Latest news with #gmanews
GMA Network
03-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
US aircraft carrier patrols West PH Sea
The United States Navy's aircraft carrier USS George Washington conducted patrol in the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday. GMA News Online, along with other select media outfits, was invited to observe the activities of the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. USS George Washington commanding officer Captain Timothy Waitts noted the role of the vessel for an open and free Indo-Pacific region amid China's aggression. 'We share the values of open and free Pacific Indo-Pacific region that's why we're out here. We know the importance of this theater or this region,' Waitts told reporters. 'It's a vast region, many nations, most of them with coastline. The importance of the open and free sea lanes just from a commercial aspect alone is important to them. It's important to us and in that way we share those values,' he added. The United States Navy's aircraft carrier USS George Washington conducted patrol in the West Philippine Sea on Wednesday. GMA News Online was invited to observe the activities of the Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the area. @gmanews — Joviland Rita (@jovilandxrita) July 3, 2025 While Waitts refused to specify other US assets present in the West Philippine Sea, he said that the USS George Washington generally works with other ships. 'I won't speak to force composition and that sort of stuff. I mean, we are part of the strike group. We generally work in the vicinity or work with the strike group ships that come out and as part of the strike group escorts whatever you want to call it,' he said. 'So there are other ships that we work with. Some of those will be pulling in here with us,' he added. Tensions continue as Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual shipborne commerce, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei. Parts of the South China Sea that fall within Philippine territory have been renamed by the government as the West Philippine Sea to reinforce the country's claim. The West Philippine Sea refers to the maritime areas on the western side of the Philippine archipelago, including the Luzon Sea and the waters around, within, and adjacent to the Kalayaan Island Group and Bajo de Masinloc. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines over China's claims in the South China Sea, saying that it had "no legal basis." China has refused to recognize the decision. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
09-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
VP Sara Duterte's lawyers: Impeachment process 'not a political tool'
The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte stood firm Monday that they are ready to face the charges should the impeachment trial proceed, but stressed that the process should not be used as a weapon to harass political opponents. READ: The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte issues a statement amid calls for Senate to proceed with impeachment trial. @gmanews — Giselle Ombay (@giselleombay_) June 9, 2025 Duterte's lawyers issued the statement amid calls for the Senate to immediately proceed with the impeachment trial. 'We deem it proper to refrain from commenting on matters that are exclusive and internal to the Senate. However, we reiterate our firm position that the initiation of the impeachment process—particularly the Fourth Impeachment Complaint—suffers from serious constitutional infirmities,' the defense team said. The Vice President's lawyers further maintained that the impeachment process 'must never be weaponized to harass, silence, or eliminate political opponents.' 'It is a constitutional mechanism, not a political tool,' the defense team added. Should the Senate decide to proceed with the impeachment proceedings, Duterte's lawyers said that they are ready to face the charges against the Vice President and 'expose the baselessness of the accusations' against her. The House of Representatives impeached Duterte on February 5, with over 200 lawmakers endorsing the complaint. On the same day, the Articles of Impeachment were transmitted to the Senate but the upper chamber adjourned without addressing the case. Duterte was accused of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
09-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Escudero: Still no reso filed yet to dismiss Sara Duterte's impeach case
Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero on Monday morning said that no resolution seeking to dismiss the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte has been filed yet. At a press conference, Escudero explained that the Senate could not act on anything that has not yet been formally filed. 'I refuse to discuss a piece of paper that has not been filed,' the Senate president said. Senate President Chiz Escudero says no resolution seeking to dismiss the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte has been filed yet: 'Hanggat walang pina-file, wala kaming maaaksyunan.' @gmanews — Giselle Ombay (@giselleombay_) June 9, 2025 Last Wednesday, Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa admitted that he was behind one of the draft Senate resolutions seeking to dismiss Duterte's impeachment case. Dela Rosa said that he would still evaluate if he would file his own version of the resolution, noting that some senators have also made their own drafts, which may all be incorporated into one. The document which has been circulating on social media is allegedly seeking the declaration of Duterte's impeachment case as "de facto" dismissed "by operation of the 1987 Constitution." Duterte was impeached by the House of Representatives on February 5, with over 200 lawmakers endorsing the complaint against her. She was accused of betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes.—AOL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Song Joong Ki in Manila: 5 memorable moments from South Korean star's fan meet
Song Joong Ki's first fan meeting in Manila was a blast! The Hallyu icon spent time with Filipino fans for the first time at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, greeting everyone with his charming smiles. If you missed the event, here are five fun moments from the night. 1. Opening acts Good energy filled the SM Mall of Asia Arena right from the start. Sam Concepcion, Lara Maigue, and Kayla Rivera, accompanied by a live band and dance crew A-Team brought the good vibes with performances of songs like "Standing Next to You" by Jungkook of BTS, "Pretty Boy" by M2M, "I'm Always by Your Side" by John Park from "Vincenzo," "The Poem of Destiny" by Ailee from "Arthdal Chronicles," and "Gravity" by Jongho of Ateez from "Reborn Rich." Justin Pinon, dubbed the mental assassin, known to read minds through psychological observations, performed mental tricks with volunteers from the audience. Sam Concepcion, Lara Maigue, Kayla Rivera, accompanied by a live band and dance crew A-Team, open Song Joong Ki's Manila fan meet. @gmanews @gmanewsbreaking — Nika Roque (@rqNIKA) May 24, 2025 2. Flower Boy Song Joong Ki is called "flower boy" or "pretty boy" for a reason! The actor charmed Filipino fans with his waves, looks, and smiles sent to every section of the arena. The smallest act, like catching his breath, making finger hearts, or waiting to speak is enough to make fans shriek or scream out terms like "saranghae." 3. Fans love Song Joong Ki said he heard Filipino fans' cheers backstage, but was in shock to see the crowd as soon as he made his grand entrance when the stage opened with smoke and bright green lights. The screams were nonstop, and at one point, Song Joong Ki also told fans, "Don't cry." Pinoy fans also made sure to show Song Joong Ki a good time. Fans from the sections were chosen to play The Mafia Game or "Vincenzo"-themed charades. Ten lucky fans were chosen to join their idol onstage to play Read My Mind, or a variation of This or That. Janice De Belen was the lucky one who received a flower arrangement made by Song Joong Ki himself. Filo and international fans also surprised Song Joong Ki with a special video, and he was touched by it. Janice De Belen recieves flowers from Song Joong Ki ????????????@gmanews @gmanewsbreaking — Nika Roque (@rqNIKA) May 24, 2025 4. Behind-the-scenes tidbits Song Joong Ki shared some moments from his characters. The actor said he thinks "Vincenzo" appealed to Filipinos because he is a bad boy. "I was able to overcome the struggle of being a bad boy. I think I've done a great job naman sa character," he said with the help of a translator. He also shared some of his favorite scenes from the show. "Ang dami kong memorable scenes pero isa mga 'yun ay sa last episode, 'yung kiss scene," he said. "Tapos 'yung sa first episode, sa winery, pagkatapos masunog 'yung winery. S'yempre ang dami pang scenes," Song Joong Ki added. After hearing the opening acts sing songs from "Vincenzo" from backstage, Song Joong Ki said, "I took a video of it tapos nag-send ako sa mga co-artists ko, 'yung artists ng 'Vincenzo' and they said, 'thank you, thank you very much for singing.'" And despite already playing a number of roles across various genres, Song Joong Ki said he wants to play a vampire in a fantasy, "'yung vampire na may Asian color din." Song Joong Ki has also prepared for his next drama series titled "My Youth," where he learned how to make flower arrangements for the role. "'Yung character ko dito ay florist. The story is about a male and a female, talagang [they] fall in love with each other," he said. Song Joong Ki studied flower arrangements for his upcoming series, 'My Youth,' and he is showcasing his skills during his Manila fan meet. @gmanews @gmanewsbreaking — Nika Roque (@rqNIKA) May 24, 2025 5. Song Joong Ki gives love back Of course, Song Joong Ki had to give love back to his Filipino fans. He said that he has Filipino friends in South Korea and Italy, "kaya I really wanted to go to Manila para makita ko ang mga Filipino fans ko." The actor said he loves the Filipino language, and made sure to learn words like "mahal na mahal kita," "masarap," and "sumakses." "Sobrang saya 'yung pronunciation nung Tagalog," he said. Before the show ended, Song Joong Ki got closer to fans from the stage to take photos with them. More than that, he also made this promise. After watching the surprise video from fans, Song Joong Ki said he is very touched and said, "Sa tingin ko, babalik ako dito sa Manila." "Maraming-maraming salamat sa inyong suporta, pagmamahal sa akin. And I will give this back to you guys, s'yempre [by being] a good actor, [and have] good works as well. So sa tingin ko, dapat babalik ako dito sa Manila," he added. —MGP, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
25-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
LOOK: All systems go for ASEAN Summit 2025 in Malaysia
All systems are on the go at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center on Sunday, May 25, 2025, a day before the start of the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. With the Petronas Towers as the backdrop, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will welcome heads of states here, including Philippine President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. ANNA FELICIA BAJO/GMA Integrated News KUALA LUMPUR - Preparations are underway on Sunday here at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC) for the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. Police are ensuring the safety and security of those who will attend and participate in the Summit, particularly the ASEAN heads of states. Just outside the KLCC, an area has been prepared for the welcome ceremony wherein Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is expected to greet heads of states, including Philippine President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. Scenes here at the International Media Center for the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits @gmanews @gmanewsbreaking — ????Anna Felicia (@annafelicia_) May 25, 2025 A red carpet was also placed to welcome the heads of states. This is where Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will welcome ASEAN heads of states, including Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Marcos is expected to arrive here in Kuala Lumpur later. @gmanews @gmanewsbreaking — ????Anna Felicia (@annafelicia_) May 25, 2025 Marcos is expected to arrive here in Kuala Lumpur later in the afternoon. According to Department of Foreign Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Dominic Xavier Imperial, Marcos will underscore the Philippines' sovereignty and sovereign rights during the Summit. The country's caretaker while Marcos is in Malaysia will be Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III, and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. In conjunction with the ASEAN Summit, two major high-level meetings, the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, will also be held. The GCC-related Summits are expected to lay the groundwork for a dynamic trilateral partnership and open up new avenues for multilateral cooperation across strategic An international media center was designated for reporters monitoring the Summit and Related Summits. There's also an exhibit showcasing Malaysian goods and culture, which can be visited by attendees of the ASEAN Summit. —KG, GMA Integrated News
