The government announced in the gazette on Friday that the demerit points system for taxi drivers will come into effect on September 22 this year. The demerit points system, announced today, that targets taxi drivers will deduct 5 to 10 points for violations, including overcharging fares, taking detours, and refusing rides. Those who are fined 10 points within two years must attend Driving Improvement Courses at their own expense, and those who are fined 15 points will be suspended for three months. The Transport and Logistics Bureau has emphasized that taxi drivers will only have points deducted after a court conviction, and not simply from passenger complaints.

Study: Filipino kids' food loaded with sugar, sold with 'misleading' labelsBased on the data from Packworks’ business intelligence tool Sari IQ, 75 percent of the thousands of sari-sari stores analyzed are owned by women. The study, which assessed over 180 infant cereals, snacks and meals, also found widespread use of misleading labels and a lack of strict government regulations on these products. The UNICEF and COMMIT study noted that most unhealthy food products are marketed and promoted as suitable for consumption by children aged six months to three years old. One in four food products assessed for the study also does not recommend the minimum age of consumption as at least six months old. They also called to ban "misleading marketing and labeling" of food and to educate parents about "deceptive marketing and labeling practices."

Nur Misuari convicted of graft over anomalous procurement of educational suppliesMANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has convicted Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari of two counts of graft charges over the alleged anomalous procurement of Information Technology (IT) educational supplies worth over P77 million. In a 68-page decision promulgated on Friday, the anti-graft court found Misuari and six co-accused guilty of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The charges stemmed from the procurement of educational materials worth P31 million and P46.26 million. Misuari and his co-accused have been sentenced to six years and one month to eight years in prison. According to a report by ABS-CBN, Misuari and the six others were allowed bail amounting to P30,000 per count of graft.

The talks had been clouded by uncertainty, with one sticking point being sanctions for offenders, which pits developing countries against developed ones broadly speaking. Genetic resources are increasingly used by companies in everything from cosmetics to seeds, medicines, biotechnology and food supplements. It's a balanced text," a Western negotiator told Agence France-Presse before the final agreement was reached. Antony Scott Taubman set up WIPO's traditional knowledge division in 2001 but no longer works with the agency. In the end, the treaty text says countries "shall provide an opportunity to rectify a failure to disclose the information required... before implementing sanctions."

The Filipina, who works in Singapore, fractured her neck and back. "[There is] no word yet on the treatment or surgery options for her back injuries," the DMW said. A Bangkok hospital said many of the more seriously injured people on SQ321 needed operations on their spines. Passengers have described how the flight crew tried to revive him by performing CPR for about 20 minutes. Most people associate turbulence with heavy storms, but the most dangerous type is so-called clear air turbulence.

MANILA, Philippines – Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal number one is up over Eastern Samar, Dinagat Islamds, Siargao Island and Bucas Grande Islands after the low-pressure area (LPA) east of Surigao del Sur intensified into Tropical Depression Aghon, the state weather bureau reported early Friday morning. On the track forecast, Aghon is forecast to make a close approach or make landfall in the vicinity of Eastern Samar tomorrow morning as a tropical depression,” Pagasa said. “Afterwards, Aghon will pass north-northwestward over Eastern Visayas, then emerge over the waters off the east coast of Bicol Region tomorrow afternoon or evening as a tropical storm,” Pagasa said. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals may be raised over parts of Eastern Visayas and the Caraga region before noon Friday, Pagasa said. Moderate to rough seas (1.5 to 3.0 m) are expected in the northern and eastern seaboards of Eastern Visayas and the eastern seaboard of the Caraga region.

OFW injured in turbulent Singapore Airlines flight to undergo neck surgery — DMWPassengers of Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 from London to Singapore, which made an emergency landing in Bangkok, greet family members upon arrival at Changi Airport in Singapore on May 22, 2024. MANILA, Philippines — An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) injured on board a Singapore Airlines flight that hit severe turbulence will undergo surgery for a neck fracture, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported on Thursday. The DMW said the Singapore-based OFW suffered a neck fracture and back injuries after Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 encountered "sudden extreme turbulence" over Myanmar on Tuesday ten hours into its journey from London to Singapore. "On behalf of Singapore Airlines, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased passenger. We also deeply apologize for the trauma experienced by all passengers and crew members on this flight," Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong said.

A patient at St. Paul's Hospital died within 48 hours of undergoing a heart valve replacement surgery last month, leading the family to file a complaint alleging negligence and request an explanation from the hospital. However, shortly after the patient switched wards, he experienced excruciating pain in the right lower abdomen. The case has been referred to the Coroner's Court for further investigation, and the family has met with the hospital. The family has also filed a complaint through the Medical Council and the Department of Health mechanism. The spokesman of St. Paul's Hospital stated that as the case was handed over to the Coroner's Court, they won't comment on the incident.

Lush views and colorful streetscapes greet future residents of The Lindgren as soon as they enter the village. There’s more than enough space for future residents to enjoy their home and the rich environment surrounding them at The Lindgren. These include a fitness center, sauna, jacuzzi, mini botanical garden, and an assortment of open areas for relaxation. Design inspired by natureArden Botanical Estate, the country's first botanical-themed township, is a collaboration between Megaworld and GERI. Highlighted by gardens, waterways, and lotus ponds, Arden Botanical Estate promises a one-of-a-kind living experience for future residents of the township.

Chiz seeks to mend House-Senate ties before another Cha-cha word warMANILA, Philippines — Even as he remains unconvinced about changing the Charter, Senate President Chiz Escudero said on Thursday that he wants to repair the relationship between the Senate and the House of Representatives to prevent another heated public exchange among lawmakers. The newly-installed Senate president also said that he envisions himself as a leader that will serve as a "bridge to finding solutions to problems" instead of flip-flopping on his position. "The primary reason why Charter change does not push through or gets delayed is because of people's doubts about the motives behind it," Escudero said. "If people are asked directly about wheter they are for or against is, I believe this will make it more likely to reach the final stage of approval," the Senate president added. The new Senate president, however, stopped short of saying the upper chamber will no longer consider measures related to Charter change.

Over 170 teams and 4,000 competitors from 12 countries and regions are expected to participate in the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, which will take place from June 15 to 16 along Victoria Harbour. The annual event is co-organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association (HKCDBA). Additionally, the HKTB will stage spectacular drone and pyrotechnic displays over the harbor on June 10 and 15, incorporating elements of the Dragon Boat Festival. In addition to exploring Hong Kong, international tourists can take a short ferry ride to the vibrant city of Macao. Not to mention a seamless and complimentary journey from Hong Kong International Airport to the Macao Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

Legoland Malaysia unveils 2024 events, attractionsMANILA, Philippines — A study from the Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) revealed that Malaysia is one of Filipinos' top five travel destinations, alongside Japan, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand. Recently, Legoland Malaysia unveiled their events this year, making the resort a perfect travel destinations for Filipinos. “2023 was a fantastic year for Legoland Malaysia,” said CS Lim, the resort’s Divisional Director. “Families rediscovered the joy of our attractions, the shaded Miniland Amazing Malaysia, captivating Lego 4D movies, and our new Lego Friends Rooms at the Legoland Hotel. The adventures continue with a brand-new 4D movie experience, where guests can join the LEGO Friends on a whirlwind journey full of excitement and friendship.

WATCH: Miss Universe Philippines 2024 finals LIVEMANILA, Philippines — After months of preparations and challenges, 53 contestants from all over the achipelago are set to battle it out to become the next Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) at the coronation night to be held in SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City tonight. Miss Universe Philippines 2023 and Miss Universe 2023 Top 10 finalist Michelle Dee is set to pass her crown to the country's representative to the 2024 Miss Universe in Mexico. — Video by Empire Philippines via YouTubeRELATED: LIVE updates: Miss Universe Philippines 2024 finals

At least 11 students from New Asia Middle School in To Kwan Wan were sent to hospital following a gas leak at the laboratory during a class on Wednesday afternoon. Police received a report around 3.42 pm by a school staffer, who said some students fell sick during a chemistry class and developed symptoms like headache, dizziness, and stomachache over a suspected gas leak. A number of ambulances were soon dispatched and two male and nine female students were sent to Kwong Wah Hospital. According to a student surnamed Chan, the teacher immediately switched off the gas valve of the tube and one student even threw up. Another student said the school announced the incident via broadcast and said firefighters and police are coming to investigate and treat the affected students.

BOP deficit widens to $639 million in AprilData released by the central bank showed the BOP shortfall last month was four times wider than the $148 million deficit recorded in April last year. It was also a reversal of the $1.17 billion surplus recorded in March. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines registered a balance of payments (BOP) deficit of $639 million in April as the government settled more foreign obligations, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said. Data released by the central bank showed the BOP shortfall last month was four times wider than the $148 million deficit recorded in April last year. It was also a reversal of the $1.17 billion surplus recorded in March.