Philippines Plans Global, Euro Bonds to Bridge Deficit
As Finance Secretary Ralph Recto announced, the Philippines is set to significantly return to the offshore debt market in the first half of 2025, with potential issuances of global and euro bonds. This move aims to bridge the country’s budget deficit.
President Marcos Calls for International Support for Philippine UN Security Council Bid
In a recent address at the Vin d’Honneur at Malacañan Palace, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. made a compelling case for international support for the Philippines’ bid to secure a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2027-2028 term. The UNSC, tasked with maintaining international peace and security, comprises 15…
The Philippines Accuses China of Aggression in the South China Sea
The Philippines has recently accused China of escalating tensions in the South China Sea. A Chinese coast guard ship, “the Monster,” patrolling the disputed Scarborough Shoal, came within 77 nautical miles of the Philippine coastline. The Philippines has described this move as an act of intimidation and an attempt to normalize China’s “illegal presence” in…
Iranian and Russian Leaders to Sign New Partnership Pact
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is set to visit Moscow this week to sign a comprehensive strategic partnership pact with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin has confirmed that the agreement will be signed during Pezeshkian’s visit, marking a pivotal moment in strengthening ties between the two nations. The leaders will discuss expanding trade and cooperation…
Meta Ends DEI Programs Amid Shifts in Corporate Strategy
Meta DEI programs are being canceled. Read the memo Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has announced a significant shift in its corporate policies by disbanding its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This decision, communicated through an internal memo by Janelle Gale, Meta’s Vice President of Human Resources, marks a departure…
The Philippines Edges Closer to Upper Middle-Income Status by 2025
According to a recent study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), the Philippines is making strides toward achieving upper middle-income status by 2025. Despite facing global economic challenges and domestic issues, the country’s economy showcased remarkable resilience in 2023, reaching a 5.6% growth rate. Although this growth is slower than the 7.6% expansion…
U.S Surgeon General Calls for New Warning Labels on Alcohol
In a groundbreaking advisory, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has called for cancer warning labels on alcohol, highlighting the significant link between alcohol consumption and cancer. Murthy’s advisory reveals that nearly one million preventable cancer cases in the U.S. over the last decade are attributed to alcohol consumption2. Additionally, about 20,000 people die each year…
The Mexican President Recent Proposal on renaming North America
On Wednesday, President Claudia Sheinbaum proposed renaming North America to “Mexican America,” referencing a founding document from 1814 called “América Mexicana.” Sheinbaum noted that “Mexican America” has been recognized since the 17th century for the northern part of the continent. She stated, “Mexican America, that sounds nice.” Sheinbaum’s suggestion came in response to U.S. President-elect…
Meta Is Phasing Out Third-Party Fact Checkers
In a significant policy shift, Meta has announced the termination of its third-party fact-checking program. Instead, the social media giant plans to implement a community notes program, which will be written and managed by users—mirroring a similar initiative by X (formerly Twitter).
