ASEAN member states may now voluntarily implement the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement ahead of its official entry into force on June 1, 2027. The governments of the 10 member nations—including the Philippines, Brunei, Singapore, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar—issued a joint declaration allowing the provisional application of the Second Protocol…
The Department of Information and Communications Technology has expressed its full support for the Office of the Ombudsman’s investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding government-funded information technology and connectivity projects. In an official statement, the department confirmed that it will formally communicate its complete cooperation to the Ombudsman, offering all necessary records, technical data, and administrative…
By Tracy Cabrera Senator ‘Raffy’ Tulfo and former lady senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares. Sen. Raffy Tulfo and former senator Grace Poe emerged as the leading choices in Tangere’s latest senatorial preference survey for the 2028 elections, following the exclusion of three personalities who had previously ranked among the frontrunners. Tulfo received 39.9 percent voter preference, while…
(Photo: Anadolu) MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia has no aggressive intentions toward European countries and remains open to restoring relations and cooperation with its neighbors. His remarks came during a meeting of Russia’s Military-Industrial Commission on Friday. Putin accused some European leaders of using the war in Ukraine and what he called…
(Photo courtesy of PCG) The United States, Canada and the European Union have expressed concern over the latest actions of the China Coast Guard after a Philippine civilian vessel was damaged in a collision off Palawan on Sept. 18. The incident involved the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel BRP Datu Magat Salamat, which…
The Department of Energy has canceled its planned bidding for three coal concession areas, saying it will reassess the framework used in awarding operating contracts to ensure better returns for the government and consumers. The DOE said the decision followed concerns raised during pre-submission conferences and recent developments affecting Semirara Island in Antique. Among the…
NAGOYA, Japan — The 20th Asian Games will open Saturday under the threat of severe weather and lingering logistical problems, but a wave of young talent led by Filipina tennis ace Alex Eala is poised to shift attention back to the action. Eala is among the rising Asian athletes expected to command the spotlight during…
Alex Eala will return to the Singapore Tennis Open under vastly different circumstances—no longer as a qualifier, but as the tournament’s No. 3 seed and one of its leading title contenders. The Filipina tennis standout earned an automatic place in the second round after the top four seeds were awarded opening-round byes in the newly…
Subic Bay Freeport Zone is preparing for a return to the international sporting stage, with plans to host a major women’s golf championship and a possible Women’s Tennis Association tournament. The Philippine Sports Commission and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority are exploring a partnership to rehabilitate key facilities and reposition the Freeport as a leading…
NAGOYA – South Korea advanced to the men’s basketball final of the 20th Asian Games on Friday, beating Iran 77-51 in the semifinals to set a finals date with Japan. Forward Lee Hyun-jung scored a game-high 26 points, including 12 in a dominant third quarter, at Aichi International Arena in Nagoya, central Japan, while shooting…