In a bid to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of critical government services, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has undertaken a strategic reorganization to uphold stringent reformation.  On Tuesday, he officially signed Executive Order (EO) 38, reshaping the Strategic Action and Response (STAR) Office, placing it under the purview of the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES). EO 38 delegates …

A UK study suggests that blood clots in the brain or lungs, including brain fog and fatigue are some common symptoms of “long Covid”. Experts say it’s a combination of someone’s health before, the acute event itself and what happens afterwards that lead on to physical and mental health consequences.  According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, problems …

Esso Thailand’s 129 years of service in the country have come to an end as Bangchak Corporation (BCP) announces the completion of acquisition of a majority 65.99% stake in the petroleum company from ExxonMobil Asia Holdings. Some 700 Esso Thailand’s petrol stations across the country will now be operating under Bangchak’s brand. Following the acquisition, the Thailand-based petroleum company now …

The recently concluded Brics summit, characterized by a sprawling 94-paragraph joint statement, held a surprise tucked away in its final throes, specifically Paragraph 91.  This section held a pivotal announcement, signaling the invitation extended to Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to join as full members from January onwards.  The expansion of Brics, initially founded …

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida‘s plan to increase military spending by 43 trillion yen over five years has taken an important step forward with the defense ministry of Japan submitting an unprecedented budget request of 7.7 trillion yen (about US$52.67 billion) for the fiscal year 2024. By 2027, the ambitious plan, which was unveiled last year, seeks to raise Japan’s defense …

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. is gearing up to make his presence felt at the upcoming 43rd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Indonesia.  The summit, slated for September 5 to 7, 2023, will unfold in Jakarta and hold the spotlight on fast-tracking the ASEAN community building endeavor. The President is set to immerse himself in a series of …

People have found new ways to express their dissatisfaction and discontent with politics and leaders through illustrations and vibrant colors in murals or paintings. In Thailand, young budding artists have found creative ways to voice their concerns about sociopolitics. They have learned to express profound messages about social and political issues through their art.  Saratta Chuengsatiansup, an artist, has created …

The Philippines has expressed strong criticism of China’s recently released “Standard Map,” which includes a newly expanded 10-dash line encompassing the entire South China Sea. This depiction asserts China’s territorial claims over the region, including areas within the Philippines’ maritime boundaries.  The Philippines has rejected this map and its attempt to legitimize China’s claims, citing the 2016 Arbitral Award that …

The US military is allegedly in talks on establishing a civilian port on the Philippines’ remote northernmost Batanes islands, a move that might improve American access to strategically crucial locations near Taiwan.  The prospective engagement of the United States military in the proposed port has ramifications for regional tensions, particularly considering the growing rift between the United States and China.  …

As Indonesia’s future capital, Nusantara, in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo awaits construction completion and prepares to welcome its first residents within a few months, some nearby villagers have expressed concerns over eviction or displacement without compensation. Farmer Pandi from the village of Sepaku about 20 km away had a rude surprise earlier this year when stakes appeared …