Manila Times

French National Assembly Overrides Senate to Pass Historic Assisted-Dying Legislation

A decisive lower house vote concludes years of intense national debate, establishing a legal framework for medically assisted suicide amid constitutional challenges.

Thomas Tuchel Faces Fierce Backlash After Tactical Retreat Costs England World Cup Final Berth

English manager's defensive substitutions and post-match remarks ignite a national controversy following a late collapse against Argentina in the semi-final.

A Quiet Bastille Day: France Grapples with World Cup Heartbreak and Leftover Fireworks

After a devastating semi-final loss to Spain on their national holiday, French fans experience the bitter reality of digital-era football as the national team heads south for a third-place playoff.

Hong Kong Expands School-Based After-School Care Program for Working Families

The Social Welfare Department has broadened its after-school care scheme for the 2026–27 academic year by removing enrollment caps, allowing more single-parent and dual-income households to access support through participating organizati...

Hong Kong Updates Workplace Rules for Rainstorms and Extreme Weather

The Labour Department has issued revised guidance urging employers to establish clear workplace arrangements during severe weather, with the aim of protecting employees while helping prevent unnecessary disputes over pay and attendance.

SingWealth Holdings Establishes PFP Capital to Expand Hong Kong Asset Management Business

SingWealth Holdings has launched Hong Kong-based PFP Capital Limited to provide research-driven investment management services focused on Greater China and global technology markets for professional investors.

Hong Kong Police Arrest Five People, Including Former Journalists, in National Security Investigation

Hong Kong's National Security Department raided the Have a Nice Stay bookstore in Mong Kok and arrested five people, including former reporters, on allegations of displaying seditious publications in violation of the Safeguarding Nationa...

Philippines Orders Longer Airport Runways to Improve Connectivity and Lower Airfares

The Department of Transportation announced that regional airports must provide runways of at least 2,100 meters to accommodate larger aircraft, expand airline competition and strengthen connectivity across the archipelago.

Overseas Filipino Worker Remittances Fall to One-Year Low

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported that cash remittances declined to their lowest level in a year during May 2026, underscoring the importance of overseas labor markets to domestic consumption and economic stability.

Global Minimum Tax May Reduce Philippines' Investment Incentive Advantage

Economic officials warned that the implementation of a global minimum corporate tax could reduce the effectiveness of the Philippines' tax incentive programs and complicate efforts to attract multinational investment.

Government Prepares Fuel Assistance as Middle East Tensions Raise Oil Price Risks

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed government agencies to prepare targeted support for vulnerable sectors as renewed conflict in the Middle East threatens higher fuel costs, while the administration continues to weigh calls to suspe...

Typhoon Bavi and Mount Kanlaon Ashfall Disrupt Flights Across the Philippines

Airlines canceled dozens of domestic and international flights as Typhoon Bavi, which has reportedly claimed 26 lives, affected northern areas while volcanic ash from Mount Kanlaon forced temporary airspace restrictions in parts of the V...

Philippine Business Process Outsourcing Industry Cuts Long-Term Growth Forecast

The Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines lowered its 2028 revenue and employment projections, saying rapid advances in generative artificial intelligence and stronger global competition are reshaping...

Economic Planners Say Philippines Needs Stronger Growth to Meet 2026 Target

Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the economy must average 3.7 percent growth for the rest of the year after first-quarter expansion slowed to 2.8 percent, citing weaker infrastructure spen...

United States Expands Support for Luzon Economic Corridor Infrastructure

The United States Trade and Development Agency confirmed additional backing for transport, energy and logistics projects across the Luzon Economic Corridor, strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and supporting alternative regional...

Philippines Unveils Investment Plan to Attract Artificial Intelligence and Critical Minerals Projects

The Board of Investments launched its 2026–2028 investment priorities under the CREATE MORE Act, offering targeted incentives to attract foreign investment in artificial intelligence, electric vehicle infrastructure, critical mineral pro...

Philippine Senate Impeachment Court Orders Financial Records in Vice President Sara Duterte Trial

The Senate impeachment court approved subpoenas for bank documents and Anti-Money Laundering Council records sought by House prosecutors as the trial entered its sixth day, advancing an investigation into allegations of unexplained incre...

Fourteen Nations Reaffirm South China Sea Arbitral Ruling on Tenth Anniversary of Landmark Decision

The United States, Japan, Australia and 11 other countries issued a joint statement marking 10 years since the Permanent Court of Arbitration rejected China's sweeping maritime claims, reaffirming support for the ruling amid continued te...

House of Investments Sets Annual Stockholders' Meeting for August

House of Investments has announced that its Annual Stockholders' Meeting will be held on August 14, 2026, marking a key corporate event for the Yuchengco Group flagship company.

Irish National Faces Deportation After Viral Tow Truck Incident

The Bureau of Immigration has taken into custody a sixty-four-year-old Irish national involved in a widely shared confrontation with a government-contracted tow truck operator and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, with depor...

Government Expands Social Protection Programs for Street Families

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has broadened services for families living on the streets by expanding access to temporary shelter, social protection, and long-term reintegration support.

Upper-Middle-Income Status Spurs Calls for New Economic Reforms

Following the World Bank's reclassification of the Philippines as an upper-middle-income economy, analysts and investors are urging reforms to infrastructure and labor markets to sustain long-term competitiveness.

Senator Francis Escudero Proposes Overhaul of Product Regulation Framework

Senator Francis Escudero has filed legislation to reorganize the country's product regulatory system by transferring selected responsibilities of the Food and Drug Administration to other government agencies in an effort to improve regul...

Labor Department Secures More Than Three Billion Pesos for Workers Through Mediation

The National Conciliation and Mediation Board of the Department of Labor and Employment facilitated the release of more than three billion pesos in monetary benefits to over fifteen thousand workers through alternative dispute resolution.

Tropical Depression Josie Exits Philippine Area of Responsibility

State weather bureau PAGASA confirmed that Tropical Depression Josie has moved out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility and is not expected to redevelop, while a separate low-pressure area over the West Philippine Sea remains under o...

Marikina Families Receive Land Titles Under National Housing Program

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development awarded individual land titles to one hundred twenty-four informal settler families in Marikina City, strengthening housing security under the government's 4PH housing initiative.

Former Congressman Mike Defensor and Co-Accused Plead Not Guilty to Plunder Charges

Former Congressman Mike Defensor and two co-accused entered not guilty pleas to plunder charges, while Senator Rodante Marcoleta was transferred to Payatas Jail following a commitment order issued by the Sandiganbayan.

Government Repatriates Twelve Human Trafficking Survivors From Cambodia

Twelve Filipino survivors of human trafficking have returned safely from Cambodia, with the Department of Migrant Workers coordinating their repatriation and providing continued assistance for their recovery and reintegration.

Office of Civil Defense Confirms Twenty-Six Deaths From Recent Severe Weather

The Office of Civil Defense said twenty-six people have died following the southwest monsoon and recent tropical cyclone activity, with relief and disaster response operations continuing in affected areas.

Disaster Authorities Urge Vigilance After Earthquake Swarm Off Masbate

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded fifty-four earthquakes off Claveria, Masbate, while advising coastal communities to remain alert for natural tsunami warning signs as monitoring continues.

Energy Regulator Reviews Power Supply Procurement Rules to Strengthen Market Competition

The Energy Regulatory Commission is examining the competitive selection process for power supply agreements to improve transparency, encourage greater competition, and help protect consumers from volatile electricity prices.

Department of Education Rolls Out Nationwide Active Shooter Drills in Public Schools

The Department of Education has launched active shooter drills across public schools following last month's fatal high school shooting in the Visayas, seeking to strengthen emergency preparedness and student safety.

Malacañang and House Prosecutors Reject Claims of Plot Against Vice President Sara Duterte

Malacañang said Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged remarks about an assassination plot against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should be treated as a national security concern, while House prosecutors separately dismissed allegations o...

Philippine Senate Weighs Subpoenas for Vice President Sara Duterte's Financial and Tax Records

The Senate impeachment court has entered closed-door deliberations on whether to issue subpoenas for Vice President Sara Duterte's bank accounts and tax records, a key procedural step as senator-judges consider the evidence in the impeac...

President Marcos Begins Three-Day Singapore Visit to Deepen Economic and Strategic Cooperation

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has begun a three-day working visit to Singapore aimed at strengthening bilateral trade, economic cooperation, and regional diplomatic ties between the two Southeast Asian partners.

Harvard Astrophysicist to Lead U.S. Scientific Advisory on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena

Professor Avi Loeb appointed to advise the government on UAP data collection and analysis, emphasizing a data-driven approach over speculation.

On the Island That Did Not Yield to Trump, There Is No Electricity, and 10 Million Live in Darkness

On the Island That Did Not Yield to Trump, There Is No Electricity, and 10 Million Live in Darkness

Cuba's power grid has collapsed for the third time in nine days amid fuel shortages linked to the U.S. oil blockade, leaving the island's 10 million residents without power as frustration and protests grow.

Emergency Sirens Activated Across Bahrain as Interior Ministry Issues Shelter Directives

Authorities in the Gulf nation have instructed all citizens and residents to remain calm and proceed immediately to the nearest secure location following a sudden public alert.

Philippines Balances China Economic Engagement With Security Partnerships and Regional Interests

Manila continues managing relations with China while maintaining security cooperation with allies and pursuing economic engagement across the region.

Philippine Consumer Economy Remains Supported by Domestic Demand and Services Activity

Household spending, services industries and consumer businesses continue supporting economic activity as domestic demand remains an important foundation of Philippine growth.

Philippines Improves Aviation Infrastructure to Support Tourism and Economic Growth

Airport expansion and aviation upgrades remain priorities as the Philippines seeks stronger domestic connectivity and improved access for international travellers.