Latest from GMA Network
GMA Network
19 minutes ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
South Korea ex-President Yoon probed over failed martial law bid
South Korea's former President Yoon Suk Yeol arrives at Seoul High Prosecutor's Office to attend questioning after being summoned as part of a probe by a special prosecutor into his botched attempt to declare martial law, in Seoul, South Korea on June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Soo-hyeon SEOUL — South Korea's former President Yoon Suk Yeol answered a summons on Saturday by a special prosecutor under a threat of another arrest as an investigation intensified over the ousted leader's failed bid to impose martial law in December. Yoon, through his lawyers, has protested the special prosecutor's demands to appear for questioning under media attention as a violation of his rights and a tactic to publicly humiliate him. His lawyers said in a statement Yoon would respond to the investigation on Saturday and tell the truth. They described the investigation as "politically motivated" and "full of falsehood and distortion." Yoon did not answer questions from reporters as he entered the special prosecutor's office. The martial law attempt in December shocked a country that had prided itself on becoming a thriving democracy, having overcome military dictatorship in the 1980s. Yoon was later ousted in April by the Constitutional Court that upheld his impeachment by parliament. The special prosecutor sought a warrant to arrest Yoon for refusing to answer repeated summons earlier, but it was rejected by a court this week on grounds that he has since expressed willingness to cooperate. The special prosecutor was appointed in early June and has launched a team of more than 200 prosecutors and investigators to take over ongoing investigations of Yoon, a former top prosecutor who was elected president in 2022. Yoon is already on trial for leading the December 3 martial law declaration. He had been arrested in January after resisting authorities armed with a court warrant trying to take him into custody, but was released after 52 days on legal technicalities. — Reuters
GMA Network
35 minutes ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
DFA Chief Manalo seeks standard names for PH-claimed islands in WPS
Outgoing Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo has signed a resolution recommending the adoption of "standard names" for the islands and features in the West Philippine Sea. "Signed National Maritime Council (NMC) Resolution No. 002 (2025) recommending the adoption of the standard set of Philippine names for 131 features of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in the West Philippine Sea," said Manalo in one of his last moves as DFA Chief before stepping down on June 30. Manalo, who will return as Manila's envoy to the United Nations in New York, will be replaced by Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Ma. Theresa Lazaro, the country's top negotiator to the Association of South East Asian Nations and China. READ: Defending Our Territory: The West Philippine Sea The KIG which the Philippines considers a municipality of Palawan province, is internationally known as Spratlys. With six coastal countries claiming all or parts of the South China Sea and attaching their own names for claimed areas, the nomenclature has been part of the disputes and has sparked confusion for the rest of the world. International names have been adopted for most contested features. In an administrative order by former president Benigno Aquino III in 2012, the Philippines officially named areas on the western side of the archipelago as the West Philippine Sea. President Ferdinand Marcos in 2024 issued an executive order creating the National Maritime Council to formulate policies and strategies towards a unified, coordinated, and effective framework on maritime security and domain awareness. Chaired by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, other members of the NMC are the Secretaries of the Departments of National Defense, Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Energy, Environment and the National Security Adviser. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
35 minutes ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Chinese tea house Chagee set to enter the PH with 3 Metro Manila branches in August
Chagee, an international tea house from Yunnan, China, is set to enter the Philippine market with three branches opening in Metro Manila this August. The stores will be located at SM North EDSA, Robinsons Galleria, and Venice Grand Canal Mall. Ahead of its official launch, Chagee will host a pop-up event from July 7 to 13 at SM North EDSA, to offer Filipinos an early taste of its signature drinks, including its bestselling Boya Jasmine Green Milk Tea. Known for its modern tea bar concept, Chagee prides itself on using whole tea leaves and avoiding artificial sweeteners and flavorings, aligning with its focus on health and quality. The Philippines marks the latest addition to Chagee's growing branches worldwide, including locations in China, the United States, Singapore, and Malaysia. — Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
an hour ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Warren Buffett donates record $6 billion Berkshire shares
Berkshire Hathaway chairman Warren Buffett attends the Berkshire Hathaway Inc annual shareholders' meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, US, May 3, 2024. REUTERS/Scott Morgan/File Photo Warren Buffett donated on Friday another $6 billion of Berkshire Hathaway stock to the Gates Foundation and four family charities, his biggest annual donation since he began giving away his fortune nearly two decades ago. The donation of about 12.36 million Berkshire Class B shares boosted Buffett's overall giving to the charities to well over $60 billion. He donated 9.43 million shares to the Gates Foundation; 943,384 shares to the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation; and 660,366 shares to each of three charities led respectively by his children Howard, Susie, and Peter: the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, Sherwood Foundation and NoVo Foundation. Warren Buffett still owns 13.8% of Berkshire's stock, based on reported shares outstanding. His $152 billion net worth prior to Friday's donations made him the world's fifth-richest person, according to Forbes magazine. Buffett would rank sixth after the donations, which surpassed the $5.3 billion he donated last June. He donated another $1.14 billion to the family charities last November. In a statement, Buffett maintained he does not intend to sell any Berkshire shares. Now 94, Buffett began giving away his fortune in 2006. He changed his will last year, designating 99.5% of his remaining fortune after his death to a charitable trust overseen by his children. They will have about a decade to distribute the money, and must decide where it goes unanimously. Susie Buffett is 71, Howard Buffett is 70, and Peter Buffett is 67. Warren Buffett has led Omaha, Nebraska-based Berkshire since 1965. The $1.05 trillion conglomerate owns close to 200 businesses including Geico car insurance and the BNSF railroad, and dozens of stocks including Apple and American Express. Susie Buffett leads the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, which funds reproductive health and is named for her mother, who was Warren Buffett's first wife. The Sherwood Foundation supports Nebraska nonprofits and early childhood education. The Howard G. Buffett Foundation focuses on global hunger, combating human trafficking and mitigating conflicts. The NoVo Foundation has initiatives focused on marginalized girls and women, and on indigenous communities. Buffett said last June that donations to the Gates Foundation would end when he dies. —Reuters
GMA Network
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
'I Juander' unveils the charms of Hong Kong in anniversary special
Susan and Empoy got a taste of old-world culinary charm, the 100-year-old Lin Heung Lau Restaurant. I JUANDER Hong Kong beckons, and for many Filipinos, it's a favorite getaway. But beyond the shopping and city lights, what truly draws Pinoys to this vibrant metropolis? For its anniversary special this Sunday (June 29), I Juander is set to explore the reasons why Filipinos keep coming back to this favorite getaway. Join I Juander hosts Susan Enriquez and Empoy Marquez as they explore more of Hong Kong. Dubbed as the "Back Garden of Hong Kong," the Sai Kung District offers a stunning paradise of islands and pristine beaches. But the real showstopper here is the rock formations that dot the islands. Susan and Empoy embark on an island tour to catch these natural marvels that are a must-see for any nature enthusiast. In Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant, guests are welcomed by a "dampa-style" experience. Here you can pick your fresh catch and have it cooked to perfection. For those who love their meals with a side of entertainment, Tung Po Kitchen in Wan Chai is the place to be. Owner Robby isn't just serving up delicious Cantonese-style food; he also entertains via spontaneous break dance routines, adding a vibrant, party atmosphere for his customers. Susan and Empoy's adventure continues aboard the Aqua Luna. This traditional Chinese red-sail junk boat, once used for fishing and trade, offers a glimpse into Hong Kong's maritime history. And for a taste of old-world culinary charm, the 100-year-old Lin Heung Lau Restaurant is a must-visit. No travel adventure is complete without those perfect souvenir photos. Ace, a Tsinoy photographer and architect, guides tourists to Hong Kong's most Instagram-worthy spots. The Philippines' national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, also spent a year living in Hong Kong. To commemorate his time there, Filipinos in Hong Kong, including photojournalist Enrique Rueda Sadiosa, annually offer flowers at Rednaxela Terrace. This touching tribute highlights the historical ties between our nations and the enduring legacy of a hero. Discover why Hong Kong is a perennial favorite for Pinoys. Join Susan and Empoy in the anniversary special of I Juander this Sunday, 8 PM on GTV! For more news and updates, visit
