A lawmaker in the Philippines has called for an investigation into the alleged misuse of confidential funds in Davao City.  The city is said to have spent around ₱2.697 billion in confidential expenses over the past six years, which is substantially higher than other major cities like Makati City and Quezon City.  These confidential funds are subject to regulations under …

In the enigmatic realm of international diplomacy, Japan and North Korea embarked on an intricate dance this spring, shrouded in secrecy and cloaked in intrigue. Their clandestine conversations sought to untangle a web of historical grievances, specifically the abduction issue, which has haunted relations for decades. Yet, as the world watches with bated breath, the two nations find themselves in …

The Republic of Indonesia has increased its nuclear diplomacy after getting a membership at the United Nations (UN) nuclear watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).  Indonesia is selected to represent the Southeast Asia and Pacific region on the IAEA Board of Governors. Indonesia has joined other IAEA board members – South Korea, Bangladesh, the Netherlands and Spain. The IAEA election …

Singapore made the most of its Mooncake Festival with a natural treat, the last supermoon of 2023 on Friday. Also referred to as the Harvest Moon, the phenomenon attracted thousands of skygazers to catch one last glimpse.  Moon enthusiasts took advantage of the Mid-Autumn event at U-Town, which was organized by the National University of Singapore, to view the supermoon. …

Lalisa Manobal, known mononymously as Lisa, has performed at Crazy Horse Paris. However, she is surrounded by controversy because of her performance at Crazy Horse Paris. What is Crazy Horse Paris? What has happened to BLACKPINK’s Lisa? What did Lisa do in Paris? Lisa’s Crazy Horse Paris performance was successful. However, her performance had a strict policy of no photographs. …

In the ever-expanding tapestry of international intrigue, the Philippines emerges as a steadfast guardian of its maritime realm. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.‘s resolute stance on defending territorial waters in the South China Sea adds a new thread to the complex fabric of geopolitics. Against a backdrop of geopolitical jockeying, the Philippines stands at the forefront, seeking not conflict but the …

In the heart of the Land of Smiles, a perplexing enigma has arisen, shattering the idyllic serenity of Thailand’s landscape. A moniker whispered in hushed tones – ‘The Lady of Cyanide.’ This isn’t the script of a Hollywood thriller, but an unfolding real-life drama that defies comprehension. Unveiling the Unexpected Suspect Sararat “Am” Rangsiwuthaporn, a name that once carried the …

Artificial Intelligence (AI), the intelligence of machines or software, is gaining momentum in the Philippines. Filipino workers have also started adopting AI at work. AI offers various benefits but it also has certain negative effects on workers.  A 2023 study conducted by The Economist Impact revealed that 42% of Filipino employees want to learn AI to excel in their careers. …

In a clandestine diplomatic ballet, South Korea teeters on the precipice of “existential threats” as it traverses the murky waters of potential arms dealings between Russia and North Korea, all against the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict. Professor Park Won-gon, an enigmatic political scientist from Ewha University in Seoul, warns of the ominous red line Russia must not cross. The …

Is the Philippines, under the stewardship of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a true virtuoso of diplomacy, managing to be the elusive “friend to all and enemy to none?” This intricate diplomatic ballet has drawn the world’s gaze, as Manila elegantly pirouettes through the delicate pas de deux of international relations with two global titans: the United States and China. Rappler’s …