Chinese scholars' assertions over Batanes are fueling fresh concerns that Beijing may be laying the groundwork for future territorial claims, even without making an official declaration. SeaLight director Ray Powell said the narrative coincides with China Coast Guard patrols that have pushed east of Taiwan and into the Philippine Sea since June 1, expanding operations beyond the disputed West Philippine Sea and the first island chain. He warned that Batanes and the Bashi Channel hold strategic value in any Taiwan contingency. Former Surigao del Norte representative Robert “Ace” Barbers described the development as a “creeping invasion” and urged Filipinos not to amplify Beijing’s messaging.
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya joined diplomats, government officials, and maritime experts yesterday to mark a decade since a landmark legal ruling on the South China Sea.
Ambassador Endo attended the special symposium on July 10, which was hosted by the Stratbase ADR Institute for Strategic and International Studies. The event allowed leaders and analysts to discuss the current state of regional waters exactly ten years after an international tribunal issued its decision in the case between the Philippines and China.
When Hidilyn Diaz won the Philippines' first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo in 2021, most of the country's newest weightlifting sensations were still in grade school, some not even teenagers. Five years later, they are no longer just watching their hero. They are following her footsteps, one lift at a time.
Manila Water is strengthening water supply reliability across its East Zone concession through a full set of contingency resources, serving nearly eight million customers...
The Department of Transportation has approved 12 major rail projects valued at over $30 billion, marking a significant shift after decades of slow progress in the country's transit sector. Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan reported that seven of these major projects are currently under construction, one is finished, and six are slated to open within the next seven years. In a push for environmental sustainability, all 12 networks are designed as fully electric railway systems.
Meralco clarified that customers with pending billing disputes will not have their power cut, and do not need to pay the contested amount while their cases are being reviewed. The announcement follows recent social media concerns over billing issues. The firm also noted that the Energy Regulatory Commission’s nationwide suspension on disconnections for all unpaid bills from May to July 2026 remains in effect. Meralco urged customers to raise questions through official channels, adding that all concerns are being assessed and resolved promptly.
Globe has maintained its top position in the Philippine mobile market, boosted by ongoing investments in network quality, customer experience and new technologies.