snoop1130

Passengers pictured at Tandang Sora Jeep Terminal in Visayas Avenue, Quezon City on Oct. 19, 2021. The Department of Transportation is pushing for an increase in passenger capacity of public utility vehicles following the downgrading of Metro Manila's COVID-19 alert level from 4 to 3. The STAR / Michael Varcas MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said that it expects to release the rate of the long-overdue jeepney fare hikes as early as next week. LTFRB Chairperson Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said they are still weighing how much out of the P3 to P4 additional fare petition will be imposed on commuters. The regulatory board required jeepney groups to file a position paper or a memorandum within 15 days since their last hearing with the regulatory board held August 18. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/29/2205932/overdue-jeepney-fare-hike-rate-be-released-earliest-next-week -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-29

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. leads the commemoration of the National Heroes’ Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on August 29, 2022. Screengrab from PTV livestream MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday paid tribute to Filipinos of "extraordinary courage" who fought to establish and protect the Philippines as the country celebrates National Heroes’ Day. "We remember and honor each of them for the sacrifices they made in our behalf so that we may live in peace, security, and liberty as well as realize our full potential as Filipinos," Marcos said in his first National Heroes Day message as the chief executive. He urged the public to not forgetthem as "their legacy of heroism lives on in the hearts of our medical professionals, civil servants, uniformed personnel, and ordinary citizens who toil to keep the Filipino dream alive." Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/29/2205912/marcos-be-heroes-our-own-right-inspire-future-generations-filipinos -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-29

Smoke billows as rival Libyan groups exchange fire in the capital Tripoli, on August 27, 2022. The fighting broke out in various districts of Tripoli between groups armed with both heavy and light weapons, as two rival governments yet again vie for power in the oil-rich but impoverished North African country. The exchange wounded civilians and raised fears of all-out conflict in a country facing a grave political crisis. AFP / Mahmud Turkia MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs said it has not received a report of Filipinos harmed in clashes between the backers of Libya’s rival governments. Amb. Ma. Teresita Daza, DFA spokesperson, said that the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli is monitoring the situation. “The DFA strongly urges our kababayans to take shelter at home or in other safe places while the fighting is ongoing and to contact our Embassy through its hotline numbers for immediate assistance,” Daza told the media Sunday evening. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/29/2205918/no-filipino-reported-harmed-tripoli-clashes-dfa -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-29

A consensus building is held in Brgy. Barong Barong in Brooke's Point on August 5, 2022. Rowena Combang MANILA, Philippines — Indigenous Pala’wans in Brooke’s Point in Palawan said they are at serious risk of losing their lands, livelihoods, and way of life due to the extraction of nickel from their ancestral territory. Mining activities in the southern Palawan municipality threaten the livelihood of communities dependent on agriculture, fisheries and forests, and affect the access of residents to clean water, Pala’wan leaders and youth interviewed by Philstar.com said. They protested the Community Consultative Assemblies (CCAs) that they said were hastily done for the activities of Ipilan Nickel Corp. (INC) and the outcomes of the meetings. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/29/2205905/palawan-ips-nickel-mining-threat-communitys-survival -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-29

Bangkok Introduces Ratchaphiphat Sandbox Model BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched its telemedicine program at Ratchaphiphat hospital in Bang Kae district, with mobile units to be deployed to various areas in the capital. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270324-bangkok-introduces-ratchaphiphat-sandbox-model/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has launched its telemedicine program at Ratchaphiphat hospital in Bang Kae district, with mobile units to be deployed to various areas in the capital. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, accompanied by his deputy, Tavida Kamolvej, presided over the launch of the "Ratchaphiphat Sandbox Model." According to Chadchart, the BMA is currently working to expand and enhance the city’s healthcare services for the general public, particularly for those in need of medical assistance. The program aims to make it easier for patients and medical staff to request and provide assistance, thereby reducing hospital crowding and workloads. Chadchart added that the Ratchaphiphat Sandbox Model, which is subsidized by the private sector, is also receiving support from the BMA’s Medical Service Department, the Health Department, district offices, the National Health Security Office and a number of private medical centers in the capital. Even though the model is only available to certain communities in Bangkok, Chadchart said he hoped that similar health initiatives will soon be available in all of the city’s 50 districts. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220829134741179 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-27 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Kratom Plant Act Announced in Royal Gazette BANGKOK (NNT) - The Kratom Plant Act has been promulgated with specified legal terms regarding the exploitation of its medicinal properties and the prohibition of its use by the vulnerable. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270323-kratom-plant-act-announced-in-royal-gazette/

BANGKOK (NNT) - The Kratom Plant Act has been promulgated with specified legal terms regarding the exploitation of its medicinal properties and the prohibition of its use by the vulnerable. Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said the Kratom Plant Act, which went into effect on August 27, followed the removal of kratom (Mitragyna Speciosa) from the national list of controlled substances more than a year ago. According to Rachada, the law primarily regulates the use of kratom leaves, the boiling of the leaves to create infused water, leaf extracts and the application process for a kratom license. It also addresses the suspension and revocation of related licenses, the legal protection of those susceptible to harm from kratom leaf consumption, and the prevention of substance abuse. Rachada said state agencies could also assist the public in cultivating kratom and processing the leaves under their culture and customs. However, the procedure must be strictly carried out in accordance with applicable laws. Justice Minister Somsak Thepsutin meanwhile said more government support was required to conduct research and improve the quality of kratom leaves and that laws could be amended to permit the production of kratom leaves and herbal ingredients for use in food, medicine, and cosmetics. Source: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220829142448208 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-27 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Government Dismisses Rumors About Cabinet Reshuffle, House Dissolution BANGKOK (NNT) - Following the Constitutional Court’s decision to suspend Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha from his duties as prime minister, the government has dismissed rumors of a possible cabinet reshuffle or dissolution of the House of Representatives. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270319-government-dismisses-rumors-about-cabinet-reshuffle-house-dissolution/

BANGKOK (NNT) - Following the Constitutional Court’s decision to suspend Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha from his duties as prime minister, the government has dismissed rumors of a possible cabinet reshuffle or dissolution of the House of Representatives. Deputy Government Spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana stated in an interview on Saturday (27 Aug) that Gen Prayut still has other responsibilities within the government and that his suspension as prime minister is only in effect until the court issues a ruling on his tenure. As required by the 2020 State Affairs Administration Act, Deputy Prime Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon has assumed the role of acting prime minister. Tipanan also confirmed that all government projects, including Thailand’s preparations for the upcoming APEC summit in November, will continue as planned. The Constitutional Court last week suspended Gen Prayut from his position as prime minister pending its decision on his term limit. The suspension order followed the court’s unanimous decision to accept a petition from the opposition requesting a ruling on Gen Prayut’s eight-year tenure. The petition, signed by 171 opposition lawmakers, was submitted on Monday (22 Aug). Deputy Prime Minister Jurin Laksanawisit said on Sunday (28 Aug) that coalition parties remain united and will continue to work with the ruling Palang Pracharath Party until the court rules on the matter. Full Story: https://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news/detail/TCATG220829132000167 -- © Copyright NNT 2022-08-27 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Efforts underway to return three historic artefacts to Thailand from USA The US Department of Homeland Security has been negotiating with the Denver Art Museum for the return of three historic artefacts to Thailand, Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said today (Monday). Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270318-efforts-underway-to-return-three-historic-artefacts-to-thailand-from-usa/

The US Department of Homeland Security has been negotiating with the Denver Art Museum for the return of three historic artefacts to Thailand, Deputy Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said today (Monday). The three items are the Srivijaya-era Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara and two bronze statues of the Dvaravati period, from the 7th to 11th centuries AD. Last year, the Department of Homeland Security helped to secure the return, from the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, of two Khmer stone lintels, believed to have originated from Prasat Nong Hong in Buri Ram province and Prasat Khao Lon in Sa Kaeo province. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/efforts-underway-to-return-three-historic-artefacts-to-thailand-from-usa/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-29 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Poor market sentiment sinks SCB’s multi-billion-baht deal for Bitkub Siam Commercial Bank (now named SCB X), Thailand’s oldest commercial bank, created a flutter in the markets in November last year when it announced a multibillion deal to buy a majority stake in Bitkub Online Co, Thailand’s largest digital asset exchange. Full Story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1270317-poor-market-sentiment-sinks-scb’s-multi-billion-baht-deal-for-bitkub/

Siam Commercial Bank (now named SCB X), Thailand’s oldest commercial bank, created a flutter in the markets in November last year when it announced a multibillion deal to buy a majority stake in Bitkub Online Co, Thailand’s largest digital asset exchange. The 17.8-billion-baht deal made headlines and spurred excitement in the financial and startup communities. SCB X said at the time that the deal was part of its efforts to transform its business and to ride the rapid popularity of digital assets. The deal was expected to hoist Bitkub Capital Group Holdings Co, the parent company of Bitkub Online, to unicorn status — a startup worth over US$1 billion (about 36 billion baht currently) — and make Jirayut Srupsrisopa, the founder and CEO of Bitkub Capital Group, as potentially a new billionaire. Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/poor-market-sentiment-sinks-scbs-multi-billion-baht-deal-for-bitkub/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-29 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, Wattanasak Sur-iam, says that Thai President Foods (Mama), Thai Preserved Food (Wai Wai) and Wan Thai Foods Industry (Yum Yum) are allowed to increase their instant noodle pricesby 1 Baht, increasing the price to 7 baht per packet, effective August 25th. Any greater price increase could, however, lead to 7 years in prison and/or a fine of up to 140,000 baht. In reaching their decision, the ministry took into account the increased costs of production. This approval is, however, on the condition that, if or when those costs reduce, the per-packet prices will reduce accordingly. The noodle makers also have to report monthly to the Department of Internal Trade onthe cost of raw materials. “Today we invited the three manufacturers for a meeting. They have been seeking permission for a 2-baht price increase since 2021 and the department had asked them to maintain the price until now. The matter has been monitored closely. With the cost increases in production, as well as energy and labour costs, we have agreed to a raising of the price, effective tomorrow (Thursday).” Full Story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/thai-commerce-ministry-approves-1-per-packet-instant-noodle-price-rise/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-08-24 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. Monthly car subscription with first-class insurance, 24x7 assistance and more in one price - click here to find out more!

Chest CT image of the patient with acute pulmonary embolism. Photo by Hanoi's 108 Military Central Hospital A 34-year-old woman in northern Vietnam who was regularly taking morning-after pills for years has been hospitalized with pulmonary embolism. The 108 Military Central Hospital in Hanoi said Tuesday its doctors saved her life after she was admitted last week with chest pain and breathing difficulty. The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed, told the doctors she had been taking 12-15 Levonorgestrel pills meant for emergency birth control per month for 10 years. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/woman-suffers-lung-blood-clot-after-abusing-morning-after-pills-4503206.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-08-24

A satellite image of Storm Maon in the East Sea on August 24, 2022. Photo by the National Center for Hydro - Meteorological Forecasting Storm Maon that has entered the East Sea is expected to cause heavy rains in the northern region from Thursday afternoon to Friday night. According to the National Center for Hydro - Meteorological Forecasting, the storm lay centered 450 km southeast of Hong Kong at 10 a.m. on Wednesday after passing through the Philippines on Tuesday and injuring at least two people. In the next 24 hours, the storm will move towards the west-northwest direction at the speed of 20-25 kph. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/storm-maon-to-bring-rains-to-northern-vietnam-4503308.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-08-24

A neighborhood in Kon Plong District in Central Highlands province of Kon Tum, May 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Tran Hoa Kon Plong District in the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum experienced 12 earthquakes of 2.5-4.7 in magnitude from Tuesday afternoon to early Wednesday. The first, at 2:08 p.m. on Tuesday, had a magnitude of 4.7 on the Richter scale, making it the strongest earthquake to ever hit Kon Tum, causing tremors in neighboring provinces of Gia Lai, Quang Ngai, Quang Nam, and Da Nang. The next 11 quakes had a magnitude of 2.5-2.9. The latest was recorded at 1:21 a.m. on Wednesday. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/vietnam-district-shaken-12-times-in-hours-4503274.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-08-24

40 Vietnamese workers who managed to escape from a Cambodian casino take a commemorative photo together in An Giang Province. Photo by VnExpress/Nguyen Khanh Thousands of Vietnamese could have been smuggled to Cambodia to be exploited and rescuing them would be difficult, the police said. Colonel Khong Ngoc Oanh from the Ministry of Public Security on Monday said most illegal emigrant workers were promised "easy jobs with high pay," only to be taken to casinos and other production facilities, where they have to work in an environment akin to imprisonment. Without money or knowledge of the law, many illegal workers, who include teenagers, would find it difficult to escape on their own, he added. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/difficult-to-rescue-illegal-emigrant-workers-in-cambodia-police-4503369.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-08-24

Ha Hoang Son and Dang Thi Thuy Linh at a trial in Da Nang on August 23, 2022. Photo by VnExpress/Nhu Hong A man and a woman working as interpreters have received prison terms for helping Chinese nationals illegally enter Vietnam. Ha Hoang Son, 29, and his girlfriend Dang Thi Thuy Linh, 27, will be jailed for 15 and nine years respectively for "organizing for people to exit, enter and stay in Vietnam illegally," a court in central Da Nang City announced Tuesday. According to the verdict, a Chinese man named A Hai contacted Son and Linh on Dec.7, 2020 via Chinese messaging platform WeChat, asking them to book a room for two illegal Chinese entrants in Da Nang. Full Story: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/interpreters-jailed-for-helping-chinese-nationals-enter-vietnam-4503337.html -- © Copyright VN Express 2022-08-24

This undated photo shows a person holding a mobile phone. The STAR, File MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri is renewing his push for legislation that will require the registration of SIM cards after he and other senators received scam text messages. A 23-year-old man and a 46-year-old man have been arrested in connection with the scam try, where they posed as Siquijor Gov. Jake Vincent Villa and Board Member Abner Lomongo and tried to get up to P60,000 from Zubiri. The two were arrested in an entrapment operation. "As a senator, what happened to me is one of the reasons why I am continuing to push for SIM card registration," Zubiri said Wednesday in Filipino in a news conference. "If we have SIM card registration using government-issued IDs and licenses, definitely we would be able to identify who these scammers are." Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/24/2204846/scam-attempt-prompts-zubiri-renew-push-sim-card-registration -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-24

A resident removes his fishing gear from the overflowing Pinacanuan river due to heavy rains brought about by tropical storm Ma-on in Ilagan City, Isabela province on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022. AFP / Villamor Visaya MANILA, Philippines — Tropical cyclone Ma-on, formerly known as Florita, has affected more than 4,000 individuals as it struck Northern Luzon, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported Wednesday. In its latest report, the NDRRMC said that a total of 4,646 people or 1,344 families in Ilocos region, Cagayan Valley, and Cordillera Administrative Region have been affected by Florita. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/24/2204799/over-4k-people-northern-luzon-affected-florita-ndrrmc -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-24

Satellite image as of 10:40 a.m. on August 24, 2022. PAGASA MANILA, Philippines — State weather bureau PAGASA said Wednesday that it has lifted all wind signals due to severe tropical storm Ma-on, formerly known as Florita. Despite this, gusts reaching strong breeze to near gale-force strength may still be experienced in MIMAROPA, Cavite, Quezon, Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Aurora, Ilocos region, Cordillera Administrative Region, and Cagayan Valley. The southwest monsoon is expected to continue dumping rains in the western sections of Luzon, PAGASA said. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/24/2204811/pagasa-wind-signals-lifted-rains-gusty-condition-persist -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-24

Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla said the Philippines remains on top among countries with cases involving internet-based child sexual exploitation. Philstar / File MANILA, Philippines (Updated 5:42 p.m.) — In line with the government’s “war” against online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC), Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla warned that internet service providers that do not cooperate in tracking down abusers may also be charged for online sexual exploitation. At the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday, Remulla said that the Department of Justice is already working with the Anti-Money Laundering Council to help track the online payments involved in the illegal operations as “billions of dollars are exchanged on a daily basis.” However, he continued to call on internet service providers (ISPs) to work with the inter-agency council against OSEC. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/24/2204821/remulla-warns-uncooperative-isps-may-also-face-charges-osec -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-24

Secretary of Justice Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla speaks in front of of DOJ employees during his first flag ceremony as justice secretary on July 4, 2022. Philstar.com / EC Toledo IV MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government will respond to a request from the International Criminal Court for the government to "provide observations" on the ICC prosecutor's request to investigate out of courtesy and not compliance, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Wednesday. Instead, the Philippines will send information detailing what the government has been doing to investigate alleged abuses in the "war on drugs". At the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Remulla said the Department of Justice has given Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra information on the case records that the department is reviewing. Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/08/24/2204807/remulla-icc-get-info-drug-war-cases-courtesy-not-compliance -- © Copyright Philstar 2022-08-24