Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

Filipino bishops demand online gambling ban
MANILA, Philippines – The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has appealed to the Marcos government to ban all forms of online gambling, which bishops called “a deep and widespread moral crisis” plaguing the Christian country....

Philippines Accelerates Tech Growth: Explore What’s Next in Consumer Electronics, Safety, and Security at WOCEE and WOSAS 2025
As the Philippines continues its fast-paced digital transformation, advancements in technology, safety, and security are reshaping the way Filipinos live, work, and connect. In response to this growing momentum, WOCEE (World of Consumer...

Manila to press US for tariff rollback
THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE on Thursday raised alarm over the US decision to increase tariffs on Philippine exports to 20%, as a high-level delegation prepares to fly to Washington next week to seek adjustments. The Philippine Exporters Confederation,...

Manila Central Post Office restoration on schedule
THE Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost) announced on Thursday that the procurement phase of the Manila Central Post Office rehabilitation project has begun. The PHLPost Bids and Awards Committee said a pre-bid conference is scheduled for July 23,...
Philippines heading back to US for fresh in-person talks after Trump tariff hike
MANILA – Manila is keeping its cool despite US President Donald Trump raising tariffs on Philippine exports to 20 per cent, up from the 17 per cent announced in April. The South-east Asian archipelago was among a second batch of seven nations to...

Tech veteran joins board of Converge
MANILA, Philippines — A veteran tech executive is joining the board of directors of broadband specialist Converge ICT Solutions Inc., strengthening its boardroom ahead of plans to go beyond the internet business. In a disclosure to the Philippine...

Philippine bet named 2nd runner-up in Miss Global Universe 2025
The Philippines’ Alyssa Mildred Villariña finished as second runner-up during the finals of Miss Global Universe 2025, won by Quinty Verhoeve of the Netherlands, held recently in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Miss Russia Oksana Altay was named first...
Filipino brand launches customizable mattress with interchangeable layers
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino home brand Mooni launched the first local customizable bed mattress with interchangeable layers. The brand's managing director Jam Chan Chua shared to members of the media, including Philstar.com, at its launch today...

Philippine fintech companies pledge stronger online gambling controls
The Philippines’ largest organization of financial technology companies has announced plans to implement stricter controls on online gambling access through digital payment platforms, joining growing regulatory efforts to address concerns over...

Singlife Philippines wins 3 major accolades at Asian Banking & Finance Fintech Awards 2025
MANILA, Philippines — Singlife Philippines reaffirmed its leadership in digital insurance innovation, winning three major accolades in the Asian Banking & Finance Fintech Awards 2025 held at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre in...

US firm launches its 1st virtual nursing hub in the Philippines
MANILA, Philippines — Worldwide Resource Solutions (WWRS), a subsidiary of US-based Medical Solutions and Worldwide HealthStaff Solutions Ltd., inaugurated its new operational site at the GBF Center in Bridgetowne, Quezon City. It marks the...

Philippines launches online driver’s license renewal to combat fixers
The Department of Transportation (DOTr), in collaboration with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), on Thursday launched an online driver’s license renewal system. The...

Call for ‘spaghetti wires’ removal all over metro mount as Manila initiates crackdown
Calls for “spaghetti wires” to be removed in the metro and other areas appeared online after the Manila city government and an electric distributor company began untangling overhead cables in the city. The Manila local government unit (LGU) and...

Bringing balance and function to the modern Filipino home
Toshiba Lifestyle Philippines is bringing a fresh approach to home living with the launch of its new Japandi Suite, a collection of appliances that balance design and function. The suite was unveiled alongside the Nature Pure Series during a...

Philippine fintech firms back stricter rules to access online gambling platforms
The FinTech Alliance Philippines, described as the country’s largest organisation representing financial technology (fintech) companies, says it supports calls for a strengthened regulatory framework on the use of digital financial services to...

Dubai spotlight on Filipino and global architects
Hosted by “Aurora” — AI meets Filipino ingenuity In a groundbreaking twist, this year’s event was hosted by Aurora — the first AI-powered virtual host of its kind in the region. Developed by SparksLab Technology, a Filipino-led team based in...

Philippines lawmaker seeks probe into online gambling’s social impact
Philippines representative Brian Poe filed a House resolution on Wednesday calling for an investigation into the growing social concerns surrounding online gambling and its impact on Filipino citizens, as the industry continues to generate massive...

Nuclear safety research gets boost with new institute, $66m funding as S’pore weighs energy viability
SINGAPORE - The Republic’s research initiative on nuclear safety is progressing further with a new institute, additional $66 million in funding and an expanded research scope that will help Singapore better evaluate nuclear power’s viability for...
Qantas data breach: watch out for social engineering scams
Last week, Qantas confirmed that a recent breach exposed frequent flyer information, including names, email addresses, phone numbers and dates of birth. The airline stated that credit card numbers, passport details, financial information and...
![[Vantage Point] Can the Philippines endure economic pain with Trump’s tariff?](https://www.rappler.com/tachyon/2025/07/TL-TRUMP-TARIFF-ON-PHILIPPINES-JULY-11-2025-copy.jpg)
[Vantage Point] Can the Philippines endure economic pain with Trump’s tariff?
The Philippines has recently been levied a 20% tariff on exports to the United States, more than the 17% toll that the country’s finance team was expecting from an April 2025 announcement. I’m tempted to say, “I told you so.” Some three weeks...