Category: Politics

Philippines

Loren Legarda Extends Medical Leave Again Until Sept. 2—As Questions Over Her Absence Continue to Grow

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Loren Legarda has once again extended her medical leave, with her latest absence from Senate proceedings now set to run until September 2, according to Senate Secretary Renato Bantug. Legarda's office informed the Senate that she would be on medical leave from August 24 to 26 and September 1 to 2, continuing a series of absences that began earlier this month. The latest extension is the fourth medical leave period reported by the Senate, following her previous lea

August 24, 2026

Politics

Washington Just Made an Unusual Move on Japan’s Economy — And Global Markets Are Watching the Next Shock

Global financial markets are facing a new pressure point as the United States becomes increasingly involved in Japan’s currency and fiscal challenges — raising questions about whether Tokyo’s economic problems could spill into the wider world economy. The latest market concerns center on Japan’s weakening yen, rising government bond yields, and growing worries over the country’s massive debt burden. Investors are now watching closely as Washington signals a willingness to support Japan’s financ

August 24, 2026

Philippines

DepEd Stops Nationwide ‘Live Shooter’ Drills at the Last Minute — But the Reason Behind the Delay Raises Bigger Questions About School Safety

The Department of Education (DepEd) has postponed its planned nationwide active shooter preparedness drills, a move that has raised fresh questions about how Philippine schools are preparing for possible armed threats inside campuses. The nationwide exercise, originally scheduled to test emergency response procedures in schools, was intended to teach students, teachers, and school personnel how to react during an active human-induced threat. However, DepEd announced the postponement as official

August 24, 2026

Philippines

Marcos and Sara Duterte Secret Meeting? The Viral Claim That Shocked Filipinos Has One Major Problem

A supposed behind-the-scenes meeting between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte has been dismissed as fake news, according to a statement from defense lawyer and spokesperson Michael Poa. The denial came after online posts and political discussions fueled speculation that Marcos and Duterte were preparing for a possible dialogue amid continuing tensions between their political camps. Poa rejected the circulating claims, saying there was no truth to report

August 24, 2026

Philippines

Sandiganbayan Orders Northstar to Pay ₱10.8 Million — But the Bigger Question Is What Happens After the Court’s Decision

The Sandiganbayan has ordered Northstar Development Corporation to pay ₱10.8 million in unpaid amortizations, ending a long-running dispute over financial obligations that remained unsettled. The ruling places renewed attention on the company’s outstanding payments and highlights the court’s position that contractual financial commitments must be honored despite delays and disputes. According to reports, the anti-graft court found Northstar liable for the unpaid amortization balance, requiring

August 24, 2026

Politics

Thailand’s New M6 Motorway Just Drew 15,500 Vehicles in One Day—And the Traffic Surge May Be Only the Beginning

Thailand’s newly expanded M6 motorway is already proving its value to motorists, with more than 15,500 vehicles using the route on the second day of its free trial operation. The unexpectedly strong turnout is putting the spotlight on one of the country’s most anticipated transport projects—and what could come next for Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima travel. Thailand’s new Motorway 6 (M6) is quickly becoming a major alternative for motorists heading between Bangkok and the Northeast. More than 15,50

August 24, 2026

Politics

Pete Buttigieg Returns to South Carolina—And His Next Move Could Shape the 2028 Race

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina — Six years after a disappointing South Carolina primary result helped bring his first presidential campaign to an end, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is back in the state—this time with renewed attention on whether he could make another run for the White House in 2028. Buttigieg has not announced a presidential campaign and says his immediate focus remains on the 2026 elections. Still, his recent political travels and appearances in key Democrati

August 24, 2026

Philippines

China vs. Philippine Coast Guard Explodes Online — But the Real Battle May Be Happening Beyond Social Media

A new diplomatic confrontation has erupted online between the Chinese Embassy in Manila and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela, as both sides exchanged accusations over competing claims in the West Philippine Sea. The latest clash highlights how the long-running maritime dispute between the Philippines and China is no longer limited to confrontations at sea — it has also moved into the digital battlefield, where both governments are defending their positions before

August 24, 2026

Politics

Ukraine’s Allies Gather as Russian Missiles Rain Down — But Is Help Arriving Too Late?

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s most important European allies are gathering as the country faces a dangerous new phase in its war with Russia: intensifying missile attacks, mounting civilian casualties, and a growing shortage of the air-defense interceptors needed to protect its cities. The meeting of the Coalition of the Willing, co-chaired by the leaders of Britain, France and Germany, comes as Kyiv presses its partners for faster deliveries of air-defense weapons and stronger pressure on Moscow.

August 24, 2026

Business

Vietnam Is Cracking Down on Counterfeit Goods—And Cross-Border Sellers May Be Next in the Spotlight

Vietnam is moving to give customs officials stronger tools to stop counterfeit and intellectual-property-infringing goods at the border—a move that could have major implications for international brands, online sellers and cross-border trade. Vietnam’s National Assembly has approved amendments to the country’s Customs Law that will expand the authority of customs officials to intercept goods suspected of violating intellectual property rights. The legislation, approved on August 23, 2026, stre

August 24, 2026