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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.
A supporter of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte displays his portrait as they gather in front of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, The Netherlands, on March 14. Photo: EPA-EFE
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

Crime

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

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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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Police block protesters during a rally in Manila on Monday calling for the Philippines to rejoin the International Criminal Court. Photo: AP
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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Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong rolls out smoother entry policy for invited Asean professionals

Scheme allows event attendees and those who can contribute to local economy to make multiple trips to Hong Kong over three-year period.

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South China Sea

Filipino activists to hold ‘peace concert’ in the South China Sea

The Atin Ito coalition said they would sail into the disputed waterway in May with musicians to deliver supplies and a message of solidarity.

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Aten Ito co-convenor and Akbayan party-list president Rafaela David (centre) speaking at a press briefing on the peace concert operation on Monday. Photo: Facebook / Aten Ito
Asia travel

Insiders’ guide to Manila, Philippine capital and cultural melting pot

Locals share their tips on what to see, do and buy, from discovering iconic landmarks and hidden gems, to encountering Filipino craftsmanship.

Rodrigo Duterte

My Take | Domestic politics is why Rodrigo Duterte is facing the International Criminal Court

Former Philippine president’s detention made possible by local rivalry, but a similar fate for Putin and Netanyahu will not happen any time soon, if ever.

Cybersecurity

‘Lip service’: Philippines’ cyber defences lag amid Chinese attack claims

With reports of military networks and government sites being breached, experts warn the Philippines is ill-prepared for cyber warfare.

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Philippine authorities revealed in January that they had foiled several hacking attempts that were traced to IP addresses in China. Photo: Shutterstock
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.

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

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

The second Trump administration’s actions show Manila the urgent need to be more self-reliant and seek other potential defence partners.

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International Criminal Court

Philippines’ Duterte attends ICC hearing via video link

The 79-year-old was tired after flying to the Netherlands from the Philippines and was permitted to attend the session 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.

The Peak is always a popular spot in Hong Kong for visitors. Photo: Elson Li
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

Video | Duterte video message tells supporters not to worry

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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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Anti-Duterte protesters gather outside the International Criminal Court in The Hague on March 12. Photo: ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
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

Video | 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

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’s supporters protest against his arrest in Davao City, Philippines, on Monday. Photo: Reuters
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

Video | 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  

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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Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte speaks to Filipino workers at an event in Hong Kong on Sunday. Photo: Sam Tsang
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.

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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