By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Feb. 25, 2026) — The government has disbursed nearly $2.6 million in tax refunds to thousands of Palauan citizens, marking one of the most visible returns from the nation’s 2021 tax reform law. According to the Bureau of Revenue and Taxation, 4,481 tax refund checks totaling $2,581,084 were processed and […]
Tag: Surangel Whipps Jr.
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National Security staff authorized to act as police under new presidential order
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Feb. 24, 2026) — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. has issued a directive giving the National Security Coordinator and staff the authority to act as law enforcement officers, saying the move is needed to strengthen Palau’s ability to fight money laundering, transnational crime and foreign interference. Palau National Security Coordinator […]
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Inabo Accuses Senate of Sidestepping Constitution in Cabinet Nomination Dispute
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Feb 17, 2026)— Senator Rukebai Kikuo Inabo is challenging how the Senate has handled two of President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s key nominees, saying her colleagues have sidestepped the Constitution’s “advice and consent” duty by blocking full Senate votes and mischaracterizing the record in committee reports. Senator Inabo questions Senate leadership […]
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Ngchesar Inaugurates 12th Government, Sets Priorities on Roads, Housing, Education and Tourism
By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau (Feb. 12, 2026) — Ngchesar State officially inaugurated its 12th government Thursday, with newly elected leaders pledging to focus on infrastructure, housing, education and tourism development for the community. Ngchesar State inaugurates its 12th Government, with new Governor Jackson Doktok, Floor Leader Felicia Watanabe and witnessed by President Whipps Jr. […]
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Palau Senate Rejects Key Whipps Appointments, Deepening Executive-Legislative Rift
By: L.N. Reklai Koror, Palau — The Senate has again declined to advance three key nominations by President Surangel Whipps Jr., deepening tensions between the executive and legislative branches over Cabinet appointments and confirmation procedures. The Senate took action on the president’s nominees for minister of finance, minister of education and ambassador to the Republic […]
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Whipps: Low-Interest ADB Loans Offer Path to Stabilize Palau’s Economy, Reduce Debt
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 […]