's, where damage assessment is ongoing and full operational capacity could take weeks to months in some cases, Al Jaber said. "The UAE was attacked for its model of development," he said.
Even if the conflict ended tomorrow, Al Jaber warned that pre-conflict flows through the Strait would not return fully before the first or second quarter of 2027. "Once you accept that a single country can hold the world's most important waterway hostage, freedom of navigation as we know it is just finished," he said. "If we don't defend this principle today, we will spend the next decade defending against the consequences."
'CO-INVESTORS'
The accelerated pipeline timeline follows the UAE's withdrawal effective May 1 from the de facto Saudi-led Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), freeing it from output quotas. The exit was a "sovereign, strategic decision" driven by a global need for more energy, Al Jaber said, stressing it was "not aimed at anyone" and "not intended to rupture any relationship". He warned the global sector remains dangerously under-invested, noting current upstream investment of around $400 billion a year barely offsets natural decline rates. Global spare crude capacity, currently around 3 million bpd, needs to be closer to 5 million bpd, he added.
Looking forward, AI will strain global grids and the world is underestimating how energy-intensive the revolution will be, Al Jaber said. "In many ways, the AI race is an electron race," he said, noting that the speed of AI-driven decision-making can be the difference between continuity and disruption during a crisis.
Al Jaber reiterated the UAE's commitment to investing heavily in the U.S., adding ADNOC, its international arm XRG and renewables investor Masdar, where Al Jaber is chairman, already have investments worth $85 billion across 19 states. "The UAE and the United States are not just trading partners. We are co-investors in the economy of the next century," he said.
Source: marinelink.com
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PHILIPPINE NEWS
Oil prices could go up by P1.50 next week - DOE
MANILA, May 23 ------ The prices of gasoline, diesel and kerosene are expected to increase by P1.00 to P1.50 next week based on the fourth day of trading in the Mean of Platts Singapore, the Department of Energy said. This is a peso lower than the projected price increases based on the first two days of trading.
DOE Oil Industry Management Bureau director Rino Abad explained that diesel lowered from $163 to $156 per barrel on the fourth day of trading. He said the projected increase may lessen further by P0.50 should the last trading day show consistent price movement. Meanwhile, Abad said 970 gasoline stations have so far joined the government’s P10 diesel subsidy program, used to cushion the impact of the expiring subsidized service contracting program for land-based public utility vehicles (PUVs).
This number is still increasing and may reach more than 1,000 stations next week, as the agency continues to visit and train them on the system used for the subsidy program. “Tinuturuan ho kasi doon sa system ng Land Bank ang bawat gasoline station. Kailangan lang mag-open ng Land Bank account or mag-nominate ng other account from other bank at magkaroon ng tarpaulin,” Abad said.
The director noted that the agency plans to use the system as the standard platform for future subsidies, instead of the traditional cash distribution system.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Dela Rosa still in Philippines - CIDG
MANILA, May 23 ------ Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa is still in the Philippines, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said, as the search continued for the lawmaker wanted by the International Criminal Court.
The ICC last week unsealed an arrest warrant against Dela Rosa, accused along with former president Rodrigo Duterte and other "co-perpetrators" of the crime against humanity of murder under the war on drugs. Dela Rosa had sheltered at the Senate last week, but left its premises after a shooting incident between Senate security personnel and the National Bureau of Investigation.
The Supreme Court's interim ruling on Wednesday denied Dela Rosa’s bid for a temporary restraining order, which meant the ICC warrant can now be enforced, Justice Secretary Frederick Vida said.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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DSWD: Middle-class Filipinos can avail of AICS, not just the poor
May 23 ------ The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program is open to all individuals—regardless of whether they are poor or belong to the middle class.
In a media forum, DSWD's Crisis Intervention Program Director Edwin Morata said "shocks" or unforeseen situations choose no social status during disasters or energy emergencies. "Hindi pinipili ng shocks kung ikaw ay mayaman o mahirap, may trabaho o wala, kung ikaw ay nasa middle class o ikaw ay low-income earner o minimum wage. Maaaring disaster, lahat tayo ay apektado. Ang energy emergency, lahat tayo ay apektado. Even health shocks, lahat tayo ay apektado," Morata told reporters on Thursday. "'Yan po ang lagi natin sinasabi na kapag may pangangailangan na hindi napaghandaan ng isang tao o pamilya, 'yung pinansyal na kapasidad nila na tugunan 'yung pangangailangan, kaya may ganito tayong programa," he added.
According to the DSWD, it continuously enhances AICS guidelines to assist the evolving needs of different clients. The AICS program is a social welfare service that assists with medical, burial, transportation, education, food, or other financial needs.
AICS applications
Morata said the department has also streamlined the process of the AICS application. Now, AICS clients just need to undergo three steps: queuing, assessment and interview, and release of assistance.
For the documentary requirements, the client needs to provide the following:
- valid identification of the claimant; and
- medical certificate, medical abstract, or a certification from a psychiatrist or psychologist.
Depending on the assistance being requested, the client has to submit the following additional proof of documentation to support the claim:
- For laboratory or diagnostic procedures, and requests for medical implants or assistive devices – a request for a laboratory for a diagnostic procedure with a price quotation.
- For patients undergoing therapy and other special treatment – a doctor's order or treatment protocol with a price quotation.
- For medicine requests — a prescription for the medicine
- For hospital bill assistance – a statement of account.
In the 2026 national budget, the AICS program received a P63.9-billion budget. The DSWD earlier reported that it extended aid from the AICS program to over 8.2 million Filipinos from January to November 2025.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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PBBM raises pork import quota to stabilize prices, boost supply
MANILA, May 23 ------ President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed an executive order (EO) increasing the minimum access volume (MAV) for pork imports by 150,000 metric tons (MT) to address supply shortages and stabilize market prices.
Under EO 116 signed by Marcos on May 19, the MAV for pork meat for MAV Year 2026 was increased from 54,210 MT to 204,210 MT. The decision was made amid the continued spread of African swine fever (ASF), which significantly reduced the national swine inventory.
EO 116 cited that the “substantial supply shortfall and persistently elevated pork price” due to ASF resulted in higher food costs, adversely affecting consumers. The move aims to augment supply, reduce retail prices, stabilize inflation, and promote consumer welfare. “There is an urgent need to address the existing supply gap in pork, ensure adequate and affordable food for consumers, and mitigate inflationary pressures,” the order read.
The MAV Management Committee (MMC) earlier recommended increasing the import volume for two years to ensure the continued availability and affordability of pork and processed meat products and mitigate further inflationary pressures on basic commodities. EO 110, issued on March 24, 2026, declares a state of national energy emergency and directs a whole-of-government approach to safeguard economic stability and mitigate price increases in essential goods.
Under EO 110, the Department of Agriculture is mandated to ensure the adequate supply and availability of food products at the lowest possible cost. The MMC was directed to ensure a fair allocation of imported pork volumes, with 30,000 MT allotted for processors and 120,000 MT designated for the Food Terminal, Inc. or the Kadiwa ng Pangulo Program.
The committee was also directed to formulate and issue implementation guidelines within 30 days from the effectivity of the order. EO 116, made public on Thursday, takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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DND readies for high-level ASEAN defense meet
MANILA, May 23 ------ The Philippines' commitment to secure the Southeast Asian region was reiterated anew when the Department of National Defense (DND) convened the Ad Hoc ASEAN Defence Senior Officials' Meeting (ADSOM)-Plus Working Group (WG) via video conference.
In a statement, the DND said the online meeting was presided over by Defense Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Marita Yoro, in her capacity as ADSOM-Plus WG Chair. "The meeting revolved around commitments to regional defense and security, particularly with respect to advancing the role and contribution of young women and men in the defense sector to peacebuilding," the statement read.
The ADSOM-Plus WG also discussed the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Experts’ Working Groups (EWG) Co-Chairship for the 2027-2030 cycle and the way forward of ASEAN defense engagements for 2026. The meeting was attended by ASEAN Member States, the Plus Countries, including Australia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Russia, and the United States, as well as the ASEAN Secretariat. The ADSOM-Plus WG meeting emphasized ASEAN’s strong commitment to drive regional security and bolster partnership.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Over 4K YAKAP clinics provide free primary care to 33.2M Filipinos
MANILA, May 23 ------ Some 33.2 million Filipinos are now covered under the state health insurer’s expanded primary care program, marking a significant surge in healthcare accessibility nationwide.
In a news release, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) announced that its Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) now reaches 33.2 million beneficiaries through 4,287 accredited clinics. The expansion represents a 457-fold increase in primary care support compared to 2021 figures.
PhilHealth President and CEO Dr. Edwin Mercado said the program serves as a proactive "sandigan" (reliable defense) for Filipino families. "Ang pagpili at pagpapa-empanel sa inyong YAKAP Clinic ay hindi lamang pagsunod sa proseso, ito ay ang pagtitiyak na may sandigan ang inyong pamilya bago pa man dumating ang sakit," Mercado said. "Sa YAKAP, layon nating protektahan ang kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino upang hindi na humantong sa malubhang karamdaman na mas mahirap at mas mahal gamutin," he added.
The YAKAP package allows registered members to access free medical consultations, essential laboratory tests, and outpatient cancer screenings. It also includes the GAMOT benefit, providing up to PHP20,000 worth of essential medicines annually. To sustain the momentum, PhilHealth conducted 191 empanelment drives this week, utilizing outreach missions to register residents in remote areas.
Members may also register digitally through the eGovPH Mobile App or the PhilHealth Member Portal. The aggressive rollout follows the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to institutionalize quality primary healthcare as a fundamental right for every Filipino.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Navy says Philippines now at par with neighbors amid modernization push
MANILA, May 23 ------ As the Philippine Navy marks its 128th anniversary, military officials said ongoing modernization efforts were transforming the country’s maritime force into one that is more capable, mission-ready, and increasingly at par with neighboring countries in Southeast Asia.
Under the theme “Modern and Ready, Strong and Steady, Credible in Mission, Always Mission-Ready,” Navy officials noted improvements ranging from longer patrol operations and new warships to missile systems and upgraded capabilities in the West Philippine Sea. “To us, these are more than just words. They are an operational mandate—from the surface of our territorial waters to the depths of our maritime domains—the Fleet remains a force that is increasingly sophisticated, relentlessly prepared, and unwavering in the face of adversity,” Philippine Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Joe Anthony Orbe told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
Orbe believes the country’s modernization program has narrowed capability gaps with neighboring states. When asked whether the Philippines could already be considered a “middle power” in Southeast Asia in terms of military capability, Orbe said the country now possesses assets comparable to those of regional partners. “I would say so. We are at par with our Southeast Asian neighbors,” he said. “Right now, we have embarked on this modernization program that we have now. If you notice, most capabilities that our neighbors have are also the same with what we have now.” “In fact, we have newer ships than some of our neighbors during international exercises,” he continued.
Orbe added that foreign counterparts had expressed admiration for the country’s modernization efforts. “We were informed by our friends from the region that they look up to us because they admire this modernization program of ours,” he noted. The Philippine Fleet currently operates more than 80 platforms, including smaller gunboats. Among its major assets are two Jose Rizal-class frigates and two Miguel Malvar-class corvettes.
The Navy is also expecting six offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), with two already in the inventory and four more expected until 2028. “This is a big boost to the Philippine Fleet’s ability to support the Philippine Navy’s mission to put more platforms at sea at any one time,” Orbe said. “This is a big leap, a big boost to our capability.”
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Over 4,600 new HIV cases recorded in Q1 – DOH
MANILA, Philippines, May 23 ------ Over 4,600 newly diagnosed cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have been recorded in the country in the first quarter of this year, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
Latest data from the HIV and AIDS Surveillance of the Philippines showed that from January to March, there were 4,633 newly reported HIV cases. This is nine percent higher than the cases logged in the same quarter last year. Of the new cases, 1,104 or 24 percent of the patients have advanced HIV at the time of diagnosis.
The quarter average cases per day is 51, a decrease of 11 percent compared to the same reporting period in 2025 of 57 cases per day. Meanwhile, average monthly cases reported for the same period reached 1,544, which is lower by nine percent compared to the same period in 2025 of 1,693 cases.
The National Capital Region recorded the highest number of HIV infections with 989 cases followed by Calabarzon with 808, Central Luzon with 551, Soccsksargen with 277 and Davao region with 263. These five regions accounted for 62 percent or 2,888 of the total cases recorded during the period. Of the newly confirmed HIV cases reported during the first quarter, 4,381 were men while 252 were women, the DOH said.
The age of the newly reported cases ranged from 2 to 77 years old. As of March 2026, the National HIV Care Cascade noted that an estimated 288,000 people are living with HIV (PLHIV) in the country, with 55 percent or 157,350 diagnosed or laboratory confirmed.
The Philippines has adopted the global 95-95-95 targets of the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, which targets that by 2030, 95 percent of all PLHIV know their status or are diagnosed, 95 percent of those diagnosed are receiving treatment or antiretroviral therapy and 95 percent of those on treatment achieve viral suppression. The DOH is continuously urging the public, especially those at risk, to have themselves tested in certified rapid HIV diagnostic algorithm confirming laboratories and avail of free treatment in accredited HIV treatment hubs.
Source: philstar.com
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
ABS-CBN Music to reimagine OPM classics with CAT Records
May 23 ------ ABS-CBN Music will breathe new life into its rich catalog of original Pilipino music (OPM) with its newly launched CAT Records. The label, led by ABS-CBN’s music publishing group, seeks to keep the timeless stories and melodies that shaped Filipino culture alive by giving a new generation of artists, producers, and musicians the space to reimagine them for today’s audiences.
“Ang dami dami nating songs kailangan malaman ng younger generation. Sila magdadala nito sa future. Sana di makalimutan ng future Pinoys ang iconic songs na ito. We decided maging deliberate kami sa strategy— first is to make as many versions of the song as possible. And second is to discover more singer songwriters,” Atty Marivic Benedicto, OIC/Head of Music Publishing said during the launch in Quezon City.
CAT Records’ first projects include a collection of jazz instrumental versions of classic songs of 70’s icon, VST & Co., produced by acclaimed arranger Sunny Ilacad and performed by saxophonist Jun Figueroa set for release beginning this Friday, May 22. The collection includes “Awitin Mo, Isasayaw Ko” and other beloved tracks.
Other artists who will release their own interpretations of classic and contemporary Filipino songs under CAT Records include Cifra, Gab Tagadtad, Gino Nazal, Jeri Violago, JM Yosures, and SAGA. Also joining the CAT Records family are BRYN, Sarvi, and YellowPad. The label is also working with respected producers and composers who are helping shape the sound of its releases, including Christian Martinez, Kiko Salazar, Raizo Chabeldin, and Ilacad.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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‘Pinoy Big Brother’ alum Carmelle Collado carves own lane with self-titled album
May 23 ----- After completing her journey in the “Pinoy Big Brother” house, Carmelle Collado continues to reveal facets of her true self through her self-titled album and recent concert. “Patuloy at paunti-unti akong nagpapakilala,” Collado said of what she plans to do after her “PBB” stint. And that’s exactly what she did when she released her self-titled album.
The album was a labor of love brought together by ABS-CBN Music creatives, content, and operations head Jonathan Manalo, with Jeremy G and WRIVE members Russu Laurente, Ishiro Incapas and Asi Gatdula contributing to the lyrics. It contains 11 tracks, namely, “Morena,” “Salamin,” “Checklist,” “Pananabik,” “Kinang,” “No Apologies,” “Who,” “Pangarap Ko’y Tagumpay,” “Stay,” “Unti-Unti” and “Morena – Remix.”
Kicking off the album’s promotions was the release of “Morena,” a track that features Collado embracing her morena complexion and how it defines her outer and inner beauty. Before entering the “Pinoy Big Brother” house, Collado was a “The Voice Kids Philippines” contestant, where she ended as a runner-up. She returned as a stronger version of herself on “Tawag ng Tanghalan: The School Showdown,” emerging as the first grand champion.
Source: inquirer.net
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Dennis Trillo, Ruru Madrid to reunite in new GMA series ‘Hari ng Tondo’
May 23 ------ After making viewers cry with their heartfelt performances in “Green Bones,” Dennis Trillo and Ruru Madrid will embrace their inner action stars in the upcoming drama, “Hari ng Tondo.”
GMA announced Trillo and Madrid’s reunion project at a story conference on Wednesday, May 20, where they were joined by the director, writer, selected members of the production team, and co-stars. The upcoming drama also stars Rocco Nacino, Victor Neri, Nonie Buencamino, and Isko Moreno. “May bagong aabangan ang Kapuso viewers! Astig, palaban, at handang sumabak sa matinding bakbakan ng drama. Kilalanin ang mga bagong bida na makikipagsabayan sa GMA Prime!” the post read.
Trillo and Madrid’s tandem was a hit with viewers for their realistic, heartwrenching portrayals of an ex-convict and a police officer in “Green Bones,” respectively. The Kapuso stars also won Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor at the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Gabi ng Parangal. Aside from the top acting honors, the film also won Best Picture and Best Screenplay, among other awards.
Source: inquirer.net
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SPORTS NEWS
Knicks go 2-0 vs Cavs after second-half surge
May 23 ------ The New York Knicks used an explosive third-quarter to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, 109-93 and take a 2-0 lead in the NBA Eastern Conference finals.
With Knicks star Jalen Brunson enduring a tough shooting night, Josh Hart led the Knicks with a career playoff-high 26 points. Brunson, who spearheaded the Knicks' stunning comeback from a 22-point fourth-quarter deficit in a Game 1 overtime win, scored just two points in the first half but finished with 19. He also handed out a career playoff-high 14 of the Knicks' 32 assists.
Hart, who made five of the Knicks' 13 3-pointers, dished out seven assists himself. Mikal Bridges scored 19 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 18 points and 13 rebounds. With another win at the Madison Square Garden, the Knicks took control in the best-of-seven series before it shifts to Cleveland for Games 3 and 4 on Saturday and Monday (Sunday and Monday in Manila, respectively).
Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points and James Harden added 18 for the Cavs, who cut an 18-point third-quarter deficit to seven early in the fourth quarter only for the Knicks to surge away again. The winner of the series will take on either the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals. The Thunder and Spurs are knotted at 1-1 in the Western Conference finals.
Source: philstar.com
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Ronaldo strikes twice to end long wait for Saudi title
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 23 ------ Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al Nassr clinched the Saudi Pro League title with a 4-1 win over Damac, ending his long wait for domestic silverware.
A trademark free-kick and a close-range finish, both in the final half-hour, sealed the win Al Nassr needed on the last night of the season, with Al Hilal finishing just two points behind. Ronaldo, 41, who was without a major club trophy since winning Serie A with Juventus in 2020, arrived in the oil-rich desert kingdom to great acclaim in 2023, wept as he watched the final minutes from the bench.
He adds the Saudi championship to his English, Spanish and Italian titles and five Champions League medals. Al Nassr took a 2-0 lead but was back to 2-1 before Ronaldo's free-kick on 63 minutes evaded the goalkeeper and a forest of legs to find the far corner. He struck again nine minutes from time, receiving a cut-back on the edge of the six-yard box and smashing high into the net. Next up for the all-time leading men's international goalscorer, with 143 goals, is a sixth crack at the World Cup after he was named in Portugal's squad this week.
Ronaldo opened the door to a series of big-money Saudi signings when he joined Al Nassr in January 2023 following an unhappy second spell at Manchester United. Neymar and Karim Benzema were among those to follow after Ronaldo inked a two-and-a-half-year deal estimated at 200 million euros, extended for two years in June 2025.
The stated aim was to turn the Pro League into one of the world's top five football competitions measured by the quality of players, stadium attendances and commercial success. International interest has been muted, however. In December 2024, Saudi Arabia was confirmed as host of the 2034 World Cup, a coup as it pushes to decouple its economy from oil and attract business and tourists, partly via the buzz of sports. With a record 664 million Instagram followers, Ronaldo has been a highly visible ambassador as Saudi Arabia tries to turn the page on the ultra-conservative image that has defined it for decades.
The world's biggest oil exporter and home of Islam has been accused of “sportswashing” — using sport to deflect human rights criticism — as it has invested in Formula 1, golf, boxing and tennis alongside football. Some of the more outlandish spending on economic diversification, including sprawling tourist developments and NEOM, a futuristic city in the desert, is being reined in. This month, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund said it was exiting the breakaway LIV Golf tour, after reportedly ploughing more than $5 billion into a venture that split the sport. Expensive football signings have also waned with the stream of big-money transfers slowing to a trickle.
Source: philstar.com
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B.League to hold Manila games featuring Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu
May 23 ------ The Japan B.League will stage games in Manila as part of the league’s 10th anniversary celebration.
In a release, the B.League announced that games will be held at the Mall of Asia Arena on September 9 and 10, featuring Levanga Hokkaido and the Gunma Crane Thunders. Filipino players Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu are set to see action for their respective teams. Ramos plays for Levanga Hokkaido, while Edu suits up for the Gunma Crane Thunders. “We are truly delighted to host the B.LEAGUE’s first-ever overseas games in the Philippines, a country filled with passion for basketball,” B.League chairman Shinji Shimada said. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone in the Philippine basketball community for their tremendous support in making this project possible, as well as to all the players who have served as bridges between our two nations.”
This will be the first time that the B.League will hold overseas games.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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