THE Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (Focap) said on Friday journalists in the country face ever-growing threats as geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific Region continue to rise. In a statement it issued in time for Press Freedom Day, Focap revealed it has recorded "a case of impersonation or spoofing and an uptick in messages to journalists from fake or suspicious email addresses, attempting to either extract information or skew the news agenda regarding coverage of the South China Sea," the group said. "At least one Focap member was alerted to two attempted hacks traced to a government."
Source:Manila Times
May 04, 2024 09:36 UTC
Sales decreased to HK$31.2 billion (US$3.99 billion), snapping 15 consecutive months of growth. Hong Kong visitor arrivals are increasing following the pandemic lockdown, helping to drive 2.7 percent growth in the local economy in the first quarter. In volume terms, retail sales decreased 8.6 percent year-on-year in March, compared with a 0.5 percent growth in February. For the first quarter of 2024, total retail sales decreased by 1.3 percent compared with the same period in 2023, while the volume of total retail sales fell 3.1 percent, according to provisional estimates. (US$1 = 7.8160 Hong Kong dollars)(Reuters)
Source:The Standard
May 04, 2024 09:14 UTC
With 10,000 jeepneys to be taken off the road, commuters fear undersupply of public transpoA woman cools off with a folding hand fan inside a passenger jeepney in Manila on April 25, 2024. MANILA, Philippines — Mobility advocates urged President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to ensure a steady supply of public transportation after thousands of jeepneys are expected to stop operations within the month. LTFRB chairperson Teofilo Guadiz III earlier said that losing 10,000 jeepneys "wouldn't result in a transportion crisis," saying that commuters have trains, taxis, buses, motorcycle taxis and ride-hailing apps to choose from. The government's public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program earlier encouraged jeepney and UV Express operators to consolidate on on before April 30. If one were to fill up 10,000 jeepneys at a single moment, this would result to 160,000 passengers.
Source:Philippine Star
May 03, 2024 15:44 UTC
Philippines slides down 2 places in 2024 World Press Freedom IndexDemonstrators light candles at a rally calling for justice following the murder of a Philippine radio broadcaster, in Quezon City in suburban Manila on October 4, 2022. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has sunk two spots to place 134th out of 180 countries in this year's World Press Freedom Index, with media conditions continuing to fall below the standards of a free press even without a government openly hostile to journalists. This development reflects warnings by press freedom advocates that Marcos' milder approach to the media — a departure from Duterte's repeated verbal abuse to journalists — is only half the story. While the watchdog noted that fewer "violent attacks" have taken place under Marcos, "harassment by means of threats and 'red-tagging' persists." De Santos said that the Philippines' poorer performance in RSF's 2024 press freedom index should prompt the government to take action on the more worrying aspects of the media environment in the country.
Source:Philippine Star
May 03, 2024 14:54 UTC
(UPDATE) THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) summoned a senior Chinese envoy on Thursday to protest a water cannon incident that damaged two Philippine vessels during a patrol in the South China Sea. China's coast guard had previously said it "expelled" the two Philippine ships from its waters near Huangyan Island, the Chinese name for Scarborough Shoal. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN Rear Admiral Armand Balilo, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman, and Cmdr. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN Rear Admiral Armand Balilo, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman, and Cmdr. PHOTO BY RENE H. DILAN Rear Admiral Armand Balilo, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman, and Cmdr.
Source:Manila Times
May 03, 2024 04:26 UTC
KUALA LUMPUR: Rich nations' climate hypocrisy is accelerating global heating, pushing the planet closer to irreversible catastrophe, with its worst consequences borne by the poorest countries and peoples. While ostensibly aimed at reducing emissions, such measures burden developing countries more, further deepening world inequalities. Besides being ineffective, only a tiny fraction of global GHG emissions are subject to carbon taxes, often imposed using biased methods and assumptions. Government fossil fuel subsidies, e.g., to ensure support against Russia after it invaded Ukraine, have undermined the purpose of carbon pricing. However, there is much reason to be skeptical about the effectiveness of such initiatives for reducing GHG emissions.
Source:Manila Times
May 03, 2024 04:04 UTC
Ken Cho, vice president of Miru Systems Company Ltd. Overseas sales department, talks to Primetimes with Atty. Lia about the role of Miru systems in the 2025 national and local elections, calls as 'fake news' allegations about its manipulation of results and accusations of political alliances. He also said Miru devices were user-friendly, especially for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Cho assured the public that the tech firm was reliable and accurate. Get the latest newsdelivered to your inbox Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Source:Manila Times
May 03, 2024 01:42 UTC
Cool Smashers recover, trounce Angels to stay aliveJema Galanza was the heart that kept on beating for Creamline as she practically willed her team back to critical deficits in the last two sets en route to the win. Games Sunday(Smart Araneta Coliseum)4 p.m. – Creamline vs Chery Tiggo6 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Petro GazzMANILA, Philippines – Many were already predicting that Creamline’s dynastic reign is inevitably close to ending with the meteoric rise of rival franchises, including a vastly improved and deeply talented Petro Gazz. Jema Galanza was the heart that kept on beating for Creamline as she practically willed her team back to critical deficits in the last two sets en route to the win. But Creamline isn't about to give in on that and delivered the fight of its life with a comeback to remember. But the Angels never did.
Source:Philippine Star
May 03, 2024 01:30 UTC
Data from all schemes will be transferred to eMPF within 18 months, according to Ayesha Lau and Cheng Yan-chee, inset. The first trustee to move to the one-stop digital platform is YF Life Trustees, whose scheme members can create their accounts on June 12 at the earliest. Cheng Yan-chee, managing director of the MPFA, said employers under YF Life Trustees should finish June contributions by July 10. He added that China Life Trustees will be the second provider to join the eMPF, with account registration beginning on July 12. Lau said the MPFA attaches great importance to information security to ensure the effective prevention of hacking or data leaks.
Source:The Standard
May 02, 2024 23:06 UTC
Bomb scare at NAIA delays Japan flightForeign and local travelers flock to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on December 22, 2023. MANILA, Philippines — Passengers on a flight to Japan experienced delays at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 following a bomb scare that temporarily disrupted travel operations. On Wednesday, Japan-bound Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight, PR412, was delayed for five hours due to a bomb threat call received by airport authorities from an unidentified woman. Passengers were promptly evacuated and authorities conducted security checks before the flight was cleared for departure. In 2023, two travelers were arrested at NAIA after making bomb jokes.
Source:Philippine Star
May 02, 2024 20:58 UTC
New luxury hotel opens in SM Mall of AsiaMANILA, Philippines — Fusing contemporary design with innate Filipino hospitality, Lanson Place Mall of Asia, Manila officially opened its doors. Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings Hans T. SY and Executive Director of SM Investments Corporation Harley T. Sy were also present at the launch event as guests of honor. “The addition of the Lanson Place brand fully complements SM Hotel's prestigious portfolio, with its impressive track record in the serviced suites category. An immersive property tour followed showcasing the hotel’s world-class amenities and accommodations including Deluxe Rooms, Superior Rooms, Hotel Suites, Studio Residences and One-and Two-Bedroom Suite Residences. The tour also highlighted how the property’s architecture and interior design perfectly capture a harmonious fusion of modern luxury and Filipino cultural heritage.
Source:Philippine Star
May 02, 2024 18:06 UTC
Chinese Coast Guard vessels fire water cannons towards a Philippine resupply vessel Unaizah May 4 on its way to a resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, March 5, 2024. REUTERS/Adrian Portugal/File Photo/File PhotoThe Philippines summoned a Chinese diplomat on Thursday to protest Beijing's use of water cannon against Filipino vessels at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, describing it as harassment and "dangerous manoeuvres". The Philippines has accused China of elevating tensions in the South China Sea after its coast guard used water cannon and damaged two of its vessels while en route to the Scarborough shoal on Tuesday to assist Filipino fishermen. The shoal, which has been occupied by China for more than a decade, has been flashpoint between the Philippines and China on and off for years. China claims sovereignty over much of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.
Source:The Standard
May 02, 2024 13:47 UTC
Marcos Jr. approves military procurement ‘wish list’President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. addresses the troops during his visit to the headquarters of the 6th Infantry Division, Camp Brigadier General Gonzalo H. Siongco at the Municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao on April 29, 2024. He estimated that the pressure from the water cannon went beyond the fatal 200 pounds per square inch of pressure. According to him, last Tuesday’s water cannon attack was on a humanitarian mission that still succeeded in providing water, fuel and food supplies to Filipino fishermen in the area. CondemnationChina’s water cannon attacks on Philippine vessels and dangerous actions in WPS have sparked international condemnation. The European Union and France expressed concern, saying CCG’s use of water cannon is against international law and a threat to safety of life at sea.
Source:Philippine Star
May 02, 2024 10:48 UTC
Ryan Ip Man-ki (first from right) Previous NextHong Kong think tank Our Hong Kong Foundation (OHKF) released its latest forecast of the private and public housing supply and anticipates that the city's housing supply will enter a phase of abundance in the next five years. With the drop in the percentage of delayed public housing completions and the construction of Light Public Housing units also progressing to plan, the think tank anticipated the waiting time for public housing could be shortened from the current 5.8 years to 4.5 years in the 2026/27 fiscal year. OHKF expected the completion of public housing units will exceed the LTHS target by 33 percent in the next ten years. This includes increasing the per capita area of public housing units and raising the proportion of subsidized sale flats. Ryan Ip Man-ki, the vice president cum co-head of Public Policy Institute of Research at the Foundation, recommended raising the proportion of subsidized sale flats from the current ratio of public housing, subsidized sale flats, and private housing of 5:2:3 to a 3:4:3 for the next decade, meaning 30 percent public housing, 40 percent subsidized sale flats, and 30 percent private housing.
Source:The Standard
May 02, 2024 10:34 UTC