Category: Asia

Philippines

NLEX Flood Crisis Triggers Government Warning: Expressway Operators Told to Act Before Disaster Strikes

MANILA, Philippines — The government is demanding a more proactive approach from expressway operators after severe flooding in Pampanga triggered massive traffic disruptions on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), leaving motorists stranded for hours and exposing weaknesses in emergency traffic management. Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Acting Chairman Greg Pua Jr. has ordered regional offices to strengthen coordination with expressway operators and ensure that motor

September 6, 2026

Business

From One Iloilo Grill to a ₱100-Billion Food Empire: The Untold Rise of Mang Inasal

What started as a small grilled-chicken restaurant in Iloilo more than two decades ago has grown into one of the Philippines’ most recognizable homegrown fast-food brands. The story of Mang Inasal is not simply about chicken, unlimited rice, or a successful acquisition by Jollibee Foods Corp. It is a story about spotting an underserved market, understanding Filipino tastes and building a provincial concept into a nationwide powerhouse. Founded by entrepreneur Edgar “Injap” Sia II, Mang Inasal

September 6, 2026

China

Chinese Jets Locked Their Radar on 3 Philippine Aircraft Over Scarborough Shoal—What Happened Next?

MANILA, Philippines — Tensions in the West Philippine Sea have taken a more dangerous turn after armed Chinese military aircraft reportedly locked their radar systems onto three Philippine aircraft during an encounter over the disputed Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, on September 2. The incident involved at least three Chinese JL-10 advanced trainer aircraft carrying live PL-5 short-range air-to-air missiles, according to footage released by the People's Liberation Army (PLA)

September 6, 2026

Philippines

Duterte Defense Moves to Rewrite ICC Charges—But What Happens Next Could Change the Trial

THE HAGUE — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s legal team has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to order prosecutors to refile the charges against him, arguing that the current charging document does not clearly define the specific acts he must defend against. The defense motion, dated August 31 and led by British lawyer Peter Haynes, argues that the prosecution’s description of the alleged crimes remains too broad because it identifies incidents as “illustrative” and “non

September 6, 2026

Sport

Coco Gauff Survives Another US Open Test—But Her Next Match Could Be Her Toughest Yet

NEW YORK — Coco Gauff continues to look like one of the players to beat at the 2026 US Open. The fourth-seeded American advanced to the Round of 16 on Saturday after defeating Spain's Cristina Bucsa, 6-3, 6-4, at Arthur Ashe Stadium, maintaining her pursuit of a second US Open championship. The victory was Gauff's third consecutive straight-set win at this year's tournament and extended her run to the fourth round for the fifth straight year, according to The Guardian. But the scoreline doesn

September 6, 2026

Philippines

₱351-B Flood Control Plan Finally Moves: Marcos Says Long-Delayed Solution Is Now Being Executed

MANILA, Philippines — After decades of recurring floods, billions of pesos in infrastructure spending and repeated calls for a long-term solution, the Marcos administration is moving to implement a massive flood-management strategy worth about ₱351 billion. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the country already has a flood-control master plan but that it had not been fully carried out by previous administrations. He made the remarks amid widespread flooding triggered by heavy monsoon rains and

September 6, 2026

Philippines

Sara Duterte Says She Fears for Her Life—But the PNP Says No Threat Has Been Reported. What Happens Next?

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte has raised fresh concerns over her safety and that of her children, saying she has documented threats and harassment dating back to 2023. But as political and legal tensions surrounding her intensify, the Philippine National Police says it has yet to receive a formal report from Duterte detailing those alleged threats—and police have not independently monitored any verified threat against her or her family. The disclosure came Saturday, Septemb

September 6, 2026

Entertainment

Lea Salonga Just Made Filipino History in Hollywood — And Her Acceptance Speech Says It All

Lea Salonga has officially etched her name into Hollywood history. The award-winning Filipino actress and singer received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on September 4, 2026, becoming the first Filipina to receive the prestigious honor. The ceremony took place outside the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, where Salonga was presented with the 2,855th star in the Walk of Fame's Live Performance category. The recognition marks another extraordinary milestone in a career that has already take

September 5, 2026

Philippines

STEEL BARS CUT FROM FLOOD DEFENSE: 2 MEN FACE CHARGES AFTER CREEK INCIDENT IN ANGELES CITY

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — Two men are facing criminal charges after they were allegedly caught cutting and removing steel bars embedded in a concrete slope protection structure along Sapang Balen Creek in Barangay San Nicolas, Angeles City, authorities said. The incident has drawn attention because the steel bars were part of a public infrastructure structure designed to help protect the creek bank—particularly significant amid periods of heavy rain and flooding in Angeles City. According to th

September 5, 2026

Philippines

AFP Warns Foreign Influence Is Exploiting Sara Duterte Impeachment—And the Next Move Could Be Harder to Detect

MANILA, Philippines — The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is facing another challenge beyond the courtroom: the growing threat of disinformation and alleged foreign malign influence operations that Philippine security officials say are increasingly exploiting divisive domestic issues. House prosecution panel adviser and spokesman Ace Barbers warned that foreign actors could use the impeachment proceedings to deepen political divisions among Filipinos by manipulating online narr

September 5, 2026