Author: WWC NEWSDESK

Philippines

DPWH Updates Flood-Control Master Plans Nationwide as Philippines Faces Worsening Flood Risks

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is moving to update and strengthen flood-management plans covering the country's major river basins, as increasingly intense rainfall and recurring flooding continue to expose weaknesses in the Philippines' flood-control system. The latest move comes as the government faces mounting pressure to deliver a more coordinated and science-based response to flooding, particularly after severe rains caused widespread inundation an

September 5, 2026

Philippines

Sara Duterte Posts ₱360,000 Bail After Arrest Warrant—But Her Legal Battle Is Far From Over

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte posted ₱360,000 in bail on Saturday after a Quezon City court issued an arrest warrant against her over three counts of grave threats involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. The bail amounted to ₱120,000 for each of the three counts, according to the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 98. The court had found probable cause to hold Duterte for trial. Duterte's

September 5, 2026

Philippines

NBI Steps In After Viral Albuera Checkpoint Video—Who Were the Armed Men Seen With Police?

TACLOBAN CITY — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has launched a fact-finding investigation into a viral video showing armed men in civilian clothes alongside police personnel at a checkpoint in Albuera, Leyte, raising questions over who authorized their presence and what role they played in the operation. The incident occurred on September 2, 2026, at a border control point in Barangay Benolho, Albuera, near the boundary with Ormoc City. The video circulated widely on social media and

September 5, 2026

Business

The Designer Behind Some of Asia’s Most Beautiful Hotels Reveals What Luxury Is Really Becoming — And It’s Not What You Think

SINGAPORE/HONG KONG — Luxury hotels are often designed to make an immediate impression. André Fu wants guests to feel something deeper. For the Hong Kong-born architect and interior designer, the future of luxury hospitality is increasingly less about spectacle and more about comfort, atmosphere, authenticity and a strong sense of place. Fu has become one of Asia's most recognizable names in hospitality design, with a portfolio spanning Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Kyoto, London and other in

September 5, 2026

Business

Robina Gokongwei Bet on an “Underdog” Most People Overlooked—What Happened to Robinsons Retail Next?

MANILA, Philippines — Before Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. became one of the Philippines’ biggest multi-format retailers, it was, in the words of chairman Robina Gokongwei-Pe, an unlikely contender that not everyone believed would succeed. Gokongwei-Pe recently drew a parallel between that early experience and her decision to support the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons when the basketball team was struggling. Her message was simple: sometimes, the biggest opportunities are

September 5, 2026

Philippines

ALEX EALA GETS HER BIGGEST US OPEN TEST YET—AND IT’S AGAINST SOMEONE SHE KNOWS ALL TOO WELL

NEW YORK — Friendship will be put aside when Filipino tennis star Alex Eala steps onto the biggest stage in tennis against one of her closest friends. Eala is set to face American rising star Iva Jovic in a highly anticipated third-round showdown at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday, September 5, with a place in the US Open Round of 16 on the line. The match is scheduled for the night session, with the action listed for no earlier than 7 p.m. New York time, or 7 a.m. Sunday in the Philippines. T

September 5, 2026

Philippines

Philippines Holds Nationwide School Safety Drill After Deadly Shootings—But One Major Change Stands Out

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine schools have carried out a nationwide safety exercise following a string of deadly school shootings, with authorities focusing on preparedness, rapid coordination and protecting students without exposing them to unnecessarily traumatic simulations. The Department of Education (DepEd) conducted the National Simultaneous School Safety Drill on September 3, bringing schools and emergency-response agencies together to rehearse how they would respond to an armed-thre

September 5, 2026

Business

DepEd Is Changing Scouting in Philippine Schools—And the Skills Learners May Gain Go Far Beyond Badges

MANILA, Philippines — Scouting in Philippine schools could be headed for a major upgrade as the Department of Education (DepEd) moves to modernize its policies and place greater emphasis on leadership, resilience, safety, community service and practical skills that learners can use beyond the classroom. Education Secretary Sonny Angara said DepEd is working to make scouting more inclusive and responsive to the challenges young Filipinos may encounter in real life. “We are modernizing these pol

September 5, 2026

Politics

Lutnick Apologizes After Claiming No Americans Died in Iran War—18 U.S. Troops Are Dead

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has apologized after mistakenly claiming that no Americans had died in the ongoing conflict with Iran—an assertion quickly contradicted by the U.S. military's reported casualty figures. Lutnick acknowledged Thursday that 18 U.S. service members have been killed in the conflict and said more than 750 have been wounded. He attributed his earlier statement to confusion with a separate U.S. military operation in Venezuela, where no American service members wer

September 5, 2026

Philippines

‘I DON’T FEEL SAFE’: Sara Duterte Arrives at QC Court After Arrest Warrant—Then Takes the Next Legal Step

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte arrived at the Quezon City Hall of Justice on Saturday, September 5, saying she feared for her life and the safety of her children a day after a court issued an arrest warrant against her over three counts of grave threats. Duterte told reporters that she had documented threats and harassment against her since 2023 and said she did not feel safe even as she appeared before the court to address the warrant. “I fear for my children. I do not feel

September 5, 2026