Poll watchdogs back Comelec’s anti-epal driveCommission on Elections (Comelec), government agencies, and concerned sectors hold a briefing and security command conference for the upcoming Barangay and SK elections (BSKE) at Camp Crame in Quezon City on August 22, 2023. MANILA, Philippines — Just like the Commission on Elections (Comelec), poll watchdogs believe that erring barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) post aspirants can be removed from the list of candidates before election day. Both Caritos and Alvia commended the Comelec’s intensified efforts to run after barangay and SK elections (BSKE) candidates who engage in premature campaigning. The Comelec’s Task Force Anti-Epal has so far filed 82 petitions for disqualification against candidates who engage in premature campaigning. The Comelec has issued 5,169 show-cause orders to BSKE candidates for premature campaigning, of which 1,132 have submitted explanations to the poll body.

“We have written to the PSC of Singapore and Marshall Islands. However, Balilo said the crude oil tanker would not be forced to stay at the anchorage area in Singapore while the investigation is being conducted. There is no definite date when the Marshall Islands would complete its probe and provide the PCG a copy of its report. He is not discounting the possibility that the fishing boat might completely sink underwater, “that is why we need to thoroughly validate” its location and condition. The PCG has two multirole response vessels on standby and ready to be dispatched to assist in the towing of the fishing boat to shore.

Shodoshima, in Kagawa, is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea, with a population of about 30,000. A mild climate and beautiful scenery make it a popular tourist destination with over 100,000 overseas visitors a year, but convenient access meant most visitors came and left the same day. To encourage overnight stays, a group of students at Kagawa University proposed making guest houses out of unused homes in an old part of town that's a fascinating maze of narrow alleys. Their project is now receiving enthusiastic support from the islanders. VIDEO BY MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF JAPANGet 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

DHSUD to automate land use and human settlement planningDHSUD said it signed the memorandum of agreement for the development of integrated systems for the automation of land use and human settlement planning with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) over the weekend. MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) has agreed to automate land use and human settlement planning to help local government units (LGUs) make communities sustainable. DHSUD said it signed the memorandum of agreement for the development of integrated systems for the automation of land use and human settlement planning with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) over the weekend. Under the agreement, DHSUD Undersecretary Avelino Tolentino III said the system would help LGUs craft data-driven and risk-based measures to effectively carry out zoning, infrastructure development, transportation and other aspects of land use. The agreement was signed in the culmination of the DHSUD’s first-ever Philippine Urban Forum, where stakeholders discussed how to tackle measures to address simple to complex challenges facing the urban development sector.

China increasingly using PLA as instrument of coercion – USUS and Chinese flags are seen before a meeting between US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing on July 8, 2023. MANILA, Philippines — China’s People’s Liberation Army is no longer in the background, with Beijing increasingly turning to the PLA as an instrument of coercion in trying to achieve its revisionist aims in the East and South China Seas, according to an official of the United States Department of Defense. US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Ely Ratner said the Pentagon would release the annual China Military Power Report that underscores the agency’s fundamental assessment. “This includes PLA activities in the air and at sea that increase the likelihood of an accident that could spiral into crisis or conflict,” he added. The US defense official pointed out that the PLA is modernizing, but China is using its military tool very much in the background and diplomatically and economically driven in terms of how it is trying to achieve its foreign policy aims.

Two cleaning workers were hit by a fallen tree branch in Happy Valley this morning. A tree on Ventris Road was unable to withstand the strong winds at around 9 am, with its broken branche fell and struck the two cleaners. As of 2.40 pm today, the Fire Services Department and the government's 1823 call centre received a total of three reports of fallen trees. The Home Affairs Department has opened 29 temporary shelters in various districts and 83 people have sought refuge at the shelters. According to the Hospital Authority, as of 2pm, one male sought medical treatment at public hospital during the typhoon period.

HANGZHOU, China: The Asian Games in Hangzhou witnessed some world-class performances over two weeks of action in 40 sports. AFP Sport picks out five who excelled:Philippines - A basketball first Asian Games basketball gold for 61 years sparked an outpouring of joy across the hoops-mad nation after the "Gilas" beat Jordan 70-60. Philippines' players celebrate their win against Jordan at the men's gold medal basketball game between Jordan and Philippines during the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou in China's eastern Zhejiang province on October 6, 2023. AFP PHOTO Philippines' players celebrate their win against Jordan at the men's gold medal basketball game between Jordan and Philippines during the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou in China's eastern Zhejiang province on October 6, 2023. She gave up her job as a copywriter to become a full-time runner and it paid off as she won Singapore's first athletics Asian Games gold in 49 years.

Hydroelectric generation uses water power to drive turbines and is an important means for producing the electricity so essential for modern life. Facilities have been becoming smaller, with generators able to use diverse water power sources. We'll look at an ultra-small generator developed in Gifu that's highly portable and works even with shallow, slow moving water. Already tested powering street lights, it promises to allow people in the world's remote regions to generate their own electricity for the first time. VIDEO BY MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF JAPANGet 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

TIM Cone completed the mission he failed to accomplish 25 years ago in Bangkok, Thailand. Cone, serving as Gilas Pilipinas' interim coach, went through all the challenges of preparing a national side that only had 12 days to train and try to win the gold medal for the 19th Asian Games men's basketball. Come the knockout semifinal, Gilas fell by as many as 20 points in the first half. But Brownlee led the Philippines' gutsy second-half uprising, dropping 27 of his game-high 33 points, including the game-winning triple to lift the national team to a pulsating 77-76 triumph against host China. We played our best game of the tournament," said Cone, remarking on Gilas' defense, which held Jordan to an abysmal 18-of-69 field goal shooting in the knockout final game for just 26 percent.

An American mountaineer and her Nepali guide were killed in an avalanche on Mount Shishapangma in Tibet, southwest China, tour companies told AFP on Sunday, with two still missing and one seriously injured. "We have received reports that Anna and her guide were hit by the avalanche yesterday, their bodies have been recovered," he said. Tashi Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks identified the missing American climber as Gina Marie Rzucidlo and her guide as Tenjin "Lama" Sherpa. Some were injured and two, American climber (Gina Marie Rzucidlo) and our guide Tenjin, are missing," he said. All mountaineering activities have been suspended on Mount Shishapangma, Xinhua said.

Senator seeks inquiry on death of fishermenHandout from the Philippine Coast Guard shows survivors of the maritime incident transporting the deceased victims to Infanta town in Pangasinan. MANILA, Philippines — Senator Francis Tolentino said he will seek a Senate probe into the deaths of the three Filipino fishermen off the coast of Agno, Pangasinan on Oct. 2. Tolentino on Friday visited the grieving families of Dexter Laudencia, Romeo Mejico and Benedicto Olandria, who were killed after their boat Dearyn was rammed by a foreign commercial vessel. This would mean the definite lane – here, the domestic, foreign ships and international vessels, which are big, would pass so that our fishermen know where to pass and avoid each other,” Tolentino said. The incident also occurred in the portion of the sea where huge commercial ships pass through.

AI: Boon or bane? Using the Epik app, users can generate their own yearbook pictures by submitting eight to 12 selfies for the AI to transform. Lee said that offhand, he would prefer that AI, or those that use AI, be regulated by having them registered with the government in the Philippines. Thus, my personal opinion is that those companies or entities that use AI or develop AI in the Philippines should at least register with government through the applicable agency. On the part of the SEC, Lee said although they are actively monitoring AI tools being used in the financial sector, the commission has yet to decide whether it will proceed with crafting bespoke regulations targeting AI tools.

In what was easily his best game yet for UP, Francis Lopez shone as the UP Fighting Maroons took down the NU Bulldogs, 78-60, in the UAAP Season 86 men's basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, October 7. Lopez logged 14 points, seven rebounds, and four assists for UP which stayed perfect through three games and seized the early lead in the team standings. UP’s Lebron Lopez (left) PHOTO BY RIO DELUVIOReigning MVP Malick Diouf showcased his steady force down low, churning out 12 markers and 13 boards to help the Maroons in dealing the Bulldogs their first loss of the season. Jake Figueora put up 14 points and 10 rebounds for NU which dropped to 2-1.

Filipino-American guard Chris Ross was willing to do everything he can to help Gilas Pilipinas win and bring home the Asian Games gold medal. "Coach Tim (Cone) said, he was the only one alive the last time when we won the gold. That pep talk buoyed Gilas up so well the national squad got off to a quick 28-13 lead in the first half. Still, Gilas didn't flinch despite Jordan's tough stand. With their best offensive weapon struggling in the second half, the Jordanians couldn't break off against the Filipinos, who eventually came away with the Asian Games basketball championship.

The headquarters of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China is pictured in Beijing. (Reuters)China's ruling Communist Party has expelled the former chairman of the state-owned Bank of China from the party, accusing him of illegal activities and taking bribes, the top anti-graft watchdog said on Saturday. Liu Liange was accused of illegally granting loans and causing significant financial risks, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) said in a statement on its website. Liu, born in 1961, had been working in banking and finance institutions, including in the central People's Bank of China and the Export-Import Bank of China, before he was promoted to become chairman of the Bank of China in 2019. Two weeks later, state media reported that the CCDI had opened an investigation into him on suspicion of serious violations of party discipline and laws.