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The Philippines
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The Philippines

The Philippines
The Philippines
Latest news, in-depth features and opinion on the Philippines, covering politics, economy, society, and Manila’s relationships with China and its Southeast Asian neighbours.
The logo of the 764 violent extremist network. Photo: YouTube
Crime

Philippine senator links fatal school shooting to 764 online extremist network

There are signs that the 764 network is targeting vulnerable Filipino children online, Senator Risa Hontiveros says at a hearing.

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South China Sea

Is build-up of Philippine bases for US use on track? Chinese analysts weigh in

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Diplomacy

Philippines’ Marcos is in Canada. What does it mean for Ottawa’s foreign policy?

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Women and gender

‘Providing a solution’? Why some Filipinos risk their lives amid abortion ban

Filipinos wanting to end unwanted pregnancies have resorted to black-market alternatives that can result in life-threatening consequences.

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A placard is displayed in front of the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, the Philippines, during a Catholic organised anti-abortion rally in 2011. Photo: Getty Images
India

How a potential UAE deal could reshape India’s arms export ambitions

A UAE order for BrahMos missiles would ‘validate Indian weapons in a highly competitive market’, analysts say.

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Hong Kong is key to spurring Asean-Greater Bay Area cooperation

By linking the two regions, the city creates an enormous opportunity for cross investment and expansion to other regions.

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Ferdinand Marcos Jnr

Philippine religious group challenges Marcos, seeks to shield senator over probe

Senator Rodante Marcoleta, a member of the Iglesia ni Cristo, is under investigation over US$1.2 million ‘donations’ to fund his candidacy.

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Members of religious group Iglesia ni Cristo stage a protest at the People’s Monument in Quezon city, Metro Manila, Philippines, on Tuesday. Photo: EPA
Hong Kong economy

New Asean Chamber of Commerce launched in Hong Kong will ‘fulfil long-felt need’

New business group launched at the South China Morning Post’s GBA-Asean Summit 2026.

Greater Bay Area

‘Digital bridge’ Philippines woos Greater Bay Area enterprises

Manila’s trade chief points to soaring trade data and special economic zones in her pitch to Chinese investors at SCMP’s GBA-Asean Summit.

SCMP Highlights

Singapore’s founder praised in Europe; Pakistan’s submarine: 7 Asia highlights

From Pakistan rattling India with a new submarine to Bangkok’s ‘Hulk’ governor, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

A woman sprays water to cool down the alley by her home in Leeds, northern England, on Thursday. Photo: AFP
Starbucks

‘Purple gold rush’: Philippine ube farming looks to cash in on craze

Philippine ube exports reached over US$3 million in 2025, more than double the US$1.4 million figure recorded in 2024.

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“Ubi kinampay” is especially prized for its distinctive taste and aroma. Photo: Facebook/National Museum of the Philippines Bohol
South China Sea

PLA vessels shadow US-Philippine drills in South China Sea near disputed shoal

Beijing says joint patrols in waters near Scarborough Shoal undermined regional stability and vows to safeguard ‘territorial sovereignty’.

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Middle East

Philippines becomes world’s top solar spender amid Middle East energy crisis

The rooftop solar rush has resulted in US$407 ‌million in panel imports from March to May, a 145 per cent increase from a year earlier.

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Tourism

Why would Filipinos holiday at home if abroad is cheaper?

Manila wants Filipinos to explore their own backyard. But when Batanes costs twice as much as Taipei, it’s a tough sell.

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A Cebu Pacific passenger plane takes off from Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila. Photo: AFP
Rodrigo Duterte

No future at home? Inside the endless Filipino exodus

The Philippines exported 2.74 million workers last year. For many, leaving is still the most reliable path to a better life.

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Filipino domestic workers collect their bags from a baggage carousel at Manila’s airport in 2006 after taking an emergency flight home to avoid war in Lebanon. Photo: AFP
Accidents and personal safety

Filipino teenager, 17, drowns after falling from Peng Chau bridge in Hong Kong

Source says teenager was standing on railings of bridge and attempting to walk before losing his balance.

Asean

Asian Angle | Asean’s side deals in Myanmar risk missing where the power truly lies

Trading collective leverage for isolated bargains blinds the bloc to changing realities on the ground.

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Crime

‘We love guns’: school shooting exposes reality of Philippine crisis

While the country has gun-control laws, most Filipinos simply ignore them and arm themselves without much difficulty, experts say.

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A security guard guides students as they enter an elementary school, a day after a school shooting in the city of Tacloban southeast ​of Manila, in Quezon City, Philippines, on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters
Defence

US and allies flex military muscle on China’s doorstep with multi-front drills

Analysts say the near-simultaneous exercises reflect a shift in US strategy that enables allies to play a greater role in regional security.

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SCMP Highlights

Breakthrough in US-Iran talks; Japan visa hike to affect Chinese: 7 highlights

From deadly school shooting in Philippines to a Chinese man jailed for breeding 300 snakes, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

US-China relations

Trump backs ‘Six Assurances’ to Taiwan but no arms sale timeline: US diplomat

Michael DeSombre confirms long-standing US policy still in place despite Trump’s apparent departure from it after Beijing meeting with Xi.

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The State Department’s top diplomat for East Asia, Michael DeSombre, said on Thursday that the long-standing US policy known as the “Six Assurances” to Taiwan is still operating. Photo: AFP
China-India relations

Exclusive | US assures India over AI ‘kill switch’ as ‘Pax Silica’ expands to counter China

New Delhi says Washington pledged AI access would continue after Anthropic restrictions as the US-led initiative adds new members.

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The Pax Silica summit in Washington brought together countries seeking to strengthen AI supply chains. Photo: Handout
South China Sea

US shifts South China Sea reconnaissance towards drones, Philippines: think tank

Reliance on close-in aerial reconnaissance over contested waters comes as large American vessels face growing constraints.

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Taiwan

Beijing slams US, European concerns over coastguard patrols near Taiwan

Mainland Chinese authorities reject criticism, saying deployments are necessary response to maritime border talks between Manila and Tokyo.

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China's military weapons

Did the Iran war just prove that China’s ageing DF-15Bs are still big guns?

Military observers point to similarities with Iran’s short-range weapons that have breached US defence systems in the Middle East.

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China’s DF-15B short-range ballistic missiles have been in service since 1999. Photo: Reuters
South China Sea

China discovers rare coral reef blue hole in disputed Scarborough Shoal

Beijing has used law enforcement patrols and scientific study to boost its control over the contested South China Sea area.

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Unlike most of the world’s blue holes – which were once caves on land – the newly discovered blue hole within the Scarborough Shoal was formed by a coral reef. Photo: Ministry of Ecology and Environment
South Korea

As US wavers, ex-minister says Japan and South Korea ‘only have each other’

Former Japanese defence minister Taro Kono said Tokyo and Seoul ‘need to step up our own effort for stability in the region’.

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Crime

Philippines foils second planned high school attack in Leyte in days

Authorities got a tip-off on an ‘impending mass shooting’ in the province, two days after a shooting incident that killed three students.

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