Category: Asia

Philippines

Cayetano Demands DOH Reform Plan: Billions in Health Funds, But Where Are the Results?

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano is pressing the Department of Health (DOH) to present a clear reform agenda, specific targets and measurable results as lawmakers scrutinize the government’s proposed 2027 health budget. Cayetano submitted questions to Senate Finance Committee Chairman JV Ejercito on September 4, asking the DOH under Health Secretary Dr. Edwin Mercado to explain how public health spending will translate into better and more accessible healthcare f

September 6, 2026

Philippines

Stratworks Is Winning Over Major Philippine Brands — And Its Latest Awards Hint at What Comes Next

MANILA, Philippines — Stratworks is strengthening its relationships with some of the Philippines’ biggest brands as the communications agency expands its work across consumer marketing, corporate social responsibility, digital engagement and experiential campaigns. The agency’s latest momentum was highlighted at the 22nd Philippine Quill Awards, where work involving Jollibee, PLDT and Xiaomi earned multiple recognitions. The results build on Stratworks’ earlier wins at the Marketing Excellence

September 6, 2026

Entertainment

Eric Chou Trades the Mic for the Kitchen—But His ‘Fired Up!’ Role Comes With a Secret He Must Uncover

MANILA, Philippines — Mandopop superstar Eric Chou is stepping into unfamiliar territory as he trades the concert stage for a bustling restaurant kitchen in “Fired Up!”, HBO’s new Taiwanese original drama. The 12-episode coming-of-age series marks Chou’s first leading role in a television drama, putting the singer-songwriter at the center of a story filled with food, family, friendship, romance, revenge and ambition. But behind the sizzling pans and restaurant battles is a much darker mission.

September 6, 2026

Business

Chinese National Nabbed in Alleged Visa Scam — NBI Uncovers What Was Behind the Operation

MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese national has been arrested by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in connection with an alleged visa-processing scam, according to a report by the Manila Standard. The arrest comes amid intensified Philippine government efforts to crack down on fraud schemes involving foreign nationals, immigration-related transactions and other forms of organized criminal activity. Authorities have increasingly warned the public to be cautious when dealing with

September 6, 2026

Philippines

Bong Go Warns Filipinos as Indonesia Haze Reaches PH—But the Biggest Health Risk May Be What You Can’t See

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Christopher “Bong” Go is urging Filipinos to take the health threat from haze drifting from Indonesia seriously as government agencies continue monitoring elevated levels of fine particulate pollution in several parts of the country. The warning comes as smoke from forest and land fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, has crossed national borders and affected portions of the Philippines, with authorities recording unhealthy air-quality readings in several areas. The Dep

September 6, 2026

Lifestyle

Heartburn Won’t Go Away? The OTC Treatment You Choose Could Make a Big Difference

Heartburn Won’t Go Away? The OTC Treatment You Choose Could Make a Big Difference That burning sensation rising from the stomach into the chest may seem like a minor after-meal annoyance, but choosing the right over-the-counter treatment matters — especially when heartburn keeps coming back. Heartburn happens when stomach contents and acid flow back into the oesophagus, causing a burning sensation that can extend toward the throat. Occasional heartburn is common, but frequent symptoms may poin

September 6, 2026

Philippines

Taguig POSO Personnel Allegedly Blocked Ombudsman Probe — Then Police Stepped In

MANILA, Philippines — A confrontation between Taguig City Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) personnel and investigators from the Office of the Ombudsman has added another explosive twist to the growing controversy over alleged anomalous flood-control, slope-protection and reclamation projects in the city. Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said several Taguig POSO personnel were arrested after allegedly attempting to prevent Ombudsman investigators from conducting an inspection in an area linked to

September 6, 2026

Politics

Trump Demands Fed Cut Rates — But One New Report Could Push Warsh Toward a Hike

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is once again pressing the U.S. Federal Reserve to lower interest rates, but a surprisingly strong jobs report has complicated the outlook and increased market expectations that the central bank could raise rates at its September meeting. The clash puts new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh at the center of a high-stakes policy test, with Trump demanding cheaper borrowing while inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. The Federal Reserve is scheduled to

September 6, 2026

Philippines

PNP Finds SIM Registration Loopholes—Now a Major Crackdown Could Be Coming

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police is pushing for a review of the country’s SIM Registration Act after its Anti-Cybercrime Group identified loopholes that authorities say are being exploited in scams, identity-related crimes and other illegal online activities. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has directed the police legal team to examine Republic Act No. 11934, or the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Registration Act, and recommend possible amendments. The move come

September 6, 2026

Philippines

AboitizPower Wins Major Employer Brand Award—Here’s What’s Behind Its Workplace Transformation

MANILA, Philippines — AboitizPower has earned fresh recognition for its efforts to transform its employer brand, strengthening its position as one of the Philippine companies seeking to attract, develop and retain talent amid a rapidly changing energy industry. The power company was recognized with the Best Employer Brand Transformation Journey award at the TalentView People Insight Awards 2026, an awards program recognizing organizations and leaders across the Philippines and ASEAN for achieve

September 6, 2026