Skip to main content

SUBJECTSTHEMESDOSSIERSTHE PRISMTRENDSCOUNTRIES

HOME SUBJECTS THEMES DOSSIERS THE PRISM TRENDS COUNTRIES ACCOUNT

The news through the eyes of the entire world. Break out of your information bubble.

GET THE PRISM · EVERY SATURDAY

Every Saturday, we slice the week into 19 national versions. You read. You pick who lies the least.

EXPLORE

SUBJECTS
THEMES
COUNTRIES
DOSSIERS
THE PRISM
TRENDS
NARRATIVE SHIFTS

THE PROJECT

METHODOLOGY
OUR SOURCES
ABOUT
CONTACT
LEGAL NOTICE

YOUR SPACE

MY ACCOUNT

THE REFRACT 2026EVERY STORY HAS MANY SIDES

🇵🇭 Philippines - MEDIA PERSPECTIVE | The Refract

/
/
PHILIPPINES

PHILIPPINES

MEDIA PERSPECTIVE

The Philippine view, between Asia and the Pacific. Philippine media (Philippine Daily Inquirer, Rappler) are distinguished by courageous investigative journalism, covering sovereignty issues in the South China Sea and the challenges of democracy.

SUBJECTS COVERED BY PHILIPPINES

39 SUBJECTS

Pope Leo XIV urges the world to slow down on AI

In his first major document, Pope Leo XIV urged governments to slow the development of artificial intelligence: protect workers' rights and children, keep data ownership out of purely private hands, and cool competition among AI companies. Six national readings, between regulation, tech caution and sovereignty.

6 countries · 11 sources

Hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius: new confirmed cases

A second hantavirus case linked to the MV Hondius expedition cruise has been confirmed in Spain, with a Spanish passenger quarantined in Madrid testing positive after deaths aboard. Six national readings weigh the maritime health alert and the cross-border handling of repatriated passengers.

6 countries · 11 sources

us-intelligencetrump-administration

Trump's intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard resigns

Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump's Director of National Intelligence, resigned amid internal tensions within the administration, marking a fresh upheaval in the US security apparatus.

19 countries · 41 sources

iran-us-talkspakistan-mediation

Pakistan's army chief in Iran as US's Rubio says 'slight progress' in talks

Pakistan's top general's mission to Tehran reflects an unprecedented parallel mediation as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledges 'slight progress' in nuclear talks with Iran, against the backdrop of the Strait of Hormuz blockade.

20 countries · 60 sources

samsung-electronics-strikesouth-korea-labor-dispute

Samsung Electronics management and labor reach wage deal ahead of planned strike

Samsung Electronics management and labor reached a last-minute wage deal, averting a planned strike and easing a major industrial dispute in South Korea's semiconductor industry.

10 countries · 17 sources

us-iran-tensionsstrait-of-hormuz

Trump says Xi agreed Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz

Donald Trump claims Xi Jinping agreed to pressure Iran into reopening the Strait of Hormuz, closed since February 28. Beijing has not publicly confirmed, and negotiations remain stalled.

15 countries · 35 sources

ebola-outbreakglobal-health-emergency

WHO declares global health emergency over Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda

WHO classifies the Ebola outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Nearly 90 deaths in DRC, first cases confirmed in Uganda, Bundibugyo strain with no available vaccine.

20 countries · 43 sources

philippinessara-duterte

Sara Duterte Impeached Twice: The Philippine Heiress Faces Senate Trial

On May 11, 2026, the Philippine House of Representatives voted 257 to 25 to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Accused of misusing public funds, unexplained wealth and plotting to assassinate President Marcos, she becomes the first Philippine official impeached twice. The case moves to the Senate, whose leadership was just seized by a Duterte ally.

6 countries · 11 sources

Hormuz Showdown: Trump's 'Project Freedom' vs Iran's Unyielding Grip on the Strait

As Iran doubles down on permanent control of the Strait of Hormuz — comparing it to Mossadegh's 1951 oil nationalization — Trump launches 'Project Freedom' to escort stranded neutral ships out of the Gulf starting Monday. A cargo ship was just attacked by small craft, Pakistan-mediated peace talks remain deadlocked, and OPEC+'s third production quota hike is purely symbolic as long as Hormuz stays shut.

15 countries · 26 sources

SCOTUS Dismantles Voting Rights Act: Trump Redraws Electoral Maps

The U.S. Supreme Court under Chief Justice Roberts has issued a decision significantly weakening the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act. Trump immediately announced Tennessee as the next state for redistricting. Louisiana suspended its primary elections. A decision reshaping American democracy—and one the world is watching with starkly different interpretations.

10 countries · 14 sources

Six weeks of kerosene in Europe, three million new poor in the Philippines: the energy bill of war

The IEA chief warns that Europe has only six weeks of kerosene left—while the Philippines counts its future poor and Indonesia buys Russian oil.

7 countries · 10 sources

Israel Bombards Lebanon Four Days Before Negotiations: Baby Killed, UNIFIL Hit, Netanyahu in the South

An Israeli tank strikes UN vehicles, a baby dies under airstrikes during her father's funeral, and Netanyahu visits southern Lebanon as a conqueror — four days before Washington talks.

18 countries · 30 sources

Inflationénergie

Wartime inflation strikes the world: when filling up becomes a luxury from Tokyo to Toronto

US inflation jumps to a two-year high, the Bank of Japan freezes its rates, European airports warn of a kerosene shortage — the bill for the war in Iran arrives in wallets around the globe.

19 countries · 28 sources

The Strait of Hormuz Battle: Supertankers Force Passage, Iran Holds Global Energy Chokepoint

Chinese supertankers transit the strait under U.S. escort, but Iran asserts it has authorized no passage—a high-stakes standoff over the world's energy chokepoint is unfolding in real time.

24 countries · 35 sources

Moment of Truth in Islamabad: The US and Iran Face Off, but They're Playing Different Games

Vance lands in Islamabad as China secretly ships air defense systems to Tehran, Iran loses track of its own mines in the Strait of Hormuz, and Trump announces there is no Plan B.

26 countries · 47 sources

marchéspétrole

Markets Jubilant, Oil Plummets: The Economic Fallout from the Ceasefire

Wall Street is on fire, Brent crude crashes below $91, but Tehran wants payment for Strait of Hormuz passage — and Trump responds with 50% tariffs on Iran's arms suppliers.

12 countries · 12 sources

Trump considers withdrawing from NATO: the Rutte meeting amid war

In the midst of war against Iran, Trump summons the NATO chief to discuss a withdrawal — and threatens to punish allies who failed to follow.

12 countries · 12 sources

Energy Crisis in Asia: When the Iran War Strikes Daily Life

From diesel siphoning in the Philippines to a state of emergency in Cagayan de Oro, from crude at $150 a barrel to Chinese solar plants built in haste — the Iran war is no longer measured in airstrikes but in liters of stolen fuel, buses at a standstill, and families cooking in the dark.

6 countries · 11 sources

Diplomacy & Governance

Leo XIV's First Easter: The American Pope Calls for Peace in a World That No Longer Listens

Before 50,000 faithful in Saint Peter's Square, the first American pope in history breaks with tradition by naming no country at war—and by targeting everyone.

8 countries · 17 sources

The Oil Shock Hits Asia: Rationing, Curfews, and Free Transportation

From Pakistan offering 30 days of free transportation after a 42% surge in gasoline prices to Bangladesh dimming wedding lights—Asia absorbs the shock of the Iran war.

11 countries · 22 sources

The War That Enters Kitchens: From Manila to Islamabad, Rising Prices Strangle Daily Life

One month after the Strait of Hormuz closure, the oil crisis is no longer measured in barrels but in kilos of rice, bottles of LPG, and canceled tricycle trips.

8 countries · 21 sources

Economy & Trade

Wall Street collapses, South Korean won plunges: Iran war fractures global economy

Wall Street suffers its worst losses since the conflict began. The South Korean won hits its fourth-lowest monthly level. Jet fuel prices double in Russia. The Philippines converts festive celebrations into fuel subsidies. The economic shockwave from the Iran war reaches every continent.

6 countries · 9 sources

Energy & Climate

Energy Crisis: The Price of War in Iran Paid at the Pump

Oil surpasses $110 a barrel, the Philippines declares a national energy emergency, Germany passes emergency fuel price laws. From the Strait of Hormuz to gas stations in South Africa, the war in Iran is redrawing the global energy map.

8 countries · 22 sources

Energy & ClimateEconomy & Trade

Global Energy Crisis: Asia on the Brink After Strait of Hormuz Closure

Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz triggers the worst energy crisis since the 1970s. The Philippines declares a national state of emergency with only 45 days of fuel remaining, while Japan, South Korea and India take drastic energy austerity measures.

10 countries · 10 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

International Tensions: Iran at the Center of Strategic and Diplomatic Stakes

Recent events involving Iran underscore its central position in regional conflicts and global diplomacy. From Israeli strikes to American negotiations, the country generates varied reactions that affect Middle Eastern security and beyond.

28 countries · 171 sources

Conflicts & SecurityEnergy & Climate

Rising Tensions Between Iran and the United States: Threat to the Strait of Hormuz

Military tensions are intensifying between Iran and the United States, with threats from Tehran to close the Strait of Hormuz. This situation poses a major risk to global energy security, affecting international trade and oil prices.

25 countries · 127 sources

Conflicts & SecurityEconomy & Trade

Middle East in Flames: Iran at the Heart of Regional Tensions

Recent confrontations involving Iran and its allies have triggered an escalation in the region, threatening global economic stability. The United States and Israel have multiplied warnings against Tehran, while experts worry about major impacts on the oil market.

22 countries · 87 sources

Conflicts & SecuritySociety & Rights

Iran: Israeli Strikes and Humanitarian Consequences

Recent Israeli strikes in Iran have intensified regional tensions and triggered medicine shortages. This escalation underscores Iran's role as a central Middle Eastern geopolitical actor, affecting not only its own population but also neighboring countries.

29 countries · 119 sources

Conflicts & SecurityEconomy & Trade

Middle East Conflict: Iran at the Center of Strikes and Tensions

Israeli airstrikes target Iranian facilities in Iran, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates. This escalation of tensions destabilizes the region and affects global oil prices. European diplomacy attempts to prevent further military escalation.

30 countries · 169 sources

Conflicts & SecurityEnergy & Climate

Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Trump Faces Allied Refusal to Intervene Militarily

European and Asian allies are overwhelmingly rejecting Trump's request to send warships to secure the Strait of Hormuz, blocked by Iran. This crisis divides the West and sends oil prices soaring.

9 countries · 16 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

Military escalation in the Middle East: Israel launches ground operations in Lebanon

Israel begins limited military operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon as tensions intensify with Iran. This major escalation threatens regional stability.

12 countries · 29 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

Military Escalation Iran-Israel: Sanctions and Divided International Reactions

The conflict between Israel and Iran enters a decisive phase according to Tel Aviv, triggering a wave of Ukrainian sanctions against Moscow and contrasting diplomatic reactions from Western allies.

13 countries · 30 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

Iran-Israel-United States War: Media Divergences on Escalation and Perspectives

The conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States reveals contrasting media perspectives on military escalation, diplomatic negotiations and global economic impact.

21 countries · 162 sources

Conflicts & SecurityEconomy & Trade

Middle East Conflict: Economic Impact and Global Diplomatic Responses

The conflict involving Iran is shaking oil markets and pushing countries to intensify their diplomatic efforts. The travel industry is losing $600M/day while emergency reserves are being mobilized.

14 countries · 69 sources

Diplomacy & GovernanceConflicts & Security

Global Political Leaders Face Crises: Scandals and Geopolitical Tensions

Ministers and leaders across the world are simultaneously managing internal scandals and major international crises, notably the Iran-Israel conflict and various national controversies.

14 countries · 55 sources

Conflicts & SecurityEnergy & Climate

Strait of Hormuz tensions: Trump threatens Iran with military response

The United States destroys Iranian mine-laying vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. Trump threatens Tehran with severe retaliation if the blockade continues, escalating regional tensions.

19 countries · 52 sources

Conflicts & SecurityEnergy & Climate

Iran-US-Israel Conflict: The Strait of Hormuz at the Center of Global Tensions

The conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel is intensifying tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, vital to global oil supply. The economic and geopolitical repercussions are dividing the international community.

24 countries · 316 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

Trump reshapes his administration and intensifies military strategy toward Iran

The US president dismisses Kristi Noem and appoints a new homeland security chief, while claiming a role in selecting Iran's next leader. These decisions reveal internal tensions and Washington's contested strategy in the Middle East.

23 countries · 91 sources

Conflicts & SecurityDiplomacy & Governance

Iran-US War: Military Escalation and Khamenei's Succession in Question

American-Israeli strikes on Iran provoke major regional escalation. Khamenei's presumed death opens a succession crisis as Iran retaliates in the Gulf.

24 countries · 359 sources

OTHER COUNTRIES

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

← BACK TO HOME