Former Prince Andrew Arrested in UK Probe Linked to Epstein Files
LONDON — Britain’s former Prince Andrew was arrested Thursday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, marking an unprecedented moment in the country’s modern royal history as police widen investigations connected to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Thames Valley Police said officers had arrested “a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.” The force...
Detailed breakdowns of DMW’s P10.2 billion 2026 budget
The DMW's ₱10.202 billion 2026 budget — up from ₱8.08 billion in 2025, a roughly 26% increase — is part of the Philippines' ₱227 billion Social Services sector allocation under the national budget. Here is a detailed breakdown of the key line items: OWWA — The Largest Chunk The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), as an attached agency of the DMW,...
Bureau of Customs Begins Final Push to Deliver Thousands of Abandoned ‘Balikbayan’ Boxes
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine authorities on Wednesday began the final phase of a massive effort to deliver thousands of abandoned "balikbayan" boxes to overseas workers and their families, a move aimed at resolving a long-standing logistics crisis that has left many migrant laborers' care packages languishing in ports for months. Finance Secretary Frederick Go and Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno led...
Hong Kong welcomes Year of the Horse with packed Lunar New Year parade
HONG KONG — Revelers filled the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui on Tuesday night as dancers, marching bands and elaborate floats wound through one of Hong Kong’s busiest districts to mark the arrival of the Year of the Horse. Chief Executive John Lee opened the festivities at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, welcoming visitors from around the world and noting...
OFW Remittances Hit Record $35.6 Billion in 2025
MANILA, Philippines — Remittances from overseas Filipino workers reached a record high in 2025, bolstered by a year-end surge as workers rushed to take advantage of a favorable exchange rate and beat a looming tax change in the United States, central bank data showed Monday. Cash remittances sent through banks rose 3.3% to $35.63 billion for the full year, up...
China to Grant Visa-Free Entry to British and Canadian Citizens
China will allow citizens from Canada and the United Kingdom to enter the country without a visa starting Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry confirmed Sunday, marking a significant diplomatic shift as both nations seek to stabilize ties with the world’s second-largest economy. The announcement follows high-profile official visits to Beijing in January by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime...
Japanese Automakers Sweep Top Reliability Rankings; Tesla Sees Major Gains
Japanese automakers continue to dominate the automotive landscape, securing six of the top seven spots in Consumer Reports’ 2026 annual reliability rankings, while Tesla recorded a significant jump as electric vehicle technology begins to mature. The rankings, released Monday, are based on a massive data set of self-reported owner experiences covering approximately 380,000 vehicles. The survey allows the nonprofit organization...
Philippines adopts new rules to let migrant workers file complaints online, join hearings by video
MANILA, Philippines — Overseas Filipino workers may soon be able to file complaints online and attend case hearings remotely after the Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers signed new procedural rules aimed at speeding up decisions and widening access to justice. The department said it signed the Rules of Procedure for the Adjudication of Cases on Feb. 12, describing the changes...
OFW Duo Clinches Table Tennis Gold at Abu Dhabi Open Masters Games
ABU DHABI — A pair of Dubai-based overseas Filipino workers dominated the table tennis court Thursday, securing a gold medal in the men’s doubles 45+ category at the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026. John Suico and David Lo completed a flawless run at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, defeating two separate teams from India with back-to-back 3-0 sweeps...
