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Maria Theresa Lazaro

Maria Theresa Lazaro
The latest news and top stories on Maria Theresa Lazaro, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines since 1 July 2025. She has a background in foreign service, previously serving as Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs, and as Ambassador to France, Monaco, and Switzerland.
Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela gestures beside Senator Risa Hontiveros during a visit to Philippine-occupied Thitu island in the disputed South China Sea on February 21. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

‘Deliberate signal’: Philippines elevates officer amid South China Sea tensions

Analysts say Marcos is doubling down on the country’s ‘transparency initiative’ while engaging Beijing diplomatically behind closed doors.

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South China Sea

South China Sea expert warns 2026 code of conduct is ‘simply not achievable’

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Asean

Asian Angle | How Asean can resolve its Myanmar dilemma post-election

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The Philippines

Leaked letter spotlights Philippines’ South China Sea tug of war

The letter by Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro warns against public exchanges that could narrow the country’s ‘diplomatic space’.

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A Philippine coastguard vessel sails in disputed waters of the South China Sea during a maritime drill. Photo: EPA-EFE
Asean

How far can Asean engage Myanmar without legitimising military rule?

The bloc’s foreign ministers meet in Cebu amid concerns that diplomacy could slide into tacit acceptance of military rule.

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Asean

Asean urged to rethink stance as Myanmar election risks normalising junta rule

The bloc should encourage Indonesia’s approach of engaging key stakeholders in efforts to resolve the Myanmar crisis, observers say.

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The Philippines

New deal eases logistics for Japan-Philippines drills amid China tensions

The agreement removes taxes on military supplies, including weapons and fuel used in joint exercises.

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A Japanese naval ship docks at the Manila Port, Philippines, last year. Photo: EPA-EFE
The Philippines

Philippines ‘comfort women’ demand apology during Japan foreign minister visit

Analysts say Manila is unlikely to back the surviving victims of sex slavery, fearing it could jeopardise billions in infrastructure funding.

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Myanmar

Philippine minister’s ‘premature’ Myanmar visit casts doubts over Asean’s role

Critics say the visit may be viewed as the bloc’s new chair endorsing a controversial junta-led election in Myanmar.

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Japan

Japan’s top diplomat heads to Philippines with South China Sea top of mind

The talks are likely to focus on Manila’s push for a South China Sea code with ‘teeth’ as this year’s Asean chair, analysts say.

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Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi looks on during a meeting in Israel on Sunday. He is due in Manila on Thursday. Photo: AP
The Philippines

Can UN anti-corruption pact bring Zaldy Co back to Philippines?

The former lawmaker, who is facing charges linked to the Philippines’ flood control scandal, is suspected to have fled to Portugal.

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Fugitive Philippine lawmaker Zaldy Co (left) and President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr. Photo: Handout, AFP
South China Sea

Beijing seeks ‘fair and just maritime order’ in South China Sea

Vice-minister Sun Weidong says China rejects 2016 arbitration ruling on disputed waters because it breaches fundamentals in international law.

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Myanmar

Political show? Why Myanmar is again cracking down on cyber scammers

Myanmar’s junta has been under pressure to raid fraud hubs by China as its citizens have been badly affected by these scammers, analysts say.

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The Philippines

How Philippines might navigate Asean’s divisions as it prepares to lead bloc

Analysts say the two challenges will weigh heavily on the Philippines’ agenda as chair of the bloc next year.

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Soldiers patrol a road in Kyaukme, northern Shan State, Myanmar, in October. The Philippines will take up the Myanmar issue in January when Asean’s foreign ministers convene to shape the bloc’s next steps. Photo: AP
Asean

Philippines courts East Timor as new South China Sea ally in Asean

Next year’s Asean chair has shown interest in formalising defence cooperation with the latest member of the 11-nation bloc.

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East Timor Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao shakes hands with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr at the Asean summit on October 28. Photo: Reuters
Asean

Could East Timor be new ally for Philippines as Manila prepares to chair Asean?

Dili and Manila could work together in trade, infrastructure development, conservation and the maritime Code of Conduct, analysts say.

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The Philippines

Doubts greet Philippines-China coastguard deal to calm disputed waters

Analysts are cautiously optimistic about the proposed pact as past efforts to lower the temperature in the waterway have had limited success.

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South China Sea

South China Sea tensions downplayed as Manila warmly farewells Beijing envoy

Exchange resurrects diplomatic language that stresses maritime issues are ‘not the sum total’ of bilateral relations.

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Chinese ambassador Huang Xilian (left) makes his farewell call on Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, after nearly six years in the role. Photo: Handout
The Philippines

Unearthing potential: US eyes Philippine rare earths as China tightens grip

The Philippines may have been unwittingly supplying China with key ingredients for everything from smartphones to missiles, insiders say.

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The Philippines

Trump to host Philippines’ Marcos Jnr to discuss Asia trade, security

The Philippines and the US have boosted mutual defence engagements to step up deterrence against China’s increasing aggression in Asia.

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South China Sea

Philippines summons Chinese ambassador over travel ban on former senator

Manila said the ban on ex-senate majority leader Francis Tolentino was ‘inconsistent with the norms of mutual respect’ between countries.

Former senator Francis Tolentino said the ban was a “badge of honour”. Photo: AP
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