When government AI gives wrong answers, who is accountable?

Inquirer.net - Nov 12, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – Days after its September 21, 2026 launch, the Philippine government’s AI assistant, Kuya A, incorrectly named US President Donald Trump as the Philippine president.  When challenged, it named former US President Joe Biden before giving the correct answer, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the following morning. Integrated into the eGovPH Super App, Kuya A

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MMDA suspends electric Love Bus operations during Asean Summit

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MMDA suspends electric Love Bus operations during Asean Summit

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Thursday that electric Love bus operations would be suspended from Nov. 16 to Nov. 18, during the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit and related meetings. READ: MMDA gearing up for Asean Summit, deploying over 2,600 personnel Malacañang earlier declared the dates

Cops seize P16-M shabu in Zamboanga Sibugay raid

Nov 12, 2026

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PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Police seized around P16 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested a high-value target in a buy-bust operation early Wednesday in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. Lt. Joy Necesario, Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office information officer, said the suspect was a 32-year-old male resident of Barangay Tenan, Ipil. The operation was

'The old America is gone': OPCON transfer is Korea's answer to changing US, Moon Chung-in says

Nov 12, 2026

'The old America is gone': OPCON transfer is Korea's answer to changing US, Moon Chung-in says

Korea's push to regain wartime operational control (OPCON) of its military is not just an attempt to reclaim military sovereignty, but a necessary response to a fundamental shift in the United States' foreign and security policy, according to Moon Chung-in, a former presidential special adviser. In an interview with The Korea Times on Tuesday, Moon, currently a professor emeritus at Yonsei University, argued that President Lee Jae Myung's pursuit of OPCON transfer comes in line with Washington's growing expectation that Seoul assume primary responsibility for its own defense, rather than the self-reliant defense agenda set by former President Roh Moo-hyun. "The U.S. is changing, but we are still clinging to the old America. The old America is gone," Moon said. He pointed to U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated demands that Korea shoulder a greater share of its defense burden. Under such an arrangement, Korean forces would take the lead in conventional defense against North Korea, while U.S. forces would provide complementary capabilities in areas where Seoul remains relatively weak, i

India, Guatemala highlight coffee for global consumers at Seoul cafe show

Nov 12, 2026

India, Guatemala highlight coffee for global consumers at Seoul cafe show

Coffee brands, roasters, experts and authorities from around the world are gathering in Seoul for the 25th Seoul International Cafe Show, a four-day event that kicked off Wednesday. This year, India and Guatemala took part in one of the event’s flagship programs, Origin Discovery, showcasing their coffee traditions and explaining how their distinctive beans have won loyal followings among coffee lovers worldwide. Organized by the Coffee Board under the Government of India, a session titled Coffees of India introduced the country’s history of coffee cultivation, which dates back to the 1600s and reached its commercial zenith in the 18th century. Indian coffees, including Arabica, Robusta and Excelsa varieties, have been cultivated across Western Ghats — a biodiversity hotspot recognized by the UNESCO — as well as Eastern Ghats and Northeastern states. Amulya K.G., director of the Coffee Board and the host of the session, said there are 441,000 coffee farms in India, 99 percent of which are small holdings of less than 10 hectares. India is the world’s fifth largest coffee export

Luxury van market heats up in Korea as Mercedes-Benz joins rivalry with V-Class

Nov 12, 2026

Luxury van market heats up in Korea as Mercedes-Benz joins rivalry with V-Class

Mercedes-Benz Korea has entered the nation's fast-growing luxury van market with the V-Class, intensifying competition in a segment previously dominated by Toyota’s Alphard and Lexus LM. The German luxury carmaker launched Wednesday the seven-seat V-Class as a single-trim model priced at 124 million won ($92,700), targeting customers looking for a premium vehicle that combines passenger capacity with a high level of comfort. The launch comes as demand for high-end vans grows in Korea, particularly among business executives, celebrities and families seeking more spacious and comfortable transportation. Toyota and Lexus have established a strong presence in the segment with their Alphard and LM models, respectively. The two brands have benefited from growing demand for premium multipurpose vehicles that offer more space and comfort than conventional luxury sedans and SUVs. The arrival of Mercedes-Benz is expected to intensify competition by giving consumers another premium option. The V-Class luxury van is only available for a diesel powertrain here. The V-Class is positioned as a more sp

Deutsche Bank urges Korean financial markets to match its companies' global reach

Nov 12, 2026

Deutsche Bank urges Korean financial markets to match its companies' global reach

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Lee calls for unity at dinner meeting with DPK leaders

Nov 12, 2026

Lee calls for unity at dinner meeting with DPK leaders

President Lee Jae Myung called for unity between the government and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) as he held a dinner meeting with DPK leader Kim Min-seok and floor leader Han Byung-do on Wednesday, his office said. During the dinner at Cheong Wa Dae, Kim asked the government for bold and swift measures to overcome polarization and boost consumption, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a written briefing. In response, Lee stressed the need for the party and the government to "move as one" in order for the people's lives to improve, and asked that the party and the National Assembly extend their active support to get the government's 2027 budget proposal passed, Kang said. Lee also asked his chief of staff, Lim Kwang-hyun, and senior political affairs secretary, Choi In-ho, to closely communicate with the National Assembly at all times. Lim and Choi were among the dinner participants. Though there had been speculation Lee and the party leaders could discuss controversial issues, such as real estate taxes and a special counsel bill on alleged fabricated indictments,

Gov't to curb incumbents' influence over CEO selection process in sweeping corporate governance overhaul

Nov 12, 2026

Gov't to curb incumbents' influence over CEO selection process in sweeping corporate governance overhaul

The government is set to prevent incumbent CEOs at financial companies from having an undue influence on appointing their successors, while imposing tougher voting requirements for bank holding company chiefs who seek to extend their tenure, according to financial authorities, Thursday. The measures are part of a long-delayed corporate governance reform package unveiled by the Lee Jae Myung administration and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), aimed at making leadership succession more transparent and strengthening board independence across the financial sector. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) plans to draw up amendments to the Act on Corporate Governance of Financial Companies within the year. The changes are expected to take effect six months after the legislation is passed. A central focus is to give independent directors greater control over leadership succession and strengthen their ability to hold management accountable. Under the proposed changes, committees responsible for nominating CEO candidates would consist entirely of independent directors. Sitting CEOs wou

Korea opens final 2026 round of foreign worker permits

Nov 12, 2026

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Ramyeon exports set to rise 30% in 2027 on expanded production: sources

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Ramyeon exports set to rise 30% in 2027 on expanded production: sources

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Samsung, SK hynix monitor Nvidia leadership uncertainty: officials

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