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Something borrowed: Spice Girls’ Mel C wears wedding dresses by Victoria Beckham

Every bride will know the old rhyme for good luck on their wedding: Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a sixpence in the shoe.

Singer Melanie Chisholm, better known as Mel C or Sporty Spice of the Spice Girls, got the “something borrowed” portion covered with the help of her friend and fellow Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, also known as Posh Spice.

Mel C married model and producer Chris Dingwall during a civil ceremony in Dingwall’s native Australia wearing a dress designed by Beckham.

The singer-turned-designer recounted to British Vogue that Mel C told her over dinner her plans to marry soon in Australia but one of the dresses she ordered wouldn’t fit and had no time for altering.

“I happened to have that exact dress in my own wardrobe and offered to lend it to her,” said Beckham, referring to a Lace Cami Dress she wore to magazine editor Edward Enninful’s 2022 wedding.

Mel C called Beckham’s dress “the best, hands down” and praised her clothes for having ” a real simplicity” particularly her slip dresses.

“They’re really feminine, but in a way that feels comfortable, and very me,” Mel C added. “Victoria’s dress was my something borrowed. It was very special, having her there.”

Beckham also designed Mel C’s wedding dress for a larger ceremony that took place in England, this time a dress “more personal” to the singer.

“She found some gorgeous vintage lace, and everything was really delicately dyed to the perfect shade. It’s very flattering, open at the back,” Mel C shared, adding a subtle train was included and that her teenage daughter quipped wanting “more drama” in the length.

The wife of English football star David Beckham explained that her fellow Spice Girl was “quite minimalist and didn’t want anything too fussy, conceptual, or overly complicated,” all which aligned with her vision.

Mel C tied the knot with Dingwall anew last July 18 with other Spice Girls Emma Bunton (Baby Spice), Geri Halliwell-Horner (Ginger Spice), and Melanie “Mel B” Brown (Scary Spice) present.

Beckham was unable to attend as she watched the World Cup Final, where Spain defeated Argentina, in New Jersey with her husband.

CV construction value falls 12.8% despite more permits

Construction activity in Central Visayas weakened in the first quarter 2026 despite an increase in building permits, as higher material and fuel costs, rising logistics expenses and global economic uncertainty dampened project values.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed approved building permits in the region rose 7.4 percent in the January-to-March period.

However, the total value of approved construction projects fell 12.8 percent to P6.47 billion from P7.42 billion a year earlier, indicating developers remained cautious amid rising costs.

Cebu Province remained the region’s largest construction market, accounting for P2.83 billion in approved projects. Bohol followed with P1.53 billion, although its construction value declined 22.8 percent from a year earlier.

Among the highly urbanized cities, Cebu City posted the largest construction value at P902.6 million, despite a 50.8 percent decline. Lapu-Lapu City saw construction value fall 57.7 percent to P376.8 million.

In contrast, Mandaue City emerged as the region’s fastest-growing construction market. Total construction value surged 439.3 percent, while approved floor area expanded 442.4 percent, driven by strong residential, commercial and industrial developments.

Mandaue City’s residential sector recorded a 314.6 percent increase in construction value, the highest in Central Visayas, reflecting robust demand for housing and condominium projects.

Commercial construction grew even faster. Non-residential construction value climbed 494.3 percent to P454 million, bucking the regional trend as investments continued to flow into commercial and industrial facilities.

Across Central Visayas, approved non-residential construction value fell 21.2 percent to P3.01 billion, signaling weaker investment in business establishments.

Cebu Province accounted for the largest share at P1.53 billion, while Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City posted declines of 73.2 percent and 67.9 percent, respectively. Bohol’s non-residential construction value also dropped 47.1 percent.

Residential construction also slowed across the region. The number of approved residential permits declined 4.5 percent, while construction value fell 9.3 percent.

Cebu Province remained the largest residential market with P1.16 billion in approved construction value despite a 21.9 percent decline. Bohol, however, posted a 7.3 percent increase to P976.3 million, while residential floor area expanded 48.5 percent, suggesting a shift toward larger and higher-value housing projects.

Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City recorded declines in residential construction value of 33.6 percent and 29 percent, respectively.

Other construction categories provided some support. The value of approved building additions jumped 462 percent to P65 million, led by Cebu Province. ‘Other construction’ projects, which include demolition and landscaping works, rose 256 percent to P163.3 million, with Mandaue accounting for the largest share.

Meanwhile, alteration and repair works remained concentrated in Cebu Province and Cebu City, partly driven by reconstruction efforts following the Northern Cebu earthquake and Typhoon Tino.

The PSA said construction activity could weaken further in the coming quarters as higher steel, cement and fuel prices continue to raise development costs.

It also warned that geopolitical tensions, extreme heat linked to El Niño and the possibility of higher interest rates could slow investment in capital-intensive projects.

Reps probe Mining Marshals over alleged N2bn scandal

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the activities of the Mining Marshals Corps, comprising more than 2,200 personnel drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Abdulmaleek Danga (APC-Kogi) during plenary on Wednesday.

Danga recalled that the Federal Ministries of Solid Minerals Development and Interior inaugurated the specialised security unit on March 21, 2024.

He said the unit was established under Section 3 of the NSCDC Act and the regulatory framework of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.

According to him, the Mining Marshals were established to secure mining sites, combat illegal mining and banditry in mineral-rich communities, and protect federal revenue from the solid minerals sector.

However, the lawmaker alleged that the unit had deviated from its mandate, resulting in the wrongful arrest and harassment of legitimate mineral title holders.

He also alleged financial impropriety within the unit, including the reported discovery of more than N2 billion in the bank account of a former state commander.

Danga said the commander was redeployed instead of facing judicial inquiry, prosecution or internal disciplinary action, fuelling allegations that the unit had been compromised by wealthy illegal mining syndicates.

He also expressed concern over the procurement and allocation of operational vehicles without clear evidence of legislative appropriation or budgetary provision.

The House mandated its Committee on Solid Minerals Development to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities and performance of the Mining Marshals nationwide.

The committee is to investigate the N2 billion bank account allegation, other cases of alleged compromise, the source of funding for the operational vehicles, and all external financial inflows to the unit.

It is also to examine the statutory compliance of the unit’s creation, structure and composition, and recommend an internationally accepted and legally compliant security model.

Ruling on the motion, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu mandated the committee to submit its report within four weeks for further legislative action.

Kuwait says drone attack hits Iraq border crossing

Kuwait’s Defense Ministry said on Thursday that “hostile drones” attacked the Al-Abdali border crossing with Iraq around midday today, causing material damage but no casualties, AzerNEWS reports.

Military spokesperson Col. Saud Abdulaziz Al-Atwan said emergency teams immediately secured the site while Land Forces inspection and explosive ordnance disposal teams also swept the area and removed drone debris, ensuring the crossing was free of hazards.

The ministry did not identify those responsible for the attack or specify the extent of the damage. The border crossing is located about 125 kilometers from Kuwait City and about 60 km from the Iraqi city of Basra.

SEC files criminal complaint over Bitkub’s alleged concealment of B1.7bn hack

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a criminal complaint against Bitkub Online Co and two of its former directors, alleging they submitted false information to the regulator to conceal a cyberattack that resulted in the theft of digital assets worth about 1.7 billion baht.

In a statement released on Thursday, the SEC said it lodged the complaint with the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), accusing Bitkub of violating Section 76 of the Emergency Decree on Digital Asset Businesses by providing false information to the regulator.

The SEC also named former directors Sakolkorn Sakavee and Thaweesap Rawan, alleging they are liable under Section 94 of the decree as the individuals responsible for submitting the reports. The pair were also accused of making false statements in company documents to deceive the SEC, an offence under Section 88(2) of the same law.

According to the SEC’s investigation, Bitkub was the victim of a cyberattack in May 2021, during which hackers stole 16 types of digital assets from the exchange. The breach resulted in the loss of customers’ digital assets valued at about 1.7 billion baht.

The SEC said Bitkub later fully replaced the stolen assets by Oct 31, 2021.

However, the regulator found that Bitkub failed to disclose the incident accurately in its daily net liquid capital report (Form Dor Jor 1). Reports submitted between May 10 and Oct 30, 2021 did not reflect any significant reduction in the company’s assets resulting from the theft, despite the cyberattack having occurred.

The omission amounted to submission of false information in violation of Section 76, according to the commission.

At the time of the incident, Mr Sakolkorn and Mr Thaweesap were responsible for filing the Dor Jor 1 reports on behalf of Bitkub and are therefore subject to the same legal liability as the company under Section 94 in conjunction with Section 76, the SEC said.

The regulator further alleged the two former directors knowingly entered false information to mislead the SEC into believing customers’ assets remained secure and that Bitkub had suffered no losses from the cyberattack. Such conduct may constitute the offence of making false statements in corporate documents to deceive another person under Section 88(2).

The SEC has filed criminal complaints against three parties: Bitkub, Mr Sakolkorn and Mr Thaweesap. The case will proceed through the criminal justice process, beginning with a police investigation, followed by consideration by public prosecutors and adjudication by the courts.

The SEC said it will closely monitor the case and continue to cooperate with relevant agencies to support enforcement of the Digital Asset Businesses Emergency Decree. It also urged the public and investors to exercise caution when using digital asset service providers that are not licensed by the SEC, warning that customers of unlicensed operators are not protected under Thai law and may face heightened risks of fraud and money laundering.

Investors can verify licensed digital asset operators through the SEC’s website, www.sec.or.th, or the SEC Check First mobile application. Information on entities not under SEC supervision is available through the regulator’s Investor Alert database.

The SEC also encouraged the public to report suspicious activities via its complaints and whistleblowing centre by calling 1207, via the SEC’s official Facebook page, or through SEC Live Chat on the regulator’s website.

Mixx powers cashless payments for Zanzibar’s electric bus project

Passengers using Zanzibar’s newly launched electric buses will pay fares through a fully cashless smart card system managed by digital financial services provider Mixx, marking a significant step in the islands’ drive to modernise public transport.

The payment platform was unveiled on Thursday, July 23, alongside the launch of the ZanBus electric bus project by President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi.

Speaking at the launch, Dr Mwinyi said the project reflects the government’s commitment to building a modern, safe and environmentally friendly public transport system while accelerating the transition to clean energy. “The launch of this electric bus project is part of our commitment to building a modern, safe and environmentally friendly public transport system. We pledged to introduce electric public transport to reduce environmental pollution while providing better services to our people,” he said.

Dr Mwinyi said the initial rollout marks the beginning of a broader plan to expand the fleet to 500 electric buses as part of the government’s long-term ambition to transition public transport to electric mobility.

“Ultimately, we aim to achieve a zero-emissions transport system, protect the environment and transform Zanzibar into a modern city offering quality services to its citizens,” he added.

The project is being implemented by the Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF), which describes the investment as a long-term initiative expected to improve public transport while supporting sustainable economic growth.

ZSSF Managing Director Nassor Shaaban Ameir said the project goes beyond improving commuter services by promoting technology adoption, environmental protection and economic development.

“The ZanBus project is a long-term investment for the people of Zanzibar. Beyond improving public transport services, it will accelerate technology adoption, protect the environment and stimulate economic growth,” he said.

Under the new system, passengers will no longer need to carry cash. Instead, they will use smart cards integrated with the Mixx digital payments platform, allowing them to pay fares electronically.

Mixx Chief Operating Officer Arnold Ngarashi said passengers will be able to top up their cards using mobile phones or through the company’s network of nearly 20,000 agents across Zanzibar.

“In today’s digital economy, modern public transport cannot operate effectively without a modern payment system. Through Mixx, passengers will be able to top up their smart cards easily using their mobile phones or through our network of nearly 20,000 agents across Zanzibar,” he said.

Mr Ngarashi said the platform is expected to improve revenue transparency, enhance the passenger experience and create opportunities to integrate additional digital services into the transport sector in future.

He added that Mixx’s involvement reflects the company’s commitment to expanding digital payment solutions across key sectors of the economy, including transport, commerce and public services.

Mr Ngarashi also said sister companies Yas and Yas Fiber are working with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar to strengthen the islands’ digital infrastructure, including Yas Fiber’s planned investment of about Sh300 billion to expand fibre-optic connectivity across Zanzibar.

No jackpot winner in July 23 PCSO Super Lotto, Lotto 6/42 draws

No bettor won the jackpot prizes for the Super Lotto 6/49 and Lotto 6/42 draws held Thursday, July 23, according to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

The Super Lotto 6/49 winning combination was 39-38-01-36-11-26. The jackpot prize stood at about ?86.72 million, with no winner.

The Lotto 6/42 winning combination was 32-03-01-22-33-21. The jackpot prize was ?10 million, and no bettor matched all six numbers to claim the top prize.

Minor games

6D Lotto: 0-3-2-6-4-2; top prize of about ?1.48 million; no winner.

3D Lotto (2 p.m.): 2-8-1; ?4,500 first prize; 437 winners.

3D Lotto (5 p.m.): 2-7-4; ?4,500 first prize; 96 winners.

3D Lotto (9 p.m.): 1-0-9; ?4,500 first prize; 600 winners.

2D Lotto (2 p.m.): 04-05; ?4,000 first prize; 357 winners.

2D Lotto (5 p.m.): 19-31; ?4,000 first prize; 54 winners.

2D Lotto (9 p.m.): 17-22; ?4,000 first prize; 454 winners.

PCSO said the winning numbers and prize amounts were based on the official results of the July 23 draws.

Draw schedule

Lotto 6/42 draws are held every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, while SuperLotto 6/49 draws take place every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, according to the PCSO draw schedule.

P5.5-M shabu, smuggled cigarettes seized in Lanao del Sur

Some P5.5 million worth of suspected shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride) and smuggled cigarettes were seized by the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR) in two separate law enforcement operations in Lanao del Sur on Wednesday, July 22.

Two suspects were arrested.

In a buy-bust operation conducted in Barangay Lalabuan, Balindong (Wato), authorities arrested a suspected drug pusher identified only by the alias ‘Khalid.’

Confiscated from him were approximately 500 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of P3.4 million, along with the buy-bust money and other pieces of evidence related to the operation.

Authorities are preparing to file charges against the suspect for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

In a separate checkpoint operation in Barangay Rebokun, Malabang, another suspect was arrested after police intercepted 2,400 reams of smuggled cigarettes with an estimated total value of P2,053,632.

The suspect, alias ‘Al,’ attempted to flee by speeding past the police detachment in Barangay Rebokun at past 10 p.m.

He was eventually arrested when police from Malabang and Calanogas towns jointly launched pursuit operation that led to his apprehension on board a Toyota Hi-Ace van with license plate NKT-8925.

The arrested suspect, confiscated vehicle, and alleged smuggled cigarettes are now under the custody of the Malabang police station for proper documentation and will be turned over to the Bureau of Customs for appropriate disposition and further legal proceedings.

‘I commend our operating units for their swift coordination, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to law enforcement. This successful operation reflects our firm commitment to combating smuggling and other illegal activities,’ Brig. Gen. Christopher Abecia, PRO-BAR director, said.

‘The public can be assured that we will continue to intensify our operations to protect the welfare of our people, uphold the integrity of our borders, and safeguard our nation’s economy,’ he added.

Northern Samar seeks limits on gadget use by students in schools

The provincial government of Northern Samar is pushing for a policy on the use of mobile phones and other electronic devices in public and private elementary and secondary schools during class hours.

The officials cited concerns over distractions, cyberbullying, cheating, and exposure to inappropriate online content.

The proposed ‘Provincial Learner Focus and Digital Wellness Ordinance of 2026’ seeks to establish a stronger local framework for gadget regulations in schools and extend the policy to private educational institutions in the province.

Board Member Don Abalon, chair of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee on laws, justice, human rights and public accountability, authored the measure.

The proposed ordinance is intended to complement existing Department of Education (DepEd) policies, including DepEd Order No. 6, series of 2026, which regulates the use of mobile phones and other electronic devices in public elementary and secondary schools.

Under the proposed provincial measure, students would generally be prohibited from using mobile phones during instructional hours, except in cases involving medical needs or emergencies, or when it is expressly required by a teacher for academic purposes.

It also said unrestricted use of mobile devices in schools could expose learners to various risks, including digital misconduct, academic cheating, cyberbullying and unauthorized access to inappropriate content during school hours.

They also cited studies linking excessive or unrestricted mobile device use to declining academic performance among students.

School heads, administrators and teachers from public and private schools who participated in the public hearing earlier welcomed the proposed policy, saying clear guidelines could help promote a more focused and supportive learning environment for both students and educators.

Some stakeholders, however, proposed provisions that would allow community monitoring of compliance, stressing that the responsibility for educating and guiding children should be shared by schools, parents and the wider community.

Dole: Minimal disruptions over P85 pay hike in Metro

Labor Secretary Francisco Tolentino on Wednesday allayed fears the P85 daily wage increase in Metro Manila would spark ‘unintended consequences,’ saying it will benefit more than it will disrupt the employment of workers.

Tolentino said the overall impact of the wage increase-whose first tranche of P60 will take effect on Saturday while the balance will be implemented in January next year-‘is much greater’ since it will benefit over 1.1 million workers.

‘The disruptions are very minimal but the overall impact is greater. [A total of] 1.1 million (workers) will benefit immediately starting July 25. The disruptions are only about 12,000,’ the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) told the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel press forum, apparently referring to workers who will face dislocation.

The Foundation for Economic Freedom has called for the suspension of the wage order, describing its issuance as ‘abrupt’ and warning it could ‘trigger severe unintended consequences.’

Suspension sought

Tolentino said wage distortion is more worrisome, explaining that adjustment of salaries will be negotiated between the manager and the worker earning above the minimum wage.

According to him, the wage increase seeks to provide immediate relief to real wage earners and boost their purchasing power.

‘Inflation is not only caused by the labor cost, but there are also many factors. What this wage hike would provide is the immediate cushion and impact on real wages and the purchasing power of the worker to provide for [their] family,’ Tolentino said.

He added that struggling employers can apply for the Adjustment Measures Program, which provides financial aid for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, labor groups and displaced workers