HONG KONG — Hong Kong lawmakers passed a bill Wednesday to regulate online ride-hailing services, requiring platforms like Uber, along with their vehicles and drivers, to be licensed, after years of backlash from the city\'s taxi industry. The first licensed platforms are expected to start operating in late 2026 at the earliest, officials said. In granting a license, Hong Kong\'s transport commissioner can consider the firm’s experience, financial capacity and intended investments in the region. Licensed companies will need to maintain “proper and efficient” services and ensure all vehicles and drivers on their platforms hold valid permits, according to the new rules. Drivers are required to be at least 21, have held a private car driving license for at least one year and have no serious traffic convictions within five years. They also need to pass a test and take a pre-service course. The bill marks an important step in the development of ride-hailing services in Hong Kong, which currently bans drivers of private vehicles from providing paid services to customers without a permit. Uber Hong Kong welcomed the voting results. “This decision marks a significant milestone in integrating ridesharing into the city’s transport system and ensuring riders and drivers benefit from clear rules,” it said. Police have previously arrested some Uber drivers suspected of driving without a permit and in 2018, more than two dozen drivers were fined. Some taxi companies have long resisted online platforms like Uber, seeing them as a threat to their business. Uber, which started operating in Hong Kong in 2014, has faced multiple legal and regulatory challenges in its overseas expansion but remains popular in the Asian financial hub, where many residents are frustrated with what they describe as poor taxi services. Officials proposed a cap on the number of vehicles offering ride-hailing services under the new rules, which will be specified in a subsidiary legislation next year. If that legislation is passed, they will invite applications for licenses. Uber Hong Kong said it looked forward to “constructive discussions” on vehicle quota mechanisms. Anyone who operates a ride-hailing platform and provides services without a license will face a fine of up to 1 million Hong Kong dollars (about $128,600) and a maximum jail term of one year, according to the bill. A platform that arranges cars or drivers without valid permits to serve passengers could be punished by a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment and a fine of 10,000 Hong Kong dollars ($1,286) per violation on a first conviction. For subsequent conviction, the maximum jail term would double, in addition to a higher fine.

• Manila Bulletin News
• 2 gün, 17 saat, 10 dakika

MOSCOW — Syria’s interim leader, who led a swift rebel offensive last year that ousted former Syrian President Bashar Assad despite years of Moscow’s support, held talks Wednesday in Russia during his first visit to the country that gave asylum to the deposed autocrat. Welcoming interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the Kremlin, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the historic links between Moscow and Damascus, and he voiced hope for their expansion. The meeting underlines Russia\'s desire to establish working ties with Syria’s new leadership and secure a military foothold in the country. Assad was an ally of Russia, and Moscow’s scorched-earth intervention in support of him a decade ago turned the tide of Syria’s civil war, keeping Assad in his seat until his swift removal in December. Russia, which has focused on the fighting in Ukraine and kept only a small military contingent in Syria, didn’t try to counter the rebel offensive but gave asylum to Assad after he fled the country. Despite having been on opposite sides of the battle lines during the civil war, the new rulers in Damascus have taken a pragmatic approach to relations with Moscow. Russia has retained a presence at its air and naval bases on the Syrian coast, and the Kremlin has voiced hope for negotiating a deal to keep the outposts. Moscow has also reportedly sent oil shipments to Syria. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday the future of the Russian bases in Syria was on the talks\' agenda. Syrian state news agency SANA reported that al-Sharaa and Putin will “discuss regional and international developments of mutual interest and explore ways to develop cooperation to serve the common interests of both countries.” Al-Sharaa didn\'t mention the Russian bases in his brief televised remarks at the start of the meeting but emphasized the “long historic relationship” between the countries and their “common interests,” noting that Syria still partially depends on Russian production and expertise, particularly in the energy field. “We are trying to restore and define in a new way the nature of this relationship," he said. Putin, in turn, hailed Syria\'s parliamentary elections held this month as a “big success,” saying they will help consolidate society. In a recent interview with the CBS News show “60 Minutes,” al-Sharaa said the Syrian authorities “will use all available legal means" to demand the trial of Assad. Speaking to reporters Monday, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized that Moscow granted asylum to Assad on humanitarian grounds as “he and his family faced physical extermination.” Lavrov rejected speculation that the former Syrian president had recently been treated for poisoning, saying that he “had no problems in living in our capital and there have been no poisonings.” Russian delegations visited Damascus in January and September, and Syria\'s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani visited Moscow in July. For the new Syrian government, maintaining ties with Russia was important for rebuilding the war-shattered country and offered a way to diversify its foreign policy. For Moscow, it\'s essential to keep its naval and air bases in Syria, the only such outposts outside the former Soviet Union that are crucial for maintaining Russia\'s military presence in the Mediterranean. Ties with Damascus are also important for the Kremlin as part of its efforts to expand Russia\'s clout in the Middle East. Moscow had planned to host a Russia-Arab summit this week, but Putin postponed it to avoid interference with the ceasefire deal for Gaza brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. In the CBS interview, al-Sharaa noted that “Russia has close and long-standing relations with Syria, which relate to the basic structure of the state and to energy and food, for which Syria depends partly on Russian supplies, as well as some old strategic interests."

• Manila Bulletin News
• 2 gün, 17 saat, 12 dakika

After a personal hiatus in 2020 and a murky self-exile in 2021, former PBA star center Greg Slaughter humbles himself before the league and seeks a return to settle unfinished business for his family

• Rappler
• 2 gün, 17 saat, 14 dakika

MANILA, Philippines–Maverick Ahanmisi is looking forward to teaming up with his younger brother Jerrick at Terrafirma after his trade wishes were granted by Barangay Ginebra. Ahanmisi was sent to the Dyip along with fellow 2015 Rookie Class Aljon Mariano in exchange for the first round pick in next season’s PBA Draft after the veteran guard requested a change in scenery for a chance at bigger playing minutes. READ: PBA: Maverick Ahanmisi sent to Dyip after Ginebra trade request The deal allowed the 34-year-old to be on the same side as the younger Ahanmisi, who is also in his first season […]... Keep on reading: PBA: Maverick Ahanmisi excited for first pairing with Jerrick

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 17 saat, 16 dakika

Aired (October 15, 2025): Ano kaya ang reaksyon ni Tonyo (Dennis Trillo) kapag nalaman niya na makikipag-date si Bobby (Jennylyn Mercado) sa ibang lalaki? #GMANetwork #GMADrama #Kapuso Get ready for a wild ride of action and comedy na FOR REAL! Catch the latest episodes of Sanggang-Dikit FR, airing Monday to Friday at 8:50 PM on GMA Prime! Starring Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo, with Roi Vinzon, Joross Gamboa, Chanty Videla, Allen Dizon, Al Tantay, Liezel Lopez, Sam Pinto, and more! #SanggangDikitFR For more Sanggang-Dikit FR episodes, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGRhcC_vtOracSypKiUUJtAEgYOYTCzEF

• GMA Network
• 2 gün, 17 saat, 16 dakika

ISLAMABAD  — Pakistan said Wednesday it agreed to a 48-hour ceasefire with Afghanistan following days of violence that have killed dozens of people on both sides of the border. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said the ceasefire was at Afghanistan’s request. Moments later, the Taliban government\'s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said the truce was at “the insistence” of the Pakistani side. His social media post on X did not mention a 48-hour timeframe. All Afghan forces have been instructed to observe the ceasefire “as long as no one violates it,” Mujahid added. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring armed groups, a charge rejected by the country\'s Taliban rulers. Pakistan is grappling with militant attacks that have increased since 2021, when the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. The escalation of tensions is likely to destabilize a region where groups, including the Islamic State and al-Qaida, are trying to establish a foothold and resurface. Earlier Wednesday, before the ceasefire announcement, Pakistan said its troops killed dozens of Afghan security forces and militants in overnight fighting. The clashes had stopped briefly Sunday following appeals from major regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Pakistani forces said they had repelled “unprovoked” assaults, but denied targeting civilians after the Taliban government said more than a dozen were killed and over 100 others wounded when Pakistan targeted sites in a border area of Afghanistan\'s southern Kandahar province. Mujahid, the Taliban government\'s chief spokesman, said earlier that Pakistan used light and heavy weapons in assaults on Spin Boldak in Kandahar. Afghan forces returned fire and killed several Pakistani soldiers, seized military posts and captured weapons including tanks, Mujahid added. Pakistan\'s army also targeted militant hideouts in the Afghan capital, two Pakistani security officials said Wednesday on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak with the media. People in the Pakistani border town of Chaman reported mortars falling near villages and some families were seen evacuating early Wednesday. “This fighting has been going on since early (Wednesday) morning, and people who live close to the border are leaving the area,” said Chaman resident Najibullah Khan, who urged the two countries to end the fighting to prevent further shelling. Pakistan’s border regions have experienced violence since 1979 when it became a frontl-ine state in the U.S.-backed war against the Soviet Union. “After the Sept. 11 attacks, Pakistan’s tribal belt descended into chaos as the Afghan Taliban, al-Qaida, and other groups operated from both sides of the border for attacks on NATO forces and Pakistani security forces," said Abdullah Khan, a defense analyst and managing director of the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies. As of Wednesday, key border crossings remain closed.

• Manila Bulletin News
• 2 gün, 17 saat, 16 dakika

Aired (October 15, 2025): Bilang may mga ilegal na transaksyon sa likod ng 'Binibining Calabari,' natuklasan ni Glen (Juancho Trivino) ang pagsali nina Bobby (Jennylyn Mercado) at Lt. Samson (Katrina Halili) sa patimpalak. #GMANetwork #GMADrama #Kapuso Get ready for a wild ride of action and comedy na FOR REAL! Catch the latest episodes of Sanggang-Dikit FR, airing Monday to Friday at 8:50 PM on GMA Prime! Starring Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo, with Roi Vinzon, Joross Gamboa, Chanty Videla, Allen Dizon, Al Tantay, Liezel Lopez, Sam Pinto, and more! #SanggangDikitFR For more Sanggang-Dikit FR episodes, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGRhcC_vtOracSypKiUUJtAEgYOYTCzEF

• GMA Network
• 2 gün, 17 saat, 17 dakika

Aired (October 15, 2025): Magtatagumpay kaya si Bobby (Jennylyn Mercado) sa kanyang misyon na mapabilang sa Top Ten contestants upang makasama sa susunod na bahagi ng kompetisyon? #GMANetwork #GMADrama #Kapuso Get ready for a wild ride of action and comedy na FOR REAL! Catch the latest episodes of Sanggang-Dikit FR, airing Monday to Friday at 8:50 PM on GMA Prime! Starring Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo, with Roi Vinzon, Joross Gamboa, Chanty Videla, Allen Dizon, Al Tantay, Liezel Lopez, Sam Pinto, and more! #SanggangDikitFR For more Sanggang-Dikit FR episodes, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGRhcC_vtOracSypKiUUJtAEgYOYTCzEF

• GMA Network
• 2 gün, 17 saat, 17 dakika

Aired (October 15, 2025): Ayaw man niyang ipakita, ngunit hindi maikakaila ang selos ni Tonyo (Dennis Trillo), lalo na't may bagong taong pinagtutuunan ng oras si Bobby (Jennylyn Mercado). #GMANetwork #GMADrama #Kapuso Get ready for a wild ride of action and comedy na FOR REAL! Catch the latest episodes of Sanggang-Dikit FR, airing Monday to Friday at 8:50 PM on GMA Prime! Starring Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo, with Roi Vinzon, Joross Gamboa, Chanty Videla, Allen Dizon, Al Tantay, Liezel Lopez, Sam Pinto, and more! #SanggangDikitFR For more Sanggang-Dikit FR episodes, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGRhcC_vtOracSypKiUUJtAEgYOYTCzEF

• GMA Network
• 2 gün, 17 saat, 18 dakika

Aired (October 15, 2025): Nagtagumpay si Bobby (Jennylyn Mercado) sa kanyang misyon at tuluyan nang napabilang sa Top Ten contestants na magpapatuloy sa pakikipaglaban para sa korona ng 'Binibining Calabari.' #GMANetwork #GMADrama #Kapuso Get ready for a wild ride of action and comedy na FOR REAL! Catch the latest episodes of Sanggang-Dikit FR, airing Monday to Friday at 8:50 PM on GMA Prime! Starring Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo, with Roi Vinzon, Joross Gamboa, Chanty Videla, Allen Dizon, Al Tantay, Liezel Lopez, Sam Pinto, and more! #SanggangDikitFR For more Sanggang-Dikit FR episodes, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGRhcC_vtOracSypKiUUJtAEgYOYTCzEF

• GMA Network
• 2 gün, 17 saat, 19 dakika

Aired (October 15, 2025): Mapipilitan na sumali sa beauty pageant si Bobby (Jennylyn Mercado) bilang parte ng kanyang panibagong misyon. #GMANetwork #GMADrama #Kapuso Get ready for a wild ride of action and comedy na FOR REAL! Catch the latest episodes of Sanggang-Dikit FR, airing Monday to Friday at 8:50 PM on GMA Prime! Starring Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo, with Roi Vinzon, Joross Gamboa, Chanty Videla, Allen Dizon, Al Tantay, Liezel Lopez, Sam Pinto, and more! #SanggangDikitFR For more Sanggang-Dikit FR episodes, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGRhcC_vtOracSypKiUUJtAEgYOYTCzEF

• GMA Network
• 2 gün, 17 saat, 20 dakika

Aired (October 15, 2025): Bobby (Jennylyn Mercado) and Lt. Samson (Katrina Halili) will use their beauty and brains to enter the 'Binibining Calabari' pageant, hoping to continue their investigation and uncover who killed Donnabel (Gazini Ganados). #GMANetwork #GMADrama #Kapuso Get ready for a wild ride of action and comedy na FOR REAL! Catch the latest episodes of Sanggang-Dikit FR, airing Monday to Friday at 8:50 PM on GMA Prime! Starring Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo, with Roi Vinzon, Joross Gamboa, Chanty Videla, Allen Dizon, Al Tantay, Liezel Lopez, Sam Pinto, and more! #SanggangDikitFR For more Sanggang-Dikit FR Full Episodes, click the link below: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGRhcC_vtOra4VA0p2JJkeWaBQwbiaXfw

• GMA Network
• 2 gün, 17 saat, 21 dakika

Khan has been on leave since May, but his deputy says their 'activities in this case will continue'

• Rappler
• 2 gün, 17 saat, 23 dakika

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III has expressed his support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s earlier announcement that the bicameral conference committee deliberations on the proposed P6.793-trillion 2026 national budget will be livestreamed, saying that’s what he also wanted. The bicameral process is the one in which the Senate and House of Representatives thresh out differences and arrive at a common version of the General Appropriations Act, which the president will sign to become the General Appropriations Bill. READ: Bicam to be livestreamed, says Marcos “That’s what we’ve wanted ever since I was elected Speaker. That’s our commitment […]... Keep on reading: Speaker Dy supports livestreaming bicam deliberations on 2026 budget

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 17 saat, 28 dakika

UAAP SCHEDULE: Season 88 basketball tournament MANILA, Philippines—Like a boxer showing respect to a bloodied opponent, La Salle’s Mike Phillips did the same for University of the East big man Precious Momowei. Following La Salle’s gritty 111-110 win over the Red Warriors in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament, Phillips was quick to acknowledge his counterpart’s valiant effort despite the loss. READ: UAAP: La Salle ekes out emotional win over UE for Kean Baclaan “He really plays his heart out for UE,” said Phillips at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday. “That’s why the community really loves him and […]... Keep on reading: UAAP: Mike Phillips praises Precious Momowei after UE’s tough loss

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 17 saat, 29 dakika

MANILA, Philippines — Members of the House of Representatives are open to crafting rules on the public release of their statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs), according to Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III. Dy said they will talk about it during the congressional break to ensure consistent and transparent disclosure. READ: Ombudsman lifts tough barriers to SALN access “Actually, it’s not being formally discussed, but the House members are talking about it; they’re willing,” the lawmaker said in a statement as quoted in a radio interview. “This is a good thing to discuss. During our break, we’ll discuss […]... Keep on reading: Speaker Dy: House open to setting rules for SALN release

• Inquirer
• 2 gün, 17 saat, 43 dakika