BALITANG MARINO DAILY NEWS for May 28, 2026
Iran says draft deal with US would reopen Hormuz shipping, end naval blockade
Hantavirus cases from cruise outbreak now at 13 with new case in Spain – WHO
WMU: Seafarers need decent working time, not just compliance
Djibouti Code of Conduct Chair condemns renewed piracy surge
IMO approves new safety guidelines for ammonia-fueled ships
Philippines, Japan to boost defense cooperation
Chiz Escudero faces P586-M plunder complaint over flood control mess
Law enforcement conducts manhunt operations vs Bato
PhilHealth, IBP partner to boost legal aid, strengthen patient rights
Repatriated Pinoys hit 10,132
DOTr reviews driver licensing system to minimize road crash incidents
Rains seen over most of PH Thursday
PCSO: No winners of major lotto jackpot draws in last night draw
Gilas center Kai Sotto weds ‘Encantadia’ star Rere Madrid
Philippines well-represented’ and other notes on the 2026 American Music Awards
Joshua Garcia celebrates 12 years in showbiz, looks back on his journey
PBA: Rain or Shine fends off Ginebra to even semis series
NBA: Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder down Spurs to take 3-2 series lead
Jannik Sinner powers into French Open second round
Strong Password Tips to Boost Your Security
FULL NEWSPAPER
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Iran says draft deal with US would reopen Hormuz shipping, end naval blockade
DUBAI, May 28 —— Iran’s state TV said Tehran had obtained a draft of an initial, unofficial framework for a memorandum of understanding with the United States on ending their conflict.
Under the framework, Iran would restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within a month, while the United States would withdraw military forces from Iran’s vicinity and lift a naval blockade.
State TV said the framework, which excludes military vessels and envisages Iran managing ship traffic through the strait in cooperation with Oman, was not yet finalized and that Tehran would take no steps without “tangible verification.” It added that if a final agreement was reached within 60 days, it could be approved as a binding UN Security Council resolution.
The emerging US-Iran MoU stems from indirect talks launched after the war that began in February, with Pakistan playing a central mediating role between Tehran and Washington. The war erupted after a sharp escalation between Iran and Israel earlier this year, with both sides exchanging missile and drone attacks that disrupted shipping in the Gulf and drew in US military involvement, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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Hantavirus cases from cruise outbreak now at 13 with new case in Spain – WHO
GENEVA, May 28 —— The number of cases of Hantavirus linked to a cruise ship at the center of an outbreak has increased to 13, the head of the World Health Organization said. “Spain reported a new case among the passengers who are in quarantine, which brings the total number of cases to 13,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on X.
Among them three died, but there have been no new deaths since May 2, Ghebreyesus said. “The situation remains stable. Passengers who got sick are receiving needed care, while others remain in quarantine,” Ghebreyesus said.
In the last two weeks all remaining passengers, crew members and medical staff disembarked the MV Hondius luxury liner at the center of the outbreak. Hantaviruses are rodent-borne viruses that can infect people and cause illness. The WHO estimates there are 10,000 to 100,000 human cases globally each year, with severity varying by strain.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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MARITIME NEWS
WMU: Seafarers need decent working time, not just compliance
May 28 —— A new World Maritime University report warns that long working hours at sea remain deeply normalized, exposing a significant gap between regulatory compliance and the real protection of seafarers’ and fishers’ health, safety and rights.
The World Maritime University (WMU) has issued a report titled “Charting the distinct rights of sea workers in European waters: A focus on decent working time”, placing the spotlight on one of shipping’s most persistent human element challenges: working time at sea.
Published in January 2026, the report was authored by María Carrera-Arce, Raphael Baumler, Laura Carballo, and Bikram Singh Bhatia. WMU acknowledges the financial support of the European Transport Workers’ Federation (ETF) and the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) for the research that informed the report, while also recognizing the contribution of maritime organizations and seafarers who participated in the study.
The report examines the position of sea workers, meaning seafarers and fishers, within European labor law and working-time regulations. Its central argument is that maritime workers continue to be treated differently from shore-based workers, often with lower levels of protection, despite their essential role in global trade, food security and maritime operations.
The study is structured around three core areas:
1. The legal position of sea workers in EU labor law, including how seafarers and fishers are treated under cross-sectoral and maritime-specific instruments.
2. Flag State working-time requirements, examining how EEA and selected non-EEA jurisdictions regulate and enforce working time.
3. A comparative analysis of working time, showing the gap between sea workers and other occupational groups, including land-based and mobile workers.
The report argues that shipping and fishing have historically developed as a “distinct society” governed by their own rules, and that this maritime exceptionalism has contributed to a weaker level of labor protection compared with shore-based sectors. “Working time is not only a labor issue. It is directly connected with fatigue, safety, decision-making, occupational health, mental wellbeing, retention and operational risk.”
This is particularly important for ship managers because compliance with minimum requirements does not always mean that the crew has enough time, capacity or rest to operate safely. “The report makes clear that fatigue should not be treated as an individual failure, but as a structural issue linked to workload, manning, schedules, port operations and shore-based planning.”
10 lessons to be learned from the report
1. Compliance is not the same as decent work
The report challenges the idea that meeting minimum work/rest-hour rules is enough. A vessel may be formally compliant, but still operate with workloads that are not sustainable for the crew.
2. Working time is a safety issue
Long hours affect alertness, judgement and performance. The report links working time with human factors, occupational safety, health and wellbeing, making it clear that fatigue management must be treated as part of safe ship operation.
3. Maritime workers remain treated differently
The report argues that sea workers are often excluded from, or only partially covered by, general labor protections applied ashore. This creates a gap between maritime labor standards and the broader social rights framework in Europe.
4. The flag State model has limits
Although flag States remain central to enforcement, the report suggests that enforcement is weakened by practical constraints, lack of resources and the complexity of modern maritime employment. In practice, this can leave workers with limited protection when rules are breached.
5. The flag of the vessel does not answer every labor question
For private employment disputes, the report notes that the flag State principle is no longer sufficient on its own. Questions such as applicable law, jurisdiction and access to justice are more complex, especially for mobile workers operating across jurisdictions.
6. Minimum safe manning may not reflect real workload
The report warns that companies may rely on minimum safe manning certificates to justify crewing levels, even when actual operations require more capacity. In some cases, compliant manning can still be insufficient for the real demands of the voyage, port calls, cargo work and inspections.
7. Compensatory rest should not become a workaround
Compensatory rest is intended to address exceptional situations, not to normalize recurring violations. The report stresses that predictable operational activities such as bunkering, vetting, pilotage, arrivals and departures should not be treated as unexpected events that justify routine fatigue.
8. Short-sea shipping needs particular attention
Frequent port calls, compressed schedules and operational intensity can make compliance more difficult. The report identifies short-sea operations as an area where fatigue risks may be especially acute.
9. Seafarers may be discouraged from reporting
The report notes that weak feedback mechanisms remain a problem. Seafarers may avoid formal complaints due to fear of retaliation, concerns about employment, or because overtime pay can create conflicting incentives.
10. Fatigue cannot be solved without addressing workload
Training, awareness campaigns and digital tools can help, but they cannot solve fatigue if crewing levels, voyage planning and commercial pressures remain unchanged. The report’s message is clear: decent working time must become a foundation of maritime safety and crew welfare.
What ship managers and maritime stakeholders need to consider
Ship managers should begin by treating working time as a core safety KPI, rather than simply a compliance requirement. Trends in rest-hour violations, near misses, overtime, port-call intensity and watchkeeping fatigue should be monitored closely and reviewed at management level, as they offer important signals about crew wellbeing and operational risk. At the same time, companies should review manning levels against the vessel’s actual operational demands. Minimum safe manning should be seen as the baseline, not the final answer. Crewing levels need to reflect the real workload onboard, including cargo operations, short voyages, inspections, reporting requirements, maintenance and the intensity of port calls.
Voyage and port-call planning should also be strengthened to identify fatigue hotspots before they occur. Shore teams need to assess tight turnaround times, back-to-back port calls and administrative workload in advance, ensuring that vessels receive additional support when operational pressure increases.
The routine use of compensatory rest should also be avoided. While compensatory rest may be necessary in exceptional cases, it should not become a structural workaround for repeated operational pressure. When rest-hour breaches occur regularly, the underlying causes should be investigated and addressed through better planning, manning or process improvements.
Creating safe reporting channels is another important step. Seafarers should be able to report fatigue, excessive workload and rest-hour pressure without fear of recrimination. Reporting systems must be trusted, confidential where needed, and linked to meaningful corrective action.
Ship managers should also audit overtime and workload honestly. Overtime should be examined to determine whether it reflects exceptional circumstances or deeper issues of under-resourcing. Unpaid overtime, excessive administrative tasks and the misuse of trainees or cadets should be treated as warning signs that require management attention.
Technology can support this process, but it should be used carefully. Digital tools can help monitor work/rest hours and fatigue risk in real time, but they should not become a box-ticking exercise. Their value lies in supporting better decisions on workload, crewing, voyage planning and operational support.
Fatigue should also be addressed beyond the ship. Charterers, terminals, agents and ports all influence schedules, turnaround times and workload. For this reason, maritime stakeholders should work together to reduce avoidable pressure on crews and support more realistic operational planning. When incidents occur, fatigue should be included in safety investigations. Investigators should examine whether working time, crewing levels, rest-hour pressure or workload contributed to the event. Fatigue should be treated as a system issue, not simply as individual error.
Overall, the report calls for a shift from minimum compliance to decent working time. Protecting sea workers requires more than proving that a vessel meets minimum rules. It requires ensuring that work at sea is organized in a way that respects human limits, supports wellbeing and safeguards safe operations.
Source: safety4sea.com
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Djibouti Code of Conduct Chair condemns renewed piracy surge
May 28 —— The Chair of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment has expressed grave concern over the resurgence of piracy in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden, warning that recent attacks show maritime security gains in the region remain fragile.
Speaking on behalf of the DCoC/JA Signatory States, the Chair strongly condemned the continued detention of the Republic of Palau-flagged tanker MT HONOUR 25 (IMO 9109735), which has reportedly been held by pirates since 24 April 2026.
The humanitarian situation onboard is deteriorating, with 17 crew members still held in captivity under dangerous conditions. They are reportedly in urgent need of assistance, as provisions onboard have reached critically low levels.
Concern was also raised over two other vessels reportedly held in the region: the Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged general cargo vessel SWARD (IMO 9174244), hijacked on 26 April 2026 with 15 crew members onboard, and the Togo-flagged oil tanker MV EUREKA (IMO 1022823), reportedly hijacked on 2 May 2026 with 12 crew members onboard.
These incidents underline that Somali piracy has been suppressed, but not eradicated. They also reinforce the need for sustained regional and international cooperation to protect seafarers, secure freedom of navigation, and preserve maritime security across the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden.
The Chair also referred to concerns raised during the IMO Maritime Safety Committee’s 111th session, where the renewed threat of piracy and armed robbery off Somalia was highlighted. Several DCoC/JA Signatory States, including Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa, called for renewed attention and stronger operational responses.
Against this backdrop, the Signatory States urged the Federal Government of Somalia, in cooperation with regional and international partners, to make every possible effort to secure the safe and immediate release of the detained vessels and crew members.
They also called on the wider international community, including naval forces, international organizations, and maritime security partners, to intensify efforts to prevent further incidents and support the safe release of all affected seafarers.
Member States and industry stakeholders were further urged to strengthen reporting and information-sharing, improve transparency around maritime security measures, support implementation of the DCoC/JA framework, and fully apply relevant IMO instruments, including SOLAS chapter XI-2, the ISPS Code, IMO guidance, and Best Management Practices.
Emphasizing the humanitarian dimension of the crisis, the Chair said the situation should not be viewed solely as a maritime security issue. Seafarers operating in high-risk areas continue to face prolonged confinement, armed threats, uncertainty, and severe psychological pressure.
The Chair concluded that the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of seafarers are non-negotiable, stressing that practical solutions already exist and that what is now needed is collective will, urgent coordination, and decisive action.
To remind, according to information received and made available in IMO’s GISIS module, 171 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported to IMO as having occurred or been attempted in 2025 – an increase of approximately 17% at the global level compared to the 146 incidents in 2024.
Source: safety4sea.com
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IMO approves new safety guidelines for ammonia-fueled ships
May 28 —— The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has approved the new safety guidelines for the use of ammonia as fuel on gas carriers, providing a practical framework to manage the associated safety risks, particularly its toxicity and handling requirements.
The guidelines were developed through collaboration between Lloyd’s Register (LR), the Belgian Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport (FPS Mobility) and gas shipping operator EXMAR and were approved at IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111). The guidance sets out how ammonia can be handled safely on board and supports early projects as they move towards execution by drawing directly on operational experience and regulatory input.
According to LR, the approval is expected to reduce uncertainty for shipowners and designers assessing ammonia as a future fuel, particularly as the first vessels designed to operate on ammonia approach entry into service.
The Directorate-General Shipping of the FPS Mobility took the lead in the IMO to draft the guidelines. This is said to guarantee that the regulatory framework reflects real-world practice, enabling innovation while maintaining effective safeguards within a controlled environment.
“The approval of these guidelines provides a clear signal that ammonia is moving from concept to a fuel with an emerging international safety framework,” said Liam Blackmore, Global Head of Technology Adoption and Integration at Lloyd’s Register. “It demonstrates how close collaboration between industry, flag administrations and technical organizations can accelerate the safe adoption of new fuels at scale. Being part of this collaboration reinforces our role as a trusted advisor helping to turn ambition into practical, scalable solutions for the maritime energy transition.”
Source: offshore-energy.biz
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PHILIPPINE NEWS
Philippines, Japan to boost defense cooperation
TOKYO, May 28 —— President Marcos called for enhanced defense cooperation and partnerships bound by shared values, saying the present era of disruptions and geopolitical tensions is not a time for retreat but for a “deeper engagement” with like-minded parties.
In remarks delivered during a meeting with the Japan-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship League here, Marcos said recent developments have shown that the world cannot afford to have waterways disrupted or placed at risk, given their vital role in sustaining global trade, energy flows and economic stability. “These realities underscore the importance of strengthening our defense and security cooperation,” the President said.
According to him, the Philippines reaffirms the importance of the centrality and unity of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in shaping a regional architecture that is “open, inclusive and rules-based.” On the bilateral level, the Philippines’ cooperation with Japan continues to be guided by shared outlook, values and responsibilities as maritime democracies, Marcos added. “Like Japan, the Philippines believes that maritime security is an essential pillar of a free, open and inclusive region,” the Chief Executive said.
Marcos said the two countries’ collaboration in defense is operationalized through agreements such as the Reciprocal Access Agreement and the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement. Both the Philippines and Japan are embroiled in longstanding disputes with China, whose aggressive actions in disputed areas have raised concerns among its neighbors.
The Philippines and China’s maritime row involve portions of the South China Sea, a strategic sea lane where over $5 trillion in shipments passes through every year. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims in the resource-rich area. In 2016, a Hague-based arbitral court voided China’s maritime claim and affirmed the Philippines’ sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone, but Beijing refused to recognize the ruling.
Japan also has a row with China over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Marcos did not mention China in his speech, but in a media interview before arriving here, he pointed out that Japan and the Philippines have common experiences when it comes to “coercive acts.”
In the same speech, Marcos said the international system is undergoing a “profound transformation,” with regions seeing “increasing geopolitical tensions, disruptions in supply chains and mounting pressures on the rules-based international order. In such an environment, the importance of trusted partnerships that are anchored in shared values, mutual respect and adherence to international law has never been more evident,” the President said.
Source: philstar.com
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Chiz Escudero faces P586-M plunder complaint over flood control mess
May 28 —— Former Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero is facing a plunder complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman based on documents obtained exclusively by GMA News.
In Escudero’s counter-affidavit filed last Friday, the Field Investigation Office of the Ombudsman recommended on April 16 the filing of plunder, graft, and indirect bribery charges against the senator. The Ombudsman FIO alleged that Escudero had “indirectly received kickbacks of P306 million and P280 million” from various flood control projects.
The complaint based its findings on the testimonies of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo. The alleged kickbacks were collected by Maynard Ngu, who is Escudero’s friend, campaign contributor, and alleged bagman, it said. “In February 2024, Usec. Bernardo, together with his driver Francisco A. Dela Fuente, allegedly delivered P306 million to Mr. Ngu at his office in Cherry Mobile Building, Manila,” the document read.
There were two other deliveries in the early part of 2025, P160 million and P120 million, both received by Ngu allegedly on Escudero’s behalf. “The alleged projects from which kickbacks were allegedly sourced are located in Caloocan City, Muntinlupa City, Quezon City, Valenzuela City, Aklan, Albay, Batangas, Bohol, Camarines Sur, Capiz, Cebu, Eastern Samar, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Subic, and Zambales,” the document read.
Escudero denied the allegations, saying he did not authorize Ngu to act on his behalf and the complaint did not show proof that he had received the money. “I did not authorize Maynard Ngu … to act on my behalf, and there is no evidence that I ever did…Complainant’s basis for my supposed receipt of both the P306 million and P280 million is merely the alleged representations of Mr. Ngu that he supposedly received the said amount on my behalf. The complainant completely failed to present proof of the multiple circumstances that would have proven my supposed receipt of the P 306 million and P 280 million,” Escudero said.
Escudero also said that Bernardo “presented different, evolving, and materially inconsistent allegations.” He noted that Bernardo did not mention the alleged P306 million kickback in the first three affidavits submitted to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. “The most glaring inconsistency is the change of amount involved. There is a complete absence of the alleged P306 million delivery … It appeared for the first time only in his affidavit dated 13 March 2026—submitted after the Ombudsman’s motu proprio investigation had already commenced,” he said.
Escudero asked the Ombudsman to deny the application to grant immunity to Bernardo and three other individuals, saying the former DPWH official is the “most guilty.” “Usec. Bernardo appears to be the most guilty among the individuals implicated in the flood control scandal…He was the main point of contact, and he engaged directly with every other individual identified as alleged conspirators in the complaint,” he said. “Why would I, as ‘master plunderer,’ only receive P586 million in kickbacks whereas Usec. Bernardo received over P1 billion in kickbacks, as he admitted under oath,” Escudero said.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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Law enforcement conducts manhunt operations vs Bato
MANILA, Philippines, May 28 —— Law enforcement conducted a manhunt for Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa across Luzon.
In a statement, the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) said it searched for Dela Rosa, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), in four locations.
The search was conducted by the PNP-CIDG along with the National Bureau of Investigation in Parañaque, Bulacan and Pampanga. In Pampanga, authorities searched a house in Angeles, Pampanga. The house is reportedly owned by the uncle of Sen. Robin Padilla. However, the NBI and CIDG failed to locate Dela Rosa in the said location.
Media reports say that Dela Rosa stayed until the evening before law enforcement officers arrived in Angeles, which was searched by the CIDG. Philstar.com sought confirmation from NBI Director Melvin Matibag about the matter.
The PNP Firearms and Explosives Office on Wednesday also suspended the licenses for Dela Rosa’s 117 firearms. Earlier, the CIDG also said it recommended to the Department of Justice the filing of obstruction of justice charges against Padilla, who helped Dela Rosa leave the Senate premises on May 14.
Padilla had already denied the accusations on May 22 and insisted that he just gave Dela Rosa a ride. Senate President Allan Peter Cayetano also repeatedly insisted that Padilla’s actions were not unlawful, as there is no valid Philippine warrant against Dela Rosa.
Source: philstar.com
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PhilHealth, IBP partner to boost legal aid, strengthen patient rights
MANILA, May 28 —— The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has partnered with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) to expand its legal support for members and strengthen patient rights.
Based on a Wednesday news release, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation signed on Tuesday a two-year Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to strengthen support systems for its members, particularly to address concerns involving healthcare benefits, patient rights, and access to information.
The agreement was formalized between PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Edwin Mercado and IBP National President and Chairperson of the 27th Board of Governors Allan Panolong at the IBP Building in Pasig City. “A key feature of the agreement is the provision of free legal aid activities for qualified PhilHealth members, particularly those who are indigent or marginalized, on matters related to healthcare benefits and claims,” the news release said. “PhilHealth will support these initiatives by providing the necessary information and documentation to facilitate legal assistance,” it said.
PhilHealth and IBP will also conduct information and education campaigns to help Filipinos better understand their rights and entitlements under the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act. Meanwhile, PhilHealth said the partnership also covers cooperation on health law and policy development, capacity-building programs, continuing legal education for PhilHealth lawyers, and fraud prevention measures to strengthen safeguards within the system. “These initiatives are expected to strengthen PhilHealth’s ability to deliver responsive services and ensure that members receive the benefits and protections they are entitled to under the law,” it said.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Repatriated Pinoys hit 10,132
MANILA, Philippines, May 28 —— Up to 10,132 overseas Filipino workers, dependents and stranded OFWs affected by tensions in the Middle East have been repatriated to the Philippines.
In a repatriation update, the Department of Migrant Workers said the returnees include 7,991 OFWs, 1,779 dependents and 362 stranded Filipinos, assisted through the efforts of the DMW, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and Department of Foreign Affairs. The DMW also reported that 34,429 Filipinos have received financial assistance to help them recover and reintegrate with their families.
Authorities said onsite assistance continues to be provided to affected Filipinos. Data released by the government showed that 23,492 people received food assistance, 7,697 were given transport assistance, 2,491 received shelter assistance and 2,427 were provided medical assistance.
The government said 70,536 onsite services have so far been delivered to OFWs and their families as part of continuing repatriation efforts for Filipinos affected by the crisis in the Middle East.
Source: philstar.com
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DOTr reviews driver licensing system to minimize road crash incidents
MANILA, May 28 —— The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is intensifying road safety measures and enforcement of road laws to address road casualties in the country.
In a statement, DOTr Senior Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark Steven Pastor said these measures are in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to ensure road users are instilled with discipline for an “inclusive change in the country’s transportation system.” “Kaya ang hamon po sa atin sa gobyerno—na nasa posisyon po tayo ngayon. Gayundin po sa mga kasamahan natin sa industriya, sa mga advocates natin: one life lost is too much. We need to stop road crash incidents,” Pastor said.
To date, the DOTr is addressing road safety issues through a multi-sector and whole-of-government approach, particularly through a partnership between the DOTr, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
The partnership involves the implementation of mechanisms under the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan (PRSAP) 2023-2028, which includes the review of the driver licensing system to ensure that only competent and responsible individuals are allowed on the road.
In addition, the PRSAP pushes for the strict enforcement of essential safety and maintenance standards on public utility vehicles. “Tayo rin ay nagsikap na makakuha ng legislative support katulad po ng mga kasama natin sa Senado at sa House of Representatives upang magkaroon ng maayos at sapat na pondo ang ating mga road safety-related policies,” he said.
During the 2026 Road Safety Summit in Pasig City on Tuesday, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao said strict enforcement and digitalization are already being implemented to improve monitoring, compliance and accountability in the transport sector. “We [will] continue to strengthen our road safety initiative through sustained enforcement operations, intensified anti-colorum, anti-road rage effort, and stronger action against reckless and dangerous driving,” Lacanilao said.
During the event, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to the Philippines Dr. Eunyoung Ko said the United Nations (UN), through the WHO, will continue supporting government road safety measures. “The UN system and WHO remain committed to supporting the Government of the Philippines and all partners in addressing safer, healthier, more inclusive and more sustainable mobility systems for all,” Ko said.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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Rains seen over most of PH Thursday
MANILA, May 28 —— The weather bureau said a huge part of the country will experience rains.
Scattered rains and thunderstorms will prevail over Western Visayas, Negros Island Region, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, BARMM, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Palawan due to the southwesterly windflow.
The same weather condition will prevail over the rest of Mindanao due to the trough of Tropical Storm Jangmi outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Moderate to heavy rains in these areas could result in flash floods or landslides, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.
Jangmi was located 1,195 km. east of Eastern Visayas as of 3 a.m., moving northwestward at 20 kph. “It is moving slowly, and is forecast to enter PAR between tonight and tomorrow as tropical storm or severe tropical storm category,” PAGASA weather specialist Loriedin Galicia said.
Once Jangmi enters PAR, it will be given the local name Domeng. Galicia said the potential Domeng is unlikely to make landfall on any part of the country. However, Domeng is forecast to enhance the southwesterly windflow, which would cause rains over most of the Visayas, Mindanao, and Southern Luzon.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience isolated rain showers caused by localized thunderstorms. Light to moderate winds and slight to moderate seas will prevail across the archipelago, PAGASA said.
Dangerous heat index levels in 53 areas
Meanwhile, 53 areas in the country will experience sweltering temperatures due to a danger-level heat index, PAGASA warned. Heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity combines with air.
A peak heat index of 47°C is forecast in Sangley Point, Cavite; while a heat index of 46°C is forecast in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan and San Ildefonso, Bulacan. The following areas will also see danger-level heat indices:
– NAIA, Pasay City – 44°C
– Science Garden, Quezon City – 42°C
– Sinait, Ilocos Sur – 44°C
– Laoag, Ilocos Norte – 45°C
– Dagupan City, Pangasinan – 45°C
– MMSU Batac, Ilocos Norte – 43°C
– DMMMSU Bacnotan, La Union – 44°C
– Calayan, Cagayan – 44°C
– Aparri, Cagayan – 45°C
– ISU Echague, Isabela – 44°C
– Baler (Radar), Aurora – 43°C
– Casiguran, Aurora – 45°C
– Iba, Zambales – 43°C
– Clark Airport (DMIA), Pampanga – 43°C
– CLSU Muñoz, Nueva Ecija – 44°C
– Cubi Point, Subic Bay, Olongapo – 43°C
– TAU Camiling, Tarlac – 45°C
– Hacienda Luisita, Tarlac City – 44°C
– Tayabas City, Quezon – 44°C’
– Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas – 45°C
– Infanta, Quezon – 42°C
– Alabat, Quezon – 44°C
– Mulanay, Quezon – 43°C
– NAS-UPLB, Los Baños, Laguna – 43°C
– Calapan, Oriental Mindoro – 42°C
– Coron, Palawan – 44°C
– San Jose, Occidental Mindoro – 43°C
– Romblon, Romblon – 43°C
– Cuyo, Palawan – 44°C
– Daet, Camarines Norte – 43°C
– Legazpi City, Albay – 43°C
– Virac (Synop), Catanduanes – 43°C
– Masbate City, Masbate – 44°C
– Juban, Sorsogon – 42°C
– CBSUA-Pili, Camarines Sur – 44°C
– BIA-Daraga, Albay – 43°C
– Rozas City, Capiz – 43°C
– Iloilo City, Iloilo – 42°C
– Dumangas, Iloilo – 43°C
– Mactan International Airport – 42°C
– Catarman, Northern Samar – 42°C
– Tacloban City, Leyte – 43°C
– VSU Baybay, Leyte – 43°C
– Borongan, Eastern Samar – 45°C
– Guiuan, Eastern Samar – 43°C
– Maasin, Southern Leyte – 42°C
– Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte – 42°C
– Surigao City, Surigao del Norte – 43°C
– Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur – 43°C
– Butuan City, Agusan del Norte – 42°C
Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely under a heat index of 42°C to 51°C. Meanwhile, the heat index may reach 41°C in Basco (Radar), Batanes; NVSU Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; BU-Guinobatan, Albay; Mambusao, Capiz; Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental; Siquijor, Siquijor; Panglao International Airport, Bohol; and Catbalogan, Western Samar.
A heat index of 40°C is forecast over CvSU-Indang, Cavite; Puerto Princesa City and Aborlan in Palawan; Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur; and Davao City, Davao del Sur.
Source: pna.gov.ph
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PCSO: No winners of major lotto jackpot draws in last night draw
May 28 —— The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) said there were no winners of the major lotto jackpot draws in last night draw.
The winning numbers for the Grand Lotto 6/55 jackpot worth P45,000,000.00 are 33-46-43-19-38-42. For Megalotto 6/45, the correct combination of 23-08-09-36-43-18, would have earned a jackpot of P28,760,977.68.
Source: gmanetwork.com
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ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Gilas center Kai Sotto weds ‘Encantadia’ star Rere Madrid
MANILA, Philippines, May 28 —— Gilas Pilipinas big man Kai Sotto and his actress-girlfriend Rere Madrid are now married.
The celebrity couple surprised fans as their wedding photos and videos were posted on Wednesday, May 27, by popular wedding photographer Nice Print Photo on Instagram. Rere, who was last seen as one of the cast of the recently-concluded fantasy series “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre,” penned a heartfelt letter on Instagram. “Still feels unreal that we finally get to call this day ours. (Mr & Mrs Sotto),” she wrote with a ring and heart emoji. “First, we want to thank God for this wonderful blessing we experienced this year. Even though we went through challenges, misunderstandings, and people who tried to break what we had, we still chose to trust each other. Because of that, our relationship became even stronger, together with the love and support of our families,” she added.
Rere and Kai took their vows in a garden ceremony in Alfonso, Cavite, as seen in the video by Nice Print Photo. The bride and the groom were in all-white, with Rere in a simple strapless wedding dress while her 7-foot-tall groom was in a long-sleeved polo and white trousers. His long hair was neatly tied behind his back.
Friends, showbiz and basketball colleagues, and their families were in attendance, including Rere’s older brother, actor Ruru Madrid. Rere and Kai hard-launched their relationship when they attended the GMA Ball in 2024.
Source: philstar.com
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Philippines well-represented’ and other notes on the 2026 American Music Awards
May 28 —— The 2026 American Music Awards was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas last Monday evening, May 25. It was Memorial Day, a big holiday in the US of A and veterans were justly honored during the show.
Host was Queen Latifah, who first did the honors 31 years ago before she became an award-winning actress and star of music, films and television. Busta Rimes was there. Also Ludacris, Hootie and the Blowfish, whose frontman Darius Rucker received the Veteran Voice Award.
For Lifetime Achievement, the AMAs brought out Billy Idol, the silver-haired punk rock veteran of 50 years. He can still do his trademark rebel yell and easily conquered the stage with his hits Eyes without a Face and Dancing with Myself.
The AMAs is now 52 years old. It was nice that cable channel Hits TV aired the whole presentation live hereabouts on Tuesday morning. BTS, still on the comeback mode, was the big winner of the evening. The boys from South Korea brought home the Song of the Summer trophy for their single Swim from their latest album “Arirang,” the Best Male K-Pop Artist and the biggest plum of the night, the Artist of the Year Award.
BTS also opened the show via satellite with their Hooligan, which despite lots of production gimmickry came off lackluster. Truth to tell, the over 40-year-old New Kids on the Block came off oozing with more star power when they appeared to perform You Got It (The Right Stuff). Take note, Jordan, Donnie, Jonathan, Joey and Danny are still as sexy and spritely as ever.
Of course, there was no way that Golden by the Singing Voices of HUNTR/X from “KPop Demon Hunters” was going to miss out on getting an AMA. And they did so by winning four trophies, as Best Pop Song, Best Vocal Performance and as Song of the Year. Then “KPop Demon Hunters” was named Best Soundtrack. K-pop was indeed the dominant force at the AMA this year but no need for us to worry because the Philippines was also well represented. Coincidentally, all of them sent out the message, “Remember your roots.”
There was Sophia Laforteza, leader of the girl group KATSEYE. They won for Best New Artist and she ended their acceptance speech with a sweet, “Maraming, maraming salamat.” KATSEYE also won as Breakthrough Pop Artist while the winner for Best Video was their big hit Gnarly. There was also Nicole Scherzinger who debuted a trio edition of the Pussy Cat Dolls, the girl group with which she began her career during the early ‘80s. Along with Ashley Roberts and Kimberly Wyatt, she danced and sang to their early hits. Again, we heard that very sexy, “Don’t cha wish….”
And talking about throwbacks. One that won the Best Throwback Song of the year was Rock That Body by the Black Eyed Peas. And the members of the iconic group all showed up to receive the award. The reclusive Fergie along with will.i.am., Taboo and the Pampanga-raised Apl.de.ap. To cap off the Pinoy AMA harvest, Bruno Mars was named Best R&B Artist, his latest hit I Just Might was named Best R&B Song and his “The Romantic” won for Best R&B Album.
By the way, AMA favorite and perennial winner Taylor Swift, who topped the nominations with eight nods, did not win in any category. Disappointing, but it should not really matter as she already has 40 of those trophies at home. Anyway, Swifties, as her fandom is called, can count on a grand comeback from Taylor after defeats such as these. She always returns to the top in a big way.
Source: philstar.com
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Joshua Garcia celebrates 12 years in showbiz, looks back on his journey
May 28 —— From making a lasting impression during his stint as a housemate in “Pinoy Big Brother: All In” in 2014 to cementing his place in the industry, Joshua Garcia continues to captivate Kapamilyas with his evolution as an artist, consistently outdoing himself every time he returns to the screen.
Achieving yet another milestone in his career, Joshua celebrated his 12th year in the entertainment industry last April 27, feeling beyond blessed and grateful to ABS-CBN, and Star Magic for remaining supportive of him until now. He shared, “Sobrang pasasalamat lang talaga, kasi hanggang ngayon ay meron pa rin ako. Alam mo ‘yun? Meron akong naibibigay sa pamilya ko.”
At the Star Magic Spotlight Presscon, Joshua entertained questions from various media outlets, including one about how he now chooses his roles given his growing experience in the industry. While he remains open to any character offered to him, he has become more selective with the stories he takes on. He now prefers material that is likely to leave a lasting impact on viewers, rather than focusing solely on having a strong character for himself.
As the years passed, Joshua took on more character assignments that carried emotional weight. At first, separating his character’s emotions from his own was an obstacle he had to overcome. For him, anger remained the hardest emotion to portray onscreen due to his naturally forgiving nature and limited personal experiences to draw from. Eventually, however, he learned to slip out of his character almost immediately after filming.
Joshua shared that he wants to continue being challenged by the roles assigned to him, whether they lean toward action or drama. More importantly, he hopes to keep telling stories that are not only fresh but also meaningful and relatable to many people. Joshua Garcia teams up with Ivana Alawi for the first time in “Love Is Never Gone.” The Kapamilya series, now streaming exclusively on Prime Video, blend romance and suspense and is the first Filipino series shot in Morocco. The drama spotlights Joshua and Ivana in fiery roles that combine intimate and steamy scenes with thrilling high-octane encounters.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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SPORTS NEWS
PBA: Rain or Shine fends off Ginebra to even semis series
MANILA, May 28 —— The Rain or Shine ElastoPainters fended off Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s second-half rally to secure a 97-85 win in Game 4 of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Yeng Guiao’s wards led by as many as 26 points to even the series at two wins apiece, turning the matchup into a virtual best-of-three affair. Leading Rain or Shine’s balanced attack was Jaylen Johnson, who finished with 13 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists. “Ito lang naman yung gusto namin, pahabain yung series. The longer the series, the more we have a chance,” said Guiao.
Gian Mamuyac added 12 points and four assists, while Jhonard Clarito, Adrian Nocum, and Christian Manaytay chipped in 11 points each for the ElastoPainters, who will try to take a 3-2 series lead on Friday, 7:30 p.m., still at the Big Dome. Justin Brownlee paced Ginebra with a game-high 27 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, while Scottie Thompson contributed 20 points, three assists, and two rebounds. However, their efforts were not enough as the Gin Kings could only trim the deficit to 10 points. Ginebra also struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 5-of-23 (21.7%) from three-point range.
The Scores:
Rain or Shine 97 – Johnson 13, Mamuyac 12, Nocum 11, Manaytay 11, Clarito 11, Malonzo 9, David 8, Caracut 6, Tiongson 5, Santillan 5, Asistio 3, Belga 3, Cuajao 0.
Ginebra 85 – Brownlee 27, Thompson 20, J.Aguilar 10, Abarrientos 8, Holt 8, Pinto 4, Abis 4, Rosario 3, Cu 1, Torres 0, Go 0, Gray 0, Carino 0, Estil 0.
Quarterscores: 31-23, 58-36, 77-65, 97-85.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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NBA: Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder down Spurs to take 3-2 series lead
May 28 —— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 127-114, to move within one win of a return to the NBA Finals.
Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder punished an error-strewn performance by San Antonio to claim a victory which leaves the reigning NBA champions 3-2 up with two games remaining in the Western Conference finals. San Antonio had leveled the series at 2-2 with a battling performance on Sunday but never got going in a lackluster Game 5 display at Oklahoma City’s Paycom Center.
Spurs star Victor Wembanyama had a miserable shooting night, scoring 20 points but making just 4-of-15 attempts from the field while grabbing only six rebounds. Spurs forward Devin Vassell also had a night to forget, scoring just six points from 2-of-11 shooting after averaging 17 points in the opening four games of the series.
Oklahoma City will head to San Antonio for Thursday’s Game 6 with a chance to clinch the series after a typically clinical performance, recovering from a slow start to seal a deserved win. Gilgeous-Alexander was one of five Thunder players to finish in double figures, with Alex Caruso scoring 22 from the bench including four three-pointers and Jared McCain impressing with 20 points.
Chet Holmgren had 16 points with 11 rebounds, while Isaiah Hartenstein had 12 points with 15 rebounds. “I might have had the worst start to a basketball game in my career, but the group held it down and kept us in the game,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of a sluggish first quarter by the Thunder that saw San Antonio jump into an early eight-point lead.
“Somehow we still won the first quarter but that’s a testament to the guys in the locker room. “I’ve been saying it all year — we’re a group of one through 15, and we wouldn’t be this deep in the season without everybody on the team, and it showed again tonight,” the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player added. “We made adjustments after the last game and applied what we learned. “Against a really good team you’ve just got to try to be better each and every game, and we definitely got better from the last game.”
After a slow start Gilgeous-Alexander scored 12 points in a 40-point second quarter for Oklahoma City that helped the champions pull into a comfortable lead that would ultimately prove decisive. The Thunder led by as many as 20 points in the third quarter and while San Antonio cut the lead to eight points late in the quarter, Oklahoma City regrouped to pull clear again.
San Antonio coach Mitch Johnson bemoaned his team’s error count throughout the game — and called on Wembanyama to take a more aggressive approach in Thursday’s must-win game six battle. “It just felt like it was a little bit of everything in terms of that we did not put ourselves in a position to be successful in each possession,” Johnson said. “To beat a team of this caliber in their own building with what’s at stake, you need to be a lot better to give yourself a chance.”
Johnson said Wembanyama would need to increase his offensive output if San Antonio were to keep the series alive. “He’s got to take more than 15 shots, and he’s gonna have to score more than 20 points for sure,” Johnson said. “He’ll definitely need to take more shots but there’s a lot of things all over the place, where we had advantages and we just didn’t make simple plays to take advantage,” he added.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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Jannik Sinner powers into French Open second round
May 28 —— World number one Jannik Sinner put on a typically efficient display in his opening match at the French Open moving past Clement Tabur to book his spot in the second round.
The 24-year-old needed just over two hours to beat the French wildcard 6-1, 6-3, 6-4. It was a 30th straight win for Sinner and showed his challengers, if they were in any doubt, that the red-hot Italian is focused on continuing his streak as he seeks to complete his career Grand Slam.
After winning all three clay-court Masters 1000 events in the run-up to Roland Garros, Sinner appears to have cracked the code to victory on the red dirt. Without double-reigning champion and world number two Carlos Alcaraz in the draw in Paris, it is hard to see beyond Sinner lifting the Coupe des Mousquetaires for the first time come the men’s final on June 7. “I’m very happy to be back here, it’s a very very special place,” Sinner said. “First-round matches they are never easier but (it’s) even more special to start the tournament in a night session.”
Sinner’s last appearance on Court Philippe Chatrier was during the French Open title match last year, but if he had any jitters about returning to the site of that epic five-set loss, in which he passed up three championship points, it did not show. The San Candido native raced out of the blocks on center court as he wrapped up the first set for the loss of just one game in 30 minutes.
World number 171 Tabur stuck doggedly to his task to the appreciation of the home crowd, but Sinner’s groundstrokes were too powerful and accurate as he pummeled his way into a two-set lead. Sinner had to dig deep in his first service game of the third set, before immediately breaking to close in on victory. After an uncharacteristically sloppy volley on his first match point, Sinner passed up two more before finally winning behind his own serve in the next game. He will meet Argentinian Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round.
Source: inquirer.net
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FEATURED ARTICLE
Strong Password Tips to Boost Your Security
In an increasingly digital world, securing your online presence is crucial. From bank accounts to social media, passwords act as gatekeepers to our personal data. Unfortunately, many people still use weak or easily guessable passwords, which puts them at risk of hacking, identity theft, and financial loss. Here are some tips for creating strong passwords and managing them effectively to keep your online accounts safe and secure.
Why Strong Passwords Matter
Weak passwords are among the most common reasons for data breaches. Cybercriminals often exploit predictable or reused passwords to gain unauthorized access to personal information. A strong password can effectively deter most attacks, especially when combined with other security practices. Protecting your accounts with complex, unique passwords is a powerful way to reduce the risk of online threats.
Tips for Creating Strong Passwords
Creating strong passwords doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right techniques, you can secure your accounts with passwords that are both effective and memorable.
• Use Long Passwords: Aim for a password length of at least 12 characters. Longer passwords are more resistant to brute-force attacks, which attempt to guess your password systematically trying all possible combinations.
• Combine Character Types: Mix uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to add complexity. For example, a password like “D3f!Ne$10t0k” is more challenging for attackers to crack than a simple word.
• Avoid Common Words or Phrases: Words like “password,” “123456,” or even personal information like your name or birthday make passwords easy to guess. Avoid them and opt for random combinations instead.
• Consider Passphrases: A passphrase is a sequence of random words or a phrase that makes sense only to you, like “B!u3$ky!Tr33#H0u$37.” Passphrases are easier to remember yet difficult to guess.
Managing Your Passwords Safely
Once you create a strong password, managing it securely is just as important. Here are ways to keep your passwords organized and safe:
• Use a Password Manager: Remembering multiple complex passwords can be difficult, so use a password manager. Browsers like Microsoft Edge provide a built-in password manager to help manage your passwords. These tools securely store and autofill your passwords and generate new, unique ones when needed.
• Avoid Writing Passwords Down: Writing passwords on paper might lead to unintended exposure, especially if others can easily access it. Instead, rely on your password manager or a secure note within a manager app.
• Don’t Share Passwords: Even with trusted individuals, sharing passwords weakens security. Each user must have their own credentials or authorized access.
• Update Passwords Regularly: Regularly updating your passwords, particularly for important accounts like banking, social media, email, and work-related services, helps protect against unauthorized access.
Protecting Passwords with Additional Security Measures
Strong passwords are essential, but other measures can strengthen your online security even more.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA requires a second verification method, such as a text message code or authenticator app, along with your password. Enabling 2FA on accounts like banking, social media, and email services greatly reduces the chances of unauthorized access.
• Monitor Your Accounts for Suspicious Activity: Regularly check your accounts for any unusual activity or login attempts. If you see any alerts or notifications that don’t seem right, change your password and enable 2FA if it’s not already activated.
• Check for Data Breaches: Online services allow you to check if your email or other accounts have been involved in data breaches. If you find out that any of your accounts were compromised, update your passwords immediately.