Author: WWC NEWSDESK

Philippines

Malacañang Promises Scrutiny of ₱3.06-Billion Evacuation Center Fund as Lacson Questions Uniform Regional Allocations

MANILA, Philippines — A seemingly simple ₱180-million allocation for evacuation centers in every Philippine region has become one of the early flashpoints in the proposed 2027 national budget, after Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson questioned why every region was given exactly the same amount despite vastly different disaster risks and local needs. Malacañang has now promised close scrutiny of the spending, saying the Marcos administration will monitor the projects to ensure billions of pesos intende

August 22, 2026

Entertainment

Angelu de Leon Thought Bell’s Palsy Could Change Her Career Forever—But What Happened While Her Face Was Recovering Changed How She Saw Herself

For an actress whose face had been recognizable to Filipino audiences since the height of T.G.I.S., suddenly losing control of part of it was more than a frightening health scare. For Angelu de Leon, it became a deeply personal battle that eventually pushed her into depression—and forced her to confront a question far bigger than show business: What happens when something you have long considered part of your livelihood suddenly changes? The actress and Pasig City councilor recently revisited

August 22, 2026

Politics

Singapore Blocks ‘Global Asia’ Website After False Claims of MFA, NUS and NTU Links

Singapore authorities have blocked access to a website that allegedly misrepresented its connections to Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and major universities, raising fresh concerns about AI-generated identities, fabricated institutional links and the growing sophistication of online influence operations. Singapore police have ordered internet service providers to block access to the website of Global Asia Think Tank after authorities assessed information obtained following a police re

August 22, 2026

Entertainment

Bela Padilla Finally Speaks on ‘Blood vs. Duty’ Rumors: “It Was Very Confusing for Me” — But What Really Happened Behind the Scenes?

Bela Padilla has finally addressed the rumors surrounding her stint in the ABS-CBN action-drama series “Blood vs. Duty,” saying the reports left her confused as speculation continued to circulate about what allegedly happened behind the scenes. The actress found herself at the center of controversy earlier this year after showbiz personality Ogie Diaz discussed claims that she had allegedly become difficult to work with during the production of “Blood vs. Duty.” The allegations included claims

August 22, 2026

Philippines

25 Affidavits Challenge Romualdez Cash-Delivery Claims — But 28 Other Witnesses Could Still Change the Case

MANILA, Philippines — Former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has intensified his defense against allegations linking him to alleged cash deliveries from anomalous flood-control projects, submitting a supplemental counter-affidavit supported by sworn statements from 25 former drivers, security personnel and aides associated with former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co. The new filings dispute claims previously made by members of the group of form

August 22, 2026

Asia

Hong Kong Just Convicted Two Tiananmen Vigil Organizers—But the Words That Put Them at Risk of 10 Years in Prison Are the Bigger Story

HONG KONG — Two prominent pro-democracy activists who helped organize Hong Kong’s once-massive annual Tiananmen Square candlelight vigils have been convicted of inciting subversion, in a landmark national security case that could send them to prison for as long as 10 years. Hong Kong’s High Court on August 21, 2026 found former lawmaker and labor activist Lee Cheuk-yan, 69, and barrister Chow Hang-tung, 41, guilty under the National Security Law imposed by Beijing in 2020. Both had pleaded not

August 22, 2026

Asia

Japan Hangs Man Over Deadly Osaka Fire That Killed 5—But the Execution Has Sparked a Bigger Debate

Japan has carried out the execution of Sunao Takami, 58, the man convicted of setting fire to a crowded pachinko parlor in Osaka in 2009, a deadly attack that killed five people and injured 10 others. Takami was hanged on Friday, August 21, 2026, marking Japan’s first execution since June 2025 and the first carried out under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration. The execution was confirmed by Japan’s Justice Ministry. Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi said he ordered the execution o

August 22, 2026

Singapore

His Great-Grandfather Left China at Just 11 and Never Returned—What His Singapore Family Found 100 Years Later Was Still Waiting for Them

SINGAPORE / CHAO’AN, China — More than a century ago, an 11-year-old Teochew boy walked away from his village in southern China and began a journey that would eventually reshape the lives of generations he would never meet. He never came home. But in 2026, one of his descendants did. Singaporean creative practitioner and educator Jariel Ann Tan travelled with her parents to Sha Long village in Chao’an, Guangdong, searching for the birthplace of her great-grandfather, Tan Siak Kiang (陈锡乾). Wh

August 22, 2026

Philippines

51-Year-Old Passenger Falls From Moving Tricycle in Hinoba-an—What Happened Next Was Fatal

BACOLOD CITY — A 51-year-old man died after falling from a moving tricycle in Purok 1, Barangay Asia, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental, in an incident that has prompted authorities to look into the circumstances surrounding the fatal fall. The incident happened on August 17, 2026, while the man, identified in local reports by the alias “Richard,” was traveling with another passenger. Panay News reported that he fell from the tricycle while the vehicle was traveling along the area. Reports from oth

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Korina Sanchez Says People Want Her to Run in 2028—But One Thing Is Still Stopping Her From Entering Politics

MANILA, Philippines — Veteran broadcaster Korina Sanchez-Roxas has revealed that calls for her to enter politics have been coming for years, and this time, she is not completely shutting the door on the possibility. But despite renewed speculation over a possible Senate run in the 2028 Philippine elections, Sanchez has stopped well short of declaring herself a candidate. Speaking to reporters during TV5's Tara, Kapatid! 2026 Midyear Media and Trade Celebration, Sanchez acknowledged that enteri

August 22, 2026