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Metro Manila, Philippines – Tropical Storm Caloy (international name: Hagupit) has further intensified as it approaches the Philippine Area of Responsibility, a weather disturbance monitoring space, on Friday, May 8, the weather bureau said. In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the storm was moving westward from 1,460 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao. It has maximum winds of 85 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 105 kph. The agency said Caloy will likely enter PAR on Saturday (May 9) afternoon or evening. “In the next 24 hours, HAGUPIT may maintain its strength or briefly reach a severe tropical storm category,” PAGASA said. However, the agency noted that the system is less likely to directly affect the weather and sea conditions in the next three days and may downgrade into a Tropical Depression by Monday, May 11.…

Metro Manila, Philippines – A non-commissioned survey found that four in 10 Filipinos believe public opinion should shape the decision of lawmakers on the possible impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. WR Numero’s poll, conducted on March 10 to 17, asked 1,455 respondents what factors should members of Congress consider when voting on the vice president’s impeachment. About 42 percent of participants “identify public opinion as the sole basis when voting for the impeachment,” while 29 percent said strength and weakness of evidence should be the basis.   The same survey found that 9 percent of Filipinos believe that lawmakers should vote “according to their conscience as legislators” while the same percentage think that they should vote “according to the stance of their political allies.” A smaller share of Filipinos (11 percent) have no response. The March 2026 nationwide survey has a ±3% margin of error and 95% confidence level. 

Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. opened the ASEAN summit plenary by urging regional leaders to harness artificial intelligence (AI), boost maritime cooperation, and press for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East as rising tensions threaten energy and food security. In his opening remarks on Friday, May 8, Marcos said the fast-changing geopolitical environment has begun to directly affect Southeast Asian economies and households, with supply disruptions and rising costs already being felt across the region.  “We meet at a defining moment for our region and the global community,” he said. AI for energy and food security In pushing for solutions on energy and food security, Marcos underscored the need for ASEAN to adopt responsible and inclusive AI use. “In this effort, we must also harness innovation, including inclusive and responsible applications of artificial intelligence to improve energy forecasting, strengthen grid management and system flexibility, and support…

Cebu, Philippines – Thailand and Cambodia reached several agreements and discussed ways forward in addressing their border issues, including the continuation of foreign ministers discussion, during a trilateral meeting facilitated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu on Wednesday. Marcos said the discussions between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reflected a shared commitment to dialogue, restraint, and the peaceful management of tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbors. “During this meeting, I would venture to say that many subjects have been covered, some agreements have been reached, and ways forward have been discussed,” Marcos said during a joint press conference following the talks. Marcos said the meeting was arranged through the Philippines’ “good offices” as ASEAN chair for 2026 to provide “a meaningful space for constructive dialogue” on the bilateral border situation. “This meeting has demonstrated…

Cebu, Philippines – The 48th ASEAN Summit formally opened on Friday, May 8, at what regional leaders described as a defining moment for Southeast Asia, as the bloc confronts mounting geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and the widening impact of the Middle East crisis. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., serving as ASEAN Chair for 2026, opened the summit in Cebu by warning that the increasingly volatile situation in the Middle East is already affecting ASEAN economies and livelihoods. “The increasingly volatile situation in the Middle East has impacted our region, challenging us to remain agile in the face of uncertainties which threaten lifestyles, livelihoods, and lives,” Marcos said during his opening remarks. “Many of our countrymen continue to look to us, their leaders, not only for stability, but for reassurance and for hope,” the president added. The summit is being held under the Philippine chairmanship theme “Navigating Our Future, Together.” Marcos said…