Philippines Unemployment Rate Climbs to 6% in July, Highest in Over 4 Years

The Philippines' unemployment rate climbed to 6.0% in July, with 3.14 million Filipinos left without work. This figure represents the highest unemployment rate in more than four years, highlighting a challenging employment landscape, particularly for the nation's youth. In the political arena, the Senate impeachment court is being asked to reconsider the voting threshold required for conviction in impeachment trials. Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo has formally requested the court to make a decision on this matter, citing the ongoing absence of several senators from the proceedings. Separately, the prosecution in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte has announced its intention to call her to the witness stand. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has also appointed boxer and former senator Manny Pacquiao as the lead convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission. This move is seen as a step towards strengthening the government's anti-poverty initiatives. On the international front, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. took a firm stance against China at the Seoul Defense Dialogue. He criticized Beijing's actions for "disrespecting" international law, urging them to "be more decent." This public criticism underscores the continued maritime and diplomatic friction between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea. Source: Rappler Philippines