Philippines

The first natural gas discovery in over a decade in the Philippines has been announced, an offshore field with an estimated 98 billion cubic feet of gas; Officials say it could boost energy security and support a transition away from coal

The Traslación, Manila’s annual mass procession of the Black Nazarene drawing millions of bare footed devotees, was held amid public outrage over alleged corruption in its management and misuse of funding, while authorities tightened security

Temporary maritime restrictions have been announced in parts of the West Philippine Sea ahead of a Chinese rocket launch; Authorities cited safety risks from falling debris, analysts note the move comes amid tensions with Beijing over contested waters

Anti-political dynasty House Bill 6771 has been filed by speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos; the measure would bar spouses, siblings and relatives of a public official from holding elective posts at the same time

Domestic flights in the Philippines were disrupted after Airbus began a mandatory software upgrade for A320 aircrafts; delays and cancellations have been announced as planes undergo the update, affecting schedules nationwide

An agreement in principle on a new defense-logistics pact ACSA has been reached with Japan; it encompasses exchange of logistical support during joint exercises and common peacekeeping operations, solidifying the Japan-Philippines axis

Thousands spent the night on the streets amid repeated aftershocks of the 6,9 magnitude earthquake that struck the Cebu province; a state of calamity has been declared

Sixteen roads remain impassable and nearly 7.000 passengers stranded as typhoons Mirasol, Nando and Opong plus monsoon rains battered the country; Coast Guard is clearing ports and rescuing crews, while churches in Bicol launched fundraisings for Masbate

A fire broke out among buildings in the Tondo district of Manila, displacing 700 families, according to local media and the Manila Public Information Office, which said the fire is under control, only three people are injured; cause are being investigated

34 barangays - the smallest unit of territorial government - in Negros Island Region have been declared free from illegal drugs by the Drug Enforcement Agency; to be considered drug-free, a barangay must meet criteria set by the Dangerous Drugs Board

Government will convene a “conclave-style" gathering of stakeholders to develop a comprehensive policy on online gambling, as announced by President Marcos; The initiative signals a renewed effort to address concerns surrounding internet gaming regulation

The House of Representatives provided details on four impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte as the Supreme Court required; It asserts the process was fully constitutional, reinforcing its stance ahead of a possible Senate trial