Press "Enter" to skip to content

Posts published in “News & Current Events”

Malacañang just release the List of Official Holiday for 2027

September 11, 2026
Malacañang just release the List of Official Holiday for 2027

Proclamation No. 1427, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on September 8, 2026, officially establishes the Philippine national holiday calendar for 2027.

Here is the breakdown of the holidays categorized under the proclamation:

Regular Holidays

  • January 1 (Friday): New Year’s Day
  • March 25: Maundy Thursday
  • March 26: Good Friday
  • April 9 (Friday): Araw ng Kagitingan
  • May 1 (Saturday): Labor Day
  • June 12 (Saturday): Independence Day
  • August 30 (Monday): National Heroes Day (Last Monday of August)
  • November 30 (Tuesday): Bonifacio Day
  • December 25 (Saturday): Christmas Day
  • December 30 (Thursday): Rizal Day

Special Non-Working Days

  • August 21 (Saturday): Ninoy Aquino Day
  • November 1 (Monday): All Saints’ Day
  • December 8 (Wednesday): Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary
  • December 31 (Friday): Last Day of the Year

Additional Special Non-Working Days

  • February 6 (Saturday): Chinese New Year
  • March 27: Black Saturday
  • November 2 (Tuesday): All Souls’ Day
  • December 24 (Friday): Christmas Eve

Special Working Day

  • February 25 (Thursday): 41st EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary

Note on Islamic Holidays: The official observances for Eid’l Fitr and Eid’l Adha will be issued in separate proclamations following recommendations from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos based on the Islamic lunar calendar.

Pricing of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max in Saudi Arabia

September 10, 2026
Pricing of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max in Saudi Arabia

Apple has officially announce the next generation iPhone and for those living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia here are the pricing of the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max.

Storage Variant iPhone 18 Pro iPhone 18 Pro Max
256GB SAR 5,699 SAR 6,099
512GB SAR 6,699 SAR 7,099
1TB SAR 8,699 SAR 9,099
2TB SAR 11,699 SAR 12,099

iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max will be available for Pre-order this Friday, Sept. 12th and will be available in stores and retailers starting 18th of September.

At Seoul Defense Dialogue, Philippines Delivers Rare Public Rebuke to Chinese Delegate

September 9, 2026
At Seoul Defense Dialogue, Philippines Delivers Rare Public Rebuke to Chinese Delegate

During a high-level session at the Seoul Defense Dialogue on September 8, Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. turned a standard diplomatic encounter into a masterclass in public pushback.

After receiving a note from a Chinese delegate reiterating Beijing’s rejection of the landmark 2016 arbitral ruling—which invalidated China’s expansive territorial claims in favor of Philippine sovereign rights—Teodoro dismantled the argument line by line. Addressing the room, he delivered a sharp, unscripted quip: “Of course, because you lost.”

He went on to accuse Beijing of systemic coercion and bullying before the international forum hosted by South Korea. In an emotional shift, Teodoro switched to Filipino to urge a standard of basic decency, noting that he planned to keep the physical note as a permanent memento of China’s desperation. The room erupted into strong applause from the international audience.

Defense analysts and diplomatic observers view the exchange as an extraordinarily candid stand against Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea. Rather than letting standard diplomatic talking points slide, Teodoro’s swift rebuttal reinforced Manila’s commitment to international law and demonstrated a growing willingness to challenge Beijing openly on the global stage.

Jovic Sweeps Jones to Set Up US Open Showdown with Eala

September 5, 2026
Jovic Sweeps Jones to Set Up US Open Showdown with Eala

A compelling third-round matchup is set at the 2026 US Open as Alex Eala prepares to take on American rising star Iva Jovic. Jovic locked in the marquee clash by sweeping past Britain’s Francesca Jones 6-4, 6-4 in a straight-sets second-round victory.

Beyond their intense court rivalry, Eala and Jovic share a close personal friendship. Fans got a preview of their chemistry just ahead of the tournament during the “Stars of the Open” exhibition at Arthur Ashe Stadium. There, the close friends delighted the crowd by inviting their fathers onto the court to join them for a heartwarming mixed doubles match.

Lenovo Debuts First Saudi-Made Laptop at LEAP 2026

September 2, 2026
Lenovo Debuts First Saudi-Made Laptop at LEAP 2026

At the LEAP 2026 technology conference in Riyadh, Lenovo marked a major milestone in Middle Eastern technology manufacturing by unveiling its very first locally produced commercial laptop.

Assembled at Lenovo’s new state-of-the-art facility in Riyadh, the physical unit serves as a working proof-of-concept for the tech giant’s localized production capabilities. The unveiling builds on Lenovo’s strategic multi-billion-dollar partnership with Public Investment Fund (PIF) entity ALAT, aimed at bolstering domestic industrial capabilities and tech infrastructure under Saudi Vision 2030.

The newly minted laptop represents the frontline of a broader operational hub. The Riyadh facility is engineered as Lenovo’s first global manufacturing plant designed to produce its entire product ecosystem—encompassing PCs, ThinkPad commercial laptops, servers, and Motorola mobile devices—under one roof.

While retail pricing and precise sub-model specifications for the consumer market remain under wraps, full-scale mass production at the Riyadh site is scheduled to officially ramp up in late 2026. Beyond hardware production, the facility incorporates local engineering talent trained alongside Lenovo’s global technical teams, positioning Saudi Arabia as a vital hub for regional and international technology manufacturing.

Source: Lenovo

Salmon and NBA Team Up for Multi-Year Partnership in the Philippines

September 1, 2026
Salmon and NBA Team Up for Multi-Year Partnership in the Philippines

Philippine-based FinTech startup, Salmon announced that they are teaming up with NBA in a multi-year marketing partnership with the NBA. The announcement was made at SPACE in One Ayala, Makati City. The launch brought together key leadership from both organizations, including Sheila Rasu (NBA Head of Southeast Asia and Asia Marketing) and Ed Winkle (NBA Associate Vice President), alongside Salmon co-founders George Chesakov, Pavel Fedorov, and Raffy Montemayor.

As part of the deal, Salmon kicked off its involvement as a Supporting Partner for NBA House 2026, offering immersive fan experiences, interactive booths, and merchandise activations.

Yugatech reports, “The partnership will bring NBA-themed promotions, fan events and branded merchandise to Filipino basketball fans. Salmon will also support NBA House Philippines 2026 in Makati and become the Presenting Partner of the NBA 3X Philippines Open starting with the 2026-27 season. The NBA 3X Philippines Open will feature men’s and women’s 3-on-3 teams alongside NBA entertainment.”

Citron and Iriafen Named to USA Basketball Roster Ahead of Berlin 2026

September 1, 2026
Citron and Iriafen Named to USA Basketball Roster Ahead of Berlin 2026

USA Basketball has officially finalized its 12-player national team roster for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, locking in dynamic Washington Mystics teammates Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen as late additions.

The sophomore WNBA duo enters the fold following the withdrawal of veterans A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum due to health and workload management. While filling the shoes of established Olympic champions is no small task, head coach Kara Lawson’s squad receives a major injection of youth, perimeter versatility, and frontcourt depth as Team USA pursues a historic fifth consecutive World Cup gold medal.

For Sonia Citron, the call-up marks her official debut with the senior 5×5 national team after previously representing the United States across under-16 and under-19 international stages. Citron brings elite 3-and-D capabilities, transition scoring, and perimeter secondary playmaking. Her floor-spacing ability and defensive length provide immediate tactical flex behind primary ball-handlers like Chelsea Gray and Caitlin Clark.

Kiki Iriafen steps into the senior national team spotlight following a standout stint during the 2026 FIBA World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Puerto Rico earlier this year. Known for her high motor, interior footwork, and aggressive glass-cleaning, Iriafen adds essential frontcourt depth alongside veterans Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. Her presence in the paint will be vital against heavy physical competition across group play.

2026 USA Basketball Women’s National Team Roster

Player Position WNBA Team
Paige Bueckers Guard Dallas Wings
Sonia Citron Guard Washington Mystics
Caitlin Clark Guard Indiana Fever
Chelsea Gray Guard Las Vegas Aces
Rhyne Howard Guard Atlanta Dream
Jackie Young Guard Las Vegas Aces
Aliyah Boston Forward / Center Indiana Fever
Napheesa Collier Forward Minnesota Lynx
Kahleah Copper Forward Phoenix Mercury
Kiki Iriafen Forward Washington Mystics
Angel Reese Forward Atlanta Dream
Breanna Stewart Forward New York Liberty

The USA Basketball Women’s National Team open group play against China on Sept. 4, followed by Italy on Sept. 6 and Czechia on Sept. 7.

Tim Cook Steps Down as Apple CEO, Welcoming John Ternus to the Top Spot

September 1, 2026
Tim Cook Steps Down as Apple CEO, Welcoming John Ternus to the Top Spot

In a monumental shift for the tech industry, Tim Cook has officially stepped down as Apple’s Chief Executive Officer. Taking the helm as the new CEO is John Ternus, Apple’s longtime Senior Vice President of Hardware Engineering, marking the beginning of a fresh era for the Cupertino giant.

This historic leadership handoff follows Apple’s official announcement on April 20, 2026, which outlined a structured succession strategy unanimously approved by the Board of Directors. After leading Apple through fifteen transformative years—growing its valuation past $4 trillion—Cook transitions into his new role as Executive Chairman.

Reflecting on his historic journey and expressing immense faith in his successor, Cook shared a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter):

Ternus, a 25-year Apple veteran, assumes control as the company navigates next-generation hardware launches and evolving AI integrations, carrying forward Apple’s legacy of innovation.

DICT Launches Philippine Startup Challenge 2026 to Spark Youth Innovation

August 30, 2026
DICT Launches Philippine Startup Challenge 2026 to Spark Youth Innovation

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has officially announced the launch of the Philippine Startup Challenge (PSC) 2026. As a flagship initiative under the Digital Startup Development and Acceleration Program (DSDAP), this nationwide competition aims to inspire young Filipino innovators to transform tech-driven concepts into viable, social-impact business ventures.

Open to Senior High School, College, and Tech-Voc students, PSC 2026 encourages participants to tackle real-world challenges through Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Competing teams will present solutions spanning artificial intelligence, agricultural technology, digital health, and sustainable development.

The competition progresses through multi-stage regional pitching rounds, with top teams advancing to the national finals. Beyond titles, finalists gain direct access to industry mentorship, networking with tech leaders, and potential funding avenues to scale their prototypes.

By empowering youth to pursue entrepreneurship alongside traditional career paths, DICT reinforces the country’s growing startup ecosystem under the Innovative Startup Act. Students across the country are invited to form teams, submit their proposals, and help shape the future of Philippine digital innovation.

Interested applicants can find your region below to access the corresponding application form;

For more information on Philippine Startup Challenge 2026, please visit the Philippine Startup Challenge 2026 official website at https://iidb2026.my.canva.site/psc-xi-website

HONOR Unveils Four Major Surprises at LEAP 2026

August 24, 2026
HONOR Unveils Four Major Surprises at LEAP 2026

HONOR is set to make a powerful statement at LEAP 2026, unveiling four major innovations embedded directly into its latest design lineup.

Just my speculation, but the four surprises HONOR will be announcing are likely the same ones revealed at MWC 2026 in Barcelona, Spain.

  1. HONOR Robot Phone
  2. HONOR AI
  3. Humanoid Robot
  4. and more product announcements

A video of their Humanoid Robot have been making rounds lately, where it ran 100m in 9.32 seconds, breaking Usain Bolt’s record of 9.58 seconds.

HONOR to Unveil Revolutionary Robot Phone at LEAP 2026

August 24, 2026
HONOR to Unveil Revolutionary Robot Phone at LEAP 2026

Global technology brand HONOR is set to unveil its groundbreaking HONOR Robot Phone in the Saudi market at LEAP 2026.

First announced last March 2026 at Mobile World Congress (MWC 2026) in Barcelona, the HONOR Robot Phone features an embodied AI interaction system paired with a motorized, multi-axis gimbal camera. Designed for dynamic subject tracking and cinematic capture, the smartphone merges next-generation robotics with flagship mobile performance. HONOR Robot Phone is currently on sales in China for ¥12999.00 (Yuan) or around SAR 7,272.26.

Choosing LEAP 2026 for the regional debut underscores HONOR’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing position as a global hub for technological innovation and AI leadership. Official local pricing and availability will be shared during the event.

Image: HONOR Robot Phone

The flagship HONOR Robot Phone stands out with its retractable, robotic camera system alongside top-tier hardware specs:

Feature Specification
Robotic Camera System Retractable motorized 4DoF (4 Degrees of Freedom) titanium gimbal camera with 3D automated subject tracking
Rear Cameras • 200 MP (Main, f/1.6, OIS, 1/1.28″)
• 200 MP (Periscope Telephoto, 2.7x Optical Zoom, f/2.6)
• 50 MP (Ultrawide, f/2.0)
Front Camera 50 MP (f/2.0 wide)
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (3 nm)
GPU Adreno™ 840
Display 6.31-inch LTPO&nbsp OLED (1216 x 2640 px), 120Hz, up to 6800 nits peak brightness, Giant Rhinoceros Glass/HONOR NanoCrystal Shield
Battery & Charging 7060 mAh Silicon-Carbon battery, 120W wired fast charging, 50W wireless charging
Memory & Storage 12GB+512GB / 16GB+1TB
OS & UI Android 16 with MagicOS 10
Build & Protection Aluminum frame, Titanium gimbal assembly, IP54 dust/splash resistance, 248 g
Special Features 10-bit Log-C3 video encoding, ARRI color science tuning, custom C1 RF, E2 power management, and H1 imaging chips

For the full specs and more information on HONOR Robot Phone, you can visit https://www.honor.com/global/phones/honor-robot-phone/.

HONOR Pad 20 Series Is Now Available for Pre-Order in Saudi Arabia

August 24, 2026
HONOR Pad 20 Series Is Now Available for Pre-Order in Saudi Arabia

The HONOR Pad 20 Series has officially landed in Saudi Arabia, arriving just in time for the busy back-to-school season. Positioned as a versatile tablet lineup for students, young professionals, and families, the series delivers laptop-like multitasking, vivid display options, and massive battery endurance in an ultra-portable profile.

Pre-orders are currently live across major local retailers, including Jarir Bookstore and eXtra KSA, until today August 24, 2026. Shipments and in-store pick-ups are slated to begin between August 22 and August 30, 2026.

  • HONOR Pad 20 (Standard): Starts at 1,599 SAR and comes bundled with exclusive pre-order gift packages valued at up to 1,296 SAR.
  • HONOR Pad 20 Pro: Starts at 2,199 SAR, packed with performance upgrades and gift bundles valued at 1,696 SAR.
  • HONOR Pad 20 Paperlike Edition: Starts at 1,799 SAR, packed with performance upgrades and gift bundles valued at 1,696 SAR.
  • Flexible Payments: Major retailers are offering interest-free installment options via split-payment services like Tabby and Tamara.
Image: HONOR Pad 20 Pro

Key Features and Specs Across the Lineup

Feature HONOR Pad 20 HONOR Pad 20 Paperlike Edition HONOR Pad 20 Pro
Display 12.1-inch 3K LCD (3000 x 1872) 12.1-inch 3K Anti-Glare Matte LCD 12.1-inch 3K LCD (3000 x 1872)
Refresh Rate Up to 120Hz Up to 120Hz / 165Hz Up to 165Hz
Processor Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 Snapdragon 8s Gen 4
RAM & Storage Up to 12GB RAM / 256GB Up to 12GB RAM / 256GB 8GB RAM / 256GB
Battery & Charging 10,100mAh / 45W Fast Charge 10,100mAh / 45W Fast Charge 10,100mAh / 66W Fast Charge
Audio 6 Speakers 6 Speakers 6 Speakers (DTS:X Ultra)
Cameras Rear: 8MP / Front: 8MP Rear: 8MP / Front: 8MP Rear: 13MP / Front: 8MP
Connectivity Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3 Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0
Stylus & OS Magic-Pencil support / MagicOS 10 Magic-Pencil support / MagicOS 10 Magic-Pencil 4s support / MagicOS 10
Regular Price SAR 2,197.00 SAR 2,397.00 SAR 3,297.00

Standout Capabilities for Productivity and Reading

  • PaperLike Anti-Glare Technology: Designed to eliminate glare, the dedicated PaperLike surface cuts ambient reflections by up to 99%, dropping visual fatigue by 24% during long reading or note-taking sessions.
  • PC-Class Multitasking: Running MagicOS 10, both tablets feature a built-in PC Mode capable of managing up to 15 active windows concurrently alongside split-screen setups. Optional accessories like the Magic-Pencil 4s and magnetic keyboard cover seamlessly turn the tablet into a light workstation.
  • All-Day Endurance: The 10,100mAh battery supports up to 14 hours of document reading, 10 hours of note-taking, or 71 days on ultra-long standby.

ArabNews: More Saudis choose Philippine universities for English, medical programs  

August 23, 2026

Ellie Aben, reporting for ArabNews;

Medical education in the Philippines can cost foreign students roughly $3,000 to $6,000 a year in tuition, while the costs of living are a fraction of what they would pay in Europe or the US.

The Philippine institutions are also globally recognized for their quality, and Saudis are familiar with Filipino medics and nurses, as many of them work in the Kingdom.

That many countries prefer Filipino nurses speaks to both the high standard of Philippine medical education and the strong work ethic of the nurses themselves.

CNN: Student and teen gunman dead in rare Philippines school shooting, officials say  

August 18, 2026

Story by Reuters;

Two students were killed in a shooting at a high school in the southern Philippines on Tuesday, one of them the gunman, and the situation was now under control, officials said, in the second such incident in the country in less than two months.

The shooting took place at a school attached to the privately-run Ateneo de Zamboanga University in the city of Zamboanga, where the gunman brought a pistol and a rifle onto the school campus and fired at students inside the classroom, according to a preliminary police report.

This is really really horrible!

Marvel release trailer of Vision Quest Series

August 16, 2026
Marvel release trailer of Vision Quest Series

At this year’s D23, Marvel released the first trailer of Vision Quest, a Disney + series that will revolve around Vision trying to find his “true self”.

According to Marvel, here is the premise:

When VisionQuest begins, Vision, rebooted and having escaped from those who sought to weaponize him, has been in hiding. Searching for new meaning, he consults the AI personas embedded in his programming, including F.R.I.D.A.Y., E.D.I.T.H., J.A.R.V.I.S., and the infamous Ultron. His discreet existence ends when a bounty placed on his head thrusts him on the run with Thomas Shepard, a mysterious boy who may be Vision’s son, reincarnate. As Vision evades capture, he must confront his nature, resist Ultron’s influence, and unravel the enigma that is his young companion if he’s to survive.

Checkout the trailer below.

Welcome home, Vision.

Loading….Marvel Television’s #VisionQuest, arriving October 14 only on Disney+.

Together with the trailer, Marvel also release the official poster for the series.

VisionQuest stars Paul Bettany, James Spader, Ruaridh Mollica, Todd Stashwick, T’Nia Miller, Lauren Morais, Orla Brady, Diane Morgan, Polly Frame, Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, with Emily Hampshire, and James D’Arcy. The series is directed by Christopher J. Byrne, Gandja Monteiro, Vincenzo Natali, Terry Matalas, and written by Terry Matalas, Cindy Appel, Christopher Monfette, Nicole Falsetti, and Matthew Okumura.

VisionQuest is the last of the trilogy of series that includes WandaVision and Agatha All Along. Both WandaVision and Agatha All Along are available in Disney +. VisionQuest will be on Disney+ starting October 14th.

Sources: Josh Kushner, Bob Iger to buy Lakers for $12.5B  

August 13, 2026

Ramona Shelburne, reporting for ESPN;

The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger for $12.5 billion, a record-breaking price, multiple sources told ESPN.

The businessmen were involved in the expansion process in Las Vegas, but in a stunning turn, they pivoted to make an aggressive offer to buy the Lakers from Mark Walter, who purchased a controlling interest in the team from the Buss family last year for a then-record franchise valuation of approximately $10 billion.

Getting a $2.5 billion or a 25% net profit for just a year is not a bad business move. Then again, this is the Lakers franchise, who knows how much it will it worth a from now.

Josh Kushner is a founder and managing partner of the venture capital firm Thrive Capital, while Bob Iger is the former chief executive officer (CEO) of the Walt Disney Company.

Indiana Fever Overpower Seattle Storm in 105-95 Thriller

July 29, 2026
Indiana Fever Overpower Seattle Storm in 105-95 Thriller

The Indiana Fever secured their fourth consecutive victory on Tuesday night, defeating the Seattle Storm 105-95 to complete a regular-season sweep. In a spectacular showcase of offensive firepower, the Fever crossed the century mark for a league-record 12th time this season.

Indiana seized early control with a 37-20 first-quarter lead and weathered the push even after star center Aliyah Boston exited in the second quarter with a lower-leg injury.

Caitlin Clark was the undeniable driving force for Indiana. She masterfully orchestrated the offense, posting a team-high 32 points and seven assists. Clark was ruthlessly efficient, draining four three-pointers and shooting a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line. Backcourt mate Kelsey Mitchell also shined with 28 points, marking her franchise-record 12th straight game scoring 20-plus points.

Despite the team suffering their seventh consecutive loss, Natisha Hiedeman was a spectacular bright spot for Seattle. Hiedeman put on a sensational shooting clinic to keep the Storm competitive, draining six three-pointers on her way to a career-high 33 points.

Ultimately, Hiedeman’s heroic individual effort wasn’t enough to overcome Indiana’s flawless execution at the charity stripe—where the Fever shot a remarkable 26-for-26—cementing another dominant road win.

Full Game Highlights

Next
Indiana stays on the West Coast to finish out their road trip against the expansion Portland Fire on Friday, July 31. While Seattle hits the road immediately to launch an East Coast swing, opening with a matchup against the Atlanta Dream on Friday, July 31.

Saudi Arabia Introduces Quarterly Residency Renewal for Domestic Workers

July 21, 2026
Saudi Arabia Introduces Quarterly Residency Renewal for Domestic Workers

The Ministry of Interior (represented by the General Directorate of Passports) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development have launched flexible residency services for domestic workers. Employers can now issue or renew permits for terms as short as three months and pay fees on a quarterly basis.

Previously, permit renewals were limited to one- or two-year terms. By allowing payments in three-month increments, this initiative provides employers with greater financial flexibility and aligns with ongoing efforts to modernize residency services through digital transformation.

Source: SPA

1,400 employees affected: Canon shuts its last factory in the Philippines after Batangas closure  

July 20, 2026

BILYONARYO.COM;

Canon Inc. has closed its laser printer manufacturing plant in the Philippines, marking the Japanese electronics company’s exit from manufacturing operations in the country as global printing demand shrinks.

Canon Business Machines Philippines (CBMP) ceased operations at its Batangas facility on June 19, 2026.

As the title suggests, 1,400 employees will be losing their job, even though Canon Ph said “affected workers would receive severance packages and job-placement assistance.” it will still be different from what these 1,400 employees have been receiving from Canon.

Department of National Defense Response on the China Daily Video

July 16, 2026

via @dndphl, the official twitter/X account of Department of National Defense;

July 16, 2026
The post of China Daily depicting the Filipinos as monkeys, is a revealing insight into what the Chinese communist apparatus thinks of the Filipino people.

This mockery of the lawful 2016 Arbitral Award and the video’s glorification of violence against the Filipino people and soldiers expose the moral and intellectual bankruptcy of China’s propaganda machine.

Such contemptible propaganda is a disgrace to any State that claims to exercise responsible regional leadership. It reveals the weakness of a government that resorts to racism, threats, and manufactured hatred because it has utterly failed to defend its ridiculous claims through reason, evidence, or law.

We are justified in our policy of no Ministerial or AFP defense engagements or contacts with the CCP or any of its agencies.

The recent spate of schizophrenic behavior of the Chinese Communist Party is too clear to disregard or to ignore. This latest act of dehumanization further reveals them as neither a secure and confident actor nor a trustworthy neighbor.

Pilipinas huwag magpalinlang! Ang nalilinlang ay nasisiil.

Sec. Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr.
Department of National Defense

Chinese State Media Portrays Filipinos as Monkeys on South China Sea Ruling Anniversary

July 16, 2026

A 58-second video by China Daily depicting a monkey singing “wrong lyrics” about the 2016 South China Sea ruling has drawn fierce criticism. In the clip, a whale brands the monkey “ocean garbage.” Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Jay Tarriela sharply rejected the caricature, stating, “We are not monkeys,” and pointing out China’s history of complaining about similar depictions.

The video was released on the 10th anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s landmark ruling, which rejected Beijing’s “nine-dash line” claims. That same week, the Philippines and 13 other nations reaffirmed the binding nature of the 2016 decision, calling for peaceful resolutions to ongoing tensions like vessel blockades.

DOLE Announces Historic ₱85 Minimum Wage Increase for NCR

June 30, 2026

A “historic” ₱85 daily wage adjustment—announced by Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino on June 30, 2026—stands as the highest recorded single wage increase approved by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the National Capital Region (NCR).

In DOLE’s announcement, “Upon Wage Order No. NCR-27, minimum wage earners in NCR shall receive a daily wage of PHP 780 for non-agriculture sectors, while PHP 743 for agriculture (plantation and non-plantation); service/retail establishments employing 15 workers or less; and manufacturing establishments regularly employing fewer than 10 workers. The increase will be delivered in two tranches: P60 upon the Wage Order’s effectivity on July 19, 2026, and an additional P25 on January 20, 2027.”

Roughly 1.1 million minimum wage earners in Metro Manila will see an immediate bump in their take-home pay. Additionally, an estimated 1.9 million full-time workers earning just above the baseline are expected to benefit from “wage distortion” adjustments—the corrections companies make to maintain a fair pay gap between job levels.

While DOLE and certain business groups accepted the compromise, labor groups note that even ₱780 falls significantly short of the living wage required to support a family in Metro Manila. Consequently, some lawmakers continue to push for a legislated nationwide wage hike of ₱100 to ₱200 to address inflation outside the capital region.

UAE to Offer Visa-on-Arrival for Eligible Filipinos

June 25, 2026

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that beginning June 25, 2026, qualified Filipino travelers can secure a visa upon arrival in the UAE.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Must hold a valid Philippine passport.
  • Must possess a valid visa, residence permit, or Green Card from any of the following: United States, EU member states, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, or New Zealand.

Visa options and fees:

  • 14-Day Visa: AED 100 (Can be extended for an additional 14 days for AED 250).
  • 60-Day Visa: AED 250 (Non-extendable).

HONOR Saudi Arabia officially announced the Magic V6; Pre-orders Start June 23rd.

June 23, 2026
HONOR Saudi Arabia officially announced the Magic V6; Pre-orders Start June 23rd.

HONOR Saudi Arabia has officially launched the Magic V6 folding smartphone, with pre-orders now live for the premium device. From June 22 to June 30, early buyers can secure theirs to experience the next generation of mobile productivity.

The HONOR Magic V6 sets a new benchmark for ultra-slim foldables, measuring a mere 8.75 mm thick when folded and weighing approximately 219 grams. The device features an upgraded aerospace-grade Super Steel Hinge built to endure 500,000 folds, alongside a robust IP68 and IP69 rating for extreme water and dust resistance.

The viewing experience is driven by a 6.52-inch outer screen and a massive 7.95-inch unfolded inner display. Both utilize 1–120Hz LTPO adaptive refresh rates and feature industry-leading eye-comfort technology with peak brightness levels reaching up to 6,000 nits. Under the hood, the device is powered by the flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, paired with a massive 6,660mAh silicon-carbon battery that supports 80W wired and 66W wireless charging.

Image: HONOR Magic V6

Here is the official specification of HONOR Magic V6;

Category Specification Details
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon® 8 Elite Gen 5 Mobile Platform (Octa-core: 2×Prime 4.6GHz + 6×Performance 3.62GHz)
• GPU: Adreno 840
Memory & Storage 16GB RAM + 512GB ROM or 16GB RAM + 1TB ROM versions available
Displays Inner Screen: 7.95-inch Foldable OLED, 2352 x 2172 pixels, HDR peak brightness 5000 nits
• External Screen: 6.52-inch OLED, 2420 x 1080 pixels, HDR peak brightness 6000 nits
• Eye Comfort: 4320Hz PWM Flicker-Free Dimming, AI Defocus Display
Dimensions (H x W x D) Height: 156.7 mm
• Width: 74.5 mm (folded), 145.6 mm (unfolded)
• Depth (White version): 8.75 mm (folded), 4.0 mm (unfolded)
• Depth (Other versions): 9.0 mm (folded), 4.1 mm (unfolded)
Weight White Version: Approx. 219g (with battery)
• Other Versions: Approx. 224g (with battery)
Rear Camera Triple Camera Setup:
• 50MP Wide Main Camera (f/1.6, OIS)
• 50MP Ultra-Wide Camera (f/2.2)
• 64MP Telephoto Lens Camera (f/2.5, OIS with 3x optical & 100x digital zoom)
• Video: Up to 4K recording with EIS+OIS
Front Cameras Dual Camera Setup: 20MP Wide Camera (f/2.2) on both the inner screen and exterior screen (Supports 4K video)
Battery & Charging 6660 mAh (typical) Silicon-Carbon battery
• Wired: 80W HONOR SuperCharge
• Wireless: 66W Wireless HONOR SuperCharge
Durability IP68 and IP69 water and dust resistance rating
Operating System MagicOS 10 (Based on Android 16)
Connectivity 5G, Dual SIM (SIM+SIM, SIM+eSIM, or dual eSIM)
• Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, Infrared Remote Control
Colors Red, Gold, White, Black

Consumers who pre-order the 16GB+512GB variant in Saudi Arabia receive an exclusive gift bundle valued at SAR 1,656. The premium gift package includes:

  • HONOR Pad X9a 11.45 inch WIFI 8GB+128GB Gray
  • HONOR Magic V6 Pitaka Case Black protective case.
  • 3-Month Google AI One Pro Subscription

The device is priced at SAR 7,499, making this pre-order window the perfect time to maximize value on a top-tier foldable.

Big rollback for petroleum products announced by Department of Energy

June 22, 2026

The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced price adjustments for petroleum products effective June 23–29, 2026. These changes reflect international oil market movements amid ongoing developments in the Middle East that continue to impact global supply and pricing. Meanwhile, the DOE remains committed to strengthening the domestic oil supply and protecting public welfare.

Below is the announced rollbacks by DOE;

  • Gasoline (91, 95, 97) – ₱3.90 to ₱5.90/liter
  • Diesel and Diesel Plus- ₱9.01 – ₱11.04/liter
  • Kerosene – ₱9.82 – ₱11.82/liter

Source: @DOEgovph

Japan to raise visa fees for foreign nationals in first revision in 48 years  

June 22, 2026

Jiji, Staff report

The fee will be increased from the current ¥3,000 to ¥15,000 for a single-entry visa and from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000 for a multiple-entry visa. The new fees will apply to applications submitted on or after July 1.

The fact that Japan has not raise its visa fees in 48 years says a lot. Some countries increase fees annually, while others every every 3 years, which means this increase visa fees by Japan is long over due.

The government has proposed raising fees for residency status changes and stay extensions from the current range of ¥5,500 to ¥6,000 to between ¥10,000 and ¥70,000, while fees for permanent residency applications would increase from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000. The government is aiming to implement the changes sometime before the end of the next fiscal year on March 31, 2027.

Well, it’s not just for tourists but also for Foreigners living in the country.

I’ve done the calculations and here’s the Philippine Peso equivalent for the new visa fees in Japan;

  • single-entry visa – ¥15,000 = ₱5,646.00
  • multiple-entry visa – ¥30,000 = ₱11,292.00
  • residency status changes and stay extensions – ¥10,000 and ¥70,000 = ₱3,764.00 to ₱26,348.00
  • permanent residency applications – ¥200,000 = ₱7,528.00

Note: ₱0.3764 = ¥1.00 via BSP

Saudi surgeons separate 4th Filipino conjoined twins  

June 21, 2026

Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, reporting for Philippine News Agency;

MANILA – Filipino conjoined twins Olivia and Gianna Manuel were successfully separated after a six-hour multistage surgery by Saudi Arabian surgeons in Riyadh, the Saudi Arabia Embassy in Manila said on Friday.

The operation was carried out in six phases involving 22 specialized medical staff at the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital (KASCH) in Riyadh on June 18 under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Programme (SCTP).

The embassy said the twins are in “stable condition” following the procedure and are being closely monitored at KASCH’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

It added that all costs related to the separation and aftercare were covered entirely by the Saudi government.

Last April 2026, Filipino twins Klea Ann and Maurice Ann Misa after a “complex” 13-hour surgery to be separated under the Saudi Conjoined Twins Program.

24 Filipinos Detained in Russia Repatriated After 9 Months

June 21, 2026

Twenty-four (24) Filipino workers safely returned to Manila on June 21, 2026, after being detained for nine months in Yakutsk, Russia, over immigration violations. The overseas workers, who were reportedly victims of illegal recruitment schemes, had been held without any formal charges.

Their swift release was secured after Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally raised their plight during a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan. Moving quickly upon Marcos’ appeal, Russian authorities authorized their repatriation within days. The Department of Migrant Workers is currently reviewing their cases for potential human trafficking.

Source: PhilStar