Outgoing Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian expressed optimism that relations between the Philippines and China will “return to the right track” despite ongoing challenges, including tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Speaking at China’s National Day reception in Taguig City Thursday night, Huang said dialogue has been vital in keeping bilateral ties stable over the past five years of his posting. …
Read More »
The Department of National Defense (DND) on Thursday night brushed aside reports of another destabilization plot against the Marcos administration, branding them as a “desperate attempt to propagate falsehood and sow discord.” “The latest lie of a destabilization/coup plot is outrightly preposterous and achieves nothing other than create confusion and pander to adversarial narratives against the national government,” DND spokesperson …
Read More »
The mass indignation rally held September 21 at Luneta—timed with the anniversary of Martial Law—was meant to be a statement, a collective cry for accountability and reform. Spearheaded mainly by youth organizations, the gathering captured the spirit of a generation disillusioned by systemic corruption and governmental inaction. But what could have been a peaceful, powerful protest was marred by violence, …
Read More »
Civic leader Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia came to the defense of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. after a foreign social media post mocked the Chief Executive as “low IQ,” dismissing the attack as nothing more than “desperate propaganda.” “Let’s call it what it is—propaganda,” Goitia said. “These outsiders do not understand our history, our struggles, or our aspirations. Yet they …
Read More »
By Tracy Cabrera What began as a peaceful anti-corruption rally turned violent Sunday when masked infiltrators disrupted the “Trillion Peso March” in Luneta and nearby protest sites, clashing with police and leaving about 100 officers injured and 72 people arrested. According to Manila Police District chief Brig. Gen. Arnold Abad, the injuries were mostly minor, caused by rocks and bottles …
Read More »
Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and his wife, Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya, appeared before Department of Justice (DOJ) officials in Manila on Friday to explore the possibility of turning state witnesses. The couple submitted affidavits for evaluation, but DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stressed that admission to the Witness Protection Program (WPP) is not automatic and remains confidential. “State witnesses must tell the …
Read More »
Despite looming reductions in the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DoLE) 2026 budget, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma remains confident the agency can fulfill its mandate of stabilizing the labor sector and expanding job and livelihood opportunities for Filipinos. Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum hosted by veteran journalist Marichu Villanueva in Malate, Manila, Laguesma explained that budget cuts …
Read More »
The Department of Education (DepEd) has ordered an audit of its school building projects with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) after finding that around 1,000 classrooms nationwide remain incomplete. Education Secretary Sonny Angara said some of these projects had already been turned over, despite lacking basic requirements such as paint and electricity. “They’re not ghost projects, but …
Read More »
Despite escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines is keeping diplomatic channels open with China as both nations mark 50 years of ties this year. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said her meeting Friday with Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian was “candid but constructive,” noting that recent incident-free resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal …
Read More »
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday advised Filipinos to postpone travel to Nepal amid ongoing political unrest following deadly anti-corruption protests that toppled the government. While no Filipino has been reported harmed, the DFA urged nationals already in Nepal to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary movement, and strictly follow curfews and security measures imposed by local authorities. The Philippine …
Read More »
The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business