AGP Executive Report

Philippines–China Sanctions Row: Philippine Senator Francis Pangilinan urged the DFA to formally protest China’s sanctions on Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his family, calling it an affront to the Philippine state and constitutional order, while Teodoro said Beijing may be reacting to his criticism of the West Philippine Sea and to Manila’s crackdown on alleged Chinese-linked illegal activities. Defense & Diplomacy Fallout: Manila’s DFA called the sanctions an “unfriendly act” that complicates bilateral ties, as China barred Teodoro and his family from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao and banned Chinese entities from transactions with them. Macao Policy & Cross-Border Life: Macau’s Municipal Affairs Bureau adjusted import inspection rules for dogs and cats, removing mandatory quarantine for animals from rabies-affected areas if they pass pre-entry checks and an arrival veterinary inspection. Local Governance & Youth Finance: Macau launched a cross-border finance internship scheme for young locals in Guangzhou, offering 10 four-week placements in areas like wealth management and investment banking. Regional Culture & Community: The 2026 Macao International Dragon Boat Races opened at Nam Van Lake with 137 local teams competing, with international invitation races set for June 19. Infrastructure & Connectivity: The 17th IIICF in Macao highlighted green digital infrastructure connectivity and released index reports positioning Macao as a “precise connector” for Belt and Road and Portuguese-speaking cooperation.

Philippines–China Sanctions: China barred Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr., his wife and child from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao, and banned Chinese entities from dealing with them, accusing “irresponsible remarks” that undermine Beijing’s interests; Manila called it an “unfriendly act” that complicates bilateral ties, while Teodoro vowed to keep doing his duty and linked the sanctions to Philippine actions against alleged Chinese-linked illegal activities. Macao Animal Quarantine Update: Macao’s IAM eased entry rules for dogs and cats from rabies-affected countries/regions, replacing the prior 30-day quarantine with risk-based pre-entry checks and an arrival inspection by an IAM veterinary surgeon. Cross-Border Travel Tech: Hong Kong’s ImmD will launch a Seamless e-Channel at HZMB from 25 June 2026, enabling eligible enrolled Hong Kong permanent residents to clear departure using AI and facial recognition without presenting an ID card or QR code. Infrastructure & Anti-Corruption Cooperation: Macao hosted the 17th IIICF, with Pakistan’s WAPDA chair urging strict adherence to shared-water treaties; separately, Macao’s CCAC chief met China’s supervision leadership to deepen cooperation against cross-border corruption. Local Governance & Economy: DSEDT said Shell miscalculated LPG/petrol subsidy calculations, affecting about 30,000 patacas, and reported system fixes and refunds. Regional Connectivity: Cathay Cargo expanded its Air-Land Fresh Lane for perishables to Macao via Hong Kong under a single air waybill and expedited cold-chain model.

Philippines–China Tensions: China sanctioned Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his family, banning entry to mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao and barring Chinese entities from dealings, after Beijing accused him of “irresponsible remarks”; Manila called it an “unfriendly act,” while Teodoro vowed to keep defending national interests. Macao Policy & Public Health: Macao’s IAM says dogs and cats from rabies-affected countries/regions will no longer face mandatory 30-day quarantine if they meet pre-entry checks and pass arrival inspection, aligning with WOAH risk-based guidance. Macao Governance & Integrity: CCAC Commissioner Ao Ieong Seong met a National Commission of Supervision delegation led by Fu Kui to deepen cooperation against cross-border corruption. Regional Connectivity & Transport: Hong Kong’s ImmD launched a Seamless e-Channel for on-the-move self-service departure clearance at HZMB from 25 June 2026. Macao International Platform: The 17th IIICF opened in Macao with 3,500+ guests, focusing on green digital infrastructure connectivity. Cross-border Trade: Cathay Cargo expanded its Air-Land Fresh Lane for perishables into Macao via Hong Kong under a single air waybill. Local Economy & Consumer Protection: DSEDT said Shell Macau miscalculated LPG/petrol subsidies, with about MOP 30,000 involved, and said refunds are underway. Tourism & Culture: MGTO attended UN Tourism Executive Council meetings in Spain to boost Macao’s international visibility.

Philippines–China Tensions: China has sanctioned Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his immediate family, banning them from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao and prohibiting Chinese entities from doing business with them, after Beijing accused him of “irresponsible remarks” that undermine China’s interests; Manila called it an “unfriendly act,” while Teodoro vowed to keep doing his duty. South China Sea Narrative Clash: A separate report says the “new structure” Philippines claimed at Huangyan Dao is actually a temporary scientific research platform used for ecological monitoring by China’s South China Sea Institute of Oceanology. Macau–Regional Mobility: Cambodia will grant visa-free entry to Chinese nationals (including Macau SAR passport holders) from 15 June to 15 October for up to 14 days per entry, with an e-Arrival Card required. Macau Governance & Integrity: Macau’s gaming regulator (DICJ) warns that renewed social-media claims about casino card-shoe tampering are likely scams and urges the public not to share unverified posts. Macau Infrastructure Push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai opened the 17th IIICF, with officials highlighting Macau’s role in boosting connectivity and advancing flagship projects under the “1+4” diversification strategy. Public Health/Regulation (HK): Hong Kong gazetted an Evidence (Amendment) Bill 2026 to reform the hearsay rule, and will regulate medical gases as pharmaceutical products from 14 June.

Macau–Hengqin & infrastructure push: Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai used the opening of the 17th IIICF to stress Macau’s role as a “precise connector” for Belt and Road infrastructure links with Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking countries, while Transport and Public Works Secretary Raymond Tam outlined the government’s “1+4” diversification plan and four flagship projects, including the Macao–Hengqin International Education (University) Town, the tourism and cultural zone, the West Bank airport transport hub, and the Sci-Tech Park. Cross-border education ties: Macao Polytechnic University and Portugal’s University of Coimbra signed an agreement to develop a joint global campus in the Guangdong Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, aiming to deepen degree, training, research, and exchange cooperation. Gaming integrity warning: Macau’s DICJ again warned residents that social media claims about casino “card shoe” tampering are likely scams, urging people not to forward unverified information. Tourism & travel signals: Air Macau said it will resume the Manila route on July 2 (five flights weekly in the initial phase) and relaunch the Macau–Fukuoka route for the summer peak. Community & culture: The Philippine Consulate-General in Macau marked Independence Day, highlighting the scale of Filipino non-resident workers in the city. Regional geopolitics: China announced sanctions against the Philippines’ defence chief Gilberto Teodoro over “irresponsible remarks,” banning him and close relatives from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau.

World Cup 2026 Watch: MGTO tells Macao residents to plan ahead for trips to Canada, Mexico and the US, keep documents safe, and use consular hotlines if problems arise. Gaming Integrity: Macau’s gaming regulator (DICJ) rejects “black box” casino fraud rumours and warns the public against scams pushing “betting refunds” via third parties. Sports Betting Enforcement: Judiciary Police step up World Cup anti-illegal betting warnings, saying criminals are targeting youth through social media, messaging groups and “free tips.” Local Labour Policy: Lawmakers advance a bill to raise maternity leave to 90 days and expand annual leave up to 12 days, though members debate the pace and design of the increases. Cross-border Security: Hong Kong Customs arrested a truck driver after seizing about HK$10m in suspected smuggled goods bound for Macao, including weight-loss injections and fish maw. Immigration Efficiency: Macao expands iris automated clearance from 11 June to eligible non-resident workers and non-resident students, building on millions of crossings already made by residents. Portugal Ties: CE Sam Hou Fai praises Portugal’s and Macanese communities as key to Macau’s multicultural stability and pushes education and Portugal-speaking cooperation. Infrastructure Platform: The 17th IIICF opens in Cotai Expo under a green digital connectivity theme, positioning Macao as a “precise connector” for China and Portuguese/Spanish-speaking partners.

Sports Betting Oversight: Macau’s government extended the concession of sole sports betting operator Macau Slot Co Ltd for one year to 5 June 2027, again stressing local hiring priority and compliance with labor policies. Public Safety & Law: Judiciary Police and Customs reported Macau’s biggest-ever cannabis smuggling case at the airport, seizing about 35 kg (MOP35 million) and arresting a 25-year-old man linked to an alleged international trafficking syndicate. Urban Governance: A Legislative Assembly lawmaker warned of a building management gap: nearly 5,000 Macau buildings over 30 years old, but only 933 with active management committees, leaving “three-no buildings” as a growing safety risk. Labor Policy: Lawmakers unanimously passed the outline of a bill to amend the Labour Relations Law, proposing 90 days maternity leave (up from 70) and a step-up annual leave system up to 12 days. Anti-Illegal Betting Campaign: Ahead of the World Cup, Judiciary Police urged residents—especially youth—not to use illegal betting sites and warned criminals recruit via social media, messaging apps, and “free tips.” Health & Culture: UM will host Nobel laureate Robert F. Engle’s public lecture on climate change and financial markets next Monday, while MGM Macau and MGM Cotai received WELL Platinum certification for health-focused building standards.

World Cup Betting Crackdown: Macau Judiciary Police launched a campaign warning residents about illegal World Cup betting, saying criminals use social media, messaging groups, online ads, e-payments and “free tips” to lure youth into illegal gambling. Drugs at the Airport: Police seized about 35 kg of cannabis worth MOP35 million at Macau International Airport, arresting a 25-year-old Hong Kong man suspected of acting as a paid courier for an international trafficking syndicate. Building Management Gap: A Legislative Assembly lawmaker warned that nearly 5,000 buildings over 30 years old face a serious “three-no buildings” problem, with only 933 having active management committees—raising fire and safety risks. Labour Law Reform: Lawmakers passed the outline of amendments to the Labour Relations Law, proposing 90 days of statutory paid maternity leave and annual leave rising with tenure up to 12 days, after debate over whether the timetable is too slow. Anti-Smoking Overhaul: The Assembly also passed an outline to expand outdoor smoking bans, ban e-cigarettes in public spaces, and allow inspectors to use body-worn cameras. Tourism Bus Upgrade: The government will optimise the “Tourism and Leisure Bus” with new two-way routes and weekend service extensions to improve community linkage. Health & Industry Links: A Macao delegation visited Brazil to expand pharmaceutical and biopharma cooperation, signing multiple agreements and pushing Macau’s role as a China–Brazil connector. Education & Culture: UM will host Nobel laureate Robert Engle’s public lecture on climate change and financial markets, while Archives of Macao opens a free “then and now” photography exhibition.

Labour & Social Policy: The Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the outline of a bill to boost private-sector maternity leave to 90 days (from 70) and create a length-of-service annual leave ladder capped at 12 days, moving next to article-by-article review. Public Health & Regulation: Lawmakers also passed an outline to tighten Macau’s anti-smoking law—expanding outdoor smoking bans, banning e-cigarette use in all public spaces, and allowing anti-smoking inspectors to use body-worn cameras. Justice & Public Safety: The Judiciary Police announced Macau’s biggest-ever cannabis smuggling bust, seizing about 34.9 kg worth roughly 35 million patacas from a passenger arriving from Southeast Asia. Crime & Integrity: Prosecutors said 12 prostitution suspects face triad-related charges, alleging “sauna” fronts and bribery involving active and retired police officers. Governance & Services: The government will optimise the Tourism & Leisure Bus from Saturday with route and frequency changes, including a new two-way “Macau Peninsula to Cotai” line and expanded weekend service for the Zape route. Culture & Heritage: The Archives of Macao will open a free “City in Rephotography” photo exhibition this Friday, pairing historic images with contemporary “then and now” shots. Education & Research: UM will host Nobel laureate Robert Engle next Monday for a public lecture on climate change and global financial market risks.

Public Health & Demography: Macau says residents’ average life expectancy hit 83.5 years in 2025 (men 80.6, women 86.3), citing sustained public-health investment since the 1999 handover. Law Enforcement: Judiciary Police arrested four men in a drug-trafficking case linked to smuggling drugs from Southeast Asia to Macau and Zhuhai, with casino gamblers named as a target group. Organized Crime Crackdown: Prosecution says 12 prostitution suspects remanded in custody face triad charges, with “saunas” used as a cover and allegations of bribery of serving and retired police. Gaming & Business: MGM China chair Pansy Ho sold her remaining MGM Resorts stake for about US$140m, liquidating down to 0% while MGM remains a takeover target. Regional Infrastructure & Policy: Macau’s Taipa Ferry Terminal Heliport management was directly awarded to Macau Heliport Services Co Ltd, with the government pointing to special technical qualifications and Greater Bay Area helicopter-service development. International Trade Controls: The US BIS issued guidance clarifying when “advanced computing” exports require licenses for destinations tied to Macau or China’s D:5 group. Culture & Tourism: GalaxyArt opened “Dazzling Galaxy – Crystalline Art Exhibition” at Galaxy Macau, running to Sept 13. Public Safety: A construction accident in Tuen Mun killed a 33-year-old worker after a suspected fall from the 12th floor; works were suspended pending investigation.

Public Health Milestone: Macau’s average life expectancy hit 83.5 years in 2025, with men at 80.6 and women at 86.3, as the government links the rise to heavier public health spending since the 1999 handover. Vice Crackdown: The Judiciary Police and Public Prosecutions Office said 12 suspects in a large organized prostitution case face triad-related charges, after “saunas” were used as a cover and bribery allegedly helped the syndicates operate. Drug Enforcement: PJ arrested four men tied to a drug-trafficking syndicate, alleging they directed mainland smugglers from Southeast Asia into Macau and Zhuhai for sale, targeting casino gamblers. Community Healthcare Access: The Health Bureau and Kai Fong launched Macau’s first community clinic in Ilha Verde, offering free treatment for common acute illnesses and digitising records via the “Macao One Account” eHR platform. Transport & Aviation: Macau awarded the Taipa Ferry Terminal Heliport’s management and operation to Macau Heliport Services Co Ltd via direct concession, citing special technical qualifications and aiming to expand Greater Bay Area helicopter services. Labour Safety Guidance: The Labour Department urged employers to make flexible work arrangements after rainstorm warnings and to plan ahead during extreme weather, including options like remote work where applicable.

Community Healthcare Expansion: Macau’s Health Bureau (SSM) and Kai Fong (UGAMM) have opened the first community clinic at the Ilha Verde area, offering free weekday consultations and digitised records via the “Macao One Account” eHR system to ease pressure on public health centres. Hospital Readiness: Macao Union Hospital’s emergency department is set to become fully operational in the second half of this year, with ICU coming online later this month and radiotherapy services already in place to keep cancer treatment local. Startup & Tech Push: The 929 Challenge and 929 Summit will be held Dec 3-4 at Cotai Expo during AIE Expo 2026, adding a Greater Bay Area acceleration programme and linking startups to hundreds of exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors. EV Charging & Carbon Goals: Macau’s first Cotai supercharging station is completed and moving into trial operations, while the government plans to boost fast chargers by about 20% and add scooter charging points in public carparks, alongside app upgrades with CEM. AI and Research Training Debate: A UM scholar co-authored a Nature paper warning that AI tools may raise productivity while weakening the traditional apprenticeship model that trains junior researchers through hands-on problem-solving. Policing & Integrity: Judiciary Police dismantled a sauna-linked prostitution syndicate, arresting 26 including active-duty and retired police officers, with authorities citing bribes and large illicit proceeds. Public Health Monitoring: FEHD released updated mosquito gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus, noting earlier seasonal rises linked to weather and rainfall patterns. Cultural & Tourism Outreach: MGTO promoted Macao’s tourism products in Malaysia and Thailand through seminars and a travel mart aimed at expanding Southeast Asian visitor demand.

Community Health Access: The Health Bureau (SSM) and Kai Fong (UGAMM) opened the first “community clinic” at the Ilha Verde neighbourhood centre, offering free weekday consultations and treatment for common acute illnesses, with prescriptions and records digitised to the eHR via the “Macao One Account” app. Hospital Readiness: Macao Union Hospital in Cotai held a public open day, saying its ICU will come online later this month and the emergency department will be fully operational in the second half of the year, including ambulance coverage for Coloane, Cotai and parts of Taipa. EV Charging Expansion: The first EV supercharging station in Cotai is completed and moving into gradual trial operation, while the government plans about a 20% rise in fast chargers this year and more scooter charging points across public carparks, with CEM support to improve app updates on availability and battery status. AI and Research Training: A UM scholar co-authored a Nature article warning that AI productivity gains may erode the traditional apprenticeship model that trains junior researchers through hands-on troubleshooting and decision-making. Major Anti-Sex Trafficking Crackdown: Judiciary Police arrested 26 people in a sauna-front prostitution ring, including three active-duty PSP officers and two retired PJ officers, with authorities citing illicit earnings of about MOP790 million. Tourism & Markets: MGTO pushed Southeast Asian demand with Macao Tourism Product Updates Seminars and a Travel Mart in Malaysia and Thailand, pitching “tourism +” products to trade partners. Environment Day Push: Macao launched Environment Day 2026 activities and a “lights off one hour” style energy-saving and carbon-reduction campaign under the Greater Bay Area framework. Cultural Heritage Exhibition: The Archives of Macao announced “City in Rephotography,” pairing historical photos with contemporary rephotographs, running 13 June to 30 September with free admission.

Environment & Climate: Macao launched its Environment Day 2026 programme and a citywide “energy saving and carbon reduction for all” campaign, with school education, online events, and “lights off one hour,” as officials said emissions have stabilized and land transport has reached its carbon peak. Public Health & Safety: The FEHD released updated mosquito gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus, showing seasonal rises and urging community participation in control measures. Food Governance: IAM marked the start of the 15th Food Safety Week with a forum on “technological supervision,” highlighting AI and remote monitoring, while also reporting ongoing takeaway registration enforcement and inspections. Law Enforcement: Macau Judiciary Police arrested 26 suspects in a prostitution crackdown run under “sauna/spa” cover, including active-duty and retired officers, after a multi-year probe. Culture & Community: The Archives of Macao announced “City in Rephotography,” pairing historical photos with modern rephotographs from 13 June to 30 September, and the draw for local races of the 2026 SJM International Dragon Boat Races set events for mid-June. Regional Diplomacy & Business: Wynn Macau’s CEO Craig Billings met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in New York with US business leaders, while Macao’s tourism push continued via MGTO’s travel mart in Malaysia and Thailand to expand Southeast Asian visitor demand.

Environment & Climate: Macao joined Guangdong and Hong Kong to launch the Environment Day 2026 programme and a citywide “energy saving and carbon reduction for all” campaign, including school education, online livestreams and “lights off one hour,” with officials saying Macao’s emissions have stabilized and land transport has reached its carbon peak. Public Health & Food Safety: The FEHD released updated mosquito gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus, while the 15th Food Safety Week opened with a forum on “technological supervision of food safety progress,” highlighting AI and remote monitoring for smarter risk control. Governance & Compliance: The Judiciary Police arrested 26 people in a prostitution crackdown using “sauna/spa” fronts, including active-duty and retired officers, after raids across 23 locations. Culture & Tourism: The Archives of Macao announced a free “City in Rephotography” historical photo exhibition (13 June–30 Sept), and MGTO pushed Southeast Asian travel trade via seminars and a travel mart in Malaysia and Thailand to expand visitors for Macao’s “tourism +” offerings. Regional Links: Macau University of Science and Technology welcomed eight Timor-Leste medical students for an imaging and surgical skills training exchange.

Macao Governance & Law Enforcement: Macau Judiciary Police arrested 26 people in a prostitution crackdown using “sauna” venues as cover, including three active-duty Public Security Police officers and two retired Judiciary Police officers; raids across 23 locations since an investigation began in 2019 also seized account books and price lists, with alleged earnings estimated at 240–320 million patacas per syndicate last year. Public Health & Food Safety: The Municipal Affairs Bureau released updated mosquito gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus (showing higher seasonal rise tied to earlier warming and heavier April–May rain) and continued takeaway-shop oversight, noting 4,267 registered outlets and thousands of inspections since 2025. Regional Cooperation: The Environment Day 2026 national event in Guangzhou was jointly organised by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao under a green-transition theme, with Macao’s environmental bureau joining the regional “beautiful bay area” action declaration. Education & Exchange: Macao University of Science and Technology welcomed eight medical students from Timor-Leste for an intensive training programme, reinforcing Macau’s ties with Portuguese-speaking partners. International Spotlight: A Macau police-related misinformation claim about PLA vehicles being “broken down” was debunked as part of a May military open-house exercise.