Philippines

In response to escalating apprehensions regarding TikTok‘s potential security risks and ties to China, the Philippines has initiated a comprehensive security assessment of the popular video-sharing app. The National Privacy Commission (NPC) officially announced the inquiry on Friday, expressing the need to investigate TikTok’s data processing practices and evaluate its compliance with the country’s data protection laws. As one of …

In a remarkable twist of fate, the Philippines is embarking on a journey towards peace with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA). The echo of decades-long conflict, resonating since 1969, may find a resolution through renewed talks facilitated by Norwegian mediators in Oslo, Norway. This newfound commitment to peace marks …

In an unforeseen twist of fate, the controversial figures of Imelda and Ferdinand Marcos have taken their place on Broadway’s illustrious stage in the tragicomic rock musical “Here Lies Love.” For investigative journalist Lewis M. Simons, whose career involved exposing the dark underbelly of the Marcos regime, this unexpected chapter brought about a complex tapestry of emotions. Simons, upfront about …

Australia and the Philippines, two key nations in the Asia-Pacific, have come together for a significant task. They are conducting joint maritime patrols in the South China Sea. This area is very important for global trade, as goods worth over $3 trillion pass through here every year. So, why are Australia and the Philippines working together in this manner? The …

In a poignant appeal, the House of Representatives has implored all relevant government bodies to mobilize every available resource for the prompt liberation of 17 Filipino seafarers currently ensnared by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea. The distressing episode transpired on Sunday, November 19, as Iranian-backed rebels seized control of the Galaxy Leader cargo ship, thrusting the Filipino crew into …

President Ferdinand Marcos delivered a robust statement in Hawaii, emphasizing the Philippines’ commitment to territorial integrity amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea. The remarks followed a recent encounter with Chinese President Xi Jinping during an Asia-Pacific summit in San Francisco, where maritime disputes took precedence. President Marcos depicted a concerning scenario in the South China Sea, highlighting China’s …

In a terrifying episode that unfolded on Friday, the southern Philippines found itself in the throes of chaos following a powerful undersea earthquake, registering 6.8 magnitude. The seismic upheaval, originating 69 kilometers (43 miles) southeast of Sarangani in Davao Occidental province, sent shockwaves across Mindanao, leaving residents and shoppers grappling with a surreal and fearful reality. Eyewitness accounts painted a …

In a significant development, government documents released on Wednesday reveal that a prosecutor in Metro Manila has subpoenaed former Philippine President Duterte to address allegations of grave threats made against an opposition lawmaker. The charge of grave threat carries a potential jail sentence of up to six months, with additional complications under local cybercrime laws potentially resulting in a six-year …

Leila de Lima, a vocal opponent of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s contentious “war on drugs,” reached a crucial milestone on Monday when a judge granted her release, thereby ending her almost seven-year detention. This move comes amid ongoing court disputes and worldwide scrutiny of the Duterte administration’s conduct of its anti-drug campaign. De Lima, 64, faced a barrage of …

In an exciting leap forward, the 2024 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Rankings in Asia welcomed four Philippine universities into its prestigious fold, signaling a remarkable stride in the nation’s higher education panorama. The University of San Carlos (USC) in Cebu, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Far Eastern University (FEU) Manila, and Mindanao State University (MSU) made their inaugural appearances, adding …