Speedy release of Bar exams results seen
Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, 2023 Bar chairman, announced on Sunday, the first day of the Bar examinations, that his team is considering releasing the results of the exams in early December. Bar examinees arrive at the drop-off areas in San Beda and the University of Santo Tomas in Manila on Sunday, September 17, 2023. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO Bar examinees arrive at the drop-off areas in San Beda and the University of Santo Tomas in Manila on Sunday, September 17, 2023. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO Bar examinees arrive at the drop-off areas in San Beda and the University of Santo Tomas in Manila on Sunday, September 17, 2023. PHOTO BY MIKE ALQUINTO BIG DAY An examinee gets a hug from a supporter on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, the first day of the Bar exams.
Source:Manila Times
September 17, 2023 18:01 UTC
Twins commit suicide over relationships and money troubles
Police were alerted to Yuen Long and found two men dead who had committed suicide using coal on Saturday afternoon. Both of the twins had recently broken up with their girlfriends, with the older brother moving into the apartment after his breakup three weeks ago. Their mother had also received messages reminding the older brother to pay his debt, and it is suspected that the older brother was also suffering from debt issues. Dial 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or 2382 2007 for Suicide Prevention Services. You can also call Suicide Prevention Services at 2382 0000 or CEASE Crisis Centre of Tung Wah Groups of Hospitals at 18281.
Source:The Standard
September 17, 2023 17:43 UTC
Man arrested for allegedly robbing and injuring elderly woman in Sham Shui Po
Police were alerted to Sham Shui Po early Sunday morning after a woman was attacked and robbed. One man was arrested. The elderly woman was attacked and had her handbag stolen when passing by 248 Apliu Street shortly before 7 am. Police officers arrived at the scene and found a man suspected of being involved in the attack nearby, taking him into custody. The woman, with blood covering her face, was bandaged onsite and taken to the hospital for medical attention.
Source:The Standard
September 17, 2023 15:58 UTC
Gilas Pilipinas moves up in FIBA ranking
GILAS Pilipinas may have failed to come up with an impressive showing in the 2023 FIBA World Cup right at its home floor, but the good news is, the Philippines managed to climb up from 40th to 38th place in the latest ranking released by the international governing basketball body. Jordan Clarkson (right) PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIOGilas went on to conclude the FIBA World Cup with a 1-4 record. The United States, despite failing to win the World Cup and losing to Canada in the bronze medal game, still has something to celebrate after regaining the No. Canada, thanks to its first-ever bronze medal in the World Cup, jumped from No. Japan, which sealed an outright Olympic spot via its spirited effort in the FIBA World Cup, moved up 11 spots to No.
Source:Manila Times
September 17, 2023 15:53 UTC
Pinoys back legalizing medical marijuana
The survey, conducted from August 1 to 10, found that 63 percent of the 1,205 respondents favored legalizing medical marijuana as long as its proponents "conduct more research [and] strict policy guidelines for access and dosage control." The respondents also cited the need for more awareness and education on medical marijuana. On the other hand, 29 percent neither agreed nor disagreed with this statement, while 24 percent agreed that medical marijuana legalization could provide relief to such patients. The legal use of medical marijuana in the country gained ground in Congress, with Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (Pampanga, 2nd District) and Sen. Robin Padilla as its main advocates. Padilla backs Senate Bill 230 (Medical Cannabis Compassionate Access Act), where he cites Israel as a good example of using medical cannabis due to its stringent rules and regulations.
Source:Manila Times
September 17, 2023 12:10 UTC
Private education system seen collapsing with prohibition bill
Private education system seen collapsing with prohibition billStudents from Rafael Palma Elementary School shed tears of joy as they graduate from elementary on July 13, 2023. MANILA, Philippines — The private education system will collapse if students are allowed to take their examinations without paying their tuition fee first, according to private school groups. In a statement signed yesterday by multiple groups representing private schools, they claimed that many private schools will close, thousands of teachers and staff will lose their jobs and thousands of students will be disenfranchised. “Without tuition, or if its timely collection is impaired, private schools would be paralyzed or worse, cease or close operations altogether. “Students in private schools find no long-term relief in this Senate bill.
Source:Philippine Star
September 16, 2023 23:28 UTC
‘15-year sentence for Ranara’s murderer an insult’
‘15-year sentence for Ranara’s murderer an insult’MANILA, Philippines — Overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Jullebee Ranara’s 17-year-old murderer has been sentenced to 15 years in prison by a court in Kuwait, but Migrante International said the sentence is an insult to her family and the government should push for longer jail time. “The sentence on her murderer is an insult to Jollebee’s family, Filipino migrants and all Filipinos seeking justice for her,” the group posted on Facebook on Sept. 15. Concepcion noted that the government should order the Philippine embassy in Kuwait to be more alert and attentive to OFWs’ complaints and cries for help. They should also push for measures that will improve the working and living conditions of Filipino domestic workers and OFWs in Kuwait,” she said. “The Philippine government should take serious measures to create decent jobs at home and not depend on foreign investors and countries to provide employment to Filipinos,” she added.
Source:Philippine Star
September 16, 2023 21:57 UTC
Corals in WPS gone after China 'swarming'
Aerial patrols conducted earlier this month by Wescom air assets showed that three areas in the WPS, including Rozul Reef, were experiencing heightened swarming activities by Chinese maritime militia vessels. Carlos said the increased presence of Chinese maritime militia vessels in these areas raises concerns regarding the potential implications for the Philippines' maritime security, fisheries conservation, territorial integrity, and preservation of the marine environment. The presence of the Chinese vessels in the WPS is concerning, given the Philippines' rights within its EEZ, Carlos added. I think we can file a new case," Jardeleza said. For example, if we spent more gasoline, if they water cannoned us, these are what the lawyers called damages," Jardeleza said.
Source:Manila Times
September 16, 2023 16:03 UTC
WATCH: Restoring a region's symbol – Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle, a much loved landmark for over 400 years, was extensively damaged in 2016 by a major earthquake. When restoration work began, a serious problem was soon encountered – how to recreate its traditional tiled roofs. Tiles made of fired clay are excellent insulators, but each tile is slightly different, potentially causing gaps. Tilers fix this by chiseling away a few millimeters, but for the castle, this was a huge task involving tens of thousands of tiles. We'll see how the mighty efforts of these artisans have brought hope and revived spirits in the region.
Source:Manila Times
September 16, 2023 14:08 UTC
LRT-2, MRT-3 and PNR to give 'free rides' from September 16 to 20
LRT-2, MRT-3 and PNR to give 'free rides' from September 16 to 20Passengers board and alight trains from various Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) stations in Manila on July 31, 2023. "In solidarity with the celebration of the Philippine Civil Service Anniversary, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) will offer free rides [to government workers] within the LRT-2 from September 18 to 20," said the LRTA-LRT2 in Filipino. The said free rides would be available from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. in the morning. "The [DOTr] and [PNR] will offer FREE RIDES to our fellow senior citizens and persons with disabiliities (PWDs) in celebration of the Peñafrancia Festival!" "The said free rides will kick-off from September 16 to 17, 2023 within the Naga - Ligao and Naga - Sipocot - Naga lines."
Source:Philippine Star
September 16, 2023 12:40 UTC
Top Indian builder of airports eyes more projects
Top Indian builder of airports eyes more projectsAirplanes are seen at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on May 16, 2023. The Indian firm has been in the Philippines for the past 11 years, operating the Mactan and Clark airports, according to PCO. The GMR Group is a multinational conglomerate headquartered in New Delhi. Grandhi was accompanied by his brother-in-law Srinivas Bommidala, chairman of GMR Airports and the one in charge of the group’s international airports and energy interests. In 1999, when India privatized (the) airports, we built airport, six airports in India,” Bommidala told the President.
Source:Philippine Star
September 16, 2023 12:09 UTC
'BSKE bets ignoring summons risk raps'
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia holds a press conference on the Task Force Against Premature Campaigning for the Barangay and Sanggunian Kabataan Elections (BSKE) at the Comelec office in Intramuros, Manila, on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILANSo far, a total of 626 BSKE candidates have been issued show cause orders (SCOs) by the poll body in the past four days. As of Friday, September 15, Garcia said the poll body has yet to receive any response from concerned BSKE aspirants. "As such, the removal of all election materials will continue in public places," the memorandum stated. During the election campaign period, any candidate, either alone or in collaboration with other contenders, is allowed to conduct peaceful online political gatherings, rallies, or similar events.
Source:Manila Times
September 16, 2023 11:51 UTC
Authorities investigating if imported batch of Japanese mushrooms breached food safety order
Three packs of mushrooms imported from a regulated prefecture in Japan have been marked and sealed by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department for the sake of prudence after the importer was suspected of breaching the food safety order. The mushrooms from Tochigi Prefecture were found during the food label inspection by the Centre for Food Safety on Friday. The products were not accompanied by a radiation certificate and exporter certificate, which is required to prove that the radiation levels do not exceed the limited levels and are safe for consumption. According to the food safety order, all vegetables, fruits, milk, milk beverages, and dried milk originating from Chiba, Tochigi, Ibaraki, and Gunma prefectures are allowed to be imported into Hong Kong only if they are accompanied by a radiation certificate and an exporter certificate issued by the Japanese authority. The Centre is following up on the case and will take appropriate action, including informing the Japanese authorities and suing the concerned importer if needed.
Source:The Standard
September 16, 2023 11:42 UTC
No negligence over inspection of storm damaged Redhill homes, says development secretary
There was no negligence involved in the original inspection of the three luxury homes on the Redhill Peninsula in Tai Tam, said the Development Secretary Bernadette Linn Hon-ho on Saturday, after unapproved building works were uncovered due to the recent heavy rains. In a RTHK interview, the minister said authorities are gathering evidence and will file criminal charges based on it. High-end residential estates were not included in proactive inspections, but those near hillsides and the sea will be given priority, Linn added. "Because for houses built on the slope, if there are any unauthorized building works, there will be a slope stability angle. According to Mak, 2,300 applications have already been submitted from residents and merchants who have suffered losses from the storm.
Source:The Standard
September 16, 2023 05:58 UTC
(Video) Driver nearly struck by vehicle to avoid getting ticketed
A driver was nearly hit by a vehicle in Cheung Sha Wan on Friday morning while rushing to avoid getting ticketed. As traffic police continue to step up their work for illegal parking, many drivers attempt to avoid getting ticketed by any means possible. Suddenly, a man in a green shirt rushed onto the road, with the driver blaring his horn to warn the hurried man. Fortunately, the man was not hit by the vehicle. The driver who posted the clip stated that the rushing man should take care of his life and said money is not the main thing he should be worried about.
Source:The Standard
September 15, 2023 19:20 UTC