LAWIN.news, Author at LAWIN.news

Bicam panel: medical fund cut could impact over 1M people

LAWIN.newsDecember 16, 2025020 views

The House–Senate bicameral conference committee in the Philippines agreed to allocate P51.6 billion to the Medical Assistance for Indigents and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program in the proposed 2026 national budget, after initial Senate cuts raised concerns that more than one million poor patients could lose access to medical aid. Lawmakers said MAIFIP assures payment to public and private hospitals for emergency care of indigent patients and complements PhilHealth by covering gaps in insurance benefits, supporting the implementation of the Universal Health Care Program.

South Korea sees 11th bird flu case this season

LAWIN.newsDecember 16, 2025021 views

South Korea’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on Monday confirmed the nation’s 11th case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) this season at a broiler breeder farm in Namwon, about 265 kilometers south of Seoul. Authorities implemented quarantine, culling, movement controls, and disinfection measures at and around the affected site and ordered poultry farms nationwide to reinforce biosecurity. The government continues intensive surveillance and monitoring of poultry facilities and pledged to release further information as new test results and reports emerge.

Marcos selects new top legal adviser

LAWIN.newsDecember 16, 2025020 views

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed lawyer Anna Liza Logan as the new chief presidential legal counsel, Malacañang announced on Tuesday. Logan, who previously served as deputy executive secretary for Legal Affairs at the Office of the President, replaces the late Juan Ponce Enrile. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Logan brings extensive experience in civil and criminal litigation, family law, labor cases, Human Settlements Adjudication Commission cases, and corporate and commercial practice. Logan previously worked with several law firms, including Logan Masukat Ronulo Huang, Marcos Ochoa Serapio and Tan, and Agabin Verzola Hermoso Layaoen & De Castro.

Nikola Jokic powers Nuggets past Rockets in thrilling OT finish

LAWIN.newsDecember 16, 2025017 views

Nikola Jokic posted 39 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists to record his NBA-leading 12th triple-double of the season and lead the Denver Nuggets to a 128-125 overtime win over the Houston Rockets in Denver. Jamal Murray added 35 points as the Nuggets took the season series between two of the Western Conference’s top teams. Houston’s Jalen Green scored 42 points in a tightly contested game that featured multiple lead changes, clutch plays in the fourth quarter and overtime, and a missed Rockets three-pointer on the final possession of the extra period.

Spurs icon David Robinson files suit vs longtime associate

LAWIN.newsDecember 16, 2025028 views

Former San Antonio Spurs star and private equity investor David Robinson has filed a civil lawsuit in Houston against his longtime business partner, alleging fraud, breach of fiduciary duty and financial misrepresentation in joint private equity ventures. The complaint claims misused funds, inaccurate reporting and undisclosed risks in multiple investment entities. Robinson seeks damages, an accounting of business records and injunctive relief while the case proceeds. The defendant has not yet presented a response in court, and no trial date is set.

San Antonio schools receive $647K boost for mental health services

LAWIN.newsDecember 16, 2025032 views

San Antonio-area schools will receive $647,156 to expand student mental health services, with funding directed to training and retaining school-based mental health professionals, increasing crisis response capacity, enhancing counseling access, and supporting data tracking, outreach and partnerships with community providers across multiple campuses.

EJ Obiena secures 4th straight SEA Games gold, narrowly beats Thai athlete

LAWIN.newsDecember 16, 2025026 views

Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena won his fourth consecutive SEA Games gold medal in Bangkok by clearing 5.70 meters and defeating Thailand’s Amsamang Patsapong via countback at Supachalasai Stadium. Both athletes set a new SEA Games record in the men’s pole vault, but officials awarded Obiena the gold after applying the countback rule for fewer missed attempts. The result extended Obiena’s dominance in the regional competition and updated the SEA Games record books with the 5.70-meter mark.

San Antonio Hanukkah lighting honors Rabbi’s legacy amid Sydney tragedy

LAWIN.newsDecember 16, 2025026 views

San Antonio will hold a public Hanukkah menorah lighting to honor a rabbi with ties to the city who was killed in a terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney that left 15 dead. Local Jewish leaders, interfaith clergy, and city officials plan to attend the event, which will feature traditional prayers, the reading of victims’ names, and heightened security. Organizers say the ceremony will serve as a public act of remembrance and solidarity and will be open to all residents during the Hanukkah period.

Ex-DPWH official gives back P40M in flood control kickbacks probe

LAWIN.newsDecember 16, 2025019 views

The Department of Justice announced that former DPWH-NCR regional director Engineer Gerard Opulencia returned P40 million as part of a pledged P150 million linked to alleged flood control project kickbacks. DOJ OIC Fredderick Vida said the money turnover, witnessed by Treasury officials, will undergo verification by Land Bank. Opulencia, provisionally under the Witness Protection Program, provided testimony deemed material by prosecutors in an ongoing probe involving projects in Bulacan and related transactions. He faces a pending preliminary investigation before the Office of the Ombudsman while DOJ continues to review financial records and witness statements.

Darren Espanto quips ‘Maui Wowie’ left its mark on entertainment scene

LAWIN.newsDecember 16, 2025020 views

Darren Espanto’s “Maui Wowie” performance on ABS-CBN’s “ASAP” became an unexpected viral hit as viewers shared clips, memes, and reactions across social media platforms. The number trended online after the episode aired, drawing attention from entertainment pages, fan communities, and industry observers. Espanto later acknowledged the strong response and joked that “Maui Wowie” made an impact on the entertainment landscape.