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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.
Rodrigo Duterte pictured at an Asean summit in Bangkok in 2019 when he was president of the Philippines. Photo: Reuters
Rodrigo Duterte

Asian Angle | What Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest means for Philippines’ politics, global standing

The ex-president’s transfer to ICC risks custody transforming him and his family into political martyrs and stoking civil unrest.

Defence

Opinion | Philippines faces tricky path to becoming less reliant on US

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International Criminal Court

Philippines’ Duterte attends ICC hearing via video link

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South China Sea

Will Typhon system feature in Philippines’ full-battle Balikatan drills?

Similar to Balikatan 2024, this year’s drills will feature sinking exercises 12 nautical miles outside the Philippines’ territorial waters.

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The US Typhon mid-range capability missile system being deployed in 2023 at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California. Photo: US Army/RCCTO
Hong Kong tourism

Hong Kong arrivals rise 7% to 8.4 million in first 2 months of 2025

Short-haul markets such as the Philippines and Indonesia record the steepest growth in arrivals.

Rodrigo Duterte

‘You have to kill me to bring me to The Hague’: how Duterte’s arrest unfolded

The ex-president refused to be fingerprinted and his daughter hurled expletives at a police general during the 12-hour stand-off.

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Rodrigo Duterte

Duterte video message tells supporters not to worry

‘Do not worry’: Rodrigo Duterte addresses supporters in video from ICC custody
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Rodrigo Duterte

Duterte says he is ‘responsible’ for drug war as ICC takes him into custody

The ex-president, who was transferred to a detention unit on the Dutch coast, told his supporters ‘I am OK, do not worry’.

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Scams and swindles

Philippines investigates possible revival of ‘planted bullet’ scam at airports

Three employees at Manila’s main airport relieved of their posts after passenger says they falsely claimed she had a bullet in her luggage.

Rodrigo Duterte

Mixed reactions in Manila over Duterte’s ICC arrest

The former leader’s daughter, current Vice-President Sara Duterte, said she will fly to The Hague to assist in his legal defence

Mixed reactions in the Philippines to arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte
03:48
China-Philippines relations

China’s alleged spy network in Philippines raises concerns about outdated laws

Officials have long called for an update to its World War II-era espionage law, which may not be sufficient to address modern threats.

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Chinese nationals and their alleged Philippine accomplices, arrested for alleged espionage, are presented during a press conference at the National Bureau of Investigation office in Manila on February 25. Photo: AFP
Rodrigo Duterte

‘My prayers answered’: anger and relief in Philippines over Duterte’s arrest

Experts say the ex-president’s chances of avoiding ICC prosecution are slim as supporters take to the streets to protest his arrest.

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Rodrigo Duterte

Explainer | Duterte is set to enter ICC detention. Here’s what awaits him

Housed in a Dutch prison, the International Criminal Court’s detention unit has cooking facilities and cells with computers, but no internet.

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Rodrigo Duterte

Ex-president Duterte arrested in Philippines

Duterte was detained on orders of the International Criminal Court after arriving in Manila from Hong Kong, the Philippine government said  

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte arrested under ICC warrant
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SCMP Highlights

Nepal’s China-built airport, North Korea’s hackers using AI: 7 Asia highlights

From an Indian summit devolving into food fight to Nepal’s China-built airport, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

North Korean hackers have already demonstrated how effective AI can be in furthering their schemes. Photo: Shutterstock
Rodrigo Duterte

Is ICC arrest of Philippines’ Duterte the death knell for his political dynasty?

Analysts say President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s decision to cooperate with the ICC’s arrest warrant is a strategic move aimed at neutralising his rival.

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Hong Kong politics

Ex-Philippine leader Duterte has made headlines in Hong Kong many times before

Former leader sparked media frenzy with speech at rally with vice-president daughter, but he has made the news on several previous visits.

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International Criminal Court

How Philippines’ Duterte responds to potential ICC arrest could shape midterms

Duterte says he is ready to face arrest, but analysts warn a warrant could threaten his and his family’s political fortunes.

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Former president of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte speaks inside the Southorn Stadium during a thanksgiving gathering organised by Hong Kong-based Filipino workers in Hong Kong on March 9. Photo: AP
Hong Kong economy

Poll reveals which Hong Kong products are winning over Asean online shoppers

Consumers from Thailand, Indonesia lead in buying products from city, while Singapore respondents have highest spend per purchase.

Asia travel

Visiting the Philippines’ Ifugao people and their mountain rice terraces

A remote mountain trek with indigenous rice farmers shows another side of the island nation better known for its beaches.

Hong Kong politics

Duterte tells Filipinos in Hong Kong he never committed crimes against humanity

Ex-Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte delivers fiery speech amid speculation over whether International Criminal Court will issue arrest warrant.

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Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is the subject of an ICC investigation into his controversial anti-drug campaign. Photo: Sam Tsang
Legacy of war in Asia

Philippine documentary rekindles memories of terror during World War II

Survivors of the 1945 Battle of Manila recount in ‘Children of the War’ how they escaped ‘mass executions’ during the Japanese occupation.

During Manila’s liberation from the Japanese by American and Filipino forces in World War II, the Japanese destroyed most of the city south of the Pasig River. Photo: Corbis via Getty Images
South China Sea

Philippines sends ‘Angels’ to ease China sea tensions with words not weapons

‘A woman’s patience, composure and the ability to respond or to communicate with empathy makes us unique,’ a member of the Angels of the Sea team says.

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South China Sea

Philippines to sign visiting forces deal with Canada to boost military ties

The deal will be the latest security pact in the face of the Philippines’ increasingly tense confrontations with China.

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US-China relations

What are Filipinos most worried about? US-China trade war, survey says

Seven in 10 respondents say they fear the trade conflict would affect livelihoods.

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A person holds a Philippine flag at a rally marking the 39th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on February 25. Photo: EPA-EFE
Defence

Is the Philippines air force prepared? FA-50 fatal crash raises questions

The grounding of the remaining FA-50 jets has raised concerns about airspace vulnerability and prompted calls for quicker military modernisation.

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A FA-50 fighter jet is parked on the tarmac at a Philippine airbase in Angeles City, Pampanga province. Photo: AFP
Crime

Contradictions emerge as Philippine officials probe Alice Guo’s mysterious escape

One senator called for a total revamp of the Bureau of Immigration if it failed to provide ‘satisfactory answers’ about Guo’s escape.

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Chinese tourists

Chinese arrivals to Philippines rise despite Pogos ban, bilateral row

The number of Chinese tourists rose 20 per cent to above 500,000 last year, according to the Philippine immigration bureau’s data.

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