đșđž United States: Shutdown Hits Day 22 as Trump Refuses to Meet Democrats Until Government ReopensThe U.S. government shutdown entered its 22nd day on October 22, tying the 1995â1996 standoff as the second-longest in history. President Donald Trump reiterated his refusal to meet Democratic leaders until the government is reopened, stating, “I will only meet…
đșđž United States: Government Shutdown Enters Third Week Amid Budget DeadlockThe U.S. federal government shutdown reached its 21st day, marking the third-longest in history. Over 750,000 federal workers remain furloughed, while essential personnelâincluding military, border patrol, and air traffic controllersâcontinue working without pay.At the heart of the impasse is a clash over Affordable Care Act…
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in Washington, D.C. on July 20 for a high-stakes three-day visit to recalibrate Philippine-U.S. relations amid mounting economic and strategic pressures. The trip marks the first for an ASEAN head of state under President Donald Trumpâs second term, and it comes just weeks before a steep 20% tariff on Philippine…
đ1. Mabalacat City Charter Day đ 2. Maria Aurora Founding Anniversary đ 3. APVE Philippines 2025 (Automotive Parts & Vehicle Expo) đ 4. Guihulngan City Charter Day đ 5. Batangas City Founding Anniversary đ 6. Nabunturan Town Fiesta đ 7. Gingoog City Day đ 8. Tanjay City Fiesta đ 9. Dapitan City Charter Day đïž…
Tropical Storm Crising exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) early Saturday, but not before triggering widespread flooding, landslides, and port disruptions across Luzon and Visayas. The stormâs impact has reignited debate over the countryâs infrastructure resilience and disaster preparedness, especially in flood-prone urban centers like Metro Manila. đ§ Strategic Implications 𧩠Key Developments Commentary…
In the aftermath of Tropical Storm Crising, which battered Luzon with torrential rains and 90 km/h winds, the Philippines is again confronting the consequences of reactive governance. The storm exposed glaring vulnerabilities in the nationâs infrastructure, triggering landslides, power outages, and the collapse of two key bridges in Batangas and Quezon provinces. Despite early warnings…
On July 16, the U.S. Navy began constructing two boat repair facilities in Palawan, a strategic move under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The expansion is seen as a direct counter to Chinese maritime aggression in the West Philippine Sea. This development underscores Manilaâs pivot toward deeper defense ties with Washington, reinforcing its maritime…
On July 15, the Philippines saw another round of fuel price increases, with diesel rising by â±1.40 per liter and gasoline by â±0.70âa trend that has pushed total fuel hikes to over â±11 per liter since January. While mainstream coverage frames this as a routine market adjustment, critics argue it exposes deeper vulnerabilities in the…
In a show of growing military coordination, the Pacific Alliance Naval Coalition (PANC) â comprising Australia, Japan, the United States, and the Philippines â launched a series of joint naval drills in the Coral Sea, marking the largest coordinated maritime exercise in the region since 2021. The drills, dubbed Operation Sovereign Wake, are designed to…
In a bold assertion of maritime sovereignty, the Philippine Navy deployed two additional patrol vessels to the contested waters near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), following reports of Chinese coast guard ships allegedly harassing Filipino fishermen. The move comes on the ninth anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling, which invalidated Beijingâs expansive claims in the…