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An 8.2 magnitude earthquake struck off Mindanao, Philippines, with its epicenter 24.7 km west-southwest of Burias. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre warned of possible tsunami waves in the Philippines and Malaysia, prompting alerts across the region.
A 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines on Monday, killing at least 4 people and injuring over 200. A tsunami with 1-meter waves was observed in Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani provinces. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the threat had largely passed after about five hours. Damage included buildings and a key bridge in General Santos City.
The Philippine Senate blue ribbon committee, now chaired by Senator Erwin Tulfo, resumed its investigation into alleged corruption in flood control projects on Monday. Tulfo invited 18 alleged former security aides of ex-congressman Zaldy Co, who previously leveled corruption allegations against the Marcos family and Duterte critics. The aides claimed Tulfo received kickbacks, which he denied.
Several Philippine elected officials, including Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Chiz Escudero, have been placed under hold departure orders (HDOs) or precautionary HDOs due to the flood control corruption scandal. Estrada was charged with plunder and graft and is now detained, while Escudero faces plunder, graft, and bribery complaints.
This commentary argues that Vice President Sara Duterte's visit to Baybay City, Leyte, is not coincidental but strategically linked to the lawyer of the 18 'ex-marines' who testified in a Senate hearing. It contends that the visit signals a Duterte alliance with the Galenzoga-Baligod family, who are political rivals of the ruling Cari clan, and suggests a Duterte connection to the ex-marines' testimony.
This commentary argues that the Philippine education system's literacy crisis, revealed by Grade 11 assessment results showing 87% of students struggle with reading, stems from long-standing systemic issues. It contends that addressing the problem requires comprehensive improvements in teacher support, school organization, and curriculum implementation rather than isolated fixes.
This commentary argues that the Philippines-Italy defense cooperation agreement, including a potential submarine transfer, reflects both nations' efforts to diversify security partnerships amid shifting global power dynamics. It suggests this move is strategically significant for the Philippines.
This commentary reflects on the history of Baguio's media and literary gathering places, tracing the evolution from Session Café to Dainty Restaurant, Mandarin, Rumours, and finally Luisa's Café. It argues that Luisa's Café, following the death of its founder, has become an enduring institution and a symbol of the city's cultural continuity.
Satellite images confirmed a suspected structure at Scarborough Shoal last week, but imagery from June 1 shows it is no longer present. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. is investigating the raw intelligence.
John Barry Tayam, a high school teacher, filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking to affirm the legality of the Senate's quorum of 12 and actions taken during the June 3 session, including vacancy declarations and leadership elections. The petition aims to validate the session's outcomes amid a political standoff.