China Sends Aircraft Carrier to Patrol South China Sea

The Chinese military, in a move analysts described as a challenge to President-elect Donald J. Trump’s strident criticism of China, has deployed an aircraft carrier to patrol the contested South China Sea, officials said on Tuesday, reports Inquirer.net.

Several Hurt in IED Explosions in Leyte Town Plaza

Several people were hurt in an explosion caused by a pair of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during a boxing match near the Hilongos municipal Plaza in Leyte on Wednesday during the town's fiesta, reports GMA News.

PH Unemployment Rate Dips From Last Year

Amid a sustained robust economic growth, the jobless rate declined to 5.5 percent in 2016 from 6.3 percent last year, latest government data showed, reports Inquirer.net.
 

Duterte Wants Martial Law Without Congress Okay

President Rodrigo Duterte (Source: Rappler.com)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he wants the 1987 Constitution amended to allow the declaration of Martial Law without the approval of Congress and the Supreme Court, reports ABS-CBN News.

James Taylor Cancels Manila Concert Due to Anti-Drug Killings

James Taylor (Source: jamestaylor.com)

James Taylor knows a lot about drug addiction because he battled it for years and he’s glad to have survived the ordeal. He also values human rights and the rule of law—the reasons why he decided to cancel his Feb. 25, 2017, concert at SM Mall of Asia Arena, reports Inquirer.net.

Filipino a Finalist for CNN Superhero of the Decade

Efren Peñaflorida (Source: Inquirer.net)

CNN Hero of the Year 2009 winner Efren Penaflorida is back in New York; this time, as one of the five finalists for the CNN Superhero of the Decade. Jeison Aristizábal was named this year’s CNN Hero, for providing educational and medical support for youth living with disabilities in Colombia. Aristizábal also won $100K, reports Balitang America.

Blind Filipina Singer Places 3rd in 'France Got Talent'

The blind Filipina singer,  Katchry Jewel Golbin (stage name Alienette Coldfire), who became an online sensation for her moving story and audition piece, finished third in the grand finals of the French talent show France a un Incroyable Talent (France Got Talent) on Tuesday evening (Wednesday morning in Manila), reports Inquirer.net.

Sen. de Lima, Rep. Roman Among Foreign Policy's 'Leading Global Thinkers'

Senator Leila de Lima and Congresswoman Geraldine Roman were named among Foreign Policy magazine’s Leading Global Thinkers of 2016. Senator de Lima, a critic of President Rodrigo Duterte’s extrajudicial killings of suspected drug addicts and pushers, is the target of sustained attacks by the administration and its allies. Foreign Policy honored her “for standing up to an extremist leader.” Rep. Geraldine Roman is the first transgender elected to public office in the Philippines. She was honored “for redefining fitness to govern.”