Author: WWC NEWSDESK

Philippines

Ebdane Raises Alert as Habagat Returns — And Zambales Is Still Recovering From Earlier Flood Damage

ZAMBALES, Philippines — Zambales authorities are tightening their watch as the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, continues to bring rain to the province, with officials warning that already vulnerable communities could face renewed flooding and landslides. Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. has ordered heightened vigilance across Zambales as forecasters expect the monsoon to continue affecting the province and other parts of Luzon. The warning comes as Zambales continues to deal with damage from week

September 5, 2026

Philippines

DepEd Moves to Overhaul Scouting in Schools—Here’s What Could Change for Filipino Learners

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is moving to modernize the implementation of scouting programs in Philippine schools, with new discussions focused on making the activities more inclusive, relevant and responsive to the realities faced by learners today. The policy review could reshape how scouting is implemented in basic education as the agency works with major scouting organizations to revisit rules that have been in place for more than a decade. DepEd Secretary Sonn

September 5, 2026

Thailand

Thailand Orders Deportation of Israeli National After Koh Samui Threat Conviction

Thailand has ordered the deportation of Israeli national Yaacov Ohayon following his conviction by a Thai court over threatening messages that authorities said caused fear and alarm on Koh Samui. Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul signed the deportation order on September 5, 2026, adding a significant new development to a dispute that has attracted intense attention in Thailand and online. According to The Nation, Ohayon was convicted by the Koh Samui Provincial Court und

September 5, 2026

Philippines

Celsius Faces Court Setback as P1.5-Billion Kalinga Mining Stake Heads Toward Auction—But the Legal Fight Is Far From Over

MANILA, Philippines — Australian-listed mining company Celsius Resources Ltd. is fighting to prevent the planned auction of its 40-percent interest in the Makilala Mining Company Inc. (MMCI), which is associated with the Maalinao-Caigutan-Biyog (MCB) Copper-Gold Project in Kalinga. The legal battle intensified after the Makati Regional Trial Court denied a petition by Celsius subsidiary Makilala Holding Ltd. (MHL) seeking interim protection against the foreclosure and possible sale of its MMCI

September 5, 2026

Sport

ARYNA SABALENKA STOPS US OPEN MATCH OVER STRONG MARIJUANA SMELL — THEN REVEALS WHAT REALLY DISTRACTED HER

NEW YORK — World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka was briefly forced to deal with an unusual distraction during her third-round match at the 2026 US Open after complaining to the chair umpire about a strong marijuana smell drifting into Louis Armstrong Stadium. The two-time defending champion was facing Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova on Friday when she suddenly stopped play during the opening set and alerted umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore to the odor. “Someone is smoking weed,” Sabalenka told the umpire, aski

September 5, 2026

Thailand

Thai Doctor Probed After Allegedly Insulting Gold-Card Patients—Now 26,544 Could Be Affected

BANGKOK — A controversy over a doctor allegedly insulting patients who use Thailand’s universal healthcare scheme has escalated into a wider investigation after health authorities found several problems at the clinic involved, while Thailand’s Medical Council prepares to examine whether the doctor breached professional ethics. The case began after a patient complained about allegedly abusive and demeaning language used by a doctor at a private clinic in Khlong Sam Wa district of Bangkok. The do

September 5, 2026

Philippines

2 Nabbed After Consolacion Kidnap Turns Deadly—But Police Are Still Hunting for Answers

CEBU CITY, Philippines — A kidnapping case in Consolacion, Cebu has taken a grim turn after authorities arrested two key suspects and identified two other persons of interest in the abduction of a 57-year-old man whose body was later found in the mountains of Cebu City. The arrests came after an intensive, multi-agency hot pursuit operation launched following the reported abduction of Leo Leaño, a resident of Barangay Nangka, Consolacion. Leaño was reportedly abducted on Thursday, September 3,

September 5, 2026

Philippines

Sara Duterte Chooses Bail Over Police Custody—But Her Warning About Her Safety Raises New Questions

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte appeared at the Quezon City Hall of Justice on Saturday and posted bail in the grave threats case against her, saying she would rather remain under civilian protection than be placed in police custody. Duterte arrived at the court a day after the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 98 issued a warrant for her arrest on three counts of grave threats. The court found probable cause to hold her for trial and set bail at ₱120,000 for each count,

September 5, 2026

Business

Japan Moves Forward With $550-Billion U.S. Investment Pact—But the Next Phase Could Change Everything

TOKYO/WASHINGTON — Japan says it is making progress on a massive $550-billion investment initiative with the United States, with artificial intelligence and semiconductor projects emerging as potentially crucial areas in the next stage of the agreement. Japanese Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa said Tokyo and Washington will continue working closely to implement the investment framework after meetings in Washington with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson

September 5, 2026

Entertainment

Yeng Constantino May Huling Hiling Para Kay Ryan Bang—Pero Ang Dahilan, Mas Malalim Kaysa Akala ng Marami

MANILA, Philippines — Sa gitna ng muling pag-usbong ng kanilang “what if” love story, isang bagay ang malinaw para kay Yeng Constantino: nais niyang makita si Ryan Bang na makahanap ng taong tunay na makakapantay sa pagmamahal na kaya nitong ibigay. Sa isang media conference para sa bagong season ng “The Voice Kids,” sinabi ni Yeng na naniniwala siyang darating ang tamang tao para kay Ryan. “Siyempre naman, makakahanap at makakahanap si Ryan.” Giit ng singer, hindi dapat pagdudahan ni Ryan an

September 5, 2026