The Philippines
TOPIC
 / location

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.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr meeting with Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez in Manila on Tuesday. Photo: Instagram / bongbongmarcos
Asean

Singapore PM excited about Jessica Sanchez’s show in Cebu, Marcos’ wife says

The wife of President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr says Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez will be performing at the Asean summit in 2026.

Corruption in Asia

As commissioners quit, Philippines’ flood-control probe faces credibility crisis

videocam
War and conflict

Opinion | If Trump wants a deal with China, he must rein in US allies in Asia

videocam
6
Rodrigo Duterte

Philippines flood-control probe ‘in peril’ after death of public works official

Analysts said the death removes a pivotal witness and exposes weaknesses in how authorities have handled evidence and testimony.

videocam
Official portrait of Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, who died on December 19. Photo: Facebook / Department of Public Works and Highways
Extreme weather

Asia’s year of costly climate disasters spurs calls for ‘decisive action’

With Asia accounting for four of the world’s six costliest weather disasters in 2025, experts urge investment in climate resilience.

Food and Drinks

Michelin Guide’s arrival in Philippines brings distinction for country’s top chefs

Miko Calo’s Taquería Franco won a Bib Gourmand, while Josh Boutwood’s Helm was the only restaurant in the country to be awarded 2 Michelin stars.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
SCMP Highlights

Rise of Peranakan Chinese networks, Malaysian ex-PM jailed: 7 Asia highlights

From Indonesia fuming over flag stunt to Duterte’s drug war verdict upheld, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

The Long San Tong Khoo Kongsi clanhouse in Penang. Photo: Ushar Daniele
Imee Marcos

How illegal firecrackers ignite a dangerous Philippine new year tradition

Despite decades of regulation, warnings and police raids, Filipinos continue to welcome the new year with explosive celebrations.

Extreme weather

‘Master of Disaster’: Can a board game help Philippines face next catastrophe?

From typhoons to earthquakes, ‘Master of Disaster’ turns a roll of the dice into a life-saving lesson for the world’s most vulnerable.

videocam
South China Sea

China hints ‘illegal’ Philippine fishing is harming disputed Scarborough Shoal

Beijing designated the feature in the South China Sea as a nature reserve earlier this year, prompting criticism from Manila.

videocam
21
The report said 135 different species of coral were found at the reef. Photo: CCTV
Education

Will Philippines’ ‘historic’ US$23 billion education budget make the grade?

Critics are worried that the massive budget would either fall prey to corruption or not be enough to tackle long-standing problems.

videocam
Filipino children walk to school on Isla Pugad in Hagonoy town, Bulacan province. Photo: AFP
Rodrigo Duterte

Corruption, floods and clan wars rock Philippines in 2025

Deepening political feuds, ex-president Duterte’s ICC arrest and the South China Sea dispute have reshaped the Philippine landscape.

videocam
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

Outside In | As the US pursues unilateralism, China faces challenging task as Apec host

China’s return as Apec chair is an opportunity to show that both the organisation and its message of multilateralism are as relevant as ever.

videocam
Rodrigo Duterte

Philippine court upholds murder verdict in Duterte’s drug war case

While the ruling has been hailed as a win for human rights, it may not have much impact on Duterte’s ICC case, legal analysts say.

videocam
Filipino policemen (from left) Jeremiah Pereda, Arnel Oares and Jerwin Cruz attend a Senate inquiry in Pasay City on August 24, 2017. Photo: EPA
Hong Kong’s Tai Po fire tragedy

Helper who survived Hong Kong fire recovers in Philippines for Christmas

Rhodora Alcaraz earlier lauded by Philippine president as hero for her role in helping save three-month-old baby during last month’s fire.

Rhodora Alcaraz (front right) is still covering after last month’s deadly fire in Hong Kong. Photo: Handout
Corruption in Asia

Not for cars: Philippine fugitive accused of building ‘cash basement’

Zaldy Co, who is on the run, has been accused of being involved in the flood-control corruption scandal.

videocam
Extreme weather

Asia’s year in extreme weather and natural disasters, from earthquakes to floods

From the deadly earthquake in Myanmar to tropical cyclones in the Philippines, Asia went through its share of natural disasters in 2025.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
SCMP Highlights

Philippines’ Chinese tourism woes, police officer goes viral: 7 Asia highlights

From India’s anxiety over US-Pakistan deals to South Korea’s visa policy debate, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Chinese tourists from Beijing enjoying Cambugahay waterfalls in Siquijor, Central Visaya, Philippines. Photo: SCMP / James Wendlinger
Hong Kong society

Filipino helper killed in Hong Kong fire hailed as heroine on repatriation

Filipino official says Maryan Pascual Esteban’s body arrives in country while Hong Kong authorities vow long-term support for affected residents.

Crime

Bondi shooter visited Philippine gun shop before attack: police

Police retrace Sydney shooters’ steps in Davao City as CCTV shows Sajid Akram at a gun shop, but officials deny ample time for extremist training.

videocam
5
Insurance

‘Medical pork’ row exposes political grip over Philippine health assistance

Doctors and health groups say the system allows politicians to influence who receives state medical aid, undermining universal care.

videocam
Doctors and health groups in the Philippines said the “medical pork” system allows politicians to influence who receives state medical aid. Photo: Shutterstock
Corruption in Asia

Asian Angle | Greed and pork barrel politics fuel the Philippines’ fatal floods

Filipinos are paying the ultimate price for a system that favours corrupt lawmakers’ pet projects over scientifically sound flood control.

videocam
Rescuers carry a resident of Cebu City, the Philippines, past cars swept away in floods brought by Typhoon Kalmaegi on November 4. Photo: AFP
Asia travel

‘Limits’ to hospitality: 10 times Asia overtourism became a problem in 2025

From Japan to Indonesia, excessive tourism has created issues in some of Asia’s travel hubs this year.

Australia

Is Philippines being unfairly named in Australia’s Bondi Beach shooting?

Australian police are looking into a trip the two suspects made to Davao City, but Philippine officials say it is not connected to the shooting.

videocam
5
Chinese tourists

Philippines struggles to win back Chinese tourists as regional rivals surge

New data shows Chinese arrivals to the Philippines hit 312,000 last year, only 18 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

videocam
5
Chinese tourists from Beijing enjoying Cambugahay waterfalls in Siquijor, Central Visaya, Philippines. Photo: SCMP / James Wendlinger
South China Sea

Philippines to get up to US$3.5 billion defence aid to counter ‘serious threats’

A US senator says the support for Manila and other allies reflects the threats posed by China and its partners in the ‘axis of aggressors’.

24
US and Filipino soldiers fire a howitzer during the annual joint “Balikatan” military exercises in Aparri, Cagayan province, Philippines in May. Photo: Reuters
Cathay Pacific

Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific investigates wrong taxiway use at Manila airport

Carrier says it is cooperating with local authorities in probe into incident, which led to delays for two incoming planes.

US-China decoupling

Open Questions | Yeo on how Trump wants to avoid Taiwan upending China relations

Former Singapore foreign minister George Yeo says that Donald Trump is prioritising stable relations with China, and that the US is facing decline amid a shift to a multipolar world.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement