The Philippines has stayed off the United States’ intellectual property watchlist for a 13th straight year, underscoring sustained progress in enforcement even as risks tied to counterfeit goods persist.

Japanese Special Envoy Mr. Kishida Fumio, representing Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae, visited the Philippines for high-level talks with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Energy Secretary Sharon Garin. The visit highlights Japan’s growing focus on enhancing regional energy security, economic growth, and decarbonization through the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC).

On Labor Day, the Makati Business Club (MBC) sounded the alarm on mounting pressures confronting both Filipino workers and employers, as surging fuel and food prices continue to erode real wages and squeeze business margins amid a volatile global backdrop.