The compound has been at the centre of an ongoing battle between his children over its fate. The father had called for its demolition or closure to the public. The government stresses its "historic merit”, which make it “worthy”" of preservation. Still, its future remains uncertain. The meetings that led to the founding of the People's Action Party in 1959 were held in the basement.

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.

After the large-scale operation at KK Park, in the Myawaddy area on the border with Thailand, around a thousand people forced to work in illegal activities fled across the border. Some local sources expressed scepticism, noting that the operation was linked to the threat of sanctions expressed at the ASEAN summit. The criminal networks remain entrenched and enjoy political cover.

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.

Faced with outrage over irregularities in unfinished flood control work, which culminated in the Trillion Peso March, the social arm of the Philippine Catholic Church has signed a memorandum with the government that provides for the direct involvement of parishes in monitoring construction sites. “Beyond criticism, we hope to give moral guidance,” Bishop Bagaforo says.