Philippines

The Philippines is planning to buy its first submarines as part of its military modernization program, which aims to defend its sovereignty and interests in the disputed South China Sea. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has approved the third phase of the program, which includes the acquisition of two diesel-electric submarines, among other assets and capabilities. The plan is estimated to …

CNN Philippines, the only predominantly English-language channel on free TV in the Philippines, is shutting down on January 31, 2024, after nine years of operation.  The closure is a result of the serious financial losses that the company has suffered over the past years, despite its efforts to adapt and innovate in a challenging media landscape. The closure will not …

The political feud between former president Rodrigo Duterte and current president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has escalated to a new level, as Duterte launched a series of verbal attacks against Marcos, calling him a “drug addict” and threatening him with ouster.  Duterte spoke at a prayer rally in Davao City on Sunday, January 28, 2024, where he was joined by his …

CNN Philippines, the only predominantly English-language channel on free TV in the Philippines, is expected to shut down its operations by the end of 2024, due to financial losses and the expiration of its licensing agreement with CNN.  The shutdown of the network, which has been delivering world-class journalism for nine years, is a blow to journalism and press freedom …

The Philippine government has reiterated its refusal to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has resumed its investigation into the alleged crimes against humanity committed during the former president Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs”.  The government has claimed that the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines, and that the investigation is an interference and an attack on …

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sparked outrage and criticism for using a presidential helicopter to attend a Coldplay concert in Bulacan on Friday, January 19, 2024.  The move was seen as a blatant abuse of power and a waste of public funds, as well as a sign of his disregard for the plight of millions of Filipino commuters who suffer …

Gilberto Teodoro, also known as Gibo, is a former congressman, lawyer, and presidential candidate who was appointed as the Secretary of National Defense by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in June 2023. Teodoro, 59, is the first permanent defense chief under the Marcos administration, after two former military chiefs served as officers-in-charge.  He is also the first person to hold the …

When Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte came to power in 2016, he shocked the world by declaring his “separation” from the United States, the Philippines’ long-standing ally and former colonial master, and his “realignment” with China, the Philippines’ historic rival and rising power.  Duterte said that the US had “lost” and that China was the “only hope” for his country’s development. …

The Philippines has announced its plan to allocate P3 billion ($60 million) to develop the islands that it occupies in the South China Sea, a move that reflects its determination to assert its sovereignty and protect its interests in the disputed region.  The plan includes building a fishing port on Nanshan Island, expanding an airport on Thitu Island, and improving …

The Department of Education (DepEd) launched the Catch-up Fridays program on January 12, 2024, to address the learning gaps among students in basic education. The program dedicates every Friday of the school year to reading, values, peace, and health education, as well as homeroom guidance. The program is not graded, but aims to reinforce learning and enhance skills among students. …