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Over 160k already sign up for Huanggang e-channel
The Immigration Department said more than 160,000 people have registered for the “collaborative inspection” automated channels at the redeveloped Huanggang port ahead of its opening on Monday. Under the co-location arrangement that features a "collaborative inspection and joint clearance" model, travellers can complete both Hong Kong and mainland immigration procedures in a single stop. At a press briefing, assistant immigration director Jacky Wong said SAR travellers only have to present either their HKID or home-return permit when going through the automated channels, but they should still bring along both documents. He said more than 160,000 Hong Kong residents had completed the registration on the department's mobile app as of noon on Friday since it was rolled out three days ago. The figure is expected to climb after the redeveloped port opens, Wong added. He called on residents to complete the registration in advance so as to enjoy a convenient boundary-crossing experience. Travellers can also register on-site, Wong said, and his department will arrange sufficient staff for assistance. “We find that the process is smooth and fast. The time for enrolment only takes seconds. We think that it will not affect the whole clearance process.” Authorities said overall clearance time will be slashed from approximately 30 minutes to just five minutes. They also said they will deploy manpower in a flexible manner and arrange additional staff to ensure smooth operation at the round-the-clock port. Edited by Edmond Fong
Over 160k already sign up for Huanggang e-channel
The Immigration Department said more than 160,000 people have registered for the “collaborative inspection” automated channels at the redeveloped Huanggang port ahead of its opening on Monday. Under the co-location arrangement that features a "collaborative inspection and joint clearance" model, travellers can complete both Hong Kong and mainland immigration procedures in a single stop. At a press briefing, assistant immigration director Jacky Wong said SAR travellers only have to present either their HKID or home-return permit when going through the automated channels, but they should still bring along both documents. He said more than 160,000 Hong Kong residents had completed the registration on the department's mobile app as of noon on Friday since it was rolled out three days ago. The figure is expected to climb after the redeveloped port opens, Wong added. He called on residents to complete the registration in advance so as to enjoy a convenient boundary-crossing experience. Travellers can also register on-site, Wong said, and his department will arrange sufficient staff for assistance. “We find that the process is smooth and fast. The time for enrolment only takes seconds. We think that it will not affect the whole clearance process.” Authorities said overall clearance time will be slashed from approximately 30 minutes to just five minutes. They also said they will deploy manpower in a flexible manner and arrange additional staff to ensure smooth operation at the round-the-clock port. Edited by Edmond Fong
NIA adjusts irrigation plans as El Niño threatens Bicol farms
LEGAZPI CITY — The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Bicol is adjusting planting schedules and irrigation strategies to help farmers cope with potential water shortages as El Niño threatens agricultural production. NIA Bicol Regional Manager Guadencio John De Vera said the agency is monitoring river conditions, particularly water discharge, to guide farmers on when to
Palace denies hand in Mark Villar's move to majority, hits Alan Cayetano
Malacañang on Friday rejected Senator Alan Peter Cayetano's claim that the Marcos administration played a role in Senator Mark Villar's recent transfer to the majority.
Malaysia budget: healthcare boost, Malay businesses to get more public projects
Malaysia’s government will boost spending on social welfare while maintaining subsidies to rein in the cost of living under its 2027 Budget unveiled on Friday, as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim seeks to shore up public support while under pressure to call for an early general election. Anwar’s Pakatan Harapan (PH) has suffered bruising defeats in a series of state elections since December, as voters expressed disapproval of his administration’s failure to deliver on promises of reforms, which had...
Why SB19 joined Senate push to open global paths for Filipino creatives
P-pop icon SB19 leads local artists rallying behind a new Senate bill that aims to break down travel and visa barriers for Filipino creatives
Albay mayors give ALECO ultimatum to solve persistent power interruptions
The electric cooperative attributes the outages to ongoing national-funded substation upgrades, promising Phase 1 completion in 2026 amid rising public frustration over their unreliable services
LPA forms outside PAR, unlikely to develop into cyclone — Pagasa
MANILA, Philippines — A new low-pressure area (LPA) formed outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Friday but is unlikely to develop into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours, according to the state weather bureau. In its morning weather forecast, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the LPA
Ex-university student jailed for 7 years for rape, sexual assault and voyeurism
A Hong Kong court has sentenced a former university student to seven years in prison for raping and sexually targeting five women, with some of the crimes taking place at orientation camps. The 31-year-old defendant was sentenced on Friday at the High Court after a jury found him guilty of one count of rape, another of voyeurism and three counts of indecent assault. The five convictions concerned offences committed between January and August 2023. The defendant, identified only by his initials...
VP Trial Day 37: BIR exec to finish testifying before Senate impeach court
MANILA, Philippines — The prosecution’s presentation of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) as a witness in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial is expected to conclude on Friday, with a forensic financial analyst expected to take the stand immediately after and tie together the panel’s evidence. On the 37th day of Duterte’s trial, the