Philippines' BOP surplus narrows in September, still in deficit year to date

THE country’s balance of payments (BOP) position remained in surplus at $82 million in September but narrowed sharply from August’s $359 million and the $3.53 billion recorded a year earlier. “The BOP surplus reflected the Bangko Sentral ng...

Rampant corruption puts the Philippines at risk

“Those involved in the anomalies and their lawyers are equally responsible for the outcome of the ICI’s investigations” The ICI or the Independent Commission for Infrastructure claims that by year end we can possibly get some convictions. But the...

Dubai Finance Department urges government agencies to use companies with AI seals

Dubai's Department of Finance has reminded government agencies in the emirate to make use of new AI seals that seek to ensure quality and reliability. "The DoF has urged government entities to restrict AI-related service and consultancy contracts...

Corruption jumps to second top concern among Filipinos, OCTA survey finds

(UPDATE) CORRUPTION has emerged as one of the most urgent national concerns among Filipinos, marking a historic surge in public anxiety over government integrity, according to the latest Tugon ng Masa (TNM) nationwide survey by OCTA Research....

Israeli deputy foreign minister: We want Filipinos back

ISRAELI Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel hopes that the Philippine government would lift soonest the travel ban to Israel so that Filipinos could resume their pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Philippine passport holders are visa free to Israel...

Wisconsin legislature passes joint resolution proclaiming Filipino History Month

The Wisconsin State Assembly and Senate passed a joint resolution proclaiming October as Filipino American History Month Oct. 17, according to a WisPolitics press release. Rep. Angelito Tenorio, D-West Allis, with the support of Sen. Dianne...

DOH: No need for mandatory face masks in Metro Manila despite flu season rise

THE Department of Health (DOH) said there was no need to make the use of face masks mandatory in Metro Manila despite an uptick in influenza-like illnesses. The statement comes after Quezon province mandated the use of face masks on Sunday as...

Filipino Food Week Is Happening Now at 30 Restaurants

Pampanga, the region that gave us dishes like tocino and sisig, is the spotlight of Filipino Food Week 2025, producing a rich array of limited-time specials through Oct. 25 at 25 restaurants across O‘ahu. That’s double the number that took part...

'Bothered by conscience': Lawmakers in corruption scandal turning to church

October 21, 2025 | 7:00am MANILA, Philippines — They come quietly, sometimes in person, sometimes through intermediaries, seeking not political advice but forgiveness and counsel. Kalookan Bishop Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David said some lawmakers...

Fraudster Convicted For $2 Billion Theft From 1MDB Now ‘Advising’ The Philippine MWF!

Earlier this year Sarawak Report warned that the UK/Swiss national, Patrick Mahony, who received a 6 year sentence for his part in the massive fraud against Malaysia’s controversial investment cum development fund, 1MDB (One Malaysia Development...

Political spectacle at full force

Movie Review Quezon Directed by Jerrold Tarog By Brontë H. Lacsamana, Reporter TO DEEPEN the deconstruction of the national hero, TBA Studios and director Jerrold Tarog’s Bayaniverse series have turned their attention to Manuel L. Quezon. Set in...

Left behind: A Filipina migrant mothers struggle in Taiwan

IROSIN, Philippines/NEW TAIPEI, Taiwan, Oct 20 (Reuters) - M arian Duhapa kisses her quietly sleeping baby daughter Quinn goodbye as she prepares for the 16-hour bus trip from her remote village in the Philippines to Manila airport before flying...

Acclaimed and emerging filmmakers vie for record-breaking production grant in Philippine film festival history

Puregold CinePanalo 2026 has released their official Top 15 shortlist for the festival’s full-length category. The select entries come from the country’s most driven directors who range from emerging voices in the field to eminent visionaries of...

Philippine stocks decline before earnings season

By Alexandria Grace C. Magno PHILIPPINE SHARES fell on Monday as investors turned cautious ahead of the earnings season, with traders weighing local economic concerns and overseas market developments. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index...

Philippines posts smaller BOP surplus in September

Keisha Ta-Asan - The Philippine Star October 21, 2025 | 12:00am MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines posted a smaller balance of payments (BOP) surplus in September, reflecting subdued external inflows compared to last year, according to the...

U.S.-led Maritime Security Program Aims to Bolster Philippine Coast Guard

A small boat returns to the Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) during a trilateral search and rescue exercise with the Japan and Philippine Coast Guards and the Legend-class U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Stratton (WMSL 752) in...

Left behind: A Filipina migrant mother's struggle in Taiwan

By Ann Wang IROSIN, Philippines/NEW TAIPEI, Taiwan (Reuters) -Marian Duhapa kisses her quietly sleeping baby daughter Quinn goodbye as she prepares for the 16-hour bus trip from her remote village in the Philippines to Manila airport before flying...

Miss Cayman Islands Captures International Crown

Raven McTaggart is Crowned Miss Global International 2025 as Cayman hosts prestigious pageant for second consecutive year. Cayman is celebrating big on the world stage as for the first time ever, the Cayman Islands has brought home an...

Philippines reports 93.6% decrease in detected illegal iGaming URLs

A partnership between the Philippines’ Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) and Taiwan-based TrustTech firm Gogolook has resulted in a 93.6% drop in illegal iGaming URLs, according to a new report. The findings seek to highlight...

Military hits ‘malicious’ claims of Marcos scrapping AFP pension

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday refuted what it described as “malicious disinformation” circulating online that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. plans to abolish the military pension system, warning that such...