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    ISLAMABAD --- The Taliban is restricting Afghan women's access to work, travel and health care if they are unmarried or don't have a male guardian, according to a UN report published Monday. In one incident, officials from the Vice and Virtue Ministry advised a woman to get married if she wanted to keep her job at a health care facility, saying it was inappropriate for an unwed woman to work, it said. The Taliban has barred women from most areas of public life and stopped girls from going to school beyond the sixth grade as part of harsh measures it imposed after taking power in 2021, despite initially promising more moderate rule. It has also shut down b...

Keep on reading: Taliban enforces restrictions on single, unaccompanied Afghan women–UN

MANILA, Philippines --- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday recounted his experience getting COVID-19 at the height of the pandemic. Marcos tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, three times -- once in March 2020, a second time in July 2022, and a third time in December 2023. "It was unfortunate because it was the first time in my life that I went to the doctor and I asked them 'what's happening to me?' and the doctors would tell me 'we are not quite sure,'" said Marcos at the launch of the Lung Transplant Program in Quezon City. READ: Marcos tests positive for COVID-19 but will conduct online meetings "The next question, of course, is 'how ...

Keep on reading: Marcos recounts experience having COVID-19 during pandemic

      SAN FRANCISCO --- Nearly 30,000 professors, librarians, coaches, and other workers at California State University, the largest public university system in the U.S., walked off the job Monday in a weeklong strike to demand higher wages. The stoppage across Cal State's 23 campuses comes two weeks after CSU officials ended contract negotiations with a unilateral offer starting with a 5% pay raise this year, effective Jan. 31, far below the 12% hike that the union is seeking. With the new semester beginning Monday, classes for many of the system's 450,000 students could be canceled, unless faculty individually decide to cross picket lines. Victori...

Keep on reading: California State University faculty strike across 23 campuses

    WASHINGTON --- The US and British militaries bombed multiple targets in eight locations used by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen on Monday night, the second time the two allies have conducted coordinated retaliatory strikes on an array of the rebels' missile-launching capabilities. According to officials, the U.S. and U.K. used warship- and submarine-launched Tomahawk missiles and fighter jets to take out Houthi missile storage sites, drones and launchers. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a military operation, said Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands contributed to the mission, including with intelligence and surveil...

Keep on reading: US, UK launch new round of joint strikes vs Houthi sites in Yemen

    MANILA, Philippines --- Is the Philippines still an agricultural country? A people's lawyer expressed worry that this moniker may soon be inaccurate as the country's agricultural lands continue to face "massive conversions." According to Sentro Para sa Tunay na Repormang Agraryo lawyer Atty. Jobert Pahilga, the non-stop conversion of agricultural land for residential and commercial purposes is one of the reasons why the Philippines has been relying on importation to boost its supply of rice despite being dubbed an "agricultural" nation. READ: DA mulls setting farm-gate prices for non-palay produce "Batay sa data namin, mahigit sa 700,000 hectares ng taniman n...

Keep on reading: Conversions of agri land to residential, commercial use lead PH to import rice supply

NBA Scores, News, Schedules MINNEAPOLIS --- Karl-Anthony Towns scored a franchise-record 62 points, including 44 in the first half, but the Charlotte Hornets erased an 18-point deficit and stunned the Minnesota Timberwolves 128-125 on Monday night in the NBA. Towns managed just four points on 2-for-10 shooting in the fourth quarter, when the Timberwolves were outscored 36-18. He thought he was fouled on a drive to the basket in the closing seconds and Minnesota trailing by one, then was short on a 3-point attempt on the final possession. https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1749642135811260822 Miles Bridges scored 28 points and Brandon Miller had 27 for the Hornets. Leaky Black r...

Keep on reading: NBA: Hornets spoil Karl-Anthony Towns’ career night, stun Timberwolves

MANILA, Philippines --- The launch of Congress TV --- a free-to-air channel that would show the daily activities of House of Representatives lawmakers --- would address concerns about transparency in the legislative chamber, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said. During the launch of Congress TV, Romualdez mentioned that in 2023, a lot of criticisms and rumors have been aimed against the House, saying that it was not transparent. However, the Speaker said this initiative would ensure that the public would have their eyes on what is happening within the House. "CongressTV is our commitment to ensuring that no Filipino is left in the dark, that every citizen is afforded a front-row...

Keep on reading: Congress TV to show transparency in House’s ‘inner workings’ — Romualdez

  MANILA, Philippines --- The Senate committee on women on Tuesday summons the self-proclaimed Appointed of God Apollo Quiboloy to appear before the Senate over allegations of sexual abuse. Senator Risa Hontiveros, presiding over Tuesday's hearing as the committee chair, moved to subpoena the religious leader for not attending the probe despite having been invited several times. "Dahil nakapagpadala po ng dalawang imbitasyon... pero walang sagot at attendance ni Pastor Quiboloy. The chair will move to subpoena Apollo Quiboloy for the next hearing of this committee," said Hontiverois. (Because we could send an invitation, but Pastor Quiboloy did not answer nor attend....

Keep on reading: Senate panel subpoenas Apollo Quiboloy over alleged sexual abuse

https://youtube.com/live/WoymyoMj5ig Here's a quick roundup of today's top stories: Marcos: PH 'won't lift a finger' to help any ICC investigation The Philippine government will not lift a finger to help the probe of the International Criminal Court (ICC), but its investigators could still visit as civilians, said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. In an ambush interview in Quezon City, Marcos stood firm that the government would not cooperate with the ICC. VP Duterte declares she'll run again for office 'in the next elections' Vice President Sara Duterte has declared she will run for office again "in the next elections." Duterte revealed her political plan during a flag-raising...

Keep on reading: INQToday: PH ‘won’t lift a finger’ to help any ICC investigation, says Marcos

  MANILA, Philippines --- On the 125th anniversary of the First Philippine Republic, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said it was imperative to repel those who "trample our sacred shores." Marcos quoted the English version of the Philippine National Anthem. "To those who 'trample our sacred shores,' the Spirit of Malolos commands us to resist you, for the territory our forefathers fought for is unconquerable," said Marcos in his speech in Bulacan. While Marcos did not specify if he was citing a specific situation, his statement comes amid tensions with China as Beijing continuously encroaches upon Philippine waters. READ: 80% of Filipinos want 'strengthened alliance...

Keep on reading: Marcos: Repel those who trample our sacred shores

To welcome 2024, Suzuki Philippines is rolling out additional benefits for new customers of the Suzuki Carry. With a solid 40-year history, the Suzuki Carry is a reliable business partner tailored to meet the needs of commercial enterprises. With improved features and a fuel-efficient engine, Suzuki wants to make the Suzuki Carry even better for Filipino business owners. The added incentives aim to make it a stronger and more reliable companion, helping them succeed. Customers who purchase any variant of the Suzuki Carry from January 15, 2024, until December 31, 2024, will receive three full years or 45,000 kilometers of free Periodic Maintenance Service (PMS). This includes labor...

Keep on reading: Roll into savings: Suzuki Carry’s 2024 deal features 3 years of free PMS

Finding the perfect device for everyday use can feel like a daunting task in the fast-paced world of smartphones. The array of factors to consider can be quite overwhelming for those who are considering making a purchase. But fear not, the vivo Y Series is here to redefine the entry-level smartphone game, offering a perfect blend of style, functionality, and affordability.  Check out these five reasons why the vivo Y Series is your best bet for impressive specs at affordable prices: Always social media-ready Capturing memories is an art, and vivo Y Series is the virtuoso of the smartphone camera world.  Imagine you are at a music festival capturing your favo...

Keep on reading: 5 reasons why vivo Y Series is worth it as entry-level phone for Gen Zs, Millennials

      A Filipino man was arrested Monday on suspicion of abandoning the bodies of a married couple, in connection with a case in which two bodies were found under the floor of a house in Tokyo's Adachi Ward, police said. The 34-year-old man of Tsuchiura, Ibaraki Prefecture, whose occupation is unknown, has admitted to the charge, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. The man is an acquaintance of a Filipino woman, 30, who has already been arrested on the same charge. According to the police, the man in conspiracy with the woman abandoned the bodies of a married couple --- both in their 50s --- at their home on or around Jan. 16.   ...

Keep on reading: Filipino nabbed on suspicion of abandoning couple’s bodies in Tokyo

NBA Scores, News, Schedules INDIANAPOLIS --- Passengers at Indianapolis International Airport are getting to experience a slice of next month's NBA All-Star Game --- with no extra fee. For the past week, travelers through the main terminal have been treated to a full-sized replica basketball court that features two baskets, boundary lines and the All-Star logo. Many are already taking advantage of the opportunity. Although fans can't shoot free throws or jump shots on the concourse, the scene has been a show-stopper. Airport officials say they'll be adding more features as the city's first All-Star Game since 1985 nears on Feb. 18. "It's quite innovative," said Kevin Hammil...

Keep on reading: Indianapolis promotes NBA All-Star Game with court at airport

NBA Scores, News, Schedules BOSTON --- The Denver Nuggets felt they let a winnable game slip away in the closing minutes during a narrow loss at Philadelphia earlier this week. They found themselves in a similar situation late against one of the NBA's top teams and made sure not to let it happen again. Jamal Murray scored 35 points, Nikola Jokic finished with 34 and Denver held on to hand the Boston Celtics their first home loss of the season, 102-100 on Friday night. "Both teams were countering each other," Murray said. "Both throwing haymakers and we were able to have the final punch." Jokic added 12 rebounds and nine assists to help the defending NBA champions end the...

Keep on reading: NBA: Nuggets hand Celtics their first home loss this season

ZAMBOANGA CITY --- Four police officers who were involved in a robbery last year were dismissed from the service. Zamboanga Peninsula Police Director Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding said the erring police officers were found guilty of grave misconduct and were removed from the police service effective January 12, 2024. He identified them as Lt. Ariel Jolatoria, 43, Staff Master Sgt. Al-Najir Ynawat, 41, Staff Sgt. Edcel Nicolas, 42, and Pat. Ryan Apostol, 31. "The Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9) upholds its commitment to the highest standards of integrity, morality, and uprightness. Any misconduct or criminal behavior by police officers will not be tolerated, and appropria...

Keep on reading: PNP dismisses 4 cops linked to robbery in Zamboanga

NBA Scores, News, Schedules MIAMI --- Udonis Haslem averaged 7.5 points and 6.6 rebounds in his career. He never made an All-Star team. Never had a triple-double. Never signed anything close to a max contract. Never even won a player of the week award. The stats might seem ordinary. Yet to the Miami Heat, he's forever legendary. The Miami native, who spent his entire 20-year career with the Heat --- part of three championship teams and serving as captain in 16 of his seasons --- watched his now-retired No. 40 jersey raised to the rafters on Friday night, the culmination of a career that saw him go from undrafted to virtually unmatched. https://twitter.com/MiamiHEAT/statu...

Keep on reading: NBA: Miami Heat retire Udonis Haslem’s No. 40 jersey

NBA Scores, News, Schedules LOS ANGELES --- Cam Thomas scored 33 points and the Brooklyn Nets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 130-112 on Friday night, pulling away in a dominant second half to snap a four-game losing streak and win for the fourth time in 18 games. The Nets, who lost by one in overtime against Miami on Monday and by two on a last-second shot by Portland's Anfernee Simons on Wednesday, made sure it didn't go to the last possession this time. Thomas had 20 points in the first half on 9-of-12 shooting. It was his sixth 20-point half of the season. https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1748574098744094884 Nic Claxton had 22 points and 14 rebounds. Spencer Dinwiddie scor...

Keep on reading: NBA: Nets dominate 2nd half to rout Lakers

Sarah Lahbati broke her silence on the current status of her relationship with husband Richard Gutierrez, saying they are okay while noting that she is also focused on working on herself. In a recent interview with Cosmopolitan PH, the actress said, when asked about the situation between her and Gutierrez, that she was "happy and grateful." "We're okay," she said. "I'm holding up pretty well. I'm happy. Again, I'm grateful. There's nothing more to say than I'm really feeling blessed. And it's a good time to just work on myself." The two have been in the public eye after rumors surfaced that they have separated, with Gutierrez's mother, Annabelle Rama, first revealing that hi...

Keep on reading: Sarah Lahbati on relationship status with Richard Gutierrez: ‘We’re okay’

MANILA, Philippines --- A local human rights group is calling for a "fair" implementation of a government policy granting pardons to elderly inmates, as it decried the alleged omission of an octogenarian political prisoner from the roster. Kapatid claimed that 84-year-old Gerardo Dela Pea, who has been in jail for 11 years, was excluded from receiving executive clemency despite a resolution allowing consideration for the release of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) 70 years old and above. The group said dela Pea is the "oldest political prisoner in the country." "We ask Secretary Boying Remulla to take a direct hand to ensure the fair implementation of the BPP [Bureau of Pa...

Keep on reading: Group calls for ‘fair’ implementation of clemency rule for elderly PDLs