KOROR, Palau – The House of Delegates rejected the Senate’s version of the Supplemental Budget bill (HB 11-131-13, HD1, SD2) during a special session on Feb. 14, 2024. Initially proposed by President Surangel Whipps, the bill included time-sensitive items like subsidies for Social Security and the Civil Service Pension Plan. It also aimed to amend […]
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Palau Embarks on Journey to 5G Network, Unlocking New Opportunities
Koror, Palau – Palau’s digital landscape is poised for a significant leap forward with the commencement of its transition to a next-generation 5G Open RAN network. The project, spearheaded by the Palau National Telecommunications Corporation (PNCC) and consulting firm Widelity, kicked off with a public awareness campaign on February 15th, 2024, at West Plaza Hotel. […]
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Palau Divided on US Military base Proposal: House pushes, Senate opposes
KOROR, Palau – In a move highlighting contrasting views on national security, Palau’s House of Delegates has urged President Surangel Whipps Jr. to collaborate with the United States on establishing a military base in the island nation. This proposal directly challenges the Senate’s stance from November 2023, which opposed similar efforts, citing concerns about militarization […]
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House claims misrepresentation: Leaders defend Sanctuary Review, Call for Accurate Reporting
The House of Delegates in Palau has expressed strong disapproval of a recent Bloomberg News article and the actions of The Pew Charitable Trusts, both of which they claim misrepresented the nation’s environmental efforts and future plans for its National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS). The Bloomberg article, titled “The US Environmental Group Behind Palau’s Plan to […]
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Bloomberg – Palau Holding Statement
January 28, 2024- In response to the January 18, Bloomberg Green article calling into question the role of The Nature Conservancy’s work in the Republic of Palau, The Nature Conservancy’s commitment to protect the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, and implying that The Nature Conservancy has undue influence in Palau: The Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS) […]
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Nearly 3,000 Palauans Receive Wage Tax Refunds
KOROR, Palau – Palau’s Bureau of Revenue and Taxation (BRT) announced the successful processing of 2,997 individual wage tax refunds for qualifying residents, totaling $1.79 million. The disbursements, scheduled for February 12 and 13 at the Ngarachamyong Cultural Center, are part of a broader tax reform initiative launched in 2023. Eligibility for the Wage and […]