On Wednesday, the Philippine peso surged to the 55-level for the first time in over seven months, closing at 55.84 against the U.S. dollar. This appreciation comes as the greenback struggles with volatility stemming from U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies. Factors Behind the Peso’s Rally The peso’s recent strength is largely attributed to the…
On Tuesday, a Chinese national was apprehended near the Commission on Elections (Comelec) headquarters in Intramuros, Manila, for allegedly carrying a sophisticated surveillance device. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) identified the equipment as an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) catcher, a tool capable of intercepting mobile phone communications and tracking location data. The suspect,…
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, affectionately known as “Chito,” has emerged as a prominent figure in the global Catholic Church, with his name frequently mentioned as a potential successor to Pope Francis. Born into a working-class family near Manila, Tagle’s journey from priesthood to becoming one of the most influential cardinals in the Vatican is a…
China’s manufacturing sector experienced a downturn in April 2025 as new tariffs imposed by the United States took effect. The official manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) fell to 49 in April, signalling a contraction in factory activity after months of relative stability. A PMI below 50 indicates a decline in manufacturing output. Impact of U.S….
In a recent Senate hearing, National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya revealed alarming indicators of foreign interference in the Philippines’ upcoming midterm elections. Speaking before the Senate’s special panel on maritime and admiralty zones, Malaya stated that Chinese state-sponsored actors are allegedly conducting operations to influence the electoral process. Malaya highlighted that…
China’s coast guard has announced that it has seized control of Tiexian Reef, also known as Sandy Cay, in the contested waters of the South China Sea. The move comes amid ongoing territorial disputes between Beijing and Manila, with China asserting its sovereignty over the reef and dismissing international claims that challenge its position. China’s…
In a significant development, the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim Khan has disclosed preparations for charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. This announcement follows the submission of extensive evidence, including 16 hours of audio-visual files and nearly 9,000 documents, which shed light on alleged crimes against humanity linked to Duterte’s controversial drug war….
The Philippines has once again emphasized its sovereignty over Scarborough Shoal, a contested area in the South China Sea, following China’s accusations of an alleged illegal intrusion by a Philippine naval vessel. The Philippine Navy firmly stated that only its ships and law enforcement vessels have the authority to challenge foreign ships within its maritime…
On March 8, 2025, Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland became the site of a bold protest by Palestine Action, a UK-based activist group. The group vandalized the resort, spray-painting “Gaza is Not For Sale” on the greens and causing significant damage to the course. This act of defiance was a direct response to…
In a bold move, China issued a stern warning to nations aligning with the United States in trade policies that Beijing perceived as detrimental to its interests. This development comes amidst escalating tensions between the world’s two largest economies, as the US continues negotiating trade agreements to promote fair trade with China. The Chinese Ministry…
