The Philippines raises the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16
Prior to the new law, the Philippines had the second lowest age for sexual consent worldwide, next to Nigeria’s age of 11, according to Child Rights Network.
Southeast Asia
Indonesia and Malaysia to hold joint patrols against illegal fishing
The patrols are expected to beef up maritime security against illegal fishers in the Malacca Strait and the North Natuna Sea, as well as protect the rich marine biodiversity there.
Thailand set to become first nation in Asia to decriminalize marijuana
Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced that the Narcotics Control Board had approved the dropping cannabis from the ministry’s list of controlled drugs.
The Philippines bans child marriage
Under the new law, culpable parties can face prison terms of up to 12 years for marrying or cohabiting with anyone under the age of 18.
LEGO to build its first carbon neutral factory in Vietnam
The factory will cost over $1 billion and aims to create 4,000 jobs over the next 15 years after production on the factory line begins in 2024. Construction will start in the latter half of 2022.
District government in Indonesia formally recognizes indigenous clan’s rights to its ancestral lands
The decree is the first of its kind in Sorong, West Papua province. It moves the Gelek Malak Kalawilis Pasa clan closer to having its rights officially recognized by the central government.
Indonesia declares largest manta ray sanctuary in the world
Indonesia, a nation that has been the world’s largest fishery for sharks and rays for decades, has announced legislation that will fully protect all manta rays within its nearly 6 million square km exclusive economic zone.
World’s first wind turbine designed to harness typhoon energy erected in The Philippines
The Japan-based Challenergy’s “Magnus Wind Turbine” features vertical blades spinning around a horizontal axis rather than the long blades spinning from a vertical axis in normal wind turbines.
Thailand releases inmates following ‘Kratom’ decriminalization and erases their criminal records
Over 10,000 offenders and inmates are being released from prisons following the legalization of the plant “Kratom” in Thailand. Legally, these prisoners will be considered as having never committed an offense.
Indonesian army ends ‘two-finger’ virginity tests on female recruits
The New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) conducted investigations into the practice in 2014, 2015 and 2017, with experts labeling the tests abusive, unscientific and discriminatory.