News

Metro Manila, Philippines –  The Philippines is the world’s top retirement destination for 2026, according to the latest Retirement Abroad Index released by United Kingdom-based insurer Expatriate Group. The country topped 20 nations evaluated in the index, which measures retirement destinations based on healthcare quality, visa accessibility, insurance requirements, cost of living, and expat integration. The recognition follows the Philippines’ earlier win as Best Retirement Destination in Asia at the 2025 TripZilla Excellence Awards, reinforcing its appeal among foreign retirees. At the center of the country’s retirement program is the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV), a flagship initiative of the Philippine Retirement Authority that allows qualified foreign nationals to reside in the country long-term. Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay said the recognition reflects ongoing efforts to improve tourism services and position the Philippines as a global destination for all age groups. “Beyond our natural attractions, the Philippines offers warm hospitality, affordable…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang rejected claims by Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte that the administration is weaponizing the International Criminal Court (ICC) against political opponents, stressing that the cases before the tribunal were initiated by Filipinos seeking accountability for alleged extrajudicial killings. Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the complaints before the ICC did not originate from the Marcos administration and predate the current government. “Unang-una, alam naman natin, korte ito. At meron namang kaso, may kaso na kapwa nating Pilipino ang nagsampa laban sa mga diumanong pang-aabuso patungkol sa EJK. So huwag nating kalimutan iyan. Pilipino rin po ang nagsampa ng kaso,” Castro said. [Translation: First of all, we know that this is a court. There are cases before it that were filed by fellow Filipinos over alleged abuses related to extrajudicial killings. Let us not forget that it was Filipinos who filed these cases.] Castro added any arrest…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow and Manila have an opportunity to evaluate and expand bilateral cooperation, particularly in agriculture and energy, as he welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit. Meeting Marcos for the first time in Russia, Putin noted that the Philippines and Russia are marking 50 years of diplomatic relations this year and recalled the historic 1976 visit of Marcos’ father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., to Moscow. “Today we have a good opportunity, Mr. President, to evaluate the current state of Russia-Philippine cooperation,” Putin said on Wednesday, June 17.   The Russian leader said bilateral trade exceeded half a billion dollars last year and described the figure as “far from the limit.” “Of course, there is good potential to enhance supplies of agriculture and energy resources,” Putin said. Putin also highlighted the significance…

Metro Manila, Philippines – Deaths from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that devastated a portion of southern Mindanao are now at 78, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported on Thursday, June 18. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said it recorded 7,461 aftershocks ranging in intensity from magnitude 1.2 to 6.4. Official data put the injuries at over 1,300, while at least 30 people are missing.  The quake affected over 346,400 families and left over 13,600 houses totally damaged. Nearly 61,000 shelters were partially damaged.  The state of calamity covers 14 cities and municipalities.  The OCD said infrastructure damage was over ₱1.2 billion.

Metro Manila, Philippines –  House private prosecutor Lorna Kapunan expressed confidence that Vice President Sara Duterte will be convicted in her impeachment trial, saying the evidence gathered by the prosecution is strong enough to sustain each of the four articles of impeachment. In an interview on The Newsmaker, Kapunan said the prosecution panel is entering the trial phase with confidence after relying on evidence and witnesses previously presented during hearings at the House Committee on Justice. “With the quality and the strength of our evidence, conviction is not far behind,” Kapunan said. Kapunan, a veteran trial lawyer with 48 years of courtroom experience, is among at least 10 private prosecutors tapped to assist the House prosecution panel in the impeachment proceedings against Duterte. She said private prosecutors will operate under the supervision of the House prosecutors and may be assigned to assist in witness presentation and cross-examinations, depending on the…