Various surveys showed she would be the winning candidate, but she didn't want to run under PDP and team up with the vice presidential candidate of the party. Sometime around August 2022, the vice president requested funding for her office covering two augmentations, additional coterminous and contractual, and the controversial confidential fund. Hugpong won 9 seats, while the Nationalist People's Coalition, United Nationalist Alliance, and an independent candidate won 1 seat each. But it appears that if one cannot overtake the survey numbers of the vice president, the opposite should be done — decrease her numbers. Weave stories, divert the attention of voters from real gut issues and destroy the Dutertes are the key components of the plan.

Whether it's your social media persona, fashion sense or even your phone accessories, you should always marry style with substance. For those who might have an occasional run-in with life's little mishaps, the Impact Case got you. For the style icons: Mirror CaseEvery moment is a photo opportunity and the Mirror Case is your perfect style companion! Plus, it's compatible with most phone cases, keeping your phone close and your hands free. For a limited time only, you can get dibs and bundle your favorite phone case and accessories.

DEADLY MASS Victims of the bombing incident at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. A foreign news report on Sunday, hours after the blast, said IS sent a telegram that its members had detonated the bomb. At a briefing, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said there were strong indications of a foreign element, describing the incident a "terrorist crime." "The AFP has already initiated its investigation in coordination with the PNP for the bomb signature that would help identify the terrorist group behind the bombing," Trinidad said. "The AFP remains committed to its mandate of protecting the people and the state from all various threat groups, foreign and domestic," Trinidad said in an updated AFP statement.

Spotify says will cut staff by 'approximately 17%'The Spotify company logo is diaplayed as traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) during morning trading on February 01, 2023 in New York City. STOCKHOLM, Sweden — Music streaming giant Spotify said Monday it will reduce the number of its employees by around 17% in a bid to cut costs amid "dramatically" slower economic growth. Spotify has invested heavily since its launch to fuel growth with expansions into new markets and, in later years, exclusive content such as podcasts. In 2017, the company had around 3,000 staff members, more than tripling the figure to around 9,800 at the end of 2022. The company has never posted a full-year net profit and only occasionally quarterly profits despite its success in the online music market.

US denounces 'horrific' bomb attack in MarawiMilitary personnel stand guard at the entrance of a gymnasium while police investigators look for evidence after a bomb attack at Mindanao State University in Marawi, Lanao del sur province on December 3, 2023. MANILA, Philippines — The United States has condemned the “horrific terrorist attack” during a Catholic Mass at Mindanao State University in Marawi City that left at least four people dead and dozens wounded. “We mourn those killed in the attack, and our thoughts are with the injured,” Miller said in a statement. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the blast. Eirene Mazon, Bangsamoro police public information officer, said in an interview with Teleradyo that investigators are “still gathering information” on the claim of the Islamic State.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced the date and venue for the in-person mass oathtaking ceremony for new midwives. PRCIn a social media post on Monday, Dec. 4, the PRC announced the oathtaking ceremony of the said professions would be on Dec. 17 in Malate, Manila. To participate in the face-to-face ceremony, participants must complete the pre-registration process on the PRC website (http://online.prc.gov.ph) before noon on the oathtaking day. There will be an option for an online ceremony or special appointment scheduling for individuals who were unable to attend the in-person oathtaking ceremony. PRC said details about the online ceremony will be posted once the schedule is confirmed.

Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. vowed to go after the people behind the bombing. Alfredo Non said that based on his computation, Meralco customers were entitled to the following refunds:– P2,700 for those consuming 200 kWh monthly– P9,500 for those consuming 300 kWh monthly– P15,500 for those consuming 400 kWh monthly– P51,000 for those consuming 1,000 kWh or more monthly. Non said the following rate cuts should be implemented:– P22 per month for those consuming 200 kWh monthly– P79 per month for those consuming 300 kWh monthly– P129 per month for those consuming 400 kWh monthly– P428 per month for those consuming 1,000 kWh or more monthly. CJ Austria stepped up, too, with 11 points and five rebounds, as Mike Phillips put up nine points and 13 rebounds. Mythical Team member Evan Nelle also rebounded from a forgettable Game 1 performance with four points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.

Coast Guard: Over 135 Chinese vessels ‘swarming’ Julian Felipe ReefThe Philippine Coast Guard says that Chinese maritime militia vessels are swarming the area of Julian Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea. MANILA, Philippines — More than 135 Chinese maritime militia vessels were monitored in the vicinity of Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard reported Sunday. The PCG said it initially observed on November 13 111 Chinese vessels swarming the Julian Felipe Reef, which is part of the Kalayaan Island Group in the contested waterway. The number of Chinese militia vessels rose to 125 based on the military’s monitoring, and by Saturday, over 135 boats were “dispersed and scattered” in the area, according to the Coast Guard. Julian Felipe Reef is located 175 nautical miles, or around 320 kilometers, west of Bataraza town in Palawan.

Due to military alignments, what happens to Taiwan at its crossroads will cast a long shadow over the Philippines as well. To unify the DPP, Lai was then selected to be Tsai's running mate. In the past, the US stated policy toward Taiwan prioritized peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. In the late 20th century, Taiwan joined the newly industrialized Asian dragons by focusing on economic development. In Taiwan, the key challenge is to translate the economic frustration of the people into a viable political force.

Nations rally behind renewables at COP28 climate talksUS Vice President Kamala Harris (R) speaks during the Tripling Renewable Energy and Doubling Energy Efficiency by 2030 session at the COP28 United Nations climate summit in Dubai on December 2, 2023. Fossil fuel fightBut COP28 negotiators face far tougher talks on the fate of fossil fuels over the next two weeks. "I do need more, and I'm kindly requesting all parties to come on board as soon as possible please," COP28 president Sultan Al Jaber told delegates. Nuclear optionWhile COP28 rallied behind renewables, Washington led a call by more than 20 nations to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050. "We don't have time to waste on dangerous distractions like nuclear energy," said its North America director Jeff Ordower.

ISLAMABAD: At least eight people were killed and 26 others injured in shooting at a passenger bus on Saturday evening in the Diamir district of Gilgit-Baltistan region in northern Pakistan, an official said. Deputy Commissioner of Diamir Arif Ahmed said in a video statement that some unknown gunmen opened fire at a passenger bus in the Hudar Pari point of the Chilas area in Diamir, leaving eight people dead on the spot. DEADLY TRIP This file photo shows Pakistani soldiers stationed at a market in northwest Pakistan's Peshawar on April 28, 2021. At least eight people were killed and 26 others injured in shooting at a passenger bus on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in the Diamir district of Gilgit-Baltistan region in northern Pakistan, an official said. Following the attack, the driver of the bus lost control and hit the vehicle into a truck on the road which ignited fire and burnt the truck.

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia: Hamad Medjedovic upset top-seeded Arthur Fils 3-4 (6), 4-1, 4-2, 3-4 (9), 4-1 to win the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah on Saturday. At No.110 in the world, Medjedovic became the lowest-ranked champion in the six-year history of the 21-and-under tournament as well as the first Serbian to lift the Next Gen Finals trophy. His triumph comes just two weeks after his mentor and compatriot Novak Djokovic lifted a record seventh ATP Finals trophy in Turin. "It's a nice thing obviously. Rankings-wise he's much better than me, he's top-40 for a reason, he's very good.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro updates reporters on the Surigao del Sur earthquake and Mindanao State University bombing on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. Also present in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City were Armed Forces Chief Romeo Brawner and Philippine National Police Chief Directorial Staff Emanuel Peralta. The magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Surigao del Sur Saturday night while the MSU bombing occurred during a Catholic mass at the MSU gym. Video by Ismael De JuanGet the latest newsdelivered to your inbox Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte condoles with victims of the bombing at the Mindanao State University (MSU) on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, as she calls for calm, especially in Mindanao, pending investigation, and vigilance to prevent future attacks. Video from OVPGet the latest newsdelivered to your inbox Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

LAST Thursday, November 30, over 160 world leaders opened in Dubai the 28th UN Climate Change Conference, or COP28. That could be a point of no return unless all CO2 is removed from the atmosphere and we stop burning fossil fuels. The industrial burning of fossil fuels to produce electricity by burning coal, gas and oil in plants and vehicles is controlled by the financial industry. They claim they are racing horses in the race to fight climate change, but in truth, they are crawling turtles. Will COP28 achieve progress in convincing or pressuring industrial nations to relent and go all out to replace fossil fuels with alternative renewable sources of electricity?