PHILIPPINE STAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) was signed on April 28, 2014. It supplements the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) under the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT), intended to bolster the alliance of the Philippines and the United States of America. The Supreme Court upheld its constitutionality twice in 2016, the second one with […]
PhilHealth members still pay out of pocket in spite of universal healthcare, according to a group of researchers from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS). They said, “Despite modest improvements in health outcomes, inequities continue to exist due to unresolved challenges in access to healthcare. This includes the physical constraints due to lack of […]
Feb. 24 last week marked the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The Ukraine crisis has morphed from a border war between the two countries to a potential nuclear conflict in Europe. Here are five major crisis narratives which have had a big impact on economic growth and individual freedom. 1. The virus/pandemic crisis. […]
By Torsten Lichtenau and Yukiko Tsukamoto COMPANIES face geopolitical upheavals, supply chain disruption, inflation, and the threat of recession. Despite this perfect storm, their commitment to decarbonization hasn’t fundamentally wavered. The number of companies embracing science-based targets is continuing to grow at a rapid pace. However, as they make pledges to reduce their carbon footprint, […]
UKRAINIAN hryvnia banknotes are seen in a photo illustration shot in Kiev, Aug. 6, 2014. — REUTERS KYIV — When Russia invaded Ukraine a year ago, the shelves of the Novus supermarket chain in Kyiv quickly emptied as its supply chains — domestic and overseas — collapsed. Fresh produce became scarce and panic buying spread. […]
Pag-IBIG Fund members continue to show preference in the MP2 Savings program in 2022 as total savings reached nearly P40 billion, setting yet a new record-high for the amount saved voluntarily by members under the program in a year, its top officials said on Feb. 27. For 2022, members’ savings under the Modified Pag-IBIG 2 […]
PIXABAY KYIV — The United States warned China of serious consequences were it to provide arms to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as Kyiv’s top general visited the frontline town of Bakhmut where Ukrainian defenders were holding out against constant attacks. Washington and its NATO allies are scrambling to dissuade China from providing military aid […]
WHEN UN negotiations over a global agreement on plastic waste convene for a second session this spring, the European Union (EU) will bring evidence that it practices what it preaches. In November, the European Commission proposed sweeping packaging regulations that would require companies selling products in EU countries to make their packaging easier to reuse, […]
KERIN GEDGE-UNSPLASH SYDNEY — New Zealand will launch an international fundraising appeal for the massive reconstruction work needed after Cyclone Gabrielle tore across the country’s north earlier this month, forcing thousands of people into shelters and killing eleven. The appeal will fund longer term recovery projects and target wealthy expatriates, businesses and anyone with affection […]
REUTERS HANOI — Vietnam’s National Assembly will hold an extraordinary meeting this week, a session that officials and diplomats expect to confirm the appointment of a new president amid a leadership reshuffle prompted by a sweeping crackdown on graft. Multiple officials and diplomats said the new president, a largely ceremonial role, would be Vo Van […]