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UN as the platform for partnerships and multistakeholder collab, not just for optics
The UN New York Headquarters New York – Eighty-year-old United Nations organization has this reputation of being a lame giant for having failed to deliver on its own deliverables – the lofty goals of world peace and justice. In informal circles, it has this monicker NATO – no action, talk only. But has the UN really failed? The UN itself has released its report that only about 35% of the Sustainable Development Goals (there are 17 goals) have been reached. Additionally, sever
18 hours ago


New air routes eyed to boost Northern Samar tourism
NEW YORK - Northern Samar 2nd District Representative Edwin C. Ongchuan recently met with executives of Cebu Pacific to discuss possible initiatives aimed at strengthening transportation connectivity and promoting economic development in the province. The meeting brought together Ongchuan and key airline officials, including Michael Ivan Shau, President and Chief Operating Officer of Cebgo, Ces Natividad, Vice President for Corporate Affairs, and other executives from the air
1 day ago


What Has Steven Raga Done for New York State Assembly District 30?
Steven Raga serves as the representative of Assembly District 30 in Queens in the New York State Assembly. During his term, his initiatives have focused on housing protections, workers’ rights, immigrant services, healthcare transparency, and civic participation. According to legislative records from the New York State Assembly’s official website and LegiScan, Raga has sponsored and co-sponsored several pieces of legislation aimed at helping working-class families. During his
2 days ago


Mother Dies While Waiting for ₱5,000 Typhoon Aid
CEBU - What was supposed to be a simple trip to seek help after a typhoon turned into a heartbreaking tragedy for a young mother struggling to support her family. Mary Christ Cuizon, 31, collapsed and died while waiting in line to validate records for ₱5,000 financial assistancefor victims of Typhoon Tino, which hit Cebu last November, at the Barangay Opao gymnasium in Mandaue City. Cuizon, a resident of Zone Talong, Barangay Paknaan, was later declared dead on arrival at Man
3 days ago


442 OFWs evacuated from UAE as Middle East tensions over Iran grow
A total of 442 Filipinos from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) arrived safely in the Philippines on government-assisted flights on Saturday, March 14, as tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran continue to escalate across the Middle East. The returning passengers many of them overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were flown home through coordinated repatriation efforts by Philippine authorities as security concerns rise in the Gulf region. The repatriation comes as t
3 days ago


Peso Slides Near P60 as Middle East Tensions Shake Markets
The Philippine peso weakened further against the U.S. dollar on Friday, sliding close to the P60 mark as growing tensions in the Middle East fueled uncertainty in global financial markets. The local currency briefly dropped to P59.75 per dollar before closing at P59.735, according to data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines. The peso opened the trading day at P59.55, already weaker than Thursday’s closing rate of P59.385. It initially strengthened in early trading
4 days ago


Food Security, Education Highlighted in Meeting Between Northern Samar Governor and Kiko Pangilinan
Food security and education were among the key priorities discussed during a recent meeting between Northern Samar Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan and Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform. The dialogue focused on strengthening programs that support Filipino farmers, fisherfolk, and students sectors considered critical to the country’s long-term development. A major part of the discussion centered on
4 days ago


VP Sara Duterte Slams Subpoena Move as ‘Fishing Expedition’ in Impeachment Probe
Vice President Sara Duterte said the move by Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno to request subpoenas in the impeachment proceedings only proves that there is no solid evidence against her and that her critics are merely “fishing” for proof. “Media outlets have recently published what is described as a letter from Rep. Diokno filed before the House Committee on Justice, seeking the issuance of subpoenas to obtain additional documents and records in connection with the impeach
4 days ago


Luxury vs. poverty: Filipinos protest Marcos’ $17,000-a-night hotel in NYC
NEW YORK - Filipino activists staged a noisy protest outside The Pierre Hotel on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, calling out Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for staying in a luxury hotel suite reportedly costing up to $17,000 a night, while many Filipinos struggle with rising prices and economic hardship back home. Community members gathered outside the hotel, beating drums and playing instruments in what organizers described as a “wake-up call” protest aimed
6 days ago


Protest greets Marcos in New York over OFW issues, human rights, and corruption
NEW YORK — More than 200 Filipino community members and their allies staged a protest march Sunday, March 8, from the Philippine Consulate General in New York to The Pierre Hotel in Manhattan, where Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is believed to be staying during his visit to the United Nations. The demonstration coincided with International Women’s Day , as activists gathered ahead of the opening of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women , where the
Mar 9


“Too Much Love Will Kill You”: Man Shot Dead in Lucena City; Suspect Armed and Dangerous
LUCENA CITY, Philippines - A suspected relationship dispute turned deadly after a man was fatally shot inside a store along Enriquez Street in Barangay 4, Lucena City, around 11:00 a.m. on March 5. The victim was identified as Jayson Zoleta, who reportedly worked at a clothing outlet in a mall in the city. According to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Lucena, the suspect has been identified as Fattah Esmai Faisal, a resident of Barangay Marketview. Authorities said th
Mar 8


ICC Appeals Chamber Upholds Detention of Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte
The Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) has upheld the decision of its Pre-Trial Chamber to continue the detention of former Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, rejecting his appeal seeking release from custody. In its ruling, the Appeals Chamber dismissed arguments from Duterte’s defense team that his medical condition and alleged cognitive impairment should warrant his release. The defense had claimed that Duterte’s health issues reduced the like
Mar 7


House Justice Panel Gives VP Sara Duterte 10 Days to Respond to Impeachment Complaint
The House Committee on Justice has given Vice President Sara Duterte 10 calendar days to respond to the impeachment complaints filed against her after lawmakers found two of the complaints sufficient in substance. The directive came during the committee’s deliberations Wednesday on the fourth impeachment complaint filed against Duterte, which includes allegations of unexplained increases in her declared wealth based on her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN)
Mar 5


Women’s groups bond to create forum and platform for women leaders’ access to justice
NEW YORK – Women leaders continue to step up in these trying times. Alongside the UN’s 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, three women’s organizations have bonded to create a leadership forum on March 11, 2026, at 1 Vanderbilt, NYC titled “Women's Leadership and Access to Justice.” Organizing groups HERRD, Women of World (WoW) Coaching, and the Women’s Federation for World Peace International are featuring the lived experiences and expertise of Philippine T
Mar 3


Marcos to attend UN sessions, rally support for Security Council campaign
NEW YORK - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will travel to New York from March 8 to 11, 2026, for a working visit centered on key United Nations engagements including advancing the Philippines’ campaign for a seat on the UN Security Council. During his visit, Marcos is expected to attend the opening of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women, underscoring Manila’s commitment to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and inclusive development. The President is
Mar 2


FALDEF Connects Immigrant Families with Critical Legal Resources
The Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF) recently hosted a free community immigration forum in Woodside, Queens, drawing Filipino and other immigrant residents seeking reliable guidance on their rights and legal options under U.S. immigration law. Held in partnership with the Coalition of Asian American Children and Families, the forum aimed to provide practical, accessible information for individuals navigating complex immigration processes. Organizers
Mar 2


Photojournalists stand by drug war documentation amid attacks
The Photojournalists' Center of the Philippines (PCP) has forcefully defended the authenticity of photographs documenting the Duterte administration’s bloody war on drugs, rejecting claims that the images were fabricated or manipulated. In a strongly worded statement, PCP said it “unequivocally stands behind the integrity” of Filipino photojournalists who risked their safety to capture scenes from anti-drug operations that left thousands dead, many in impoverished communities
Feb 28


ICC Weighs Evidence in Landmark Case vs. Duterte
The confirmation of charges hearing against former President Rodrigo Duterte opened with a forceful declaration from International Criminal Court (ICC) Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang, who said the case marks “an important day for international justice” and a reminder that “those in power are not above the law.” Niang accused Duterte of being at the “very heart of the common plan” to neutralize alleged criminals in the Philippines including through murder during the ad
Feb 24


Queens Senate Contest Takes Shape with Raga, Kawas in the Running
QUEENS, NEW YORK — The race for New York State Senate District 12 is officially underway, with Assemblymember Steven Raga announcing his candidacy, setting up a closely watched contest that also includes progressive organizer Aber Kawas. The seat is being vacated by longtime State Senator Michael Gianaris, who has represented Western Queens for decades. Raga: “This Race Is Personal” Raga formally declared his campaign, saying the decision came after extensive conversations w
Feb 22


Asian American businesses reel as Supreme Court strikes down Trump tariffs
Grace Meng delivered a scathing response after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled 6–3 that the Trump administration’s sweeping tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977 were illegal. Meng said the High Court’s decision confirms what many small business owners have been saying for years — the tariffs were unlawful and economically devastating. “Today’s Supreme Court decision strikes down the president’s illegal tariff regim
Feb 21


ICC allows Duterte to skip confirmation of charges hearing
The International Criminal Court has granted former President Rodrigo Duterte permission not to personally attend the confirmation of charges hearing scheduled to begin on February 23. In its decision, Pre-Trial Chamber I approved the request of Duterte’s defense team to hold the hearing in his absence. The confirmation of charges hearing will proceed from February 23 to 27, 2026, even without the former president present. According to ICC Spokesperson Oriane Maillet,“Today,
Feb 21


Flooding Forces Evacuations in Bislig City Amid Continuous Rains
BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur — Several families were evacuated Friday morning (Feb. 20, 2026) after rising floodwaters inundated parts of Bislig City due to continuous heavy rains brought by a shear line affecting Mindanao. Residents of Maglikian-Requina in Purok 7, Barangay Tabon were among those forced to leave their homes as water levels rapidly increased overnight. The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), assisted by local emergency responders and
Feb 20


NYC Leaders Welcome $1.5B State Aid, Cite Major Step in Public Health Funding Reform
NEW YORK — Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, and Council Member Lynn Schulman welcomed the announcement of $1.5 billion in additional state operating support for New York City over the next two years, calling it a long-overdue step toward correcting inequities in public health funding. At the center of the agreement is legislation sponsored by González-Rojas and Rivera to reform Article 6 public health funding formulas , addressing years o
Feb 18


No Filipino politician will marry his political party
"Honor is not the exclusive property of any political party." --Herbert Hoover SOME of the incumbent politicians—especially senators and representatives—loyal to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. today are expected to start distancing themselves from Malacanang early this year if they feel he will become a sitting duck two years before the next presidential election. Especially if the anti-Duterte forces in the lower and upper chambers of congress can’t eliminate Vice
Feb 18
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