Category: Politics

Politics

Singapore Haze Alert: Indonesia Fires Intensify as PSI Nears 100 — What Happens Next Could Depend on the Winds

SINGAPORE — Singapore is once again watching the skies as fires across Indonesia intensify, with authorities warning that occasional periods of haze could reach the Republic if dry conditions and regional hotspots persist. The National Environment Agency (NEA) said on Monday, August 24, that it had detected an escalation in hotspot and smoke-haze activity over the weekend, particularly across Kalimantan and southern Sumatra. Smoke plumes were also observed in Riau. Despite the renewed concern,

August 24, 2026

Philippines

Sara Duterte Wanted to Meet PBBM? Michael Poa Drops a Bombshell as Palace Stays Mum

MANILA, Philippines — A report claiming that Vice President Sara Duterte wanted to meet privately with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has been disputed by her camp, with defense spokesperson Atty. Michael Poa dismissing the claim as “fake news.” The rumor surfaced amid renewed speculation about the political relationship between Marcos and Duterte, particularly as the Vice President faces an ongoing impeachment trial before the Senate. Poa, who serves as spokesperson for Duterte’s d

August 24, 2026

Politics

Japan Backs Sanctioned ICC President — But Will It Stand Up to Its Closest Ally?

TOKYO — Japan has pledged to continue supporting the International Criminal Court (ICC) after the United States imposed sanctions on the court's Japanese president, Tomoko Akane, triggering rare public criticism of Washington from one of its closest Asian allies. Tokyo described the U.S. action as “very unfortunate” and reaffirmed its commitment to the Hague-based court, even as questions grow over how strongly Japan will defend its national and the ICC against mounting American pressure. The

August 24, 2026

Philippines

August 25 School Drill Cancelled: DepEd Reveals What Happens Next After Expert Warnings

The Department of Education (DepEd) has postponed the nationwide simultaneous school safety drill for active-attack incidents that was scheduled for Tuesday, August 25, 2026, citing unfavorable weather conditions and the suspension of face-to-face classes in several areas. DepEd said the nationwide exercise will instead be conducted during the first week of September 2026, although a specific date has not yet been announced. The postponement was first confirmed by Education Secretary Sonny Ang

August 24, 2026

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

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