The arrests come as confrontations between the two Asian neighbours over contested reefs and waters in the strategic South China Sea have escalated in recent months

The Philippine economy expanded a lower than expected 5.2% in the fourth quarter from a year earlier, official data showed on Thursday, weighed down by weaker consumption and weather disruption that squeezed farm output.

At least 82 priests and religious brothers associated with the Philippines have publicly accused of sexual abuse with minors, according to a new data provided by BishopAccountability.org, a leading anti-abuse organization.

A United States-based watchdog on Wednesday launched an online database on more than 80 Roman Catholic priests who have been accused of sexually abusing minors in the Philippines and said the silence of Filipino bishops on the crimes amounted to a cover-up.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Thursday he plans to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss various issues including immigration, in an effort to influence policy he said could impact a large number of Filipinos in the United States.

MANILA: Philippine authorities are pushing for tougher anti-espionage laws, after the recent arrest of a suspected Chinese spy raised concerns over foreign intelligence threats to national security.

Philippine priests accused of sex abuse remain in active ministry in the Catholic-majority country, a US-based abuse tracking group said on Jan. 29, 2025, urging the country's bishops to take action and hold the alleged perpetrators accountable.

Direct flights between India and the Philippines are expected to start this year, Indian Ambassador to the Philippines Harsh Kumar Jain said this week. Indian full-service airline Air India and budget carrier IndiGo are being looked at to serve on the route, Jain shared.

Associated Press reported none of the 82 clergy members, including seven bishops, listed in the database have been convicted in any civil court.

The Philippines economy accelerated in the final quarter of 2024, but full-year growth still missed the official target, signaling that the country's recovery still has some way to go.

A moderately strong, 5.7-magnitude earthquake struck in the Philippines on Thursday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The temblor happened at 7:39 a.m. Philippine time about 4 miles southeast of Liloan,

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration had aimed for a GDP growth target of 6% to 6.5% in 2024. However, for the second consecutive year, the Philippines fell short after also missing its target in 2023.