Filipinos lose US$1.9 billion to scams in 2025

Today 08:54 Key points summarised by AI

Filipino consumers lost an estimated US$1.9 billion (121.8 billion pesos) to scams in the past year, with 84% encountering fraudulent schemes and 34% suffering financial losses, averaging 10,427 pesos per victim.
Scams, predominantly shopping, investment, and employment fraud, are proliferating on platforms like Facebook and Gmail, posing a major threat to economic stability and personal well-being, with victims often left to identify schemes independently.

Thailand, Timor-Leste seek closer trade ties, direct flights

Yesterday 17:30 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand and Timor-Leste agreed to deepen economic cooperation, expanding trade in agricultural and processed food products, and accelerating a memorandum of understanding on rice trade.
Both nations committed to expediting an air services agreement to establish direct flights between Bangkok and Dili, aiming to boost tourism, trade, and investment.
A new bilateral consultation mechanism was established to foster regular high-level exchanges, alongside agreements to strengthen military ties and combat transnational crime.
Thailand reaffirmed its support for Timor-Leste's development through scholarships and a new three-year cooperation program, while also backing its full integration into the ASEAN Community.