The United States has condemned China’s latest act of harassment against Philippine vessels near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), calling the actions “unlawful.” “The PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) unlawful use of water cannons and dangerous maneuvers disrupted a Philippine maritime operation on December 4, putting lives at risk,” US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson posted on X. She …
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The Philippines should consider joining other ASEAN nations that have implemented stricter regulations, including outright bans, on e-cigarettes and vapes, a public health advocacy group urged last week. HealthJustice issued this call following Vietnam’s recent approval of a resolution prohibiting the production, trade, importation, storage, transportation, and use of e-cigarettes starting in 2025. With this move, Vietnam becomes part of …
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The looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape, as the complaint against her gains momentum in Congress and is expected to reach the Senate. This development underscores the importance of upholding constitutional processes, even as it threatens to deepen political divisions. Impeachment is a grave and solemn process, designed not …
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Japan is extending at least 1.6 billion Japanese yen (approximately P611 million) in defense equipment to the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force under its Official Security Assistance (OSA) program for fiscal year 2024. The Philippines is one of four countries selected as beneficiaries of Japan’s OSA this year. This marks the second OSA grant received by Manila, following the …
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SM Investments Corporation was recognized as among the leaders in Transparency and Reporting during the recently concluded 2024 Philippines Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards of the United Nations (UN). During the announcement of winners on November 27, 2024, it was highlighted that “the Transparency Reporting category recognizes champions who value transparency as a critical aspect of the WEPs framework. By …
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Albay 2nd District Representative and House Ways and Means Chair Joey Sarte Salceda, head of the Quinta Committee (Murang Pagkain Super Committee), announced that they would present initial recommendations to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to tackle alleged rice price manipulation in the country. Salceda revealed that the committee is analyzing past rice price surges, particularly those from 2012-2013 and …
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The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO) have formalized a partnership aimed at improving financial coverage for in-patient care through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) recently. PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. and NHSO Secretary General Jadej Thammatacharee signed the agreement in Pasig City. The MOU focuses on developing a …
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The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) unveiled last week a matrix that allegedly exposes a complex network connecting Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to drug syndicates and corporate fraud. During a public hearing by the House of Representatives quad committee, PDEA Deputy Director General Renato Gumban detailed how transnational criminal organizations exploit legal gaps and corporate frameworks to facilitate illegal …
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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. returned Wednesday last week with several bilateral agreements following his “short but highly productive” working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The President expressed optimism about the successful implementation of the agreements with the UAE in the Philippines. “I look forward to the implementation of several bilateral agreements in culture, energy transition, legal cooperation, …
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Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to overthrow the government has been strongly condemned as “unacceptable.” “Hindi katanggap-tanggap ang marahas na pang-aagaw ng kapangyarihan upang madaling maluklok bilang Pangulo sa pamamagitan ng pagpaslang, panggugulo at pag-alsa,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stated last week, urging adherence to lawful processes. Bersamin criticized Duterte’s call for …
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The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business