Philippines says 2 new mpox cases are milder variant
MANILA — The Philippines has confirmed two more mpox virus infections of the milder clade 2 variety, its health ministry said Monday (Aug 26), bringing the number of active cases to three.
Asian news from Philippines
Why the Philippines should rethink its South China Sea name-and-shame game
Far from easing tensions, mutual recriminations heightened the temperature in choppy waters. Both sides pandered to their domestic base. Maritime incidents worsened alarmingly, ranging from the use of lasers, dangerous manoeuvres, ship collisions, and water-cannon blasting to a physical scuffle that resulted in injuries to sailors. Flashpoints flared up at the Second Thomas, Scarborough, and Sabina Shoals. Chinese vessels sighted in Philippine waters increased. Beyond the West Philippine Sea, they were also spotted in the Philippine Sea in the east and Basilan and Sibutu Straits in the south. Close calls also occurred in the sky, with People’s Liberation Army aircraft dropping flares in the path of a Philippine Air Force plane patrolling in the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal.
Philippines says China's South China Sea moves 'aggressive, unprofessional and illegal'
MANILA — The Philippine government slammed China on Monday (Aug 26) for "repeated aggressive, unprofessional and illegal" actions in the South China Sea after a string of clashes and incidents on air and at sea over the past week.
Philippines ‘will be a target’ in event of nuclear war between China and US, analysts warn
“Regardless of [whether it’s an] immediate or direct threat, we are going to be affected,” warned Ramon Beleno III, head of the political science and history department at Ateneo De Davao University in the Philippines. “Even if they just hit Taiwan, because of our proximity … we will be a target.”
Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia top global disaster-readiness poll
HO CHI MINH CITY -- Southeast Asian nations lead the world in apparent disaster readiness, according to a new Gallup survey analysis, potentially providing examples for other poorer nations threatened by climate change to follow.
Philippines eases digital bank cap as industry fights for profits
MANILA -- Years after the first group of digital banks began operating in the Philippines, the country's central bank has opened the door for others to enter the market. However, with the frontrunners still struggling to make profits and manage credit risk, experts are divided over the prospects for new entrants and the industry as a whole.