In 2024, Central Visayas emerged as the fastest-growing region in the Philippines, defying economic uncertainties that weighed down other parts of the country, including Metro Manila. Official reports indicate that the region’s economy expanded by 7.3 percent, making it the strongest performer among the 18 regions. This remarkable growth was primarily driven by a dynamic…
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…
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…
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has made significant strides in its case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, marking a pivotal moment in the pursuit of accountability for alleged crimes against humanity. Duterte, who led the controversial “war on drugs” campaign during his presidency, is accused of orchestrating widespread and systematic attacks against civilians, resulting…
The Philippines has once again voiced its concerns over the situation in the West Philippine Sea during the latest round of negotiations aimed at finalizing the ASEAN-China Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. The talks in Manila from April 9 to 11 brought together representatives from ASEAN member states and China to…
The United States has deployed its Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) to the Philippines for the annual Balikatan joint military exercises, marking a significant milestone in defense collaboration between the two nations. This advanced anti-ship missile system is set to play a pivotal role in the exercises, which will commence on April 21 and…
