TOKYO – A tense Japan prepared Tuesday for a rare and controversial state funeral for assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the longest-serving leader in his nation’s modern history and one of the most divisive.

MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday assured US President Joe Biden that the Philippines remains a “partner, ally, and friend” of the United States.

TOKYO – Japan’s government is considering allowing hotels to refuse entry to guests who do not wear masks and follow other measures to control infection during an outbreak, Fuji News Network said on Wednesday.

Marcos, who arrived in New York City on Sunday, will hold a bilateral meeting with Biden, who will host a reception on September 21 (September 22 in Manila) for all heads of state attending the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

MANILA, Philippines – Chief presidential legal counsel Juan Ponce Enrile has proposed to augment the number of senators to 48, citing the need to match the increasing Filipino population.

TOKYO – A tropical storm that dumped heavy rain as it cut across Japan moved into the Pacific Ocean on Tuesday after killing two and injuring more than 100, paralyzing traffic and leaving thousands of homes without power.

MANILA, Philippines — More than 30 armed men have been encamped since last week on the roadside of the Marikina-Infanta Highway within the vicinity of the protected Masungi conservation site, according to its administrators.

Metro Manila — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to tackle the most pressing issues concerning the country including climate change, in his first speech in front of other world leaders at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) next week.

The world has never been in a better position to end the COVID-19 pandemic, the head of the World Health Organization said on Wednesday, his most optimistic outlook yet on the years-long health crisis which has killed over six million people.

WASHINGTON – Japan and the United States agreed on joint technological research to counter hypersonic weapons, Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada said Wednesday, as the two countries work to closely align their security strategies in the face of China’s growing assertiveness in the region.