Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

Scandal-hit Kim Soo-hyun's hit drama get's Philippine remake
The much-anticipated Philippine adaptation of the Korean hit drama It's Okay to Not Be Okay reimagines the globally acclaimed series through a Filipino lens, diving deep into themes of trauma, healing, and love. Originally starring Kim Soo-hyun,...

Aoyama Dojo opens its doors at UP Town Center: A new era for Philippine martial arts
Aoyama Dojo, the country’s newest premier martial arts facility, officially opened its doors in UP Town Center, bringing world-class training and innovation to Filipino martial arts enthusiasts of all ages. The grand opening event gathered...

Donald Trump has vowed to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods
Donald Trump has vowed to impose a 50% tariff on Brazilian goods, accusing the South American nation of undermining free speech, a move that significantly escalates tensions between the US and Brazil. On Truth Social, Trump unleashed a scathing...

Migration numbers slump as fewer migrants arrive in this country, more depart long term
Statistics NZ estimates that this country had a net population gain of 14,808 in the 12 months to May this year, almost unchanged from the 14,978 gain in the 12 months to April, but down a whopping 81.5% from the gain of 80,282 in the year to May...

You Won't Be Disappointed': Trump Warns Seven Nations Of Tariffs Up To 30% Unless Deal Is Made By August 1
President Donald Trump has intensified his trade agenda, announcing tariff letters sent to seven nations—Sri Lanka, Algeria, Iraq, Libya, Philippines, Moldova, and Brunei—promising levies up to 30 per cent starting 1 August unless trade deals are...

Abante declared winner in Manila congressional race, vows service with humility, compassion
By Billy Begas Bienvenido Abante was formally proclaimed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as the winner of the congressional race for the sixth district of Manila. Abante expressed gratitude to the Comelec and called for unity and service...

Mascariñas eyes back-to-back Sunrise Sprint titles
MANILA, Philippines — Lord Cedric Mascariñas looks to capitalize once again on his superb biking prowess as he aims for back-to-back victories in the men’s division of the Sunrise Sprint (S2), a sub-category of the centerpiece Sun Life 5150 Bohol,...

15 Philippine police officers in custody over feared killings of cockfighters
Your support helps us to tell the story From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our...

Search for missing 'sabungeros' in Taal Lake may start this week — Remulla
MANILA, Philippines — The search for the bodies of the missing cockfighting enthusiasts, or sabungeros, allegedly dumped in Taal Lake in Batangas could begin within the week, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Monday, July 7. “We're...

SM introduces Signature Series by SM Residences, setting new standards in premium living
Concrete plans are underway as SM launches its premium primary residential line starting with landmark developments in Muntinlupa and Makati MANILA, Philippines — SM unveils its newest residential brand, Signature Series by SM Residences, marking...

HD Hyundai Chairman Kwon Begins Southeast Asia Business Tour
HD Hyundai Chairman Kwon Oh-gap is set to embark on a global on-site management tour. HD Hyundai announced on July 7 that Chairman Kwon Oh-gap will visit three Southeast Asian countries - the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam - from Sunday (6th)...

How Golden ABC is building a modern retail empire from the Philippines
ed help. This has largely shaped who we are as a business today,” Liu, president and CEO of Golden ABC, said at the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) Big Show Asia Pacific in Singapore. From that beginning, Golden ABC has evolved into one of the...

Del Monte to stay afloat, amid bankruptcy of US arm
MANILA, Philippines – Food giant Del Monte Pacific Ltd. (DMPL) has assured investors that it will continue operations and service debts despite the bankruptcy of its US subsidiary, saying that the strong performance of Philippine operations would...

Aboitiz and Cebu — Growing Together
61 Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV), the portfolio manager of the Aboitiz Group, underscored its long-standing commitment to Cebu’s growth and prosperity at the Cebu Business Investment Forum held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 in Cebu City. Organized by...

The Philippines: Expanded Fibre Network Advances Digital Connectivity
The Philippines made significant progress in its digital transformation with the official launch of the National Fibre Backbone (NFB) Project Phases 2 and 3, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. This bold initiative represents a crucial...

Australian military reveals cyber bootstraps in Manila amid Qantas hack
The ADF’s cyber drills in Manila may not save Qantas this time, but they signal how Australia plans to fight its next digital war. Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts) Coincidences can be unfortunate, or they can be...

Free Design Tools Now Available for All DepEd Teachers and Learners
In a landmark move to empower visual learning across Philippine classrooms, all Department of Education (DepEd) teachers, students, and staff with a valid DepEd email address now have free access to premium design tools through Canva Education....

How China is 'eating our lunch' with soft power
In June 2025, while U.S. and Philippine forces conducted joint military drills in the Sulu Sea and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed America’s commitment to the Indo-Pacific at Singapore’s Shangri-La Dialogue, another story deserving of...

World News | 15 Police Officers Detained over Alleged Killings of Cockfighting Fans in Philippines
Manila, Jul 8 (AP) Fifteen police officers have been taken into custody and are being investigated for their alleged role in the abductions and feared killings of at least 34 cockfighting fans, the Philippine police chief said Monday. The missing...

Almost 60% of Philippine retail payments now digital
Digital payments continue to gain popularity in the Philippines. INQUIRER FILES MANILA, Philippines – Nearly three of every five retail payment transactions in the Philippines were done digitally in 2024, smashing the government’s target for last...