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GMA Network
22-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Filipino convict among illegal aliens arrested in US over weekend — DHS
The American flag flies near the Statue of Freedom atop the United States Capitol in Washington on November 2, 2018. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst NEW YORK — A Filipino was among at least 11 illegal aliens convicted of various crimes who were arrested during separate operations by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities over the weekend. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the individual was a 29-year-old illegal alien from the Philippines. He was arrested in Middlesex, Massachusetts. According to the DHS, the individual was convicted of multiple charges, including rape, aggravated rape of a child, rape of a child with force, four counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, and two counts of indecent assault and battery on a person over 14. Information about the arrested Filipino was released by the DHS on July 21 as it reported "criminal illegal aliens" arrested over the weekend, "including murderers, pedophiles, and rapists." In a statement, US Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said the arrests were part of President Donald Trump's campaign against criminal illegal aliens. "Over the weekend, our brave ICE agents arrested more depraved criminal illegal aliens, including murderers, rapists, and three child pedophiles. These are the types of barbaric criminals our ICE law enforcement officers are arresting and removing from American communities every day," McLaughlin said. Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. released an advisory in response to the recent arrests of Filipinos in connection with child abuse cases, reminding Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) that such crimes are serious violations of American law. The embassy did not mention a specific incident but the statement was made after US online news Wavy said the Filipino workers of Carnival Sunshine cruise line, all bearing valid 10-year C-1/D visas, were "forcibly removed in handcuffs" by Customs and Border Patrol officers at the Port of Norfolk in Virginia. "In view of the increasing incidents of arrests, detention, and deportation of individuals due to child pornography-related offenses, the Philippine Embassy reminds members of the Filipino community and overseas Filipino workers in the United States, including those onboard vessels in U.S. territorial waters, that child pornography is one of the worst forms of child exploitation. Consuming such material perpetuates this exploitation," the embassy said in its advisory. "U.S. federal and state laws criminalize the production, promotion, possession, viewing, transportation, and distribution of child pornography. Individuals caught engaging in these acts may be prosecuted, penalized, and deported." "In this regard, everyone is strongly urged to refrain from downloading, possessing, viewing, transporting, distributing, or selling child pornography," the advisory said. The embassy also assured the Filipino community that it is ready to assist individuals who believe they have been wrongly accused, urging them to contact the Embassy or the nearest Philippine Consulate immediately. "The Philippine Embassy respects the right of individuals to seek redress or take legal action if they believe they have been wrongly accused of legal infractions. Please contact the Philippine Embassy or the nearest Philippine Consulate General and Migrant Workers Office for consular and welfare assistance," the embassy said. — Dave Llavanes Jr./ VDV, GMA Integrated News
The Star
17-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
US House clears procedural hurdle on cryptocurrency legislation
A general view of the U.S. Capitol dome in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 8, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives cleared a key procedural hurdle Wednesday, setting the stage for likely passage of several cryptocurrency bills a day after President Donald Trump intervened to save the initiative. The vote allows the House lawmakers to consider the bills themselves, which have long been sought by the crypto industry and are expected to pass. It came one day after conservative Republicans helped defeat a similar procedural measure amid a dispute over how to proceed with the bills. One measure, which would establish a federal framework for stablecoins, is set to head to Trump's desk for signature after House approval, marking a watershed victory for the crypto industry. Stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a constant value, usually a 1:1 dollar peg, are commonly used by crypto traders to move funds between tokens. Their use has grown rapidly in recent years, and proponents say that they could be used to send payments instantly. House Republicans suffered a setback in their bid to advance the bills Tuesday, when several conservative Republicans joined with Democrats to block an earlier procedural vote. But Trump met with the hold-outs and set the stage for another vote on Wednesday. (Reporting by Pete Schroeder; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Senate panel approves $500 million aid for Ukraine in defense bill
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox FILE PHOTO: A general view of the U.S. Capitol dome in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 8, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo WASHINGTON - The Senate Armed Services Committee has approved $500 million in security assistance for Ukraine as part of its draft language for its Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which also restricts A-10 aircraft retirements. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is an annual policy bill that authorizes funding levels and provides authorities for the U.S. military. It ensures that American forces have the necessary resources to carry out their missions and is closely watched by weapons makers like Lockheed Martin Corp and Boeing Co. The NDAA, passed by the Senate Armed Services Committee with a vote of 26-1 on July 9, 2025, includes a provision to extend the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative through 2028, increasing authorized funding to $500 million from $300 million in 2025. The initiative aims to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities as it battles Russian forces which invaded in 2022. The bill also prohibits a controversial request made in President Donald Trump's June budget request to retire the Air Force A-10 fleet. The draft requires that the inventory of the A-10 cannot drop below 103 aircraft in FY26, ensuring the continued operation of these close air support planes. The draft of the bill will make its way through the legislative process in the coming months. The lower House of Representatives kept Ukraine support at $300 million in its version. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore ST will have Govt's 'full confidence and support' in its mission: PM Wong Singapore ST will aim to become an indispensable partner to S'pore's communities: Editor Jaime Ho Singapore Heartbeats & Headlines: ST's 180-year legacy comes to life in immersive exhibition Singapore Trusted news, smarter experience with new Straits Times website and app Singapore Community space Stranger Conversations blossoms as a 'library of human stories' and life experiences Singapore Judge declines to void alleged sham marriage in S'pore, says it is for Parliament to decide Singapore New list of technologies that reduce carbon footprint of buildings to be ready by Q1 2026 Singapore Man who killed 5-year-old daughter gets life sentence after he appeals against 35-year jail term The NDAA supports a total of $925 billion in funding for national defense, with $878.7 billion allocated to the Department of Defense and $35.2 billion to the Department of Energy. The bill also allows for up to $6 billion in general transfer authority for unforeseen higher-priority needs. In addition to Ukraine, the NDAA addresses various global security challenges, including threats from China, Iran, and North Korea. It emphasizes the need for technological advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, unmanned technology, and hypersonic weapons to maintain U.S. military superiority. REUTERS
Straits Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
As USAID stops foreign aid, Rubio says future US assistance will be limited
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox FILE PHOTO: A security guard is stationed in the former offices of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where black tape covers the signage on the windows, in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 24, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo WASHINGTON - The U.S. Agency for International Development will on Tuesday officially stop implementing foreign aid, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, adding that America's assistance in the future will be targeted and limited. In a statement marking the transfer of USAID to the State Department as part of President Donald Trump's unprecedented push to shrink the federal government, Rubio said the U.S. was abandoning what he called a charity-based model and would focus on empowering countries to grow sustainably. "We will favor those nations that have demonstrated both the ability and willingness to help themselves and will target our resources to areas where they can have a multiplier effect and catalyze durable private sector, including American companies, and global investment," the top U.S. diplomat wrote. This new model, he wrote, would prioritize trade over aid and investment over assistance, adding it would put Washington in a stronger place to counter Beijing. The Trump administration has frozen and then cut back billions of dollars of foreign aid since taking office, saying it wants to ensure U.S. taxpayer money goes only to programs that are aligned with Trump's "America First" policies. The cutbacks have effectively shut down USAID, leading to the firing of thousands of its employees and contractors. That jeopardized the delivery of life-saving food and medical aid and has thrown global humanitarian relief operations into chaos. According to research published in The Lancet medical journal, deep funding cuts to USAID and its dismantling could result in more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Seniors can claim $800 SG60 vouchers from July 1; adults to get $600 in vouchers from July 22 Singapore NSman, 30, dies in hospital after collapsing outside Maju Camp Asia Thai PM's suspension could spell end of Shinawatra clan's era of political dominance Singapore Judge rejects woman's claim that she owns 99% of Bukit Timah condo mostly paid for by ex-boyfriend Singapore 'He fought till the end': Man who survived acid attack as a baby dies of cancer at 26 Singapore Trial opens for 3 women who allegedly organised procession outside Istana Business Do not overcommit to a single solution in a multi-polar world, says ex-foreign minister George Yeo Singapore 1MDB saga: Standard Chartered Bank disputes $3.4 billion claim by liquidators in Singapore Human rights experts and advocates have warned against the cuts. USAID funding has had a crucial role in improving global health, primarily directed toward low- and middle-income countries, particularly African nations, according to the study. Reuters reported on Tuesday that the administration canceled a major contract to supply emergency kits for rape survivors in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo as violence surged there this year, leaving thousands without access to life-saving medication, the United Nations and aid groups said. INVESTMENT AND TRADE DEALS USAID was established in 1961 by Democratic President John F. Kennedy at the height of the Cold War with the aim of better coordinating foreign assistance, already a key platform of U.S. foreign policy in countering Soviet influence. Washington has been the world's largest humanitarian aid donor, amounting to at least 38% of all contributions recorded by the United Nations. It disbursed $61 billion in foreign assistance last year, just over half of that via USAID, according to government data. Among the programs affected by the cuts is the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the world's leading HIV/AIDS initiative. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the epicenter of the AIDS pandemic. Trump's cuts have restricted the availability of drugs that millions of Africans have taken to prevent infection - particularly vulnerable communities such as gay men and sex workers - as aid groups and public health systems in Africa strove to roll back the disease. Trump has said the U.S. pays disproportionately for foreign aid and he wants other countries to shoulder more of the burden. A senior State Department official briefing reporters on the condition of anonymity described the USAID model as "failed engagement" that did not reduce the dependency of foreign countries on the United States, and he said other nations will need to step up. "We want to see more investment from our partners, co-investment," the official said. "We want to see trade deals, compacts, agreements to work together on stuff." The shuttering of USAID drew a rare rebuke from former presidents George Bush and Barack Obama who joined a closed video conference event with the USAID community, the Associated Press reported on Monday. "Gutting USAID is a travesty and it's a tragedy. Because it's some of the most important work happening anywhere in the world," Obama was quoted as saying. REUTERS
The Star
01-07-2025
- Politics
- The Star
As USAID stops foreign aid, Rubio says future US assistance will be limited
FILE PHOTO: A security guard is stationed in the former offices of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), where black tape covers the signage on the windows, in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 24, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst/File Photo WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Agency for International Development will on Tuesday officially stop implementing foreign aid, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, adding that America's assistance in the future will be targeted and limited. In a statement marking the transfer of USAID to the State Department as part of President Donald Trump's unprecedented push to shrink the federal government, Rubio said the U.S. was abandoning what he called a charity-based model and would focus on empowering countries to grow sustainably. "We will favor those nations that have demonstrated both the ability and willingness to help themselves and will target our resources to areas where they can have a multiplier effect and catalyze durable private sector, including American companies, and global investment," the top U.S. diplomat wrote. This new model, he wrote, would prioritize trade over aid and investment over assistance, adding it would put Washington in a stronger place to counter Beijing. The Trump administration has frozen and then cut back billions of dollars of foreign aid since taking office, saying it wants to ensure U.S. taxpayer money goes only to programs that are aligned with Trump's "America First" policies. The cutbacks have effectively shut down USAID, leading to the firing of thousands of its employees and contractors. That jeopardized the delivery of life-saving food and medical aid and has thrown global humanitarian relief operations into chaos. According to research published in The Lancet medical journal, deep funding cuts to USAID and its dismantling could result in more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030. Human rights experts and advocates have warned against the cuts. USAID funding has had a crucial role in improving global health, primarily directed toward low- and middle-income countries, particularly African nations, according to the study. Reuters reported on Tuesday that the administration canceled a major contract to supply emergency kits for rape survivors in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo as violence surged there this year, leaving thousands without access to life-saving medication, the United Nations and aid groups said. INVESTMENT AND TRADE DEALS USAID was established in 1961 by Democratic President John F. Kennedy at the height of the Cold War with the aim of better coordinating foreign assistance, already a key platform of U.S. foreign policy in countering Soviet influence. Washington has been the world's largest humanitarian aid donor, amounting to at least 38% of all contributions recorded by the United Nations. It disbursed $61 billion in foreign assistance last year, just over half of that via USAID, according to government data. Among the programs affected by the cuts is the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the world's leading HIV/AIDS initiative. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the epicenter of the AIDS pandemic. Trump's cuts have restricted the availability of drugs that millions of Africans have taken to prevent infection - particularly vulnerable communities such as gay men and sex workers - as aid groups and public health systems in Africa strove to roll back the disease. Trump has said the U.S. pays disproportionately for foreign aid and he wants other countries to shoulder more of the burden. A senior State Department official briefing reporters on the condition of anonymity described the USAID model as "failed engagement" that did not reduce the dependency of foreign countries on the United States, and he said other nations will need to step up. "We want to see more investment from our partners, co-investment," the official said. "We want to see trade deals, compacts, agreements to work together on stuff." The shuttering of USAID drew a rare rebuke from former presidents George Bush and Barack Obama who joined a closed video conference event with the USAID community, the Associated Press reported on Monday. "Gutting USAID is a travesty and it's a tragedy. Because it's some of the most important work happening anywhere in the world," Obama was quoted as saying. (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Additional reporting by Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by Don Durfee and Daniel Wallis)
