Philippines’ jeepney drivers ‘stuck between a rock and a hard place’ despite fare increase

South China Morning Post - Oct 2, 2026

Reggie Manlapig, 46, has been driving jeepneys for nearly 25 years and has weathered rising fuel prices – but with costs spiking amid the global energy crunch, he is now wrestling bigger demons. “The impact has been huge. Before, in a 16-hour shift of driving, I could take home 400 to 500 pesos [US$6.30 to US$8] – now there’s a big cut to that income,” said Manlapig, who plies a two-hour daily round route from Malolos in Bulacan, north of Manila, to San Fernando, Pampanga. “Doing the full route...

Read full article

More News

DeepSeek effect? How China’s quant funds thrive amid tight regulatory scrutiny
Oct 2, 2026
DeepSeek effect? How China’s quant funds thrive amid tight regulatory scrutiny

China’s quantitative investing sector has produced 18 funds managing more than 10 billion yuan (US$1.5 billion) in assets each so far this year, underlining the industry’s ability to generate competitive returns despite a tight regulatory environment. The firms are among 159 Chinese hedge funds overseeing more than 10 billion yuan in assets each, riding the technology-driven momentum in the world’s second-largest stock market. Among the new entrants to the club were AXQ Capital, Hopeseek Fund...

2 new islands appear near Indonesia’s Anak Krakatoa volcano after eruption
Oct 2, 2026
2 new islands appear near Indonesia’s Anak Krakatoa volcano after eruption

Two new islands have appeared off Anak Krakatoa, potentially the first in nearly a century to emerge within the caldera left by Krakatoa’s catastrophic 1883 eruption. The formations, discovered following a 25-hour eruption in early September, sit hundreds of metres off opposite sides of Anak Krakatoa – one to the northwest and the other to the southeast – almost on a straight line through the volcano’s crater, according to Indonesia’s Geological Agency. The agency places one about 760 metres...

Singapore’s crackdown on fake reviews exposes business of buying ‘social proof’
Oct 2, 2026
Singapore’s crackdown on fake reviews exposes business of buying ‘social proof’

Singapore’s biggest crackdown so far on fake online reviews has exposed how businesses exploit the appeal of five-star ratings to game the system, with experts warning generative AI will make fake reviews more rampant and consumers need to be more discerning of what they read online. The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCS) has taken action against 45 companies – including a funeral parlour, law firm and an aesthetics clinic – after finding they bought reviews from a provider...

American University of Afghanistan at Risk of Closure Amid Funding Cuts
Oct 1, 2026
American University of Afghanistan at Risk of Closure Amid Funding Cuts

The State Department has denied its funding for the next two years, jeopardizing the education of hundreds of female Afghan students.

Why Are Modi Government Critics Now Targeting India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar?
Oct 1, 2026
Why Are Modi Government Critics Now Targeting India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar?

A recent investigative report strengthens opposition charges that the Modi government is using Kumar to manipulate elections in favor of the BJP.

China’s Stake in the Russian Duma Elections
Oct 1, 2026
China’s Stake in the Russian Duma Elections

The topic is a controversial one in China due to the obvious parallels between the Russian and Chinese political systems and the stake the Chinese leadership has in the stability of their neighbor.

Japan Raises Residency Fees 2,000 Percent Amid ‘Anxiety’ Over Foreigners
Oct 1, 2026
Japan Raises Residency Fees 2,000 Percent Amid ‘Anxiety’ Over Foreigners

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is making it harder for immigrants to stay in the country. Critics say she is hurting Japan’s ability to address labor shortages.

Who Is Captain Smit Machchhar, the Pilot Hailed as a Hero After FlyDubai Cockpit Stabbing?
Oct 1, 2026
Who Is Captain Smit Machchhar, the Pilot Hailed as a Hero After FlyDubai Cockpit Stabbing?

Capt. Smit Machchhar suffered stab wounds while fending off an attack from his co-pilot, saving the lives of around 170 people on board, officials said.

As University of Tokyo Gets Its First Female President, How Far Is Japan From Gender Equality?
Oct 1, 2026
As University of Tokyo Gets Its First Female President, How Far Is Japan From Gender Equality?

Fujigaki Yuko’s selection sparked controversy – and shone a light on Japan’s stubborn gender gap.

Australia as an AI Middle Power
Oct 1, 2026
Australia as an AI Middle Power

As a middle power, with a range of assets and resources, Australia is not powerless in the face of change.

Taiwan Can’t Fight Beijing’s History War While Erasing Its Own ROC Legacy
Oct 1, 2026
Taiwan Can’t Fight Beijing’s History War While Erasing Its Own ROC Legacy

The push to emphasize Taiwanese identity is at odds with the government’s attempt to center the Republic of China in World War II history.

Indo Inquirer

Indo Inquirer is the leading online news network in Indonesia, providing daily breaking news with in-depth news coverage and the best photojournalism. We deliver compelling and diverse engaging stories around the world.

Newsletter