By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau — President Surangel Whipps Jr. said Palau has a significant opportunity to stabilize its economy and reduce long-term debt through access to low-interest loans from the Asian Development Bank, following his recent visit to ADB headquarters. President Surangel Whipps Jr. meets with ADB President Masato Kanda at ADB Headquarters in […]
Tag: Olbiil Era Kelulau
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Palau Leaders Clash Over Talks on Third-Country Nationals Agreement
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — A leadership meeting convened by President Surangel Whipps Jr. yesterday, January 22, 2026, to discuss Palau’s agreement to accept third-country nationals under a memorandum of understanding with the United States went forward this week without the participation of the Senate of the 12th Olbiil Era Kelulau and the Council […]
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Roland Merar Confirmed as Palau’s Inaugural Ambassador to Australia
By: L.N. Reklai NGERULMUD, Palau (January 19, 2026) — The 12th Senate of the Olbiil Era Kelulau on Friday unanimously confirmed Roland Merar as the Republic of Palau’s Ambassador to the Commonwealth of Australia, marking the first time Palau has appointed a resident ambassador to Australia. Merar’s confirmation was approved without objection following a favorable […]
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Delegates introduce 32 bills in 12th OEK’s first year, aimed at reshaping key policies
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — Lawmakers in Palau’s House of Delegates introduced a high volume of legislation during the first year of the 12th Olbiil Era Kelulau, using delegate-authored bills to drive policy changes across the economy, labor, education, public safety and governance. From early 2025 through the end of the year, 40 bills […]
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Whipps Sends FY 2026 Budget Back to OEK Over Grant Approval ‘Red Line’
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau (December 3, 2025) President Surangel Whipps Jr. announced today he is sending the FY 2026 Unified Budget bill back to the Olbiil Era Kelulau for reconsideration, objecting to a rider that would restrict the use of grants received after Oct. 31, 2025, without a separate law or joint resolution from […]
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Cost of repatriating 143 to reach $1m
The estimated costs of bringing back home 143 Palauan students and stranded citizens and putting them through 2 levels of quarantine, in Guam and in Palau will cost approximately $1,018,839 dollars according to the report provided to Olbiil Era Kelulau by the Office of the President on May 22, 2020. In a letter to Senate […]