In a recent development that has heightened tensions between Taipei and Beijing, Taiwanese authorities are investigating the Hongtai, a cargo ship suspected of severing an undersea communications cable. The incident has raised significant national security concerns, as the entire crew of the Hongtai consists of Chinese nationals. The Taiwanese coast guard reported that the Hongtai,…
To capitalize on the burgeoning professional services market, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) recently inaugurated a new office in the Philippines. This expansion comes on the heels of a remarkable year for the global professional services sector, which witnessed a nearly 10 percent growth in 2023. The professional services market has been on an upward trajectory, encompassing a…
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced on Tuesday that it would pursue legal action against lawyers who assist former Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) employees in extending their stay in the country. This move comes after Executive Order 74, issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which banned POGOs in the Philippines effective December 31, 2025….
In a significant political move, a group of US lawmakers has initiated an effort to withdraw the United States from the United Nations (UN). This initiative, driven by concerns over the UN’s alignment with US interests and its handling of various global issues, has sparked a heated debate within the political landscape. The proposal to…
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has reported a significant decline in crime incidents nationwide, attributing this positive trend to their aggressive drive to maintain peace and order. PNP Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil announced that official records from all 17 police regional offices indicate a notable decrease in the overall crime rate. According to the…
President Donald Trump’s administration has instructed U.S. embassies worldwide to prepare for staff reductions, according to three sources familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters. The embassies have been directed to reduce both U.S. and locally-employed staff by 10%, with the list of employees to be reported to the State Department by Friday. This…
In a heated Tuesday session at the World Trade Organization (WTO), China strongly condemned the tariffs launched or threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump, warning that these “tariff shocks” pose a significant threat to the global trading system and could potentially trigger a global recession. The Tariff Dispute President Trump has announced sweeping tariffs, including…
In a recent statement, North Korea vehemently criticised the United States and its allies for pursuing what it deems an “absurd” and “outdated” goal of denuclearization. According to state-run media, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry has labelled the denuclearization efforts as “impossible.” It has reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering its nuclear capabilities under Kim Jong Un’s…
The Philippines has recently achieved a significant milestone by being removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. This development is expected to profoundly impact the country’s investment landscape, enhancing its attractiveness to foreign investors and boosting economic growth. Background on the Grey List The FATF grey list, officially known as “Jurisdictions Under…
Vietnam’s National Assembly has approved a comprehensive government restructuring plan to streamline its bureaucracy and enhance administrative efficiency. The ambitious overhaul aims to reduce the workforce by 20%, impacting approximately 100,000 civil servants. The restructuring plan involves merging several ministries and abolishing others to improve efficiency and achieve significant cost savings. Key changes include combining…
