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REALPOLITIKBy Benjie Alejandro The Philippines’ recent recognition as the “world’s top retirement destination” is both a milestone and a mirror. On one hand, it affirms the country’s enduring strengths—affordability, hospitality, and relatively accessible healthcare—that make it attractive to retirees from Europe, North America, and Asia. For many, the promise of “life on vacation, every day” is irresistible. Yet beneath the …

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has rolled out a one-time tax abatement program aimed at helping micro taxpayers settle outstanding tax liabilities and update their records, giving them an opportunity to start with a clean slate. Under Revenue Regulations No. 4-2026, issued on June 22, 2026, qualified micro taxpayers may avail themselves of the program until December 31, 2026. …

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday said the Philippines is working to strengthen energy security by developing a framework that would formalize its oil supply arrangement with Russia, as global fuel markets continue to face volatility driven by geopolitical tensions. Speaking to reporters in Kazan, Marcos clarified that no formal contracts have been signed between Manila and Moscow, but …

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday dismissed claims that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant of arrest against Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and two other individuals. The denial came after Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte alleged that arrest warrants had already been released by the international tribunal. DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said …

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed confidence that the Senate would regain stability and resume work on key legislative measures following the election of Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate president. Speaking to reporters before departing for Manila, Marcos said he hopes the change in leadership would allow the Senate to focus on its primary responsibility of passing important legislation, particularly …

A lawmaker is pushing for a major expansion of paternity leave benefits, proposing up to 105 days of paid leave for fathers and other qualified caregivers to help strengthen family support and child development. Akbayan Party-list Rep. Chel Diokno filed House Bill No. 9891, also known as the Paternity and Parental Leave Act (PAPA Leave Act), on Wednesday to give …

The government is strengthening its financial investigation capabilities for environmental crimes in preparation for the 2027 Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG) Mutual Evaluation. In a news release on Thursday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said it has partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to conduct a three-day Specialized Training …

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Thursday said it rescued around 78 prospective overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from an unregistered accommodation facility in Palanan, Makati City, after authorities discovered multiple violations including the lack of proper permits and safety compliance. In a news release, the DMW said the workers were allegedly recruited by Jenerick International Manpower Inc. and were …

The Presidential Agrarian Reform Council (PARC) has approved ₱5.9 billion in funding for key government programs aimed at strengthening rural infrastructure, expanding educational assistance, and creating livelihood opportunities for agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) nationwide. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) said PARC, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., remains the country’s highest policy-making body on agrarian reform, coordinating national …

Meta launched recently its revamped safety features for minors across its social media platforms, alongside a digital literacy initiative aimed at promoting safer online practices among Filipino youth and families. The launch, held at Fairmont Makati, introduced upgraded protections under Instagram Teen Accounts, which are designed to limit the type of content minors aged 13 and above can access and …