Asia

"Growth across the first quarter of 2026 (1Q 2026) confirms divergence rather than uniformity, and divergence, rather than headline speed, is what sophisticated capital now prices," said Juwai IQI global chief economist Shan Saeed

Philippine lawmakers, cabinet officials and the military have pushed back sharply against claims by Chinese academics that Batanes is a "geographical extension of Taiwan" belonging to China, calling it historical revisionism and information warfare.

The Philippines has launched its e-Visa programme for travellers from Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland, allowing those planning stays beyond 30 days to apply online at evisa.gov.ph without visiting an embassy

The AFP has recorded 74 Chinese naval and coast guard vessels across four key West Philippine Sea features in June, slightly down from May's 82 but still showing what Manila describes as continued illegal, coercive and deceptive maritime activities by Beijing.

Registered marriages in the Philippines have dropped 13.5% over the last decade, with more Filipinos choosing cohabitation over formal unions amid rising costs and shifting social norms, according to new government data.

The Philippines has launched the final stage of its HCFC phase-out plan, targeting complete elimination of the ozone-depleting cooling chemical by 2030 after already achieving nearly 70% reduction ahead of schedule.

Quezon City's mayor has urged residents not to panic after COVID-19 cases rose to 84 between June 11 and July 1, up from 23 the previous period, stressing all infections have been mild and isolated.

The Philippine Navy has launched its third landing dock at PT PAL Indonesia's shipyard in Surabaya, with the vessel expected to be named BRP Ilocos Norte and commissioned within the year as part of the AFP's modernisation programme.

The Philippines and Malaysia are exploring expanded cooperation on skills training, green jobs, halal certification, and workforce development, as labour ties between the two countries deepen.

President Marcos has reaffirmed the strength of Philippines-US ties following his official visit to Canada on Saturday (Jul 4), saying bilateral relations continue to grow stronger and are expanding into new areas driven by emerging technologies.

Dubai Customs has held a briefing session with IRDA on the JS-SEZ, showing a growth in international interest in the cross-border zone as a trade, logistics and investment hub

Malacañang insists Philippine-China relations remain "good" despite sharp exchanges between Defence Secretary Teodoro and Beijing, as the Palace reaffirms Manila's commitment to asserting its rights through diplomacy rather than provocation

From Gallup's State of the Global Workplace 2026. 50% of Filipino workers experienced stress. The Southeast Asian average is 25%, and worldwide it is 40%

The Philippines has expressed grave concern over escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz following ship strikes and US action against Iran, urging all parties to uphold existing peace commitments and pursue diplomacy.