WARNING: Chinese Rocket Debris Expected to Fall Near the Philippines—Are You in Danger?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

On February 11, 2025, the People's Republic of China is set to launch the Long March 8A rocket from the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan. The launch window is scheduled between 9:22 a.m. and 10:16 a.m. This event has prompted the Philippine provinces of Palawan and Basilan to be on high alert due to the anticipated fall of rocket debris in nearby waters.

Designated Drop Zones

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) of the Philippines has identified three specific drop zones where parts of the rocket are expected to descend:

Drop Zone 1: Approximately 85 nautical miles from Rozul Reef.

Drop Zone 2: Approximately 40 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Drop Zone 3: Approximately 33 nautical miles from Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan.

These zones have been delineated to inform mariners and residents of potential hazards in these areas. 

Public Advisory and Safety Measures

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has issued a stern warning to the public to avoid approaching or attempting to retrieve any debris from the rocket. Such remnants may contain toxic substances, posing health risks. In cases where contact with debris is unavoidable, the use of personal protective equipment is strongly advised. Residents and mariners are encouraged to report any suspected debris sightings to local authorities immediately. 

Background on the Long March 8A Rocket

The Long March 8A is an upgraded version of China's Long March 8 rocket. This variant features a larger second stage and payload fairing, enhancing its payload capacity. The maiden flight of the Long March 8A is scheduled for February 11, 2025. 

Historical Context and Regional Implications

This launch is not an isolated event; previous Chinese rocket launches have also resulted in debris falling within the Philippines' maritime zones. The planned February 11 Long March 8A launch serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with such activities, especially concerning the safety of U.S.-Philippine forces stationed in regions like Palawan. 

Conclusion

As the Long March 8A rocket prepares for its inaugural flight, authorities in the Philippines are taking proactive measures to ensure public safety. Residents and mariners in the affected areas are urged to remain vigilant, adhere to official advisories, and promptly report any debris sightings to local authorities.

Dengue Crisis in Iloilo: 4 Dead, Nearly 400 Infected—Is Your Town Next?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has reported a concerning rise in dengue cases, with 385 incidents and four fatalities recorded in January 2025—a 58% increase compared to the same period last year. The victims included a 67-year-old woman, a 6-year-old boy, a 71-year-old man, and an 11-month-old infant. Two deaths occurred in Pototan, while Carles and Oton each reported one. 

Cabatuan registered the highest number of cases at 22, followed by Leon, Oton, and San Joaquin with 21 cases each. The number of barangays with clustering cases—defined as having two or more cases within four consecutive weeks—has also increased from 13 to 18. 

In response, IPHO personnel are conducting village inspections to ensure the proper implementation of the 4S strategy against dengue:

Search and destroy mosquito-breeding sites: Eliminate stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.

Seek early consultation for symptoms: Promptly visit health centers if dengue symptoms appear.

Self-protection measures: Use protective clothing and mosquito repellent.

Support fogging operations in hotspot areas: Participate in community fogging initiatives when necessary.

The IPHO is also ensuring that rural health units have adequate resources, including dengue test kits, medicines, and materials for information campaigns. Residents are urged to actively participate in community cleanup drives to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. 

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and mild bleeding. Early detection and access to proper medical care significantly lower fatality rates. 

The World Health Organization emphasizes that prevention and control of dengue depend on effective vector control measures. There is no specific treatment for dengue; thus, early detection and proper medical care are crucial. 

In the Philippines, the National Dengue Prevention and Control Program was established in 1993, focusing on case and vector surveillance, case diagnosis and management, integrated vector management, outbreak response, health promotion, and research. 

As global temperatures rise, experts warn that diseases like dengue could become more widespread. Virologist Nerea Irigoyen from the University of Cambridge cautions that without immediate preventive measures, dengue and similar diseases may become endemic in regions previously unaffected. 

Residents are reminded to remain vigilant and proactive in preventing dengue by maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings, eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites, and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms arise.

Billions in Budget Scandal? Duterte Allies Drop Bombshell Graft Case Against Speaker Romualdez!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a significant political development, allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte have filed graft and falsification complaints against House Speaker Martin Romualdez and other key lawmakers. The complaints, lodged before the Office of the Ombudsman, allege unauthorized insertions amounting to approximately ₱241 billion in the 2025 national budget.

The Allegations

The complainants, led by former House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, along with Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, PDP-Laban senatorial candidate Atty. Jimmy Bondoc, and Citizens Crime Watch president Diego Magpantay, accuse Romualdez, House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, former House Appropriations Committee Chairperson and Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, and Marikina 2nd District Representative Stella Quimbo of falsifying legislative documents. They claim that these lawmakers inserted substantial amounts into the 2025 national budget without proper authorization, leading to 12 counts each of falsification and graft charges. 

Details of the Complaint

According to Atty. Topacio, the alleged insertions occurred 12 times, as evidenced by discrepancies in the bicameral conference committee report. He emphasized that the approved report contained zero allocations in certain sections, which were later altered to include significant sums. Topacio stated, "You can’t put zero and make it ₱90 billion or ₱80 billion, even ₱10,000 or ₱1. It’s just zero. So we counted 12 times of such insertion." 

Response from the Accused

House Majority Leader Dalipe responded to the allegations by asserting that the passage of the 2025 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) was a constitutional duty of Congress and not an act of wrongdoing. He dismissed the complaints as politically motivated, especially given the proximity to the upcoming elections. Dalipe stated, "The approval of the 2025 GAB is not an act of wrongdoing but a constitutional duty of Congress." 

Context and Implications

This legal action underscores the escalating tensions within the Philippine political landscape, particularly between allies of former President Duterte and the current House leadership under Speaker Romualdez. The rift has been evident in recent months, with disputes over budget allocations and allegations of corruption.

Notably, in November 2024, Vice President Sara Duterte publicly threatened to have President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and Speaker Romualdez assassinated if she were killed, highlighting the deepening divisions within the country's leadership. 

Furthermore, Vice President Duterte has faced multiple impeachment complaints, with the most recent filed on February 5, 2025, accusing her of corruption, plotting to assassinate the President, involvement in extrajudicial killings, and incitement to insurrection. This complaint garnered the support of 215 members of the House of Representatives, including Speaker Romualdez. 

Looking Ahead

The filing of these graft and falsification complaints adds another layer to the complex political dynamics in the Philippines. As the 2025 elections approach, the outcomes of these legal battles and the internal conflicts within the government will significantly influence the country's political trajectory.