Author: WWC NEWSDESK

Business

PETRONAS CHEMICALS STAGES SHOCK PROFIT TURNAROUND — BUT THE REAL TEST MAY JUST BE BEGINNING

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug. 19, 2026 — PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad (PCG) has delivered a dramatic earnings turnaround, swinging back into profit in the second quarter of 2026 even as the Malaysian petrochemical giant warns that difficult market conditions could continue weighing on its business for the rest of the year. PCG reported RM414 million in net profit for the quarter ended June 2026, reversing a RM1.08 billion net loss recorded during the same period last year. Revenue also climbed sharply

August 19, 2026

Business

Philippines Unites Ube Industry in Push to Make Ube a Major Export

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Philippines is taking a major step toward turning one of its most recognizable food crops into a globally competitive agricultural commodity as the Department of Agriculture (DA) and ube industry stakeholders unite under a new nationwide organization. The newly established United Ube PH Association Inc. brings together farmers, cooperatives, growers, processors, traders, exporters, researchers, academe representatives and government agencies from Luzon, Visayas an

August 19, 2026

Entertainment

Michael Cheika Is Back at the Waratahs—But His 2027 Return Could Change Everything

Former Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika has been confirmed as the new head coach of the NSW Waratahs for the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season, bringing one of Australian rugby's most successful coaches back to the club where he made history. Cheika will return to the Waratahs more than a decade after guiding the Sydney-based side to its first and only Super Rugby championship in 2014. He subsequently took charge of the Wallabies and led Australia to the 2015 Rugby World Cup final, where they

August 19, 2026

Philippines

22,583 Kidapawan Residents Already Got Rice Aid — But 10 Barangays Are Still Waiting

KIDAPAWAN CITY, COTABATO — More than 22,000 residents of Kidapawan City have already received government rice assistance under the Bagong Pilipinas Rice Program, as authorities continue the distribution across the city’s remaining barangays. As of August 17, 2026, a total of 22,583 beneficiaries had received 10 kilograms of rice each, according to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). The distribution had reached 30 of Kidapawan’s 40 barangays, meaning the assistance rollout is still ongoing

August 19, 2026

Entertainment

From Beauty Queen to Future Doctor: Rabiya Mateo Begins UST Med School at 29—But Her Journey Started Long Before the Crown

From wearing a pageant crown to preparing for a career in medicine, Rabiya Mateo is proving that some dreams simply take time. The Miss Universe Philippines 2020 titleholder has officially begun her medical school journey at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), entering the university's Faculty of Medicine and Surgery as she works toward her longtime goal of becoming a doctor. Reports from ABS-CBN, GMA News, Philstar.com, The Varsitarian, and other Philippine outlets confirm that Mateo has star

August 19, 2026

Philippines

SSS Opens Up to ₱20,000 Emergency Loan for Maymay, Habagat Victims — But Check This First

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos hit by Tropical Storm Maymay and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) may now have another financial option as the Social Security System (SSS) reminds qualified members that they can apply for its Emergency Loan Program (ELP), with loans of up to ₱20,000. The SSS said the program is intended to help members manage urgent expenses brought about by calamities and other emergencies. The agency confirmed that the Emergency Loan Program remains available to quali

August 19, 2026

Singapore

He Was Just Singing and Banging Cans?” Elderly Yishun Man Goes on Trial After Protection Order Was Issued

An elderly man in Singapore has gone on trial after allegedly breaching a court protection order obtained by a couple who said they felt unsafe in their own home because of repeated incidents involving their neighbour. Heng Choo Hwi, 69, is contesting a charge of breaching an expedited protection order by allegedly singing and striking metal objects outside his neighbours’ flat for about 11 minutes on Feb. 5, 2026. The case was heard at the State Courts on Wednesday (Aug. 19), with the prosecu

August 19, 2026

Entertainment

Vice Ganda Is Coming Back—But the Bigger Surprise Is Where ‘Gandang Gabi Vice’ Will Air

Two of ABS-CBN’s most recognizable entertainment franchises are set to return before the year ends, with “Gandang Gabi Vice” (GGV) making its television comeback in September and “Pinoy Big Brother” (PBB) opening a new chapter through another ABS-CBN-GMA collaboration. ABS-CBN Chief Operating Officer Cory Vidanes confirmed the developments, giving fans a major reason to watch out for the final months of 2026. ‘Gandang Gabi Vice’ returns—with GMA 7 in the mix The biggest surprise is arguably

August 19, 2026

Singapore

Singapore Construction Waste Found Dumped in Johor: 9 Malaysian Firms Probed — But Who Is Behind the Shipments?

JOHOR — Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA) has stepped up action following allegations that construction and demolition waste originating from Singapore was illegally dumped in Pontian, Johor, as Malaysian authorities investigate nine Malaysia-registered companies allegedly linked to the operation. The latest development comes after reports of construction debris being transported across the Singapore-Malaysia border and dumped at several sites near villages in Pontian. NEA said it

August 19, 2026

Business

P194-M Cigarette Smuggling Bust Rocks Sulu: Navy Intercepts Massive Shipment—But Who Was Behind It?

The Philippine Navy has intensified its crackdown on maritime smuggling in Western Mindanao after intercepting a vessel carrying more than P170 million worth of undocumented foreign-brand cigarettes off Parang, Sulu—bringing the total value of suspected smuggled cigarettes seized in the province to roughly P194 million in less than a month. The latest operation took place on August 14, 2026, in the waters off Buton Mahablo in Parang, Sulu, where personnel of the Naval Task Force 61 conducted a

August 19, 2026