Category: Politics

Philippines

Malacañang Promises Scrutiny of ₱3.06-Billion Evacuation Center Fund as Lacson Questions Uniform Regional Allocations

MANILA, Philippines — A seemingly simple ₱180-million allocation for evacuation centers in every Philippine region has become one of the early flashpoints in the proposed 2027 national budget, after Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson questioned why every region was given exactly the same amount despite vastly different disaster risks and local needs. Malacañang has now promised close scrutiny of the spending, saying the Marcos administration will monitor the projects to ensure billions of pesos intende

August 22, 2026

Politics

Singapore Blocks ‘Global Asia’ Website After False Claims of MFA, NUS and NTU Links

Singapore authorities have blocked access to a website that allegedly misrepresented its connections to Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and major universities, raising fresh concerns about AI-generated identities, fabricated institutional links and the growing sophistication of online influence operations. Singapore police have ordered internet service providers to block access to the website of Global Asia Think Tank after authorities assessed information obtained following a police re

August 22, 2026

Philippines

25 Affidavits Challenge Romualdez Cash-Delivery Claims — But 28 Other Witnesses Could Still Change the Case

MANILA, Philippines — Former House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has intensified his defense against allegations linking him to alleged cash deliveries from anomalous flood-control projects, submitting a supplemental counter-affidavit supported by sworn statements from 25 former drivers, security personnel and aides associated with former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co. The new filings dispute claims previously made by members of the group of form

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Korina Sanchez Says People Want Her to Run in 2028—But One Thing Is Still Stopping Her From Entering Politics

MANILA, Philippines — Veteran broadcaster Korina Sanchez-Roxas has revealed that calls for her to enter politics have been coming for years, and this time, she is not completely shutting the door on the possibility. But despite renewed speculation over a possible Senate run in the 2028 Philippine elections, Sanchez has stopped well short of declaring herself a candidate. Speaking to reporters during TV5's Tara, Kapatid! 2026 Midyear Media and Trade Celebration, Sanchez acknowledged that enteri

August 22, 2026

Business

South Korea Just Sent Its First Container Ship Through the Arctic—But the Shortcut to Europe Comes With a Russia Problem

BUSAN, South Korea — South Korea has launched one of its most ambitious maritime experiments yet, sending a commercial container ship toward Europe through the Arctic in a voyage that could dramatically shorten one of the world's busiest trade corridors. But the ice may not be the biggest obstacle. The PanStar Acro, operated by Busan-based PanStar, was scheduled to leave Busan New Port on Saturday, August 22, for South Korea's first commercial container voyage using Russia's Northern Sea Route

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Iloilo City Flooded Again Despite Ongoing Flood Projects—What the Latest Deluge Revealed Could Change Everything

ILOILO CITY — Iloilo City is facing renewed pressure to address its long-running flooding problem after an intense southwest monsoon downpour overwhelmed communities across the city on Aug. 17, prompting calls for stronger drainage infrastructure and long-term engineering solutions. Panay News reported that as much as 197 millimeters of rain fell within six hours, flooding 70 barangays and affecting more than 3,000 people. The report said the rainfall was the highest recorded in the city since

August 22, 2026

Philippines

DSWD Has Readied 3.8 Million Food Packs for Saudel—But the Bigger Threat Could Hit Even Without a Landfall

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development has placed its disaster response machinery on heightened alert as Typhoon Saudel moves closer to the Philippine Area of Responsibility, with authorities warning that the storm could trigger another round of heavy monsoon rains even if it never makes landfall in the country. DSWD Quick Response Teams at both the central and regional levels have been placed on standby, while millions of family food packs and hundreds of millio

August 22, 2026

Politics

Trump and Carney Were Close to a Deal. Then Talks Fell Apart—What Happens Next Could Change North American Trade

WASHINGTON — A trade agreement that appeared within reach between the United States and Canada has collapsed at the final stage, triggering a sharp new escalation in the North American trade dispute. The United States imposed 50% tariffs on roughly US$20 billion worth of Canadian goods early Saturday after negotiators failed to finalize an agreement. The affected products represent just over 5% of Canada's exports to the United States, meaning the immediate economic impact is relatively limited

August 22, 2026

Philippines

Recto Tells US Firms: Stop Just Buying From the Philippines—What He Wants Them to Bring Here Could Transform the Economy

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is making a much bigger pitch to American business: don’t simply buy Filipino-made products—build the next generation of factories, technology hubs and supply chains here. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has called on U.S. companies to deepen their presence in the Philippines by bringing in not only orders, but also capital, advanced technology, research and development, and high-value manufacturing operations, as Manila tries to secure a bigger role in the

August 22, 2026

Philippines

9 Years Drug-Free: Ilocos Sur Town Celebrates a Major Milestone — But Officials Warn the Fight Isn’t Over

Suyo, Ilocos Sur — Nine years after earning its drug-free municipality status, Suyo is celebrating a milestone that local officials say is not simply a title — but a continuing responsibility. The municipality marked the ninth anniversary of its declaration as a drug-free municipality on August 18, 2026, under the theme “Napintas Suyo: A Drug-Free Municipality.” The celebration brought together local officials, national government agencies, community leaders and residents in a renewed commitmen

August 22, 2026