Philippines News

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte made his first appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) via video link on March 14, 2025, following his arrest in Manila related to charges of crimes against humanity stemming from his controversial "war on drugs" campaign. The hearing served to formally inform Duterte of the charges, although he did not physically attend due to having just arrived from a long flight, as noted by presiding judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc. Duterte's attorney, Salvador Medialdea, described the former leader's arrest as an "extrajudicial rendition" and accused the Philippine government of undermining its sovereignty by complying with the ICC arrest warrant. His lawyer also claimed Duterte was facing significant health issues. A key pre-trial hearing is scheduled for September 23, which will determine whether the evidence is sufficient to proceed to trial. If convicted, Duterte could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The situation unfolds amid increasing tensions within the Philippine political arena, especially between the Duterte and Marcos families, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. navigates a complex political landscape.

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested upon his arrival at Manila airport for alleged "crimes against humanity." The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued the arrest warrant due to Duterte's controversial war on drugs during his presidency from 2016 to 2022, which resulted in numerous extrajudicial killings. The ICC began investigating Duterte's administration's policy in 2019, citing violations concerning human rights. Duterte's narcotics crackdown has drawn severe criticism from various human rights organizations, which have accused his government of promoting a culture of violence. As a result, thousands of deaths associated with the campaign have been recorded. The arrest marks a significant development in a long-standing legal battle surrounding accountability for alleged atrocities committed under his regime. Following his arrest, Duterte and his legal representatives have yet to issue a statement regarding the charges. The situation continues to evolve as international attention is drawn to the implications of his arrest for justice in the Philippines.

Rodrigo Duterte, the former president of the Philippines, was arrested upon his return to Manila on March 11, 2025, over allegations of crimes against humanity linked to his controversial "War on Drugs." Authorities confirmed his detention was based on an International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant. The charges relate to thousands of extrajudicial killings during his tenure from 2016 to 2022. Duterte’s administration was marked by a violent crackdown on illegal drugs that left numerous unarmed suspects dead, often at the hands of police officers or affiliated vigilantes. Duterte, 79, who previously boasted of operating a "death squad" while mayor of Davao City, dismissed accusations of sanctioning police killings as the presidency commenced. His legal team has labeled the arrest unlawful and intends to challenge it. This development signals a potential shift towards accountability for human rights abuses in the Philippines, with human rights organizations estimating tens of thousands of killings during Duterte's administration. Current President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has yet to rejoin the ICC but expressed a willingness to cooperate if required.

The United States condemned the recent "dangerous" maneuvers by a Chinese navy helicopter that jeopardized a Philippine government aircraft patrolling the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines, MaryKay Carlson, stated on X that China should "refrain from coercive actions" and resolve disputes in line with international law. The incident, which prompted the Philippines to express “deep disturbance,” involved the Chinese helicopter executing risky maneuvers near the Philippine surveillance aircraft, raising safety concerns for its crew. In response, the Philippine government is set to lodge a diplomatic protest against Beijing's actions. China, however, dismissed the Philippines' account, claiming its aircraft was responding to "illegal intrusions" into Chinese airspace and accused Manila of spreading "false narratives." The Scarborough Shoal, known for its historical ties and contested claims, is a flashpoint in regional tensions, particularly after a 2016 arbitration ruling that negated China's extensive territorial claims in the area.

The United States has condemned the "dangerous" maneuvers of a Chinese navy helicopter that endangered a Philippine government aircraft over the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson called on China to "refrain from coercive actions and settle its disputes peacefully in accordance with international law" in a recent post on X, as reported on February 19, 2025. The Philippines expressed its "deeply disturbed" reaction to China's "unprofessional and reckless" flying actions, stating that it would lodge a diplomatic protest. Manila's coast guard reported that the Chinese helicopter flew dangerously close to the Philippine aircraft conducting surveillance, risking the safety of its crew. China countered the Philippines' claims, asserting that its aircraft was responding to an "illegal intrusion" into its airspace and accused Manila of spreading false narratives. The Scarborough Shoal remains one of the most contentious maritime areas in the South China Sea, with both countries asserting their sovereignty.

A Chinese navy helicopter flew dangerously close to a Philippine aircraft on a patrol mission over the South China Sea on February 18, according to footage released by the Philippine Coast Guard. The helicopter reportedly came within just 3 meters of the plane, prompting the pilot to radio, "You are flying too close, you are very dangerous." This provocative incident has escalated tensions between the two nations, with the Philippine government announcing plans to file a formal protest over the event. The Scarborough Shoal, where the encounter occurred, has long been a flashpoint in territorial disputes between China and the Philippines, particularly since China seized control of the area in 2012. Officials have reiterated the Philippines' commitment to safeguarding its territorial waters and maintaining safety in the region. The situation underscores the ongoing complexities of navigating international relations in contested maritime zones amidst escalating geopolitical tensions.

Ronalyn Carbonel, a storm survivor from Rizal, Philippines, participated in a Greenpeace protest outside Shell's headquarters in London, urging accountability from major polluters. Carbonel, whose family endured a harrowing two days on their roof during a recent storm, shared her experiences with The Guardian, emphasizing the growing severity of typhoons attributed to climate change. The Philippines has faced increasingly violent storms, with last year’s record-breaking season alone bringing six typhoons in just a month, affecting over 13 million people and incurring damages estimated at $500 million. Carbonel showcased personal belongings destroyed in the storms, which were displayed in glass cases during the protest to symbolize the real impact of climate change. Maja Darlington, a Greenpeace climate campaigner, criticized Shell for profiting from fossil fuels while contributing to environmental destruction. Bon Gibalay, a youth leader from Bohol, reiterated the need for justice, stating that communities like theirs suffer while corporations thrive. Carbonel expressed hope for global awareness and the responsibility of powerful companies in mitigating climate change.

Survivors of severe storms in the Philippines joined Greenpeace activists outside Shell's headquarters in London on February 12, 2025, to demand accountability from major polluters for the damage caused by climate change. Ronalyn Carbonel, a resident of Rizal, experienced a harrowing storm firsthand with her children's lives at stake, stating, "We had no shelter, we did not have food... we just had to wait for the government." As the Philippines faces an increase in the frequency and intensity of typhoons, experts blame the worsening conditions on climate change. Last year, six typhoons struck the Philippines in just a month, with super-typhoon Man-yi displacing over 650,000 people and costing around $500 million in damages. During the protest, activists showcased belongings, including Carbonel's destroyed sofa and television, submerged in glass cases filled with water. Greenpeace UK’s Maja Darlington criticized oil and gas companies like Shell for profiting from fossil fuels while communities suffer the consequences. Carbonel expressed her frustration, saying, "For someone like me, what can I do?"

A recent study by researchers from National Taiwan University has identified key mechanisms contributing to the "wet-get-wetter, dry-get-drier" phenomenon affecting Southeast Asia, particularly the islands of Indonesia, the Philippines, and parts of Papua New Guinea. The study, published on February 13, 2025, highlights how deforestation and land use changes amplify surface warming, leading to increased atmospheric instability and more frequent heavy rainfall events. According to the researchers, the warming atmosphere reaches a higher moisture capacity, intensifying extreme precipitation. "Dynamic processes control wet extremes, while evapotranspiration influences dry extremes," the authors stated. The implications of climate change were underscored by the occurrence of consecutive typhoons in the Philippines last November, which claimed 126 lives and displaced over 160,000 people. The study emphasizes the urgent need for targeted land management and climate mitigation strategies to cope with these escalating weather events. "Understanding the hydro-climate dynamics in this vulnerable region is crucial for addressing future extreme weather occurrences," the researchers concluded.

Survivors of destructive typhoons in the Philippines protested outside Shell's headquarters in London, demanding accountability from major fossil fuel companies for their role in exacerbating climate-related disasters. Ronalyn Carbonel, a local leader from Rizal, recounted a harrowing experience of clinging to her home’s roof with her children during a recent storm, highlighting the urgent need for global action on climate change. According to experts, the Philippines experiences increasingly violent storms, with last year's typhoon season alone affecting over 13 million people and causing damages estimated at $500 million. The protest, organized by Greenpeace, featured personal items damaged by the storms encased in glass boxes, symbolizing the loss endured by affected communities. Activists called out Shell for profiting from fossil fuels while communities face the immediate impacts of the climate crisis. "These companies continue to profit from fueling climate chaos," said Greenpeace UK climate campaigner Maja Darlington. As the next storm season approaches, survivors like Carbonel hope for greater awareness and responsibility from powerful polluters.

The Philippines' National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has recommended filing criminal charges against Vice President Sara Duterte for allegedly threatening to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and others, as reported by NBI Director Jaime Santiago. The recommendation, reported on Wednesday, includes charges of inciting to sedition and grave threats. It has been submitted to the justice ministry for potential preliminary investigation. This case originates from comments Duterte made in November, where she claimed to have spoken with an assassin and instructed him to kill Marcos, his wife, and his cousin. Despite denying making threats, the remarks have reportedly intensified existing tensions between Duterte and Marcos, former allies now embroiled in disputes. Additionally, Duterte is facing a separate impeachment complaint related to the incident and alleged misuse of public funds during her tenure as vice president and education minister, according to government sources. Duterte described the NBI's recommendation as "as expected," signaling her anticipation of these developments.

Canada and the Philippines are finalizing a defense pact that will empower both nations to conduct larger military drills in the increasingly contested South China Sea, according to Canadian Ambassador David Hartman. This agreement aligns with Canada's broader strategy to reinforce its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, as it seeks to counter China's "provocative and unlawful actions," Hartman stated. The negotiations come as the Philippines, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., works to strengthen defense ties with several allies, ensuring better external protection against an assertive China. Following joint military exercises last year with the United States, Japan, and Australia, the Philippines aims to expand these collaborations further. The anticipated pact will facilitate more substantive participation of Canadian forces in training exercises with Philippine troops and other allies. This move is particularly relevant in light of China's expansive claims over the South China Sea, which are contested by multiple Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines and Vietnam. Such collaborations have given rise to tensions, with China conducting military patrols in response to these exercises.

Recent naval drills involving the United States and its allies near the Philippines have led to strong objections from China, which asserts that it has sovereignty over the entire South China Sea. According to the U.S. 7th Fleet, military forces from Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the U.S. conducted a “multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity” within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone this week. The goal of the exercises, which included joint patrols, was to enhance interoperability between allied defense forces, as stated by the fleet. China's Southern Theater Command has accused the Philippines of collaborating with foreign powers to disrupt regional stability, emphasizing that such actions undermine China's maritime claims. Despite Beijing's warnings, additional exercises involving U.S., Japanese, and French forces are slated for the coming days in the broader region. These exercises aim to promote coordination among maritime forces and demonstrate capabilities for multi-domain operations. The South China Sea is crucial for international trade, with an estimated $5 trillion in goods passing through it annually, but has been the center of ongoing territorial disputes.

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has been impeached by the House of Representatives, facing serious allegations including plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., corruption, and failing to denounce China's aggressive actions in the South China Sea. The move, which passed with at least 215 signatures from legislators, many aligned with Marcos, intensifies the political rift between the two leaders. Duterte's brother, Representative Paolo Duterte, denounced the impeachment as "political persecution" and claimed rival lawmakers expedited a "baseless impeachment case." The complaint also involves alleged misuse of 612.5 million pesos ($11 million) in intelligence funds and irregularities regarding her wealth declarations. The impeachment petition urges the Senate to act as a tribunal, seeking to convict Duterte and remove her from office. Former Vice President Leni Robredo criticized the impeachment as a bid to silence political opponents. The split between Duterte and Marcos highlights a fractured alliance initially formed on promises of unity during the 2022 election.

Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte has been impeached by the House of Representatives over serious accusations, including plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The impeachment deepens an ongoing political rift between Duterte and Marcos, with many legislators backing the move perceiving it as a response to her alleged misconduct, officials reported on February 6. The impeachment charges stem from several accusations: a death threat against Marcos and his wife, misuse of approximately PHP 612.5 million (around USD 11 million) in confidential funds, and her failure to oppose China’s aggressive actions in the disputed South China Sea. According to House secretary-general Reginald Velasco, over 215 legislators signed the complaint, surpassing the required number to fast-track the case to the Senate for trial. Duterte’s brother, Paolo Duterte, condemned the impeachment as “political persecution,” while she has not publicly commented on the matter. The controversy follows a previously strong alliance between the two leaders, which has unraveled since taking office, revealing deep-seated divisions within the country’s political landscape, marked by a turbulent history of strongman leadership.

Political instability in East Asia is posing challenges for democratic nations, with a significant impact on U.S. interests in the region. According to Patrick Zoll of Neue Zürcher Zeitung, South Korea is facing chaos after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law in early December, leading to his imprisonment and a subsequent impeachment process. This turmoil risks undermining trilateral cooperation between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, essential for regional security. In Taiwan, political divisions hamper effective governance, as the opposition party controls parliament amid rising military threats from China. Lai Ching-te, president from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, faces budget cuts from the Kuomintang, jeopardizing defense funding. Similarly, political infighting in the Philippines between the Marcos and Duterte families distracts from addressing China's expanding presence in contested waters. Zoll notes that these internal conflicts risk weakening deterrence strategies against China at a time when U.S. engagement in the region remains uncertain. With the fragile democratic systems under strain, the Communist Party of China may find opportunities to exert influence amidst the discord.

Ralph Manecke, a 56-year-old American tourist from Boston, was shot dead during an attempted robbery in Trento, Philippines, on Wednesday night. According to reports from local authorities, Manecke was withdrawing approximately $800 from an ATM when an armed suspect confronted him and his partner, Jerald Ceasar Tornea. Tornea described the ordeal, stating that the suspect, who was wearing a helmet and a mask, exited an SUV and initially greeted them before brandishing a gun. "I was taken aback when I saw he was pointing a gun at us," she recalled. The robber first snatched a bag containing cash from Tornea before shooting Manecke in the stomach. Tornea held Manecke's lifeless body until police arrived; he was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Local authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, which echoes a previous kidnapping case on the same island involving a missing YouTuber. The tragic event has drawn attention to the safety of tourists in the area.

The political landscape across East Asia is experiencing significant upheaval, creating a challenging environment for the United States, which relies on alliances in the region. Following President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law in South Korea, the nation is plunged into chaos. According to reports, this turmoil threatens the collaborative efforts between Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo, who have historically shared intelligence to counter mutual threats. In Japan, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's position remains weak, with no parliamentary majority, raising concerns over regional security cooperation. Meanwhile, Taiwan's internal disputes also jeopardize its defense readiness against increasing Chinese military pressure, as the ruling Democratic Progressive Party struggles against the opposition Kuomintang. In the Philippines, political strife is evident between President Ferdinand Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte, complicating Manila’s capacity to respond to China's expanding influence in the South China Sea. With a lack of cohesive leadership and diminishing ties among these democracies, the Chinese Communist Party may see these developments as an opportunity to augment its regional influence.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has proposed the removal of a U.S. missile system from the Philippines if China ceases its "aggressive and coercive behavior" in the contested South China Sea. During a press briefing on January 30, 2025, Marcos stated, "Let’s make a deal with China... and we’ll return the Typhoon missiles," referring to the U.S. Army's mobilization of the mid-range Typhon missile system installed in April 2024 (AP). The U.S. missile system, which can deliver Tomahawk missiles over 1,600 kilometers, was recently repositioned closer to Manila amid escalating tensions between Chinese and Philippine naval forces in the region. Marcos' comments come in response to China’s calls for the missile system's removal, which Beijing claims incites regional tensions. Officials from the People's Republic did not respond immediately to Marcos' offer (The Associated Press). Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has dismissed China's demands as interference in domestic matters, emphasizing the country's sovereignty amid growing maritime confrontations involving multiple claims in the South China Sea.

The Philippines has suspended a scientific survey in the South China Sea, citing aggressive behavior and harassment from the Chinese coast guard. The incident occurred as two Philippine fisheries vessels were en route to Sandy Cay for sand sampling when they encountered three Chinese coast guard ships engaging in "aggressive maneuvers." The Chinese coast guard has asserted its "indisputable sovereignty" over the Spratly Islands, claiming the Philippine vessels illegally entered waters near Tiexian Reef, an area under Chinese administration. Following the aggressive interaction, which included a Chinese navy helicopter hovering at an unsafe altitude, the Philippine Coast Guard decided to halt the survey operations, emphasizing concerns for safety amid ongoing confrontations in the disputed waters. This latest incident highlights the tensions in the South China Sea, where multiple countries, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, have overlapping sovereignty claims. A 2016 international arbitration ruling invalidated China's extensive claims in the region, a decision that China has refused to recognize. The Philippines and China previously agreed to explore cooperative measures despite their territorial disputes, indicating a complex and evolving diplomatic relationship.

The Philippine Coast Guard reported that Chinese coast guard ships and a navy helicopter harassed its fisheries vessels engaged in a scientific survey in the South China Sea. The incident, which occurred in a contested region, prompted the Philippine vessels to cancel their operations. This escalation in tensions highlights ongoing territorial disputes between the Philippines and China in the strategically significant waters. The Philippine government has consistently protested such actions, urging respect for international maritime law and sovereignty.

The United States military has successfully moved its Typhon missile launchers from Laoag airfield to a new undisclosed location on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, as confirmed by a senior Philippine government official. The Typhon system, which includes Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of striking targets in China and Russia, has been redeployed to enhance its mobility and survivability during potential conflicts. Satellite imagery has shown the equipment being transported on C-17 transport aircraft, with rain canopies covering the launchers removed prior to departure. This relocation is a part of U.S. efforts to bolster its military presence in Asia amid rising tensions. The Indo-Pacific Command has stated that the relocation was conducted in close coordination with Philippine authorities, although it did not disclose the exact new location. U.S. military spokespeople have emphasized that this move is not indicative of a permanent presence in the region. China has voiced strong opposition to the deployment of the Typhon systems, accusing the Philippines of escalating regional tensions. China's foreign ministry has urged the Philippines to correct what it terms as provocative actions that could lead to confrontation. As the U.S. continues to expand its military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, it plans to acquire more than 800 SM-6 missiles over the next five years as part of its strategic response to China’s growing military arsenal.

The U.S. military has redeployed its Typhon missile launchers from Laoag International Airport to an undisclosed location on Luzon Island in the Philippines, according to a senior official within the Philippine government. The Typhon system includes Tomahawk cruise missiles capable of striking targets as far as thousands of kilometers away, with potential to reach both China and Russia. Additionally, it carries SM-6 missiles that can target air or sea threats over 200 kilometers away. The relocation is intended to enhance the mobility of the missile battery, potentially increasing its survivability in conflict scenarios. Recent satellite imagery confirmed the loading of Typhon equipment onto C-17 transport aircraft, as well as the removal of the rain protection canopies covering the systems. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) acknowledged the relocation but did not disclose the new positioning of the batteries. The deployment of the Typhon system, part of a broader strategy to bolster U.S. military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, has faced criticism from China, which has accused the Philippines of escalating regional tensions. The U.S. is expected to procure over 800 SM-6 missiles in the next five years, contributing to the ongoing arms race in the Indo-Pacific. The Chinese government has condemned the move and urged the Philippines to reconsider its approach.

The U.S. military has repositioned its Typhon missile launchers from Laoag airfield to another undisclosed location on the Philippine island of Luzon. This strategic move is part of a broader initiative to enhance missile mobility in response to regional security concerns, specifically threats from China and Russia. According to a senior Philippine government official, the relocation is intended to improve the system's survivability in conflict situations by enhancing its rapid response capabilities. The Typhon system is equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, capable of hitting targets thousands of kilometers away, and SM-6 missiles, designed for engaging both air and maritime threats. Satellite imagery has confirmed the recent movement of Typhon batteries, with loading operations observed at Laoag International Airport. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) has stated that the missiles have been relocated within the Philippines but has not disclosed the new location. This transition comes in the wake of heightened criticisms from China regarding the missile system's earlier deployment in 2024, which was labeled as a factor escalating regional tensions. The Typhon weaponry plays a crucial role in U.S. efforts to bolster its military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region, where it aims to keep pace with China's growing military influence. Chinese officials have explicitly condemned the missile redeployment, urging the Philippines to reconsider its alliances and actions that they believe contribute to worsening regional relations.

LANGKAWI, Malaysia – Philippine Foreign Minister Enrique Manalo emphasized the urgent need for ASEAN and China to tackle critical issues regarding the South China Sea code of conduct during a recent meeting. The region remains a flashpoint for tension, particularly between China and its Southeast Asian neighbors, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia. In an interview ahead of the ASEAN meeting on January 19, Manalo pointed out that discussions have been ongoing since the 2002 pledge to create a code of conduct, a process that took 15 years to initiate. However, progress has been slow, and he urged participants to focus on essential aspects that have yet to be thoroughly discussed. Key topics include defining the code’s scope, determining if it will be legally binding, and understanding its implications for third-party nations. Manalo expressed hope that addressing these "milestone issues" could significantly advance negotiations. The South China Sea is rich in resources and is a major trade route, making it a significant area of interest. Ongoing confrontations and China’s aggressive assertions of territorial claims have raised concerns about potential conflict in the region. Additionally, Manalo remarked on the continued interest of the United States in Southeast Asia, suggesting that there have been no indications of a shift in U.S. policy under the incoming administration.

On January 17, 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported a Chinese Coast Guard vessel operating unlawfully close to its territorial waters. Spokesperson Jay Tarriela confirmed that the PCG had monitored the Chinese vessel for two weeks before issuing a radio warning. The Chinese vessel, identified as number 5901, came within 60 to 70 nautical miles off the coast of Zambales, which is part of Philippine territory. The PCG emphasized the need for compliance with maritime laws and the importance of safeguarding national waters against unauthorized foreign activities.

Philippine security officials have expressed serious concerns over China's increasing aggression in the South China Sea, stating that the country is "pushing us to the wall." This statement came after a large Chinese coast guard vessel was spotted patrolling the Scarborough Shoal, a highly contested area claimed by both nations. The ship was reported to have approached as close as 77 nautical miles from the Philippine coastline. At a news conference held on Tuesday, Jonathan Malaya, assistant director-general of the National Security Council, described the presence of the Chinese vessel as "unacceptable" and demanded its immediate withdrawal. "We do not waver or cower in the face of intimidation," Malaya asserted, emphasizing that the Philippine government was prepared to consider "all options" in response, including potentially filing new international lawsuits. In response to the Chinese vessel's presence, two Philippine coast guard ships have been actively challenging the vessel's legality in the area, striving to maintain Filipino sovereignty over the 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone. Commodore Jay Tarriela of the Philippine Coast Guard stated that their operations serve to inform the international community of "China's illegal presence." This escalation in tensions is a continuation of a longstanding dispute over territorial claims in the region. Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, the Philippines has taken a firmer stance in asserting its rights, often leading to confrontations with Chinese maritime forces. The ongoing tensions have prompted the Philippines to explore security collaborations with allies, including a recent agreement with Japan for joint military exercises. China has historically dismissed international arbitration results, notably the 2016 ruling that supported the Philippines’ claims, and continues to maintain that the area is part of its sovereign territory.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced on January 6, 2025, that a large Chinese coast guard vessel, referred to as a "monster ship," has anchored within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea. The 165-meter vessel entered Manila's 200-nautical mile EEZ on January 2, 2025, raising alarm among local authorities regarding China's escalating presence in the strategically significant waters. PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela expressed concerns that the vessel's presence is intended to intimidate the Philippines and other neighboring countries. The incident comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, as the Philippines has been increasingly vocal about asserting its sovereignty over the contested maritime territories. This development marks another chapter in the complex maritime disputes in the South China Sea, where several nations, including China and the Philippines, have competing claims. The situation requires careful monitoring as it could impact regional stability and security.

Maria Ressa, the Philippine Nobel laureate and co-founder of the Rappler news site, has raised alarm over the recent decision by Meta to terminate its fact-checking program in the United States. In an interview, Ressa described the situation as indicative of "extremely dangerous times ahead" for journalism, democracy, and social media users, warning that it could lead to a "world without facts." Ressa has dedicated years to combating online disinformation while facing legal challenges from the administration of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, particularly over critical reporting on his controversial drug war. She criticized Meta's founder Mark Zuckerberg, asserting that his claims regarding free speech are misguided and profit-driven, rather than focused on user safety. Analysts view Meta's decision as an effort to appease incoming US President Donald Trump, who has long criticized the platform for alleged biases against him. Ressa rebutted Trump's assertions about political bias in fact-checking, affirming that responsible journalism is founded on established ethics and standards. Rappler have announced intentions to continue their work against disinformation, citing Meta's move as just the beginning of a more significant issue. Ressa emphasized the necessity of protecting information integrity, stating, "You cannot have democracy if you don't have journalism," and pledged to advocate for the survival of truthful reporting in this pivotal year.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially removed Vice-President Sara Duterte from the National Security Council following serious allegations regarding a plot to assassinate him. The executive order, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, also removes all former presidents from the council. The decision comes just a month after Duterte allegedly declared her wish for Marcos and his family to be killed if she herself were to die, comments she later attempted to clarify as misinterpretations. The Executive Secretary stated that the council's restructuring was intended to "reorganise and streamline" its membership, emphasizing that the Vice-President is currently not deemed relevant to its responsibilities. This development is part of an escalating political rift between Duterte, the daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, and Marcos, who assumed office in 2022 alongside her under a coalition that has since deteriorated dramatically. Both parties are now engaged in a war of words, with accusations of drug use and political misconduct being exchanged. Duterte is also facing multiple impeachment complaints regarding her management of government funds. As tensions rise, Duterte has yet to comment publicly on her removal or the ongoing investigations into her alleged threats against the president.

In a significant political move, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has removed Vice President Sara Duterte from the National Security Council (NSC) following allegations that she plotted to assassinate him. This decision, announced through an executive order released on Friday, also affects all former presidents who were part of the council. The executive order, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, stated that the restructuring aimed to “reorganise and streamline” the NSC’s membership, which primarily includes key legislative, defence, foreign, and cabinet officials. Bersamin noted that Duterte is currently deemed “not relevant” to the responsibilities of the council’s membership. The controversy surrounding Duterte intensified after she allegedly threatened Marcos and his family during a heated online news conference in late November. Following those remarks, she claimed that her comments had been misinterpreted. This drastic political shift comes as Duterte faces multiple impeachment complaints linked to alleged misuse of government funds and a deteriorating alliance with President Marcos, which has been characterized by public accusations and heightened tensions before the upcoming midterm elections. Duterte has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding her removal from the council or the ongoing investigations.

A submarine drone believed to be of Chinese origin was discovered by fishermen in waters near San Pascual in Masbate province, Philippines. The yellow drone, measuring approximately six feet and marked "HY-119," was recovered on Monday and reported to police, who highlighted "potential national security implications" following the recovery. The police stated that the drone appeared to be a navigation and communication system designed for monitoring and reconnaissance, although it was not armed. It has since been handed over to the Philippine Navy for further examination. This incident occurs amid ongoing tensions between the Philippines and China over maritime rights in the South China Sea. Recent confrontations have raised concerns about increasing military aggressions in the region. Meanwhile, the Chinese embassy has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding the incident. The discovery of the drone underscores the complex dynamics in the area, where the Philippines has faced multiple challenges related to Chinese maritime claims.