Philippines

Arrested in Indonesia and arrived in the Philippines on August 22, 2024, Cassandra Li Ong—a key player in an ongoing investigation on unlawful Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs)— Her arrest has attracted a lot of attention since she allegedly participated in illicit POGO activities—mostly related with a busted facility in Porac, Pampanga. Ong’s returning to the Philippines was a significant …

Officially, Carlos Yulo, the Olympic gold medallist who made great pride for the Philippines with his exceptional performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, has claimed he would not be liable for taxes on the big prizes, awards, and presents he acquired in the wake of his historic achievements. Based on the clauses of the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC), this …

Strong and urgent appeal to China has been sent by the Philippine government, demanding an immediate stop of all provocative and dangerous activities endangering the safety of Philippine vessels and aircraft engaged in lawful operations inside the territory and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This request relates to a recent incident whereby China fired lights from its militarily reclaimed island on …

With its digital payments product, Viber Pay, in the Philippines, the globally recognized messaging platform is advancing rather dramatically.This innovative service is ready to revolutionize how people in the country handle financial transactions, as simple, quick, and safe as sending a Viber message. With the Philippines’ active Viter community and growing tendency toward cashless transactions, Rakuten Viber, the platform’s developer, …

Major change of events confirmed on Thursday by Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos show two close pals of the ousted Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, under prison by Indonesian police. This information points to a significant turning point in the ongoing search for Guo and her accomplices carried out in line with illegal operations linked to a busted …

Regarding the leaving of deposed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo from the nation, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s new pledge that “heads will roll” is a powerful indication of the desire of his government to fight corruption. This event shows not only the flaws in the legal system but also the immediate necessity of reforms to rebuild public confidence. The Event: …

During a high-stakes Senate hearing scheduled for August 19, 2024, Senator Risa Hontiveros leveled grave charges against Alice Guo, the sacked mayor of Bamban, Tarlac. Hontiveros argued that although Guo had legal problems that ought to have stopped her from leaving the Philippines, she had managed to depart under dubious circumstances. Hontiveros claims that Guo left the Philippines on July …

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) unveiled a startling statistic on Monday: P64 ($1.12) daily for three meals sets the country’s food-poverty level. Seemingly virtually unworkable, this number is shockingly near to the $2.15 (around P123) daily global poverty threshold. The declaration has started a discussion about the reality of living on such a low income and how it affects Filipino …

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has passed Republic Act (RA) 120151 in a historic decision meant to strengthen the legal foundation for Muslim minorities in the Philippines. Establishing twelve extra circuit courts and three new Shari’a Judicial Districts all throughout the country, this law greatly expands the access to justice for most Muslims. Historical Context and Amendments Signed into law on …

The lone councilor who protested to the approval of permits to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) will unexpectedly be the interim mayor of Bamban, Tarlac. This change in leadership results from the death of Mayor Alice Guo and the suspension of Vice Mayor Leonardo Anunciacion, two significant events that tell volumes about the attitude of the community on offshore gaming. …