Buildings in Ortigas business district dwarf houses as seen from Bonifacio Global City in Taguig
Manila, Oct. 19.– The Philippine economy must prepare for potential disruptions from political instability and intensifying natural hazards that could undermine growth amid persistent inflation and global uncertainty, a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) warned.
In its report titled “Macroeconomic Prospects of the Philippines in 2024-2025: Toward Upper Middle-Income Status,” authors John Paolo Rivera, Mark Gerald Ruiz, and Ramona Maria Miral said political uncertainties may result in policy shifts, delayed reforms, and reduced investor confidence.
Washington DC, Oct.16 (AP).– This grim warning from Trump came after he previously downplayed the internal violence in the territory since a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas went into effect last week in the two-year war.
Trump later clarified he won’t send U.S. troops into Gaza after launching the threat against Hamas.
Bern, Oct. 13.– Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset paid an official visit to Switzerland today. In Bern, he met with President of the Swiss Confederation Karin Keller-Sutter, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, President of the National Council Maja Riniker, and Federal Chancellor Viktor Rossi. He also held discussions with Raphaël Bez, Secretary General of the European Movement Switzerland.
The visit provided an opportunity to reaffirm the close ties between Switzerland and the Council of Europe, built on a shared commitment to the core values of multilateralism, human rights, and democracy. A member of the Organisation since 6 May 1963, Switzerland remains an active and respected participant in the pan-European system.
Written by Democracia Participativa on .
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Sharm el-Sheikh, Oct. 13 (DPnet).– The ceasefire agreement for Gaza was signed today in Sharm el-Sheikh by the main mediating powers: the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. A wider summit, co-chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, included leaders from around 30 countries as witnesses in support of the deal.
"At long last, we have peace in the Middle East," Trump declared on stage, flanked by 20 of some 35 world leaders he invited. "After years of suffering and bloodshed, the war in Gaza is over, humanitarian aid is now pouring in, including hundreds of truckloads of food, medical equipment and other supplies, much of it paid for by people in this room," Trump said, echoing earlier remarks to the press about the importance of acknowledging "some of the richest countries" in attendance that will be picking up the tab on Gaza's reconstruction.
The agreement previously signed by Israeli and HAMAS representatives detailed six stages to the deal, beginning with US President Donald Trump's announcement that the war in Gaza had ended and that "the parties have agreed to implement the necessary steps to that end."
The second step states that "the war will immediately end upon the approval of the Israeli government." The Israeli government approved the first phase of the deal on Thursday.
Written by Democracia Participativa on .
Posted in Headlines.
Geneva, Oct. 6 (AP).– The U.N.’s top human rights body agreed Monday to establish an investigation into human rights violations in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime, including those against women and girls, in a move pushed by the European Union.
Unopposed and only with China opting not to join the consensus, the Human Rights Council agreed to establish an “independent and ongoing investigative mechanism” to monitor rights in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power more than four years ago.
The resolution seeks to prepare files that can be used by international justice, such as in the International Criminal Court, and is based on the work of the special investigator that the council of 47 member countries has already created, among other things.
