Philippines

MANILA, Philippines—Coming off a frustrating loss in Game 4 of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals, TNT’s Calvin Oftana bounced back big to push the Tropang Giga on the cusp of back-to-back titles. Although not scoring more after finishing with 26 in the previous game—Oftana was more efficient on Wednesday night in Game 5, which he credits to his winning instinct. READ: PBA Finals: TNT rebounds with Ginebra demolition for 3-2 lead “Masama lang ata pakiramdam ko kaya gano’n nangyari [last game],” said Oftana in jest after their 99-72 win over Ginebra. (I think I just felt under the weather last […]…

Keep on reading: PBA Finals: ‘Winning instincts’ show up for Calvin Oftana in Game 5

SEOUL — Major arms exporter South Korea is not ruling out providing weapons directly to Ukraine, President Yoon Suk Yeol said Thursday, signaling a possible shift in Seoul’s stance on the issue. Yoon also revealed he had discussed North Korea with US president-elect Donald Trump in a phone conversation that laid the groundwork for a meeting in the “near future”. South Korea has a long-standing policy of not providing weapons to countries in conflict but indicated that could change in light of Pyongyang’s deployment of troops to Russia to aid its war efforts in Ukraine. READ: N. Korean troops clash […]…

Keep on reading: South Korea president says ‘not ruling out’ direct weapons to Ukraine

MANILA, Philippines — The number of reported deaths due to the recent tropical cyclones has reached 158, the latest National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) data showed. But only 21 of these reported deaths were confirmed, the agency said, adding that 134 were injured and 21 are still missing. READ: 154 killed, over 8.8 million affected by Kristine and Leon – NDRRMC In its Thursday, 8 a.m. situational report, the NDRRMC said the tally of individuals affected by the combined effects of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami) and Typhoon Leon (international name: Kong-rey) also rose to […]…

Keep on reading: 158 persons died due to Kristine, Leon; over 9 million affected – NDRRMC

TEL AVIV, Israel — Donald Trump will return to the US presidency at a time of unprecedented conflict and uncertainty in the Middle East. He has vowed to fix it. But Trump’s history of strong support for Israel coupled with his insistence during the campaign that the war in Gaza should end quickly, the isolationist forces in the Republican party and his penchant for unpredictability raise a mountain of questions over how his second presidency will affect the region at this pivotal moment. Barring the achievement of elusive cease-fires before the inauguration, Trump will ascend to the highest office in […]…

Keep on reading: Trump promises to bring lasting peace to a tumultuous Middle East

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump has promised sweeping action in a second administration. The former president and now president-elect often skipped over details but through more than a year of policy pronouncements and written statements outlined a wide-ranging agenda that blends traditional conservative approaches to taxes, regulation and cultural issues with a more populist bent on trade and a shift in America’s international role. Trump’s agenda also would scale back federal government efforts on civil rights and expand presidential powers. READ: What’s next for Fil-Am family petitions if Trump wins? A look at what Trump has proposed: Immigration “Build the wall!” […]…

Keep on reading: Donald Trump has sweeping plans: Here’s what he’s proposed