THE INVOLVEMENT of Israel and Russia in the Philippine government’s counter-terrorism efforts, especially in Mindanao, will be advantageous to the military, but analysts cautioned against the potential for corruption in defense-related contracts.

THE PHILIPPINE military destroyed on Saturday a main camp of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a local extremist group that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS), after members who have earlier surrendered provided crucial information.

AT LEAST 14 people died of dengue in Central Visayas in the first 26 days of the year, 11 of whom were from Cebu, records of the Department of Health-Region 7 (DoH-7) showed.

THE Rain or Shine Elasto Painters won their fourth game in the PBA Philippine Cup in five outings after beating the debuting Alaska Aces, 85-72, on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

VOLLEYBALL season at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) kicks off on Feb. 16 and in connection with it the league recently released the first-round schedule for Season 81.

A SUCCESSFUL staging of the AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates concluded on Friday with Qatar emerging as champion with a 3-1 victory over Japan in the final.

THE COURT of Tax Appeals (CTA), citing violation of due process, cancelled the P127.56 million in tax deficiencies in 2009 as claimed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in its assessment of Manila Medical Services, Inc. (Manila Doctors Hospital).

The Department of Trade and Industry has put on hold the implementation of a rule banning the importation of engines and used motor vehicles that are not compliant with the Euro 4 emissions standard.

THE Bicameral Conference Committee tasked to reconcile the disagreeing provisions of the proposed Innovative Startup bill targets ratification by Wednesday, Feb. 6.

FACTORY activity in the Philippines moderately improved in January at the slowest pace in four months on softer output growth and decline in employment, although local manufacturers saw a rise in new orders, according to the latest survey IHS Markit conducted for Nikkei, Inc.

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is targeting to P2.33 trillion this year, 14% higher than the P2.04 trillion goal last year as it plans to introduce new reforms and leverage on technology to improve tax payments and collections.

By Denise A. Valdez, Reporter FITCH Solutions said it raised its growth forecast for the Philippine construction and railway sectors this year with the expected...