Day: August 7, 2025

New delhi: The Philippines and India have formalized a new tourism cooperation agreement aimed at increasing Indian tourist arrivals to the Philippines and strengthening bilateral tourism ties. The signed Implementation Program on Tourism Cooperation for 2025 to 2028 was ceremonially exchanged during the state visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to India. According to Philippines News Agency, the signing was witnessed by President Marcos Jr. and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and India’s Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita led the exchange of documents on

Manila: The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is finalizing new rules that will protect consumers from the risks associated with online gambling. In a statement Thursday, the BSP said the upcoming measures would include strict identity verification, including biometric checks, such as facial recognition, to ensure that only eligible individuals can use their funds for online gambling. According to Philippines News Agency, daily limits on gambling-related transfers to reduce excessive financial losses will also be included in the new rules. The BSP said the upcoming measures would also include time-based restrictions on gambling payments to help curb impulsive behavior and

Manila: Leaders of the House of Representatives have expressed strong disapproval of the Senate’s decision to archive the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte. According to Philippines News Agency, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez questioned the Senate’s move, highlighting that the case is still pending in the Supreme Court. Romualdez emphasized that archiving the case effectively buries the Articles of Impeachment, despite the Supreme Court’s ruling not being final. He noted that the House had filed a Motion for Reconsideration on August 5, with the Court finding the arguments significant enough to require responses from the involved parties, including the

Legazpi city: The Philippine Statistics Authority in Bicol (PSA-5) reported on Thursday that the inflation rate for July 2025 rose slightly to 1.7 percent, up from 1.5 percent in June. According to Philippines News Agency, PSA-5 chief statistician Ray Merjilla stated during a press conference on the July 2025 Inflation Report that the primary driver of the increased inflation rate was the rapid rise in the prices of housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels. These sectors experienced an inflation rate of 3.1 percent in July, compared to 1.4 percent in June. Merjilla noted that restaurants and accommodation services also

Bangkok: Foreign tourist arrivals to Thailand dropped 6.56 percent year-on-year to 19.57 million in the first seven months of 2025, according to the country’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports. This decline highlights a significant shift in the tourism landscape compared to previous years. According to Philippines News Agency, China reclaimed its position as Thailand’s largest source market, with 2.73 million visitors over the period. This resurgence of Chinese tourists is noteworthy as it demonstrates a recovery in travel relations between the two countries. Previously, Thailand’s Finance Ministry adjusted its forecast for foreign tourist arrivals this year to 34.5 million from