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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.
Protesters rally in support of the detention of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte outside of the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Photo: AFP
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

South China Sea

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

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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.

Manila’s ubiquitous jeepneys, the painting of which can be seen at the Sarao Motors factory in Las Piñas, southern Manila. Photo: Shutterstock
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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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

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.

Screeners at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport claimed an X-ray scan had detected a bullet in passenger Ruth Adel’s carry-on suitcase. Photo: Facebook/ruth.adel
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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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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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.

The Kwai Tsing Container Terminals in Hong Kong. The Trade Development Council has conducted a survey to study six Asean markets. Photo: Yik Yeung-man
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.

A village among the rice terraces of Banaue, in the Philippines. Photo: Shutterstock
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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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.

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