Context Dispatch
BOC, Guess join forces vs. P15.8B in counterfeit goods
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) and global fashion brand Guess intensified their campaign against counterfeit goods following the seizure of over 1.7 million fake items worth an estimated P15.8 billion in Divisoria, Manila—marking one of the country’s biggest anti-counterfeiting operations to date.
Lazaro’s Appointment Affirms Strong WPS Policy Direction—Stratbase
The appointment of Ma. Theresa Lazaro as Secretary of Foreign Affairs has been welcomed as a strategic affirmation of the Philippines’ assertive foreign policy in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to the think tank Stratbase Institute.
Think tank slams China’s aggression in Philippine waters
The Stratbase Institute has issued a strong condemnation of the latest aggressive actions by the China Coast Guard against Philippine research vessels, describing the acts as “unacceptable” and a “direct threat” to Filipino personnel operating within the country’s own territorial waters.
Construction activity picks up in March
The Philippines saw a modest rise in construction activity in March 2025, as approved building permits reached 14,973, up 3.4 percent from 14,477 in the same month last year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Citing Bias and Partiality: Court Orders ERC Chair to Inhibit from NGCP Rate Case
The Court of Appeals (CA) has directed Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta to inhibit from participating in the proceedings for the resolution of the rate application of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
