A legal expert and politician, he was one of dictator Ferdinand Marcos's closest aides, designing and implementing martial law. But he was also a key figure in the 1986 crisis that ultimately brought down the regime. Still at the centre of politics, he served as legal advisor to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. even as he approached his 100th birthday. A divisive figure, he was for some, a symbol of political skill, for others, an emblem of elite impunity.
Joy Reyes, who experienced firsthand the devastation of cyclone Ulysses in 2020, shared her experience at the UN Conference on Climate Change. “I used to love the sound of rain. Now every drop brings fear,” she said. The perverse connection with international debt, which weighs heavily on the victims of other people's pollution, is a powerful one. Cardinal David calls for a tax on mining to compensate local communities.
The Catholic Church is at the forefront of relief efforts for the population affected by Tino, which has caused over 90 deaths and 400,000 displaced persons. Nearly 400 people have been welcomed into the classrooms of the Maria Ausiliatrice school. The archbishop has ordered churches to be opened to provide shelter. Over 20,000 schools have suspended classes.
The Anti-Pogo Act of 2025 is now in force, repealing the provisions of the previous law on gambling taxation. The government wants to prioritise ‘the protection of life and general welfare’, as well as supporting ‘human dignity’. Prison sentences and progressive fines are envisaged. The Church has also long called for an all-out fight against the scourge of gambling.
Speaking at the regional summit, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called on Asian countries to “close ranks” in the face of global challenges, primarily that of trade with the United States. Southeast Asia must maintain open markets while avoiding becoming embroiled in a trade duel between superpowers. The summit saw the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement upgraded. The Philippines will take over the association’s rotating presidency next year.
Yesterday, Dili officially became the 11th nation in the Southeast Asian bloc. The end of a 14-year journey was marked by a highly symbolic ceremony attended by all regional leaders. Prime Minister Rala Xanana Gusmao was the last to add his signature. Challenges and responsibilities related to inclusion remain.
