Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Spokeman Charles Jose said that the Philippine government is yet to impose a travel or a deployment ban to Saudi Arabia and Iran despite the tension between the two countries. (Eagle News Service)
Other News
COMELEC to consolidate three disqualification cases filed against Mayor Duterte
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) will consolidate the three disqualification cases filed against presidential aspirant Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. According to COMELEC Commissioner Luie Guia, they decided to combine the entire petitions because the petitions are all the same. The cases were filed by Broadcaster Ruben Castor, Rizalito David and John Paulo Delas Nievas of UP Diliman Student Council. The first divisions will hold their hearing regarding the cases filed against Duterte on Tuesday […]
NOKOR successfully conducts nuclear test
(REUTERS) North Korea said it had successfully conducted a test of a miniaturized hydrogen nuclear device on Wednesday morning, marking a significant advance in the isolated state’s strike capabilities and raising alarm bells in Japan and South Korea. The test, the fourth time North Korea has exploded a nuclear device, was ordered by young leader Kim Jong Un, state media said. “The first H-bomb test was successfully conducted at 10:00 (2030 ET) on Wednesday,” North […]
Dutch couple found dead in Costa Rica
A Dutch couple and a Nicaraguan worker have been found dead on an estate in Sardinal Puntarenas, near Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, on Monday (January 5). Local media reported the bodies of Dutch pensioner couple Johan and Zita Snelderth Taver and Nicaraguan worker, Rivar Avenec, were found on 400 hectare- (988 acre-) estate known as Ganadera La Flecha. Police believe the couple and worker could have been killed up to eight days ago, because […]
Palace appeals to public for patience, says necessary road projects are now under construction
Traffic congestion in Metro Manila has worsened partly due to on-going road projects targeted to ease travel not only in Metro Manila but in CALABARZON and Central Luzon. Thus, Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma Jr., appealed to the public to have patience as these infrastructure projects is targeted to have long-term gains. Among the on-going infrastructure projects, which are targeted to be finished this year and in 2017, are the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, the […]
Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach on Good Morning America
Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach had her first interview at “Good Morning America”. She said that although she’s very busy, she still feels very excited about her present reign. Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez addressed the issue for the first time to a Colombian radio station, calling the incident “a great injustice,” adding “it was very humiliating for me” and that she believes the two should share the crown. Wurtzbach admitted to “Good Morning America” co-anchor Lara […]
Japan suspects North Korea quake is a nuclear test
Japan is to convene a security council meeting following an apparent North Korean earthquake earlier on Wednesday (January 6) its suspects was a nuclear test. “According to the Meteorological Agency this earthquake is not a naturally occurring earthquake. The Japanese government, based on past examples, we believe there is a possibility that this is a nuclear test by North Korea. We have therefore convened the relevant ministries to a gather for an emergency strategy meeting […]
Some support, some opposition to new restrictions on U.S. gun purchases
U.S. presidential candidates and some Congress members were quick to react to new gun control measures announced by President Obama on Tuesday (January 5). Surrounded by victims of gun violence, the U.S. president unveiled stricter gun rules that he said he can impose without Congressional approval. Republican presidential candidates were quick to condemn the new executive orders and vow to undo them if elected. “[President Obama] just wants to sign executive orders all the time,” […]
Saudi backs Syria talks despite row with Iran, says UN envoy
Saudi Arabia signaled on Tuesday (January 6) that the breach in its relations with Iran would not affect talks on Syria, another round of which is scheduled in Geneva this month. Riyadh and Tehran, which support opposing sides in the Syrian civil war, have attended previous talks on the conflict but there is concern that the new rift between the arch rivals could set back diplomatic efforts to bring peace to Syria. Speaking after talks […]
Palace: Foreign Affairs Department closely monitoring situation in Middle East
Malacañang on Tuesday assured that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East in light of mounting tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the government is ready to carry out its contingency plan to provide assistance to Filipinos there, if needed. “Masinsing tinututukan ng DFA sa pamamagitan ng mga Embahada at Consulada ang sitwasyon sa Gitnang Silangan bunsod ng tensyon sa pagitan […]
El Niño-strengthened storm brings rain, floods to California
An El Niño-strengthened storm brought widespread rain to drought-stricken California on Tuesday (January 05), triggering flooding that clogged roadways, and authorities warned residents about possible mud slides. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flash flood watches for much of the coast from San Diego to San Francisco and said storms would linger through Friday (January 08). The service forecast widespread rain and mountain snow. The weather service warned of flooding on urban roads, as […]
Algerian government lays out draft constitutional reforms
Algeria’s government on Tuesday (January 5) unveiled draft constitutional reforms, including a two-term presidency limit, an obligatory consultation with parliament to name prime ministers and making local Amazigh an official language. Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika promised a package of amendments to strengthen democracy in the North African state, which since independence from France in 1962 has been mostly governed by the ruling FLN party and the military. The proposed reforms, which Bouteflika’s cabinet director Ahmed […]
