Category: Politics

Politics

DSWD Has More Than ₱1 Billion Left in Quick Response Fund as Philippines Braces for Future Calamities

MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) still has more than ₱1 billion in its Quick Response Fund (QRF) for future calamities, even after a series of major relief operations across the Philippines, a senior agency official said Monday. The latest figure comes as the country continues to face recurring weather disturbances during the rainy season, putting renewed attention on whether government agencies have enough resources to respond quickly when disasters strike. DSW

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Entertainment

Iran School Destroyed in War’s First Days Becomes Memorial for Children Killed in Strike

MINAB, IRAN — A school in southern Iran that was destroyed during the opening days of the war has become a somber memorial for the children who died there. The Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Minab, in Iran’s Hormozgan province, once welcomed students through a bright blue entrance decorated with oversized pencils, an Iranian map and portraits of figures from science and literature. Today, the same entrance leads visitors toward photographs of children who were killed in the strike on Feb. 28, 202

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Politics

Singapore Is Reviewing Political Salaries Again — But What Could Change for the PM, Ministers and MPs?

Singapore is set to put one of its most closely watched and controversial issues back under the spotlight: how much the country pays its political leaders and parliamentarians. The salaries of Singapore's political office holders and Members of Parliament have remained unchanged since the current framework took effect in 2011. But an independent committee has completed a new review, and the government is now preparing to reveal its response and bring the issue before Parliament. Prime Minister

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Philippines

PH Races to Seal Tax Deals With Oman, Singapore Before 2026 Ends—Here’s What Could Change for Investors

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is moving to close two major tax treaty efforts with Oman and Singapore before the end of 2026, as the Marcos administration intensifies its push to make the country more attractive to foreign investors and strengthen its network of international tax agreements. Finance Assistant Secretary Euvimil Nina R. Asuncion said the Philippines is targeting the conclusion of negotiations with Oman within the year, while also pushing to finish the renegotiation of its

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Politics

Iran’s New Gulf ‘Restricted Zone’ Could Change Everything — But What Happens to Ships That Enter?

DUBAI — Iran says it will announce a new restricted maritime zone in the Gulf in the coming days, raising fresh concerns over shipping and energy supplies around the Strait of Hormuz as tensions with the United States continue to escalate. Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of the country's Supreme National Security Council, said the planned zone would extend from areas affected by what Tehran describes as a U.S. blockade into parts of the Gulf. According to Iranian state media, any ves

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Politics

China Doubts US “Hellscape” Strategy for Taiwan Strait—But Its Military Experts Are Watching Closely

TAIPEI, Taiwan — China may publicly dismiss the United States' proposed “Hellscape” strategy for a Taiwan Strait conflict, but behind that rhetoric, Chinese military analysts appear to be taking the concept far more seriously than Beijing's official messaging suggests. That is the central finding of a new analysis by Ian Easton, an associate professor at the U.S. Naval War College's China Maritime Studies Institute (CMSI), who examined Chinese-language military and strategic writings on the U.S

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Politics

DPP Accuses KMT of Dropping Sheltered Workshop Mooncake Orders as Taiwan Election Fight Intensifies

TAIPEI, Taiwan — A political fight over Taiwan's Mid-Autumn Festival mooncakes has taken a new turn, with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) accusing the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) of failing to follow through on promised purchases from sheltered workshops serving people with disabilities. The controversy erupted after two sheltered workshops in southern Taiwan said they had been contacted by the KMT about bulk purchases but later received no confirmed orders. The allegations have

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Politics

Lai Promises Taiwan Taxi Drivers More Opportunities as Government Eyes Bigger Role for Taxis

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has promised to create more business opportunities for taxi drivers by giving the industry a larger role in the country's transportation system—including a potential new function as a flexible complement to buses and other public transport. Speaking Sunday, Sept. 6, at a Mid-Autumn? No—the event was a Ghost Festival banquet hosted by the Taipei Taxi Drivers' Union—Lai said the government wants to expand economic activity and find new ways for taxi

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Business

Liloan Mayor Explains New P12 Garbage Bag System After Residents Raise Concerns

LILOAN, Cebu, Philippines — Liloan Mayor Aljew Jordan Frasco has defended and clarified the municipality's proposed new garbage collection system after residents raised concerns over a plan requiring households to buy official trash bags costing P12 each. The new policy, called the “Pay As You Throw, Garbage Bag System,” is covered by Municipal Ordinance No. 42-2026 and is intended to address Liloan's growing waste-management costs while encouraging residents to segregate their garbage properly

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Philippines

Remulla Rejects Sara Duterte’s Harassment Claim, Calls Jail Narrative ‘Drama’

MANILA, Philippines — Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has strongly rejected Vice President Sara Duterte's allegations of harassment surrounding the service of an arrest warrant against her, describing her camp's account of possible detention as “drama.” The dispute has added another volatile chapter to the widening political conflict between the Duterte and Marcos camps, following Duterte's arrest warrant over three counts of grave threats and her subsequent decision to p

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