June 6, 1944 – June 9, 2024: From 2nd World War to the 10th European elections
Eighty years ago, 6th of June 1944, Operation Overlord started......»»
10th ID bashes Canadian gov’t for travel advisory vs Mindanao
The 10th Infantry Agila Division (10ID) of the Philippine Army criticized the Canadian government for issuing a travel advisory against all parts of Mindanao, which includes their area of responsibility. Major Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson for the 10th ID, emphasized that the regions under their jurisdiction are peaceful and free from terrorism and violent threats, contrary to the Canadian embassy's advisory. The division oversees 12 provinces, seven cities, and 72 municipalities in various parts of Mindanao. Tito expressed bewilderment at the basis of the travel advisory, asserting that the Canadian government lacks awareness of the actual situation on the ground. He highlighted the peaceful nature of the entire Davao Region throughout 2023, with no recorded incidents of terrorism or insurgency. Despite the exclusion of Davao City from the advisory, Tito noted that the region would still be impacted. The Canadian embassy's advisory warned its citizens to avoid visiting Mindanao due to ongoing terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, high levels of violence, and encounters between rebel forces and government security authorities. Specific provinces and regions were singled out for caution or non-essential travel, including Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and Eastern Mindanao. Contrary to the advisory, the 10th ID has been actively weakening and eliminating guerilla forces within its jurisdiction as part of the Philippine Army's efforts to establish an insurgency-free zone. In fact, on October 27, 2023, the Davao Region celebrated its first anniversary as an insurgency-free region in the Philippines. This dispute has led to other related stories, including the Chamber's intention to engage in discussions with the Canadian government regarding the travel advisory, as well as refutations from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and celebrations of the Davao Region's insurgency-free status by the Regional Peace and Order Council. In summary, the 10th ID vehemently opposes the Canadian government's travel advisory, citing the peaceful and secure nature of the regions under their jurisdiction, and highlighting the significant strides made in eradicating insurgency in the Davao Region......»»
NZ-EU FTA gains Royal Assent for 1 May entry to force
The European Union Free Trade Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill received Royal Assent today, completing the process for New Zealand's ratification of its free trade agreement with the European Union. "I am pleased to announce that today, in a small ceremony at the Beehive, New Zealand notified the European Union of our ratification of the New Zealand European Union Free Trade Agreement (NZ-EUFTA)......»»
Xinhua world economic news summary at 0900 GMT, March 5
KIEV -- Ukraine stands ready to extend gas transit from Russia if there is a request from the European Union (EU) countries, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported Monday, citing Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. "If the European countries act as a consortium or one of the European partners will act as a transit country for their gas -- we are ready to provide such a service," Shmyhal told a press confe.....»»
European businesses welcome restart of FTA talks
European businesses welcomed the restart of talks between the Philippines and the European Union for a free trade agreement, as they emphasized the importance of trade deals in promoting economic growth and stronger ties......»»
Filipino pugs plunge back into training for 2nd Olympic qualifiers
There's no rest for the weary as the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines (ABAP) already laid out plans for its coming campaign in the 2nd World Qualification Tournament set in Bangkok, Thailand from May 23 to June 3......»»
Democratie en Afrique : la technologie de vote numerique et les medias sociaux peuvent tre une force pour le bien et le mal
_C'est une annee exceptionnelle pour les elections sur le continent : d'ici la fin 2024, 20 pays devraient organiser des elections nationales. Une poignee d'autres prevoient egalement des elections locales. Comme partout ailleurs dans le monde, les technologies numeriques sont amenees jouer un role cle dans les elections africaines et, plus largement.....»»
US: Human Rights Guide to 2024 Elections
(Washington, February 7, 2024) - Human Rights Watch on February 7, 2024, released "A Human Rights Guide to the 2024 US Elections: Vital Recommendations for Voters, Candidates, and Supporters of Democracy."This 15-page guide, aimed at the US congressional and presidential elections in 2024, addresses a wide range of domestic an.....»»
2025 Elections: Cebu logs 5,082 new applications – Comelec
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu Province has logged a total of 5,082 applications on the first day of the voter registration for the 2025 elections. Commission on Elections (Comelec) Cebu spokesperson Omar Sharif Mamalinta revealed this data on Monday evening, Feb. 12. The midterm local and national elections is scheduled on May 2025. Of the.....»»
Dela Rosa considers war with China but admits: ‘Hindi naman natin kaya’
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa is already fed up with China’s persistent harassments in the West Philippine Sea, prompting thoughts of engaging in war with Beijing. But he knows, war is not an option. “Naubos na ang sasabihin ko dapat dyan. Short of declaring war na tayo dyan against sa kanila e,.....»»
Resumption of FTA talks seen to spur higher EU investments
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority expects investments from European companies to increase with the resumption of the Philippines – European Union free trade agreement negotiations......»»
Philippines-European Union FTA talks resume in H2
The Philippines and the European Union (EU) are looking to resume formal negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) in the early part of the second half of the year, according to the Department of Trade and Industry......»»
Red Sea crisis could draw investments to Philippines – ECCP
The Red Sea crisis may serve as an opportunity for the Philippines to attract more European companies into the country, according to the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines......»»
VP Sara ready to face ICC charges only before a Filipino court
Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her readiness to confront any allegations against her but insisted that she would only do so in front of a Filipino judge and within the jurisdiction of a Filipino court. In a statement on her Facebook page, she emphasized her refusal to participate in any process that could tarnish the reputation and integrity of the Philippine judiciary system. Duterte adamantly opposed the involvement of foreign entities in the country's legal affairs, citing it as a dishonor to the sacrifices made by Filipino heroes for the nation's freedom. Duterte, who previously served as vice mayor and mayor of Davao City, vehemently denied any involvement in the Davao Death Squad during her terms in office. She expressed dismay over the sudden appearance of a witness against her in the International Criminal Court (ICC) after assuming the vice presidency. Duterte dismissed the accusations and questioned the motives behind the allegations, asserting her capability to accomplish tasks without resorting to unlawful means. In a related development, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. voiced his refusal to acknowledge the ICC's jurisdiction in the Philippines, considering it a threat to the country's sovereignty. He issued a directive for all government agencies to refrain from cooperating with the ICC, emphasizing the nation's non-recognition of the court's authority. Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV claimed that ICC investigators had gathered substantial evidence against former President Rodrigo Duterte regarding his administration's war on drugs. He anticipated an imminent issuance of an arrest warrant against the former president. Former President Rodrigo Duterte condemned the ICC's decision to initiate a preliminary investigation into the war on drugs, labeling it an insult to the Philippines and challenging the court's jurisdiction within the country. During his presidency, he initiated the withdrawal of the Philippines' membership from the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. The ICC appeals chamber recently granted a request to resume the investigation into alleged crimes against humanity related to the Philippines' controversial drug campaign, spanning from November 2011 to March 2019. The developments surrounding the ICC's probe into the Philippines' internal affairs have sparked a contentious debate, with key political figures and rights groups expressing divergent views on the matter. The ongoing tensions between the Philippines and the ICC underscore the complex intersection of international law, national sovereignty, and human rights issues......»»
Cruise ship with European tourists docks at Subic
The arrival here last week of a cruise ship with European tourists on board was expected to revive the local cruise ship program that was interrupted by the COVID pandemic three years ago......»»
Xinhua world news summary at 0800 GMT, Feb. 14
JAKARTA -- The voting process in Indonesia's simultaneous presidential and legislative elections concluded Wednesday at 1 p.m. local time and the counting of ballots has started, according to the country's General Elections Commission (KPU). According to KPU, there are over 204 million registered voters for the general elections, about 53 percent of whom are under the age of 40. Unofficial quick counts ar.....»»
Apple confirms home screen web apps will no longer work on European iOS devices
Title: Apple Disables Web Apps in EU Following European Digital Markets Act In a significant development, tech giant Apple has decided to disable progressive web.....»»
Saudi Government Uses European Football to Sportswash its Reputation
Saudi Government Uses European Football to Sportswash its Reputation.....»»
IRONMAN 70.3 marks 10th anniversary with Lapu-Lapu race
The IRONMAN Philippines celebrates a milestone 10th anniversary staging of its 70.3 triathlon series in Lapu-Lapu City on April 21, featuring a diverse and international roster of competitors, all vying for the overall championships in the men’s and women’s divisions......»»
On its 10th year, Virtual Playground rebrands to VP Global
Virtual Playground recently rebranded to VP Global Athlete and Artist Management as part of its 10th-anniversary celebration. Formed by veteran movie producer Dondon Monteverde and sports agent/businessman Charlie Dy, VP Global has been overseeing the careers of “champions and idols” in the fields of sports and showbiz......»»
Custodio rules 10th DIBC-Delta bowling tilt in Dubai
Filipino Marc Dylan Custodio delivered a performance to remember as he topped the 10th DIBC-Delta Open Bowling Tournament at the Dubai International Bowling Centre......»»