Rare venomous sea snake washes up on a SoCal beach

Los Angeles Times - Sep 17, 2026

A yellow-bellied sea snake recently washed ashore in Orange County — the first time the venomous serpent has been seen in California since 2018, according to social media video.

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Makabayan: Pending antidynasty bill merely regulates relatives in office

Sep 18, 2026

Makabayan: Pending antidynasty bill merely regulates relatives in office

MANILA, Philippines — The Makabayan bloc has warned that the version of the proposed antidynasty bill pending in Congress does not abide by the Supreme Court directive to prohibit relatives from holding public office simultaneously. While it welcomed the Supreme Court ruling that compelled the legislature to pass an enabling law that would finally put

Top 30 in The Korea Times University Rankings 2027

Sep 18, 2026

Top 30 in The Korea Times University Rankings 2027

As competition for international students intensifies worldwide, The Korea Times has expanded and refined its University Rankings 2027, evaluating 60 universities across four categories: education, research, student support and graduate outcomes. The rankings aim to assess how well Korean universities are building sustainable environments for international students and scholars, shifting the focus beyond enrollment numbers toward the quality and depth of internationalization. This year’s evaluation features 19 indicators worth a total of 200 points, with 65 percent of the score directly tied to globalization. The following tables present the top 30 universities overall, along with the top 30 in each category.

Korea Times University Rankings focus on universities' internationalization capabilities

Sep 18, 2026

Korea Times University Rankings focus on universities' internationalization capabilities

The Korea Times University Rankings 2027 focus on universities’ internationalization capabilities rather than their overall institutional strength. Unlike comprehensive rankings such as QS and Times Higher Education (THE), which place greater emphasis on reputation and research, The Korea Times rankings evaluate the diverse resources and achievements of universities from an internationalization perspective. Through the assessment, The Korea Times aims to help international students considering studying in Korea make informed choices and promote healthy competition among universities to strengthen their internationalization capabilities. Differences in evaluation method The Korea Times excluded the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and the Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) from its University Rankings, although both rank among Korea’s top universities in global rankings. The exclusion was based on a comprehensive consideration of the number of international students, institutional size and regional balance among Korean universities. In the QS

Evaluation criteria revised to better assess universities' internationalization

Sep 18, 2026

Evaluation criteria revised to better assess universities' internationalization

The Korea Times has revised the evaluation criteria for its University Rankings 2027 to provide a more comprehensive and rigorous assessment of the internationalization of Korean universities. This year’s evaluation expanded its coverage from 54 universities last year to 60, while increasing the total score from 190 points across 18 indicators to 200 points across 19 indicators. Notably, The Korea Times introduced a new indicator measuring the proportion of full-time international faculty. It also changed the calculation method for the academic retention rate of international students, focusing the measure on degree-seeking students, and refined the evaluation period for research performance. The new international faculty indicator, worth 10 points, is designed to strengthen the assessment of internationalization in the education and research environment, marking the biggest change in this year’s rankings. Accordingly, the education category’s score increased from 60 points to 70 points. The category now consists of seven indicators, including the ratio of degree-seeking internationa

New indicators sharpen focus on quality over quantity in university globalization

Sep 18, 2026

New indicators sharpen focus on quality over quantity in university globalization

Academics and industry observers said revision to The Korea Times University Rankings 2027 represent a meaningful step forward, with updated indicators that offer a more comprehensive measure of university internationalization. This year’s revisions placed greater emphasis on faculty diversity, student success and sustained research collaboration. Shin Jang-sup, a professor of economics at the National University of Singapore, said the overall framework has improved from last year, highlighting the addition of an indicator measuring the proportion of international full-time faculty, as well as changes to the international student retention indicator. “Including the international student retention rate is a very desirable change,” Shin said. “It strengthens the rankings’ focus on evaluating universities from the perspective of international students.” Seo Myeong-seok, managing director of the Korea Advancing Schools Foundation, also emphasized that the revisions have strengthened the overall framework. He pointed to the introduction of the international full-time faculty ratio,

Universities need to do more to support international students

Sep 18, 2026

Universities need to do more to support international students

Internationalization is no longer an option for Korean universities but a necessity for their survival, as the nation’s higher education system faces an unprecedented structural transformation. Yet The Korea Times University Rankings 2027 reveal a stark reality: Korean universities still have a long way to go to achieve full-fledged internationalization. Universities have met the basic requirements for internationalization. But investment in faculty recruitment and student support has failed to keep pace with the increasing number of international students, while graduate outcomes remain weak. The Korea Times launched the university rankings last year to assess the level of internationalization among domestic universities. This year’s rankings covered 60 universities using 19 indicators in four categories: education, research, student support and graduate outcomes. Universities were assessed on a 200-point scale, with 70 points allocated to education, 50 points to research, 40 points to student support and 40 points to graduate outcomes. The education category saw the strongest overall

Top Korean universities hold firm as new contenders gain ground

Sep 18, 2026

Top Korean universities hold firm as new contenders gain ground

Korea University retained the top spot in The Korea Times University Rankings 2027 for the second consecutive year, as the country’s leading universities largely held their ground while Sejong University emerged as the biggest mover in the top 10. First launched last year, The Korea Times University Rankings aim to look beyond the number of international students to assess how well universities are building the broader ecosystem needed for globalization. This year’s results suggest that while Korean universities have made progress in attracting and managing international students, many still lag in areas such as international faculty, financial support and post-graduation outcomes. The disparity was evident across the four evaluation areas. Universities performed strongest in education, while scores were lower in student support and lowest in graduate outcomes, underscoring the challenge of building an environment that supports international students not only upon arrival but throughout their studies and beyond graduation. Korea University topped the rankings with 149.52 points out o

Regional universities excel in student support category

Sep 18, 2026

Regional universities excel in student support category

Seoul-based universities dominate the top 30 of The Korea Times University Rankings 2027. Their dominance is, however, less evident in the student support category, where regional universities are investing more in helping international students find jobs and settle after graduation. Among the 60 universities evaluated nationwide, 18 of the 24 universities in Seoul made the top 30, reaffirming the capital’s long-standing dominance in internationalization. Five of nine schools in Gyeonggi Province and Incheon are included in the list, while four of 13 universities in metropolitan cities outside the capital region made the cut. Only three of the 14 universities in provincial areas made the top 30, showing that they still lag well behind major universities in Seoul and other metropolitan areas. Those figures indicate that internationalization capabilities remain concentrated in the capital region. The education, research and graduate outcomes categories showed a consistent regional pattern, with Seoul scoring highest, followed by Gyeonggi and Incheon, metropolitan cities outside the capita

Regional, smaller universities challenge hierarchy as globalization paths diverge

Sep 18, 2026

Regional, smaller universities challenge hierarchy as globalization paths diverge

Some universities outside Seoul and the capital region demonstrated strong international competitiveness in specific areas in The Korea Times University Rankings 2027, despite the dominance of the country’s top-tier schools in the overall standings. This indicates that universities are strengthening their international capabilities in different ways across areas such as student recruitment, educational environments, international research, student support and graduate outcomes. Korea University, Seoul National University and Yonsei University — the country’s three leading institutions collectively known as “SKY” — held the top three spots in the overall top 30. However, regional and smaller universities including Handong Global University, Incheon National University, Woosong University and Kyungsung University performed strongly in categories such as education, student support and graduate outcomes. Handong Global University, based in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, stood out by ranking second in student support behind only Seoul National University, despite placing 23rd

New metrics reshuffle top 30 university rankings, expose globalization gaps

Sep 18, 2026

New metrics reshuffle top 30 university rankings, expose globalization gaps

The top 30 of The Korea Times University Rankings 2027 remained largely stable — 28 of last year's 30 universities held their places — but beneath that continuity, a revised methodology reshaped individual positions and exposed widening gaps in the quality and depth of internationalization at Korean universities. Seoul-based private universities dominated the top 30, though seven universities outside the capital region also made the cut. They included regional flagship national universities — Pusan, Kyungpook, Jeonbuk and Chungnam — as well as private institutions known for their internationalization efforts, such as Woosong, Handong Global and Yeungnam universities. Yeungnam University and Kookmin University were the only newcomers, climbing three and four spots from 32nd and 34th last year to 29th and 30th, respectively. Yeungnam's rise was driven largely by its strong performance in international research. The private university in Gyeongsan, North Gyeongsang Province, ranked ninth among the 60 institutions in the research category with 30.95 points, placing first in the shar

Seoul's Jongno 3-ga rises to world's coolest neighborhood

Sep 18, 2026

Seoul's Jongno 3-ga rises to world's coolest neighborhood

Seoul’s Jongno 3-ga has gone from cool to coolest, taking the No. 1 spot on Time Out’s list of the world’s coolest neighborhoods in 2026 after ranking third five years ago. The historic downtown neighborhood was praised for its mix of old Seoul and new energy, from late-night food stalls, or "pocha," to independent businesses and traditional Korean houses, or "hanok." Time Out said Jongno 3-ga has only grown cooler since its previous appearance, citing the rise of late-evening outdoor dining, independent businesses and shops. The neighborhood’s appeal increasingly stretches across generations. Today, younger crowds are flocking to the area, drawn by its affordable food and relaxed, open-air atmosphere. "Jongno 3-ga thrives as a social intersection," Time Out wrote, describing a neighborhood where different generations and communities have long crossed paths. Nearby Ikseon-dong has become a magnet for cafes and boutiques tucked into century-old hanok, while Seosulla-gil offers another side of the neighborhood, with craft workshops, jewelry studios and bars. The ranking has put Jongn

Gov't to closely monitor energy price volatility, vows diversification

Sep 18, 2026

Gov't to closely monitor energy price volatility, vows diversification

The finance minister on Friday vowed to make diplomatic efforts and diversify import sources to address recent energy price volatility amid geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol made the remarks during a meeting of economy-related ministers in the central city of Sejong, pointing out that global oil prices have recently risen sharply amid geopolitical tensions. "The government intends to remain vigilant and maintain an emergency response system to stably manage the supply of energy sources and their prices," Koo said during the meeting. Koo added that the energy supply is expected to remain stable for the time being due to the government's proactive diplomatic efforts, diversification of import sources and a strategic swap of oil reserves. "We will operate a monitoring team with the oil refining industry to check the supply of crude oil on a daily basis and take necessary measures promptly," the finance minister said. During the meeting, the government said the country will extend its fuel tax cut scheme by another two months through November to eas

Lee set for press conference amid falling approval ratings

Sep 18, 2026

Lee set for press conference amid falling approval ratings

President Lee Jae Myung was set to hold a press conference Friday to address pending issues in an apparent attempt to resuscitate his approval ratings that have fallen to their lowest level amid controversies surrounding government policies. The press conference, to be held under the slogan of "people's wishes and lives will be more closely heeded," is scheduled to run for 90 minutes from 10:30 a.m. It will mark the seventh press conference by the president since he took office in June 2025 but a rare one, given that most of his previous pressers were held in and around special occasions, such as the first year anniversary of his administration. The event, announced three days earlier, comes after Lee saw his approval ratings decline to the lowest levels in the mid-30 percent range in recent weeks, especially among young voters. During the conference, Lee is expected to face media questions about his and his ruling party's push for a constitutional revision, as well as issues involving his suspended trials. The president and the ruling Democratic Party have been calling for a constitution

Korea to extend fuel tax cut through November amid price burdens

Sep 18, 2026

Korea to extend fuel tax cut through November amid price burdens

Korea will extend its fuel tax cut scheme by another two months through November to ease price burdens on the public amid protracted tensions in the Middle East, the finance ministry said Friday. The Ministry of Finance and Economy said the decision was made during an economy-related ministers' meeting chaired by Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol, citing the need to ease the public's burden from fuel costs. Under the measure, the current tax reductions of 15 percent for gasoline and 25 percent for diesel and butane, originally set to expire at the end of this month, will remain in place through the end of November. "We have decided to maintain the current tax cut scheme, considering the country's capacity to address a possible increase in oil price volatility," the finance ministry said in a release. The country has decided to maintain larger tax cuts for diesel, which is essential for industrial and logistics activities, and butane, which is widely used as fuel for small trucks, it added.

N. Korean vice FM to attend UN General Assembly next week: source

Sep 18, 2026

N. Korean vice FM to attend UN General Assembly next week: source

WASHINGTON — North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son-gyong plans to attend a high-level segment of the U.N. General Assembly set to begin in New York next week, a source at the international body said Thursday. Kim is scheduled to attend the General Assembly's high-level general debate, which is set to take place from Sept. 22 to Sept. 26, and on Sept. 28, according to the source. On the last day of the general debate, the vice minister plans to take the podium for a speech. He also attended last year's General Assembly, during which he reiterated that North Korea would never give up its nuclear program "under any circumstances." During his upcoming visit to New York, Kim is expected to meet with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and officials from countries friendly to North Korea, such as Cuba and Venezuela. The vice minister's message during his planned attendance at the U.N. gathering is expected to be keenly watched by Washington as U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his intention to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un later this year. Pyongyang had not sent a

US expected to delay new excess capacity tariff announcement until after Trump-Xi summit: report

Sep 18, 2026

US expected to delay new excess capacity tariff announcement until after Trump-Xi summit: report

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is expected to postpone the announcement of new tariffs over trading partners' alleged excess capacity in manufacturing sectors until after the planned summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping next week, a report said Thursday. Citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported on the expected delay, noting that the reason for the delay is unclear, as Trump is expected to have a summit with Xi in Washington on Sept. 24, more than four months after their previous meeting in Beijing. Bloomberg previously reported that the Trump administration intended to issue a trade report on excess manufacturing capacity before next week's Trump-Xi summit, and that the report would recommend a 7.5 percent tariff on Chinese products. In March, the administration launched a trade investigation into South Korea, China, Japan and 13 other economies to uncover "unfair" trade practices related to "structural" excess capacity and production, a move that might result in tariffs. In the same month, it opened a separate investigation

China may not block US-NK diplomacy, but unlikely to play central role: ex-US diplomat

Sep 18, 2026

China may not block US-NK diplomacy, but unlikely to play central role: ex-US diplomat

WASHINGTON — China may not block the resumption of diplomacy between the United States and North Korea but is unlikely to play a "central" role in their reengagement, a former senior U.S. diplomat said Thursday, ahead of the upcoming summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Daniel Kritenbrink, who served as assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific Affairs from 2021-25, made the comment in response to written questions from Yonhap News Agency, noting that Beijing will be "suspicious" of any significant thaw in the Washington-Pyongyang relations. Trump and Xi are expected to have a summit in Washington, D.C., next Thursday, while Trump has expressed his intention to reengage with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un later this year. "I would not expect China to block U.S.-DPRK diplomacy, and it may take certain limited steps to support it," Kritenbrink, now a partner at The Asia Group, a strategic advisory firm, said. DPRK stands for North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "But Beijing will also be suspicious of

NK leader's sister slams US-led maritime drill, vows nuclear build-up

Sep 18, 2026

NK leader's sister slams US-led maritime drill, vows nuclear build-up

Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, on Friday condemned a U.S.-led multinational maritime exercise as a "war game" and vowed to "intensify the nuclear war deterrence." She made the remarks in a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), days after the multilateral naval exercise Pacific Vanguard, involving U.S. allies, including South Korea and Japan, wrapped up its 13-day run last week. "During the war rehearsal, various naval training for U.S.-centered anti-warship, anti-air and anti-submarine warfare was staged intensively for more than ten days," Kim said. "This was another threatening 'war game' invented by the U.S. for inter-camp confrontation in the region." "This is a part of the U.S. political and military design to prolong its hegemony by relying on the military strength of the exclusive camp in the Asia-Pacific region where there are many big powers regarded as its major rivals," she added. Kim also criticized the participation of South Korea and Japan, framing it as evidence of a "tripartite military cooperation system" aimed

Foreigners snap 7-month sell-offs of Korean stocks in August

Sep 18, 2026

Foreigners snap 7-month sell-offs of Korean stocks in August

Foreign investors ended their seven-month sell-offs of Korean stocks in August amid extended geopolitical risks and woes over artificial intelligence (AI) profitability, data showed Friday. Offshore investors scooped up a net 340 billion won ($246 million) worth of local stocks last month, snapping their selling binge for seven consecutive months, according to the data from the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS). Following their net purchases in August, offshore investors owned 2,281 trillion won worth of local stocks, or 34.8 percent of total market capitalization. By country, investors from the United States were the top buyers in August by purchasing a net 13.4 trillion won, followed by Ireland with 3.2 trillion won of buying, the latest findings showed. In the local bond market, foreign investors sold a net 3.94 trillion won worth of local debt last month. Their holdings of Korean bonds stood at 330 trillion won as of end-August, accounting for 11.4 percent of listed bonds here, the FSS revealed.

Moore says he would 'absolutely sign' statewide data center moratorium

Sep 17, 2026

Moore says he would 'absolutely sign' statewide data center moratorium

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) said Thursday he would "absolutely sign" a statewide data center moratorium if brought to his desk, joining other governors and elected officials calling for a freeze on developing new data centers. "If the statewide moratorium bill lands on your desk in 2027, would you sign it?" Punchbowl News's Mikenzie Frost...

Sugar federation re-elects president for another 2 crop years

Sep 17, 2026

Sugar federation re-elects president for another 2 crop years

BACOLOD CITY—The Confederation of Sugar Producers Associations Inc. (Confed) unanimously re-elected Aurelio Gerardo Valderrama Jr. as president for Crop Years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 during its annual membership meeting in Makati City on Wednesday, Sept. 16. The re-election marks Valderrama’s fifth and sixth crop years as Confed president, making him the longest-serving president in the federation’s

Mimaropa tops 2025 PSA Awards

Sep 17, 2026

Mimaropa tops 2025 PSA Awards

CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO, Philippines — The Philippine Statistics Authority Regional Statistical Services Office (PSA RSSO) Mimaropa placed first among the agency’s regional statistical offices in the 2025 PSA Awards held in Quezon City on Thursday, Sept. 17. In a post on Thursday, PSA Mimaropa said this recognition marked the second time the regional office

Vigan City celebrates heritage, tourism week through the arts

Sep 17, 2026

Vigan City celebrates heritage, tourism week through the arts

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur — Vigan celebrated its heritage, arts, and living traditions through a cultural and heritage exhibit held as part of the World Heritage Cities Solidarity and Cultural Celebration and Tourism Week 2026. Held at Balay Bigueño along Calle Crisologo, the exhibit featured artworks, traditional crafts, and other expressions of Vigan’s cultural identity.

2 alleged rebels surrender in Oriental Mindoro

Sep 17, 2026

2 alleged rebels surrender in Oriental Mindoro

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Two alleged members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) separately surrendered to authorities in Oriental Mindoro, with one turning over a .38-caliber firearm and two rounds of ammunition, police said Thursday. Police said one of the surrenderers, who was listed in the National Peace and Security Registry (NPSR), surrendered around

Lotto results: No jackpot winners in Sept. 17 draws

Sep 17, 2026

Lotto results: No jackpot winners in Sept. 17 draws

MANILA, Philippines—No bettor won the jackpots in the SuperLotto 6/49 and Lotto 6/42 draws on Thursday, Sept. 17, according to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. The SuperLotto 6/49 winning combination was 23-31-25-15-16-36 for a jackpot of ₱25.22 million. No ticket matched all six numbers. For Lotto 6/42, the winning combination was 08-31-32-19-24-06 for a jackpot

US families ramp up efforts for loved ones’ release from China ahead of Xi’s visit

Sep 17, 2026

US families ramp up efforts for loved ones’ release from China ahead of Xi’s visit

Chen Youlin, a Chinese-American scientist, travelled back to China in October 2024 for a month-long holiday, including to celebrate his mother’s 80th birthday. As he prepared to leave, authorities arrested him at the airport in Beijing. For more than 670 days, his wife, Rong Yufang, and other family members have not been able to see or speak with him. “Sometimes I realise I can no longer clearly remember the sound of his voice, and that breaks my heart,” Rong told the South China Morning Post....

Woman was high when she plowed her SUV into a Metro bus, killing 2, prosecutors say

Sep 17, 2026

Woman was high when she plowed her SUV into a Metro bus, killing 2, prosecutors say

The woman accused of being behind the wheel of an SUV in a deadly crash involving a Metro bus was charged with two counts of murder Thursday, as families and friends mourn the victims of the crash and a subsequent helicopter crash that killed three others.

JV Ejercito: No more delays in NSCR, Metro Manila subway

Sep 17, 2026

JV Ejercito: No more delays in NSCR, Metro Manila subway

MANILA, Philippines — Senate finance committee chair Senator JV Ejercito on Thursday said he is ensuring there will be no more delays in the construction of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) and the Metro Manila Subway. Ejercito and Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez inspected the NSCR’s West Valenzuela Station and its Operations Control Center, as well

US trade chief pressed Brazil to review Anglo American nickel sale to China

Sep 17, 2026

US trade chief pressed Brazil to review Anglo American nickel sale to China

US Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer asked Brazil to review the sale of Anglo American’s nickel mines to a Chinese state-controlled miner in exchange for tariff relief, two people familiar with the negotiations told the South China Morning Post. Washington made the request during talks to lift the 50 per cent tariffs US President Donald Trump imposed on Brazilian goods last year. First reported by Brazilian newspaper O Estado de S. Paulo and CNN Brazil on Thursday, the proposal would...

2027 budget: Congress’ spending plan should be scrutinized – watchdog

Sep 17, 2026

2027 budget: Congress’ spending plan should be scrutinized – watchdog

MANILA, Philippines — Budget watchdog People’s Budget Coalition (PBC) on Thursday said Congress’ spending plan should have faced greater scrutiny after budget discussions for the legislature were terminated without any questions on the floor. “Scrutiny should be even higher when Congress is deliberating its own budget,” PBC co-coordinator Gybel Agregado told the Inquirer in a

BFAR distributes 100,000 tilapia fry in Ilocos

Sep 17, 2026

BFAR distributes 100,000 tilapia fry in Ilocos

SAN ILDEFONSO, Ilocos Sur— The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Ilocos distributed 100,000 tilapia fry to fisherfolk across the region during the 70th Fishery Industry Forum held Wednesday (Sept. 16) at the Dingras Civic Center in Dingras, Ilocos Norte. The distribution was part of the forum’s efforts to boost fish production and provide

Duero mayor steps down after Ombudsman dismissal order

Sep 17, 2026

Duero mayor steps down after Ombudsman dismissal order

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — Duero Mayor Al Cadorniga Taculad stepped down from office on Sept. 16 after the Office of the Ombudsman ordered his dismissal for grave misconduct arising from his financial interest in municipal projects awarded to his construction firm. Vice Mayor Hernes Bajao assumed the mayoralty following Taculad’s departure. In a Sept. 1

California firefighters, a trapped kitten and a collective 'aww' from the internet

Sep 17, 2026

California firefighters, a trapped kitten and a collective 'aww' from the internet

Ventura County firefighters rescued a black and white kitten from the clutches of an entertainment center and the internet went gaga.

OnlyFans model probed for possibly drugging Beverly Hills billionaire with ketamine, warrant says

Sep 17, 2026

OnlyFans model probed for possibly drugging Beverly Hills billionaire with ketamine, warrant says

An LAPD search warrant affidavit revealed that Beverly Hills police are investigating whether OnlyFans model Adva Lavie drugged her onetime fiancé Steve Cloobeck with ketamine.

Crypto shifts focus to Trump regulators after coming up short in Senate

Sep 17, 2026

Crypto shifts focus to Trump regulators after coming up short in Senate

A cryptocurrency regulation bill appears to have little momentum left in the Senate after it came up short in a floor vote Tuesday, with the industry now turning its attention to Trump administration regulators to set the rules of the road. The Clarity Act failed to secure enough support to clear a procedural hurdle Tuesday...

Tinio questions P500 Pera hike, calls for budget realignment

Sep 17, 2026

Tinio questions P500 Pera hike, calls for budget realignment

MANILA, Philippines — Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio on Thursday, Sept. 17, described the P500 increase in monthly allowance received by state workers in 2027 “woefully inadequate” after nearly 17-year impasse. Tinio said the P500-hike to the Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (Pera) was not enough, primarily amid rising commodity costs. He

House passes anti-spying bill amid civil rights concerns

Sep 17, 2026

House passes anti-spying bill amid civil rights concerns

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives on Thursday passed on final reading a bill modernizing the country’s anti-espionage laws, despite concerns from some lawmakers that its broad definition of spying could be used to crack down on dissent. With 224 lawmakers voting for House Bill No. 9642 and 10 against, the lower chamber approved

Haaland backs data center moratorium in New Mexico

Sep 17, 2026

Haaland backs data center moratorium in New Mexico

New Mexico gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland (D) on Thursday backed a moratorium on the construction of data centers in her state, citing environmental and workforce-related concerns. In a policy framework on her website, Haaland backed “open, transparent, and meaningful” conversations within communities about the impacts of AI data centers. She also called for requiring data...

Victims' counsels to ICC: Declare former President Duterte fit for trial

Sep 17, 2026

Victims' counsels to ICC: Declare former President Duterte fit for trial

The lawyers of the drug war victims have asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to declare former President Rodrigo Duterte fit for trial.

Antonio Tinio calls out Marcos alleged inaction on transboundary haze

Sep 17, 2026

Antonio Tinio calls out Marcos alleged inaction on transboundary haze

MANILA, Philippines — ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio on Thursday criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on what he described as the latter’s inaction on the issue of transboundary haze that originated from Indonesia, which also affected the air quality in parts of the Philippines.  Tinio made this remark during the House sponsorship and plenary

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