27 h. ago Philippines enters its ‘hour of danger’ as Marcos, Duterte clash

For the Philippines, 2026 promises to be a roller-coaster ride of political intrigue as President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr and his deputy lock horns in an existential clash that risks tanking the economy, dividing military loyalties and derailing Asean’s regional diplomacy. “It will be a very messy year both in politics and the economy,” Philippine Congressman Edgar Erice told This Week in Asia. A showdown now seems all but inevitable: Vice-President Sara Duterte enters 2026 with an approval rating...

Politics

27 h. ago Philippines enters its ‘hour of danger’ in Marcos vs Duterte clash

For the Philippines, 2026 promises to be a roller-coaster ride of political intrigue as President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr and his deputy lock horns in an existential clash that risks tanking the economy, dividing military loyalties and derailing Asean’s regional diplomacy. “It will be a very messy year both in politics and the economy,” Philippine Congressman Edgar Erice told This Week in Asia. A showdown now seems all but inevitable: Vice-President Sara Duterte enters 2026 with an approval rating...

Politics

4 d. ago South China Sea: claims of coercion, deception as Beijing and Manila wage new war of words

China and the Philippines have again exchanged barbs over confrontations in the disputed South China Sea, with each accusing the other of provocation and escalating tensions. The Chinese embassy in the Philippines on Tuesday said a statement the day before by the National Maritime Council – a government body created by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr in 2024 to address the nation’s maritime challenges – was “unfounded and misleading”. It accused Manila of “provoking trouble and...

Events

1 week ago Philippines’ Marcos slashes ‘back door’ budget allocations amid flood control scandal

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr on Monday signed into law the 2026 budget worth 6.793 trillion pesos (US$115 billion) as his administration aims to revive an economy stunted by a government corruption scandal. While the 2026 budget was 7 per cent higher than last year’s spending plan, the president cut nearly US$1.6 billion in so-called unprogrammed appropriations that are historically prone to corruption. Marcos approved the 2026 budget later compared to previous years, as allocations...

Events

2 w. ago Singapore PM excited about Jessica Sanchez’s Philippines show, Marcos’ wife says

The Philippines is adding a dash of star power to next year’s Asean summit by tapping Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez, and one famous fan of hers is said to be looking forward to her performance: Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. While meeting with Sanchez on Tuesday in Manila, President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr said that he had invited the America’s Got Talent season 20 winner to the bloc’s May diplomatic gathering in Cebu. Speaking during the meeting, first lady Liza Marcos said...

Politics

3 w. ago Helper who survived Hong Kong fire recovers in Philippines for Christmas

The Filipino domestic worker who fought for her life to escape from Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades with her employer’s three-month-old baby is spending Christmas with her family back home after being treated for pneumonia. While 28-year-old Rhodora Alcaraz's time in intensive care is long behind her, she is still recovering from pneumonia and has been referred to a psychiatrist to help process her trauma. The helper was earlier lauded by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr as a hero...

Events