Philippines deports 165 Chinese nationals from Bamban POGO hub
Philippines deports 165 Chinese nationals from Bamban POGO hubOne hundred sixty-five workers from Zun Yuan Techonology Inc. have been deported to Pudong District in Shanghai, China on May 14, 2024. MANILA, Philippines (Updated 5:08 p.m.) — A total of 165 out of 167 Chinese nationals, employed by a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) situated in Bamban, Tarlac, were deported on Tuesday, May 14. PAOCC spokesman Winston Casio said the cases of the two Chinese nationals left involve violations of trafficking in persons and serious illegal detention. The deported Chinese nationals will also be included in the immigration bureau’s blacklist. The 165 Chinese workers were involved in "scamming activities" and did not have proper travel documents, making them "undesirable aliens", the immigration statement said.
Source:Philippine Star
May 15, 2024 14:11 UTC
Going in circles
Going in circlesTo progress, one must move forward. The problem with our government is its propensity to make decisions that merely goes around in endless circles. It has not proven itself to be taking care of the welfare of the rice farmers and the consumers,” Villar said. Hardly did the rice price contribute to total food inflation.”But the Ukraine-Russian conflict caused fuel and fertilizer prices to soar. Going around in circles makes sense for our officials.
Source:Philippine Star
May 15, 2024 13:12 UTC
YouTube to block 'Glory to Hong Kong' videos after court order
REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/IllustrationYouTube will comply with Hong Kong's court decision and block access to video links related to a protest anthem in the city. "We are disappointed by the Court's decision but are complying with its removal order," YouTube said in a statement after it blocked access to 32 video links deemed protest anthem in Hong Kong. YouTube said the geoblocking of videos would take effect immediately for viewers in Hong Kong, and the links to the videos will no longer show up on Google Search in the city eventually. Industry groups, including the Asia Internet Coalition, which represents big tech firms like Meta, Apple and Google, have said keeping a free and open internet in Hong Kong is "fundamental" to maintaining the city's edge. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman has said that stopping the song's spread was necessary for Hong Kong to safeguard national security.
Source:The Standard
May 15, 2024 10:37 UTC
Singapore to inaugurate new PM as Lee makes way after 20 years in charge
Singapore's Minister of Finance and Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong attends the G20 Finance Ministers Meeting in Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia July 16, 2022. He was promoted to deputy prime minister and led a high-profile public consultation exercise to chart a "social compact" between the government and the people on dealing with issues like sustainability, inequality and employment. Wong made a very minor cabinet reshuffle on Monday, promoting the trade minister to become his deputy, noting that continuity and stability were key considerations. Lee will remain in Wong's cabinet as senior minister, as former Singapore prime ministers have done, preserving the political clout of the long-serving Lee family. "As I prepare to hand over Singapore in good order to my successor, I feel a sense of satisfaction and completeness," an emotional Lee told the crowd.
Source:The Standard
May 15, 2024 09:41 UTC
Lightning strike kills 2 soldiers as rains hit Cordillera amid El Niño
READ: Overcast skies, rain expected over parts of extreme northern LuzonThe weather bureau said most of the country will still endure strong El Niño heat. In Kalinga province, a lightning storm near the boundaries of the towns of Pasil and Lubuagan killed Army Cpl. Andrew Five Monterubio and Army Pvt. ADVERTISEMENTArmy Maj. Gen. Audrey Pasia, commander of the 5th Infantry Division, and fellow soldiers extended their sympathies to the families of the fatalities. La Niña, which has the opposite effect of El Niño, is characterized by heavy rains that trigger floods an other rain-induced calamities.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
May 14, 2024 20:50 UTC
Philippine-based Indian production company marks 10th anniversary
Philippine-based Indian production company marks 10th anniversaryThe night was filled with music, dance and festivities attended by Indian expatriates, local Indian business owners and friends of the community. MANILA, Philippines — Philippine-based Indian production Desi Matters celebrated their 10th year anniversary in the business with "Baisakhi Fest 2024" held in Hilton Manila in Newport City recently. In an interview with the media before the event, Desi Matters Productions Rav Singh said that the production caters to Indian community in the Philippines. "Desi Matters Productions started as a small entertainment company which caters to Indian community here in the Philippines. At the same event, Singh announced that the production company now has a creative hub, Desi Matters Studio, and an events company, DMS Prime.
Source:Philippine Star
May 14, 2024 19:18 UTC
Preparations for CIIE 2024 in full swing
SHANGHAI, May 8, 2024 PRNewswire -- The seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE), hailed as an access point for global companies looking to expand their presence in the Chinese market, is scheduled to take place this November in Shanghai. MNCs see fruitful results at past CIIEsOver the years, companies from 173 countries and regions have made appearances at the CIIE and carried out tentative transactions worth $424.23 billion. AdvertisementLast year, the expo saw the participation of over 230 US companies, including major companies such as Ford, Tesla, and Johnson & Johnson, making it the largest US delegation in history. In addition to the Business Exhibition, 72 countries and international organizations wowed visitors with their scientific and technological achievements, culture and art at the Country Exhibition of the sixth CIIE in 2023. AdvertisementThe first list of exhibitors of the seventh CIIE, including 252 companies and institutions specializing in food, automobiles, green energy, artificial intelligence, chemicals, electronic components, consumer goods and other fields, has been officially released.
Source:Manila Times
May 14, 2024 17:01 UTC
Baidu to Hold Annual General Meeting on June 26, 2024
BEIJING, May 8, 2024 PRNewswire -- Baidu, Inc. ("Baidu" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: BIDU; HKEX: 9888 (HKD Counter) and 89888 (RMB Counter)), a leading AI company with strong Internet foundation, today announced that it will hold its annual general meeting of shareholders (the "AGM") at Baidu Campus, No. 10, Shangdi 10th Street, Haidian District, Beijing 100085, People's Republic of China on June 26, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. (BeijingHong Kong time). Holders of record of the Company's Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares as of the Shares Record Date are entitled to receive notice of and attend the AGM and any adjourned meeting thereof. Baidu is a leading AI company with strong Internet foundation, trading on Nasdaq under "BIDU" and HKEX under "9888". One Baidu ADS represents eight Class A ordinary shares.
Source:Manila Times
May 14, 2024 16:59 UTC
Teacher suspectedly arrested in mainland for soliciting prostitution
A male secondary school teacher was arrested on suspicion of soliciting prostitution while participating in a mainland study tour sponsored by the Education Bureau, according to rumours circulating online. The bureau said it dealt with the case seriously and asked the teacher and the school where he teaches to submit a report. At the same time, the Education Bureau reiterated its commitment to comprehensively review the relevant information and will not make further comments at this stage, ensuring a fair and thorough investigation. A netizen posted on the online discussion forum "LIHKG" on Saturday (May 11) that a male teacher from a secondary school in Tin Shui Wai was arrested on suspicion of soliciting prostitution while participating in a study tour to the mainland. According to the "Training Calendar System" of the Education Bureau, it was found that the bureau held a "Mainland Study Tours for Newly-joined Teachers" on May 8 (Wed) and visited Wuhan for four days.
Source:The Standard
May 14, 2024 12:07 UTC
Opposition, allies split on Marcos’ special body for human rights
Former Senator Leila de Lima on Monday said Marcos’ move to create a human rights body is a correct move, and shows the intention of the administration to prioritize the protection of Filipinos’ rights. READ: Marcos creates special committee for human rights protection in PH“BBM’s creation of a human rights coordinating body is a step in the right direction. Feedback, consultation from the CHR“However, the body should institutionalize feedback and consultation from the CHR and human rights NGOs so as not to become an echo chamber of government propaganda of its human rights record. 22 creating a so-called inter-agency “super body” which will require government agencies to boost and promote universal human rights protection. 22 will allow for a better coordination between stakeholders in the human rights sector.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
May 14, 2024 02:17 UTC
4,200 contractual jobs created for 4Ps – DBM
MANILA, Philippines — Over 4,200 new contractual jobs have been created for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Monday. The 4Ps program is the government’s flagship anti-poverty program, implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). ADVERTISEMENTREAD: DSWD to work on adjustment of 4Ps grants“Supporting the 4Ps is crucial in inclusive development, empowering families, and breaking the cycle of poverty in the Philippines,” DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said in a statement. READ: DBM supports salary increase for gov’t workers; study underwayAccording to the DBM, the jobs created are Project Development Officers II. “The Project Development Officer II contractual positions were created to augment the existing staff of the DSWD to manage their workload better, aiming for a caseload of one case manager for every 300 households,” said the DBM.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
May 14, 2024 00:34 UTC
DepEd all set for June school opening in ’25
MANILA, Philippines — The return to the old school calendar that begins in June may come sooner after the Department of Education (DepEd) announced plans to open school year 2024-2025 on July 29 and end it on March 31 next year. This will pave the way for the June opening of the 2025-2026 school year, and also a marked acceleration of the DepEd timetable. ADVERTISEMENTLast February, DepEd announced the gradual return of the old calendar. READ: June opening possible with shorter school calendar, says teacher’s groupThus, this “aggressive shift” to the old school calendar will mean that this coming school year will just have 163 days, short of the usual 180 days. She also revealed that there was actually no law that sets a minimum number of school days, although Republic Act No.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
May 13, 2024 23:08 UTC
DFA probes ‘illegal’ activities by diplomats
DFA probes ‘illegal’ activities by diplomatsMANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Monday it would investigate alleged illegal activities by foreign diplomats, following calls to probe China’s possible violation of Philippine laws over a phone call recording. “The Department of Foreign Affairs will look into any reports of illegal and unlawful activities by diplomatic officials, and undertake necessary action in line with existing laws and regulations,” the DFA said. “Foreign diplomats accredited to the Philippines are accorded the necessary liberties to conduct their diplomatic duties, with the expectation that they, in turn, will conduct their diplomatic activities with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, in pursuit of common interests and mutually beneficial outcomes,” the DFA said. The DFA earlier said the Philippines had not made any agreements with China concerning the Ayungin Shoal. Relations between Manila and Beijing have deteriorated following incidents involving Philippine and Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea, including collisions and the firing of water cannons.
Source:Philippine Star
May 13, 2024 20:59 UTC
WATCH: Rondina hopeful for Choco Mucho PVL championship
First Best Outside Spiker Sisi Rondina remains faithful that the Choco Mucho Flying Titans will finally win their first championship in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL). In their second finals appearance, Rondina and the Flying Titans fell short anew in capturing the crown, yielding to the Creamline Cool Smashers in Game 2 of their 2024 All-Filipino Conference championship series at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on May 12. Video by Niel Victor MasoyGet 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 13, 2024 17:25 UTC
Discover what’s next for retail at 30th NRCE
Discover what’s next for retail at 30th NRCEMANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Retailers Association is set to deliver an unparalleled series of sessions to equip retailers with the tools to maximize available avenues and trends to meet the evolving needs and desires of consumers at the 30th National Retail Conference and Expo (NRCE) with the theme “Retail Today, Empowering Tomorrow” on Aug. 29 to 30 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. Diverse businesses are emerging across various platforms and channels, introducing new formats tailored to meet the needs of consumers across different age groups. As we usher in a new era of retail, the PRA ensures that retailers stay ahead of the curve with a robust arsenal of strategies to propel their businesses forward. Anticipated with great excitement, this forward-thinking session will delve into the dynamic intersection of youth culture, technology, and consumer behavior, shaping the future of retail. Secure your seats now at http://www.nrce-ph.com or call the PRA Executive Secretariat at 8687-4180 to 81.
Source:Philippine Star
May 13, 2024 16:55 UTC