Stefano Vecchia

The impeachment proceedings began today in the upper house in Manila against the Philippine vice president who has been charged, among other things, of mismanagement of public funds and death threats against President Marcos. Behind the scenes, the influence of opposing parties (and clans) is being played out, jeopardising the very credibility of the institution.

Steve Suwannarat The labour agreement, which will come into effect next year, represents a significant opportunity for the small Asian nation’s development. The goal is to avoid dependence on Indonesia or Australia, especially when it comes to resource development. Wong describes the agreement as “mutually beneficial” and “a platform for closer coordination”.

A case that began after authorities rescued six newborns bound for the city-state has put the spotlight on a widespread practice. Criminal groups exploit the economic difficulties of many women to circumvent adoption regulations, increasingly using social media for recruitment.

Under pressure from Darjeeling producers, India’s Ministry of Commerce is blocking imports from Nepal, ostensibly for “quality control”, seriously damaging the Himalayan country's economy. Yet, India itself actually needs to supplement its production to meet the volumes demanded by the global market and sells Nepali tea marketing it as its own.

Malaysia’s Refugee Registration Document framework, a programme for asylum seekers held in the country’s immigration detention centres, became operational on 1 June. So far, some 4,000 people have been registered, mostly Rohingya who fled Myanmar. The programme, the government stressed, is not aimed at granting citizenship.

Three and a half months after the referendum that opened the way for constitutional reform, the government of Anutin Charnvirakul has presented a proposal that risks pushing the process back to square one, making the path towards a more representative Constitution uncertain.

A recent shooting at a casino has put the spotlight on reports of incivility, looting, and clashes with locals over trivial motives. The problem is linked to cross-border tourism in towns and cities bordering India, which draw thousands of people to visit casinos, hotels, and liquor stores, often returning home before they can be prosecuted.

Price rises linked to the oil crisis triggered by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have caused the sharpest surge in the Philippines in the last three years in the prices of essential goods and transport fares. This trend is hitting low-income families and those living in rural areas of the Visayas hardest.

With 255 votes in favour, the process to impeach the vice president, blocked by the Supreme Court due to a procedural flaw, reached again the quorum. Today, however, the Duterte clan saw a loyalist elected to lead the Senate, which will examine the charges. The country’s Catholic bishops call for a process that transcends political manoeuvring.

The language was ‘sanctioned’ during the Vedic ceremony marking the election of 36-year-old Balendra Shah as prime minister. Enrolment at Nepal Sanskrit University is rising significantly. A process underway across South Asia, driven by economic necessity, spiritual aspirations and political change. Free education, meals and accommodation for students from low-income backgrounds.

Several civilians, including two minors, are among the 19 people killed in the province of Negros Occidental during an operation by the 79th Infantry Battalion. The carnage highlights how activists and community workers are caught up in the war against the communist New People's Army. This comes at the time the Philippines holds the rotating presidency of Association of Southeast Asian Nations. For the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, the latest incident “violates international humanitarian law”.

The arrest of former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli and former Home Affairs Minister Ramesh Lekhak reopens the question of responsibility for the repression of the Gen Z-led protests in September 2025 that left at least 76 people dead. While the new government led by Balendra Shah launches a recovery plan, tensions and fears remain high in the country over restrictions of civil rights.