Author: WWC NEWSDESK

Singapore

Singapore Police Probe Racist Online Comments Targeting Indians—Shanmugam Warns: “They Should Be Unmasked”

SINGAPORE — Singapore authorities are investigating a wave of racist and xenophobic comments posted online in connection with two unrelated developments: the deadly Nepal floods involving nine missing Singaporeans, and Singapore Airlines’ investment in financially troubled Air India. Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security K Shanmugam said on Sept. 5 that the comments were “shameful,” “nasty” and unacceptable, warning that allowing racial prejudice to become normalised o

September 5, 2026

Philippines

Davao Got ₱53.11 Billion From National Funds Since 2022—But the Palace Says That’s Not the Full Story

MANILA, Philippines — The Duterte camp’s claim that Davao City received little or no national government funding in recent years is facing renewed scrutiny after Malacañang disclosed that the city government and its barangays received a combined ₱53.11 billion in National Tax Allotment and other national government releases from Fiscal Years 2022 to 2026. Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro released the figures on Friday, September 4, disputi

September 5, 2026

Thailand

Thailand’s COVID-19 Pattern Is Changing as Cases Near 100,000—But Flu and RSV Are Rising Too

BANGKOK — Thailand is seeing a changing pattern of COVID-19 transmission, with infections continuing to rise alongside seasonal respiratory illnesses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). But health authorities say the latest increase does not signal a return to the pandemic-era situation. Instead, Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) says COVID-19 is increasingly being observed alongside other respiratory infections, while experts continue to study whether the vir

September 5, 2026

Politics

TRUMP CALLS IRAN CONFLICT “SMALL POTATOES” — BUT 18 U.S. TROOPS ARE DEAD AND THE FIGHTING ISN’T OVER

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump is downplaying the months-long conflict with Iran, calling the confrontation “small potatoes” for the United States while backing Vice President JD Vance’s controversial position that the ongoing fighting should not be described as a war. Trump made the remarks Friday, September 4, as reporters questioned him about Vance’s comments a day earlier. Vance had said he “wouldn’t call it a war,” arguing that there was currently no active shooting despite repea

September 5, 2026

Philippines

DPWH Moves to Overhaul Flood Plans Nationwide—But the Bigger Problem May Be What Happened to the Old Ones

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is moving to update the country’s flood-management master plans as the government confronts increasingly severe flooding, changing climate conditions and decades-old infrastructure strategies. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has directed the department to update flood-management frameworks covering the country’s 18 major river basins and other critical waterways, with the goal of ensuring that future flood-control proje

September 5, 2026

Japan

Two “Manju Shop” Votes Could Cost Japan’s Mayor His Job—Here’s Why the Court Said They Don’t Count

TOKYO — Two handwritten ballots containing the words “manju shop” and “Mr. Dango” have become the unlikely center of a Japanese election dispute that could determine who leads the city of Kamisu in Ibaraki Prefecture. On Sept. 3, the Tokyo High Court upheld a decision invalidating the two ballots, rejecting Kamisu Mayor Toshiyuki Kiuchi’s challenge against the Ibaraki Prefectural Election Commission. The ruling could ultimately cost Kiuchi his mayoral position if it becomes final. It started

September 5, 2026

Business

Trump Calls Iran Conflict “Small Potatoes” as U.S. Toll Mounts—But What Happens Next Could Be Far Bigger

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing back against efforts to describe the ongoing confrontation with Iran as a full-scale war, calling the conflict “small potatoes” for the United States and defending Vice President JD Vance, who said the fighting should not be labeled a war. Trump made the remarks Friday, September 4, after Vance said a day earlier that he would not call the months-long U.S.-Iran fighting a war because there was no active shooting at that particular moment. The

September 5, 2026

Philippines

CESAFI Basketball Is Back—and Dondon Hontiveros’ Coaching Debut Could Steal the Spotlight

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Basketball action in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) is set to resume Sunday, September 6, after the league temporarily halted games amid concerns over Metro Cebu’s deteriorating air quality. The return immediately carries added excitement as former PBA star Dondon Hontiveros prepares to make his coaching debut with the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) Webmasters. According to the latest CESAFI schedule, UCLM will face the UC-Main Web

September 5, 2026

Philippines

70 Groups Draw the Line on Pax Silica in the Philippines—But the Bigger Fight May Just Be Beginning

MANILA, Philippines — Opposition to the United States-led Pax Silica initiative is gaining momentum in the Philippines, with a coalition representing at least 70 organizations calling for a reassessment of the proposed Economic Security Zone (ESZ) in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac. The Network Opposed to Pax Silica (NO to Pax Silica) was formally launched on Aug. 31 in Quezon City, bringing together Aeta and farming communities, environmental advocates, scientists, faith-based groups, students,

September 5, 2026

Thailand

Thailand Seizes 7,411 Uncertified Electrical Items in Samut Prakan—And Authorities Warn of a Fire Risk

SAMUT PRAKAN, Thailand — A consumer complaint about a potentially substandard fan has led Thai authorities to a warehouse in Samut Prakan, where officials seized 7,411 electrical appliances and electronic products worth more than 2.5 million baht that were found without the required Thai Industrial Standards (TIS) mark and QR code. The operation was carried out by Thailand's special “Top Gun” enforcement task force together with the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) at a fulfillment wa

September 5, 2026