The Epic

The regional weather forecast for the Visayas and nearby areas has been issued, detailing the expected conditions from 5:00 AM on August 9, 2024, to 5:00 AM on August 10, 2024. The forecast indicates that the Southwest Monsoon, locally known as "Habagat," is significantly influencing weather patterns across Luzon and the western section of the Visayas. Weather Conditions - Western Visayas: Expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms, primarily due to the Southwest Monsoon.    - Rest of Visayas, Palawan, and Occidental Mindoro: These areas will also experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies, with localized thunderstorms leading to scattered rainshowers. Wind and Sea Conditions Light to moderate winds are anticipated, blowing from the southeast to southwest across the entire Visayas region, including Palawan and Occidental Mindoro. The sea conditions are expected to be slight to moderate, which means wave heights will be manageable. Temperat

24-Hour Public Weather Forecast: August 9, 2024 Issued at: 4:00 AM, August 9, 2024 Synopsis: The Southwest Monsoon continues to affect Luzon and the western section of the Visayas. Forecast Weather Conditions Ilocos Region, Zambales, and Bataan: Expect cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the Southwest Monsoon. There is a risk of flash floods or landslides due to moderate to heavy rainfall in these areas. Metro Manila, the Rest of Luzon, and Western Visayas:   Conditions will be partly cloudy to cloudy, with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. Similar to the Ilocos region, flash floods or landslides may occur during severe thunderstorms. The Rest of the Country: Partly cloudy to cloudy skies are anticipated, with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms caused by localized weather systems. There is also a possibility of flash floods or landslides during intense thunderstorms. Wind and Coastal Water Conditions - Northern Luzon:    - Wind Speed: Moderate     - Win

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte's recent criticism of the Philippine government has drawn disapproval from at least two senators. Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel responded succinctly to Duterte's remarks during an ambush interview, stating, “She could’ve given a counter-Sona,” referring to a potential alternative State of the Nation Address. In her pointed statement on Wednesday, Duterte accused the government of allowing Filipinos to suffer from hunger due to deceitful public officials. She also asserted that the Philippines, as a free nation, should not submit to foreign entities like the International Criminal Court. Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito expressed concern about the discord between the country's top two officials, stating that such disagreements send a negative message to the international community. “It’s a really sad development. When the President and Vice President are not united, it raises doubts about our political stabil

TOKYO, Japan — A powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake, followed by a 7.1 tremor, hit off the southern coast of Japan on Thursday, August 8, 2024, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Reports from broadcaster NHK indicated that tsunamis of up to one meter were expected to impact coastal areas in the Kyushu and Shikoku islands. The initial quake occurred at a depth of 33 kilometers, while the subsequent tremor struck nearby at a depth of 25 kilometers. In response to the earthquakes, the Japanese government has established a special task force to address the situation. Japan, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” is one of the most seismically active countries in the world, sitting atop four major tectonic plates. The archipelago, home to approximately 125 million people, experiences around 1,500 earthquakes annually, accounting for about 18% of the world's seismic activity. While most of these quakes are mild, the damage they cause can vary significantly based on

MANILA, Philippines — The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) officially launched the “Murang Bigas at P29” program on August 8, 2024, at the NIA Central Office in Quezon City. In a statement delivered by Undersecretary Christopher Morales, DA Secretary Francisco Laurel Jr. highlighted the collaborative efforts of the NIA, DA, and various agencies to implement the sale of affordable rice to Filipinos. “The NIA has initiated rice contract farming and bayanihan efforts alongside the DA and the National Rice Program to make this affordable rice available to our countrymen,” he said. The P29 per kilo rice will be sold at “Kadiwa sa NIA” sites located in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Caraga regions. During a public briefing, NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen announced that they plan to distribute 10 million sacks, equivalent to 100 million kilograms, of rice at this price throughout the month. This initiative aligns with President Ferd

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Monetary Board has approved the grant of four additional licenses for digital banks, allowing a maximum of 10 to operate in the country. This decision comes with the lifting of the moratorium on issuing new digital bank licenses. The central bank, which previously limited digital bank license grants to six, stated that the expansion aims to harness the potential of such banks in bringing a positive impact to the Philippine financial system. BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. emphasized that this limit will enable the BSP to closely monitor developments in the digital banking industry, obtain a broader perspective as these banks mature in their operations, and assess the impact of new players on the banking system. The new digital bank licenses include the conversion of an existing bank's license to a digital bank license. Digital banks are defined as those that offer financial products and services processed end-to-end through a digital platform an

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald Dela Rosa has firmly declined to participate in the House of Representatives investigation into various issues, including the alleged extrajudicial killings (EJKs) that occurred during the previous administration. In a statement to reporters on Thursday, Dela Rosa expressed his reasons for rejecting the invitation, stating, “I decline their invitation on the grounds that I don’t want to set a precedent that breaks the tradition of inter-parliamentary courtesy between both houses of Congress.” As the former chief of police, Dela Rosa led the controversial war on drugs under former President Rodrigo Duterte's administration, which has been linked to the deaths of thousands of drug suspects. The quad-committee, which comprises members from the committees on dangerous drugs, public order and safety, public accounts, and human rights, has also invited Duterte to the hearing. In addition to investigating alleged EJKs, the committee will examine crime

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine manufacturing sector experienced a slowdown in June, with factory output growth easing to a three-month low, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The PSA's latest Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries revealed that the Volume of Production Index, which measures factory output, grew by 2.5% year-on-year in June. This was slower than the 3.2% growth recorded in May and the 2.1% growth in June 2023. Robert Dan Roces, chief economist at Security Bank Corp., attributed the slowdown to sector-specific challenges faced by the basic metals and transport equipment industries. The basic metals industry saw reduced demand, likely due to a slowdown in construction activities in key markets, while the transport equipment sector grappled with tightening profit margins amid fluctuating fuel prices and increased operational costs. These sector-specific issues were compounded by broader economic factors, including inflationary pres

The regional weather forecast for the Visayas, Palawan, including the Kalayaan Islands, and Occidental Mindoro is as follows: Synopsis As of 5:00 PM on August 8, 2024, the Southwest Monsoon is affecting Luzon and the western section of the Visayas. Forecast Weather Conditions - Western Visayas : Expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers and thunderstorms due to the Southwest Monsoon. - The rest of Visayas, Palawan (including Kalayaan Islands), and Occidental Mindoro : Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers and thunderstorms are anticipated, caused by localized thunderstorms. Wind and Coastal Water Conditions - Winds : Light to moderate winds from the southeast to southwest will prevail across the Visayas, Palawan (including Kalayaan Islands), and Occidental Mindoro. - Coastal Waters : Slight to moderate seas are expected. PAGTAYA (Tagalog) Ang Western Visayas ay makakaranas ng bahagyang maulap hanggang sa maulap na papawirin na may pulo-pulong mg

The weather forecast for the Philippines as of 4:00 PM on August 8, 2024, is as follows: Synopsis The Southwest Monsoon continues to affect Luzon and the western section of the Visayas. Forecast Weather Conditions - Ilocos Region, Zambales, and Bataan : Expect cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the Southwest Monsoon. There is a risk of flash floods or landslides from moderate to heavy rainfall. - Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, and Western Visayas : Conditions will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, also influenced by the Southwest Monsoon. Flash floods or landslides may occur during severe thunderstorms. - The rest of the country : Partly cloudy to cloudy skies are anticipated, with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms caused by localized thunderstorms. Similar risks for flash floods or landslides are present during severe weather. Wind and Coastal Water Conditions - Wind Speed : Light to moderate - Wind Direction : Sout

MANILA, Philippines — The Court of Appeals (CA) has issued a freeze order on the bank accounts and properties of Apollo Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), along with several associated entities, including the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI). In a comprehensive 48-page resolution, the appellate court ordered the freezing of Quiboloy’s 10 bank accounts, seven real estate properties, five vehicles, and one aircraft. The order also extends to the bank accounts of KOJC and Swara Sug Media Corporation, which operates SMNI. The court found substantial evidence suggesting that Quiboloy's financial assets are connected to various unlawful activities and predicate crimes, including qualified human trafficking, sexual and child abuse, sex trafficking of minors, fraud, conspiracy, marriage fraud, smuggling, and money laundering. The freeze order is effective immediately and will remain in place for 20 days. Attorney Israelito Torreon, representing Quiboloy an

MANILA, Philippines - Finance Secretary Ralph Recto has expressed his support for an early interest rate cut by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), citing the government's need to raise funds at cheaper costs to pay off maturing debts, including those incurred during the pandemic era. In an interview with the Inquirer, Recto stated that the market is likely prepared for whether or not a rate cut will occur at the Monetary Board's (MB) policy meeting on August 15. This comes after BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. indicated on Tuesday that a rate cut this month is now "slightly less likely" due to higher-than-expected inflation in July, although he did not rule out the possibility of an off-cycle easing. As a member of the seven-person MB representing President Marcos' Cabinet, Recto believes there is a greater need for a rate reduction "more so now," arguing that the Philippines can afford to ease early amid signals of a September rate cut from the US Fe

MANILA, Philippines — Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia has refrained from directly accusing Smartmatic of being involved in the offshore bank accounts linked to his name, but he presented evidence suggesting a connection during a press conference on Thursday. Garcia revealed that a foreign entity named Jaleo Consulting, LLC, registered in Florida, USA, was responsible for the alleged offshore transactions. “Jaleo Consulting, LLC sent it. When I discovered this, I was taken aback because it implies direct intervention in the elections of the Philippines by a foreign entity, which is strictly prohibited,” Garcia stated. He further disclosed that a certain Jose A. Herrera, the owner of Jaleo Consulting, is associated with Albatross Technologies Corporation. “The owner of Jaleo is a person named Jose A. Herrera. He is not Filipino,” Garcia noted. “Jose Herrera is also a director of Albatross Technologies Corporation, which indicates a connection there.” Garci

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has firmly stated that she has no intentions of running for a higher office, despite ongoing speculations following the proposal to create the "One Visayas Bloc." In a press conference held on August 7, Garcia welcomed the initiative to form the "One Visayas Bloc," a coalition aimed at uniting all governors from the Visayas region. During the event, it was announced that she has been chosen to lead this new coalition. However, during the same press briefing, Garcia clarified that her involvement in this coalition does not indicate any plans to pursue a higher political position. Currently serving her second term as governor of Cebu, the country’s most populous province, she is set to seek reelection for her third and final term in the upcoming 2025 elections. Garcia expressed her optimism that the formation of the One Visayas Bloc would significantly enhance the agenda of the Visayan provinces, focusing on cru

The Philippines has made history at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, achieving its best-ever medal haul and ranking 24th overall in the final medal tally. With a total of 4 medals, including 2 golds and 2 bronzes, the Philippines has surpassed expectations and proven itself as a rising force on the global sporting stage. The standout performer for the Philippines has been gymnast Carlos Yulo, who captured the hearts of the nation with his stunning gold medal wins in both the men's floor exercise and vault events. Yulo's victories marked the first time a Filipino gymnast has ever won Olympic gold, cementing his status as one of the greatest athletes in Philippine sports history. "I am so proud to have won these gold medals for my country," an emotional Yulo said after his vault triumph. "This is a dream come true, and I hope I have inspired the next generation of Filipino gymnasts to reach for the stars." Yulo's heroics have been complemented by the ach

MANILA, Philippines - Two lawmakers have expressed their discontent with Vice President Sara Duterte following her recent criticisms of the government, with one legislator urging her to refrain from intertwining religion with politics. Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur's 1st District voiced his disappointment on Wednesday regarding Duterte's comments directed at the Muslim community, which he believes promote division. He was referring to the Vice President's statements in which she condemned the government for allowing hunger to persist among Filipinos, attributing the issue to deceptive officials. “The Vice President’s remarks risk politicizing religious identities. We Muslims do not deserve to be portrayed as a separate, marginalized group; we are part of the collective effort toward progress,” Adiong stated. “Such rhetoric only serves to create division and distracts from the essential work that needs to be accomplished.” Adiong further encouraged Duterte to acti

MANILA, Philippines - Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar announced on Wednesday that the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) will take charge of the construction services for the Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) program. During a briefing in Malacañang, Acuzar explained that this initiative aims to cut costs associated with hiring developers and reduce the extent of sovereign guarantees. “Once a housing loan is approved, it will be processed through the SHFC and NHA, eliminating the need for developers. This approach is more economical as we will not incur developers' profits,” he stated. He emphasized that this system benefits not only the housing beneficiaries but also the government, which will serve as both developer and contractor. “We will deal directly with the contractors, and that’s where we will seek the guarantees,” Acuzar added. The SHFC and NHA will also handle in-house plannin

MANILA, Philippines - Education Secretary Sonny Angara has signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, which grants a teaching allowance of up to P10,000 to public school teachers. The ceremonial signing took place in the Senate, with lawmakers from both chambers of Congress in attendance. The IRR, as stated in Section 4, applies to all public school teachers engaged in the basic education curriculum, consistent with DepEd's policy guidelines and learning delivery modalities. The provision also covers guidance counselors, school librarians, vocational instructors, supervisory and administrative personnel in public schools, Alternative Learning System (ALS) and Mobile Teachers, as well as District ALS Coordinators in all public elementary, junior, and senior high schools and community learning centers. According to the IRR, the teaching allowance is granted for the purchase of tangible or intangible teaching supplies and materials, payment

Senator Ronald dela Rosa has called on Philippine Ambassador to Colombia Adrian Bernie Candolada to study Colombia's drug war, suggesting that the Philippines could benefit from its strategies and successes. Candolada was one of eight Philippine envoys awaiting confirmation from the Commission on Appointments (CA), all of whom were confirmed by the bicameral panel. Candolada mentioned that he would be traveling to Bogotá, Colombia's capital, within the month. "There are approximately 100 Filipinos residing in Colombia," Candolada informed the CA Committee on Foreign Affairs. Dela Rosa, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, urged Candolada to investigate Colombia's drug war. "Please help us understand why Colombia's war on drugs has been so successful. Share your findings with our government so we can study and possibly emulate their approach," Dela Rosa requested. He noted that Colombia's drug war resulted in 220,

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto announced that the government anticipates a decrease in rice prices in the coming months. In a report, Recto attributed the expected price drop to the reduction of tariffs on imported rice. He also emphasized the government's commitment to providing increased support to local farmers. Recto called for an extension for the completion of ongoing agricultural projects, such as irrigation and dam construction, to boost rice production further.  Additionally, he mentioned that the government is working on resolving the country's supply chain issues. Recto highlighted that the budget allocated to the Agriculture Department has doubled compared to its 2022 allocation. The Philippine Statistics Authority also projected a significant reduction in the retail prices of rice this month. Read:  VP Sara Duterte Criticizes Government: "Filipinos Deserve Better" Follow us on Facebook: The EpicNews

Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday criticized the Philippine government, including the House of Representatives, for its alleged failure to address critical issues in health, security, infrastructure, and foreign interference. In a detailed statement addressed to the Muslim community, Duterte expressed her concern that the country is being led by officials who lack commitment to their duties. "The Philippines should be governed by individuals who genuinely care and have the capability to promote clean governance and national progress. However, we are currently led by those who lack loyalty to their sworn responsibilities, resulting in a pervasive fear for the future of our children," Duterte stated. The Vice President highlighted the government's inadequacies, particularly in infrastructure to prevent disasters and a healthcare system that effectively serves the people. "Airport officials should aim to achieve world-class facilities that prioritize the securit

MANILA, Philippines — Education Secretary Sonny Angara has mandated the Department of Education (DepEd) to urgently fill all vacant positions to ensure the efficient delivery of basic education services. In a statement released Wednesday, DepEd issued Memorandum No. 42, s. 2024, instructing Bureau and Service Directors, Regional Directors (RDs), and Schools Division Superintendents (SDSs) to take all necessary steps to expedite the hiring process. This includes filling newly created teaching and non-teaching positions for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024. According to the Department of Budget and Management-Government Manpower Information System (DBM-GMIS), as of May 2024, DepEd had 46,703 vacant positions out of a total of 1,030,897 authorized positions. Education Undersecretary for Human Resource and Organizational Development, Wilfredo Cabral, reported that nine percent of the 22,323 vacant teaching positions have already been filled. He emphasized the importance of filling these roles by Aug

Nesthy Petecio's bid for a spot in the women's boxing finals at the 2024 Paris Olympics ended in disappointment as she lost momentum in the last two rounds against a determined opponent. Petecio started strong, landing powerful left punches that had Poland’s Julia Szeremeta on the defensive during their 57kg semifinal bout at Stade Roland Garros on Thursday morning. However, she couldn’t sustain this intensity through the remaining rounds. Szeremeta secured her place in the final by winning on four out of five judges' scorecards. "I really thought this was my time. I was so confident that I would win," Petecio told One Sports in Filipino. "But tonight, we weren't very lucky. Still, I am thankful to the Lord because I performed well." The 20-year-old Polish fighter, the youngest semifinalist in the women’s boxing event, rebounded in the second round, using her reach advantage to counter Petecio’s combinations effectively.  With well-timed counters, S

The regional weather forecast for the Visayas, Palawan (including the Kalayaan Islands), and Occidental Mindoro is as follows: Synopsis As of 5:00 AM on August 8, 2024, the Southwest Monsoon is affecting Northern and Central Luzon. Forecast Weather Conditions - Visayas, Palawan, and Occidental Mindoro: Expect partly cloudy to cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to localized thunderstorms.  - Winds: Light to moderate winds from the southwest will prevail across the region, resulting in slight to moderate seas. PAGTAYA (Tagalog) Ang buong Visayas, Palawan kasama ang Kalayaan Islands, at ang Occidental Mindoro ay makakaranas ng bahagyang maulap hanggang sa maulap na papawirin na may pulo-pulong mga pag-ulan, pagkidlat, o pagkulog dulot ng localized thunderstorms. Wind and Coastal Conditions - Hangin: Mahina hanggang sa katamtaman na hangin galing sa Timog-kanluran ang iiral sa buong Visayas, Palawan kasama ang Kalayaan Islands, at Occidental Mindoro. - Alon: May

Synopsis The Southwest Monsoon is currently affecting Northern and Central Luzon. A tropical storm named Maria is located 2,230 km east-northeast of Extreme Northern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h and gusts reaching up to 80 km/h, moving east-northeastward at 15 km/h. Forecast Weather Conditions - Ilocos Region, Zambales, and Bataan: Expect cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms due to the Southwest Monsoon. There is a risk of flash floods or landslides from moderate to heavy rain. - Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, and the rest of Central Luzon: Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. Flash floods or landslides may occur during severe thunderstorms. - Metro Manila and the rest of the country: Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms caused by localized thunderstorms, which may also lead to flash floods or landslides during severe weather. Wind and Coastal Water Conditions

Vice President Sara Duterte Carpio has sharply criticized the Marcos administration for what she describes as subservience to foreign entities, particularly the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is investigating her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, for alleged crimes against humanity related to his aggressive anti-drug campaign. In a statement on Wednesday, Duterte expressed gratitude to the various Muslim tribes in Davao City, including the Iranun, Kagan, Maguindanao, Maranao, Sama, and Tausug, for their support and offers to protect her family. However, she emphasized that the country's overall safety should take precedence over her personal security. Duterte voiced her belief that the Philippines needs leaders who are genuinely concerned about clean governance and national prosperity, implicitly criticizing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., her 2022 election running mate. "The Philippines is being led by people who lack the honesty to fulfill their sworn dut

MANILA, Philippines — A joint committee of the House of Representatives plans to invite former president Rodrigo Duterte to participate in an investigation concerning illegal drugs, drug-related deaths, and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). This committee, referred to as the quad panel, includes the committees on dangerous drugs, human rights, public accounts, and public order and safety. The House has recently given these committees the green light to proceed with the investigation. Manila 6th District Representative Bienvenido Abante Jr., who chairs the House Committee on Human Rights and has previously examined the Duterte administration's drug war casualties, stated, "The joint panel had invited the former president before, but he did not attend. We will extend the invitation once more." Abante Jr. also mentioned that Senator Ronald "Bato" de la Rosa, a former chief of the Philippine National Police, and former presidential spokesperson Harry Ro