Manila Times

Singapore Considers Lower Taxes for Fund Managers as Hong Kong Intensifies Talent Contest

The city-state is examining tax and operating-cost relief for investment firms after Hong Kong proposed broader exemptions on carried interest and performance fees.

Proposed U.S.-Saudi Nuclear Pact Could Permit Limited Uranium Enrichment Under International Safeguards

A draft cooperation framework would open Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear market to American technology while potentially allowing sensitive fuel-cycle activities under negotiated restrictions, but no final agreement has been signed or su...

Artificial Intelligence Capital Fuels Markets While Governments and Regulators Face Mounting Strategic Tests

Global investment is concentrating around artificial intelligence, driving financial markets, reshaping corporate strategy and intensifying competition between governments, even as regulatory and governance challenges emerge across Asia.

China’s Moonshot’s Kimi K3 Narrows the Gap With Anthropic Through Scale, Openness and Lower Cost

The Chinese start-up’s new open-weight model posts competitive coding and agentic results against leading American systems, challenging the assumption that frontier artificial intelligence remains confined to a small group of United Stat...

Gold and Cash Seizure Puts Indonesia’s Senior Anti-Corruption Prosecutor Under Investigation

Police found seventy-four kilograms of gold and hundreds of billions of rupiah during raids linked to Febrie Adriansyah, intensifying concern that rival law-enforcement institutions are using corruption cases against one another.

The Ledger Will Not Trust on Faith

Artificial-intelligence agents can reconcile accounts, pursue anomalies and draft reports, but finance will accept autonomy only when every action remains visible, reversible and humanly accountable.

Philippine Government Monitors Weather Risks as Rainy Season Tests Disaster Preparedness Systems

Authorities continue preparing for possible weather disruptions as the southwest monsoon brings rainfall risks across parts of Luzon. Disaster resilience and climate preparedness remain major national priorities for the Philippines.

Philippines Uses ASEAN Leadership to Expand Regional Influence on Security and Economic Cooperation

The Philippines is leveraging its ASEAN role to increase involvement in regional security discussions, economic cooperation, and crisis management. Manila’s diplomatic engagement is strengthening its position as an important Southeast As...

Philippine Economic Policy Faces Pressure as Government Balances Consumer Support and Investor Confidence

Economic policymakers are managing competing demands for lower living costs, wage increases, social assistance, and maintaining a favourable environment for investment. These challenges remain central to public expectations and business ...

Philippines Seeks Greater International Support for Maritime Rights Through Diplomacy and Security Partnerships

The Marcos administration continues building support from allies and partners as maritime disputes with China remain unresolved. The government’s approach combines diplomatic engagement, defence cooperation, and ASEAN coordination.

Philippine Public Debate Intensifies Over Inflation Relief, Governance, and Administration Performance

Public attention ahead of President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address is focused on inflation, government assistance programmes, economic management, and leadership performance. The administration faces pressure to demonstrate improvem...

United States–China Competition Increases Philippines’ Importance in Indo-Pacific Strategic Planning

The Philippines is becoming a more prominent player in Southeast Asian security as competition between Washington and Beijing increasingly focuses on maritime security, alliances, and regional influence. Recent diplomatic activity has re...

Philippines Continues Infrastructure and Urban Development Push Ahead of State of the Nation Address

Infrastructure projects, transportation improvements, and urban development remain major priorities for the Marcos administration as officials prepare to highlight government achievements and future plans during the upcoming State of the...

Marcos Administration Balances Social Assistance Programmes With Economic Growth Priorities

Government programmes covering rice subsidies, cash assistance, and wage discussions show the Marcos administration attempting to support households while maintaining economic growth and investor confidence. Policymakers continue balanci...

Philippines Links Maritime Stability With Food Security as West Philippine Sea Dispute Expands Beyond Defence Issues

Government officials are increasingly connecting West Philippine Sea access with agricultural resilience, fishing livelihoods, and food supply concerns. The maritime dispute is being viewed not only as a security challenge but also as an...

Philippines Strengthens ASEAN Security Role Through High-Level Diplomatic Engagement in Manila

The Philippines is using upcoming ASEAN meetings to strengthen its role in regional security discussions, with foreign ministers expected to address maritime disputes, economic uncertainty, and major power competition. Manila is becoming...

Philippine Defence Officials Maintain Firm Position on West Philippine Sea Rights and Maritime Security

The Philippine government continues to emphasise international law and maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea as tensions with China remain unresolved. The dispute continues influencing defence planning, foreign policy decisions, and...

Manila Authorities Prepare Road Closures and Traffic Measures Ahead of Large Public Rally

The Manila Police District announced traffic rerouting and road closure measures ahead of a major public rally in the Liwasang Bonifacio area. Authorities are preparing for mobility disruptions and security challenges as political gather...

Southwest Monsoon Brings Rainfall Risks Across Luzon as PAGASA Issues Weather Advisories

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration warned that the southwest monsoon is affecting western parts of Northern and Central Luzon with scattered rains and thunderstorms. Authorities continue moni...

Philippines Leads ASEAN Efforts to Address Myanmar Crisis Through Regional Diplomacy

Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro is expected to brief ASEAN counterparts on engagement with Myanmar stakeholders, including opposition groups and military representatives. As ASEAN coordinator on Myanmar, the Philippines i...

United States and Allied Maritime Cooperation Raises Philippines’ Strategic Role in Indo-Pacific Security

The Philippines remains central to wider Indo-Pacific security efforts as the United States and partners expand maritime cooperation in response to China’s activities in disputed waters. The focus includes coast guard operations, militar...

Philippines Uses Singapore Visit to Boost Investment Outreach and Economic Partnerships Under Marcos Administration

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Singapore visit focused on attracting investment and strengthening economic ties as the government promotes foreign capital, infrastructure development, and industrial expansion as drivers of economic gro...

Marcos Administration Opens Wage Increase Discussions as Regional Boards Prepare Possible Pay Adjustments

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said regional wage boards may decide additional pay increases later in the year following previous wage adjustments. The issue remains politically sensitive as workers seek higher incomes while businesses w...

Philippines Announces Additional Financial Assistance for Millions of Low-Income Families Facing Fuel Cost Pressures

The Marcos administration announced another round of financial assistance for millions of poor and low-income households affected by higher fuel costs. The programme reflects continued government efforts to reduce the impact of external ...

Philippines Expands Subsidised Rice Programme to Seven Million Families Amid Food Price Concerns

The Marcos administration said its subsidised rice programme has reached seven million Filipino families as the government continues efforts to address food affordability and inflation pressures. Rice prices remain a major political and ...

Philippine National Police Deploys More Than Twenty Thousand Personnel for Marcos State of the Nation Address

The Philippine National Police is completing security preparations for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address on July twenty-seventh, with more than twenty thousand personnel assigned. Authorities are preparin...

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Records Lowest Trust Rating Ahead of Fifth State of the Nation Address

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s trust rating has fallen to its lowest level during his administration, with a survey showing thirty-four percent of Filipinos expressing high trust in the president. The decline comes ahead of his fifth S...

Philippines Highlights West Philippine Sea Access as Critical to Fisherfolk Livelihoods and National Food Security

The Department of Agriculture said continued access to fishing grounds in the West Philippine Sea is essential for more than four hundred fifty thousand Filipino fisherfolk and for national food security. The government is increasingly l...

Philippines Hosts ASEAN Foreign Ministers as South China Sea and Myanmar Crisis Take Centre Stage

The Philippines is preparing to host ASEAN foreign ministers for discussions on maritime disputes, Myanmar’s political crisis, regional economic concerns, and efforts toward a stronger regional code of conduct. The meetings will bring to...

Philippines Files Diplomatic Protest Over China State Media Video Amid Rising West Philippine Sea Tensions

The Philippine government protested a China Daily video that depicted Filipinos as monkeys, saying the material was offensive and unacceptable. The dispute adds pressure to already strained Philippine–China relations following repeated m...

Philippines and United States Deepen Security Coordination as Marco Rubio Prepares Manila Visit for ASEAN Talks

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Manila for ASEAN meetings and discussions with Philippine officials, with South China Sea security, regional stability, Myanmar, and broader United States–China competiti...

Ukraine’s Leadership Rift Spills Into the Streets as Protesters Target Army Chief

The dismissal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has exposed a dispute over military modernization, battlefield command and presidential authority, prompting rare public demonstrations against General Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Philippine Economy Maintains Growth Momentum Through Services, Manufacturing and Foreign Investment

The Philippine economy continues to be supported by services exports, domestic consumption, manufacturing activity and foreign investment. Policymakers are focusing on productivity improvements, infrastructure development and competitive...

Philippines Targets Greater Investment in Critical Minerals, Energy and Technology Industries

The Philippines is seeking increased foreign investment in strategic sectors including minerals, energy and technology as companies reassess global supply chains. Government efforts to attract investment highlight the country’s ambition ...

Philippines Expands Maritime Security Cooperation as South China Sea Monitoring Continues

The Philippines is increasing maritime coordination with international partners as tensions continue in the South China Sea. Manila’s security approach remains focused on protecting maritime interests, strengthening regional cooperation ...

Philippine Digital Economy Expands Through Growth in Technology Services and Business Process Management

The Philippines continues strengthening its digital economy through information technology services, business process management and technology investment. The sector remains an important source of employment, export earnings and interna...

Philippines Accelerates Infrastructure Development to Improve Transport and Economic Connectivity

The Philippine government continues expanding major infrastructure projects focused on transport networks, logistics systems and urban connectivity. Infrastructure investment remains central to improving economic competitiveness, support...

Philippines Strengthens Energy Security Strategy as Global Fuel Risks Highlight Import Dependence

The Philippines continues prioritizing energy security as international fuel market pressures expose the country’s reliance on imported energy sources. Energy stability remains a major economic concern because fuel costs directly affect ...

Philippines Secures Two Point Five Billion Dollars in Canadian Investment Commitments Across Mining, Energy and Technology Sectors

The Philippine government secured investment commitments from Canada covering mining, critical minerals, energy, services and information technology-business process management industries. The commitments support Manila’s efforts to attr...

Marcos Administration Expands Economic and Security Cooperation With United States Through Trade and Infrastructure Initiatives

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s government is advancing cooperation with the United States and regional partners across security, energy, trade and infrastructure, including projects connected to the Luzon Economic Corridor. The initiat...

Philippines Reaffirms South China Sea Arbitration Position as International Support for 2016 Ruling Continues

The Philippine government continues promoting the legal significance of the 2016 South China Sea arbitration award as several countries reaffirm support for the ruling. The issue remains central to Philippine foreign policy as Manila str...

Philippines Protests China Over Controversial Video as South China Sea Diplomatic Tensions Increase

The Philippine government has filed a formal diplomatic protest against China over an animated video released by China Daily that Manila said portrayed Filipinos negatively and misrepresented the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling. ...

The Ten World Cup Finals That Defined Football History

From Pelé’s emergence in Sweden and Uruguay’s shock at the Maracanã to Zidane’s final act and Messi’s triumph in Qatar, these matches set the standard awaiting Argentina and Spain in the 2026 final.

Smartphones Are Getting More Expensive, Sales Are Collapsing, and Even Apple Admits: "Prices Will Rise"

Surging memory prices, soaring demand for artificial intelligence hardware and supply chain disruptions are driving smartphone prices higher while analysts forecast the steepest annual market contraction on record.

Leadership Change and Strategic Rivalry Redraw the Political Map

Britain’s political transition, renewed pressure between Washington and Tehran, domestic unrest in the United States, closer Russia-China alignment and a new India-United Kingdom trade framework defined a week of widening geopolitical re...