Gold from the Philippines is mostly mined by hand—but rarely traded above board. With about 500,000 artisanal and small-scale gold miners (ASGM) producing 70% of the country’s gold, formalizing this fragmented sector remains a political, legal, and environmental quagmire. Research conducted by the World Gold Council in early 2025 highlights how underregulated gold processing plants […]

U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks on November 16 during the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Peru, underscoring the critical need for cooperation and stability in U.S.-China relations. As the U.S. and China explore avenues for improving their relationship, the Philippines stands at a crossroads, facing both opportunities and […]