Representative Leila de Lima filed House Bill No. 5131 to strengthen the Philippine Coast Guard’s organizational and operational framework. The proposal follows Cavite Rep. Francisco Barzaga’s call to abolish the agency amid West Philippine Sea tensions. The bill aims to enhance the PCG’s capacity for maritime security and address resource limitations. The House of Representatives will review the proposed legislation.
The Hays County Health Department in Texas confirmed a mosquito trap has tested positive for West Nile Virus. Residents are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites and eliminate standing water. Public health officials are increasing mosquito surveillance and control measures, urging community cooperation.
Luka Doncic made a dominant return after a three-game absence, powering the Los Angeles Lakers to a 117-112 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee.
Dallas Mavericks’ Anthony Davis will miss the game against the Detroit Pistons in Mexico City due to a leg injury diagnosed as a low-grade calf strain. The team faces challenges with key players, including Davis and Kyrie Irving, currently out due to injuries. Mavericks adjust strategies to cope with player absences.
San Antonio’s Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones announces the collection of $1.6 million to aid 11,000 Bexar County households facing food insecurity. The aid, in the form of HEB gift cards, will support families affected by federal SNAP benefit cuts.
The Trump administration has set a new low in U.S. refugee admissions, capping it at 7,500. This figure includes a focus on Afrikaners. The decision signals a shift in immigration strategy, emphasizing national security and resource allocation. Critics worry about the impact on global refugee assistance and humanitarian efforts.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to honor the legacy of their departed loved ones and saints by embodying their virtues and continuing their good deeds. In a nationwide address, Marcos emphasized the importance of remembering the deceased through actions reflecting their positive contributions to society, encouraging citizens to uphold these values in daily life. This aligns with traditional Philippine practices during All Saints’ Day, highlighting the cultural and spiritual significance of remembering and celebrating the deceased.
Ben&Ben and BINI’s Mikha Lim collaborate with a youth leader for a mental health awareness campaign, aiming to address mental health issues among young people. The initiative, launched on October 10, 2023, includes online events and workshops, coinciding with World Mental Health Day.
Actress Dolly de Leon joins the cast of a biopic about Heidi Fleiss, the notorious “Hollywood Madam” who operated a high-end prostitution ring in Los Angeles. The film, currently in pre-production, will delve into Fleiss’s controversial life and career.
The Philippine Consulate General in Houston and the Filipino American National Historical Society – Houston Chapter (FANHSTX) organized a talk titled “Lakbay: Filipino American Migration in South Central America” at Rice University’s Fondren Library.