Vietnam to implement cigarette excise tax from 2027; gradual hike to follow
HANOI — Vietnam will introduce an absolute excise tax on cigarettes starting in 2027, with rates increasing incrementally to 10,000 dong ($0.38, $1 =...
Vietnam expects to sign deal to export 2.5 million tons of rice to Philippines
HANOI — Vietnam expects to sign an agreement to export 2.5 million metric tons of rice to the Philippines this year, state media reported...
At least 25 killed after crane falls on train in Thailand, police say
BANGKOK — A train derailed in northeastern Thailand on Wednesday after a construction crane fell on three of its carriages, killing at least 25 people...
Jollibee CFO says growth supports 2027 US listing of international arm
MANILA/SINGAPORE — Jollibee Foods Corp’s JFC.PS international business is “ready to be a standalone”, its global chief financial officer said on Wednesday, as the Philippine...
Saks Global files for bankruptcy after Neiman Marcus takeover leads to financial collapse
NEW YORK — High-end department store conglomerate Saks Global filed for bankruptcy protection late on Tuesday in one of the largest retail collapses since...
Indonesian ride-hailing industry set for shake-up under draft presidential decree
JAKARTA — Millions of Indonesian ride-hailing drivers would receive major increases to financial and social benefits under a draft decree being considered by President...
Cambodia to keep up crackdown on scam centers after arrest of alleged mastermind
CAMBODIA’S arrest of alleged scam center kingpin Chen Zhi and his extradition to China was “not the end” of the Southeast Asian nation’s battle to...
LPA develops into Tropical Depression Ada; Storm Signal No. 1 raised in several areas
The low-pressure area east of the country has developed into Tropical Depression Ada, according to the state weather bureau on Wednesday. Storm Signal No....
Gov’t hikes salary, subsistence allowance for military and uniformed personnel
The Marcos administration is beefing up support for military and uniformed personnel (MUP) this year, rolling out higher base pay, increased subsistence allowances, and...
Indonesia central bank to continue intervening to defend depreciating rupiah
JAKARTA — Indonesia’s central bank will continue intervening in the foreign exchange markets to ensure moves in the rupiah exchange rate reflects the currency’s...
China posts record $1.2 trillion trade surplus in 2025 despite US tariffs
BEIJINGUS — China on Wednesday reported a strong export run in 2025 with a record surplus of nearly $1.2 trillion, as producers braced for...
Puregold CinePanalo’s Tigkiliwi joins prestigious Fantasporto 2026 in Portugal
Tara Illenberger’s Tigkiliwi (Lopsided), a Puregold CinePanalo creation, scores another milestone for Filipino filmmaking with a prized spot in the Official Competitive Director’s Week of the 46th...