Day: October 29, 2025

Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, in her first face-to-face meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, expressed her determination to continue working to significantly boost Japan’s defense capabilities and increase related spending. Takaichi called for creating a “new golden age” of the Japan-U.S. alliance together. Trump, on his first visit to Japan in six years, responded, “We are an ally at the strongest level.” According to Philippines News Agency, during the roughly 90-minute summit at the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace, in Tokyo, which included a working lunch, the prime minister stated that ‘Japan and the United States

Manila: The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Wednesday recommended to the Office of the Ombudsman that criminal charges be filed against Senators Joel Villanueva and Jinggoy Estrada, resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy ‘Zaldy’ Co, and other individuals linked to the suspected anomalous flood control projects. According to Philippines News Agency, in its Interim Report, the ICI also recommended the filing of charges against former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, Commission on Audit Commissioner Mario Lipana, and former Caloocan lawmaker Mary Cajayon-Uy. The report highlighted potential violations, including direct or indirect bribery, corruption of

Manila: Singaporean businesses are strengthening their tie-up with Philippine counterparts given the attractiveness of the Philippines’ energy sector, an official of the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS) said. According to Philippines News Agency, SEAS Executive Director Kavita Gandhi noted during an interview on the sidelines of the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) that there are investors actively considering the Philippines. Gandhi remarked on the high tariffs in the Philippines, which she said are comparable to those in Singapore, creating opportunities for renewable energy ventures. Despite concerns over regulatory challenges in the Philippines, Gandhi emphasized that investor interest remains strong.

Manama: Team Philippines bagged two silver and one bronze medals in the Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain on Tuesday. Zamboanga City weightlifter Jhodie Peralta secured the girls’ 53kg silver (snatch) and bronze (clean and jerk) at the Exhibition World Bahrain Hall 3. She lifted 87kg, just one kilogram behind the eventual winner, Pak Hae Yon of North Korea. “Too bad, the North Korean still got one kilo. But it’s okay, whatever God gives, I’ll accept,” said the 16-year-old Peralta, reflecting on her performance after previously winning three gold medals at the World Youth Championships in Lima, Peru in May.

Cagayan de oro: The city government, for the first time, distributed PHP7 million to 1,000 indigent solo parents here on Wednesday. According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Rolando Uy stated that the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) was tasked with implementing the local government’s obligation under Republic Act 11861, also known as the Expanded Solo Parents’ Welfare Act. “This is the first time in our city that there is a subsidy for solo parents,” he said. The City Council had earlier approved the release of a one-time subsidy of PHP7,000 by the CSWDO to qualified solo parents on