Philippines

by Santosh Digal | PHILIPPINES

The start of the holy season for Catholics and Muslims in 2026 falls at the same time on February 18. Filipino bishop calls for interreligious dialogue: “Walking together in faith.” An opportunity to “transform the heart and shape actions.” Looking at common “sacred tasks”: care for others, the environment, and peace.

by Santosh Digal

The new president of the Bishops' Conference, Msgr. Garcera, opens dialogue with government agencies and with President Marcos himself, against whom two impeachment requests have been filed. The Church is willing to collaborate in monitoring public works, the failure to complete which triggered the crisis. The president of Caritas: ‘Corruption in the country is systemic, and everyone's contribution is needed to respond.’

 

| 28/01/2026
| PHILIPPINES

The decision to join UNCLOS comes after 40 years of delays, opening a new front with Thailand over the disputed oil fields off Koh Kood Island. In 2001, then Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra signed an agreement with his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen, for joint exploitation, but this never materialised and is now contested by Bangkok. The issue ties in with the 2016 arbitration on China’s "nine-dash line” with which Beijing claims most of the South China Sea.

| 27/01/2026
| CAMBODIA – THAILAND – CHINA
by Santosh Digal

The accident occurred after midnight, near the island of Basilan. The MV Trisha Kerstin 3, which had departed from Zamboanga and was headed for Jolo, reportedly experienced technical problems. Investigations into the causes are ongoing, while at least 28 people are missing. Maritime disasters are common in the country due to frequent storms and poor maintenance.

| 26/01/2026
| PHILIPPINES
by Santosh Digal

The president spoke yesterday in Cotabato City on the seventh anniversary of the founding of the Barmm. For the head of state, “peace” in the area is vital for the progress of the whole country. The promise to support “the aspirations of our Muslim brothers and sisters.” Meanwhile, September 28 is being considered as the date for the elections, which have already been postponed several times.

| 22/01/2026
| PHIlIPPINES
by Lisa Bongiovanni

Faced with a rapidly declining population, Greenland is increasingly relying on workers from the Philippines  for key sectors of the local economy, such as fishing and seafood processing. This is happening at a time when some studies suggest that Southeast Asia is the region most affected by rising sea levels due to melting ice sheets.

| 21/01/2026
| GREENLAND – PHILIPPINES

The motion filed against the sitting president concerns cooperation with the International Criminal Court, alleged budget irregularities, and failures to manage scandals related to public flood prevention projects. In the background, ongoing legal proceedings continue, including those involving the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, amid tensions within the military, and a deteriorating economic situation.

| 19/01/2026
| PHILIPPINES
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“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”