LIVE UPDATES: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s SONA 2026
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27, 4 pm, at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.
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Newest first · UTC+11:00Lacson eyes plunder raps vs those behind anomalous infra projects in Taguig
(UPDATE) MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson said that plunder - a non-bailable offense - may be among the charges that could be filed against those involved in the anomalous infrastructure projects in Taguig City, the bailiwick of Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano.
· Catherine S. Valente
Vice Ganda draws backlash over 'It's Showtime' skit involving Baby Dolls member
MANILA, Philippines — Television host and comedian Vice Ganda came under fire on social media after a comedy segment on “It's Showtime” featuring Johaira of the show's resident dance group, Baby Dolls, drew accusations of colorism and insensitive humor from viewers.
· Iza Iglesias
Lacson vows 'logical conclusion' for probe into anomalous infra projects in Taguig
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson on Saturday said he and his team continued pursuing leads in their investigation into the anomalous slope protection and drainage projects in Taguig City, as they seek to bring the investigation into its "logical conclusion" and hold those responsible accountable.
· Catherine S. Valente
Rescatistas indonesios buscan lancha rápida desaparecida con 11 turistas europeos y 2 tripulantes
PALU, Indonesia (AP) — Los rescatistas indonesios buscan una lancha rápida en la que viajaban 11 turistas europeos y dos tripulantes locales y que desapareció frente a una bahía en la isla de Célebes, informaron las autoridades el sábado.
Marcos signs law ensuring support for public schools in far-flung areas
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· jmantaring0370
Coffee-less coffee and chocolates without cocoa ― survival and politics of North Korea subsitute economy
Staff reporter at The Korea Herald’s National Desk, based in Seoul. Covers South Korea’s national security and foreign policy, with a focus on the Defense, Foreign and Unification Ministries, as well as the National Assembly.Before entering journalism, served as an Air Force officer. Experience includes providing tr…
· Hwang Joo-young
Japan's orphaned monkey sensation Punch to celebrate his 1st birthday
Punch, the baby Japanese macaque that captured hearts around the world after going viral earlier this year, turns 1 on Sunday.
· Mayuko Ono
EJ Obiena explains why he changed coach, moved training base to Athens
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino Olympic pole vaulter Ernerst John "EJ" Obiena made big changes as he tries to regain his old form, training under a new coach in Polish Marcin Szcepanski and moving his training base from Formia, Italy to Athens, Greece last month.
· Niel Victor C. Masoy
China builds up Antelope Reef as new regional power base
What was once a mostly submerged feature in the northwestern corner of the South China Sea is expected to become one of China’s newest centers for power projection as Beijing seeks to consolidate its hold over most of the maritime area, including waters that legally fall within the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of…
· Kurt Dela Peña
Zubiri pushes self-defense bill, responsible gun ownership
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri on Tuesday laid out his legislative agenda on firearms policy before industry stakeholders at the 32nd AFAD Defense & Sporting Arms Show at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, balancing expanded gun rights with stricter accountability for negligent owners.
· The Manila Times
Indonesian rescuers search for missing speedboat with 11 European tourists and 2 locals
PALU, Indonesia (AP) — Indonesian rescuers are searching for a speedboat carrying 11 European tourists and two local crew members that went missing off a bay on Sulawesi island, officials said Saturday.
Alyssa Valdez goes public with boyfriend Ian Umali on shared birthday celebration
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine volleyball icon Alyssa Valdez has officially confirmed her relationship with Quantum Golf president Ian Umali after publicly referring to him as her “boyfriend” during their joint birthday celebration last Friday, July 26, at MiraNamin in Quezon City.
· Nicole Anne D.G. Bugauisan
Road closures, rerouting set for Marcos' 5th SONA
MANILA, Philippines — Several major roads in Manila will be temporarily closed and traffic rerouting schemes will take effect beginning July 26, 20266 in preparation for the fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 27, the Manila City government has announced.
· Dan Madrazo
Kotikula ousts Mhasde to reach Hilado J60 World Tennis final
MANILA, Philippines — Second seed Ryu Kotikula of Thailand marched to the final after beating Aaradhya Mhasde, 6-0, 6-4, Saturday in the first leg of the Oscar J. Hilado J60 World Tennis Championship Friday at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
· The Manila Times
Kotikula, Kukreti seal Hilado J60 World Tennis final showdown
MANILA, Philippines — Second seed Ryu Kotikula of Thailand marched to the final after beating Aaradhya Mhasde, 6-0, 6-4, Saturday in the first leg of the Oscar J. Hilado J60 World Tennis Championship at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
· The Manila Times
Some 52,000 visit 'K-Heritage House' during UNESCO session in Busan
More than 52,000 people have visited a large-scale pavilion built to showcase South Korea's heritage, to mark the country's first hosting of a UNESCO World Heritage Committee session under way in the southeastern city of Busan, data showed Saturday.
· Yonhap
China multa a la plataforma de viajes Trip.com con 765 millones de dólares por abusos de monopolio
Trabajadoras atienden a una viajera en un puesto de promoción de la agencia de viajes Trip.com en Beijing, el 15 de junio de 2025. (AP Foto/Andy Wong)
Robin Padilla responds to fellow actor Angel Locsin's criticism with understanding
MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Robinhood Padilla chose not to confront actress Angel Locsin following an open letter on her Instagram account where she criticized the politics of the actor-turned-politician and urged him to "wake up."
· Mark Carlo Sibug
Tifón Noul se acerca al sur de China y pone a la región en alerta por lluvia y viento
HONG KONG (AP) — El tifón Noul podría dejar fuertes vientos y lluvias al sur de China, incluido Hong Kong, durante el fin de semana, lo que mantiene a la región en máxima alerta.
India's 'Cockroach' protesters use memes and humor to challenge Modi
A protestor holds a placard with the message “Every Joke is a Tiny Revolution” during a demonstration demanding educational reforms as part of the Cockroach Janta Party’s ongoing protest movement in New Delhi, India, Thursday, July 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Verda Sabzwari)
· Sheikh Saaliq
Ukraine insists Japan’s pacifist rules permit Patriot missile help
A senior aide to Ukraine’s president said Kyiv was looking to Tokyo for ‘defence cooperation’ to operate the American air defence system
· Kyodo
Ukraine insists Japan’s pacifist rules permit Patriot missile help
A senior aide to Ukraine’s president said Kyiv was looking to Tokyo for ‘defence cooperation’ to operate the American air defence system
· Kyodo
Rail and air services cancelled and schools shut as southern China braces for Typhoon Noul
The third typhoon to hit the country this month is expected to make landfall overnight bringing heavy rains and strong winds
· Phoebe Zhang
Rail and air services cancelled and schools shut as southern China braces for Typhoon Noul
The third typhoon to hit the country this month is expected to make landfall overnight bringing heavy rains and strong winds
· Phoebe Zhang
Korea, US tech giants forge $950 billion in chip partnerships: Cheong Wa Dae
For over a decade, I’ve navigated the complexities of North Korean affairs, security, and foreign policy from both Seoul and Washington, D.C. As the National Desk Political Team Lead, I track the pulse of geopolitics, closely following developments from the Unification Ministry and the Foreign Ministry. My mornings …
· Ji Da-gyum
Nvidia locks down memory supply from SK Hynix as part of $500 billion AI deal
Nvidia said it's secured AI memory supply from South Korea's SK Hynix, as the chipmaker tries to lock in a key component for its advanced processors and systems.
· Kif Leswing
Home still temporary for some students displaced by 2024 Quito fire in Puerto Princesa
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· Jee Geronimo
Maypajo, Caloocan furniture makers strive to sustain their craft
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· Mia Gonzalez
Today in Korean history
1950 -- About 300 South Korean civilian refugees are killed by retreating U.S. troops at Nogun-ri, a village in central South Korea, during the early weeks of the Korean War. In 1999, after repeated denials, the U.S. government under then President Bill Clinton acknowledged that the massacre took place and expressed…
· Lee Minji
China's cleaning robots mop up 70% of global share through innovation
Roborock's Saros Rover is in development to become the world's first cleaning robot that climbs stairs. (Photo by Kohei Fujimura)
· Staff Writer
Japan courts India, Malaysia to escape US-China AI duopoly
Fears over foreign software curbs have pushed Tokyo to pitch its own tech to Asian partners and others
· Kyodo
Japan courts India, Malaysia to escape US-China AI duopoly
Fears over foreign software curbs have pushed Tokyo to pitch its own tech to Asian partners and others
· Kyodo
China hits travel platform Trip.com with $765M in fines
Workers attend to a traveller at a travel agency Trip.com Group’s promotion booth in Beijing on June 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Some 52,000 visit 'K-Heritage House' during UNESCO session in Busan
SEOUL, July 25 (Yonhap) -- More than 52,000 people have visited a large-scale pavilion built to showcase South Korea's heritage, to mark the country's first hosting of a UNESCO World Heritage Committee session under way in the southeastern city of Busan, data showed Saturday.
· Lee Minji
More than 30 restaurants pull out of dog-friendly scheme, 70 warnings issued
Hong Kong environment chief says overall compliance is ‘acceptable’ and is confident ‘teething’ problems will be solved to develop pet-friendly culture
· Cannix Yau
Blind spot: The hidden workers behind Indonesia’s digital boom
Keep independent journalism alive
· Rabiul Misa
'Kiyapo' maintains strength as it moves away from PH but will continue to enhance southwest monsoon
MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Kiyapo (International name: Noul) maintained its strength as it moved toward China while enhancing the southwest monsoon that is affecting the country, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
· Red Mendoza
Waratahs spoil Fijian Drua party to claim third straight Super Rugby Women’s title
Fijian Drua 17-34 NSW Waratahs as grand final held in Fiji for first time
· Australian Associated Press
Can China’s aerospace industry overcome ‘execution gap’ in modernisation goals?
Researchers have identified four challenges that could undermine Beijing’s five-year plan for a modern military by 2030
· Caroline Lin
Can China’s aerospace industry overcome ‘execution gap’ in modernisation goals?
Researchers have identified four challenges that could undermine Beijing’s five-year plan for a modern military by 2030
· Caroline Lin
Cambodia’s war on scammers needs a blueprint built to last
Rounding up foot soldiers is easy. The hard part is tracing cash, exposing high-level enablers and protecting coerced victims
· Chheang Vannarith
Cambodia’s war on scammers needs a blueprint built to last
Rounding up foot soldiers is easy. The hard part is tracing cash, exposing high-level enablers and protecting coerced victims
· Chheang Vannarith
Inside the impeachment court, students watch the testing of democracy
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· jmantaring0370
Typhoon Noul nears southern China, putting region on high alert for heavy rain
HONG KONG (AP) — Typhoon Noul is expected to bring winds and heavy rain to southern China including Hong Kong over the weekend, putting the region on high alert.
Warnings lifted as Typhoon Kiyapo moves away, but monsoon rain persists
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· Acor Arceo
More S. Korean tidal flats gain UNESCO World Heritage status
SEOUL, July 25 (Yonhap) -- The UNESCO World Heritage Committee decided Saturday to expand the boundaries of South Korea's tidal flats on its World Heritage List.
· Shim Sun-ah
South Korea's UNESCO-listed tidal flats expanded with 4 new sites
UNESCO's World Heritage Committee on Saturday approved the expansion of South Korea's "getbol," or tidal flats, adding four new coastal areas to the World Heritage List during its annual session in Busan.
· Hwang Dong-hee
Hong Kong’s first 5-year plan should take sustainability seriously
Readers suggest a list of environmental priorities for the city, and discuss renewed tensions in the South China Sea
· Letters
Hong Kong’s first 5-year plan should take sustainability seriously
Readers suggest a list of environmental priorities for the city, and discuss renewed tensions in the South China Sea
· Letters