Inquirer

JAKARTA — Indonesia welcomed on Tuesday Brazil’s announcement that it had become a full member of BRICS, a bloc of developing economies increasingly seen as a counterweight to the West. The Brazilian foreign ministry said in a statement on Monday that Southeast Asia’s most populous country “shares with the other members the will to reform the institutions of global governance and contribute positively to cooperation within the Global South”. Brazil, which holds the rotating presidency of the grouping in 2025, said Indonesia’s bid to join the bloc had been approved during a summit in 2023 in Johannesburg. READ: Trump threatens […]…

Keep on reading: Indonesia welcomes its entry into BRICS bloc

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is relentlessly pursuing the country’s bid to improve its global literacy standing, notably in reading skills and comprehension. Under the President’s leadership, the “Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program” of the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD), a flagship program of the national government through Executive Order NO 76, s. 2024, has benefited about 99,103 learners, 15,003 tutors, 3,520 youth development workers since 2023. In 2024 alone, the “Tara, Basa” program supported 62,418 learners, 8,174 tutors, and 2,434 youth development workers (YDWs). In partnership with LGUs, the Tara Basa is now implemented in the National Capital […]…

Keep on reading: Over 100,000 learners, tutors benefit from Marcos admin’s relentless ‘Tara, Basa’ program

A few months before the upcoming May elections, the Philippine political landscape is fraught with turmoil, rife with allegations and accusations that paint a harrowing picture of governance under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte. What is becoming increasingly apparent is a dangerous fusion of power dynamics and vicious propaganda  that threaten […]…

Keep on reading: Turmoil ahead: the Marcos-Duterte Crisis

MANILA, Philippines — Despite the high likelihood that the underwater drone discovered near Masbate province was used for scientific purposes, it still can be considered a national security concern according to Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino. Tolentino in a press briefing on Monday stressed that national security does not only involve military matters, but also other issues like food security. Prior to this, the Senator said that the underwater drone, suspected to be Chinese of origin, was probably used for scientific explorations as submersibles for this purpose are colored red or yellow. Military drones, on the other hand, are black. […]…

Keep on reading: Underwater drone recovery still a security issue – Tolentino

The Golden Globe Awards delivered yet another unforgettable night of historic wins, red carpet moments, and noteworthy acceptance speeches. From Demi Moore finally taking home her first Golden Globe after decades in Hollywood to Zendaya sparking engagement rumors, the evening was packed with headline grabbers. Scroll down to get the skinny on some of the most memorable moments of the 82nd Golden Globes—from heartfelt speeches to red carpet surprises. From popcorn actress to Golden Globe awardee One of the night’s biggest surprises was Demi Moore’s win for best actress in a comedy or musical. Her comeback performance in “The Substance,” […]…

Keep on reading: Golden Globes: Demi Moore’s first win, Denzel Washington makes history

MANILA, Philippines — The restructuring of the National Security Council (NSC) does not indicate any rift within the country’s security sector, according to NSC spokesperson Jonathan Malaya. In a public briefing on Monday, Malaya was asked to comment on speculation that the council’s reorganization is a sign of a split within the security sector. READ: NSC changes reveal worsening political disputes – groups “Wala pong rift sa security sector. Ang atin pong mga unipormadong sundalo, personnel ng ating pamahalaan, ay 100 percent behind the constituted authority and the chain of command,” he said at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing. (There is […]…

Keep on reading: NSC restructuring not a sign of rift in security sector – Malaya

MANILA, Philippines — The presence of China’s monster ship off the coast of Zambales since last Saturday is an act of “intimidation, coercion, and aggression,” National Security Council spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said. In a public briefing on Monday, Malaya was asked about the possible reason behind the presence of Coast Guard Vessel 5901, dubbed “The Monster,” in Philippine territory. READ: PCG continues to monitor China’s monster ship detected near Luzon “Obviously, this is an act of intimidation, coercion, and aggression against the Philippines,” he said at the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing. Malaya noted that radio challenges and shadowing continue against […]…

Keep on reading: China’s ‘monster ship’ off Zambales an act of aggression – NSC

PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES — A Hamas official said Sunday the group was ready to free 34 hostages in the “first phase” of a potential deal with Israel, after Israel said indirect talks on a truce and hostage release agreement had resumed in Qatar. Mediators Qatar, Egypt and the United States have tried for months to strike a deal to end the war. The latest effort comes just days before Donald Trump takes office as president of the United States on January 20. The talks took place as Israel pounded the Gaza Strip on Sunday, killing at least 23 people according to […]…

Keep on reading: Hamas official says ready to free 34 Gaza hostages under mooted deal

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman had declared that the national budget for 2025 would reflect the Marcos administration’s determination to fulfill “the needs and aspirations of the Filipino people,” who are confronted by a multitude of daunting challenges, not least of which is the unabated increase in the prices of basic goods and commodities that has […]…

Keep on reading: Curing the 2025 national budget

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Marbil ordered “extensive” security preparations to ensure public safety during the Traslacion, the grand traditional procession of the image of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9. The Manila Police District (MPD) has gone on “heightened alert” for the week-long activities for the Feast of the Black Nazarene. READ: MPD on ‘heightened alert’ despite no threat to Nazareno 2025 “With millions of devotees expected to join the highly anticipated Traslacion 2025, the Philippine National Police… has implemented extensive security preparations to guarantee a safe, orderly, and meaningful event for all participants,” […]…

Keep on reading: PNP chief orders ‘extensive’ security preps for Traslacion 2025