Author: WWC NEWSDESK

Philippines

100 Travelers Were Ready to Leave Batanes — Then Dangerous Winds Stopped the Mercy Flight at the Last Minute

BATANES, Philippines — About 100 tourists and local travelers hoping to finally leave Batanes were forced to return to their accommodations on Tuesday after dangerous winds and heavy rain prevented a Philippine Air Force mercy flight from taking off. The passengers had already gathered at Basco Airport for a special PAF C-130 flight on August 25, but the mission was postponed after weather conditions exceeded aviation safety limits, according to the Batanes Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction an

August 25, 2026

Singapore

Singapore Doctor Restricted From Surgery for 18 Months After Fatal Kidney Operation

SINGAPORE — A Singapore urologist accused of cutting the wrong arteries during a kidney operation that ended in a patient's death has been barred from performing almost all forms of surgery for 18 months. The Singapore Medical Council (SMC) imposed the interim restrictions on Dr Fong Yan Kit, 54, after raising serious concerns about his surgical competence and whether the fatal error could happen again. The restrictions were ordered by the SMC's Interim Orders Committee as a public-safety meas

August 25, 2026

Business

The Inventing of Mica Tan : How a self-made “angel investor” sold the Philippine elite a glittering private-equity dream — until the checks bounced, the accounts froze, and the family mansion went up for foreclosure

For years the checks arrived on time. They came on good paper, often carrying the signature of Maria Francesca “Mica” Tan herself or one of a small circle of trusted associates. The amounts were steady: 1 to 1.5 percent a month, packaged as interest on what investors were repeatedly told were private loans. The accompanying story was elegant and exclusive. This was not a public offering. It was angel money. Bridge financing for “sure projects” — diagnostic machines bound for government hospital

August 25, 2026

Asia

India’s Space Startups Are Taking Off — But Can They Turn Rocket Science Into a Global Business?

India’s private space industry has reached a moment that would have seemed unlikely just a few years ago. From a sector once dominated almost entirely by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the country now has around 440 registered space-tech startups, according to India’s Department of Space. IN-SPACe, the regulator and facilitator for private space activity, has also granted more than 100 authorisations to non-government entities. And the biggest proof that the industry is changin

August 25, 2026

Business

NBI FLAGS MORE THAN 20 STEEL PLANTS OVER ALLEGED RADIOACTIVE, SUBSTANDARD PRODUCTS— INVESTIGATION WIDENS NATIONWIDE

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has identified more than 20 steel plants allegedly linked to the production, sale or distribution of substandard and radioactive-bearing steel products, raising fresh concerns over the safety of construction materials being used across the country. NBI Director Melvin Matibag disclosed the development on Tuesday, August 25, saying the agency's investigation, conducted with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) a

August 25, 2026

Philippines

26 Zamboanga City Employees Earn ‘Cada Dia Temprano’ Award After Perfect Attendance in 2025

Twenty-six employees of the City Government of Zamboanga have been recognized for an achievement that demands consistency every working day: perfect punctuality and attendance throughout the entire year of 2025. The employees received the “Cada Dia Temprano” Award, or “Every Day Early” Award, during a recognition ceremony held Monday, August 24, 2026, at the City Hall grounds following the regular flag-raising ceremony. According to SunStar Zamboanga, the 26 awardees had no recorded tardiness,

August 25, 2026

Philippines

Ombudsman Moves Against Justice Who Helped Free Bong Revilla — Now His ₱92.8-M Flood-Control Case Could Take a Dramatic Turn

MANILA, Philippines — The legal battle surrounding former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.’s controversial bail has taken another major turn, with the Office of the Ombudsman formally seeking the inhibition of one of the Sandiganbayan justices who voted to temporarily free him. Ombudsman prosecutors filed a motion seeking the inhibition of Associate Justice Ronald Moreno from Revilla’s pending malversation case, according to an Inquirer report published Tuesday, August 25. Moreno was one of tw

August 25, 2026

Business

Japan’s Debt Bill Is About to Hit a Record — and Rising Interest Rates Are Making It Worse

Japan is heading toward a new fiscal pressure point. The country’s debt-servicing costs are expected to climb 17.1% to a record ¥36.6386 trillion (about US$230 billion) in fiscal 2027, according to a report by Kyodo cited by multiple media outlets. The projected increase would add roughly ¥5.3 trillion to the previous fiscal year’s level, putting debt repayment and interest costs under greater pressure as borrowing rates rise. The figure is particularly significant because Japan has spent dec

August 25, 2026

Singapore

Singapore Sends a Warning as the World Gets More Uncertain — Chan Chun Sing Reveals What Could Decide Which Countries Survive and Succeed

SINGAPORE — August 25, 2026 — As geopolitical tensions intensify and the rules-based international order faces growing pressure, Singapore has issued a pointed message about what could determine whether countries remain resilient: the quality, capability and credibility of their governments. Speaking at the inaugural Singapore-Vietnam Strategic Dialogue on Tuesday, Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing said strong institutions, consistent policies and an

August 25, 2026

Entertainment

Lea Salonga Finally Reveals Why She Unfollowed BTS’ RM and J-Hope — And Her Reason Goes Beyond the Chris Brown Backlash

MANILA, Philippines — Broadway icon and longtime BTS fan Lea Salonga has broken her silence on why she decided to unfollow BTS members RM and J-Hope on Instagram, saying the decision was not meant to punish the K-pop superstars but to protect her own emotional well-being. The move became a major talking point among ARMY after RM and J-Hope were photographed attending Chris Brown and Usher’s concert at Rogers Stadium in Toronto on August 12, 2026 and later appeared in backstage photos with the R

August 25, 2026