Author: Jericho Zafra

MANILA, Philippines — Starting August 26 to September 1, the National Book Store is hosting an online book fair where bookworms can snag several titles they are eyeing for up to 80 percent off. During this online book fair, select titles are available for as low as P99, making it the perfect opportunity to stock up on must-reads. Aside from offering discounts in select titles, shoppers can enjoy up to 20% off with shop vouchers and benefit from free shipping on their orders. The sale covers a wide range of genres, so don’t worry. To take advantage of these offers,…

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government has once again slammed China after it rammed another local ship, this time, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel in Escoda Shoal on Sunday Several videos show that Chinese Coast Guard ship 21551 rammed the port side of Datu Sanday but Chinese media reports said that the China Coast Guard, who is occupying the Philippine maritime territory, only took “control measures” against Datu Sanday which “illegally intruded” the shoal. In a statement Sunday, the National Security Council said that the BRP Datu Sanday (MMOV 3002) encountered “aggressive and dangerous maneuvers” from…

MANILA, Philippines — Former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez urged the public to join the indignation march on Monday against the government in time for the National Heroes’ Day. “Ngayon[g] araw, ika-26 ng Agosto, 2024,  sa ganap na ika-4:00 p.m., sumama, maki-isa, at iparinig ang tinig sa martsa mula Plaza Miranda patungo sa Liwasang Bonifacio,” Rodriguez said in a Facebook post.  The indignation march is organized by “Maisug Pilipinas,” a group of supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Rodriguez, who was a former ally of the Marcos government, was seen joining the Maisug event in January but said in an exclusive…

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives said Monday that it is alarmed by the “increasingly aggressive” actions by China in the West Philippine Sea after it rammed a Philippine-flagged vessel transporting supplies in Escoda Shoal. “Again, we condemn in the strongest terms this newest reckless and dangerous maneuvers by the China Coast Guard on our vessels, this time a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ship conducting a humanitarian mission by resupplying Filipino fishermen with food, medical supplies and diesel,” House Speaker Martin Romualdez said in a statement. He noted that this is the second time in about…

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard said that the MV Mirola Uno has now been towed and moored in Bataan while the ongoing oil recovery in MTKR Terranova remains ongoing. In a situation report, the Philippine Coast Guard said that the MV Mirola Uno, the third tanker that ran aground in the waters of Bataan has now been towed and moored and is currently at the Bataan shipyard for repair. The MV Mirola 1 was floated last Thursday after repairs were made to its hull and seawater was removed. The vessel had run aground near Sitio Quiapo in Barangay…

MANILA, Philippines — Bulacan rice farmer Danilo “Ka Daning” Ramos announced his plans to run for Senate in the 2025 midterm elections on Thursday under the Makabayan slate. Ramos is the chairperson of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas. “I am accepting the challenge and difficult task of our times to carry the interests of Filipino farmers to the Senate. We must step and show that there are alternatives to traditional political parties and dynasties,” Ramos said in his acceptance speech. Ramos, carrying the slogan “Farmers, plant them in the Senate,” said it’s time for “real representation of poor and marginalized…

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Space Agency has warned areas in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and Cagayan natives of fallen debris from the recent Long March 7A rocket launch by China. In its advisory, PhilSA confirmed that the People’s Republic of China has launched its Long March 7A from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan around 8:25 PM (Philippine time) on Thursday. It said that expected debris from the rocket launch was projected to have fallen within the identified drop zones approximately 38 nautical miles away from Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and 66 nautical miles away from Sta Ana, Cagayan. …

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will be getting smallpox vaccines from the World Health Organization that can mitigate the threat of mpox in the country, the Department of Health (DOH) said. According to DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, mpox is related to smallpox, and research shows that smallpox vaccines can also protect against mpox. “The DOH has signified intent to the World Health Organization (WHO), that once global strategy shifts and distribution of (smallpox) vaccine starts, the Philippines will raise its hand to show that we are ready (to accept it),” Domingo said. He said that the smallpox vaccine isn’t…

MANILA, Philippines — Local Government Units (LGUs) should intensify their information drive against leptospirosis and mpox (formerly monkeypox) that has been hounding Philippine healthcare at this time, President Marcos Jr. said. “I urge you all to lead aggressive information dissemination campaign to promote a healthy lifestyle and prevent diseases, such as a campaign to remind our people, especially children, against swimming in flood waters and to practice [proper] personal hygiene to mitigate the spread of leptospirosis, mpox, and any other illnesses,” Marcos said in his speech during the Local Governance Summit 2024 at the Philippine International Convention Center. The Philippines…

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs urged Filipino seafarers on Friday to avoid the Red Sea route after a Houthi attack in the area affecting 23 Filipino sailors. In an advisory, the DFA said that Filipino seafarers should “exercise prudent choice” since danger remains in the area. “This situation has worsened due in part to the conflict escalation in the Red Sea that poses a clear and present danger to all Filipino seafarers working in the area,” DFA told reporters. On Thursday, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that 23 Filipino seafarers in the Red Sea have…