Category: Politics

Politics

Malaysia and Indonesia Race Against the Haze Before National Day—But Will the Smoke Get Worse?

PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia — With Malaysia preparing to celebrate its 69th National Day on August 31, a familiar threat is once again hanging over the country: thick, cross-border haze. Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to intensify efforts to prevent and contain forest and land fires as unhealthy air quality affects parts of Malaysia, raising fresh concerns about public health, schools and major national celebrations. As of Wednesday, August 26, 16 areas in Malaysia recorded unhealthy air quality,

August 26, 2026

Philippines

Bam Aquino Draws Line Between Ninoy’s Alias and Sara Duterte’s Confidential-Fund Records

MANILA, Philippines — Senator-judge Bam Aquino on Wednesday drew a sharp distinction between his late uncle, former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., using an alias during his return to the Philippines and the controversial aliases appearing in acknowledgment receipts tied to Vice President Sara Duterte’s confidential funds. During the ongoing impeachment trial of Duterte, Senator-judge Robin Padilla raised Ninoy’s use of the name “Marcial Bonifacio” while discussing whether aliases could leg

August 26, 2026

Philippines

Escudero Tightens Sub Judice Rule in Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial, Warns Parties Over Public Statements

MANILA, Philippines — Senate impeachment court Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero has drawn a firmer line against public commentary on the merits of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment case, reminding everyone covered by the court’s rules that the proceedings must be fought inside the courtroom—not in the court of public opinion. On Wednesday, August 26, during the 19th day of Duterte’s impeachment trial, Escudero ordered senator-judges, prosecutors, Duterte herself, their respecti

August 26, 2026

Philippines

DepEd Secures All 105 Textbook Titles for 2026—but Nationwide Delivery Still Awaits

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has reached a major milestone in its long-running effort to address textbook shortages, announcing that it has completed procurement of all 105 textbook titles targeted for public elementary and secondary schools in 2026. The achievement marks a dramatic turnaround from years of delays in acquiring learning resources. According to DepEd, the 105 titles represent nearly four times the number of textbook titles procured during the previous

August 26, 2026

Politics

Switzerland Is About to Make a Historic Choice on Neutrality—And NATO Could Be Caught in the Middle

ZURICH — Switzerland is heading toward a potentially consequential referendum that could fundamentally tighten how the country interprets its centuries-old policy of neutrality, with the proposed constitutional changes potentially restricting cooperation with NATO and limiting Switzerland's ability to impose economic sanctions on countries involved in wars. Swiss voters will decide on September 27, 2026, whether to approve the so-called Neutrality Initiative, which seeks to write a stricter def

August 26, 2026

Philippines

Palace Calls for Deeper Probe Into Alleged China-Backed Politicians: “Who Is Really Behind Them?”

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has called for a deeper investigation into allegations that some Philippine politicians may be receiving support from China, stressing that no individual should be publicly identified or accused without sufficient evidence. The issue surfaced after Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. told lawmakers that authorities have grounds to suspect that some elected officials may be receiving support from Beijing, potentially including efforts to amplify narrati

August 26, 2026

Philippines

NUJP, CenterLaw Renew Push to Decriminalize Libel, Warn of Chilling Effect on Press Freedom

MANILA, Philippines — The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) and human rights lawyers are renewing calls to remove criminal penalties for libel, arguing that the possibility of imprisonment can discourage journalists, critics and ordinary Filipinos from speaking on matters of public concern. The renewed campaign comes as the debate over libel and cyberlibel continues to draw attention from media groups, human rights advocates and members of the judiciary. NUJP Secretary-Ge

August 26, 2026

Philippines

Jinggoy Estrada’s Knee ‘Snaps’ Before Scheduled X-Ray as Detained Senator Heads to Hospital

MANILA, Philippines — A medical trip for detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada took an unexpected turn Wednesday after his left knee reportedly “snapped” while he was preparing to leave detention for a scheduled X-ray at Cardinal Santos Medical Center in San Juan. Estrada’s office confirmed the incident but said it had no further information on his condition at the time. His orthopedic doctor is expected to provide additional details following the medical examination. The development came just days af

August 26, 2026

Philippines

Marcos Brings PCUP, NAPC Back Under Malacañang in Major Anti-Poverty Reshuffle

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has placed two key anti-poverty agencies back under the administrative supervision of the Office of the President, reversing a Duterte-era reorganization and putting programs involving the urban poor and poverty reduction closer to Malacañang. Under Executive Order No. 123, signed on August 18, 2026, administrative supervision over the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) and the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) was transf

August 26, 2026

Business

Third 8-Car NSCR Trainset Arrives From Japan as Philippines Pushes Toward 2027 Partial Opening

MANILA, Philippines — Another major piece of the Philippines’ long-awaited North-South Commuter Railway has reached the country, bringing the massive rail project another step closer to carrying passengers. The third eight-car Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) trainset for the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) has arrived from Japan and is now undergoing the required importation process through the Bureau of Customs, according to the Department of Transportation. Once customs processing is comple

August 26, 2026