Author: WWC NEWSDESK

Philippines

Iloilo City Sets Road Closures Near CPU for 2026 Bar Exams — Motorists Urged to Plan Ahead

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Motorists and commuters passing through Jaro, Iloilo City should prepare for temporary road closures and traffic rerouting as Central Philippine University (CPU) gets ready to host the 2026 Philippine Bar Examinations on September 6, 9 and 13. The Iloilo City government will implement intermittent traffic restrictions along portions of Lopez Jaena Street to help ensure the examinations proceed safely and without unnecessary disruptions. Road closures around CPU Acc

September 3, 2026

Philippines

DBM Releases ₱8.68 Billion for Salary Upgrades of 93,344 Public School Personnel

MANILA, Philippines — More than 93,000 public school personnel nationwide are set to receive salary upgrades after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the release of an additional ₱8.68 billion for the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System. The funding will cover salary differentials for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 for 93,344 qualified personnel whose positions have already been reclassified under the ECP program. The announcement was made

September 3, 2026

Lifestyle

AIA Philippines Unveils Platinum Secure as Filipinos Rethink Retirement and Long-Term Financial Security

MANILA, Philippines — As Filipinos live longer and retirement planning becomes increasingly important, AIA Philippines has introduced AIA Platinum Secure, a participating whole-life insurance plan designed to combine long-term life protection with guaranteed cash benefits. The new product was launched alongside BPI AIA’s ADDvantage in August 2026, with both companies positioning the plans as responses to changing retirement needs, longer life expectancy and rising financial pressures on Filipin

September 3, 2026

Philippines

Tacloban School Shooting: DOJ Orders 10 More Charges vs. 15-Year-Old Suspect

TACLOBAN CITY — The legal case surrounding the deadly Tacloban school shooting has taken a new turn, with Department of Justice prosecutors ordering the filing of 10 additional murder-related charges against the 15-year-old suspect. DOJ Undersecretary Ian Norman Dato said Thursday, September 3, that prosecutors found the teenager acted with discernment and allegedly acted in conspiracy with the other minor involved in the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School.  The new charges con

September 3, 2026

Entertainment

All Blacks Drop 111-Cap Veteran Codie Taylor for Springboks Clash — The Real Gamble Comes Next

The All Blacks have made a significant selection shake-up ahead of their crucial third Test against South Africa, with veteran hooker Codie Taylor dropped from the match-day squad as New Zealand looks to regain control of the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. Head coach Dave Rennie has made three changes to his starting XV for Saturday’s showdown at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, with Asafo Aumua promoted to the starting hooker position. Taylor, who has earned 111 Test caps for New Zeal

September 3, 2026

Philippines

Cebu Tightens Security for 2026 Bar Exams as 1,300 Examinees Prepare for Three-Day Test

CEBU CITY — Security and traffic controls are being significantly tightened around the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) Basak Campus as Cebu prepares to host thousands of aspiring lawyers for the 2026 Bar Examinations. The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) will deploy 102 police officers beginning at 4 a.m. on examination days to secure the testing venue, examinees and Bar personnel. The deployment will include personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, Quick Reaction Team, Speci

September 3, 2026

Business

Tesla’s Cybercab Launch Is Finally Here — But the Biggest Question Isn’t What the Car Looks Like

AUSTIN, Texas — Tesla is preparing to put its purpose-built Cybercab in the spotlight again on Thursday, but this time the stakes are considerably higher. The electric-vehicle maker has scheduled what it calls the “Cybercab Launch Event” in downtown Austin, with Tesla Cybercab engineer Eric Earley saying the event is set to begin at 5:45 p.m. ET on September 3. Tesla has released relatively few details about what will be announced. What is already clear, however, is that this is no longer simp

September 3, 2026

Philippines

Sandiganbayan Grants Marcoleta One-Day Medical Furlough Amid ₱75-M Plunder Case

The Sandiganbayan has granted detained Senator Rodante Marcoleta a one-day medical furlough, allowing him to leave the New Quezon City Jail temporarily for medical examinations as his legal battle over an alleged ₱75-million undeclared donation continues. The Sandiganbayan Third Division, chaired by Associate Justice Karl Miranda, approved Marcoleta’s request during proceedings on September 3. His lawyers said he needs examinations that cannot adequately be conducted inside the jail and request

September 3, 2026

Entertainment

Julia Zigiotti Olme Sets Manchester United a Bold WSL Goal — But the New Season Could Change Everything

Manchester United midfielder Julia Zigiotti Olme believes the club has reached the point where simply challenging for trophies is no longer enough — the target now is to win the Women’s Super League. United open their 2026–27 WSL campaign on Friday against newly promoted London City Lionesses, with Zigiotti Olme making it clear that lifting the league trophy is firmly on her mind. The Swedish midfielder, who joined Manchester United after previously playing for Brighton & Hove Albion and Bayer

September 3, 2026

Malaysia

Malaysia Wants ASEAN to Rethink Its Haze Pact — But Breaking the Cycle Could Be Harder Than Ever

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia is pushing ASEAN to take a harder look at its decades-old approach to transboundary haze as thick smoke from fires in Indonesia once again spreads across Southeast Asia, raising concerns over public health, schools, air quality and regional cooperation. The pressure comes as the region enters another dangerous fire season, with prolonged dry weather and strengthening El Niño conditions increasing the risk that land and forest fires could spiral into a wider haze crisis.

September 3, 2026