Putin and Xi reject US ‘interference,’ praise their own cooperation – Kremlin
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping say they aim to create 'a multipolar, fairer world order'.....»»
Philippines, Indonesia seek to strengthen cooperation for energy security
MANILA, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines and Indonesia on Wednesday agreed to strengthen energy cooperation to safeguard energy security. Energy ministers of the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on energy cooperation at the presidential palace in Manila, where Indonesian President Joko Widodo was received by his Philippine counterpart Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos. Widodo arrived i.....»»
NICE, Ganda! NICE, SARAP! McDonald’s comes out with oh-so-satisfying Chicken McDo
Summary: McDonald’s Introduces Bigger, Juicier, and Crispier Chicken McDo McDonald’s has unveiled an enhanced version of its beloved Chicken McDo, promising a more satisfying and flavorful experience for chicken enthusiasts. The new and improved Chicken McDo boasts larger and juicier cuts, coupled with a revamped breading process that results in a crispier and flakier skin. This upgrade aims to elevate the dining experience, ensuring that every bite is succulent and fulfilling. In addition to the enhanced chicken offering, McDonald’s is also introducing value-packed meal options to cater to different preferences. Customers can indulge in the 1pc Chicken McDo with DOUBLE Rice for a hearty and filling meal, or opt for the 1pc Chicken McDo with McFloat for a refreshing accompaniment. The reimagined Chicken McDo has garnered praise from renowned personality Vice Ganda, who has expressed her delight with the improvements. McDonald’s has made the new Chicken McDo available for dine-in, take-out, drive-thru, and delivery, ensuring that customers can savor its delectable taste at their convenience. For those eager to explore more exciting deals and promotions related to the Chicken McDo, McDonald’s encourages users to download the McDonald’s App and McDelivery App, and stay updated on social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. Overall, McDonald’s Chicken McDo aims to satisfy cravings with its bigger, juicier, and crispier appeal, offering a delectable chicken experience that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere......»»
Jihadists
For his own purposes, Vladimir Putin has been trying to link the deadly terrorist attack on a concert hall in Moscow to Ukraine. The casualty figure for that attack has now risen t.....»»
Philippines, Germany eye cyber, maritime defense cooperation
The Philippines and Germany are eyeing to expand their defense cooperation to include cyber and maritime domains, President Marcos said, in light of China’s continued dangerous maneuvers and harassment of Filipino supply vessels in the West Philippine Sea......»»
Philippines, Vietnam to boost SCS cooperation, incident prevention
The Philippines and Vietnam yesterday agreed to boost cooperation between their coast guards and to prevent untoward incidents in the disputed South China Sea in light of Beijing’s continued aggression in one of the world’s most important trade routes......»»
Philippines, US eye wider space tech cooperation for maritime security
In a joint statement on Tuesday, Manila and Washington said both governments agreed that Earth observation is a priority area for bilateral cooperation during their first bilateral space dialogue earlier this month. .....»»
Delivery drivers urge Mayor Baste for business permit exemption
Title: Delivery Drivers Seek Exemption from Business Permit Requirement A group of delivery drivers in Davao is urging Mayor Sebastian Duterte to exempt them from the mandatory business permits. The drivers, including those from various delivery apps such as Grab and FoodPanda, are concerned about the financial burden imposed by the business permits, which range from P2,000 to P6,000. They argue that this requirement is unique to Davao City among all cities and provinces in the Philippines. Grab rider Rolando Atico emphasized the need for solidarity among all delivery drivers, regardless of the app they work for. He urged fellow drivers to support each other, as the financial impact may extend beyond just Grab and FoodPanda. Atico also requested Mayor Duterte to reconsider the requirement and reinstate the previous occupational permit, which only cost P125. The group is facing a 30-day deadline to obtain the business permits, and they are citing financial constraints as a reason for their request for an extension. Failure to comply could result in their removal from the delivery platforms, jeopardizing their livelihoods. Additionally, they are advocating for changes to Davao City's Revenue Code, proposing a model similar to Cebu City, where only an occupational permit is required. The drivers are also calling for an inquiry into the lack of transparency and unilateral actions of food delivery companies, particularly concerning rider capitalization and financial concerns. They believe that a thorough investigation will help ensure fairness and equity in their financial obligations and working relationship with the delivery companies. Maribel Paguican, the Business Bureau officer-in-charge, stated that non-certified delivery riders categorized as service contractors must obtain a business permit. She mentioned two permits for occupational and business activities, with a discounted structure for delivery riders. However, concerns have been raised about increased taxes, potentially ranging from P3,000 to P6,000, along with an additional tax on top of the declared income of P1,400. The delivery drivers' plea for exemption from the business permit requirement reflects their concerns about the financial impact and the potential threat to their livelihoods. Their call for solidarity and support from fellow drivers highlights the urgency of the situation. This story sheds light on the challenges faced by delivery drivers in Davao and the implications of the business permit requirement on their financial well-being. It also underscores their efforts to seek fairness and equity in their working relationship with the authorities and delivery companies......»»
What to do with Miru deal
Before the Holy Week break, a top official of the National Security Council raised concerns and fears of potential “foreign interference” in our country’s upcoming May 2025 mid-term elections......»»
China slams foreign criticism of Hong Kong’s upcoming Article 23 national security law
The law, known as Article 23, will target crimes including treason, theft of state secrets, espionage, sabotage, sedition, and 'external interference,' including from foreign governments.....»»
EU drafts guidelines as it urges Big Tech to protect democratic elections
'We know the electoral period in the EU is going to be targeted by hybrid attacks and foreign interference of all kinds,' EU Commissioner Thierry Breton says.....»»
Bangsamoro folks reject Duterte’s Mindanao independence call
People from different sectors in the Bangsamoro region on Friday blatantly rejected former President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for Mindanao independence, asserting that they will never ever ruin the gains of their peace process with the national government......»»
Comelec says systems can thwart foreign interference
The Commission on Elections is preparing to defend its servers from attempts to hack it in the 2025 midterm polls, its chairperson announced on Wednesday......»»
EAM Jaishankar discusses security, maritime cooperation with his Philippine counterpart in Manila
Manila [Philippines], March 26 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on an official visit to Manila, held a 'warm and productive' meeting with Philippines Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Enrique Manalo on Tuesday and discussed wide-ranging issues of security and maritime cooperation. During the meeting, both leaders exchanged views on global, regional, and multilateral issues, including Indo-Pacific, ASEAN,.....»»
In praise of galletas
I have been OD-ing on galletas the past couple of weeks, since my family went to Bacolod for the Holy Week and brought me boxes of the thin crackers – Virgie’s, although Sugarlandia makes them too......»»
Tennis: Agassi anoints Djokovic as greatest ever
Eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi has anointed Novak Djokovic as the greatest men’s player of all time, saying you cannot argue with the weight of his achievements. The popular American former world number one, himself widely considered among the best the sport has seen, also had lavish praise for Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal......»»
Phlilippines eyes deeper maritime cooperation with EU
The Philippines is ready to deepen cooperation with the European Union and EU member states on maritime safety and security, maritime domain awareness and ocean governance......»»
Philippines eyes stronger cooperation, economic ties with Germany
The Philippines and Germany are looking to step up cooperation in areas like minerals processing and investment financing to boost economic ties, according to the Department of Trade and Industry......»»
Senators praise Comelec for suspending people’s initiative proceedings
MANILA, Philippines — Senators rejoiced at the decision of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to suspend all proceedings related to a people’s initiative aimed at amending the 1987 Constitution, saying that it is nothing but a victory for the Filipino people. Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, in a statement, said the Philippine government has finally.....»»
Ayala Group inks cooperation deal with New Zealand trade agency
Conglomerate Ayala Corp. has entered into a cooperation agreement with the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise to explore potential business and collaborative opportunities. The agreement was signed during the visit of New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon on Ayala’s headquarters as part of his recent official state visit to the Philippines......»»
Labor, maritime cooperation tabled in President Marcos’ Europe visit
The Philippines will sign several agreements, including on maritime and labor cooperation, during President Marcos’ five-day visit to Germany and the Czech Republic next week, an official of the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Friday......»»