UN body calls for AI systems vs corruption
UN body calls for AI systems vs corruptionDuring the 11th Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CoSP11) to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) last week in Doha, Qatar, participants addressed the role of AI and new technologies to match the realities of today’s complex crime patterns. MANILA, Philippines — Governments around the world were urged to leverage emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) to deter corruption and sever links with financial and organized crime. He recognized, however, that technology can also be a “transformative” force against corruption, especially in aiding investigations. The Philippines signed UNCAC on Dec. 9, 2003 and ratified it on Nov. 8, 2006. As a state party to UNCAC, the Philippines is obliged to criminalize certain forms of private and public corruption; institute or strengthen corruption prevention measures; establish procedures that improve international cooperation; and set up systems for the recovery of forfeited assets.
Source:Philippine Star
December 21, 2025 16:24 UTC
Antipolo congressman Romeo Acop dies at 78
Antipolo congressman Romeo Acop dies at 78Rep. Romeo Acop (Antipolo, 2nd District) during the Tri-Committee's hearing on Feb. 18, 2025. MANILA, Philippines — Rep. Romeo Acop (2nd District, Antipolo) died on Saturday, December 20. In a statement Sunday, December 21, Acop's friend, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Rep. Ronaldo Puno, confirmed the late congressman's death. According to Puno, Acop had a heart attack. Acop argued that a failure to understand these fundamental legal processes directly contributed to the agency's inability to detect and stop "ghost" flood control projects.
Source:Philippine Star
December 21, 2025 15:57 UTC
My Chemical Romance postpones PH concert to November 2026
In a statement on their Instagram account, MCR revealed new show dates for their concert shows in different countries, including the Philippines. My Chemical Romance fans in the Philippines will have to hold onto their black parade a little longer, as the band announced that they will be postponing their highly anticipated Manila concert to November 2026. Related Article Ticket details, seat plan for My Chemical Romance in Bulacan 2026 are outThey will now be performing in the country on Nov. 14 next year at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. "All purchased tickets will be honored for the new dates," the band stated. Formed in 2001, My Chemical Romance is known for the hit songs Welcome to The Black Parade, I Don't Love You, and The Ghost of You, among many others.
Source:Philippine Star
December 21, 2025 15:29 UTC
Africa Cup of Nations moved to every four years
Africa Cup of Nations moved to every four yearsSoccer Football - Africa Cup of Nations - Final - Senegal v Egypt - Olembe Stadium, Yaounde, Cameroon - February 6, 2022 General view of the Africa Cup of Nations trophy on display before the match REUTERS/Mohamed Abd El Ghany
Source:The Standard
December 21, 2025 13:07 UTC
Australia honours Bondi Beach attack victims as PM orders safety review
People take a moment of silence after lighting a candle for the victims of a mass shooting during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on December 14, in Sydney, Australia, December 20, 2025. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez
Source:The Standard
December 21, 2025 11:42 UTC
Leviste discloses possession of secret DPWH ‘insertion’ files from Cabral
Leviste discloses possession of secret DPWH ‘insertion’ files from CabralRep. Leandro Leviste (Batangas, 1st District) holds a press conference on Monday, Aug. 26, 2025 after filing criminal cases against the district engineer who attempted to bribe him. According to Leviste, the files are not limited to members of the House of Representatives and the Senate. “They list proponents of flood control and other DPWH projects from the whole government. In his Senate testimony and sworn statements, Bernardo said that as head of planning, Cabral managed the allocation of infrastructure funds, specifically for flood control projects. After she was implicated in the flood control controversy, Cabral resigned from the DPWH on September 16.
Source:Philippine Star
December 21, 2025 10:50 UTC
Solons mourn Acop's death
Solons mourn Acop's deathFile photo showing the facade of the House of Representatives in Quezon City. MANILA, Philippines — Several members of the House of Representatives mourned the death of their colleague Rep. Romeo Acop (2nd District, Antipolo). Puno described Acop as a “devoted, courageous, honest public servant.”“The Congress and our Country are the lesser for his loss,” Puno said. "I will remember Rep. Acop as someone who stood up for what was right, even when it was uncomfortable or costly. He showed up, did the work, and stayed true to the belief that public office is a public trust,” Romualdez added.
Source:Philippine Star
December 21, 2025 07:44 UTC
Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop dies after heart attack
Antipolo City 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop has passed away. In a text message to News5, National Unity Party president and Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno said Acop died of a heart attack. "He had his successful kidney transplant last Nov. 28. Then he had a heart attack last night," Puno said. House Speaker Bojie Dy called Acop's passing a huge loss to Congress and to Antipolo.
Source:Philippine Star
December 21, 2025 07:31 UTC
Thailand on top at SEA Games clouded by border conflict
Thailand nabbed a record-breaking number of gold medals as the Southeast Asian Games closed in Bangkok on Saturday, but the two-week event was overshadowed by a deadly border conflict with Cambodia. Colorful dances, fireworks, and pop performances stunned crowds at the closing ceremony at Rajamangala National Stadium on Saturday evening, with athletes representing 10 countries parading with their national flags. Notably absent were the Cambodian athletes, who fully withdrew from the 33rd SEA Games the day after its opening on Dec. 9, citing security fears due to an ongoing border conflict with Thailand. The host country took a record 233 gold medals, far outstripping second-place Indonesia with 91 gold, and Vietnam at third with 87. Meanwhile, the Philippines bagged 50 gold medals, 73 silver, and 154 bronze.
Source:Philippine Star
December 21, 2025 07:30 UTC
Head of Nobel-awarding Swedish Academy resigns
The Swedish Academy said Saturday its permanent secretary, Mats Malm, is stepping down after seven years of heading the prestigious institution that awards the annual Nobel literature prize. As of June 1, 2026, Academy member Ingrid Carlberg, an author and journalist, will take over as permanent secretary. "He (Malm) has held the position for seven years and now wants to pass it on to Ingrid Carlberg," Academy spokeswoman Louise Hedberg told AFP. "It has been a privilege to work for the Academy as Permanent Secretary. Ultimately, seven members quit the Academy, including then permanent secretary Sara Danius.
Source:Philippine Star
December 21, 2025 07:30 UTC
What to know about the SnapRoll camera: Features, where to get it, and more
What to know about the SnapRoll camera: Features, where to get it, and moreIf you're one of those who've been all over the trending Charmera Keychain Camera, you'd be pleased to know that there's another mini camera entering the scene. Meet the "SnapRoll," a new digital camera by Japanese camera brand Escura that's designed to replicate the effects of 135 film at a 1:1 scale. Before you add this item to your wishlist, here's what you need to know about the gadget. The camera features four lens designs and simulates a 135 film frame, making each photo radiate a unique retro charm. Specs-wise, photos come with a 1440 x 1440 resolution, while videos are in 720 x 720 at 30 fps.
Source:Philippine Star
December 21, 2025 07:30 UTC
US Epstein files full of famous names, but not Trump's
A search for “Trump” shows no results on the U.S. Department of Justice online library of new documents from disgraced late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, seen on this computer screen and arranged for a photograph by Reuters in Washington, D.C., U.S., December 19, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
Source:The Standard
December 21, 2025 06:12 UTC
PNP to focus on securing evidence in Cabral’s death
PNP to focus on securing evidence in Cabral’s deathMANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has shifted its focus toward investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of former Public Works and Highways undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral and securing potential evidence related to a multi-billion-peso flood control controversy. “With the confirmation of her death, we were able to clear things up on the speculations of the identity of the remains. The PNP is also taking further measures to "shed light" on the former official’s final days before she was reported dead. The PNP is also coordinating with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure and other government agencies to determine which pieces of evidence in Cabral's possession need to be prioritized for the flood control investigation. Before her death, the Department of Justice was set to refer a plunder complaint against her to the Office of the Ombudsman regarding alleged anomalies in Bulacan's flood control systems.
Source:Philippine Star
December 21, 2025 03:50 UTC
Court of Appeals orders removal of Pryde Henry Teves from terrorism designation
Court of Appeals orders removal of Pryde Henry Teves from terrorism designationThis photo shows the facade of the Court of Appeals. MANILA, Philippines — The Court of Appeals has ordered the delisting from the terrorism designation of the brother of former Negros Oriental lawmaker Arnolfo Teves Jr. In a 45-page ruling dated Dec. 18, 2025, the appellate court granted Teves’ petition for certiorari, effectively nullifying his designation under the controversial Anti-Terrorism Act. With this, the Court of Appeals cleared Teves of his terrorism designation and ordered the government to unfreeze his assets. Accordingly, ATC Resolution Number 50 (2023) and ATC Resolution No.
Source:Philippine Star
December 21, 2025 02:19 UTC