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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 Pakistani police raid uncovered a scam call centre in Faisalabad, arresting 149, including 71 foreigners. Photo: Shutterstock
Pakistan

48 Chinese among 149 arrested in Pakistan scam centre raid

Citizens from the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar were also arrested for allegedly running Ponzi schemes and collecting money illegally from the public.

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Crime

Philippines’ search for missing cock fighters at Lake Taal begins

Middle East

Ship attacked by Houthis sinks in Red Sea, 10 of 25 mostly Filipino crew rescued

United States

Trump announces new tariffs on Brazil, 6 smaller economies

‘Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from reciprocal,’ letters say, adding alleged deficits are threats to US national security.

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US President Donald Trump dispatched tariff letters to six more countries on Wednesday. Photo: AP
Crime

‘More dangerous’ than Pogos: should Philippines ban online gambling?

A surge in online gambling sites and Filipinos hooked on them has led to lawmakers seeking a ban against the ‘silent epidemic’.

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Defence

Old but still gold? What Philippines can gain from Japan’s used warships

Factors such as maintenance costs and system upgrades will determine the true value of the Abukuma-class vessels’ transfer, analysts say.

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China-EU relations

Berlin says Chinese ship targeted German plane with laser over Red Sea

Beijing’s ambassador to Germany has been summoned over the incident that reportedly took place during an EU-led mission.

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The Chinese national flag waves in front of Beijing’s embassy in Berlin in April 2024. Photo: AP
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.

South China Sea

F-35 drills in Philippines signal US ramp-up in combat readiness in Asia-Pacific

Analysts say the advanced fighter jet’s deployment shows Manila’s deep integration into US deterrence planning in the region.

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SCMP Highlights

Australia gets ‘unsolicited advice’; Indonesian mine concern: 7 Asia highlights

From Duterte ending his womanising era to defence concerns over an Indonesia mine, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

A nickel smelter in Indonesia. The proposed bauxite smelter would occupy about 400 hectares of land currently used by the Indonesian Navy on Singkep island. Photo: Reuters
Asean

Will Myanmar block East Timor’s Asean entry? The junta draws a red line

Myanmar’s military regime is attempting to block East Timor’s accession over its engagement with the ousted National Unity Government.

East Timor’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao gestures as he arrives to attend a gala dinner during an Asean summit in Vientiane, Laos, last year. Photo: Reuters
Middle East

Ship attacked in Red Sea after Houthis claim earlier bulk carrier sinking

Liberian-flagged cargo ship hit Monday, marking the second assault on a vessel in about 24 hours.

US-China relations

Opinion | To quieten drumbeats of war in US and China, cool heads must prevail

Sabre-rattling might rally a domestic political base, but true statesmanship lies not in inviting disaster but in mastering its prevention.

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Asean

Eating plastic: the hidden cost of convenience in Southeast Asia

If plastic pollution continues to worsen in the region, its people could face a wide range of health issues, medical experts warn.

Rising microplastic waste is fast becoming a global health hazard. Photo: Shutterstock
Crime

Philippine police detain 15 of its own officers in missing cock fighters case

The officers are under investigation for the suspected killings of 34 cock fighters, whose bodies were dumped in a lake after cheating accusations.

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Roosters fight during a cockfighting match in Laguna province, Philippines. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong tourism

Football fever grips Hong Kong as Cristiano Ronaldo museum officially opens

Excited fans queue hours before doors open to visit exhibits featuring Ballon d’Or, Golden Boot awards and Fifa Club World Cup Golden Ball.

Japan

Japan to bolster Philippine defence with used warships amid China tensions

The export plan involves six Abukuma-class vessels in service by Tokyo’s navy for more than 30 years.

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European Union

Political dynasties threaten Philippines’ democracy, EU observers warn

Political power remains concentrated within a small circle of elite families, the team monitoring the Philippines midterm polls say.

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (right) and his family lead Independence Day flag-raising and wreath-laying rites on June 12. The president is named after his late dictator father. Photo: EPA-EFE
Hong Kong tourism

Why Hong Kong is a fledgling hub for pre-owned Hermes bags and other luxury goods

Industry players say city is popular among Indian and Filipino merchandisers due to its reputation for authentic goods, tax-free status.

South Korea

South Korean YouTuber arrested in the Philippines for child abuse

The man in his fifties is believed to have fathered a child with a 14-year-old girl.

South China Sea

Philippines-China sea dispute takes on legal edge with cyber libel suit

Top Philippine coastguard official takes action against pro-Beijing influencer for claiming that he is a paid US asset.

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Philippine Coast Guard spokesman for the South China Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela in August 2024. Tarriela has dismissed “absurd” claims he is a paid US asset. Photo: AFP
Japan

Philippines urges Japan to help in lake search for ‘executed’ cock fighters

With dozens of participants allegedly murdered by rogue police and dumped in a massive lake, Manila has asked Tokyo for technical help in ‘scientific approach’.

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Cockfighting is a popular pastime in the Philippines but controversy increasingly surrounds the sector amid allegations of the murder of dozens of people by police officers. Photo: Getty Images
Crime

Chinese model lured to Myanmar with scam job rescued after sister raises alarm

25-year-old missing since June 9 was rescued on Friday, prompting new warning from Chinese embassy in Thailand about high-paying job offers.

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South China Sea

USS George Washington’s Manila visit signals US commitment amid ‘crowded’ seas

The USS George Washington’s Manila port call comes just days after China deployed two of its carriers to the Western Pacific for military drills.

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Catholic Church

‘A national crisis’: why Philippines is still struggling to legalise divorce

Lawmakers have been trying to pass a divorce law since 2005, but continue to face resistance in the Catholic-majority country.

Pro-divorce protesters take part in a demonstration in front of the Senate Building in Pasay, Metro Manila. Photo: AFP
SCMP Highlights

China nears Airbus deal, famous Hong Kong restaurant chain closes: 7 highlights

From Beijing’s grand military parade to Hong Kong train driver’s antics going viral, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

The logo of Airbus is pictured outside the Airbus facility in Saint-Nazaire, France, November 7, 2023. Photo: Reuters
Rodrigo Duterte

Philippines’ Duterte ends womanising era, leaving ‘13 to 27’ lovers behind

His son, Paolo Duterte, has told his father’s ‘girlfriends’ to ‘look for somebody else’ after visiting the former president at The Hague.

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Food and Drinks

Introducing AI-designed beers – but are they any good?

Breweries are tapping artificial intelligence to make beer taste better. But can the likes of ChatGPT create a pint worth drinking?

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