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Calls to “just give up” the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) surface every now and then, usually framed as pragmatism or a way to avoid conflict in the West Philippine Sea. But legally, constitutionally, and strategically, that position is deeply flawed. Here’s why. What is the Kalayaan Island Group? The KalayaanContinue Reading
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) plans to require all DOH-run hospitals to implement zero-balance billing in pay wards for PhilHealth direct contributors, a move aimed at expanding access to government health benefits to middle-class earners. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said the policy will be enforced through aContinue Reading
MANILA, Philippines — A shear line continues to affect Southern Luzon while the northeast monsoon, or amihan, remains the dominant weather system over much of Luzon. It brings generally cloudy skies and periods of rain, state weather bureau PAGASA said Monday. In its 4 am forecast, PAGASA said the shearContinue Reading
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered a nationwide crackdown on strategic transit points and storage hubs used in the illegal tobacco trade, a move that could directly affect long-standing cigarette smuggling routes in the Zamboanga Peninsula. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. directed all police units toContinue Reading
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is losing tens of millions of kilos of fish annually as its once-bountiful waters steadily shrink, a new report from international ocean advocacy group Oceana Philippines warned Monday. According to the study The Philippine Fisheries Assessment, the nation has lost an estimated 45 million kilogramsContinue Reading
Senator Rodante Marcoleta said there are no clear coordinates defining the West Philippine Sea (WPS) or the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), suggesting the country should first determine these before asserting its maritime claims. “Wala po talagang malinaw na coordinates kung ano ba talaga ang pinaka-area ng ating West PhilippineContinue Reading
MANILA, Philippines – The number of local government units (LGUs) that have adopted the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) QR code–based digital payment program for public markets more than doubled in 2025, the central bank said. BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said 922 LGUs rolled out Paleng-QR Ph Plus lastContinue Reading
