Philippines
A fast-growing economy anchored by remittances and outsourcing, with a security relationship with Washington that keeps getting tested in new ways.
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Jun- 2026 -5 JunePower
Japan is arming Southeast Asia with ships tailored to each threat
On June 5, Tokyo and Jakarta agreed to begin talks on transferring used Asagiri-class destroyers—3,500-ton air-defense capable hulls—while offering lighter Abukuma-class ships to Manila, signaling Japan's shift from aid donor…
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3 JunePower
Asia’s defence ministers reject US call for more ships, more summits
At Singapore's Shangri-La Dialogue on May 30, Pete Hegseth pushed allies toward 3.5% defence spending while regional leaders argued the real risk is a shortage of trust, not arms—a split…
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2 JuneSociety
Filipino pop groups are heading to Western festivals. The industry cannot keep up.
BINI played Coachella in April 2026 and SB19 is set for Lollapalooza later that year, but the Philippine music sector's financial infrastructure lags far behind its global fanbase momentum.
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1 JuneEarth
A super El Niño is coming to a warmer planet than ever
The World Meteorological Organization forecasts a 70% chance the 2025–2029 global average exceeds 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, stacking a potential strong El Niño on top of already-elevated baseline warmth.
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May- 2026 -29 MayPower
Japan permits lethal arms sales to Philippines as defense ties deepen in Tokyo
Philippine President Marcos Jr and Japanese PM Takaichi elevated bilateral ties to comprehensive strategic partnership on May 28, 2026, the 70th anniversary of normalized relations. Commitments include deepened maritime security…
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28 MayPower
Philippines ends Angeles City rescue as 16 remain missing after building collapse
A four-story commercial building under construction collapsed on May 26, 2026, in Angeles City, Pampanga, killing at least four workers and leaving 16 others officially listed as missing. Philippine authorities…
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25 MayCapital
Asian bond selloff deepens as oil prices and US rate bets drive yields to 7.4%
Rising U.S. rate expectations and Brent crude near $111 per barrel are forcing India, the Philippines, and Indonesia into a fiscal corner. Indonesia's 10-year government bond yield reached 7.4% on…
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25 MayEarth
Philippines building collapse kills one, exposes unauthorised rooftop pool in Angeles City
A nine-storey building collapsed in Angeles City, Philippines, killing at least one and trapping dozens. An unauthorised rooftop swimming pool, not on approved plans, is a likely cause. The incident…
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24 MaySociety
Miss Universe Philippines winner sparks debate on diaspora identity and colonial beauty standards
The 2026 Miss Universe Philippines title, won by Bea Millan-Windorski — a half-Filipina, half-Polish-German woman raised in the United States who previously represented the US at a Miss Earth competition…
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23 MayEarth
HSBC’s $4 billion facility routes Chinese clean energy to Philippines, bypassing US influence
HSBC has launched a $4-billion Sustainability and Transition Credit Facility to finance mainland Chinese clean energy companies expanding into Southeast Asia, with the Philippines identified as a primary destination. The…
