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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.
Then Davao mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is donned with the rank of colonel in the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserve Command during a ceremony at Davao City Hall in February 2018. Photo: Facebook / Armed Forces of the Philippines
Ferdinand Marcos Jnr

Uniform justice? Why Philippine military expelled a lawmaker but not VP Duterte

Sources said legal ambiguity and political risk shaped how the armed forces handled two high-profile reservist cases.

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Ferdinand Marcos Jnr

Philippines investigates claims of Chinese dredger using ‘30 identities’

South China Sea

Opinion | Why coastguards, not warships, are shaping future of South China Sea

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McDonald's

McDonald’s Philippine rival Jollibee to list global business in the US by 2027

The spin-off and potential US listing of Jollibee Foods Corporation would include all of the company’s businesses outside its home market.

An outlet of the Filipino fast-food chain Jollibee in Hong Kong. Photo: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Ferdinand Marcos Jnr

‘Rule of law’: Philippine military lauds ex-general’s sedition arrest

Romeo Poquiz’s limited influence means his arrest is unlikely to spark a ‘chilling effect’ among former officials, observers say.

South China Sea

Trump’s Venezuela move strains Philippines’ rules-based diplomacy, critics say

Critics said the US operation has undercut Manila’s claim to principled diplomacy, given its close alliance with Washington.

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Ferdinand Marcos Jnr

Philippine ex-general arrested after call for military to ‘reset’ society

Romeo Poquiz had publicly called for the armed forces to ‘withdraw their support’ from Marcos over the flood control corruption scandal.

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Romeo Poquiz (centre) is arrested on a sedition charge on Monday at Manila’s international airport. Photo: Philippine National Police ,
SCMP Highlights

AI scientist leaves US for China; domestic helpers in Asia: 5 weekend reads

From China’s reaction to Maduro’s capture to another AI scientist leaving the US, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

Ferdinand Marcos Jnr

Philippines approves U$115 billion budget, slashes ‘back door’ allocations

Marcos used his veto powers to cut unprogrammed appropriations, historically prone to corruption, to their lowest level since 2019.

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Asean

‘Not very high’ bar: Philippines inherits Thailand-Cambodia border crisis

Given Asean’s policy of non-interference, the Philippines may be better off leaving peace negotiations to the US and China, experts say.

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People stand beside a crater in front of a damaged police station following clashes between Cambodian and Thai soldiers in Banteay Meanchey province, Cambodia on Saturday. Photo: AFP
Doing Good

Meet the teen with a mission to help artists with his own brand of socks

Darren Lee, the founder of Sababu Socks, talks about providing a lifeline for under-represented artists from the Philippines to Tanzania.

Founder of Sababu Socks, Darren Lee, sports a pair of Fishy on Me socks, designed by Tanzanian artist Chinga. Photo: Jocelyn Tam
Human rights

Ageing Asia needs domestic helpers, but can it keep them safe?

While the region cries out for care, top source nations the Philippines and Indonesia have tightened controls to curb exploitation and abuse.

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Defence

Why the Philippines’ military is betting on South Korean defence systems

The US$27.7 million contract covers combat management systems for two next-generation Philippine Navy frigates.

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Switzerland

Explainer | Swiss bar inferno joins long list of world’s worst club fires

A look at some of the worst fires in bars, nightclubs and music venues in past decades, where celebrations turned to tragedy in seconds.

The Mountain B pub in Thailand after it was ravaged by fire in 2022. Photo: AP
Hong Kong society

Hong Kong’s new smoking rules just kicked in. Is everyone sticking to them?

New rules include ban on anyone smoking at designated boarding points for public transport when waiting in queue of two or more people.

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The policy changes include upping fines to HK$3,000. Photo: Jelly Tse
Crime in Hong Kong

Professor arrested in Hong Kong over drug possession as wife found dead in flat

Police received call from Filipino woman’s husband at 4.13pm on Wednesday after she passed out in their Tuen Mun flat.

Asean

Singapore PM excited about Jessica Sanchez’s show in Cebu, Marcos’ wife says

The wife of President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr says Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez will be performing at the Asean summit in 2026.

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Corruption in Asia

As commissioners quit, Philippines’ flood-control probe faces credibility crisis

Analysts said the exits risk deepening public scepticism over whether politically connected contractors can be held to account.

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Independent Commission for Infrastructure chair Andres Reyes Jr (left) oversees the submission of investigation reports to the Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City, Metro Manila, on October 29 as the panel probes alleged corruption in flood-control infrastructure projects. Photo: EPA
War and conflict

Opinion | If Trump wants a deal with China, he must rein in US allies in Asia

From Manila to Tokyo, domestic political dynamics are increasing the risks of a dangerous confrontation between Washington and Beijing.

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Rodrigo Duterte

Philippines flood-control probe ‘in peril’ after death of public works official

Analysts said the death removes a pivotal witness and exposes weaknesses in how authorities have handled evidence and testimony.

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Extreme weather

Asia’s year of costly climate disasters spurs calls for ‘decisive action’

With Asia accounting for four of the world’s six costliest weather disasters in 2025, experts urge investment in climate resilience.

A commuter wades through floodwaters from Cyclone Ditwah in Chennai on December 2. Flooding in India and Pakistan has killed over 1,860 people and caused up to US$6 billion in damages in 2025, according to a new report. Photo: AFP
Food and Drinks

Michelin Guide’s arrival in Philippines brings distinction for country’s top chefs

Miko Calo’s Taquería Franco won a Bib Gourmand, while Josh Boutwood’s Helm was the only restaurant in the country to be awarded 2 Michelin stars.

A dessert of durian espuma, blackberry and jasmine by Miko Calo. 06NOV25 SCMP / Jocelyn Tam
SCMP Highlights

Rise of Peranakan Chinese networks, Malaysian ex-PM jailed: 7 Asia highlights

From Indonesia fuming over flag stunt to Duterte’s drug war verdict upheld, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Imee Marcos

How illegal firecrackers ignite a dangerous Philippine new year tradition

Despite decades of regulation, warnings and police raids, Filipinos continue to welcome the new year with explosive celebrations.

Extreme weather

‘Master of Disaster’: Can a board game help Philippines face next catastrophe?

From typhoons to earthquakes, ‘Master of Disaster’ turns a roll of the dice into a life-saving lesson for the world’s most vulnerable.

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A player draws a card while playing a disaster preparedness board game in Manila. Photo: AFP
South China Sea

China hints ‘illegal’ Philippine fishing is harming disputed Scarborough Shoal

Beijing designated the feature in the South China Sea as a nature reserve earlier this year, prompting criticism from Manila.

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The report said 135 different species of coral were found at the reef. Photo: CCTV
Education

Will Philippines’ ‘historic’ US$23 billion education budget make the grade?

Critics are worried that the massive budget would either fall prey to corruption or not be enough to tackle long-standing problems.

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Rodrigo Duterte

Corruption, floods and clan wars rock Philippines in 2025

Deepening political feuds, ex-president Duterte’s ICC arrest and the South China Sea dispute have reshaped the Philippine landscape.

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