The quiet slopes of Mount Pulag, the Philippines’ third-highest peak, have become the unlikely stage for a passionate online debate — not over policy or politics, but a cat. Pugal, a stray feline who had become a familiar and beloved figure among hikers, was removed from the mountain by environmental authorities, sparking an emotional outcry […]

The Philippines has thrown its weight behind a proposed unified visa system for Southeast Asia, saying it could transform the region into a single, globally competitive tourism hub. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco voiced support for the initiative at the SKIFT Asia Forum 2025 in Bangkok on May 15, where she was a keynote speaker. […]

The country’s 2025 midterm elections smashed records for speed and scale, with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) proclaiming all 12 winning senators on Saturday, just five days after polls closed — the fastest canvassing in the country’s electoral history. Voter turnout also reached a historic high, with 57,350,968 out of 69,673,653 registered voters casting ballots […]

Former president Rodrigo Duterte has secured a decisive victory in Davao City’s mayoral race, marking a powerful political comeback in his longtime bastion—even as he faces a politically charged case before the International Criminal Court (ICC). Duterte’s return to local leadership underscores the enduring support for the tough-talking leader, who enjoyed national popularity during his […]

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledged over the weekend that the country’s first subway system will begin operations before he leaves office in 2028. Marcos made the announcement during a political gathering in Batangas province, presenting the long-delayed Metro Manila Subway as a symbol of progress and modernization. “Bago po ako matatapos bilang Pangulo, magkakaroon na […]

Philippine roads are in the grip of a national safety crisis, transport advocate and Angkasangga Party-list nominee George Royeca said on Tuesday, calling for sweeping reforms to protect commuters and frontline transport workers. Speaking at the Pandesal Forum, Royeca cited recent fatal crashes—including a multi-vehicle collision along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and an accident at […]

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved an executive order allowing the issuance of Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs) to foreign remote workers, aiming to boost Philippine tourism and the economy. Executive Order No. 86, signed on April 24, authorizes the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to issue DNVs to non-immigrant foreigners working remotely for clients or […]

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on Wednesday called for stronger integration of sustainability in national tourism policy, speaking at a forum organized by the Italian Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines. Addressing participants at the 2025 Philippine Sustainability Now Forum, held at Dusit Thani Manila, Frasco said the Department of Tourism (DOT) is committed to […]

In a landmark move celebrating heritage, identity, and belonging, Clark County commissioners voted unanimously to establish a “Filipino Town” cultural district along Maryland Parkway — marking a historic first for Nevada’s largest Asian American community. The April 15 vote formalizes a 1.2-mile stretch between Flamingo Road and Desert Inn Road as a cultural and commercial […]

Authorities have arrested three suspects in connection with the kidnapping and killing of Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que and his driver, Armanie Pabillo. The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed the arrests during a press conference on Saturday, April 19. Two of the suspects, Ricardo Austria David and Raymart Catequista, were taken into custody early on April […]