The Philippines
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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 Chinese coastguard vessel (right) fires its water cannon at the Philippine’s BRP Datu Pagbuaya in the South China Sea on October 12. Photo: Philippine Coast Guard via AP
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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Indonesia

‘She loved us so much’: Indonesian family mourns mother killed in Hong Kong fire

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Ferdinand Marcos Jnr

‘They’ll go to jail’: Philippines to tear down ‘syndicate’ siphoning billions

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United States

‘Death sentence’ averted as sick Filipino man removed from US deportation flight

Advocates warned that deporting Greggy Sorio, who lost a toe and 10kg while held in US immigration custody, would be a ‘death sentence’.

Greggy Valerio Sorio, also known as “Kuya G”. Photo: Tanggol Migrante
Corruption in Asia

Philippines ‘flood control queen’ faces arrest over corruption scandal

Prosecutors accuse Cezarah ‘Sarah’ Discaya of pocketing millions for a government-funded flood control project that was never built.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Exclusive | Indonesian team aims to get bodies of helpers killed in Hong Kong fire home soon

Filipino envoy in city also says Manila can move ‘quickly’ once Hong Kong has processed the necessary papers for worker killed in blaze.

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SCMP Highlights

Singaporean Chinese ‘least attractive’, Philippines cyclones: 7 Asia highlights

From a viral image prompting a beauty debate to Chinese marriage brokers eyeing Nepal, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Satellite imagery taken by the US’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows Super Typhoon Fung-wong approaching the Philippines on November 9. Photo: NOAA/NESDIS/AFP
Rodrigo Duterte

Could ICC warrants against Duterte allies alter Philippines’ balance of power?

A former Duterte spokesman claims more of the ex-president’s allies will soon be arrested as part of a plot to ‘destroy the opposition’.

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Ferdinand Marcos Jnr

In Philippines, Marcos’ ratings sink as anti-corruption drive ‘backfires’

A new survey shows Marcos’ satisfaction ratings at only 21 per cent – his lowest since taking office in 2022.

South China Sea

China sends seasoned ‘America hand’ to serve as top envoy to Philippines

New ambassador arrives in Manila as South China Sea tensions flare and the Philippines draws closer to Washington on defence.

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Jing Quan (centre), China’s new ambassador to the Philippines, has vowed to safeguard Beijing’s national interests while serving as a bridge to stabilise China-Philippines relations. Photo: QQ.com
Ferdinand Marcos Jnr

Probe links Philippines flood corruption to Pogo crypto schemes

Cybercrime officials have uncovered a ‘definite link’ between the massive graft scandal and laundering rings run by banned gaming operators.

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Protesters hold signs during an anti-corruption rally in Manila, the Philippines, on November 30. Photo: EPA
Extreme weather

6 cyclones, 5 weeks: Philippines can’t escape its endless cycle of disaster

Corruption, complacency and climate chaos conspire to turn the Philippines’ natural hazards into man-made tragedies.

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Ferdinand Marcos Jnr

Is the Philippines vulnerable to another military-triggered political crisis?

Analysts said an alleged plot by retired generals to oust President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr appears inspired by 2001’s EDSA Dos uprising.

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Consumers

Anger boils in Philippines over official’s US$8.50 Christmas feast budget

Critics call the Philippine trade chief’s 500-peso Noche Buena price guide for a family of four a ‘fantasy’ that insults the poor.

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Philippine Trade Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque’s 500-peso budget tip for a family of four to spend on the coming Christmas Eve dinner has irked Filipinos as unrealistic. Photo: Facebook/DTISecretaryCrisRoque
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Editorial | Domestic helpers deserve praise for heroism in Tai Po fire

Hong Kong’s domestic helpers should get equal attention for their recent heroism and daily efforts that help hold the community together.

People gathered on November 30 to pay tribute to the victims of the Wang Fuk Court fire. More than 200 foreign workers were employed and living with families in the housing estate before it became an inferno on November 26. Photo: Karma Lo
South China Sea

China ramps up surveillance equipment at Spratly Islands bases: US think tank

Satellites detect new radars and electronic warfare gear at South China Sea outposts, CSIS says.

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Filipino helper on her second day of work when Tai Po fire hit; escapes with baby

Rhodora Alcaraz, who is still in intensive care, has been hailed as a hero among Filipino workers in Hong Kong and by her own country.

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Ferdinand Marcos Jnr

Philippines’ first family says financial scrutiny welcome amid graft allegations

A spokesperson for the president said his family was open to lifestyle checks after questions emerged over funds sent to his son’s district.

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr arrives at Malacanang Palace in Manila after his inauguration on June 30, 2022, accompanied by his wife Louise and his son, Congressman Sandro Marcos. Photo: AFP
Corruption in Asia

Why the Philippines’ anti-flood control corruption movement could be receding

Analysts warn the government’s anti-corruption drive could stall if public mobilisation continues to thin.

South China Sea

‘Strategic’: why are drones taking off among South China Sea claimant states?

Experts weigh the merits and limits of growing pivot in the region to uncrewed aircraft and the potential for 24/7 patrols.

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Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Judge-led panel to probe deadly blaze as Hong Kong goes ahead with election

Death toll from Wang Fuk Court inferno rises to 156 after five more bodies found.

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The charred buildings of Wang Fuk Court seen through flowers left by mourners. Photo: Eugene Lee
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Hong Kong fire will not deter Filipino helpers from working in city: minister

Philippines Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac says his government will also provide financial assistance to affected helpers.

Helpers mourn those killed in the deadly Tai Po fire. Photo: Jonathan Wong
South China Sea

Chinese involvement stalls Manila Bay bridge project due to security fears

Philippines delays US$124 million infrastructure project after a maritime group raised concerns against China Harbour Engineering Company.

Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Families of domestic helpers killed in Hong Kong blaze to get nearly HK$800,000

Labour chief Chris Sun says government will work with the Philippine consulate to make sure money distributed to right people.

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SCMP Highlights

‘Schrodinger’s Pakistan’, Chinese travellers eye Singapore: 7 Asia highlights

From election loss for Malaysia’s Anwar to Pakistan’s young feeling sidelined, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Tourists take photos with the Merlion statue in Singapore. Chinese visitors say the city state is an “easy and comfortable” travel destination. Photo: Reuters
China-Japan relations

China bristles as Japan weighs missile export to Philippines

Japan’s possible sale of Type 03 missiles to Manila comes as Tokyo moves to loosen arms-export rules, raising fresh concerns in China.

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The Type 03 medium-range surface-to-air missile, the same model Japan plans to deploy on Yonaguni, an island just 110km (68 miles) from Taiwan. Photo: Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
Rodrigo Duterte

Did Philippine VP Sara Duterte’s jailbreak ‘joke’ keep her dad in ICC detention?

Observers said the ruling may energise loyalists but is unlikely to sway undecided voters or ease the rivalry shaping Philippine politics.

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Russia

Why Russia is targeting the Philippines with Ukraine mercenary claims

As Moscow wages an information war far from the battlefields of Ukraine, an improbable front has opened up in Southeast Asia.

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