Liam Demafelix
Reporting from the TSR newsroom.
PHIVOLCS explains what caused the June 8 Mindanao quake
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Southern and Central Mindanao on June 8 originated from the Cotabato Trench, one of six active underwater trenches surrounding the Philippines, all of which are capable of generating earthquakes of magnitude 8 and above, the director of the Philippine…
PHIVOLCS calls for nationwide earthquake drill participation on June 18
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) is urging all Filipinos to participate in a nationwide earthquake drill scheduled on June 18, with its director emphasizing that the exercise is most effective when paired with structurally sound buildings and a genuine culture of…
‘Duck-cover-hold’ not enough if buildings fail: PHIVOLCS chief pushes for strict National Building Code compliance
Earthquake drills and the duck-cover-hold protocol are not enough to save lives if the buildings people are inside are not structurally sound, the director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) warned Saturday, saying strict compliance of the National Building Code…
No one can say when the next big earthquake will hit: PHIVOLCS
No technology currently exists that can predict the exact date, time, or location of an earthquake, the director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said Saturday, stressing that preparedness—not prediction—remains the only reliable defense against seismic…
Aftershocks from Mindanao earthquake now at 4,554: PHIVOLCS
The number of aftershocks recorded following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Southern and Central Mindanao on June 8 has reached 4,554 as of 7:00 AM Saturday, with daily counts showing a gradual decline, the director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)…
TB cases rebounding in PH, drug-resistant strains rising: PhilHealth chief
Tuberculosis cases in the Philippines are rebounding after years of decline, with multi-drug resistant and extensively drug-resistant strains on the rise—a trend the country’s top health insurer attributes largely to patients failing to complete their treatment despite medicines being provided for…
PhilHealth warns Congress, budget officials: benefit cost baseline has tripled, funding model must change
PhilHealth is sounding the alarm on the long-term sustainability of its benefit expansion program, with its president and chief executive officer warning that the current pace of growth in benefit costs cannot be maintained beyond 2026 without a fundamental shift in how the country’s health…
PhilHealth exploring AI use for faster claims processing
PhilHealth is looking at deploying artificial intelligence to pre-screen and flag claims as the state health insurer faces a projected surge to 22 million claims in 2026, translating to more than 1.5 million claims per month. In an interview on DZRH News program Special on Saturday on June 13…
PhilHealth expands YAKAP clinic network from 119 to 4,376 clinics, targets 5,000 by end of year
PhilHealth has expanded its primary care clinic network under the YAKAP program from just 119 accredited facilities in 2022 to 4,376 as of 2026 under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with a target of reaching 5,000 clinics by the end of the year. In an interview on DZRH News…
PhilHealth benefit payments surge 250% since 2023, from ₱119-B to ₱378-B
PhilHealth benefit payments are projected to reach ₱378 billion in 2026, nearly tripling the ₱119 billion recorded in 2023, as the state health insurer accelerates coverage expansion under the Universal Health Care law, its president and chief executive officer said Saturday. PhilHealth President…
Thai king’s eldest daughter dies at 47 after nearly four years in coma, Royal Palace says: report
BANGKOK, June 12 (Reuters) – Thailand’s Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, the eldest child of Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn, has died at 47, the royal palace said on Friday, after multiple health problems and nearly four years in a coma. The princess was hospitalised in December 2022…
Experts warn of ‘very strong’ El Niño, could be the strongest this century
Meteorologists in the United States have warned that this year’s El Niño could be among the strongest of the century. US officials confirmed that El Niño has officially formed, a climate pattern that could intensify weather events worldwide. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration…
Marcos on 128th Independence Day: ‘Huwag tayong mapagod na ipaglaban ang Pilipinas’
“Huwag po tayong mapagod na mahalin, piliin, at ipaglaban ang Pilipinas”—with these words, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued his appeal to Filipinos at the 128th Independence Day rites on Friday, urging the nation to choose the common good over the interests of the few. Speaking before…
Isko Moreno orders inspection of all schools, old buildings, and government structures in Manila
Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso has ordered the inspection of all schools, old buildings, and government structures in the city as part of efforts to strengthen earthquake and disaster preparedness in the nation’s capital. The directive was issued to Manila City Engineer Armando…
DOLE summons Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin to show proof of valid work permit
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino has summoned Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball team head coach Tab Baldwin to personally appear before the DOLE and present proof of a valid and current Alien Employment Permit (AEP). Tolentino, himself an Ateneo de Manila University alumnus who earned…