NGERULMUD, Palau – The Senate of the Twelfth Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK) adjourned its First Regular Session on February 20, 2025, after reviewing President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s nominees for various government positions. The nominations were referred to the appropriate Senate committees for further deliberation. Presidential Nominations for Senate Confirmation President Whipps Jr. put forward several […]
Author Archives: Leilani Reklai
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Micronesian Legal Services struggles with budget cuts, requests support from Palau
The Micronesian Legal Services Corporation (MLSC), a nonprofit that provides free legal help to low-income individuals, is facing a major funding shortfall. Due to a 15% cut in support from the U.S. Legal Services Corporation (LSC), MLSC expects to lose about $400,000 in its 2025 budget. To continue helping people in Palau, the organization is […]
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Palau Reverses Stance, Votes Against UN Resolution Condemning Russia
(revised 2/28/25) By: L.N. Reklai Palau voted against a United Nations resolution condemning Russia’s continued aggression against Ukraine on Feb. 24, marking a sharp reversal from its previous positions. The nonbinding resolution, which denounced Russia’s actions, received 93 votes in favor, 18 against, and 65 abstentions. Palau was among 18 nations opposing the resolution, aligning […]
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Legal Loophole Stalls Land Registration in Palau, leaving 26% of Land Unregistered
KOROR, Palau — Nearly 26% of land in Palau remains unregistered with the Land Court, totaling 93,430,061 square meters. However, a legal issue has stalled the land claim process, preventing progress unless the law is amended. The process of land claims involves filing claims, identifying claimants, marking boundaries (monumentation), surveying, and mapping. But under the […]
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Tax Refunds Begin, but Seniors await Social Assistance
Palau will distribute tax refunds this week, though fewer funds will be disbursed compared to last year. 4,879 individuals will receive refunds, with 2,906 receiving a full refund and 1,973 receiving a fixed amount of $480. The total refund amount has dropped to approximately $2.7 million, a decrease from the $3 million disbursed in 2024. […]
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Cyberattacks on the Rise in Palau, Whipps Stresses Need for Stronger Recovery Systems
KOROR, Palau – President Surangel Whipps Jr. warned that cyberattacks targeting government agencies are becoming increasingly frequent and stressed the need for robust recovery systems to mitigate their impact. “It’s going to happen, and all we can do is mitigate and minimize,” Whipps said, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity resilience. Early this week, the Ministry […]