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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.
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth (left) and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner salute on arriving at Camp Aguinaldo in Manila on Friday. Photo: AFP
South China Sea

As Hegseth visits Manila, Beijing warns against meddling in South China Sea

‘Those who willingly become pawns will inevitably be discarded,’ Chen Xiaodong, foreign vice-minister, tells Boao Forum panel.

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Asean

Philippines pulls Asean card on East Timor over extradition row. Will it work?

China-Philippines relations

US bolsters Philippines defence with ‘game changer’ missiles to deter China threat

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US immigration

Trump’s immigration crackdown hits Filipino green card holder, sparking fears

The detention of a Filipino who has lived in the US for 50 years shows the huge shift in immigration enforcement under Trump, observers say.

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A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer talks to a group of undocumented immigrants detained in Kansas. Photo: TNS
WTA (Women's Tennis Association)

Video | Philippines' Eala heads to semi-finals in Miami

The wild card player knocks out her third grand slam champion of the tennis tournament in the US state of Florida

WTA (Women's Tennis Association)

Filipino teen Eala stuns Swiatek to reach Miami Open semis, Pegula stops Raducanu

Wild card knocks out her third grand slam champion of the tournament and will now face the American fourth seed in the semi-finals.

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US-China relations

Opinion | Why the US could lose more ground in Southeast Asia

While the US remains Asean’s biggest investor, its investment in core infrastructure is limited. Meanwhile, China makes its presence felt.

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Passengers take selfies during a Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail ride in Indonesia in 2023. China’s focus on infrastructure and regional connectivity in Southeast Asia has had a profound impact. Photo: Xinhua
South China Sea

Philippines set to host second Typhon unit, signalling Trump’s defence pledge

The second Typhon unit will allow more Philippine troops to train with the system and enhance the country’s sovereignty, analysts say.

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Rodrigo Duterte

Brewing justice: Philippines cafe offers healing and hope after Duterte’s ICC arrest

The coffee shop, dedicated to victims of the former president’s drug war, described his arrest as ‘the first step’ towards justice.

Social media

Filipinos find a new way to earn extra pesos – as virtual assistants

Driven by a desire for better pay and flexible hours, a million Filipinos hungry for opportunity are powering a virtual-assistant revolution.

A still from a TikTok video promoting becoming a virtual assistant in the Philippines. Photo: TikTok
Luxury cruises

Piracy threat prompts dark sail for cruise ship in Philippine waters

For passengers aboard the Queen Anne, their cruise holiday took a dramatic turn as they approached the Philippines.

The Queen Anne is a veritable floating city capable of hosting nearly 3,000 passengers and more than 1,200 crew members. Photo: Shutterstock
South China Sea

Philippines’ nuclear advocacy faces reality check after statement recall

As Manila’s attempt to act as a middleman in nuclear disarmament falters, analysts question its ability to influence smaller nations.

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South China Sea

US military seen as stretched but South China Sea activity rose: paper

SCSPI think tank says US may adopt primary approach of drones or autonomous weapons to address ‘quantity anxiety’ in the contested waters.

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SCMP Highlights

Thais reject ‘dark skin’ stigma, Singapore payouts: 7 Asia highlights

From Singapore offering unemployment payouts to a slap heard around Malaysia, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Miss Thailand Anna Sueangam-Iam 2022 walks onstage at a Miss Universe contest. While some beauty pageants now celebrate more diverse aesthetics, Thailand’s most popular television shows still star fair-skinned leads. Photo: Getty Images/AFP
Rodrigo Duterte

Opinion | In handing Duterte to ICC, Marcos stirs up Philippine hornets’ nest

Too many questions surround the abrupt U-turn on cooperation with the International Criminal Court, from sovereignty to political persecution.

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Police block protesters as they try to march towards Malacanang palace in Manila, Philippines, on March 17 to call on the government to rejoin the ICC after the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Photo: AP
South China Sea

Philippine defence chief labels Beijing’s South China Sea claims ‘fiction and lie’

Gilberto Teodoro denounced Beijing’s South China Sea claims urging stronger defence and alliances amid rising tensions.

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South China Sea

Philippines eyes Subic Bay islands as South China Sea ‘sentinels’

Experts say it might be legally and logistically difficult to repurpose Grande and Chiquita Islands but political will might hold sway.

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Rodrigo Duterte

Supporters of Philippine’s Duterte call on God, Trump to bring him home

Experts say there is little chance of the 80-year-old gaining early release due to a lack of legal avenues to challenge his ICC detention.

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A supporter of Rodrigo Duterte holds a placard during a demonstration in support of the Philippines ex-president in The Hague on Sunday. Photo: dpa
Asia housing and property

The View | Why the future looks so promising for luxury property in Asia

With clear benefits for stakeholders, the region’s branded residences are poised to boost liquidity and set high transparency standards.

United States

‘Mission accomplished’: US-Philippines drills return in full battle mode

As 16,000 troops gear up for the 40th Balikatan, one Philippine general says he ‘doesn’t care’ how China reacts: ‘if they’re angry … good’.

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Rodrigo Duterte

Philippines’ crackdown on Duterte disinformation may backfire, analysts warn

Investigation of vloggers accused of spreading falsehoods may further entrench his supporters’ beliefs and deepen the country’s political divide.

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Supporters of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte gather during a prayer rally, in Manila, on March 15. Photo: Reuters
Defence

Hegseth’s Manila visit ahead of Balikatan signals strong US-Philippines ties

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth’s visit is seen as an important step in strengthening Washington’s alliances in the Asia-Pacific.

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US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is expected to visit the Philippines this month, ahead of joint drills between the countries. Photo: TNS
South China Sea

Will India and South Korea join the Philippines’ ‘Squad’ to counter China?

Analysts say expanding the Squad would strengthen surveillance and response capabilities, making it harder for Beijing to operate unchallenged in contested waters.

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Rodrigo Duterte

Duterte’s arrest sparks Philippine disinformation frenzy targeting ICC judges

Duterte’s ICC arrest sparked a wave of disinformation, with fake news and fabricated quotes flooding Philippine social media, potentially affecting his interim release.

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India

Philippines taps India as nickel trade partner to curb reliance on China

Philippines realises it is too risky to depend solely on China, which imports nearly 98 per cent of its nickel, analysts say.

A barge being loaded with nickel ore at in Infanta, Philippines. Photo: AFP
Crime

Mother of slain Filipino comedian Goldenier Dagal slams killers as ‘cowards’

Dagal, who was known for his bold jokes, was performing at a bar in Pampanga when a suspect shot him before fleeing.

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The late Filipino stand-up comedian Goldenier Dagal. Photo: Instagram/evil.dogg
Rodrigo Duterte

Filipinos’ anger over cuts, Duterte’s arrest threaten Marcos’ Senate slate

Addressing Filipinos’ concerns about bread-and-butter issues will be key to winning their votes in the midterms, analysts say.

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International Criminal Court

Duterte’s ICC arrest justified under obscure Philippine law, legal experts say

Supporters of the former president have slammed the move by Manila to allow Duterte’s transfer to The Hague, calling it a ‘kidnapping’.

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