Author: WWC NEWSDESK

Philippines

Ombudsman Questions Loren Legarda’s Extended Medical Leave: What Happens Next?

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman is continuing to raise questions over Sen. Loren Legarda’s repeated medical leave extensions, with its spokesperson saying the circumstances surrounding her absence have added to the agency’s concerns as she faces a preliminary investigation alongside her son, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste. Assistant Ombudsman and spokesperson Mico Clavano said Friday that if Legarda is suffering from a serious illness, the repeated extensions of her medical lea

August 29, 2026

Entertainment

Barbie Forteza Says Cheaters Don’t Deserve a Second Chance — But Her Biggest Relationship Rule Goes Even Further

MANILA, Philippines — Barbie Forteza has made her position on cheating unmistakably clear, but the Kapuso actress says the boundary she has drawn in relationships is actually about something much bigger: self-respect. The award-winning actress addressed her viral comments about infidelity during the August 28 episode of Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, explaining why she does not personally believe a cheating partner deserves another chance. Her original answer during the media conference for her up

August 29, 2026

Philippines

PANAY’S LAST HORNBILLS ARE RUNNING OUT OF FOREST: 68 DULUNGAN COUNTED — BUT THE BIGGER THREAT IS CLOSING IN

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — A rare Philippine hornbill found nowhere else on Earth is facing a new wave of pressure as roads, renewable-energy proposals, forest loss and other development activities increasingly overlap with its remaining habitat in the Central Panay Mountain Range. The latest coordinated count offers a small measure of hope — but conservationists say it is far too early to declare a recovery. Community volunteers and conservation groups recorded 68 Dulungan, or Rufous-headed H

August 29, 2026

Philippines

Mandaue’s Measles Vaccination Drive Struggles as Vaccine Hesitancy Keeps Children Unprotected

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — A measles vaccination campaign in Mandaue City is facing a major hurdle—not a lack of vaccines, but growing hesitation among parents. Health officials said the city has vaccinated only 37 percent of eligible children based on its own master list, while the accomplishment falls to 26 percent when measured against the Department of Health’s (DOH) target. Both figures remain dramatically below the 95-percent coverage goal considered necessary to maintain strong community prote

August 29, 2026

Philippines

GROUND GIVES WAY AGAIN IN CEBU: Expanding Bogo Sinkhole Nears Homes as Experts Warn of a Possible Underground Cavity System

BOGO CITY, CEBU — A newly discovered sinkhole in northern Cebu is continuing to expand, prompting the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region VII to classify the area as a “high-risk ground collapse area” and recommend strict restrictions around the site. The sinkhole is located in Sitio Indilicio, Purok Libog 1, Barangay Guadalupe, Bogo City. MGB-7 issued its geohazard threat advisory after technical personnel inspected the site on August 22 and 23, following the initial report of the ground

August 29, 2026

Philippines

Mandaue Unveils Major Hospital, School Projects as Ouano Lays Out Next Phase of City Development

MANDAUE CITY, Cebu — Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano has unveiled a series of major health and education projects aimed at expanding public services and modernizing the city’s infrastructure. The projects were highlighted during Ouano’s first State of the City Address (SOCA) on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, where he outlined the administration’s ongoing programs and long-term plans for Mandaue. Among the biggest priorities are the modernization of the Mandaue City Hospital, the constr

August 29, 2026

Philippines

EJ Obiena Clears 5.90m to Book His 2027 Worlds Ticket — But What Happened at 6.00m Could Matter Even More

MANILA, Philippines — EJ Obiena may have finished outside the podium in one of the deepest pole vault competitions of the season, but the Filipino star walked away from Zurich with something arguably more important: a confirmed place at the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing. Obiena cleared 5.90 meters at the Weltklasse Zürich Diamond League on August 27, finishing fifth in a stacked men's pole vault field while matching the official entry standard for next year's global championship

August 29, 2026

Philippines

Health Advocates Push for ₱80 Vape Tax as Youth Vaping Concerns Intensify in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Public health advocates are urging Congress to impose an excise tax of at least ₱80 on vapor products, arguing that making vapes more expensive could help discourage young Filipinos from starting or continuing nicotine use. The proposal comes as lawmakers examine several competing measures to overhaul the country's excise-tax system for electronic cigarettes, heated tobacco products and other nicotine products. The Healthy Philippines Alliance (HPA), with HealthJustice as

August 29, 2026

Entertainment

Fernando Poe Jr.’s Unfinished Masterpiece Still Holds a Secret—Here’s Why “Juan dela Cruz” Was Never Completed

MANILA, Philippines — Decades after the death of Fernando Poe Jr. and National Artist for Film Gerardo “Gerry” de Leon, one of Philippine cinema’s most intriguing unfinished projects continues to capture the imagination of movie fans: “Juan dela Cruz,” a film that was supposed to showcase two giants of Filipino cinema at the height of their craft. The movie starred Fernando Poe Jr. in the title role and was directed by de Leon, widely regarded as one of the country’s most accomplished filmmaker

August 29, 2026

Asia

A New Lake Has Appeared at the Nepal-Tibet Border—Now Rescuers Face Another Threat

NEPAL-CHINA BORDER — A newly formed lake along the Nepal-Tibet border has emerged as a dangerous new threat after a massive glacier collapse triggered catastrophic floods across the Himalayan region, destroying villages, roads, bridges and critical infrastructure. The lake formed after enormous amounts of ice, rock, mud and debris blocked a river channel following Wednesday's glacier collapse. Satellite imagery reviewed by Reuters showed water accumulating in the area between Nepal and China's

August 29, 2026