When the Philippine Congress established the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM) in September 2025 through Republic Act No. 12305, much of the discussion centred on what it meant for the country’s nuclear ambitions. That is understandable. An independent regulator is indispensable for any country considering nuclear power. Yet viewing the legislation solely through the lens of nuclear energy risks overlooking its broader significance.
Category: Philippines
Philippines Hosts ASEAN Youth Summit to Advance Digital Resilience and Responsible AI Use
On August 5, the Philippines formally opened the ASEAN Youth Summit 2026, with the theme “Digital Resilience and Responsible Use of Technologies,” bringing together youth leaders, policymakers and development partners from across Southeast Asia to strengthen digital resilience and promote the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI).
Philippine Senate Scrutinises Millions in Vice President’s Confidential Funds
On August 3, the Philippines’ Senate Impeachment Court heard testimony from a Commission on Audit (COA) auditor who said Vice President Sara Duterte was the only Vice President and the only Department of Education (DepEd) secretary to receive confidential funds during her tenure with the Commission’s Intelligence and Confidential Funds Audit Office (ICFAO), as the House prosecution continued presenting documentary and financial evidence in the impeachment trial.
Philippines Deposits Bajo de Masinloc Chart with UN to Reinforce Maritime Claims
On July 29, the Philippines formally deposited its official nautical chart of Bajo de Masinloc and its surrounding maritime zones with the United Nations (UN) Secretariat, reinforcing its efforts to uphold international law and strengthen the legal certainty of its maritime entitlements.
Continuity, Not Innovation, to Define President Macros’ Final Two Years
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27 to outline his administration’s priorities for the remainder of its term, placing governance, economic competitiveness, public services and national security at the centre of the government’s agenda.
Philippines Raises Capital’s Minimum Wage to Shield Purchasing Power
On July 25, the Philippines’ Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE) officially rolled out the first tranche of the Philippine peso (PHP) 85 daily minimum wage hike for the National Capital Region (NCR), increasing daily pay by a minimum of PHP 60.
Philippine Navy Joins RIMPAC 2026 PHOTOEX to Boost Maritime Security
On July 22, the Philippine Navy (PN) participated in the Photograph Exercise (PHOTOEX) during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise 2026, joining naval forces from 13 countries in a joint fleet formation aimed at demonstrating interoperability and maritime cooperation.
US’ Secretary of State Arrives in Manila for ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meetings
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Manila from July 19 to 23 to participate in the ASEAN Foreign Ministerial Meetings (FMM) and related meetings, as well as to pay a courtesy call on the Philippine President and ASEAN Chair, Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Defending Maritime Rights Doesn’t Take a Warship, Just a Sheet of Paper
A single sheet of paper may seem insignificant against coast guard ships, offshore bases and competing territorial claims. Yet, for former Philippine Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, that sheet of paper could make all the difference in the South China Sea.
Japan Coast Guard Training Vessel Arrives in Manila as Philippines, Japan Deepen Maritime ties
The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) training vessel Itsukushima (PL-23) called at Manila from July 16-20, marking the final overseas port of call of its 89-day Global Ocean Training Voyage for fiscal year 2026 before returning to Japan. The four-day visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines, reflecting the two countries’ expanding maritime partnership.