The Philippines and Australia have agreed to enhance defense relations, as they emphasized the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.

Investors appeared to be satisfied with the latest financial results. On Friday, shares in Universal Robina gained 1.21% to end the week at P141.70 each.

This marks the first official game back for the NBL in their third season after the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) forced them into hiatus last March.

Analysts are worried economic recovery may take longer than expected. Data on budget releases do not invite confidence.

The COVID-19 task force is allowing the entry of foreign nationals with investors' visas into the country starting November 1 while outbound Filipino travelers are no longer required to take antigen tests before departure.