According to a study by the World Gold Council, China has become the biggest consumer market for the precious metal. It toppled India, which had led the table ever since official data were first made available. The survey found that Chinese customers had bought a total of 1,066 tons of gold products in 2013, up 32 percent from 2012, while their Indian counterparts had purchased 975 tons, up 13 percent from 2012 levels. The council […]
Other News
Four killed in Thai clashes; PM to face charges over rice scheme
(Reuters) – Gun battles erupted between Thai police and anti-government protesters in Bangkok on Tuesday and four people were killed and dozens wounded as authorities made their most determined effort yet to clear demonstrators from the streets. In a day of tangled developments in Thailand’s long-running political crisis, the country’s anti-corruption body announced it was filing charges against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra relating to a rice subsidy scheme that has fuelled middle-class opposition to her […]
Ukraine government gives protesters ultimatum during deadly day in Kyiv
The Ukrainian government has issued an ultimatum to protesters to clear Kyiv’s Independence Square or face police action. The announcement came amid an escalation in tensions and reports of fatalities. A statement on the website of Ukraine’s Interior Ministry on Tuesday afternoon warned demonstrators to halt protest action by 1800 (1600 UTC). If protesters refused to clear out from occupied sites, “we will be forced to restore order with all legal means,” the Interior Ministry […]
Bomb attacks in Baghdad and southern Iraq city kill 49
(Reuters) – Bombs exploded in predominantly Shi’ite Muslim districts of the Iraqi capital and in the southern city of Hilla on Tuesday, killing at least 49 people, police and hospital sources said. No group immediately claimed responsibility for any of the attacks, but Shi’ites are often targeted by Sunni Islamist insurgents who have been regaining ground in Iraq over the past year and overran several towns in recent weeks. The deadliest attacks on Tuesday occurred […]
Butanding Pulls in Tourists
The local government of Legazpi City was forced to maximize their tourism program as more tourists visited their city because of the arrival of the so-called “gentle giants”, the butanding.
Aquino invites investors to play larger role in the country’s economy
MANILA, Feb. 18 (PNA) — President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday invited investors to play a larger role in efforts to make the country and the economy greater than ever before. Speaking at the Euromoney Philippines Investment Forum at the Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay City, the President said opportunities abound along the path to shared prosperity. “As our people continue to rewrite the story of the Philippines—from the apathy of the past […]
Supreme Court extends TRO preventing Meralco from imposing power rate hike
MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended for another two months, or until April 22, the temporary restraining order (TRO) against the planned P4.15 per kilowatt-hour power rate hike of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco). The extension of the TRO effectively prevented Meralco from implementing the rate hike. The TRO was supposed to end on February 23. The SC en banc decided to extend the TRO after acting on the “urgent motion for extension […]
Muntinlupa City to Give Hero’s Welcome to Michael Christian Martinez
Muntinlupa City will be giving a hero’s welcome to figure skater Michael Christian Martinez upon his return to the country after his victory at the Sochi Winter Olympics. The 17-year-old skater achieved many of his dreams in Sochi, including representing the Philippines and qualifying for the finals of the figure skating competition, where he placed 19th in the 30-man field. According to Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Martinez gave honor to the municipality as well as […]
DILG Orders PNP to Fast-Track Civilian Hiring
MANILA, Philippines — To boost the number of policemen on the streets, Interior and Local Government Secretary, Mar Roxas, ordered the Philippine National Police to fast-track the hiring of civilians or non-uniformed personnel in their organization. Roxas’s order aims to encourage high school graduates and college undergraduates to join the PNP. He further advised interested applicants to go to the nearest PNP Regional, Provincial, City and Municipal stations in their area. With the hiring of […]
SC upholds constitutionality of online libel
MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the controversial online libel under Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act. The high court has ruled that original authors of libelous articles can be penalized, but not those who will post reactions or opinions to the article, or those who will receive such posts under section 4(c)4. The court, however, partially granted the reliefs sought in the 15 consolidated petitions challenging the […]
Philippines welcomes Kerry’s call to fast-track code of conduct on South China Sea
MANILA, Feb. 18 (PNA) — The Philippines on Tuesday welcomed the call of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to expedite the crafting of a legally-binding code of conduct in the disputed South China Sea, saying the accord will bring “peace, security and stability” in the region. “These comments are fully in line with the basic Philippine and Association of South East Asian Nations stance that we should move expeditiously to conclude a binding Code […]
Napoles To Appeal Denial Of Her Bail Petition
MANILA, Philippines — The camp of Janet Lim Napoles is set to bring to the Court of Appeals her bail petition which had been denied by the Makati regional trial court. Napoles’ camp said they will be filing their appeal within 60 days. In fact, her lawyer, Alfredo Villamor, wants the petition to be filed as soon as possible. Napoles’ brother Reynald Lim is still at large. Last February 12, the Makati Regional Trial Court […]
