A total of 16,003 former rebels and ex-combatants applied for the national government’s amnesty program as the deadline set by President Marcos Jr. officially ended but calls for its extension continue to mount. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) said the majority of applicants belonged to the Communist Party … Read more
MANILA, Philippines — Airlines operating at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have asked the government to lower airport fees to help manage soaring jet fuel prices. Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Eric Ines confirmed that the airline association submitted a formal request to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) seeking a discount on … Read more
“HB 6771 permits succession, switching, substitution, and rotation among relatives, enabling family members to occupy elective positions across levels of government and across election cycles, effectively preserving monopoly over political power. In reality, HB 6771 is a pro-dynasty measure,” the groups said in a joint statement. They emphasized that political dynasties were “not merely a … Read more
HAMBURG, Germany — While Pakistan’s claim that its Chinese-manufactured fighter aircraft shot down India’s French-made jets earlier this month shone a spotlight on China’s capabilities, an Indonesian Navy crew was undergoing final training at an Italian shipyard owned by one of the world’s largest shipbuilders, Fincantieri. Amid debate over the superiority of Chinese weaponry, Indonesian … Read more
Jakarta. US President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs officially kicked in on Wednesday, prompting economies like Indonesia and Europe to diversify their export destinations. Trump’s 10 percent baseline tariff has been in place since Saturday. A fresh wave of higher import tax rates that go as high as 49 percent has just come into effect. … Read more
KUALA LUMPUR/JAKARTA/WASHINGTON — Malaysia will seek this week to forge a united ASEAN response to the sweeping reciprocal tariffs announced by the U.S. last week, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said after discussing the matter with several of his counterparts in the regional bloc. Anwar, who is the current ASEAN chair, said in a video address … Read more
AN “increasingly severe” security environment has made deepening security ties with the Philippines a necessity, Japan’s defense chief said Monday after a meeting with his counterpart in Manila. Speaking as he concluded a two-day visit that included a tour of Philippine air bases, Japanese Defense Secretary Gen Nakatani said the two countries hoped to achieve … Read more
Jakarta. The Indonesian government should negotiate with other countries to utilize their unused Hajj quotas in an effort to shorten the long wait times faced by Indonesian Muslims seeking to perform the pilgrimage, a senior lawmaker said on Friday. The waiting list for Hajj pilgrims in Indonesia is so extensive that it can take decades … Read more
PENANG, Malaysia — Shifting geopolitical and economic realities have prompted Malaysia and the European Union to revive negotiations for a trade agreement after more than a decade, seeking to deepen economic ties and fortify supply chains. Talks resumed in January following Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Brussels, where he met European Commission President … Read more
ADOPTED BETS Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan senatorial candidates Jayvee Hinlo, Rodante Marcoleta and Raul Lambino raise their hands as among the adopted candidates of the Partido Pederal ng Maharlika in San Juan City on Feb. 15, 2025. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN … Source link