Category: Asia

Politics

Japan Unveils Record Defense Spending Plan—North Korea Warns It Could Push East Asia Toward “Turmoil”

Japan is preparing to request its largest-ever defense budget, and the move has already triggered a sharp reaction from North Korea. Japan’s Defense Ministry is seeking approximately ¥8.9 trillion (about US$56 billion) for fiscal 2027, a record level of planned defense spending as Tokyo responds to a rapidly changing security environment in the Indo-Pacific. The request covers the fiscal year beginning in April 2027. The figure is not yet Japan’s final defense budget. It is a ministry request

August 24, 2026

Philippines

PNP Completes Probe Into Bulacan Mother and 2 Kids Found Dead in Car—But Family Asks for Privacy

SAN RAFAEL, BULACAN — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has completed its investigation into the deaths of a mother and her two young children who were found inside a vehicle in San Rafael, Bulacan—but authorities are withholding further details after the victims' family appealed for privacy during their time of grief. PNP public information chief Col. Allen Rae Co said the results of the investigation have already been submitted to PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. Police officials

August 24, 2026

Politics

North Korea Issues Stark Warning as Japan Eyes Record Defense Budget: “New Turmoil” Could Follow

North Korea has sharply criticized Japan’s plan to seek a record defense budget of about ¥8.9 trillion for fiscal 2027, accusing Tokyo of expanding its military capabilities and warning that the move could create greater instability in East Asia. SEOUL — Tensions over Japan’s rapidly expanding defense spending are rising after North Korea condemned Tokyo’s planned record defense budget, accusing the Japanese government of preparing for what Pyongyang described as a “war of aggression.” The cri

August 24, 2026

Philippines

NCDA Defends Perci Cendaña After Mocking Artwork Goes Viral — But the Bigger Issue Is Just Beginning

MANILA, Philippines — The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) has come to the defense of Akbayan party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña after an online artwork depicting the lawmaker drew criticism for allegedly mocking the physical effects of the stroke he survived. The controversy has reignited a wider conversation about where political criticism ends and disability-based ridicule begins — with the government's lead disability affairs agency making its position clear: mocking a person's disa

August 24, 2026

Singapore

Singapore Just Unveiled a Major Family Support Reset — But the Biggest Change Isn’t the S$70,000

SINGAPORE — Singapore is making a major shift in how it supports families, moving beyond policies that concentrate assistance around the birth of a child toward a longer-term system designed to help parents throughout the years of raising their children. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced the changes during the National Day Rally on Aug. 23, unveiling a new SG Child Support Package, expanded childcare leave and plans to significantly reduce preschool costs. Taken together, every Singaporea

August 24, 2026

Politics

Israel Issues Stark Warning to Hamas Over Gaza Kites—What Could Happen Next?

A seemingly unusual tactic involving kites, balloons and drones has triggered a fresh warning from Israel to Hamas, raising fears that already fragile ceasefire arrangements in Gaza could face another serious test. Israel on Sunday warned that it would intensify military operations against those responsible for launches from Gaza toward Israeli communities if the activity does not stop. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz also warned that residents could b

August 24, 2026

Politics

35 Years of Independence, 4.38 Million Displaced: Ukraine Celebrates While a Bigger Question Looms

BRUSSELS/KYIV — Ukraine is marking the 35th anniversary of its independence on Monday, August 24, 2026, but for millions of Ukrainians living outside the country, the national celebration is also a painful reminder of a home they still cannot safely return to. Ukraine declared independence from the Soviet Union on August 24, 1991. Thirty-five years later, the country remains at war following Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. For Ukrainians displaced across Europe, Independence Day

August 24, 2026

Philippines

Tulfo Explodes at Witness Over ‘Blind Loyalty’—Then Her Testimony Raised Even Bigger Questions

MANILA, Philippines — A tense moment erupted at the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte after Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo sharply confronted former Office of the Vice President (OVP) special disbursing officer Gina Acosta, accusing her of allowing loyalty to cloud her judgment as she answered questions about the controversial handling of confidential funds. The exchange came during the trial's 16th day on August 17, when Acosta took the witness stand in connection with allegat

August 24, 2026

Philippines

More Names Surface in OVP Fund Receipts—But the Biggest Question Remains: Who Got the Money?

MANILA, Philippines — The controversy surrounding the alleged recipients of confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) is widening once again, as prosecutors say more unusual names found in acknowledgment receipts could emerge during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. The issue has become one of the most closely watched parts of the proceedings involving allegations over the use and liquidation of ₱612.5 million in confidential funds from the OVP and the D

August 24, 2026

Entertainment

Shaira Diaz Finally Breaks Silence on Pregnancy Rumors—Her Real Struggle Is Something Many Women Can Relate To

MANILA, Philippines — Shaira Diaz has finally addressed the pregnancy rumors surrounding her, putting an end to speculation while opening up about a much more personal struggle involving her health and body image. The Kapuso actress and television host confirmed that she is not pregnant, despite comments and speculation from some netizens who noticed changes in her appearance. In a social media post, Shaira explained that her weight gain has been difficult to manage because she is dealing with

August 24, 2026