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Filipino Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Trump to Visit Manila for 2026 ASEAN Summit
United States President Donald Trump has confirmed his attendance at the 44th ASEAN Summit to be hosted by the Philippines in 2026, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez revealed in an interview with NewsWatch Plus. The commitment came during a conversation between the two following an official luncheon held in Washington as part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s recent visit to the United States. Romualdez recalled asking Trump directly if he would attend the summit in Manila. 'Yes, I will definitely go,' Trump reportedly replied, according to the ambassador. Trump had previously stated in the Oval Office during a media engagement, 'If I'm invited, I'll go.' President Marcos formally extended the invitation, solidifying expectations that Trump will visit the country as part of the summit. The Philippines is set to host the 44th ASEAN Summit in 2026, which will coincide with two major milestones in PH-U.S. relations—the 80th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the 75th year of the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT). The high-level summit will serve as a platform to strengthen regional cooperation and reaffirm longstanding alliances among member states and key partners like the United States. In his arrival statement from Washington, President Marcos described Trump's anticipated visit as a 'reaffirmation of our historic alliance.' He emphasized the importance of U.S.-Philippine relations, noting that the Mutual Defense Treaty remains a key pillar of the country's security framework. 'The United States is our oldest and only treaty ally,' Marcos said. 'This visit and summit will mark another chapter in our shared strategic interests.' Ask ChatGPT
Filipino Times
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Philippines welcomes Lithuanian support in West Philippine Sea dispute
The Philippine government welcomes the support expressed by Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene for the country's position in the West Philippine Sea. At a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Marcos administration appreciates the recognition of its efforts to uphold the country's sovereign rights in the contested waters. 'Nakikita po ang ginagawang trabaho ng Pangulo, kung paano ba ipagtanggol ng Pangulo at ng administrasyong kasalukuyan ang karapatan ng mga mangingisda natin at iba pa nating mga kababayan patungkol po dito sa West Philippine Sea,' she added. In an interview with NewsWatch Plus, Sakaliene said the Philippines had demonstrated to the international community that China was 'gaslighting' Filipinos in the ongoing maritime dispute. She also commended the Philippines' transparency efforts in the West Philippine Sea, describing them as a 'gold standard' for responding to aggression. Sakaliene's statement adds to growing international expressions of support for the Philippines amid heightened tensions with China in the region.
Filipino Times
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
EDSA rehabilitation likely delayed to 2026
The long-awaited rehabilitation of EDSA will likely be postponed to 2026, according to Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan. In a report on NewsWatch Plus on July 4, Bonoan said that starting construction during the rainy season would be impractical. The project, dubbed 'EDSA Rebuild,' was initially set to begin in June, alongside traffic mitigation plans such as the proposed odd-even scheme. However, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a temporary suspension to refine the implementation strategy and fast-track the timeline. Bonoan noted the need to align the project with better weather conditions and international events scheduled for 2026, such as ASEAN meetings in Manila. Originally, the DPWH planned for phased work to be completed by 2027. The agency is currently evaluating new technologies to speed up repairs and will submit revised recommendations to the President.
Filipino Times
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Freddie Aguilar, iconic Filipino singer behind ‘Anak,' dies at 72
OPM legend Freddie Aguilar has died at the age of 72. His death was confirmed to NewsWatch Plus on Tuesday, May 27, by Governor Jun Tamayo, president of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), where Aguilar once served as national executive vice president. Days before his death, Aguilar's wife Jovie shared a hopeful message on Facebook alongside a photo taken at the Philippine Heart Center: 'Stay strong, things will get better. It may be stormy now, but it can't rain forever.' Aguilar's daughter Shiaianne also posted an emotional note, saying her father was giving his 'best fight' in what appeared to be a health battle. 'Please focus on getting better… we want you back at your best self,' she wrote. Best known for his timeless hit 'Anak,' Aguilar became a household name in the 1970s for the folk-rock song that resonated with Filipino families. 'Anak' sold 33 million copies worldwide, was translated into 20 languages, and was released in 53 countries. He also made his mark in Philippine history through his stirring rendition of 'Bayan Ko,' which became a rallying cry during the resistance against the Marcos dictatorship. In 2013, Aguilar converted to Islam at age 60 and married then 16-year-old Jovie Albao. Reports indicate that preparations are underway for Aguilar's burial within 24 hours, in line with Islamic tradition.
Filipino Times
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Erwin Tulfo: Duterte impeachment not a ‘teleserye,' vows fair judgment in senate trial
Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo said he is prepared to fulfill his role as an impeachment judge in the upcoming Senate trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, stressing the need for impartiality and evidence-based decision-making. 'This isn't a teleserye. We're talking about removing the second-highest official in the land from office, and possibly barring her from running again. That's not something we take lightly,' Tulfo told NewsWatch Plus in an interview. The incoming senator, who placed fourth in the May 2025 elections, said his background in journalism will help him navigate the proceedings with fairness and objectivity. 'As journalists, we're trained to look at both sides. May nag-aakusa—what's your evidence? The defense—what do they have? You weigh the facts. Ganun din dapat dito,' he said. Tulfo emphasized that any ruling should rely strictly on the merits of the case. 'Kung mali, then so be it. Bahala nang magalit ang iba. But if it lacks merit, then we dismiss it. Why waste time? The public will be watching us closely,' he added. Tulfo's comments reflect a broader call from newly elected senators to uphold fairness and transparency. Senator Bong Go, who topped the senatorial race, said the trial must depend entirely on evidence: 'Kung walang ebidensya, eh 'di wala. Sayang lang 'yung oras kung ipipilit.' Returning Senator Ping Lacson said the House must present strong and credible proof to persuade at least 16 senators to convict Duterte. 'We will be answerable to the Filipino people,' he said. Other senators echoed similar sentiments. Senator Imee Marcos pledged to scrutinize the evidence thoroughly, while Duterte ally Senator Rodante Marcoleta claimed the case was flawed from the beginning. The Senate trial is scheduled to begin on July 30.
