The Apostolic Vicar of Puerto Princesa, Bishop Socrates Mesiona, has criticised the Manila government for issuing new deforestation permits to mining companies in what is one of the Philippines’ most biodiverse habitats. “This way of acting gives the impression that there are two kinds of laws in our country: one for the rich and powerful, and one for the poor.”
An appeal against laws allowing minors to convert to Islam with the consent of just one parent has been dismissed on procedural grounds. Eight years on from a landmark ruling that seemed set to change the situation, the issue continues to be a cause for concern among religious minorities.
Israeli arms exports reached a record US$ 19.2 billion in 2025, with purchases nearly doubling in the Asia-Pacific. Vietnam is one of Israel’s main partners, making it, its the second-largest supplier after Russia. Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhàn, a businesswoman who fell out of favour with the authorities and was sentenced in absentia to 30 years in prison, played a key role in this. India, Thailand, and Singapore are also nurturing military ties with the Jewish state in order to develop their own capabilities.
The latest toll stands at 37 dead, four missing, and more than 450 injured. Bishop Gilbert Garcera, president of the CBCP, has called on all Filipinos to contribute aid to the relief effort. Many parts of the earthquake-stricken area are still without power. Homes have been destroyed, and more than a thousand people have been evacuated, including in Indonesia.
Authorities say content likely originated from a China-based platform and sought to inflame tensions against the city-state’s Indian community, a key pillar of Singapore’s multicultural society.
On 25 May, the Dicastery for Evangelisation issued an official decree granting international status to the shrine, the second in Catholic-majority Philippines. The formal declaration will be held on 23 September, the feast day of the saint from Pietralcina.
