Philippines Airlines (PAL) keeps soaring higher, as it has just bagged a prestigious 4-Star Major Airline 2026 rating.
The flag carrier earned the award from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (Apex), a US-based air travel organization.
Airlines securing this status mean that they ‘consistently deliver excellence across critical touch points-cabin comfort, cleanliness, food and beverage, inflight entertainment, connectivity and customer service.’
Taking home the recognition is seen to boost PAL’s global credibility as well as cement its position against rivals.
‘Being recognized by APEX, the world’s leading airline industry association, is a significant milestone for Philippine Airlines,’ said Carlos Luis Fernandez, PAL executive vice president and chief operating officer.
‘We remain steadfast in sustaining the highest standards of service for the welfare of the passengers we serve across our global network,’ Fernandez added.
PAL also earlier clinched the 2025 Flyers’ Choice Award as the second most preferred airline in Southeast Asia.
The group flies to 31 destinations in the Philippines and 38 routes in Asia, North America, Australia and the Middle East. -Lisbet K. Esmael
DTI chief to lead Asean Ministers meeting
It’s official: the Philippines will host the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Economic (Asean) Ministers in 2026.
Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque will assume the post of Asean Economic Ministers (AEM) meeting chair, succeeding Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.
In her speech, Roque emphasized the Philippines’ commitment to elevating the region’s economic growth and cooperation through AEM, which is responsible for advancing the region’s economic agenda.
‘Let me assure you that the Philippines will uphold the true spirit of Asean-fostering development, strengthening bonds and deepening friendship among its member countries,’ the trade chief said.
She added that the Philippines ‘is ready to take on the gavel with unwavering commitment and purpose,’ building on Malaysia’s momentum to lead the region.
Let’s hope that Roque can muster more energy to transform the newly issued Asean Community Vision 2045 into concrete opportunities to generate jobs, stimulate innovation and promote inclusive growth for businesses and people across the region.
Even without the AEM chairmanship, Roque already has a lot on her plate-from selling the Philippines as an investment destination to ironing out issues on contractor accreditation and licensing. -Jordeene B. Lagare
Salceda leads climate talks
As the government scrambles to address public rage over corruption among high-ranking officials, climate-related talks will be brewing elsewhere.
We’re talking about the Leaders in the Asia-Pacific for Building Ambitious Climate Momentum Toward COP30 that will be held on Wednesday in Bangkok, Thailand.
Former Albay Rep. Joey Salceda will lead the talks for the Philippines in his capacity as the former cochair of the United Nations Green Climate Fund and chair of the Institute for Risk and Strategic Studies Inc., or Salceda Research.
He is expected to stress the ‘right of developing countries to development, the need for expanded climate financing and the recognition of loss and damage as central to climate justice.’
This is a crucial development, especially since the Bangkok event is the first major regional platform in Southeast Asia to bring together lawmakers, experts and communities to specifically discuss climate solutions ahead of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties.
Let’s hope that this creates a ripple effect-and not another flood. -MEG J. ADONIS INQ