Category: Politics

Politics

Singapore High Court Clarifies Probation Rules: Employees May Still Be Entitled to Notice Pay

Singapore workers on probation may have more protection than they realise Being on probation does not automatically mean an employee can be dismissed without notice or salary in lieu of notice, according to a recent Singapore High Court ruling. The decision, released on Aug. 24, 2026, clarified that simply describing an employee as being on probation does not automatically make the employment contract a fixed-term agreement that ends when the probation period expires. Instead, the court must e

August 25, 2026

Philippines

GWEN GARCIA BREAKS SILENCE ON 2028: “BUHAT ANG PASULTION” — But Her Next Move Could Reshape Cebu Politics

CEBU — Former Cebu governor Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia is refusing to get drawn into the growing speculation over the 2028 gubernatorial race, saying there is still plenty of time before voters return to the polls. Instead, Garcia is putting the spotlight on education, skills training and livelihood opportunities—particularly programs aimed at helping Cebuanos gain practical skills and better economic opportunities. During a media interview in Mandaue City on August 24, Garcia was repeatedly aske

August 25, 2026

Philippines

Nearly Half of Philippine State Universities Face 2027 Budget Cuts as Students Warn of Deeper Education Crisis

MANILA, Philippines — Nearly half of the country’s state universities and colleges could enter 2027 with less government funding, raising fresh concerns over classrooms, laboratories, faculty support and the ability of public universities to accommodate thousands of Filipino students. Under the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP), 49 of the Philippines’ 113 state universities and colleges (SUCs), or 43.46 percent, are facing lower individual allocations compared with 2026, accordin

August 25, 2026

Philippines

NIR MARKS NINOY AQUINO DAY IN PEACE — 1,650 COPS DEPLOYED, BUT WHAT KEPT THE REGION QUIET?

BACOLOD CITY — The Negros Island Region marked Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21 with a largely peaceful and orderly observance, as police reported no untoward incidents connected to the holiday commemorations across the region. The peaceful outcome came after the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) deployed about 1,650 police personnel to strategic areas throughout Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor and Bacolod City. Police visibility was increased in transportation hu

August 25, 2026

Philippines

Iloilo Eyes 7,000-Square-Meter Justice Hub in Molo as New Hall of Justice, Prosecution Complex Takes Shape

ILOILO CITY — A major expansion of Iloilo City’s justice infrastructure is taking a significant step forward, with a 7,000-square-meter government property in Barangay San Pedro, Molo district being prepared for a proposed consolidated Hall of Justice and prosecution complex. The proposed development would bring key judicial and prosecutorial offices together on one government site, potentially making it easier for litigants, lawyers and other clients to access different components of the justi

August 25, 2026

Politics

Pakistan Says Iran Peace Talks Made “Significant Progress” — But One Major Hurdle Could Decide What Happens Next

Pakistan says its latest high-level talks with Iran have made “significant progress” toward de-escalating the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel — raising fresh hopes that diplomacy could once again provide a way out of the escalating crisis. But despite the encouraging language from Islamabad, no new peace agreement has been announced, and major issues remain unresolved. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said Tuesday that discussions in Tehran focused on preventing

August 25, 2026

Philippines

Iloilo Wants to Redesign the Historic Siete Pecados to Fix Capitol Traffic — But One Big Decision Still Stands in the Way

ILOILO CITY — One of the most recognizable road features outside the Iloilo Provincial Capitol could be heading for its biggest transformation in nearly seven decades as provincial officials consider a sweeping redesign aimed at reducing traffic conflicts and creating a safer, more pedestrian-friendly civic district. The proposal centers on the Siete Pecados traffic islands along Bonifacio Drive, a landmark road configuration dating to the late 1950s. Landscape architect and urban designer Paul

August 25, 2026

Business

Singapore Backs Major Overhaul of Global Investor Dispute Rules — But What Happens When Governments Face Investors?

Singapore is backing efforts to strengthen the international system for resolving disputes between foreign investors and governments, as countries work to make investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS) more transparent, consistent and credible. The issue has gained renewed attention as the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) advances a broad reform programme aimed at addressing longstanding concerns over investor-State arbitration. Under ISDS, foreign investors can,

August 25, 2026

Business

Marcos Pushes Filipino-Made E-Jeeps and E-Trikes as PH Targets Homegrown EV Industry

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is stepping up the government’s push to develop a homegrown electric vehicle industry, with Filipino-made electric tricycles expected to come first and locally produced electric jeepneys potentially following. During a visit to MD Juan Enterprises Inc. in Caloocan City on August 25, 2026, Marcos said the government would support the company’s efforts to develop fully Filipino-made electric vehicles. The 60-year-old company is known for manufacturing machine-presse

August 25, 2026

Business

Canada Prepares New Tariff Retaliation as Trump Escalates Trade War With 50% Auto Threat

Canada is preparing to unveil its latest response to President Donald Trump’s escalating tariffs on Canadian goods, as the once-close U.S.-Canada relationship slides deeper into a damaging trade confrontation. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government is expected to announce additional measures on Tuesday, Aug. 25, after weeks of trade negotiations with Washington collapsed and the United States imposed new 50% tariffs on selected Canadian imports. The latest U.S. duties affect roughly US$20 bil

August 25, 2026