Press "Enter" to skip to content

Posts published in “News & Current Events”

OFW acquires house and lot, car selling ‘binatog’ in UAE

Jojo Dass, writing for GMA News;

An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) here, who used to work as gym receptionist, now runs a bakeshop selling “binatog.” And it has been such a big hit that he was able to buy a house and lot plus a car in the Philippines from sales.

An inspiring story for all OFW, including me, who left our home country to find a living in a foreign land.

I also someone who works as a tea boy/cleaner here in Saudi Arabia but building his dream house in the Philippines… paycheck after paycheck!

I encourage you to read the whole story from GMA News Pinoy Abroad.

Filipino executed in Saudi Arabia for murder  

Michelle Abad with reports from Bea Cupin, reporting for Rappler;

A Filipino on death row in Saudi Arabia has been executed, the Philippine government said on Tuesday, October 8.

“We regret to confirm the news that a Filipino has been executed in Saudi Arabia for murder,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

The Philippine government provided legal assistance and exhausted remedies to save the Filipino’s life, including sending a presidential letter of appeal to Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. But the victim’s family refused to accept blood money in return for forgiveness of the Filipino, and so the death penalty was meted, the DFA said.

According to Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, the overseas Filipino worker pleaded guilty to the crime. The victim was the OFW’s Saudi Arabian business partner, and the incident happened in 2020.

Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia release the following statement;

A very sad moment for all OFW in Saudi Arabia.

The Rappler also reports that according to DFA there are still “nine Filipinos remain on death row in Saudi Arabia.”

Riyadh Season 2024 to start this 12th of October

What is Riyadh Season?
Riyadh Season is one of the world’s largest winter entertainment event. Variety of food from around the world, courtesy of exclusive restaurants — plus countless exciting surprises. The festivities capture the essence of Saudi, from its Najdi heritage to its present-day dynamism.

When will it start?
Riyadh Season will kick-off this October 12th.

Where to get more information?
To know more about Riyadh Season and the events, you can go to https://riyadhseason.com/en-US or the Riyadh Season section of https://webook.com/.

Sandiganbayan dismisses P276-M ill-gotten wealth case vs Marcoses  

Rappler;

The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan has dismissed a 37-year-old ill-gotten wealth case against the Marcos family, citing the defendants — which includes Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and wife Imelda — “can no longer be afforded a fair trial” in a “chronology of events” that have contributed to an “inordinate delay.”

Associate Justice Geraldine Faith Econg wrote the 30-page resolution, dated October 4, 2024, noting that the defendants “can no longer be afforded a fair trial.” Associate Justices Edgardo Caldona and Arthur Malabaguio concurred.

So the SC dismisses the case because it was delayed for too long?!

NY Liberty eliminates LC Aces to advance to the WNBA Finals (76 – 62)

ESPN;

Ionescu rebounded from a rare off game to score 22 points, and nearly a year after the Aces ended the Liberty’s dream of a championship, New York returned the favor Sunday afternoon by defeating Las Vegas 76-62 to advance to the WNBA Finals.

It was a masterful performance by the New York Liberties, the team was able to keep their composure and lead despite their key players, Jonquel Jones and Leonie Fiebich, being in the foul trouble for most of the game.

The Liberty was lead by Sabrina Ionescu who scored a team high of 22 points and 7 rebounds, followed by a double-double from Breanna Stewart, who scored 19 points and 14 rebounds. They will face the winner of Game 5 of the Lynx-Sun series this Tuesday, 8th of October. Game 1 of the WNBA Finals is scheduled this Thursday, October 10, 2024 hosted by the NY Liberty in Barclays Center.

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese named as one of the 2024 WNBA All-Rookie Team

Together with the announcement of the Rookie of the Year, WNBA also announced the players for the 2024 WNBA All-Rookie Team, that includes Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, arguably the two most popular of the 2024 rookie class.

  • Caitlin Clark (IND)
  • Rickea Jackson (LAS)
  • Angel Reese (CHI)
  • Kamilla Cardoso (CHI)
  • Leonie Fiebich (NYL)

PH Consulates in U.S. to roll out online voting for Eleksyon 2025  

Dave LLavanes Jr., writing for GMA News;

All Philippine consulates in the United States will implement online voting for the upcoming midterm elections in May of next year.

New York Consul General Senen Mangalile said this is part of Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Resolution No. 11061 which directs Philippine embassies and consulates in the US to implement internet-based online voting.

Hopefully they also implement online voting in other embassies and consulates, so other OFW can place their votes.

Thai police arrest driver of school bus fire that killed 23  

News.az;

The bus carrying six teachers and 39 students in elementary and junior high school was travelling from Uthai Thani province, about 300 kilometres (186 miles) north of Bangkok, for a school trip in Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi provinces on Tuesday.

The fire started while the bus was on a highway north of the capital and spread so quickly many were unable to escape.

Trairong Phiwpan, head of the police forensic department, said 23 bodies were recovered from the bus.

The recovery work and confirmation of the total dead had been delayed earlier because the burned vehicle, which was fueled with natural gas, remained too hot to enter for hours.

A real tragic accident that could have been be avoided just by doing a quick checkup on the bus.

Marcos signs law imposing 12% VAT on Netflix, Spotify, other digital services  

JM Chavaria, writing for Yugatech;

In a move aimed at bolstering government revenue, the Philippines has introduced a 12% value-added tax (VAT) on digital services offered by foreign firms. This includes popular platforms like Netflix, Spotify, YouTube, and Amazon, among other digital service providers (DSPs) — which have previously enjoyed tax exemptions.

Duey Guison, of Unbox.ph explainsRepublic Act 112023, all services provided by resident and non-resident digital service providers regardless if they have a physical presence in the Philippines are subject to an additional 12% VAT. The law also adds a new provision to the Tax Code, where ‘”digital services delivered by foreign digital service providers are considered performed or rendered in the Philippines if the digital services are consumed in the Philippines.’

The law does not only cover streaming service but basically “most” online service like ecommerce, digital platform or online merchant that caters to the Philippine market even if the company does not have any physical store or office in the Philippines.

In a press release, “Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero said the bill imposing a 12-percent value-added tax (VAT) on digital transactions will level the playing field for local and foreign digital service providers (DSPs), streamline tax administration and shore up government coffers by at least P80 billion in revenues.”

“Digital service is defined as any service supplied over the internet or other electronic network with the use of information technology and where the supply of the service is essentially automated. These include online search engines, online marketplace or e-marketplace, cloud service, online media and advertising, online platform, or digital goods.”

The law basically covers every companies doing online transaction.

Filipino Barista Darwin Pontanos wins the International Qualification of Espresso Italiano Champion last September 17th

OFW Darwin Pontanos took home the International Qualification of Espresso Italiano Champion last on September 17 at Esse Caffé, Bologna, Italy. Darwin Pontanos works as the Operation Supervisor at Dan Cafe, where started as a barista 11 years ago.

On SaudiBuzz, “Darwin Pontanos from Saudi Arabia’s Dan Café wins during the international qualification of Espresso Italiano Champion on September 17 at Esse Caffé, Bologna, Italy.”

Darwin Pontanos and his team was greeted by Saudi Ambassador to Italy, Faisal bin Sattam Abdulaziz Al-Saud for their win.

Darwin Pontanos will represent Dan Café (Saudi Arabia) and compete for the title in the world final on 26th November in Milan, Italy. Last year’s champion was Korean barista and coffee trainer Song Hye-Jin, she the first woman to win the international title of Espresso Italiano Champion.

Price of DJI NEO in Saudi Arabia

If you’re in Saudi Arabia below are the price of DJI NEO from Advanced Media;

DJI Neo Drone – SAR 939.55
Includes;

  • 1x DJI Neo Aircraft
  • 1x DJI Neo Intelligent Flight Battery
  • 1x DJI Neo Propeller Guard (Pair)
  • 1x DJI Neo Spare Propellers (Pair)
  • 4x DJI Neo Spare Propeller Screw
  • 1x Screwdriver
  • 1x DJI Neo Gimbal Protector
  • 1x Type-C to Type-C PD Cable
  • Documents (Quick Start Guide, Safety Guidelines, and DJI Logo Stickers)

DJI Neo Fly More Combo Drone – SAR 1,589.30
Includes;

  • 1x DJI RC-N3 Remote Controller
  • 1x DJI RC-N3 RC Cable (USB-C Connector)
  • 3x DJI Neo Intelligent Flight Battery
  • 1x DJI Neo Two-Way Charging Hub
  • 1x DJI Neo Propeller Guard (Pair)
  • 1x DJI Neo Spare Propellers (Pair)
  • 4x DJI Neo Spare Propeller Screw
  • 1x Screwdriver
  • 1x DJI Neo Gimbal Protector
  • 1x Type-C to Type-C PD Cable
  • Documents (Quick Start Guide, Safety Guidelines, and DJI Logo Stickers)

DJI officially announced the NEO drone earlier this month and claim that the NEO Drone is the “lightest and most compact drone to date.”

Connecticut Sun defeated Indiana Fever in their First Playoff Game since 2016 (93 – 69)  

Branden Kaneshiro, writing for The Lead;

The Sun cruised to a 93-69 victory in Game One. Led by a triple-double from Alyssa Thomas and 22 points on 63.6% shooting from DeWanna Bonner, the Sun completely outmatched the Fever.

The offensive firepower was not all that went well for Connecticut in game one. The Sun’s defense was their key to victory on Monday. Connecticut was able to contain Mitchell and Clark to 45% and 23.5% shooting, respectively. If the Sun can replicate their defensive success in game 2 (and the rest of the playoffs) they will be a hard team to beat.

It was not just Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, who had a bad Game 1, as a team Indiana Fever shot 27-67, 40.3%!!! from the field and 6-28, that’s a measly 21.4%, from the three-point line, the Fever did manage to reduce their turnover to just 13 TO.

Game 2 will be this Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke reminds us to be vigilant on “Historical revisionism” regarding the Martial Law in the Philippines  

Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke, as posted on @germanyinphl;

As the country marks the imposition of Martial Law in the Philippines by the Marcos Sr. Administration 52 years ago, we remember the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and democracy during this dark period in history.

The distortion of history can pave the way for the return of authoritarianism and the erosion of human rights. It is through a clear understanding of our past that we can build a better future.

Let us honor the memory of those who suffered under Martial Law and work together to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again. By upholding historical accuracy and promoting human rights, we can create a more just and equitable world for all.

#MartialLawAnniversary

On September 23, 1972, then President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. officially proclaim the State of Martial law in the Philippines, it’s formal proclamation is contained in Proclamation No. 1081.

Proclamation No. 1081 started a “14-year period of authoritarian rule, which would include eight years of Martial Law (de jure ending on January 17, 1981, through Proclamation No. 2045), but not de facto : followed by six more years where Marcos retained essentially all of his powers as dictator. Marcos was eventually ousted on February 25, 1986, as a result of the EDSA People Power Revolution.” via wikipedia.

Also on Wikipedia, “This 14-year period in Philippine history is remembered for the administration’s record of human rights abuses, particularly targeting political opponents, student activists, journalists, religious workers, farmers, and others who fought against the Marcos dictatorship. Based on the documentation of Amnesty International, Task Force Detainees of the Philippines, and similar human rights monitoring entities, historians believe that the Marcos dictatorship was marked by 3,257 known extrajudicial killings, 35,000 documented tortures, 737 ‘disappeared’, and 70,000 incarcerations.”

The reasons and justification are also indicated in Proclamation No. 1081.

Qualcomm Approached Intel About a Takeover in Recent Days  

Lauren Thomas, Laura Cooper and Asa Fitch, reporting for WSJ;

Chip giant Qualcomm made a takeover approach to rival Intel in recent days, according to people familiar with the matter, in what would be one of the largest and most consequential deals in recent years.

A deal for Intel, which has a market value of roughly $90 billion, would come as the chip maker has been suffering through one of the most significant crises in its five-decade history.

This is big in so many different levels!

In a report by NY Times, “Qualcomm has not yet made an official offer for Intel.”

Tupperware files for bankruptcy as its colorful containers lose relevance  

Rappler;

Tupperware Brands Corp. and some of its subsidiaries filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Tuesday, September 17, giving in to dwindling demand for its once-iconic food storage containers and mounting financial losses.

The company’s struggles resumed after a short-lived pandemic boost, when increased home cooking briefly drove demand for its colorful, airtight plastic containers. A post-pandemic jump in costs of raw materials such as plastic resin, as well as labor and freight, further dented Tupperware margins.

I can still remember those all those sales agents that goes to our house trying to sell us different sets of Tupperware.

You can read the official statement from Tupperware here.

NagaTech announces NAGATECH LAKAN, the company’s first gaming laptop  

Cristina Joy Valerio, writing for Yugatech;

The NagaTech LAKAN features a 15.3-inch QHD+ IPS display with 240Hz refresh rate and 2560 x 1440 resolution. It comes with either a Ryzen 7 8845HS or a Ryzen 9 8945HS processor with two GPU options: either the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 or the RTX 4070.

For storage, it has either a 16GB or 32GB RAM that is configurable up to 64GB while having a 512GB SSD storage that can be upgradable. Windows 11 Home or Pro comes in the laptop.
The NagaTech LAKAN has a starting price of PHP 69,995.

This is the official announcement as posted on NagaTech’s official Facebook page;

Introducing: The NAGATECH LAKAN.
Our first step towards gaming and high performance laptops.
Quick Specs:
QHD+ 2560x1440p 240hz 15.3″ IPS Display
Ryzen 7 8845HS / Ryzen 9 8945HS
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 8GB / RTX 4070 8GB
512GB SSD / Upgradable
16 / 32GB DDR5 5600mhz RAM / Up to 64GB
1080p IR Camera + Per-Key RGB Backlit Keyboard
Windows 11 Home / Pro
1-Year full coverage local warranty (parts + labor) + 7 day returns
Starting price: PHP 69,995 (4060/Ryzen7/512/16)

NagaTech, is a Philippine-based laptop maker. The company said that units for their laptops “are arriving end of Sept/start of Oct for local techies to give in-depth reviews.” and they plan to sell “online (directly through our Website) and Shopee this December.”

Last August, the company announced NAGA SIPAG, a high-performance productivity laptop with the following specs;

Intel Core Ultra 5
512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
16GB DDR5 RAM
14” 2880x1800p 120hz 100% sRGB Display
100w PD Charger + 1080p Webcam

Maya to let Grab users loan up to P30k  

Benise Balaoing, writing for ABS-CBN News;

Maya is partnering with Grab to give users of the ride-hailing and food delivery app access to loans up to P30,000.
….
Aside from this, Grab users can now use Maya Easy Credit to top up their Maya Wallet and easily pay for Grab rides or food deliveries.

It’s interesting that Grab is partnering with Maya to offer loans to its users, even though Grab a offers similar finance service/features called Grab Pay, and it competes with Maya in some markets.

NNIC takes over NAIA, hits the ground running  

San Miguel Corp;

The New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) has officially taken over management and operation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and with it, the task of modernizing the 76-year-old gateway.

NNIC, the consortium that includes San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Incheon International Airport Corporation, has committed to spend P170 billion to execute its phased but ambitious plan to elevate NAIA to world-class standards. This includes plans to increase passenger capacity from 43 million to 62 million annually and air traffic movements from 42 to 48 per hour.

The government stands to gain about P1 trillion in revenues from the PPP project over the 25-year concession period. This includes the 82.16-percent revenue share to be remitted to the government yearly.

Travelers can expect business as usual, with flights, check-ins, and other services proceeding as normal. The plans for NAIA’s modernization, including terminal reassignments and infrastructure upgrades, will be implemented gradually and strategically in the coming months and years.

NNIC has assured the public that the transition will be seamless, with no disruptions to airport operations.

The things that SMC listed for the Immediate Improvements are things that are supposedly being done by the previous management.

Filipinos can now ride self-driving bus in Clark for free  

Kris Crismundo, writing for PNA;

The country’s first autonomous bus powered by Japanese technology is now plying around New Clark City, Clark Freeport Zone, and Clark International Airport, and commuters can ride the self-driving vehicle free of charge for now.

In a statement Tuesday, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said Zenmov, Inc. and MC Metro Transport Operation, Inc. launched its smart autonomous bus service in New Clark City on Sept. 10.

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) posted this announcement on their official Facebook Page;

SNEAK PEEK: Former #BCDA Chairman Delfin Lorenzana tests the Philippines’ first publicly accessible, self-driving bus in New Clark City, Tarlac.

Being implemented by Japan-based Zenmov and its local partner MC Metro Transport, the autonomous bus service utilizes a transportation cloud system called Smart Mobility Operation Cloud (SMOC), which helps maximize operational availability while keeping the number of vehicles at a minimum.

Japan’s national research and development agency, New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), had appointed Zenmov to implement the smart mobility demonstration program to be conducted until June 2025.

Clark Development Corporation launches its own Bus Transportation System  

ClarkDevelopmentCorp, posted on its official FB page;

Getting in and around Clark, now more convenient with Clark Loop!

Clark Development Corporation is excited to announce the launching of its very own bus transportation system, featuring a cashless payment system ready to take you around Clark starting September 17.

Taylor Swift endorses Kamala Harris in the coming US President Election  

Taylor Swift, as posted on her IG account:

I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election. I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think she is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos. I was so heartened and impressed by her selection of running mate @timwalz, who has been standing up for LGBTQ+ rights, IVF, and a woman’s right to her own body for decades.

Considering Taylor Swift massive popularity, this is a very big endorsement for VP Kamala Harris and her party. It also great that Taylor Swift mentioned the reason why she is voting for Kamala, which is a great question to ask those who are voting for Trump.

I’ve done my research, and I’ve made my choice. Your research is all yours to do, and the choice is yours to make. I also want to say, especially to first time voters: Remember that in order to vote, you have to be registered! I also find it’s much easier to vote early. I’ll link where to register and find early voting dates and info in my story.

With love and hope,

Taylor Swift
Childless Cat Lady

She reminded her fans to register in order to place their vote and count. The “do your own research..” appears to be directed to her fans who are partial to Trump but are still 50/50 on who to vote for.

Swift’s endorsement come right after the Presidential Debate, where Kamala Harris appears to have gotten the upper hand.

Anthony Zurcher, writing for BBC;

If debates are won and lost on which candidate best takes advantage of issues where they are strong – and defends or deflects on areas of weakness – Tuesday night tilted in favour of the vice-president.

PhilHealth to abolish single confinement policy by end of September  

Kaycee Valmonte, writing for Rappler;

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will soon scrap its single confinement policy.

PhilHealth President Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. told a Senate panel on Tuesday, September 10, that they are committed to making the changes needed “before month-end.”

This is great news to all PhilHealth members.

This means that if a patient was confined due to diarrhea in September and had PhilHealth cover the expenses, the patient has to shoulder the fees if another bout of diarrhea strikes again in October.

Some patients were supposedly told to lie in order to have their hospital bills covered by the state insurer. A mother named Elena Abilar, through a video presented to the Senate panel, recounted her experience with the single confinement rule when her son had pneumonia and had to be hospitalized twice.

PhilHealth did not need to create the “Single confinement policy” in the first place.

Price of AirPods 4 and AirPods Max in Saudi Arabia  

Pricing

  • AirPods Max – SAR 2,399.00
  • AirPods 4 – SAR 599.00
  • AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation – SAR 829.00

AirPods 4 and AirPods Max is now available for pre-order starting today and will be available in stores beginning Friday, September 20th.

Apple iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, and 16 Pro Max price in United Arab Emirates  

All 4 iPhones will be will available for pre-order this Friday, September 13, with availability beginning Friday, September 20.

iPhone 16;

  • 128GB – AED 3,399.00
  • 256GB – AED 3,799.00
  • 512GB – AED 4,649.00

iPhone 16 Plus;

  • 128GB – AED 3,799.00
  • 256GB – AED 4,199.00
  • 512GB – AED 5,049.00

iPhone 16 Pro;

  • 128GB – AED 4,299.00
  • 256GB – AED 4,699.00
  • 512GB – AED 5,549.00
  • 1TB – AED 63,99.00

iPhone 16 Pro Max;

  • 256GB – AED 5,099.00
  • 512GB – AED 5,949.00
  • 1TB – AED 6,799.00

Balay Dako, a supposedly pet-friendly restaurant turns away customer with Aspin  

Balay Dako, a purported “pet-friendly” restaurant, is in hot waters after what appears to be a discrimination on the staff’s part for turning away customers with Aspin, a local breed of dogs in the Philippines. a.k.a. Askal.

Ms. Lara L. Antonio posted a 1000 words post on her Facebook account regarding her encounter with the Balay Dako staff and how she and her companion where turned away because of her dog ‘Yoda’ is not a “shit tzus, labradors…” or a “golden retriever”.

Here’s a snippet of her.. now viral post;

We’ve eaten at Balay Dako before – we know it’s pet-friendly. Yoda has, in fact, been here before as well so we went there assuming everything’s okay. We get to the front of house and she hands me a paper with pet guidelines. It basically says small-medium sized dogs only and big dogs are not alllowed. It also says that dogs must be in a diaper, can’t be smelly, etc. and they will be turned away. I see “diaper” and I instantly think oh no we didn’t bring a diaper. So Mon asks the front of house, and she says it’s okay. There are diapers we can buy inside. She sees Yoda and Ari and nothing is amiss (for now).

Yoda, Ari and I are standing in front of the FOH, waiting to be seated and waiting for Mon to come out with the diapers when someone in black – staff – sees Yoda, goes inside, goes back out and then whispers something to the front of house.

Suddenly, FOH tells me that Yoda isn’t allowed inside. I ask “why”, she says “up to medium sized dogs only”. And I said huh? At this point, we’ve been standing in front of they door for over 10 minutes na, people going in and out greeting Yoda and Ari and she didn’t say anything to me. Tapos biglang she says ah bawal na yung isang dog. So I say, “she’s medium sized. We’ve been here before and no issues naman” and then !!! She said “ano pong breed niya?”

According to her Facebook profile, Ms. Lara L. Antonio is the Marketing Manager of Riot Games in the Philippines, Co-founder of Scene PH and a full-time fur-mom. It looks like those at Balay Dako, messed with the wrong fur-mom.

As of posting, Ms. Antonio’s post has more than 127K reactions and has been shared more than 61K times.

UAE amnesty: 2,000 Filipinos apply in first week, group seeks expanded financial aid  

Michelle Abad, writing for Rappler;

As of Saturday, September 7, the Philippine embassy in Abu Dhabi and the consulate general in Dubai said they have assisted at least 2,053 Filipinos looking to avail of the amnesty. The program, which began on September 1 and will end on October 30, seeks to help visa or residency violators legally stay in the UAE, or return to the Philippines without legal repercussions.

Here the the official announcement of Philippine Embassy in UAE;

Simula nang ilunsad ang Programang Amnestiya ng UAE noong ika-1 ng Setyembre, ang Pasuguan ng Pilipinas sa Abu Dhabi at ang Konsuladong Pangkalahatan ng Pilipinas sa Dubai ay nagbigay tulong sa kabuuang bilang na 2,053 Pilipinong nagnanais makinabang mula sa programa ng UAE na nag-aalis ng mga multa sa overstaying at absconding. Ang programang ito ay nagbibigay-daan sa mga nais magpatuloy sa kanilang pagtatrabaho sa UAE o bumalik sa Pilipinas nang walang legal na kaparusahan.

Isang malaking bilang ng mga aplikante sa Pasuguan at Konsulado ang nagpa-renew o nag-apply ng kapalit ng kanilang nawawalang pasaporte bilang unang hakbang upang ayusin ang kanilang pananatili sa UAE. Ang ilan, na matagal nang nahiwalay sa kanilang pamilya, ay nag-apply ng travel document upang makakuha ng mga exit pass at humingi ng tulong sa repatriation mula sa Migrant Workers Office (MWO) at OWWA. Bukod dito, may ilang pamilya ang humingi ng tulong sa pagkuha ng mga dokumento para sa kanilang mga menor-de-edad na anak upang maayos ang kanilang immigration status. Ang Programang Amnestiya ngayong taon ay nagbibigay ng pag-asa sa mga pamilyang Pilipino, partikular sa mga bata, na makikinabang rin sa pagkakataong ito.

For OFW who wants to apply for the UAE amnesty, you can follow the UAE Amnesty Program Guidelines released by the Philippine embassy in Abu Dhabi.

Breaking – Police capture Apollo Quiboloy  

Herbie Gomez, writing for Rappler;

Police finally captured fugitive doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy ending a grueling manhunt inside the vast Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) property in Davao City.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos announced in a Facebook post on Sunday, September 8, the arrest of 74-year-old Quiboloy’s who deems himself as the “appointed son of God” and “owner of the universe.”

After a 4-month hunt and 2,000 police later, Apollo Quiboloy is now in the police custody. BBC “In 2021, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) charged Mr Quiboloy with sex trafficking of children, fraud and coercion and bulk cash smuggling.”

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. also posted on his facebook account “NAHULI NA PO SI APOLLO QUIBOLOY.”

OCD: 15 dead due to Enteng  

ANNA FELICIA BAJO, writing for GMA Integrated News;

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Wednesday said 15 people were reported dead due to the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Enteng.

This was disclosed by OCD Director of Operations Service Cesar Idio during a situation briefing presided over by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in Camp Aguinaldo.

Meanwhile, 15 were wounded and 21 are still missing, Idio said.

This is just sad.. specially if you know that there are things that our Government can do to prevent this from happening.

Alice Guo arrested in Jakarta, Indonesia  

Benjamin Pulta, writing for Philippine News Agency;

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of former Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, also known as Guo Hua Ping, in Tangerang City, Jakarta, Indonesia.

In a statement, the DOJ said Guo was apprehended at 11:58 p.m. on Sept. 3, according to Senior Superintendent Audie Latuheru of the Indonesian Police.

The first question that they need to ask her is “Why did she try to run away/escape?” This stunt just makes her look guilty.